Better Horses - 2025 Summer/Fall Edition

WELCOME TO THE SUMMER/FALL EDITION

As the days shorten and a crispness enters the air, the equestrian community looks forward to a season filled with exciting events and opportunities for learning. Better Horses is delighted to bring you updates on two major upcoming spectacles and remind you of the wealth of information available through our media platforms.

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Color Breed Congress is just around the corner, running from October 31st to November 8th at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This renowned event showcases the beauty and versatility of color breeds, featuring competitions sanctioned by associations like PHBA, ABRA, and NSBA, alongside All Breed Ranch Horse classes.

• Diverse Disciplines: Witness top riders and horses compete in a variety of disciplines, from Western Pleasure to Ranch Riding and more.

• High Point Awards & Futurities: The Congress boasts over $200,000 in prizes and high point awards across all disciplines, including prestigious Gist buckles and jackets. The PtHA Heritage Foundation will also sponsor an annual cookout, welcoming exhibitors and families to connect and share their passion.

• Go for the Gold Futurity: The Go for the Gold Futurity, designed to promote stallions through their offspring, will take place November 3rd & 4th, showcasing weanlings, yearlings, and classes for 2- and 3-year-olds.

Join horse enthusiasts from around the world at the Liberty Festival, taking place October 9th-12th at the Alltech Arena, Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. This event is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the deep bond between horses and humans, focusing on liberty horsemanship.

• World-Renowned Clinicians: Learn from top clinicians and presenters, including Frédéric Pignon, Magali Delgado, Dan Steers, Kathy Baar, Steve Rother, and special guest Amber Marshall.

• Invitational Liberty Freestyle: Prepare to be amazed by the Invitational Liberty Freestyle, where elite performers showcase their skills and creativity in a thrilling competition held on October 11th.

A Bittersweet Farewell to Les Vogt

It is with heavy hearts that Better Horses joins the equestrian community in mourning the passing of Les Vogt, a true legend and innovator in the reined cow horse industry. Les Vogt passed away suddenly on September 6, 2025, at the age of 83.

A Multifaceted Horseman: Les was not only a Hall of Fame horseman and reined cow horse trainer but also a respected rodeo cowboy, bit and spur designer, and an inspiration to many.

Legacy of Knowledge: He was known for his innovative approach to horsemanship, leaving behind a wealth of knowledge and a lasting impact on countless individuals he mentored and befriended.

Continuing the Journey: While he will be deeply missed, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations through his training wisdom, available resources, and the stories shared by those whose lives he touched.

ED ADAMS, CEO BETTER HORSES

FEATURED IN THE ISSUE

5. Color Breed Congress

6. Saddle Fit Affects Horse’s Performance and Welfare

8. Building Flex-ability

13. One Rein Wonder

15. Equine Laminitis Explained

18. Fergus Comics

20. Management of Impinging Dorsal Spinous Process (Kissing Spine) in Performance Horses

23. Is Your Horse Lonely?

25. Finding Peace in the Pasture

26. What are the Parts of a Western Saddle

28. Color Breed Congress Schedule of Events

35. Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Designing a Horse Barn

TAKING YOUR HORSE EXPERIENCE TO A HIGHER LEVEL

If you want to continue to receive your copy of the Better Horses publication via mail the cost will be $20.00 per year for four issues. If you don’t want to receive it in the mail you can always pick up your free copy at your local participating Purina Dealer or other distribution points.

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COLOR BREED CONGRESS

BY JENNA HENSON

The Pinto Horse Association was founded in 1956 and is a color registry based in Bethany, Oklahoma. PtHA currently has about 85,000 members and 150,000 registered equine. PtHA accepts all types of equines and has a colored and solid division. The Pinto World Championship and the Color Breed Congress are the two national events through PtHA in Tulsa, Oklahoma each year. PtHA has multiple charters offering weekend horse shows all across the United States.

Get ready! The Color Breed Congress is a nine-day horse show held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from October 31st through November 8th through the Pinto Horse Association of America. This is an all breed horse show including approved ABRA, PHBA and NSBA classes. The pre-entry deadline is October 1st. All forms can be found on the Pinto Horse Association website under the Color Breed Congress page. If you miss the pre-entry deadline, don’t worry you can still get entered! PtHA accepts entries at the show until the night before at 6 pm. Over $250,000 in cash and awards will be handed out including Gist buckles, Perris Leather Halters, Medallions, Kensington Protective Products, Tioga Territory certificates and more.

Anyone is welcome to attend the Color Breed Congress who has a current membership with PtHA, ABRA or PHBA and their horse is registered with one of these associations. Over 600 classes are offered over the course of the horse show featuring several disciplines.

This year at the Color Breed Congress we are excited to add miniature horse classes. Those classes will be held November 4th through November 7th.

There will be a 12,000 added PtHA Color Registry NSBA Futurity offered for 3-yearold Western Pleasure and 3-year-old Hunter

Under Saddle at the Color Breed Congress. A NSBA Bronze trophy will be awarded to both winners. Owner and exhibitor must be current members with NSBA and the horse registered with PtHA and NSBA. Sweepstakes classes are being offered for all breed open and amateur ranch with added money and buckles for first place winners. Both run concurrently with the all breed class, 100% of the added money and the sweepstakes fee will be paid out to the winners. $500 is being added for the All Breed Open Ranch Versatility Award with a $100 fee handing out a buckle and a Paul Zink custom bit for the first place winner.

Cash challenge classes are offered to all breeds with added money. This includes Longe Line, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, and Trail. For the mini’s cash

challenge would include halter, in-hand trail, and pleasure driving.

During the show, the Go for the Gold Futurity and the Cash for Color will be offering classes. The Go for the Gold Futurity will be on Sunday, November 2nd and Monday, November 3rd in the Ranger Arena. Twenty-two Cash for Color classes will be offered throughout the show. Entries must be completed through Go for the Gold Futurity and Cash for Color.

If you are planning on attending the show, be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 5th at 5:30 pm the Pinto Heritage Foundation sponsors an exhibitors party and dinner in the Exhibit Hall of the Ford Truck Arena.

Become a part of the Pinto family and come to Color Breed Congress!

Visit the Color Breed Congress this fall in Tulsa, Oklahoma from October 31 to November 8.

Photo Courtesy: Pinto Horse Association

SADDLE FIT AFFECTS HORSE’S PERFORMANCE AND WELFARE

BY BETTER HORSES STAFF

Poor saddle fit can negatively impact your horse’s health, movement, and performance. Researchers describe the importance of regular saddle-fit checks by experts.

Sure, you know your horse’s unique shape. You’ve chosen a tree and gullet width, wither clearance, panel contact, and balance that suit his frame – and a seat size to fit you. But even with that effort, does your saddle truly fit?

Expert saddle fitting – an evolving field rooted in equine anatomy, physics, and biomechanics – can help owners ensure saddles fit horses properly. Researchers learn more every year, and their findings are transforming what we thought we knew about saddle fit. Here are some of the latest insights shaping the future of equine comfort and performance.

GOOD SADDLE FIT: A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE HORSE

Horse owners have an important ethical obligation to ensure that the animal they care for is comfortable and unrestricted in movement as much as possible.

That means matching saddles to the horse’s body and looking beyond the back. Poor saddle fit can lead to tissue damage in the back, neck, and limbs as horses adjust their movement to cope. Behavior matters, too. If the horse is unhappy with the fit, that’s something you don’t want.

So how do you know if a saddle fits? Call in a qualified saddle fitting professional. Coaches and trainers might check a saddle, but they don’t typically have the specialized training needed for a full assessment.

Assessment is really thorough, and it takes quite a long time, and there are a lot of components and skills involved. You can’t assume that just because people have been in

the industry a long time, that they’ve picked up this knowledge.

Master saddle fitters are trained professionals who use a wide range of criteria to evaluate saddle fit.

This growing field, gives horse owners the chance to apply science-backed knowledge to the complex, shifting architecture of tack we place on our horses.

SADDLE FITTING FOR HORSE HEALTH, WELFARE, AND PERFORMANCE

More than one-third of riding horses experience back pain, with poor saddle fit as a leading cause.

But the benefits of good saddle fit go beyond preventing pain. It’s not just a danger if you get it wrong. There are massive benefits if you get it right.

Horses in intense training, working at upper levels, or carrying heavy loads should have custom saddles. While regular checks and reflocking of saddle panels are ideal, especially for sport horses, more research will help determine how much variation leisure horses can tolerate. We don’t know what the effects of a suboptimal configuration are.

TESTING SADDLE FIT ON A MOVING HORSE

People often assess saddle fit while the horse stands still—but that’s not how horses spend their time under saddle. Movement changes the horse’s back, and saddle fit needs to reflect that.

Horses’ spinal columns stay relatively stable during movement – thanks to tight joints and thin discs – their back muscles do not. Test have found that horses’ backs flatten significantly during walking and trotting. They’re still analyzing data from the canter.

Saddle fit is essential to prime performance from your horse.

Horses’ bodies can change, which will affect saddle fit. Keep saddle fittings in mind as time passes.

BETTER HORSES

This confirms earlier research showing that poorly fitting saddles could damage the longissimus dorsi and epaxial muscles along the topline. Horses might experience pain, decreased mobility, spinal stiffness, and hair loss or skin injuries from rubbing, and they might be shorter-strided.

Saddle fitters should focus on parts of the horse’s back that stay consistent between standing and movement, and add padding in areas that shift. No need for an overengineered saddle; the goal is a simple one. Being aware and being able to quantify shape when a horse is moving can move towards an optimal configuration where the horse is comfortable all the time.

CHECKING SADDLE FIT AS HORSES CHANGE

Horses’ backs change – and often more than we expect. As horses age, have changes in work, or face health issues, their bodies adapt. Muscle mass can increase or decrease, and

seasonal factors, including diet, illness, and exercise, affect body shape.

Plenty of earlier studies show that we cannot design one saddle that perfectly fits the animal throughout its entire life, or even just a year, because the horse can completely change shape.

That’s why ongoing assessment matters. Get the fit checked twice a year – or more often if your horse is recovering from illness or injury or experiencing major changes in training or workload. It’s not about replacing saddles but tweaking their fit to keep pace with body changes.

Saddle fit is a transient thing, You’re striving for the most optimal fit most of the time. But you have to accept that horses do change. So you can have a custom-made saddle for a horse, and stuff changes, and it’s no longer all that custom. Just because you had it fitted once really doesn’t mean it stays fitted.

GETTING VIEWPOINTS FROM ALL YOUR EQUINE PROFESSIONALS

Saddle fit affects horse health, performance, and welfare. So naturally, it falls into the domain of multiple professionals. The veterinarian, farrier, dentist, physical therapist, coach, trainer, and saddle fitter all contribute to the bigger picture.

To support horse owners effectively so the owner can do the best for their horses, and get the best out of their horses, professionals should be communicating with each other, capturing the whole picture of what’s going on.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Every horse’s back is unique and always changing. And so is the science behind saddle fitting. With research and insight from trained professionals, you can do more than guess. The goal is to give horses saddles that truly fit – supporting health, comfort, and longterm performance.

BUILDING FLEX-ABILITY

BY LES VOGT

To the layman, vertical flexion may seem like just a downward bend of the neck, but the true horseman knows it is the start of one of the most essential elements of good horsemanship, roundness in the horse’s topline. It relies entirely on two factors: the amount of relaxed flexion in the neck and the amount of collection or “reach” from behind.

Having a relaxed, flexible neck in a horse is essential. You’ll never have a bad ride if the neck is good, and you won’t have a good ride if the neck is bad. So, how do you achieve that perfect neck?

Any message from the rider must go through the reins, to the bit, and from there to the horse’s brain. But even the most perfect signal from the rider can’t make it from the horse’s brain to his body if he has resistance in his neck. In order to make sure that a clear message gets through to our horse’s body, we have to teach the horse to be supple in his neck. We have to teach him vertical flexion.

VERTICAL FLEXION

Vertical flexion appears to the layman to be only a downward flexion of the neck; however, the real horseman knows that vertical flexion is the beginning of one of the most necessary ingredients of pure performance horsemanship. If the horse is round in his neck, it also allows for his top line to be round.

The degree of roundness we achieve is dependent on two things: the amount of relaxed - and that’s the key word - flexion in the neck, and the amount of collection or reach from behind. If we don’t have collection along with the flexion we’ve achieved, then the opposite of what we’re after occurs; the weight of the horse will tip onto the forehand. In our present horse society, there is so much emphasis on the vertical flexion that it is easy to forget how important it is to engage

the hindquarters. And, a horse that is flexed but unengaged looks nearly the same to the untrained eye. It took me a long time, and I watched thousands of horses, to understand what they meant when they said, ‘You’ve got to get him round on top, get him to lift his rib cage, raise his back.’ I didn’t get it. When someone would say, ‘His back is up pretty good.’ I’d just say, ‘You bet it is!’

The essence of making the horse rounder in his top line is to get him to redistribute his weight from his natural state of 60% weight on the forehand and 40% of his weight carried behind to 60% of his weight on the hindquarters. In other words, we need to shorten his wheelbase. This makes him much more comfortable and fun to ride; it doesn’t matter if you’re on a reined cow horse, a rope horse, or a trail horse.

A horse who is carrying himself correctly will go from a lope to a trot or stop smoothly, whereas - and we’ve all had this experience - a horse who is balanced on his forehand will make this transition very uncomfortable for the rider.

TWO WAYS TO INTRODUCE THE HORSE TO FLEXION

TYING AROUND

Before you can teach a horse to flex vertically, you need to teach him to flex laterally, that is, side to side. There are two ways to teach the horse about flexion. I have used both ways depending on the horse. Tying the horse around is a method that I used to use a lot, but probably not as much now. Many people still do it in the early stages of training. I use a round corral with good footing so that the horse won’t have uneven ground if he struggles with his balance.

Tying the horse around should be done very carefully, and I tie the off rein first, making

sure there is enough slack to accommodate the bend to the flexing side. It should be tied to the front cinch under the crease of the shoulder where the foreleg starts. You must tie the off rein to ensure that the horse’s head stays perpendicular. We want him to learn to flex at the poll, not tilt his head to get away from the pressure. And never tie this rein so tightly that the horse feels trapped and panics; it is meant to stabilize only.

I tie the direct rein to the back cinch ring of the saddle and make sure that it is snug enough for him to turn his head but not so tight that he is frightened or loses his balance. A good rule of thumb is to picture the hands of a clock; if straight ahead was noon, you’d want to tie him around to about 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock (depending on the side) to start with. As you progress, you can gradually increase it to 10 or 2 o’clock. Remember, you should always start loose and only tighten as the horse gets used to it. No rushing = No wrecks.

Once I have the horse tied around and I can see he’s not going to panic or fight the contact, I’ll start to move him around by clucking to him. I want him to understand that he can flex and move at the same time. Some people will tie a horse around and just go off and leave it, but usually they will come back to find him just standing there leaning on the bridle - that’s definitely something you don’t want him to learn! At the most, I will do 20 minutes a side.

Tying a horse around can be a good way to let the horse figure out the correct response to pressure from the bit without him being able to blame you for his discomfort. I used to use this method more than I do now. To be honest, I’m not really sure how much benefit you get out of it. I think my horses are as good or better than they’ve ever been, and I’m not tying them around. So, what am I doing to get my horses soft in the neck?

ACHIEVING FLEXION ON THE HORSE

On most horses, I’ll just start right off asking for a direct vertical flexion. I’ll back the horse up against a wall or fence and then ask him to flex vertically by moving my hands back and forth and bumping him with both legs. I can move the bit from side to side, warming the corners of the mouth without the rings getting in the way. We never pull when we meet resistance; instead, we just move our hands a little faster.

The rule is that flexion consists of 50% leg and 50% bridle. When I talk about leg in this case, it’s not spur, it’s what I call ‘boot tops’. You can bump them pretty hard with ‘boot tops’, but not with the spur; the spur can make them mad.

So here is the key - the BIG key - to successfully teaching your horse to give to the bridle. While you’re moving that bit back and forth in his mouth, look for the slightest little gesture from the horse - any indication that he is thinking about responding to the motion of the bit and the bumping from your leg with the correct response - maybe he just drops his head and neck a fraction of an inch; when it

happens, you must release both leg and bit pressure instantly.

We should always ride not the horse but his mind. If you expect the horse to master a movement the same day you introduce it to him, good luck! That’s asking for a lot. I always say train for tomorrow - plant the seeds for tomorrow. A systematic training program will set things up for tomorrow.

It’s important to remember that we train in stair steps; some horses and riders can take big stairs while others take baby stairs. I have to say I’m not a believer in hurrying a horse along. I really enjoy the process; the day-today challenge of creating a horse that’s a piece of art, that’s a part of you.

FLEXION AT THE WALK

Okay, you’ve gotten that first response from your horse and you’ve rewarded him instantly; you’ve been able to repeat this several times and feel that your horse understands what you want. This is a breakthrough, and you’ve set a baseline. This means that you know how you got to a certain point and you can do it again any time you want. You can go back to this point at any time; it’s a tool in your toolbox.

Now it’s time to ask the horse to flex while he’s moving. We walk out - on the rail or on the trail - using our ‘boot tops’ and the exact same motion with our hands. You might find that the horse is less responsive now that you’re moving, which brings up the question of which bit to use.

Of course, we always want to use the mildest bit possible, but if the horse has a short attention span and is interested in anything but you, then you may have to use a snaffle with a stronger mouthpiece at first. Give your horse the benefit of the doubt, but you do what you have to do.

We follow the same procedure as at the halt, giving the horse immediate release from the pressure of both hand and leg as soon as he indicates he is trying to do what we want. We set our baseline again and go from there. This is when it starts to get fun; pretty soon, you’ll feel your horse drop his head and neck as soon as you pick up your reins and nudge him a little with your legs.

Another exercise you can do at this stage is to teach your horse to drop his head even lower. You do this the same way (starting at the halt), but after your release, you don’t

Tying up a horse can help teach how to do lateral flexion.

Vogt explains when teaching flexion that it’s important to use your boot tips and not spurs to not make the horse angry.

BETTER HORSES

wait for him to come back up, but instead ask him to drop lower and lower, releasing a bit each time, until he has his nose nearly on the ground. This exercise just reinforces the horse’s obedience to our flexion cues. You’ll find that you are starting to get a ‘flexy’ horse.

ADDING COLLECTION

Now that we’ve got our horse flexing at the halt and walk, we need to add collection. Remember, the more flexion you have, the more collection you have to have. We want to create power, not speed, or as I call it, slowing the front motor down and speeding the back motor up.

OK, so how do we do this? We’ve already got the basics because we’ve taught our horse that when we move the bit from side to side and bump with our legs, he should drop his head and neck. Now, at the walk, we ask him to flex and continue to bump with our ‘boot tops’ to get him to take more powerful - not faster - steps behind. Remember to release the pressure as soon as he tries to do what you are asking.

At this point I WILL NOT skip steps. It is crucial to our future training that the horse understands this lesson; I want his response to my cues to be perfect at the walk before I’m ready to move on to the jog. I’m prepared to spend whatever time it takes. This doesn’t mean that I won’t jog or lope my horse - I’d just do it on a slack rein.

FLEXION & COLLECTION AT JOG & LOPE

By the time you feel ready to give this a try at the trot and lope, you should feel that you have your baseline pretty well established. You do want to remember that jogging and loping in a flexed position will mean that your horse will be using muscles that he hasn’t been using before. Don’t expect him to be able to hold the flexion for long periods of jogging and lope; he has to build up his strength. You set your baseline and go from there.

If you have really done your work at the walk, you probably won’t find the jog too difficult. The process is the same: get a response or ‘gesture’, release immediately, and establish your baseline. It may take a little more time in the lope just because you and your horse are dealing with more speed, but take your time, and if you need to take a step back, do it.

Sunday, October 12, 2025: 28th Annual Fall Colt & Yearling Catalog Sale - 10 a.m.

Selling 250 baby colts and yearlings representing great bloodlines like: Smart Chic Olena, Peptoboonsmal, Dash Ta Fame, Dash For Cash, High Brow Cat, Playgun, Docs Hickory, Docs Oak, Paddys Irish Whiskey, Sophisticated Cat, Shining Spark, Metalic Cat, Dual Pep just

Come buy your next winner with us on October 12th

• 23 blue roan filly granddaughter of Streak of Fling-ranching heritage F&R, Royal Crown Roping eligible

• 21 sorrel gelding grandson of Playgun- gentle, ranch, started heading

• 22 red roan mare granddaughter of Grays Starlightstarted cutter

• 19 sorrel mare by Paddy Socks-heel horse, ranch

• 23 red roan mare- granddaughter of Once In a Blu Boon- Futurity eligible

• 19 dun gelding grandson of Fairfax Jay- ranch broke

• 20 dun gelding grandson of Fairfax Jay- ranch broke

• 20 gray mare granddaughter of Streak of Fling- broodmare broke to ride

• 22 bay gelding grandson of Paddys Irish Whiskeywell started

• 10 gray mare granddaughter of Smart Mate- in foal to son of Highbrow Cat

• 19 red roan mare by Royal CD- in foal to Malice In Chains

• 22 bay gelding grandson of Streak of Fling

• 16 grullo gelding by Ranger Cookie

• 22 bay gelding grandson of Shooter Cat- ranch horse

• 20 sorrel gelding grandson of Metallic Cat- ranch horse

• 23 sorrel mare granddaughter of Metallic Malicefuturity eligible

These colts and yearlings will be paid up in the 2027 and 2028 F&R Cow Horse Futurity:

16 buckskin gelding grandson of Sun Frosthead horse

24 bay mare by Played

24 blk gelding by grandson of Dash Ta Fame

20 black gelding double bred

Two Eyed Red Buck- team rope

22 palomino gelding by grandson of Shining Sparkused on the ranch

to name a few.

22 bay gelding grandson of Corona Cartelranch horse

ONE REIN WONDER

BY CRAIG CAMERON’S RIDE SMART HORSEMANSHIP

In horsemanship you hear a lot about the one rein technique, the one rein bend, the one rein flex, and the one rein stop. What you don’t hear is how to use this one rein technique and how to develop it.

To me, the reason for using the One Rein Wonder is that you do not give the horse as much to brace or pull against. The natural instinct for the horse is to go against pressure, and not give to pressure. The bit of course creates or works off pressure as do our hands, legs, lead rope, halters, and spurs, whether you are on the ground or on the horse’s back.

Our job as riders and trainers is to teach a horse to yield to pressure; however, it is our responsibility to release that pressure as the horse gives to the pressure. In maneuvers as simple as a turn or as complicated as a spin, remember it is the release that gives the horse the incentive to do the things you ask him to do. It is the release that makes the horse great! If someone pinches you it will not be the pinch you are interested in, it will be the release. What this boils down to is that a large part of horsemanship is about pressure and release and it is the rider who initiates both. So what does all this have to do with the one rein method?

In the earliest phases of horsemanship whether or not you are aware of it, all riders use one rein techniques. As you halter break a horse how many reins or lead rope do you use? One of course, and if it is used correctly it is extremely effective. When a young or green horse will not lead up in the halter, what is the most effective remedy? It is to step to the side and lead or bend the horse with one rein, and almost every horse will step up and follow that bend or feel. Bending or guiding with one rein makes it easy for the horse to understand. When we lunge a horse it is done with one rope and with that one rope it is easy to send, bend or stop the horse by

bending and disengaging his hindquarters. In our ground work we can control all parts of the horse down to his feet. We can achieve undeniable controlled forward movement, lateral movement and the backup. We can send the horse over jumps, obstacles, and into the trailer, and all with just one rein. Now if we could take this one rein technique from the ground, which the horse already understands, and apply it from his back this should be a somewhat easy transition for the horse to make and understand. Why? Because the horse is already doing it from the ground!

The trouble starts many times for the horse when we give the rider two reins. If you give someone two reins it is just going to be natural for them to pull on both reins. The more nervous or unsure the rider gets, the more he pulls those reins especially if the rider feels he is getting out of control. Keep in mind the bit works on pressure, if you pull hard enough it works on pain. The problem with pulling on two reins is that it is easy and natural for the horse to brace or pull back against this pressure. In other words, when the pull is strong enough especially on a young or even older horse he is forced to protect himself from the pressure of the bit. To do this he raises his head or gaps his mouth open searching for some form of release. When a horse does this enough times it becomes a habit. Habit is the easiest thing to make and the hardest thing to break. I keep saying, “stop pulling and start guiding your horse instead.”

When one learns the one rein technique he can avoid many bad habits created by the two rein dilemma. For example, instead of pulling on two reins for a stop one can simply bend a horse to a stop using one rein. The more you bend any horse the more you control the hindquarters. It is the same way as you trained him with the halter. As time goes on you refine the cue by progressively using more of

the second or indirect rein as a brace to keep the horse straight. So to stop a horse, use the left rein. The right rein is for straightness. Instead of always just pulling on two reins it is more of a signal allowing the horse to understand that this means stop your feet.

I feel the most basic reining maneuver is the lateral flex. This is done with one rein at a time and teaches a horse flexibility. Without flexibility you do not have position and without position you lose control. The simplest and first technique I teach is one rein turning, which starts the guiding system – from there begin simple round outs or small circles. I progress from this direct reining style by simply adding the supporting or outside rein, as the horse tells me he is ready. Eventually the outside rein gives me straightness and control of the hindquarters. However, all good things will come in time. The use of the ancient snaffle bit has its roots in one rein work and for me still does today. One of the beauties of the snaffle bit is that I can work one rein at a time to teach and finally refine my horses’ maneuvers. More advanced bits are not receptive to one rein techniques and should be used later in training when the horse is ready and prepared. Ride your horse like he is today, do a good job and tomorrow he will be better.

This one rein process is an extremely effective one for developing your touch, feel and timing. It will take some thought and practice on your part, but I always say, “Horsemanship is a thinking-man’s game. So give it a try and work the One Rein Wonder.”

EQUINE LAMINITIS EXPLAINED

BY BETTER HORSES STAFF

Discover how horses transition from a metabolic state to laminitis and learn effective ways to manage them.

The pasture is particularly verdant this year. Several plump horses contentedly graze their way across the fetlock-deep field in the fog after a particularly cool spring night. This might look like something out of a bucolic period film, but the scene is not as innocuous as it might appear. Several of its features portend potential problems for horses that turn out to eat to their hearts’ content. A fat horse on rich grass is at risk of developing endocrine disorders that can snowball into laminitis.

THE FACTS ABOUT ENDOCRINERELATED LAMINITIS

Laminitis occurs when the laminae (or lamellae)—the tissues that suspend the coffin bone within the hoof capsule—become damaged and inflamed. In severe cases, they separate, releasing the coffin bone to rotate downward or sink.

Laminitis is not just localized to the feet, however—it’s also a systemic disease. Only 12% of owner-reported laminitis cases occur due to causes such as colic, diarrhea, retained placenta, or grain overload. The rest are related to diet or obesity and/or systemic endocrine disorders, namely equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, previously referred to as equine Cushing’s disease).

EQUINE METABOLIC SYNDROME

Equine metabolic syndrome is not a singular disease, but rather a compilation of risk factors that contribute to endocrinopathic laminitis. Typically, EMS horses are obese with excessive fat deposition and a cresty neck score of at least 3 out of 5. They are predisposed to that weight gain and refractory to weight

loss programs. As easy keepers, they tend to develop generalized or regional adiposity (fat pads) if fed too many calories.

Statistics indicate that 51% of mature light-breed horses in the United States are obese. But not all easy keepers on highcalorie diets develop EMS or laminitis. A genetic component might contribute to body condition and alterations in endocrine factors.

Additionally, thin horses of high-risk breeds can develop endocrinopathic laminitis from other risk factors—horses don’t have to be obese to be susceptible. Just losing weight isn’t always enough to avoid endocrine issues

The nutrition and body condition of a pregnant mare could be another contributing factor to a foal’s endocrine state later in life.

Intestinal health might also play a role. Less species diversity in the intestinal microbiome is reported in EMS horses, similar to that experienced by humans with metabolic syndrome, Additionally, human metabolic syndrome has been linked with a

loss of intestinal barrier function leading to increased intestinal permeability, referred to as ‘leaky gut syndrome,’ which adds to systemic inflammation, which could also be occurring in horses.”

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are also associated with EMS, with reports that they alter gene expression and affect metabolism. Many EDCs persist in fat for prolonged periods.

PPID

The other major endocrine condition that can cause laminitis is PPID, which results from dysfunction of the pituitary pars intermedia, usually in older horses. That part of the pituitary gland enlarges, leading to excessive production of pituitary hormones, especially adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which increases cortisol (the stress hormone) secretion from the adrenal glands. Horses with PPID often grow shaggy hair and don’t shed normally, have abnormal fat distribution, and experience muscle loss. They tend to drink and urinate more than usual and are prone to sinus infections, hoof abscesses, and slow wound healing. Infertility is also common. In 32% of horses affected by PPID, excess circulating insulin (hyperinsulinemia) increases the risk of developing laminitis.

INSULIN DYSREGULATION

A consequence of obesity that’s present in many PPID horses is insulin dysregulation (ID), which can further lead to laminitis. Normally, dietary glucose gets absorbed into the bloodstream to stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. With ID, cells fail to respond to insulin’s hormonal signals to take up glucose into muscle, liver, and fat cells for storage or metabolism. The pancreas then secretes more and more insulin in an attempt to signal glucose uptake.

Body condition, genetic factors and high caloric diets have been shown to lead to a laminitis diagnosis.

BETTER HORSES

Normally, the liver clears nearly threequarters of secreted insulin. Obese horses and/ or those with insulin dysregulation cannot clear it as well.

Adiposity isn’t the only thing that creates insulin overload; intestinal changes contribute, as well. Specialized endocrine cells present throughout the gastrointestinal tract are distributed along the mucosal surface that lines the gut. Their interaction with intestinal microbiota increases secretion of incretin (stimulating a decrease in blood glucose levels) hormones such as glucagon-like peptides (GLP1 and 2) in response to high nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) meals, like grain. GLPs are implicated in inducing more pronounced and undesirable insulin responses.

Insulin alters the messages or signaling within lamellar epithelial cells of the hoof, causing them to change their structure— morphing from nice firm little boxes to unstructured blobs with stretched lamellae that won’t spring back, This is due to disruption of the cells’ cytoskeleton (structural shape). Think of a rubber band that loses its spring when left out in the sun. Then imagine, the harder you force that rubber band out of shape (i.e., the more weight put on the hooves), the more it deforms with the potential to break.

SIGNS OF LAMINITIS

Endocrine-associated laminitis starts with a sometimes-lengthy subclinical (nonapparent) phase that causes chronic changes in the hoof capsule.

However, as soon as a horse starts developing tell-tale divergent hoof rings that are wider at the heel, we know it is a prime candidate for full-blown laminitis any day, Some horses can have over a year’s worth of bouts of laminitis with rings extending down the hoof wall, yet have never shown laminitis lameness. Others have more obvious signs, including flaring or distortion of the dorsal hoof wall, a flat or convex sole, and widening

of the white line region. These horses are trying to tell their owners something.

In other forms of acute and severe laminitis related to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that develops from colitis

(inflammation of the colon), endotoxemia (presence of an endotoxin in the blood), uterine infection, or grain overload, inflammatory cells infiltrate the lamellae. The basement membrane that binds lamellar cells together disintegrates, and the lamellae quickly fail. This does not occur with endocrine laminitis, which tends to creep up more slowly,

Armed with the knowledge that most laminitis cases are attributable to systemic endocrine disease, we can implement proactive steps for prevention and treatment. Again, visible changes in the hoof capsule, such as the growth rings, can be evident for months before an affected horse shows lameness. This delay allows owners to intervene to control insulin dysfunction. The objective of therapeutic strategies is to prevent stretching and deformation of the lamellae that can ultimately lead to painful laminitis.

Now let’s look at two real-life endocrinopathic laminitis cases to see how the horses’ veterinarians and owners managed them.

A TYPICAL CASE OF EMS LAMINITIS

An Arabian gelding was actively ridden until the spring of his 17th year, when he suddenly became lame. His owner noticed him being a little “off” over a few weeks and finally acknowledged that her various excuses for why this could be—hard, dry ground; deep snow; uneven terrain; mud—did not add up. She was unclear as to which front leg was lame. Over a week, he became worse, walking stiff-legged and in pain. She said it was difficult to pick up a foot for cleaning.

His veterinary exam pointed to clinical laminitis. He had increased (bounding) digital pulses (felt at the back of the fetlock) in both front legs. It was painful for him to turn in a tight circle in either direction. Recent trimming revealed obvious pink areas on his soles, something he’d not had previously. In addition, his body condition score was 7 (on the Henneke scale of 1 to 9), which is significantly overweight. The veterinarian could not feel the gelding’s ribs through the overlying fat layer, his neck had developed a pronounced crest, and he had fat deposits over his shoulders, rump, tailhead, and sheath area. Such fat deposits also generate proinflammatory cytokines, which are substances that increase systemic inflammation. He had puffy, swollen areas around his eye orbits, which tend to correspond with PPID.

This horse, whose ideal body weight was 900 pounds, was being fed a disproportionate diet of 18-20 pounds of grass hay a day, plus beet pulp mash and rice bran supplementation. This would be a hefty diet even for a hardexercising 1,000-pound horse.

The veterinarian had little doubt this horse was suffering from EMS-related laminitis but was also concerned about concurrent PPID, despite his relatively young age. Researchers have found that EMS horses are

Look out for lameness as one of the first signs of laminitis.

more at risk of developing PPID, potentially showing signs as early as 10 to 15 years of age. More advanced signs, such as shaggy hair coat and erratic shedding, puffy eyes, topline muscle wasting, and a pot-bellied appearance, take longer to appear despite ongoing hormonal dysregulation. Recurrent laminitis is sometimes the initial presenting sign. Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction also causes immune suppression and, so, leads to a greater likelihood of developing chronic infections. In addition, cortisol concentrations elevate, which is significant because cortisol decreases insulin sensitivity in the tissues, predisposing these horses to ID and laminitis.

Testing blood ACTH concentrations before and after intravenous administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a reliable way to identify early cases of PPID. This horse’s test results confirmed the veterinarian’s suspicions. She immediately started him on pergolide therapy to treat PPID and recommended therapeutic boots as hoof support. She restricted him to 15 pounds of hay (as weighed on a scale) per day, which is within the recommended 1.4-1.7% range of his expected normal body weight for weight loss. She eliminated all other supplements from his diet other than a pelleted dietary balancer (less than 1 pound per day) and free-choice salt. The owner placed his hay in a slow feeder to slow intake and to provide his intestines with small amounts of forage over more time.

Slow feeders as part of a restricted diet program let foraging time better approximate natural grazing. Offer multiple small meals of hay, ideally three times a day. Once the food is gone, no more is to be fed.

Before feeding, the owner soaked the hay for an hour to remove as much sugar as possible, then poured off and discarded the soaking water.

Once his laminitis lameness resolved, the horse was turned out for short periods in the early morning hours, particularly when night

temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Fahrenheit. (Grass sugar levels peak in the afternoon and during colder night temperatures.) He wore a grazing muzzle to restrict his intake while still getting light turnout exercise. Grazing muzzles reduce dry matter intake by 77-83%, and exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity.

With these strategies, the gelding maintained a good prognosis, because he had no obvious radiographic changes in the position or structure of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule.

It’s important to test blood for ACTH concentrations to identify early cases of PPID.

EMS, she recommended the owner put him on a strict diet, exercise him as much as possible, and only turn him out with a grazing muzzle. About six months later his farrier identified divergent growth rings in his hoof walls and widening of the white line. The gelding soon became overtly lame.

At that time his BCS had elevated to 8, although the owner believed the horse had lost weight. So she had turned him out on green spring grass for four hours a day. The digital pulses in both his front feet had increased. The veterinarian immediately prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, therapeutic boots, and stall confinement. She advised the owner use a slow-feed hay net with 1.5-by-1.5-inch holes to slow his eating and eliminate insulin surges. She recommended a diet of 16 pounds of soaked hay a day, split into multiple meals in the owner’s net.

While any horse fed a diet rich in calories and NSCs is at risk of developing EMS, Arabians, Morgans, Paso Finos, ponies, Saddlebreds, Warmbloods, and various other breeds tend to be easy keepers with a genetic propensity to lay down fat. These individuals are more at risk for developing EMS than other breeds, and their owners should be proactive about managing weight and body condition.

FIGHTING OBESITY AND EMS

During a regular spring visit, a veterinarian noticed one patient, a 7-year-old Rocky Mountain horse gelding, was considerably overweight, with a body condition score of 7. Due to her concern that he was developing

On radiographs it was clear the horse’s thin soles were dropped, so he now was relatively flat-footed, adding to his discomfort. He also displayed slight rotation of the coffin bone in both front hooves and thickening of the hoof walls due to scar tissue from chronic inflammatory bouts. The veterinarian talked with the horse’s farrier about improving alignment of the coffin bone and hoof capsule and squaring back the toes to decrease the lever-arm pull of the deep digital flexor tendon on the coffin bone.

The owner kept the horse off pasture and he improved, not experiencing another laminitic bout for two years despite still being overweight. Then, he experienced a recurrence. (A two-year study of 300 laminitis cases found that one-third of horses develop recurrent laminitis, particularly if their insulin levels elevate and/or they experienced a high lameness grade in their initial diagnosis.)

Testing showed that the horse’s hay was acceptably low in carbohydrates and sugars— ideally, NSC content should be less than 10%. At this point, other medication strategies seemed necessary. The veterinarian placed the

BETTER HORSES

horse on levothyroxine (a thyroid supplement) for several months to increase his metabolic rate to burn excess energy and improve weight loss. When possible, this strategy works best in conjunction with exercise. (Veterinarians don’t recommend exercise in the painful horse, of course.)

Given the potential for heart issues secondary to thyroid over supplementation, as shown in recent racehorse research, owners should supplement carefully.

The horse also received metformin (an oral antihyperglycemic drug used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus in humans) 30-60 minutes before feeding to reduce glucose absorption from the gut, although results are variable due to poor oral bioavailability (absorption rate). He received vitamin E and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

This horse’s resting insulin levels before starting the medication were extremely high; three months later, they were within an acceptable normal range, and his BCS was 6

for the first time in years. Resting insulin is not always the most reliable testing process for predicting ID or laminitis recurrence, but it provided information in this case. There is merit in using post-feeding insulin values as a monitoring tool because they more closely approximate the insulin response to a horse’s actual diet. A more labor-intensive evaluation involves dynamic testing with standardized sugar administration to compare insulin and glucose responses to levels before and 60 and 120 minutes after sugar challenge.

In cases like this other possible therapies, including one she’s investigating—a blend of resveratrol and amino acids, including leucine—help decrease inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Another medication scientists are currently studying for use in ID horses is velagliflozin (a sodiumglucose-linked transport inhibitor), for its ability to increase glucose excretion through the urinary tract.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Seeing your horse every day can make it difficult to recognize body condition changes over time. Controlling obesity is paramount to controlling insulin dysfunction and endocrinopathic laminitis. Take frequent photographs and girth measurements to track weight gain or loss. Learn how to evaluate body condition scores and what’s ideal. And consult your veterinarian about blood tests to monitor your horse’s insulin responses, ACTH concentrations, response to oral sugar challenge tests, and other levels.

Refrain from overfeeding your horse, and especially restrict or eliminate pasture turnout during periods of high sugar accumulation in grass. Your veterinarian can help tailor a dietary program that provides sufficient and safe levels of nutrients compatible with your horse’s needs. Implement lifestyle changes that include not only dietary controls but also regular exercise for your horse.

WELCOME FERGUS TO THE BETTER HORSES FAMILY

MANAGEMENT OF IMPINGING DORSAL SPINOUS PROCESSES (KISSING SPINE) IN PERFORMANCE HORSES

BY DYLAN LUTTER, DVM

One of the hottest topics among performance horses in recent years is the management of horses with back pain, particularly those diagnosed with “kissing spine”. While dorsal spinous process (DSP) impingement is the most commonly reported diagnosis for horses with back pain, it is not the only cause. Many of these causes can occur concurrently with kissing spine or mimic its signs. If your horse is exhibiting signs of back pain or poor performance it is important to work with a veterinarian to diagnose the problem and determine if other causes may also be present such as limb lameness, arthritis of the spine, or sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, among other things. The use, management, and saddle fit of the horse should also be considered for contributions to back pain. Many of these occur concurrently with DSP impingement and will therefore need to be treated appropriately to resolve the primary source of pain. There is no one size fits all approach to treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF DSP

Horses with DSP impingement will present with a variety of complaints ranging from poor performance and reluctance to move under saddle, pain/avoidance behaviors during grooming and saddling, shifting or undiagnosable lameness, and in some cases bucking/rearing under saddle. While some lesions are clinically silent and only diagnosed on screening films, severity of clinical signs ranges from mild to severe and does not always correlate with the severity radiographic changes. Not every horse with poor back conformation or abnormal back radiographs has a clinically relevant problem. Some complex cases may present with non-descript signs and have evidence of kissing spine or narrowed interspinous spaces on radiographs

that are not the sole cause of the problem.

Physical examination findings will vary with the horse. Some horses can be hyper-reactive or even violent to palpation of the affected area so clinicians should proceed with caution. Many horses will present with generalized pain so the primary goal of the exam should be to narrow down the areas of sensitivity. Occasionally a horse will present where the pain or client complaint will only be exhibited when the horse is ridden. In those instances, if it is safe, it can be very helpful to examine the horse under saddle.

Once the area of pain has been localized, it is prudent to pursue radiographs of the area or even of the entire spine. Small portable x-ray generators are too under-powered to obtain holistically diagnostic quality images of the equine thoracolumbar spine, which is the upper portion of the spine, closer to the withers. However, most portable x-ray generators should have sufficient power to visualize the DSPs of the lower portion of the spine called the thoracic and cranial lumbar spine in most 1000-1200 lb. horses (mid-section of the spine). Radiographs with a portable x-ray machine can be useful as a screening tool in the field, but if the horse is referred for a more thorough workup it should be expected that radiographs will be repeated at the referral center, provided the center has a powerful overhead track-mounted radiograph machine. The quality of the x-ray detector in these machines can also make a big difference in obtaining diagnostic images. Even then, the machines may be insufficient (or some horses too large/thick) to fully image the entire area of interest.

Radiographic findings are self-explanatory, given the name of the disorder, but signs can vary in severity. On the mildest end, only

interspinous space narrowing will be observed. In these cases the clinician must reflect back on their physical exam to try to correlate the area of most pain with the radiographs. Moderate radiographic changes include narrowing of the interspinous space as well as areas of sclerosis (increased bone production and change) present where the DSP have historically been touching, even though they may not be touching on the radiographs, there is radiographic evidence of change. As severity increases, the clinician will see increased areas of sclerosis, formation of increasing amounts of periosteal reaction, and finally areas of bony lysis that take on an almost cystic (holes or open areas present) appearance. In the most severe cases DSPs will be seen with spinous processes in contact with each other or even partially over-riding (overlapping). Since radiographs can only be taken as lateral views with increased radiographic technique and lots of tissue summation (thick/large horse size), it is important to consider that the images often underestimate the extent of bony changes and therefore disease severity.

DEVELOPING A TREATMENT PLAN

Once a diagnosis has been reached and clinical signs correlated with the radiographic findings a treatment plan should be developed. Though time consuming, diagnostic analgesia (local blocking) can be a very useful tool to guide clinicians in identifying the troublesome areas and ensure the correct therapeutic approach is taken. Treatment is not a one and done approach. It will be likely be a combination of multiple treatments, may involve multiple different members of the equine health care team, and will require the commitment of the owner to keep up with the prescribed exercises.

BETTER HORSES

The two most important goals in management of this condition are pain reduction and improvement of mobility/ posture. Therapeutic exercise is the mainstay in management of DSP impingement. Core strengthening and axial skeleton mobility exercises, commonly known as carrot stretches, form the foundation of the treatment. These exercises strengthen the postural muscles, raise the top line of the horse, and improve the range of motion of the spine. In my experience roughly 50% of horses respond to this approach alone without need for further intervention. The one drawback of this approach is it takes time and needs to be maintained for the duration of the horse’s career to maintain the effects. All other therapeutic approaches (listed below) work to manage pain and improve mobility in order for the horse to complete the therapeutic exercises and improve their function.

ADDITIONAL THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Adjunctive physical therapy modalities such as cold laser or light therapy pulsed electromagnetic therapy, and cold or heat therapy can be very useful in managing/ reducing pain in affected areas. Acupuncture can also be a very effective tool in this regard. Reducing pain will facilitate the therapeutic exercise necessary to improve the topline flexibility of the horse. Spinal manipulative therapy (chiropractic) and massage therapy can also be used in managing pain from DSP impingement. However, it may not be tolerated in some horses because of the moderate to severe pain present with treatment and may not sufficiently address the inflammation and lack of mobility on others, depending on the stage of the disease.

Medical therapy is often necessary to effectively manage the pain and promote pain free movement. Systemic non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy (bute, Banamine, Equioxx) and muscle relaxants may help, but are often not potent enough

to fully resolve clinical signs. Injection of the interspinous space and surrounding tissues with anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids can be very effective local therapy that may only need repetition once or twice yearly.

IMPORTANCE OF HOOF CARE AND SADDLE FIT

Concurrent with addressing the local pain, it is important to work closely with a farrier to ensure hoof care, particularly in the hind feet, is appropriate and that negative palmar/ plantar angles are actively being addressed. The presence of a negative palmar/plantar angle is highly linked to the posture of the horse as well as the presence of pathology in the back and hind quarters. Finally, saddle fit should be carefully assessed and the identified problems addressed. Saddle fit is also not a one and done procedure. Fit should be monitored and adjusted as the horse responds to therapy and the profile of its back changes with age, weight gain/loss, and muscle mass conditioning.

SURGICAL OPTIONS

Surgical therapy for DSP impingement can be a very effective tool, but it does not replace therapeutic exercise or other components in the management of this disease. Horses must continue to improve their spinal posture and mobility and strengthen their topline/core. The main goals of surgical intervention are to increase the interspinous space, relieve the pain of impingement, and increase the mobility of each affected vertebral segment. Several procedures have been developed, of varying invasiveness, to achieve these goals. All procedures can be performed either under anesthesia or in the standing, sedated horse with local blocks. The technique chosen will depend on the horse, extent of disease, and the surgeon preferences. The reported success rates of these procedures range from 72-95% return to some level of work with roughly 50-80% of horses returning to their previous level of performance. Return to active training ranges from two to three months, depending on the procedure used and severity of disease. Even with surgery and continued physical therapy some horses may require additional therapy to remain pain free and in work. This relates back to the complexity of the condition and the presence of other problems contributing to the back pain.

In conclusion, DSP impingement is a common cause of back pain in horses that requires a multi-faceted approach to management with many factors affecting the response to therapy and success of the horse. It requires thoughtful input from multiple disciplines and a career long commitment from the owner and trainer. Nevertheless, DSP impingement can be successfully managed in a high number of horses to return them to performance.

For questions, contact your primary veterinarian or the Veterinary Health Center at 785-532-5700.

It’s important to watch for your horse’s limits when practicing to ensure a positive outcome.

IS YOUR HORSE LONELY?

The negative effects of social isolation

BY BETTER HORSES STAFF

LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION LINKED TO SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITIONS

Restrictions on social gatherings since COVID over the past three years have led to a surge of news headlines warning about the harmful psychological effects of social isolation in humans, which include impaired health, sleep, and immune function. The spotlight on social isolation raises questions about the effect it might have on horses as well.

SOCIAL ISOLATION IS STRESSFUL

Much of what we know about the harmful effects of social isolation comes from biomedical research with animals. Social isolation is an animal model for human neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Stress is induced in laboratory animals through physical restraint, mild pain, impoverished environment, and social isolation, all of which have striking parallels to some equine management practices.

Horses might experience acute distress when they are separated from other horses for routine health care, training, or transportation. Many horse owners have witnessed frantic calling, agitation, and pacing when pasture companions are separated. Horses might also experience long-term isolation stress when they are transported long distances, moved to a new stable, quarantined, or confined to a stall because of an injury or illness. Management practices might also contribute to chronic social isolation distress when horses are housed and exercised in ways that limit their opportunities to interact with other horses.

Social animals have a basic need to connect with others, and it is essential to their wellbeing and survival. There is safety in numbers. The survival benefits of living in groups include detecting and avoiding predators, finding food and water, and learning from others. Being alone is risky and can trigger an urgency to reunite (flight/fight) or to shut down (freeze/ fawn) for self-preservation. Horses form strong attachments with one another, and breaking up socially bonded individuals generally causes greater distress than isolation alone.

RESPONSES TO ISOLATION

Social isolation affects behavior, physiology, and brain activity similarly across a wide range of animal species. Behaviorally, socially isolated animals vocalize more and show ‘locomotor syndrome,’ with increased agitation, vigilance, and movement. Physiologically, socially isolated animals have increased heart rate, respiration, and sweating. Cognitively, socially isolated animals tend to show impulsive decision-making, abnormal fear memory, and impaired mental flexibility.

Social isolation is a significant stressor in horses. Responses to separation can overshadow responses to pain, potentially resulting in an inaccurate assessment of pain severity, according to a study (Reid et al.2017). Pain was induced by a neck skin pinch. If horses experienced pain while another horse was nearby, they moved less and showed less contact-seeking behavior. In contrast, if horses experienced pain while socially isolated, they showed increased locomotion, vocalization, and contact seeking, similar to the way they responded to social isolation without pain.

PREVENT AND REDUCE SOCIAL ISOLATION STRESS

Here are a few strategies that can help prevent and mitigate the stress associated with social isolation:

PREPARE YOUR HORSES TO BE ALONE

Research on the harmful effects of social isolation often focuses on young animals soon after they are weaned, which corresponds to a critical period for social development. Progressive exposure to mild stressors early in life can build resilience to those stressors. For example, gradual introduction to weaning, trailer loading, health care and handling procedures, and separation from other horses can reduce future stress responses to these experiences.

PROVIDE AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL

In both young and older horses, introducing an equine companion can immediately

eliminate the behavioral and physiological effects of social isolation distress. Horses are particularly sensitive to and will mirror the emotional state of other horses, so having a calm horse nearby is ideal. Other species, including humans, might also serve this purpose. In a recent study, when horses were separated from the person and alone, they became anxious and their heart rate increased. When the horses were reunited with the person, they calmed down and their heart rate decreased. Any human served as a “safe haven,” as horses showed the same response with their owners and strangers.

INTRODUCE ENRICHMENT

Adding enrichment opportunities might help reduce stress by providing sensory and mental stimulation and creating a more complex environment during periods of social isolation and for horses housed alone. For example, sensory enrichment might include providing odors, sounds, and tactile experiences, and cognitive enrichment might

include introducing problem-solving tasks such as food puzzles. Mirrors might function as a proxy for an equine companion and have been shown to reduce isolation distress during transport.

CONSIDER MEDICATION

Consult a veterinarian to determine if a horse who is distressed due to social isolation would benefit from anti-anxiety medication. A recent study in pigs found that fluoxetine (Prozac) reversed many of the physiological effects of chronic stress induced by social isolation. The potential benefits of antianxiety medication to reduce isolation stress in horses is not known.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Some common equine management practices can cause social isolation distress in horses. Taking steps to reduce the harmful effects of acute and chronic social isolation can improve equine health and well-being.

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FINDING PEACE IN THE PASTURE

How horses support human mental health

BY SUSIE ARBO

If you’ve ever spent time with a horse— really spent time—you know there’s something sacred in their presence. It’s not just their strength, beauty, or even their intelligence. It’s their stillness. Their honesty. Their ability to reflect what’s going on inside of us without saying a word.

As a mental health professional, horsewoman, and someone who has leaned on four hooves more times than I can count, I can tell you this: horses have a profound impact on human mental health.

In a world that moves too fast and demands too much, horses invite us to slow down and be fully present. They don’t care what kind of car you drive, how many emails you have in your inbox, or whether your hair is perfect. They respond to your energy, your intention, and your authenticity. In doing so, they hold up a mirror and help us regulate our emotions, calm our nervous systems, and rebuild trust— with ourselves and others.

There’s science behind it, too. Research shows that simply being around horses can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve emotional regulation. Equineassisted therapy is now used across the country to support trauma recovery, build resilience in children, help veterans reintegrate after service, and assist people navigating grief, addiction, and everyday life stress.

But even outside of therapy, just being in the barn—smelling the hay, brushing a horse, or walking alongside one in the pasture can be deeply healing. It’s connection without pressure. Relationship without words.

I’ve seen it time and again at our ranch and in my work: a teenager overwhelmed by anxiety who finds confidence in leading a gentle gelding; a woman processing grief who

finds comfort in mucking stalls; a burned-out executive who rediscovers peace on a quiet trail ride.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Life can be messy. But horses offer us a kind of grounding the world rarely does. They help us reconnect—to nature, to stillness, and to the steady rhythm of a heartbeat stronger than our own.

So if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just off-center, I encourage you: go be with a horse. You don’t have to ride. You don’t have to have the perfect boots or say the right words.

Just show up and breathe.

Because sometimes, healing doesn’t look like a therapy session. Sometimes it looks like standing in a pasture, leaning on a fence, and listening to the quiet.

Susie Arbo is a licensed mental health professional, equestrian, professional speaker, owner of Country Crossroads Counseling, and co-host of Better Horses TV. She leads workshops and equine-assisted retreats focused on mental health, leadership, and personal growth. Learn more at www. countrycrossroadscounseling.com.

WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF A WESTERN SADDLE?

BY BETTER HORSES STAFF

If you’re like most people and grew up riding in an English saddle, looking at a Western saddle may leave your head spinning. There are so many extra parts! While it may appear complicated, each piece of a Western saddle has a specific purpose, and learning about the purpose behind the design can give you valuable insight into the workings of Western tack.

What are the parts of a Western saddle called? Several different components make up a Western saddle:

Tree, Cantle, Pommel, Horn, Leather housing. Skirt, Stirrups, Fenders and the cinch.

Understanding the parts of the Western saddle makes the rider better at fitting saddles to their horse and knowing how to use them. To get a more in-depth look at each part, keep reading!

THE TREE

The saddle tree is the foundation of the saddle and is usually made of wood. The shape of the tree determines the rough shape of the saddle. It will include the foundation for the saddle seat resting on either part of the horse’s spine, the cantle, the pommel, and the horn.

The Cantle – the cantle is essentially the backrest of the saddle. It’s a piece that will extend upward from the back of the saddle and ideally rest against your lower back. While its purpose is to support the rider’s seat, it works as more of a guide for the seat instead of a structure against which to lean, especially when loping and galloping or when riding over rough terrain. Higher cantles are more commonly used in high-speed disciplines such as barrel racing. On the other side of the spectrum, lower cantles are more commonly used by ropers who prefer the flexibility and the easier, quicker dismount of a shorter backrest.

The Pommel – in the Western circuit, the pommel may also be called the “swell” or the “fork.” It is the upward extension at the front of the saddle and works similarly to the cantle, supporting the rider’s seat but on the opposite side. The pommel must fit comfortably around the horse’s withers, typically lower than the cantle.

The Seat – the seat of the saddle refers to the area between the cantle and the pommel. A saddle seat offers various depths, and the ideal fit will depend on you as the rider and your riding discipline.

The Horn – the horn is perhaps the most distinguishable feature of the Western saddle. It is the knob that rests atop the pommel at the front of the saddle. While many beginning riders assume its purpose is to give the rider a little extra security, its sole purpose is not as a handhold. The main purpose of the horn is to hold one end of a rope used in cattle ranching. It is also used in proper mounting and dismounting techniques.

THE HOUSING OF THE SADDLE

Now that the saddle shape has been created through the saddle tree, it’s time to cover the wood. Otherwise, it would not be a very comfortable ride for the human or the horse.

The Jockey – the covering of the saddle tree is called the jockey or the housing. Typically, the covering underneath the saddle is made using sheepskin, which creates additional padding on the underside of the saddle. The top of the saddle is typically covered in leather, which provides a supple and smooth surface for the rider that is also easy to wipe down and clean. The jockey can be separated into two parts: the seat and the back jockey.

The Skirt is the leather portion of the saddle that extends from under the jockey and rests along the horse’s sides. The skirt’s design and

shape give the Western saddle its traditional rectangular shape.

THE STIRRUPS

Unlike with an English saddle, the stirrups of a Western saddle are included with the saddle as a whole when sold. This will include both the fenders and the stirrups themselves.

The Stirrup Fenders – the fenders are the lengths of leather that extend from under the jockey and connect the stirrups to the saddle. The fenders of a Western saddle are much wider than the stirrup leathers of an English saddle. They are designed for both horse and rider comfort.

The Stirrups – the stirrups are secured with the fenders and are where a rider inserts their foot. Western stirrups, like fenders, are much wider than their English counterparts. They usually have either leather or rubber padding on the bottom, affecting the ease of sliding your boot in and out of the stirrup.

The Hobble Strap – the hobble strap is the leather portion connecting the stirrup to the fender.

KEEPING THE SADDLE SECURED TO THE HORSE

Of course, a saddle is no good unless it’s secured to a horse. Many find this part to be the most confusing of the Western saddle and much less straightforward than an English saddle. Here’s what you need to know:

The Cinch – known as the girth in English riding, the cinch is a wide strip of sheepskin, felt, or mohair that runs under the horse and is secured onto each side of the saddle. The cinch I’m referring to is secured under the front of the saddle, but a second cinch is often secured to the backs of many Western saddles, especially in certain disciplines.

BETTER HORSES

The Billet – on the “off side” of most Western saddles is a billet. This piece resembles a belt with multiple holes to buckle one side of the cinch.

The Latigo – on the other side of the cinch will be a latigo, a long, thin strap of leather or nylon that will be looped multiple times through the metal ring on the cinch and the metal ring on the skirt (also called the rigging or rigging D). The metal ring that the latigo is secured to is screwed directly into the tree of the saddle for security, creating a flexible and secure connection, finished with a “Texas T” knot. Many saddles will come with a “latigo keeper,” which is a single slit the excess length of latigo can be stored. While I’ve always ridden with a billet on one side and a latigo on the other, some Western riders prefer billets on both sides or latigos on both sides.

CONCHOS AND SADDLE STRINGS

Many saddles will include decorative conchos around the perimeter of the saddle that are metal rings or screw heads used to secure saddle strings. Saddle strings are very thin strips of leather or rope that can be used to secure packs, gear, ropes, or any other equipment a rider may need while out on the range, ranch, or trail.

WHY ARE WESTERN SADDLES SO MUCH LARGER THAN ENGLISH SADDLES?

One of the biggest differences between Western and English saddles is size. Western saddles are much larger and heavier than English saddles. While you may assume that a larger, heavier saddle would be less comfortable for a horse, the opposite is true. Western saddles are so large because the size and shape work to more evenly distribute the weight of tack and rider across a larger portion of the horse’s back, which lessens the pressure on the horse. Of course, the larger size also works to the rider’s advantage – Western saddles are designed to be used through long days while herding cattle. While the size is

an advantage to the horse, it also aids in the rider’s comfort.

THE COMPLEXITY OF WESTERN SADDLES

While the construction of a Western saddle may seem confusing at first glance, everything makes sense once you learn about the specific purpose of each component. Western saddles, stirrups, fenders, and almost everything else are larger than their English cousins. However, this is not an aesthetic matter; rather, one of comfort for both horse and rider.

All of the additional accessories may often add a flair of style, but are important to the saddle’s function in carrying gear, ropes, and other equipment. Western saddles, after all, have been used for hundreds of years and have

served as seats, tools, backpacks, and even pillows for the working cowboy.

COLOR BREED CONGRESS

OCTOBER

31-NOVEMBER 8, 2025

PRESENTED BY

PINTO HORSE ASSOCIATION

BUILT FORD TOUGH LIVESTOCK COMPLEX - TULSA, OK

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Noon - Horses move in (24 hours)

Noon - 6 pm - Show office open

Noon - 6 pm - ID Station open

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30

8 am - 6 pm - Show office open

8 am - 6 pm - ID Station open

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST THROUGH

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8

7 am - 6 pm - Show office open

7 am - 6 pm - ID Station open

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST

FORD TRUCK ARENA, 7:30 AM

1 PtHA - AM Jr Western Showmanship

2 w - AM Sr Western Showmanship

3 PtHA - AM Elite Western Showmanship

4 PtHA - AM Novice Western Showmanship

5 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Western Showmanship

6 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Western Showmanship

7 PtHA - AM El W/T Western Showmanship

8 PtHA - AM Bareback Western Horsemanship

9 PtHA - AM Novice Western Horsemanship

10 Cash for Color NP All Age West Pleas, W/T (NSBA Color)

11 PtHA - AM Jr Western Horsemanship 12 PtHA - AM Sr Western Horsemanship

PtHA - AM Elite Western Horsemanship

PtHA - AM Sr W/T Western Horsemanship

PtHA - AM El W/T Western Horsemanship MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM 16 PtHA - YA Novice Western Showmanship

17 PtHA - YA Jr Western Showmanship

18 PtHA - YA Sr Western Showmanship

19 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Western Showmanship

20 PtHA - YA W/T, 11 -18 Western Showmanship

21 PtHA - YA

29 PtHA - OP Green Western Pleasure, ST/HN

30 PtHA - OP Green Western Pleasure, ST/HN, Solid

31 PtHA - OP Disciplined Rail Western, ST/HN

32 PtHA - OP Disciplined Rail Western, ST/HN, Solid

33 PtHA - OP Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN

RANGER ARENA, 7:30 AM

34 PtHA - AM W/T Western Showmanship, Solid

35 PtHA - AM Western Showmanship, Solid

36 PtHA - YA Western Showmanship, Solid

37 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Western Showmanship, Solid

38 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Western Showmanship, Solid

39 PtHA - AM Bareback Western Horsemanship, Solid

40 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Western Horsemanship

41 PtHA - YA W/T 10 & u Western Horsemanship, Solid

42 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Western Horsemanship

43 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Western Horsemanship, Solid

44 PtHA - AM Western Horsemanship, Solid

45 PtHA - AM W/T Western Horsemanship, Solid

46 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Western Horsemanship

47 PtHA - YA Western Horsemanship, Solid

EXPLORER ARENA, 9 AM - ALL EVENING

Ranch Trail Practice

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

FORD TRUCK ARENA, 7:30 AM

48 PtHA - AM Novice Western Pleasure

49 PtHA - AM Western Pleasure, Solid (NSBA)

50 PtHA - OP Western Pleasure, ST/HN , 5 & u (NSBA)

51 PtHA - AM Jr Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

52 PtHA - AM Sr Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

53 PtHA - AM Elite Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

54 PtHA - OP Western Pleasure, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

55 Cash for Color OP Western Pleasure, 3 yr olds (NSBA Color)

56 Cash for Color OP Western Pleasure, 2 yr olds (NSBA Color)

57 Cash Challenge Western Pleasure, all ages, all divisions

58 PtHA - AM Jr Disciplined Rail Western

59 PtHA - AM Sr Disciplined Rail Western

60 PtHA - AM Elite Disciplined Rail Western

61 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Ideal Pinto Western

62 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Ideal Pinto Western

63 PtHA - AM El W/T Ideal Pinto Western

64 PtHA - AM Jr Ideal Pinto Western

65 PtHA - AM Sr Ideal Pinto Western

66 PtHA - AM Elite Ideal Pinto Western after last class - YAHalter/Longe Line practice for one hour

MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM

67 PtHA - OP West Pleas, 2 yo Sn Bit, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA) 88 GFTG Yearling In Hand Ranch TrailOP (All Colors)

68 PtHA - AM W/T Western Pleasure, Solid

69 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Western Pleasure 90 PtHA - YA W/T 11 - 18 - Ranch Trail

70 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Western Pleasure

71 PtHA - AM El W/T Western Pleasure

72 PtHA - OP West Pleas, 2 yo Sn Bit, ST/HN, (NSBA)

73 PtHA - YA Western Pleasure, Solid (NSBA)

74 PtHA - YA Jr Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

75 PtHA - YA Sr Western Pleasure, ST/HN (NSBA)

76 PtHA - OP West Pleasure, ST/HN , 6 & o (NSBA)

77 PtHA - YA Leadline 8 & u, Western Pleasure, Solid

78 PtHA - YA Leadline, 8 & u, Western Pleasure

79 PtHA - YA Jr Disciplined Rail Western 100 All Breed - OP Ranch Trail

80 PtHA - YA Sr Disciplined Rail Western

81 PtHA - YA Discipline Rail Western, Solid

82 PtHA - AM Discipline Rail Western, Solid

83 PtHA - YA Jr Ideal Pinto Western

84 PtHA - YA Sr Ideal Pinto Western 105 All BreedAM Ranch Trail

85 PtHA - AM Ideal Pinto Western, Solid

86 PtHA - YA Ideal Pinto Western, Solid

87 PtHA - OP Ideal Pinto Western, ST/HN, Solid

RANGER ARENA, 7:30 AM

88 GFTG Yearling In Hand Ranch Trail - OP (All Colors)

89 All Breed - YA W/T Ranch Trail

90 PtHA - YA W/T 11 - 18 - Ranch Trail

91 PtHA - YA W/T 11 - 18 - Ranch Trail, Solid

92 All Breed - AM W/T Ranch Trail

93 PtHA - AM W/T - Ranch Trail

94 PtHA - AM W/T - Ranch Trail, Solid

95 All Breed - YA Ranch Trail

96 PtHA - YA Ranch Trail (NSBA)

97 PtHA - YA Ranch Trail, Solid (NSBA)

98 PHBA - YA Ranch Trail (NSBA)

99 ABRA - YA Ranch Trail (NSBA)

100 All Breed - OP Ranch Trail

101 PtHA - OP Ranch Trail, (NSBA)

102 PtHA - OP Ranch Trail, Solid (NSBA)

103 PHBA - OP Ranch Trail (NSBA)

104 ABRA - OP Ranch Trail (NSBA)

105 All Breed - AM Ranch Trail

106 PtHA - AM Ranch Trail, (NSBA)

107 PtHA - AM Jr Ranch Trail, Solid (NSBA)

107a PtHA - AM Sr/El Ranch Trail, Solid (NSBA)

108 PHBA - AM Ranch Trail (NSBA)

109 ABRA - AM Ranch Trail (NSBA) after last class - AM Halter/Longe Line practice for one hour

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

FORD TRUCK ARENA, 7:30 AM

110 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Western Pleasure, Solid

111 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Western Pleasure

112 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Western Pleasure, Solid

113 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Western Pleasure

114 PtHA - YA Novice Western Pleasure

115 Cash for Color NP Western Pleasure, 5 & u (NSBA Color)

116 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Disciplined Rail Western

117 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Disciplined Rail Western

118 PtHA - AM El W/T Disciplined Rail Western

119 Cash for Color Open Longe Line - Western (NSBA Color)

120 PtHA - OP Western Pleasure, 3 yr old and NSBA Futurity

121 PtHA - YA Halter Mares, ST/HN

122 PtHA - YA Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

123 PtHA - YA Performance Halter Mares

124 PtHA - YA Performance Halter Mares, Solid

125 PtHA - YA Halter Geldings, ST/HN

126 PtHA - YA Halter Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

127 PtHA - YA Performance Halter Geldings

128 PtHA - YA Performance Halter Geldings, Solid

129 PtHA - YA Tobiano Color, Horse

130 PtHA - YA Overo Color, Horse after last class - AM Halter/Longe Line practice for one hour

MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM

131 All Breed - OP Yearling In hand Ranch Fundamental and Sweepstakes

132 All Breed - OP Ranch Ideal

133 PtHA - OP Ranch Ideal

134 PtHA - OP Ranch Ideal, Solid

135 All Breed - YA W/T Ranch Ideal

136 All Breed - YA Ranch Ideal

137 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Ranch Ideal

138 PtHA - YA Ranch Ideal

139 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Ranch Ideal, Solid

140 PtHA - YA Ranch Ideal, Solid

141 All Breed - AM W/T Ranch Ideal

142 All Breed - AM Ranch Ideal

143 PtHA - AM W/T Ranch Ideal

144 PtHA - AM Ranch Ideal

145 PtHA - AM W/T Ranch Ideal, Solid

146 PtHA - AM Jr Ranch Ideal, Solid

146a PtHA - AM Sr/El Ranch Ideal, Solid

147 PHBA - OP Ranch Riding (NSBA)

148 ABRA - OP Ranch Riding (NSBA)

149 PHBA - YA Ranch Riding (NSBA)

150 ABRA - YA Ranch Riding (NSBA)

151 PHBA - AM Ranch Riding (NSBA)

152 ABRA - AM Ranch Riding (NSBA)

153 Cash for Color Open 3 YO Ranch Riding

154 Cash for Color Non Pro 6 & O Ranch Riding

RANGER

ARENA,

7:30 AM

155 Go for the Gold Weanling Stallions - Open (Palomino,Buckskin,Regular Registry Pinto)

156 Go for the Gold Weanling Stallions - Open (All Colors)

157 Go for the Gold Weanling Stallions - Non Pro (Palomino Buckskin,Regular Registry Pinto)

158 Go for the Gold Weanling Stallions - Non Pro (All Colors)

159 Go for the Gold Weanling Mares - Open (Palomino,Buckskin,Regular Registry Pinto)

160 Go for the Gold Weanling Mares - Open (All Colors)

161 Go for the Gold Weanling Mares - Non Pro (Palomino,Buckskin,Regular Registry Pinto)

162 Go for the Gold Weanling Mares - Non Pro (All Colors)

163 Cash Challenge Weanling Halter, all sexes

164 Go for the Gold Yearling Longe Line - Open (All Colors)

165 Go for the Gold Yearling Stallions - Open (All Colors)

166 Go for the Gold Yearling Stallions - Non Pro (All Colors)

167 Go for the Gold Yearling Geldings - Open (All Colors)

168 Go for the Gold Yearling Geldings - Non Pro (All Colors)

169 Go for the Gold Yearling Mares - Open (All Colors)

170 Go for the Gold Yearling Mares - Non Pro (All Colors)

171 Cash Challenge Yearling Halter, all sexes

172 Go for the Gold Two YO Snaffle Bit - Open (All Colors)

173 Go for the Gold Three YO Ranch Rail - Open (All Colors)

after last class - AM/OP Halter/Longe Line practice for one hour

EXPLORER ARENA, 9 AM - ALL EVENING Youth and GFTG Yearling Ranch Trail practice

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3

FORD TRUCK ARENA, 7:30 AM

174 Cash for Color NP Western Pleasure, 6 & over (NSBA Color)

175 Cash Challenge West Pleasure, Snaffle Bit, 2 yo, Horse

176 Cash for Color Non Pro Western Pleasure, 3 yo (NSBA Color)

177 Cash for Color Non Pro Longe Line - Western (NSBA Color)

178 Cash Challenge Western Pleasure Snaf Bit, 3 & 4 yo Horse

179 PtHA - OP Halter Stall/Geld, ST/HN, Weanlings, Solid

180 PtHA - OP Halter Stall/Geld, ST/HN, Yearlings, Solid

181 PtHA - OP Halter Stall/Geld, ST/HN, 2 & 3 yo, Solid

182 PtHA - OP Halter Stall/Geld, ST/HN, 4 & older, Solid

183 PtHA - OP Performance Halter Stall/Geldings, ST/ HN, Solid

184 PtHA - OP Grand & Reserve Stallions/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

185 PtHA - AM Halter Mares, ST/HN, 2 & under

186 PtHA - AM Halter Mares, ST/HN, 3 & over

187 PtHA - AM Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN

188 PtHA - AM Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type (NSBA)

189 PtHA - AM Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 2 & under

190 PtHA - AM Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 3 & over

191 PtHA - AM Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 2 & under

192 PtHA - AM Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 3 & over

193 PtHA - AM Performance Halter Stallion/Geldings, ST/HN

194 PtHA - AM Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type (NSBA) after last class - Halter/Longe Line practice for one hour

MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM

195 All Breed - YA W/T Ranch Riding

196 All Breed - YA Ranch Riding 218 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Trail

197 Cash for Color Non Pro 5 & U Ranch Riding

198 PtHA - YA W/T 11 - 18 - Ranch Riding 220 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Trail

199 PtHA - YA Ranch Riding (NSBA)

200 PtHA - YA W/T 11 - 18 - Ranch Riding, Solid

201 PtHA - YA Ranch Riding, Solid (NSBA)

202 PtHA - OP Ranch Riding (NSBA)

203 PtHA - OP Ranch Riding, Solid (NSBA)

204 PtHA - AM Ranch Riding, (NSBA) 226 PtHAOP Green Trail

205 All Breed - AM W/T Ranch Riding

206 PtHA - AM W/T- Ranch Riding 228 PtHA - AM Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

207 PtHA - AM W/T- Ranch Riding, Solid

208 PtHA - AM Jr Ranch Riding, Solid (NSBA)

208a PtHA - AM Sr/El Ranch Riding, Solid (NSBA)

209 All Breed - OP Ranch Riding and Sweepstakes

210 All Breed - AM Ranch Riding and Sweepstakes

211 All Breed - YA W/T Ranch Rail Pleasure

212 All Breed - YA Ranch Rail Pleasure

213 PtHA - YA W/T 10 & u - Ranch Rail Pleasure

214 PtHA - YA W/T 10 & u - Ranch Rail Pleasure, Solid

215 PtHA - YA W/T 11 - 18 - Ranch Rail Pleasure

216 PtHA - YA W/T 11 - 18 - Ranch Rail Pleasure, Solid after last class - Ranch Reining practice for one hour

RANGER ARENA, 7:30 AM

217 Go for the Gold Yearling In Hand Trail - Open (All Colors)

218 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Trail

219 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Trail, Solid

220 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Trail

221 PtHA - YA W/T, 11 -18 Trail, Solid

222 PtHA - YA Novice Trail

223 PtHA - YA Jr Trail (NSBA)

224 PtHA - YA Sr Trail (NSBA)

225 PtHA - YA Trail, Solid (NSBA)

226 PtHA - OP Green Trail

227 Go for the Gold Yearling Longe Line - Non Pro (All Colors)

228 PtHA - AM Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

229 PtHA - AM Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

230 PtHA - AM Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type, Solid (NSBA)

231 PtHA - AM Halter Stallion/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

232 PtHA - AM Performance Halter Stallion/Geldings, ST/HN, Solid

233 PtHA - AM Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type, Solid (NSBA)

234 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Weanlings, Solid

235 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Yearlings, Solid

236 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, 2 & 3 yr old, Solid

237 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, 4 & older, Solid

238 PtHA - OP Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN, Solid

239 PtHA - OP Grand & Reserve Mares, ST/HN, Solid

EXPLORER BARN, 9AM - ALL EVENING

Open & Amateur Trail practice

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

FORD TRUCK ARENA

240 PtHA - AM Tobiano Color, ST/HN

241 PtHA - AM Overo Color, ST/HN

242 PtHA - OP Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type, Solid (NSBA)

243 PtHA - OP Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type, Solid (NSBA)

244 PtHA - OP Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type (NSBA)

245 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Weanlings

246 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, Yearlings

247 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, 2 yr old

248 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, 3 yr old

249 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, 4 yr old

250 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, ST/HN, 5 & older

251 PtHA - OP Performance Halter Mares, ST/HN

252 PtHA - OP Grand & Reserve ST/HN Mares

253 PtHA - OP Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type (NSBA)

254 PtHA - OP Halter Geldings, ST/HN, Weanlings

255 PtHA - OP Halter Geldings, ST/HN, Yearlings

256 PtHA - OP Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 2 yr old

257 PtHA - OP Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 3 yr old

258 PtHA - OP Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 4 yr old

259 PtHA - OP Halter Geldings, ST/HN, 5 & older

260 PtHA - OP Performance Halter Geldings, ST/HN

261 PtHA - OP Grand & Reserve ST/HN Gelding

262 Cash for Color Non Pro Longe Line - Hunter (NSBA Color)

263 PtHA - OP Halter Stallions, ST/HN, Weanling

264 PtHA - OP Halter Stallions, ST/HN, Yearling

265 PtHA - OP Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 2 yr old

266 PtHA - OP Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 3 yr old

267 PtHA - OP Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 4 yr old

268 PtHA - OP Halter Stallions, ST/HN, 5 & older

269 PtHA - OP Performance Halter Stallions, ST/HN

270 PtHA - OP Grand & Reserve ST/HN Stallion

271 Cash for Color Open Longe Line - Hunter (NSBA Color)

272 PtHA - OP Western Riding (NSBA)

273 PtHA - OP Western Riding, Solid (NSBA)

MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM

274 All Breed - OP Ranch Reining

275 PtHA - OP Ranch Reining 311 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Trail

276 PtHA - OP Ranch Reining, Solid

277 PHBA - OP Ranch Reining 313 PtHA - AM W/T Trail, Solid

278 ABRA - OP Ranch Reining

279 All Breed - YA Ranch Reining

280 PtHA - YA Ranch Reining 316 PtHA - AM Sr Trail (NSBA)

281 PtHA - YA Ranch Reining, Solid

282 PHBA - YA Ranch Reining 318 PtHA - AM Trail, Solid (NSBA)

283 ABRA - YA Ranch Reining

284 All Breed - AM Ranch Reining 320 PtHA - OP Trail, 5 & under (NSBA)

285 PtHA - AM Ranch Reining

286 PtHA - AM Jr Ranch Reining, SolidS

286a PtHA - AM Sr/El Ranch Reining, Solid

287 PHBA - AM Ranch Reining

288 ABRA - AM Ranch Reining

289 PtHA - YA Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

290 PtHA - YA Ranch Rail Pleasure, Solid (NSBA)

291 PHBA - YA Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

292 ABRA - YA Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

293 Cash for Color NP Ranch Rail, 5 & under (NSBA Color)

294 Cash for Color Open Ranch Rail, 3 yr olds (NSBA Color)

295 PtHA - AM W/T - Ranch Rail Pleasure

296 PtHA - AM Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

297 PtHA - AM W/T - Ranch Rail Pleasure, Solid

298 PtHA - AM Jr Ranch Rail Pleasure, Solid (NSBA)

298a PtHA - AM Sr/El Ranch Rail Pleasure, Solid (NSBA)

299 PHBA - AM Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

300 ABRA - AM Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

301 Cash for Color Non Pro Ranch Rail, 3 yo (NSBA Color)

302 PtHA - OP Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

303 PtHA - OP Ranch Rail Pleasure, Solid (NSBA)

304 PHBA - OP Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

305 ABRA - OP Ranch Rail Pleasure (NSBA)

306 Cash for Color Non Pro Ranch Rail, 6 & o (NSBA Color)

307 All Breed - OP Ranch Rail Pleasure and Sweepstakes

308 All Breed - AM W/T Ranch Rail Pleasure

309 All Breed - AM Ranch Rail Pleasure and Sweepstakes

RANGER ARENA, 7:30 AM

310 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Trail

311 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Trail

312 PtHA - AM El W/T Trail

313 PtHA - AM W/T Trail, Solid

314 PtHA - AM Novice Trail

315 PtHA - AM Jr Trai (NSBA)

316 PtHA - AM Sr Trail (NSBA)

317 PtHA - AM Elite Trail (NSBA)

318 PtHA - AM Trail, Solid (NSBA)

319 PtHA - OP Green Trail, Solid

320 PtHA - OP Trail, 5 & under (NSBA)

321 PtHA - OP Trail In-Hand, Miniature

322 PtHA - OP Trail In-Hand, B Mini

323 PtHA - OP Trail In-Hand, Solid Miniature/B Mini

324 Cash Challenge Mini/B Mini Trail In-Hand

325 PtHA - AM Trail In-Hand, Miniature/B Miniature/Pony

326 PtHA - YA Trail In-Hand, Miniature/B Miniature/ Pony

Obstacle Driving practice after last class - 1 hour

EXPLORER ARENA, 9 AM - ALL EVENING

Yearling In Hand, PHBA, ABRA Trail practice

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

FORD TRUCK ARENA, 7:30 AM

327 Cash Challenge Yearling Longe Line, Stock Type Horse

328 PtHA - OP Tobiano Color, Horse

329 PtHA - OP Overo Color, Horse

330 Cash Challenge Yearling Longe Line, Hunter Type Horse

331 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Hunt Seat Equitation

332 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Hunt Seat Equitation

333 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Hunt Seat Equitation, Solid

334 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Hunt Seat Equitation, Solid

335 Cash for Color Open Hunter U Saddle, 2 yo (NSBA Color)

336 PtHA - AM Novice Hunter Under Saddle

337 PtHA - YA Jr Bareback Hunt Seat Equitation

338 PtHA - YA Sr Bareback Hunt Seat Equitation

339 PtHA - YA Hunt Seat Equitation, Solid

340 PtHA - YA Jr Hunt Seat Equitation

341 PtHA - YA Sr Hunt Seat Equitation

342 PtHA - YA Novice Hunt Seat Equitation

343 Cash for Color Open Hunter U Saddle, 3 yo (NSBA Color)

MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM

344 PtHA - YA Ranch Horsemanship

345 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Ranch Horsemanship

346 PtHA - YA Ranch Horsemanship, Solid

347 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Ranch Horsemanship, Solid

348 PtHA - AM Ranch Horsemanship

349 PtHA - AM W/T Ranch Horsemanship

350 PtHA - AM Jr Ranch Horsemanship, Solid 3

350a PtHA - Sr/El AM Ranch Horsemanship, Solid

351 PtHA - AM W/T Ranch Horsemanship, Solid

352 PtHA - YA Ranch Showmanship

353 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Ranch Showmanship

354 PtHA - YA Ranch Showmanship, Solid

355 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Ranch Showmanship, Solid

356 PtHA - AM Ranch Showmanship

357 PtHA - AM W/T Ranch Showmanship

358 PtHA - AM Jr Ranch Showmanship, Solid

358a PtHA - AM Sr/El Ranch Showmanship, Solid

359 PtHA - AM W/T Ranch Showmanship, Solid

360 All Breed - YA Ranch Conformation

361 PHBA - YA Ranch Conformation

362 ABRA - YA Ranch Conformation, 18 & u

363 PtHA - YA Ranch Conformation

364 PtHA - YA Ranch Conformation, Solid

365 All Breed - AM Ranch Conformation

366 PHBA - AM Ranch Conformation

367 ABRA - AM Ranch Conformation

368 PtHA - AM Ranch Conformation

369 PtHA - AM Jr Ranch Conformation, Solid After

369a PtHA - AM Sr/El Ranch Conformation, Solid

370 All Breed - OP Ranch Conformation

371 PHBA - OP Ranch Conformation

372 ABRA - OP Ranch Conformation

373 PtHA - OP Ranch Conformation

374 PtHA - OP Ranch Conformation, Solid

After last class - Ranch High Points

Mini/ B Mini/Pony Halter practice for 1 hour after High Points

RANGER ARENA, 7:30 AM

375 ABRA - YA W/T Trail, 18 & u

376 PHBA - AM W/T Trail

377 ABRA - AM W/T Trail

378 PHBA - YA Trail (NSBA)

379 ABRA - YA Trail, 18 & under (NSBA)

380 ABRA - OP Trail (NSBA)

381 PHBA - OP Trail (NSBA)

382 PHBA - AM Trail (NSBA)

383 ABRA - AM Trail (NSBA)

384 PtHA - OP Trail, Solid (NSBA)

385 PtHA - OP Trail, 6 & older (NSBA)

386 Cash Challenge Trail, all ages, all divisions

387 PtHA - OP Yearling In Hand Trail, Solid

388 PtHA - OP Yearling In Hand Trail

389 PtHA - AM Yearling In Hand Trail, Solid

390 PtHA - AM Yearling In Hand Trail

391 Cash for Color Non Pro Yearling In Hand Trail (NSBA Color)

392 PtHA - OP Obstacle Driving, Miniature

393 PtHA - OP Obstacle Driving, B Mini

394 PtHA - OP Obstacle Driving, Solid Miniature/B Mini

395 PtHA - YA Obstacle Driving, Miniature/B Miniature/Pony

396 PtHA - AM Obstacle Driving, Miniature/B Miniature/Pony

397 PtHA - OP Country Pleasure Driving, Miniature

398 PtHA - OP Country Pleasure Driving, B Miniature

399 PtHA - OP Classic Pleasure Driving, Miniature

400 PtHA - OP Classic Pleasure Driving, B Miniature

After last class - PHBA, ABRA Halter & Longe Line practice for 1 hour

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6

FORD TRUCK ARENA

401 PtHA - YA Jr English Showmanship

402 PtHA - YA Sr English Showmanship

403 PtHA - YA English Showmanship, Solid 4

404 PtHA - YA Jr Disciplined Rail English

405 PtHA - YA Sr Disciplined Rail English

406 PtHA - YA Disciplined Rail English, Solid

407 Cash for Color NP Hunter Under Saddle, 3 yo (NSBA Color)

408 PtHA - AM Disciplined Rail English, Solid

409 PtHA - OP Disciplined Rail English, Solid

410 PtHA - AM W/T Hunter Under Saddle, Solid

411 Cash for Color NP All Age Hunter U Saddle,W/T (NSBA Color)

412 PtHA - YA Novice Hunter Under Saddle

413 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Hunter Under Saddle Solid

414 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Hunter Under Saddle, Solid

415 PtHA - YA W/T, 10 & u Hunter Under Saddle

416 PtHA - YA W/T, 11-18 Hunter Under Saddle

417 PtHA - OP Hunter Under Saddle, 3 yo and NSBA Futurity

418 PtHA - YA Jr Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

419 PtHA - YA Sr Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

420 PtHA - YA Hunter Under Saddle, Solid (NSBA)

421 PtHA - YA Jr Ideal Pinto English

422 PtHA - YA Sr Ideal Pinto English

423 PtHA - YA Ideal Pinto English, Solid After last class - PtHA Youth High Points

MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM

424 PtHA - OP Halter Stallions/Gelding, B Miniature, all age

425 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, B Miniature, all age

426 PtHA - OP B Miniature, Grand & Reserve

427 PtHA - OP Halter Stallions/Gelding, Miniature, all age

428 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, Miniature, all age

429 PtHA - OP Miniature, Grand & Reserve

430 PtHA - AM Halter, Miniature/B Miniature, all ages

431 PtHA - YA Halter Mares/Geldings, Mini/B Mini, all ages

432 PtHA - OP Halter Stall/Geld, Mini/B Mini, all age, Solid

433 PtHA - OP Halter Mares, Mini/B Mini, all age, Solid

434 PtHA - OP Miniature/B Miniature, Solid, Grand & Reserve

435 PtHA - AM Pony Halter

436 PtHA - YA Halter Mares and Geldings, Pony

437 PtHA - AM Color, Miniature/B Mini/Pony

438 PtHA - YA Color, Miniature/B Mini/Pony

439 PtHA - OP Color, Miniature

440 PtHA - OP Color, B Mini

441 Cash Challenge Mini Halter, all ages, all sexes

442 Cash Challenge B Mini Halter, all ages, all sexes

443 PtHA - AM W/T English Showmanship, Solid

444 PtHA - AM Jr English Showmanship

445 PtHA - AM Sr English Showmanship

446 PtHA - AM Elite - English Showmanship

447 PtHA - AM English Showmanship, Solid

448 PtHA - AM Jr W/T English Showmanship

449 PtHA - AM Sr W/T English Showmanship

450 PtHA - AM El W/T English Showmanship

451 PtHA - OP Hunter Under Saddle, 6 & o, ST/HN (NSBA)

452

PtHA - OP Hunter Under Saddle, 5 & u, ST/HN (NSBA)

453 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Ideal Pinto English

454 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Ideal Pinto English

455 PtHA - AM El W/T Ideal Pinto English

After last class - Mini/B Min/Pony over fences practice for 1 hour

RANGER ARENA, 7:30 AM

456 PHBA - OP Halter Mares, 2 & u

457 PHBA - OP Halter Mares, 3 & o

458 PHBA - OP Halter Performance Mares

459 PHBA - OP Grand & Reserve Mares

460 PHBA - AM Halter Mares

461 PHBA - AM Performance Halter Mares

462 PHBA - AM Grand & Reserve Mares

463 PHBA - YA Halter Mares, All ages

464 PHBA - YA Halter Performance Mares

465 PHBA - YA Halter Mares Grand & Reserve

466 ABRA - OP Halter Mares, 2 & under

467 ABRA - OP Halter Mares, 3 & over

468 ABRA - OP Halter Performance Mares

469 ABRA - Grand & Reserve Mares

470 ABRA - AM Halter Mares

471 ABRA - AM Halter Performance Mares

472 ABRA - AM Halter Grand & Resseve Mares

473 ABRA - YA Halter Mares

474 ABRA - BB OP Halter All Age Mares

475 PHBA - OP Halter Geldings, 2 & u

476 PHBA - OP Halter Geldings, 3 & o

477 PHBA - OP Halter Performance Geldings

478 PHBA - OP Grand & Reserve Geldings

479 PHBA - AM Halter Geldings

480 PHBA - AM Performance Halter Geldings

481 PHBA - AM Grand & Reserve Geldings

482 PHBA - YA Halter Geldings, All ages

483 PHBA - YA Halter Performance Geldings

484 PHBA - YA Geldings Grand & Reserve

485 ABRA - OP Halter Gelding, 2 & under

486 ABRA - OP Halter Gelding, 3 & over

487 ABRA - OP Halter Performance Gelding

488 ABRA - Grand & Reserve Gelding

489 ABRA - AM Halter Geldings

490 ABRA - AM Halter Performance Geldings

491 ABRA - AM Halter Grand & Reserve Geldings

492 ABRA - YA Halter Geldings

493 ABRA - BB OP Halter All Age Gelding

494 PHBA - OP Halter Stallions, 2 & u

495 PHBA - OP Halter Stallions, 3 & o

496 PHBA - OP Halter Performance Stallions

497 PHBA - OP Grand & Reserve Stallions

498 PHBA - AM Halter Stallions

499 PHBA - AM Halter Performance Stallions

500 PHBA - AM Grand & Reserve Stallions

501 ABRA - OP Halter Stallion, 2 & under

502 ABRA - OP Halter Stallion, 3 & over

503 ABRA - OP Halter Performance Stallion

504 ABRA - Grand & Reserve Stallion

505 ABRA - AM Halter Stallions

506 ABRA - AM Halter Performance Stallions

507 ABRA - AM Halter Grand & Reserve Stallions

508 ABRA - BB OP Halter All Age Stallions

509 PHBA - OP Color - all ages

510 ABRA - OP Dun Factor

511 PHBA - YA Color

512 PHBA - AM Color

513 PHBA - OP Yearling Longe Line (NSBA)

514 ABRA - OP Yearling Longe Line (NSBA)

515 PHBA - AM Yearling Longe Line (NSBA)

516 ABRA - AM Yearling Longe Line (NSBA)

517 PtHA - AM W/T Western Showmanship, Mini/B Mini/Pony

518 PtHA - AM Western Showmanship, Mini/ B Mini/Pony

519 PtHA - YA W/T 10 & u West Showmanship, Mini/B Mini/Pony

520 PtHA - YA W/T 11-18 yo West Showmanship, Mini/B Mini/Pony

521 PtHA - YA Western Showmanship, Mini/ B Mini/Pony

522 PtHA - OP Pleasure Driving, Miniature

523 PtHA - OP Pleasure Driving, B Mini

524 PtHA - OP Pleasure Driving, Solid Miniature /B Mini

525 Cash Challenge Mini/B Mini Pleasure Driving

526 PtHA - AM Pleasure Driving, Miniature/ B Miniature/Pony

527 PtHA - YA Pleasure Driving, Miniature/ B Miniature/Pony

528 PtHA - YA Reinsmanship Driving Equit, Mini/ B Mini/Pony

529 PtHA - AM Reinsmanship Driving Equit, Mini/ B Mini/Pony

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7

FORD TRUCK ARENA

530 PtHA - AM Bareback Hunt Seat Equitation, Solid 531 Cash Challenge Hunter Under Saddle Snaffle Bit, 2 yo, Horse

532 PtHA - OP Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN, Solid (NSBA)

533 PtHA - AM Hunter Under Saddle, Solid (NSBA)

534 PtHA - AM W/T Hunt Seat Equitation, Solid

535 PtHA - AM Hunt Seat Equitation, Solid

536 PtHA - OP Green Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN

537 PtHA - OP Green Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN, Solid

538 Cash Challenge Hunter Under Saddle, all ages, all divisions

539 PtHA - AM Jr Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN (NSBA)

540 PtHA - AM Sr Hunter Under Saddle , ST/HN (NSBA)

541 PtHA - AM Elite Hunter Under Saddle, ST/HN (NSBA)

542 PtHA - OP Hunter U Saddle 2 yo Snf Bit, ST/HN Solid, (NSBA)

543 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Disciplined Rail English

544 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Disciplined Rail English

545 PtHA - AM El W/T Disciplined Rail English

546 PtHA - OP Ideal English, HN Seat, ST/HN, Solid

547 PtHA - AM Ideal Pinto English, Solid

After last class - High Points -PtHA AM W/T, AM W/T Solid, AM Novice, AM Solid, Mini, B Mini, Solid Mini/B Mini, AM Mini/B Mini/Pony, YA Mini/B Mini/Pony

MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM

548 PtHA - OP Hunter Over Fences In-Hand, Miniature

549 PtHA - AM Hunter Over Fences In-Hand, Mini/B Mini/Pony

550 PtHA - YA Hunter Over Fences In-Hand, Mini/B Mini/Pony

551 PtHA - OP Hunter Over Fences In-Hand, B Mini

552 PtHA - OP Hunter Over Fences In-Hand, Solid

553 PtHA - OP Jumping In-Hand, Miniature

554 PtHA - OP Jumping In-Hand, B Mini

555 PtHA - OP Jumping In-Hand, Solid Miniature/B Mini

556 PtHA - AM Jumping In-Hand, Miniature/B Mini/ Pony

557 PtHA - YA Jumping In-Hand, Miniature/B Mini/ Pony

558 PtHA - AM Bareback Hunt Seat Equitation

559 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Hunter Under Saddle

560 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Hunter Under Saddle

561 PtHA - AM El W/T Hunter Under Saddle

562 PtHA - OP Hunter U Saddle, 2 yo Snaf Bit, ST/ HN, (NSBA)

563 PtHA - AM Novice Hunt Seat Equitation

564 PtHA - AM Jr W/T Hunt Seat Equitation

565 PtHA - AM Sr W/T Hunt Seat Equitation 589 ABRA - AM W/T Western Horsemanship

566 PtHA - AM El W/T Hunt Seat Equitation

567 Cash for Color NP Hunter U Saddle, 6 & o (NSBA Color)

568 Cash for Color NP Hunter U Saddle, 5 & u(NSBA Color)

569 PtHA - AM Jr Hunt Seat Equitation

570 PtHA - AM Sr Hunt Seat Equitation

571 PtHA - AM Elite Hunt Seat Equitation

RANGER ARENA, 7:30 AM

572 PHBA - OP Hunter In Hand

573 ABRA - OP Hunter In Hand

574 PHBA - YA Hunter In Hand

575 PHBA - AM Hunter In Hand

576 PHBA - YA Showmanship

577 PHBA - AM W/T Showmanship

578 ABRA - AM W/T Showmanship

579 PHBA - AM Showmanship

580 ABRA - YA Western Showmanship 18 & u

581 ABRA - YA W/T Western Showmanship 18 & u

582 ABRA - AM Western Showmanship

583 PHBA - YA Western Horsemanship

584 PHBA - AM W/T Western Horsemanship

585 PHBA - AM Western Horsemanship

586 ABRA - YA Western Horsemanship 18 & u

587 ABRA - YA W/T Western Horsemanship 18 & u

588 ABRA - AM Western Horsemanship

589 ABRA - AM W/T Western Horsemanship

590 PHBA - OP 2 Yr Old Snaffle Bit Western Pleasure (NSBA)

591 PHBA - OP Western Pleasure (NSBA)

592 ABRA - OP Western Pleasure (NSBA)

593 ABRA - BB OP Western Pleasure

594 PHBA - YA Western Pleasure (NSBA)

595 PHBA - AM W/T Western Pleasure

596 PHBA - AM Western Pleasure (NSBA)

597 PHBA - YA Leadline

598 ABRA - YA Western Pleasure 18 & under (NSBA)

599 ABRA - YA W/T Western Pleasure 18 & under

600 ABRA - AM Western Pleasure (NSBA)

601 ABRA - AM W/T Western Pleasure

602 PtHA - OP Disciplined Rail Driving, Miniature

603 PtHA - OP Disciplined Rail Driving, B Mini

604 PtHA - OP Disciplined Rail Driving, Solid Miniature/B Mini

605 PtHA - YA Disciplined Rail Driving, Mini/ B Mini/Pony

606 PtHA - AM Disciplined Rail Driving, Mini/ B Mini/Pony

607 PtHA - OP Ideal Pinto Driving, Miniature

608 PtHA - OP Ideal Pinto Driving, B Mini

609 PtHA - OP Ideal Pinto Driving, Solid Miniature/ B Mini

610 PtHA - YA Ideal Pinto Driving, Miniature/B Miniature/Pony

611 PtHA - AM Ideal Pinto Driving, Miniature/B Miniature/Pony

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8

FORD TRUCK ARENA

612 PtHA - OP Disciplined Rail English, ST/HN

613 PtHA - AM Jr Disciplined Rail English

614 PtHA - AM Sr Disciplined Rail English

615 PtHA - AM Elite Disciplined Rail English

616 Cash Challenge Hunter Under Saddle Snf Bit, 3&4 yo, Horse

617 PtHA - OP Ideal English, ST/HN

618 PtHA - AM Jr Ideal Pinto English

619 PtHA - AM Sr Ideal Pinto English

620 PtHA - AM Elite Ideal Pinto English

After last class - PtHA OP/AM High Points

MUSTANG ARENA, 7:30 AM

621 PHBA - AM W/T Hunt Seat Equitation

622 PHBA - AM Hunt Seat Equitation

623 ABRA - AM Hunt Seat Equitation

624 ABRA - AM W/T Hunt Seat Equitation

625 PHBA - YA Hunt Seat Equitation

626 ABRA - YA Hunt Seat Eq 18 & under

627 ABRA - YA W/T Hunt Seat Eq 18 & under

628 PHBA - OP Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

629 ABRA - OP Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

630 ABRA - BB OP Hunter Under Saddle

631 PHBA - AM W/T Hunter Under Saddle

632 PHBA - AM Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

633 ABRA - AM W/T Hunter Under Saddle

634 ABRA - AM Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

635 PHBA - YA Hunter Under Saddle (NSBA)

636 ABRA - YA Hunter Under Saddle 18 & u (NSBA)

637 ABRA - YA W/T Hunter Under Saddle 18 & u After last class - PHBA/ABRA High Points

LEGEND

ST: Stock Type

HN: Hunter Type

PL: Pleasure Type

OP: Open

AM: Amateur

YA: Youth

W/T: Walk/Trot

PtHA: Pinto Horse Association

PtHA: Mule/Donkey Long Ear Registry

PHBA: Palomino Horse Breeders Assoc.

ABRA: American Buckskin Registry Assoc.

NSBA: National Snaffle Bit Assoc.

AVOID THESE COSTLY MISTAKES WHEN DESIGNING A HORSE BARN

BY MAGGIE STONECIPHER

Ihaveseveral friends currently designing their barns. And I have designed and built two of my own. A horse barn should focus on safety and health for horses while providing an efficient workspace for daily management. Every decision made in the design stage will impact the daily routine of both horses and humans. Here are some of the top mistakes to avoid when planning your custom horse barn.

IGNORING SITE CONDITIONS

Poor barn placement can lead to drainage issues, foundation damage, and an unhealthy environment. Always assess wind patterns, soil, and sun exposure. Our current farm had some drainage challenges when we were designing our layout. But we took our time and had an excellent dirt contractor that could ‘read’ dirt. We just came through 8+” of rain in 36 hours and I marveled today how well our property drains!

PRIORITIZING LOOKS OVER FUNCTION

Aesthetics should support, not compromise, a barn’s workflow, safety, and comfort. We all want our barns to look good but think through your regular daily routines and how things flow. This includes grain, hay, watering, stall cleaning, shavings, and the direction in which doors open.

SKIMPING ON VENTILATION

Horses typically generate 2–3 gallons of urine per day, and with that comes a large quantity of ammonia. Without proper air flow, barns can become hazardous to respiratory health. I visit many barns and can immediately tell if they’re properly ventilated.

UNDERESTIMATING STALL SIZE & LAYOUT

Cramped stalls and narrow aisles create stress and risk injury for both horses and handlers. I know size adds cost but it makes a huge difference. Not only for your horses but also for resale down the road. I had a stunning property listed but the stalls were 10x10. Worked fined for what the sellers did but it limited the buyer pool to folks with smaller horses.

NEGLECTING STORAGE NEEDS

Hay, tack, and tools require dry, organized, and secure storage. Plan what you think

you need and add half again! You will be thankful later.

CHOOSING THE WRONG MATERIALS

Invest in durable, cleanable surfaces that withstand hooves, moisture, and the effects of time. You truly get what you pay for in terms of materials.

POOR LIGHTING

Dimly lit barns create shadowy areas that can spook horses, while brightly lit barns can cause stress and disrupt natural circadian rhythms. Incorporating natural lighting and adjustable, energy-efficient LED bulbs will enhance visual comfort.

LACKLUSTER DRAINAGE

Drainage flaws lead to mud, mold, and discomfort inside your barn. Be sure to add slipresistant surfaces, especially in wash stalls.

SKIPPING FUTURE PLANNING

Allow room for expansion. Building intelligently now prevents expensive frustrations later not only for you but for future buyers.

Lastly, avoid working without experts. You may save costs in the short run but set up big expenses in the future.

9969 D Highway, Napoleon MO 64074

30 Minutes to Downtown Kansas City 22 Minutes to Arrowhead

On Blacktop - Peaceful Country Living 8 Stalls with Indoor & Outdoor Arenas Auto-Waterers in Pastures

2 Parcels Available 27+/- Acres Offered at $1,050,000 or 22+/- Acres Offered at $980,000

Stunning 27+/- acre property (2 parcels) with a 4200+ sq ft updated home and fantastic horse facilities located on blacktopp less than 30 minutes to downtown KC. This 5 bedroom home greets you with the huge front porch overlooking the white vinyl fenced pastures perfect for enjoying the morning sunrise. Enter the home with your traditional dining and living room before entering into the incredible 2020 addition with the two story great room and updated kitchen. Huge windows provide natural light with the stunning stone fireplace. The open kitchen makes this where family with gather for years to come. Huge main floor primary master suite is private and comfortable! Upstairs offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a loft overlooking the great room. Off the main floor mud room & laundry room is staircase to a bonus room over the 2 car garage. And if you need more space, head downstairs for the perfect family/game room with new carpet, a full bathroom and an exercise room. Wow! There is also an great 2 car outbuilding perfect for all your equipment and toys. Walk out to your beautiful barn with 8 stalls, grain room and lovely tack room. The wide open aisle leads to the indoor arena big enough for riding on those rainy or chilly days.The propery is fenced and cross-fenced with a huge hay field providing the current owners with all their hay needs. And if you wanted more, there is also a lovely pond and fruit trees.