Horse around new mexico 2016 7junejulypdf

NEW MEXICO HORSES

RIDES

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New Mexico JUNE/JULY 2016

LOST!!

&FOUND!!

HOW TO GET!

18

Trail Rides

From Cake Walks to Mind Blowers

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BACK YOUR HORSE TRAILER LIKE A PRO CROSS TRAIN FOR A FITTER, HAPPIER MOUNT SNEAK PEAK INTO JULY'S TRAINERS' CHALLENGE TO SHOE OR NOT TO SHOE? AN EXPERT'S TAKE

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FREE! EXPANDED ISSUE / PACKED WITH NM TRAIL INFO / KEEP ALL YEAR

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TRAIL RIDING ISSUE -NEW MEXICO TRAILS, SURVIVAL STRATEGIES, HOOF CARE

20 FEATURES

13

11 Trailer Like a Pro

Learn tips to make trailer backing a breeze

13 Ride the Trail Fantastic

From a very Lonesome Ridge, to Sunday rides

17 Enter the Gila

25-miler into the Middle Fork of the Gila, sleet & hot springs

20 Lost!

How to prevent it, survive it, and live to tell the story

23 Dressage for the Trail Rider

And trail for the dressage rider -- learn the benefits

27 Get Happy Feet

Learn the mechanics of the hoof, then choose shoes/boots

30 9 Horses, 9 Trainers, 100 Days

Follow horses as they get ready for the Trainers' Challenge

32 Bits Demystified

Understand English bits to choose wisely for your horse

PLUS

23

35 Events

37 Horse Vacation/Travel Directory 38 Horse Services Directory Horse Around New Mexico is printed six times per year: Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, & Dec/ Jan Submissions of articles from all around NM are welcome! See our website or email/call for submission standards/deadlines: www.horsearoundnm.com, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, 505-570-7377.

Horse Around New MexicoŠ2016. All rights reserved. Horse Around New Mexico and Horsearoundnm.com are copyrighted, trademarked, and the sole property of Cecilia Kayano. Individual content copyright belongs to the author. All the opinions expressed herein are the sole opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect bias or belief on the part of the editor, publisher, distributors, printer, advertisers, or other contributors.

I could have used Matt Coulombe’s article (page 20) when I got lost in the Manzano Mountains last year. I wanted to find an historic ranch site near the crest. It was a pleasant day with no storm in the forecast.

I remember saddling Lance at the Fourth of July Canyon parking area. Because I was riding alone, I packed some extra food and water and my emergency kit. It contains overnight items like fire starters, a rain poncho, and a space blanket.

I rode up Cerro Blanco Canyon, looking left and right for the ranch ruins. When I topped off at the crest, I looked behind me and made a mental note of what the intersection looked like – the trail I had traveled was narrow, and marked by a small cairn. The crest was wide, without a distinct trail. I would have to pay attention to easily find the way down.

For another hour, I rode what I thought was the crest, still looking for ruins. I must have passed it. Then I noticed the view in front of me: the Rio Grande valley. The crest must have widened and branched to the west. Time to turn around.

Then I saw the dark storm clouds and felt the wind pick up. Within minutes the crest was socked in, the wind blowing sideways. The temperature quickly dropped, and the rain began. It was the worst kind – rain just above freezing. Not too cold to be snow – still rain, still able to soak through just about anything.

I put on my slicker, then topped it with my emergency poncho. The storm will surely pass. I holed up under a pine tree, which offered barely any protection from the sideways slush-rain. Lance stood still, but let out a few groans.

It was getting dark, and the storm was there to stay. I knew I had to make an attempt to find the trail down, or I would be spending the night on the crest. Everything was still cloud and fog covered, so I took out my compass to get my bearings. I’m headed north! I thought I was headed south! I had been looking on my left for the trail, when I should have been looking on my right!

Every cell in my body wanted to go one way, but I had to trust the compass, turn around and head true south. My plan was to go step by step, looking left through the fog and rain for the small cairn.

Lance and I proceeded that way – step, step, step. The cloud cover was so low, I couldn’t see the edges of the crest, couldn’t see a cairn.

Then, between two steps, I felt Lance’s shoulder move slightly to the left. What is it? We traveled a few yards in that direction, and there it appeared in the misty rain – the cairn!

The entire way down, I rode in disbelief. I had been mentally prepared to spend the night on the crest. I knew it would be uncomfortable. I knew I would have to build a fire to attempt to stay warm. I knew I could get added protection from my space blanket. I knew my friend Peggy would call 911. And I figured, sometime around 3 AM, I would see the headlamps of Search and Rescue.

So just in case you someday find yourself stuck in a storm on a crest, be sure to be prepared by reading Matt's article. It could make the difference in getting from lost to found.

ano Cecilia Kay Photo illustration. (I did not feel like photographing at the time.)

New Mexico Editor/Publisher CECILIA KAYANO Associate Editor PEGGY CONGER Media/Events Manager SUSIE SPICER Contributing Writers EVALYN BEMIS & Photographers STACIE G. BOSWELL MATT COULOMBE MELISSA DEAVER-RIVERA THOMAS GARCIA ANNA LARSON MOREY LIEBLING TIM MARTINEZ STAN SULLIVAN MARY JO WALLEN MIKE WEST ANNETTE WOOD Staff Writers & VIKKI CHAVEZ Photographers KAREN LEHMANN Graphic Design/Layout MARIE ANTHONY Advertising & Sales Events Listing

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www.horsearoundnm.com Next Issue: RANCH & RODEO Well-written, informative, inspirational articles are welcome.

Submissions will be considered and are subject to editing. The next issue, the Ranch & Rodeo issue, will appear at New Mexico outlets on August 1, 2016. The deadline for submissions is June 20, 2016. The deadline for ads is July 5, 2016. For information contact Cecilia Kayano, HANM Editor, 505-570-7377, HorseNewMexico@ gmail.com, www.horsearoundnm.com

Need more trail riding details, horsey events, and equine inspiration? Check out our expanded Facebook page. Make sure to like us!

ON THE COVER:

Joel Keeter leads his Tennessee Walker, Slash, to the West Fork of the Gila River in the Gila Wilderness.

Photo by Cecilia Kayano.

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10 HORSE AROUND | June/July 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com

Back Your Horse Trailer Like a Pro

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By Morey Liebling

Backing a horse trailer can be the most intimidating skill of horsemanship, scarier than jumping a log, more confusing than cues for a spin, more frustrating than managing your horse/lunge line/whip at the same time. But don’t hesitate to learn.

Just like other areas of horsemanship, backing a trailer is a skill to be learned.

The best time to do it is when you are not stressed, there are no horses in the trailer, and there is no place to be in 15 minutes.

Here are some tips: • First and foremost, leave your significant other at home! It will then be a more relaxing experience. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone out with new trailer buyers, and the arguments start before we’re even out the gate. The person in the back seat (the significant other), becomes the director/dictator.

When we ask that person to stay behind, it becomes a smoother, less stressful experience.

• Start backing with the truck and trailer in a straight line. You’ve got fairly clear vision on both sides and the backing will start off more successfully.

• If you need to back sharply or around a corner, set the rig up so you can start backing towards the driver’s side of your vehicle. For example, if you need to turn around on a narrow road, pull

into a driveway/lane on your right, so you are set up to back and turn the trailer towards the driver’s side. You’ll be able to see more of the action and the ditches, posts, etc.

• Ask someone to watch your blind side. Once you’ve become proficient at backing, however, those people can be more of a hindrance than a help. That’s especially true when a stranger wants to help. You usually have no idea what they’re trying to say with their signals, or they might have no experience with backing, or helping someone to back.

• Get out of the truck to check the blind side, as many times as needed. The more you back up, the fewer times you’ll have to get out and check.

• Learn to use your mirrors. Try not to get in the habit of looking over your shoulder through a window. I know how tempting that is, but in reality when you turn your head back to face forward, you’ve changed the orientation of your view, and will have to readjust your thinking. There’s no benefit to looking over your shoulder. I can’t even remember the last time I looked over my shoulder. I’m not trying to brag, just letting you know that using your mirrors exclusively can become a good habit, and you’ll impress your friends!

• To turn, place your hands together on the bottom of the wheel, then move them in the direction you want to trailer to move. If you move your hands in a clockwise (right) position, the trailer will move to the right.

• Turn the steering wheel minimally.

Start out taking it slowly with minimal wheel motion. The trailer won’t react as quickly as you may think it will.

• Know that the shorter the trailer is, the quicker it will turn. Once you get proficient at backing a shorter trailer, you will be able to confidently back anything, goosenecks included. They come around slowest of all. The longer they are, such as an eight-horse, the easier they are to back. Maybe not so easy to get them into tight places, but nevertheless, easier to get them to move in the direction you want.

• Practice, practice, practice. Large parking lots are a great place to learn to back. Practice backing into parking spaces. Try it from further and further out. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll gain confidence. _________________________________ Morey Liebling is the owner of Sandia Trailer Sales and Service in Edgewood. He invites you to call him and set up an appointment for a trailer backing lesson, 505-281-9860.

www.horsearoundnm.com | June/July 2016 | HORSE AROUND

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Ride the Trail Fantastic

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Lonesome Ridge Trail is in the Guadalupe Mountains in southeast NM. There are views of massive canyons, including Black Canyon.

So many trails, so little time! That's how we feel about horseback riding in the Land of Equestrian Enchantment. Yet even though we know there are endless number of places to trail ride, we can get stuck riding the same old loop, with the same ups, downs, sagebrush and cacti. Try something new! Listed here is just a small sampling of what's out there -- from leisurely riding at Quemado Lake near Gallup, to challenging rocky trails on the Lonesome Ridge near Artesia. Before you go, don't forget to pack your map, strap on your slicker, and count your blessings. No doubt, we live in the greatest trail riding state in the country!

GRANTS/GALLUP Rider: Mary Jo Wallen Mount Taylor Mount Taylor is a fantastic ride in Cibola National Forest. When you enter Grants from the east, take exit 85 off of I-40, go on Route 66 to the middle of town, turn north or right on 1st Street by the Pizza Hut. Follow the signs for Mt. Taylor on NM547. You’ll pass a ranger station on the left hand side when you’re almost out of town. It’s about 15 miles on paved road, then another 3 miles or so on gravel. Turn

right at the Gooseberry Springs sign. It’s a couple more miles to a shelter house on the left and a parking area on the right.

From there, follow the trail all the way to the top. At one point, you can go straight or left, go straight and then when you leave the top, you’ll end up on the trail that is a loop. Most of the terrain is dirt, not many rocks. However, the last half mile or so going up to the top, is “up, up, up.” Horses may have to stop quite often to catch their breath. The ride will take 2-3 hours depending on how often you stop to take

pictures. Views from the summit are just spectacular in any direction. It’s 11,301’ at the very top and as you can imagine, the wind can be pretty brisk up there.

Call Tia at the Sisterless Ranch at 505-2403480 or 505-285-4295 if you want a place to camp with electric, water, and horse corrals. Tia lives halfway up the mountain.

Camping is $20 a night and $10 per horse.

She also offers a few horses for rent or she can take you on guided trail rides if you don’t want to wander off by yourself.

Bluewater Lake If you want to go on some great, open vista rides with views of a large lake, and come back to electricity, warmth, and a shower, try the trails out of the Bluewater Lake RV & Horse Lodge. Take I-40 exit 63 for Prewitt, which is about 15 minutes west of Grants. Cross over the interstate (left or south) and follow the signs to the Bluewater Lake State Park. The RV Park & Horse Lodge is on the right before entering the Park. There are corrals for eight horses.

Prices are $20 a night for electric, water & septic camping site, $10 per horse, $55 a night for a cabin that sleeps 4 people.

From the RV Park, you can ride around the whole lake in about 3 hours. You’ll go down into a canyon below the dam (a little rocky) where water sometimes flows, up through pine trees on dirt, down around the lake on dirt. It gets rocky again on the north side of the lake. There are lots of other trails with fantastic views of the far-off sandstone bluffs and forests. A big black stallion and his herd of mares are almost always seen down by the lake, so please keep your distance, especially if you’re riding a mare.

Quemado Lake Quemado Lake, in the northern part of Gila National Forest, offers lots of good trails. From Albuquerque, take I-40 west to Highway 117 (east of Grants about 8 miles), go south on Highway 36 to Quemado. At the “T” in Quemado, you’ll

The trail system of the Sandia Crest offers world class trail riding. Peggy Conger aboard Joey take in the vista next to the Kiwanis Cabin atop the crest. Photo by Melissa Deaver-Rivera. turn right onto Highway 60. Go through town and then take a left on Highway 32.

Follow the signs to the lake for about 15 minutes and turn left. From here, it’s about another 15 minutes to the lake. Stay on the paved road until it turns into gravel.

The fishing is great, but you can’t camp with your horses close to the lake.

Horse camping is available in the last set of primitive camping areas (just past Quemado Lake). There are fire rings, picnic tables, and rest rooms. However, I prefer to go another half mile and park at a corner on the left, in an area big enough for two or three big horse trailers.

There are many easy trails going out of this area. Cattle often roam here, and it was really neat to see one sniffing noses Jacks Creek Campground gives you access to many trails in the Pecos Wilderness. Some are more relaxing, like this one that takes you across Panchuela Creek and to interesting caves. Others lead you to huge mesas, like Hamilton Mesa, and challenging areas like Trailriders Wall.

with my wolf/husky who just laid there as if nothing was going on. There’s a sign explaining the wolf reintroduction efforts in this area, but we’ve never heard a howling wolf – just coyotes at night. If you drive another mile or so and go left again down a short road, there is space for several horse trailers (before and after a wire gate). Most of the trails have dirt footing, winding up, down and around pastures, ponds, a spring, and grazing cattle.

Rider: Anna Larson Hilso Trails, Cibola National Forest To get there: From I-40, take exit 33 (McGaffey). Go south on NM 400 about seven miles. You will pass the Fort Wingate Boarding school and small community.

There is one gas/convenience station on the road.

Hilso Trailhead will be on the right (west) side of the road. It is well marked and easy to find. There is a small parking area and the usual USFS pit toilets in the parking area. For trailers, your best bet is to cross the second cattle guard on Forest Road 481 heading west. You will need to be careful though, as the road does narrow quite a bit and can be difficult to travel in portions for horse trailers. You can park trailers at camping/parking pull-offs on both sides of the road.

Forest Service Road 481 is 2.3 miles long between two junctions with the Burma Road Trail. We picked up the trail at the far west end of the road, and rode 2.8 miles of the Burma Road trail back to 481 near the trailhead. The total distance on this particular trail was 5.1 miles.

The trail is well developed and easy to follow. You can’t miss the large rock trail markers, the USFS trail stakes, and the “where you are” maps along the way. The trail elevation varies from 7600 ft. at the lowest point to around 8000 ft. at the highest. For horses used to that altitude, it is an easy trail with gentle up and down slopes. There are no steep or difficult climbs or descents. I would consider this trail suitable even for beginner riders.

There may be a few low hanging branches, but there aren’t any tightly wooded areas or any steep cliffs. Bring your friends and have a great trail ride.

CLOUDCROFT Rider: Annette Wood Apache Trail, Cloudcroft One of my favorite mountain trails is located near the quaint little mountain town of Cloudcroft. The Apache Trail is also known as the Blue Diamond Trail by us locals, because the entire trail is marked by aluminum blue diamonds placed on the trees. This makes Apache easy to follow when riding it for the first time. It is a moderate trail that takes about 2 ½ hours.

The drive up there is beautiful, a gradual climb to an elevation of 8,663 feet. Along the way is a forest of ponderosa pines and aspens, and grassy meadows full of grazing cattle, horses, and wildlife, so watch out for free-roaming animals on the side of the highway.

When we are done riding the trail we end the day by going into the town and having a delicious burger and brewski at the Western Bar and Restaurant in Cloudcroft.

Yum! To get there: From Hwy 70 out of Ruidoso/Mescalero, go south on 244 for 30 miles. The trail is located off Hwy 244 at mile marker 1. Look for a driveway to a dirt parking area on the right.

WHITE MOUNTAINS Rider: Peggy Conger Bonito Lake, White Mountain Wilderness Bonito is one of those horse camps that is absolutely beloved by its devotees, and for good reason: nice riding and nice camping.

The area still has scars from the Little Bear Fire in 2012 and the lake is closed to fishing and camping, but the campground at the end of FR 107 was untouched by the

fire, and though you will drive by and may ride through some burn scars, this is still a beautiful area. There are roomy horse pens at the far reaches of the campground and two trailheads -- Argentina Canyon and Big Bonito.

The trails are moderately challenging, and there’s a lot of uphill through mostly shady forested areas. The reward for all the climbing you’ll do is the gorgeous view of the Tularosa Basin from the top. A crest trail connects the area so you can make a loop ride in various combinations, but be aware that trail has a steep drop-off and gets tricky in spots. First-timers should be on good trail horses and consult a map or check with other riders for the best route.

To get there: From NM Hwy 337, take FR 107 about 8.5 miles to the campground.

SANDIA MOUNTAINS AREA Golden Open Space For a close-in ride that feels remote and delivers views of three mountain ranges, ride Golden Open Space in the far north reaches of Albuquerque’s East Mountains.

It takes a bit of effort to get there -- the gate to Golden Open Space is half an hour (9.5 miles) off Hwy 14 north of Sandia Park on mostly paved La Madera Road.

This destination’s not large -- just about 1200 acres carved out of former ranch land maintained as open space by Sandoval County.

But there are two mesas, a beautiful arroyo, and spectacular views of the Ortiz, Sandia and San Pedro mountain ranges. There’s a short loop trail, Los Duendes, that circles you around back to the gate in under 3 miles. Take the downhill spur to ride through a beautiful red rock arroyo and add 6 miles to the trip. This area is also popular with mountain bikers, but we had it completely to ourselves on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

To get there: Take NM Hwy 14 (the Turquoise Trail) to La Madera Road, just south of the Paa’ko housing development.

Turn west onto La Madera and take it a curvy, twisty 9.5 miles. The trailhead and parking will be on your right.

North 10K in the Sandias This ride takes you up to the crest of the Sandias, where you look out over Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Bosque, and the pueblo land ringing New Mexico’s

Northern New Mexico's Valle Vidal offers two campsites with corrals and endless riding through meadows and thick stands of pine and fir. largest city. It is an awe-inspiring view and well worth the trip. The trail from the North 10K parking lot is well-marked, usually well-cleared, and steep with just a few little tricky steps before you arrive at the top. What you see up there is guaranteed to take your breath away, with its spectacular drop-offs and gorgeous vistas. Head back down the way you came or continue south along the Crest Trail.

A map is recommended, especially if you want to proceed south past the visitors center to Kiwanis Meadow and Cabin.

To get there: Take NM Hwy 14 to the Crest Road (NM 536) and drive approx. 11 miles to the 10K parking lots. To access the North 10K trail, park in the north parking lot (the one with the bathroom). The trailhead is at the other end of the parking lot near the road. Be proficient at hauling in the mountains. The downhill drive on the Crest Road is a bear, steep with hairpin curves. Also, take great care if you cross the Crest Road on horseback. Cars, motorcycles and bicycles routinely speed around curves. Do not ride along the Crest Road on horseback.

SUNDAY RIDES The Faulty Trail System in the Sandias: This well-mapped and fairly well-marked trail system is shady and cool with lots of riding (some strenuous) along the lower east face of the Sandias. Various access points; the Cienega Horse Trailer parking lot and Cienega Bypass Trail are good starting points. Take the Sandia Crest Road (NM 536) and follow signs to the horse trailer parking lot.

The Peñasco Blanco loop is a "trail less traveled" off of the 10K Trail near the top of Sandia Crest.

You can see for miles in every direction.

ONLY IN NEW MEXICO -HAIR RAISERS Peñasco Blanco Trail in the Sandias: You will have to look sharp to find and stay on this sometimes overgrown, little-used trail off the Osha Trail, but you get awesome views in every direction. A map is a must.

Follow directions for North 10K trail, then the Osha loop to the Peñasco Blanco Trail to the crest. Loop back on the 10K. Best done in a counterclockwise direction to best handle steep, overgrown slopes. Takes at least four hours to complete.

Trail Riders Wall: High above Jacks Creek in the Pecos Wilderness, this 8-hour ride will test your mettle as a trail rider. The wall is not as scary as it sounds -- no exposure, but a mounded wall of rock running north and south, linking lakes and high peaks. From Jacks Creek Campground, travel to Pecos Baldy Lake then head north to the wall. After you cross the wall, you have several returning trail options that will drop you down to the Pecos River and Beatty's Cabin. Get specifics from the Pecos Wilderness map.

ROCK ON Red Canyon in the Manzanos: This loop takes you up Red Canyon, to the crest, then down Spruce Canyon. It is steep and rocky in parts but doable for advanced beginner and above trail riders. Always a good idea to check with the ranger station to make sure Manzano trails have been cleared of downfall. Take NM Hwy 55 to Manzano, Forest Rd 131 to FR 253.

Lonesome Ridge in the Guadalupe Mountains: This trail is, well, lonesome!

Go past Artesia, take a left on Hwy 137 just past Queen, then follow FR 540 as it climbs, then ends as a lesser jeep road continues. The Lonesome Ridge trail takes off from the east of this point. The first 5 miles are on a very rough jeep road covered with rock, some of the toughest rock known to human or horse. When the road ends, there is an small sign that states inexperienced horses/human should not continue. If you are one of those, heed the sign! The trail becomes very steep, somewhat exposed, and, adding to the heart-pounding nature, you can't see where your horse is stepping because of low shrubbery. Note that there are other, less difficult trails that start at the same point as the jeep road. They are more pleasant, and most have the same stunning, deep canyon vistas as Lonesome Ridge.

Heart Lake in the Latir Wilderness: This is another "ya gotta want it" ride. From Questa, north of Taos, travel east on FR 563 until you get to the intersection of 134A. You will see a parking area on the north side of the road. Park here, or for the very brave of heart with monster trucks, and trailers made of plutonium, travel the 3 steep, rocky miles to the parking area at Cabresto Lake. Take the Lake Fork Trail to the west of the lake, which traverses a steep, slippery slope on the side of the lake. Be cautious here. This trail will take you to Heart Lake. There is also a nice trail to Baldy Mountain, elevation 12,000'.

16 HORSE AROUND | June/July 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com

Cave Creek Trail in the Pecos Wilderness: You will share the trail with many hikers but it is fun to find the watery cave that gave Cave Creek its name. The trail leaves the Panchuela Campground, but you can get there from Jacks Creek Campground. Find the minor trail behind the corrals on the northwest side of Jacks Creek Campground, cross the paved road you came in on, drop down to the road, and follow a well-defined trail to the right. This will take you to Panchuela Campground. Follow trail #288 which will cross Panchuela Creek twice, then takes you along Cave Creek.

GOING GREEN Gold Hill Trail, Carson National Forest: You can ride to 12,000 feet on this trail.

Well-conditioned horses and a map is a must. Trailhead is located in the Taos Ski Valley upper parking lot. Highlights include riding past ruins of an old cabin, and ridge top vistas looking down on Goose Lake.

Valle Vidal: Wide open spaces, dense forests and wildlife galore are three guarantees at remote Valle Vidal near the Colorado border. Can be accessed via dirt roads from Costilla or north of the town of Cimarron. Two camping areas with corrals include Cimarron and McCrystal. No definite trails here. You can follow hiking/ hunter/wildlife trails, or go cross country.

Do your research before you go so you will know about the history of the cabins and ranches you may come across. The west side is closed through June 30 for elk calving. Tread lightly and speak softly. This is a delicate, magical place.

Note: These trail descriptions are not intended to be used as maps. For your safety, please consult appropriate maps for any area you intend to ride, along with a detailed trail information source, such as the book, Saddle Up New Mexico.

I

In mid-April, I drove the long and windy road to Woody’s Corral to ride in the Gila Wilderness. Joel Keeter, a seasoned horseman from Arkansas, was my guide and speed control. When the footing is good, he likes to do 20 MPH on his Tennessee Walker, Slash. When there are rocks or steep terrain, Joel drops the reins, and Slash immediately walks on auto pilot.

Enter the Gila >>>

We chose a 25-mile loop that starts out of Woody’s corral, climbs to Woodland Park, then drops to the Middle Fork of the Gila River. Neither one of us had experience with this particular loop, but we were expecting a ride similar to other Gila rides: lots of river crossings, with long sections of fast riding along sandy river banks. Little did we know what the Gila had in store for us.

I saddled up my Kentucky Mountain gelding Lance in the spring sunshine, no need for warm clothes. Just before I mounted, I threw on a jacket, strapped my slicker on the cantle, and stuffed my emergency overnight supplies in a saddle bag. We rode the sandy track out of the corrals, and under the foot bridge that leads to the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

Then the weather changed – the wind picked up, clouds covered the sun. Trail #28 gained elevation, and with that, the temp dropped. At an intersection, we took trail #156 that skirts the northeast side of Woodland Park. By then I had my slicker on. It started snowing. I did a mental inventory of the just-in-case items I had stuffed in my bag: emergency space blanket, 2 lighters, matches, fire starters, aluminum containers of water, instant coffee. At a brief rest stop, I unraveled my space blanket, wrapped it around my shoulders and abdomen like a shawl, and put my jacket and slicker back on. Instant warmth, but when I moved, I sounded like I was wearing a gigantic potato chip bag. So worth it!

Joel and I were wary when we dropped off the high ridge to start our descent to the Middle Fork. Two days earlier we had ridden on a 28-miler, which dropped steeply down to the West Fork. There were plenty of rock steps, hairpin corners, and a downward angle that turned my rarelyappreciated pommel into a BFF.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY CECILIA KAYANO

We were concerned that this descent would be just as hairy. We knew if we encountered a fallen tree, there might be no place to go around, or turn around on the narrow trail.

In a case like this, backing would be our only option.

sandwiches, Joel broke out the Oreo cookies, and we washed them down with steaming coffee. I love this horseback riding poo poo!

Left: Stan Sullivan and Tracie Screen cross the Middle Fork of the Gila River. Top right: Joel Keeter and Cecilia Kayano get a break from the sleet for hot coffee and cookies. Bottom right: Kim Lammi, Katie Pritchard, Cecilia, and Tracie soak in Jordan Canyon Hot Springs. (Bottom right photo by Stan Sullivan. Others by Cecilia Kayano.)

The trail proved to be easier than the one dropping to the West Fork, not as steep, fewer turns, and no obstacles. The Gila Wilderness gave us a break, which would turn out to be our last break for many miles.

The forks of the Gila River have a unique nature: There is bank on one side, then it dead ends at a massive rock wall, where the bank on the other side begins. If you decide to ride this loop, make sure your horse thinks crossing rivers is as easy as strolling around its pasture.

The banks were shorter than the ones we encountered on the West Fork, so our riding went like this: Cross field of large rocks, step down into belly-deep water with rocks, route-find a river crossing,

climb out onto field of large rocks up to river bank, pick up speed on level dirt track for what seems like a nano-second, encounter massive rock wall, repeat.

After about three of these types of crossings, Joel muttered something like, “I’m tired of this poo poo,” and I said something like, “I hate this horseback riding poo poo.” We knew we had many miles of this in front of us, and it was now hailing.

For a while the hail stopped and we took a break at a spot that had a small fire ring. I built a rock stand for my aluminum water bottle, placed dried vine maple leaves, twigs, and three fire starters between the rocks, and lit it. Within a few minutes the water was hot, so I poured in two packets of Folgers instant coffee. After we ate our

It took us three hours and dozens of river crossings to get to a campsite at the entrance to Little Bear Canyon, which was our return route. There was a group of fishermen there, along with a campfire about a thousand times bigger than the one we had built to heat the aluminum water bottle. The fishermen invited us to sit around the fire. When I stood up, removed my slicker, jacket, then unraveled the space blanket, they made no comment, like it was as natural as wearing an LL Bean fleece hoody.

Immediately, the potato chip bag sound stopped, and just then the sun popped out.

We rode through Little Bear Canyon, which has several narrows, and just a trickle of water. When we returned to camp it was like a Motel 6 commercial: Our friends Tracie, Stan, June, and Tom had the “light on” for us. They guessed that we had encountered more than we anticipated: cold weather, many river crossings, fewer opps to move out fast.

They knew our route, and if we hadn’t appeared in camp in an hour, Stan even had a plan to ride out on the return route to meet us. But no need. The Gila Wilderness had challenged us, given us a few breaks, and taken care of us with no injuries, warmth, coffee, fine horses, and thoughtful human beings.

Cecilia Kayano enjoys trail riding aboard her gaited horses.

TRAIL RIDE LIKE A PRO: Tips to trail riding safety and courtesy PROVIDED BY THE NORTHERN NEW MEXICO HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION, NNMHA.NET • Be self-sufficient by carrying your own first aid items, appropriate clothing, food, compass, flashlight, map of area, water proof matches, whistle, and knife.

• Be prepared for changing weather conditions. During lightning storms, stay off mountains or ridge tops and clearings.

Do not seek shelter under a lone tree. You will be safer between large rocks, or in a forested area.

• Be polite to others you meet on the trail; greet them with a smile and a friendly hello. Ask questions to hikers and cyclists so they will speak to you so your horse will know they are human beings.

• If the ride is on marked trails, stay on the trail but do not follow too close behind the horse in front – one horse length is a good minimum. On off-trail rides, try not to ride single file as that will create a new trail.

• Do not ride abreast or alongside another horse. If that horse kicks, your knee/leg is in the prime “kick” zone.

• Tie a red ribbon in the tail of a known kicker.

• Leave gates as you find them.

• Don’t ride away when a rider is off their horse and/or trying to mount up. This can cause panic in the horse left behind.

• At water crossings, leave room for horses to cross, but don’t ride off until all horses have had a chance to drink and cross.

• If you want to pass the person in front of you, give a warning alert, ie: “Passing left.”

Never pass a horse or group of horses at a trot or gallop.

• Make sure all riders agree before trotting or cantering on the trail.

• When climbing up or down a hill, keep a horse-length between your horse and the one in front; do not charge up or down hills.

• Do not ride like a rubber band – alternately falling behind then trotting to catch up. This is disruptive, distracting, and downright dangerous, especially on narrow and steep portions of the trail, crossing gullies, streams, etc..

• On narrow steep trails, take your feet out of the stirrups so you can dismount/jump very quickly if necessary.

• If the trail is tricky, you may be safer dismounting.

• Expect and be prepared for dead falls and overgrown trails.

• Always lean forward when going under obstacles.

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19

LOST!

BY MATT COULOMBE, PRESIDENT, NM MOUNTED SEARCH & RESCUE

PREVENT IT SURVIVE IT LIVE TO TELL THE STORY

N

Matt Coulombe riding Austin on assignment near Hopewell Lake. (Photo by NM Mounted SAR member Mike West.)

New Mexico’s diverse terrain and vast amount of public lands make it almost impossible to be content as a rider just loping circles in an arena, or meandering on the same groomed trails. The land beckons us to get out and ride! But are you really prepared for a successful trail adventure?

Even if it’s a short ride, the possibility of getting lost or delayed your intended route of travel, and your expected return day/ should be something that’s on your mind. We’ve all heard stories time. about trail riders not being able to find the trail they want, losing • Become familiar with the area. Study a map before you depart, the trail completely, or being surprised by an unexpected storm that and bring it with you. Trails and junctions are often poorly hides every landmark. Add in a possible horse or rider injury and marked and there can be plenty of additional trails that exist you could have a serious problem! but don’t show up on your map. Know the lay of the land.

• Be prepared for a change in weather! 30-40 degree swings At New Mexico Mounted Search & Rescue, helping people get in temperatures, sometimes in a matter of hours, are not unlost is what we do! There are three critical times and many tips to uncommon. Dress in layers and always bring a waterproof getting unlost, the most important tip being not getting lost in the outer layer (poncho, slicker.) first place.

• Take water! Dehydration can occur even in cold weather and will seriously affect your decision-making and judgment.

1. PREVENTING BEING LOST • Avoid riding alone! While many of us enjoy the peace and Take these steps to avoid becoming lost or in needing a rescue: quiet of being one with nature, riding with a companion • Have a plan and tell someone that plan! Leave clear information increases the likelihood of good decisions, and the existence of with a friend or family member about where you will be starting, emergency gear, and often lessens panic. Search and rescue has found that groups, even as small as two, are significantly less 20 HORSE AROUND | June/July 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com

likely to be lost or require rescue than a lone rider.

2. BEING LOST So you’ve taken all these precautions, yet you are unable to find your way back to the trailhead. You’re tired, you’re upset, you’re scared, because you’re lost!

What do you do?

Here are steps: • S.T.O.P.!

Remember the acronym.

-STOP – stay put, don’t become more lost.

-THINK – What can I do to help the situation? Is the area safe to stay here? Will it be dark soon?

Should I find shelter?

-OBSERVE – What are my surroundings?

Can I see a familiar landmark? Can I see any roads, fences, or power lines that will help me figure out where I am?

-PLAN – How can I take shelter? Should I make a signal?

• Panic. Almost every search and rescue professional will advise you not to panic.

The reality is that you will panic, that’s a natural human reaction to a scary situation. So go ahead and panic, but panic in place! Jump up and down, yell, scream, or cry. Do whatever you need to do, then take a deep breath, settle down, and fall back to the STOP acronym.

• Communicate. Try to make contact with the “outside world,” someone, anyone. Hollering, screaming or preferably blowing a whistle can attract attention. Help may be available from someone in the area, another recreationalist, forest service employee, local rancher, road or survey crew, etc.

Most lost person cases are resolved by self-rescue or non-professional rescue

from someone nearby who is able to render aid.

• Call 911. When those options have been exhausted, it’s time to call 911. If you are unable to make the call, hopefully you followed some of my previous recommendations and someone knows you’re overdue, and knows to call 911.

How long will it take to get help?

In New Mexico, search and rescue missions are activated by the state police.

Someone calling 911 will start that process.

An incident command staff determines where to start the mission, acquires additional resources such as maps and logistics, and then activates individual search teams. This process can take just a few minutes to many hours depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Therefore the time when search teams actually enter the field could be many hours after the initial call for help.

3. WAITING FOR RESCUE As it could be many hours before help arrives, and maybe longer before you’re actually found, there are some things you can do to help the situation: • Stay put. You become harder to find if you keep moving.

• Seek shelter, but be visible. Spread brightly colored clothing or tack in the open so you they can be seen from the air. Write SOS or HELP in the dirt. Make arrows with rocks or branches pointing to your location.

• Build a fire only with extreme caution.

Fires loaded with green vegetation can produce a large amount of smoke which

could be visible for miles. However, if the fire gets out of control and spreads, you will be in extreme danger. And a search and rescue mission may not be able to reach you because of the fire.

The role of the searchers The vast majority of the responders on a search mission are volunteers, what I call “professional volunteers.” They aren’t just people who show up to help: They are men and women who have invested much time and money acquiring the skills, certifications, and equipment to do the job.

New Mexico has approximately 50 volunteer search and rescue teams, many with their own specialty. Collectively, they respond to over 100 missions every year.

Once searchers arrive on scene (the incident base), they are briefed on the situation and given an assignment such as thoroughly canvasing a small area, to covering many miles in a hasty fashion looking for clues. The assignments depend on the circumstances. The teams can communicate with the incident base via radios, and are often supported by the Civil Air Patrol which can provide longer distance communication via aerial radio relay. Teams rotate in and out of a search, many camping onsite if necessary, until a find is made.

A few Search and Rescue myths • Myth 1: You have to wait 24 hours before calling 911. If someone is missing in the backcountry, it is an emergency and you do not have to wait before reporting them missing. If you yourself are lost, call 911.

If you’re lost and can’t call 911, know

L to R: Matt Coulombe, Brad Berry of NM Search and Rescue support team, and Dave Baldridge of Sandia Search Dogs going over assignments during a search. (Photo by NM Mounted SAR member Tim Martinez.)

www.horsearoundnm.com | June/July 2016 | HORSE AROUND

21

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that as soon as you are reported missing, the search process will get underway.

• Myth 2: We can find you using your phone. While it’s partially true that cell phones can reveal your “rough” location, when you are in the backcountry, it is much less accurate. There are methods that can be used to try and locate you, but it takes time and is by no means as easy as TV shows and movies make it look.

• Myth 3: You have to pay for rescue. You do not have to pay to be rescued in New Mexico, and most other states follow these same guidelines. A few states may charge a fee for gross endangerment choices such as intentionally skiing out of bounds. Most Search and Rescue organizations are non-profits and would greatly appreciate a donation after a rescue.

• Myth 4: Your horse knows the way back. Whether your horse can find its way back really depends on the horse and the situation. Some horses are very homeward bound and will try and return to home or the trailer, as soon as they have a chance. Others are perfectly content to hang out in any area or may head off to find forage and water instead of taking you back. Also keep in mind that a horse may try to return to the trailer via the shortest route! That could be dangerous for both you and your equine. Bottom line is don’t rely on Ol’ Trigger to get you out of the woods!

Remember, sometimes even the best laid plans and the most capable people get themselves in a jam and need help. Don’t let pride get in the way of activating a search if you are ever in need.

If you are interested in getting involved in search and rescue, you can find a list of teams, their specialties, and contact information, along with a bunch of other useful information on the New Mexico Search & Rescue Council’s website at nmsarc.org.

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22 HORSE AROUND | June/July 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com

DRESSAGE for the Trail Rider TRAIL for the Dressage Rider Terry Flanagan and Evalyn Bemis trotting Blue and Rolle Red Beans on a trail near Magdalena.

S

Sometimes we define horses and riders in narrow terms: that big gelding’s a dressage horse, my girlfriend is a trail rider. We even add words that reflect bias: That gelding becomes a “fancy/ hot” dressage horse; or “a plain ol’ trail horse. We might “just” go down the trail every weekend, chatting or spacing out; or spend week after week in search of arena perfection, insisting on focused and exacting work. We think we have to do one or the other, dressage or trail, without considering that we might do both - and be better for it.

BY KAREN LEHMANN

You’ve heard of football players practicing ballet to improve their game? Wouldn’t it also be nice to see some of those elegant ballet dancers out on a grassy field, running around kicking things and knocking each other over once in a while?

Changing things up is good for our (and our horses’) body, mind and spirit.

to go out on the trail riding a supple, strong horse with smooth, regular gaits and high levels of cooperation and obedience? Spending a few hours per week schooling your horse with basic dressage exercises will go a very long way toward improving your experience when you’re out on the trail.

Here are just a few ways that the practice of dressage can enhance your trail-riding experience -- or a few hours out in the trees can make your dressage horse happier, healthier, and more competitive.

When most people think of dressage, they think of the horse “dancing;” and those upper level horses in world competitions really do appear to dance. At the lower levels, however, dressage movements are fairly straightforward. Horses are trained to lengthen and collect the gaits while maintaining an even rhythm, to move laterally, and to change (canter/lope) leads in mid-stride. We’ll bet those movements sound pretty familiar to most riders in New Mexico - they’re certainly not limited to dressage, but are the basics of training a well-rounded horse no matter what your discipline.

DRESSAGE FOR THE TRAIL Any horse/rider pair that loves the trail can benefit from the lessons learned in the dressage arena. After all, the gymnastic exercises that are measured by dressage tests are meant to increase a horse’s condition and agility, and enhance their response to the rider. Who wouldn’t want

As far as bridling goes, a simple snaffle bridle or a bosal hackamore (if you’re experienced enough to use one effectively) are ideal.

Exercises In the arena, at the walk, try to feel each of your horse’s footfalls. Can you identify when the back foot on each side comes forward? Try timing your aids to this giving the aid just as the relevant back foot comes forward will make it easier for your horse to do what you’re asking.

Practice collecting and extending the gaits by using the corners of the arena to ask for slightly more bend and less forward movement; and using the long sides for less bend and more forward movement.

This is much trickier than it sounds, as you are trying to maintain a steady rhythm of gait even as you ask for “more forward.”.

It might help to think of how it feels to you to walk (not on your horse), at the same pace, uphill vs. on level ground. Do you shorten or lengthen your stride to maintain the same speed regardless of the terrain? Lift your knees more for uphill and less for flat ground? Swing more freely from your hips on the flat, or resist slightly with your lower back going downhill? Can you translate these feelings to your seat and legs while riding in the arena? How does your horse respond?

Joanna Kramer leads a group on a trail out of Taos Horse Getaways near Tres Piedras.

Equipment You don’t need a lot of fancy new equipment to practice basic dressage. Your western or endurance tack will work just fine, just ask your friendly neighborhood practitioner of Western, or Cowboy, Dressage!

Most western saddles are crafted to encourage the rider into a balanced position, with a nice long leg and a fairly upright posture. Even more than some traditional English tack (we’re thinking of hunter/jumper saddles, which tend to have a more “forward” orientation to facilitate jumping), a good western saddle should help you attain a position that would leave

you standing up if your horse suddenly disappeared out from under you - and that’s pretty close to ideal.

Some might say that a western-style saddle is too substantial for dressage - all that leather lessens the contact between the rider’s seat and legs and the horse - but we haven’t found that to be a huge factor in everyday riding. Horses are exquisitely sensitive to a rider’s shifts of weight and pressure, even through layers of leather and jeans. Saddle fit is much more important that saddle type – so whatever tack you’re using, strive to attain the very best fit for your horse and yourself.

24 HORSE AROUND | June/July 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com

TRAIL FOR DRESSAGE If your main focus with your horse is dressage (especially competitive dressage, even at the lower levels) you’re most likely schooling in the arena 3-5 times per week. Dressage requires focused work and attention to the details of subtle aids and specific body position. While we don’t subscribe to the stereotypes of uptight, perfectionist “Dressage Queens” and their “hot," neurotic mounts, we’re pretty sure that if you are schooling at this level a break will do you good!

Getting out on the trail once in a while can be really key to positive mental health for both you and your horse, and it’s a fun way to increase fitness. If it’s been a long time since you’ve been outside the arena, just take it slow. Set yourself up for success!

Venture out for the first few times on an easy trail with good footing, and go out in the company of a steady, trail-savvy horse and rider pair.

Your horse may be more cooperative if you haul to the trail instead of riding out from your barn, and you can keep the pace to walk and trot. If your horse is really accustomed to arena work, common sights and sounds on the trail may be nervousmaking. Deep breaths and confidence will go a long way toward reassuring your horse that all is well, and don’t ever think twice about dismounting if you feel safer and better able to control your horse from the ground.

Equipment You don’t need a big western saddle with a horn to go out on a trail ride a couple of times a week! Traditional dressage is practiced in an “English” dressage saddle, crafted to offer a centered, balanced position for the rider as well as offering maximum contact of legs and seat with the horse. A bridle with cheek piece and noseband and, generally speaking, a simple snaffle bit, is employed. This gear is quite well-suited to the trail. Add a fanny pack or backpack with water and emergency supplies, or one of the commercially available saddle pads with either pockets or rings for gear attached, and you can carry with you all that you will need for a casual weekend trail ride.

Pay attention to the trail “footing.” If your horse is accustomed to working in an arena, trail conditions can be hard on their hooves. If your horse isn’t shod, it’s a good idea to employ one of the many styles of hoof boots available commercially. It just takes a minute to put them on, and it can save you weeks (or months) of trouble if your horse should end up with a stone bruise.

Exercises Once your dressage horse is accustomed to the sights and sounds of the trail, go for that wonderful stretchy walk whenever you can. Long, straight stretches of trail, especially slightly uphill, are wonderful places to see if your horse can find its way to stretching outward and down a bit, without falling completely onto the forehand. Visualize a horse reaching into a bucket for some grain at the bottom: It’s that outward, downward, lift from the base of the neck through the poll that we’re looking for. Develop this out on the trail and we’ll bet that your test scores

for “medium walk on a long rein” will be higher at the next schooling show!

Walking and trotting up and down gentle hills is amazing for developing your horse’s muscles and your centered seat. It will take some time to work up to trotting downhill, even on a gentle slope.

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Use those “trail Attended the Rocky Mountain obstacles” to School of Animal Acupressure develop even better and Massage, Elizabeth, CO communication with your horse. Possibilities include side-passing along a fallen log, opening and closing Edgewood, NM gates (or backing through an open one). jbsk0429@gmail.com Maintaining the walk up and down steep hills will get your horse to work through from behind; pausing at the top of a narrow hill or climbing up Karen Lehmann writes from home in the onto a flat rock will increase strength and small NM mountain town of Sandia Park. awareness of all 4 feet - which can translate When she’s not working on something for well to ultra-collected movements like Horse Around, or over at the barn with passage and piaffe. her three horses, you’ll find her at karen@ phrasesincorporated.com.

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Benefits of Dressage for the Trail Horse and Rider

Benefits of Trail for the Dressage Horse and Rider

Develop lateral flexibility

School stretchy walk; extend the gaits without needing heavy aids

Lateral work – develop sidepass to open and close gates; leg yield to keep away from the cliff

Develop hindquarters with hill work

Collected gaits – stay off the tail of the horse in front of you!

Ease mental stress of horse and rider: get fresh!

Extended gaits – catch up to the group or create distance from the horse behind you

Obstacles increase communication and obedience

Focus and concentration required for arena work increases communication and obedience

Necessity of dealing with social aspects of other horses and riders can help to pinpoint holes in training

Quiet time in the arena allows you to feel your horse’s footsteps and learn the timing of the aids

Varied terrain can toughen hooves (or trash them! Think about hoof protection)

Increase of strength and flexibility will increase fitness for more technical trail rides

Lengthier trail rides increase overall physical strength for intense arena work involved in dressage

Pure pleasure! Variety sustains interest and challenge for both horse and rider

Pure pleasure! Variety sustains interest and challenge for both horse and rider

www.horsearoundnm.com | June/July 2016 | HORSE AROUND

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Jenna Fults on KSFRifsEncore at the Boca Negra Horsemen's Complex.

Cross Training Puts a New Tool in Your Training Kit Article and Photo by Evalyn Bemis Let’s say you are a barrel racer. What do you do to prepare for competitions? You probably run a lot of cloverleaf patterns around barrels in your arena or out in a dusty field. Or maybe you ride dressage and you know not to drill the tests but you still rarely leave the confines of your 20 x 60 meter sandbox.

Here is a secret that is so simple that you probably already know it but have forgotten to put into practice: crosstraining. And by cross-training I specifically mean doing different exercises with your horse that will improve his mind, body, and attitude for the sport or activity you care about AND have fun doing something else.

I recently joined friends who went to the Boca Negra Horsemen’s Complex on the west side of Albuquerque to school the cross-country course. Some of them were prepping for the Watermelon Mountain Horse Trials. Others, like me, just wanted to take advantage of the outing to give our horses a new experience.

In my case, I took Booker T, the horse I adopted from The Horse Shelter 2+ years ago. I have enjoyed bringing him along in his training and mostly just trail ride him.

He has jumped small stuff at home but had never been out on a cross-country course.

The first training opportunity was asking Booker T to walk through the start box, which was stuffed full of tumbleweeds. He gave the pile the evil eye but marched by.

Trotting in and out was also accomplished.

Have you ever gotten to a gate in a fence line where the tumbleweeds have drifted and had to wade through them? Have you ever been in a Western Trail Class and had to sidepass your horse up to a scary object?

Aha – cross-training moment.

serious word of caution here – if you don’t know how your horse will respond to cows, be sure to take an experienced trainer with you to help.

Some horses will try to head for the hills at the first sight of these strangelooking beasts.

The course at Boca Negra is perfect for inexperienced horses in that the jumps are I was after. He is a better horse now for made of natural and mostly local materials, whatever challenges may lie ahead. And we had so much fun! and range from 10” diameter logs on the ground to 2’ wide ditches a horse can step across. The first fence on course is actually a connected series, starting with Boca Negra Horsemen’s Complex the beginner novice log on the right, then 6501 81st St NW, Albuquerque a little novice wall, training, etc.

These obstacles are similar to what you might encounter on a mountain trail and importantly, require your horse to respond to your leg and move in a straight line in the direction you set. He can literally do this at the walk in the beginning until you and he are confident that he is not going to fall on his face or, heaven forbid, buck you off for asking him to try something new.

See where this is going?

As Booker and I made our way around the course with the group, he got more confident that this was in his wheelhouse.

He figured out his balance in the sandy footing, he found that it didn’t kill him to canter away from his friends, that yes, that tumbleweed did move into his path but he could still get to and over the jump.

A little jump up and down a bank was no big deal, so we progressed to a bigger jump down a slope. There was no water in the water jump so we just trotted over the dried mud. Booker didn’t blink an eye at the ditches. It was time to end on such a good note, with a much wiser horse than had started the day.

To get from the start box to the first jump on course at Boca Negra, you have to go pretty close to the pen where the ropers It won’t matter if Booker and I never keep their steers. This presents another compete in a Horse Trials, because what chance to regain your horse’s focus after he learned that day about being brave, his eyes have popped out of his head. A obedient, athletic, and trusting was what 26 HORSE AROUND | June/July 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com

(505) 898-1996

All of the facilities at the complex are open to the public and are free of charge. Hours of operation are from 5:00am – sundown.

Watermelon Mountain Pony Club does have an annual use permit for using the cross-country course, in order to help with maintenance costs. Visit their website: www.watermelonponlyclub.com The cost is $25 for one time, or $75 for the year.

Public facilities include: • Two 200x300 foot arenas (the south arena is equipped with an announcing stand and seating that can accommodate up to 150 people) • Three miles of jumps (including one water jump) • A 60-foot round corral located at the base of the volcano cones for training • 4 public corrals (with water) for overnight horse accommodations Directions: Take I-40 west to Unser, get off on North Unser, and drive past Boca Negra Petroglyph National Monument until Molten Rock Street. At Molten Rock, turn left. Drive down Molten Rock until 81st Street. At 81st Street, turn left, drive for approximately .25 mile, and the sign for the facilities will appear on the right side of the street.

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Get Happy Feet for the Trail Know what's right for your horse -- shoes, barefoot, boots By Stacie G. Boswell,

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DVM, DACVS

To shoe or not to shoe? That is the question!

There is no “one size fits all hooves” answer. There is a textbook on this subject; therefore covering this topic in-depth is beyond the scope of this article.

But here are some things you should know when you are making decisions about your horse’s feet: Horse hoof anatomy The front of the hoof is called the toe, the sides are called the quarters, and the projections in the back are the heel bulbs.

The bottom of the foot is the sole, and the wedge-shaped (V-shaped) area is called the frog.

The hard part of the hoof is the horn or hoof capsule, and it is made of insensitive tissue, much like a fingernail. The hoof wall consists of millions of tiny moistureretaining tubes called horn tubules.

The coronary band at the top of the foot functions similarly to the human cuticle. If the coronary band is damaged, the hoof may grow with a ridge, crack, or scar. Within the hoof capsule is the coffin bone. It is covered by sensitive tissue, called lamina. These laminae have millions of tiny ridges and projections which interdigitate, or interlock, with

Kelly and Dave Gifford ride Rohan and Zebadiah on rocky trails near Caballo Lake State Park. the insensitive lamina and hold the foot together.

When to shoe It is necessary to protect a horse’s hoof when the hoof horn is being worn off faster than the body produces it, when the horse experiences foot pain, and if the foot has either a temporary or permanent abnormality.

Wear exceeds growth. Some horses just don’t grow adequate foot tissue. Factors such as nutrition and overall health and well-being play a role in hoof health.

How much growth, the general shape, and the density of the horn tubules of the foot is highly influenced by genetics. The horn tubules are attached to the sensitive lamina (the soft tissue within the foot) within the hoof capsule. Most stock horses and Mustangs grow really good

feet. Some Thoroughbreds have notoriously thin walls and/or sensitive feet. Some horses have the ability to tolerate rocky terrain, but most need some protection for their feet when the trail gets really rough.

Factors that influence the wear rate of the hoof wall include frequency and duration of riding and the terrain. If you are riding 3-4 days a week on very rocky terrain, you are highly likely to need to have your horse shod. If you typically ride in the arena and are going out on the trail once or twice a month, you most likely don’t need shoes.

Foot pain. It is just not humane to ask the horse to work through pain. Sensitive horses may benefit from a shoe with a pad for further protection of their sole, if shoes alone do not alleviate foot pain on rocky trails. Farrier Naomi Saiz advises that, “Any horse that gets foot-sore while they have shoes on should have pads.” It is not fair to ask your horse to keep going over miles of rocky trails when every step is painful.

A hoof abnormality. This may include temporary damage to the hoof wall, which will grow out in 4-6 months. Quarter cracks need to be stabilized by a shoe, and some can be managed to a point where the crack grows out or disappears Shoes are the traditional, time-tested solution to foot protection and stability.

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2 However, they are expensive. Also, the traction provided by a metal shoe is not as good as that of a bare hoof. To overcome slippage problems, rim shoes or adding borium (a hard-facing product) to the shoe will increase traction (Figure 8).

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4

OTHER HOOF PROTECTION Boots Overcoming some of the disadvantages of shoeing are hoof boots. These provide good traction because of their rubberized design while still protecting the hoof from impact, and in the long run, they are generally less expensive than shoes. They may come with their own set of potential problems such as rubs. These can occur on the heels, coronary band, or pastern, and are quite painful to the horse. Boots can malfunction in the backcountry, or you could lose one. Some folks carry a boot to protect a horse that has lost a shoe in the backcountry.

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Duct tape It can be the magical fix-all! It should be carried on pretty much every trail ride, and can be used to augment worn Velcro on a hoof boot or to stabilize a loose shoe to prevent loss. It also can be used alone to protect a hoof for a short time if your mount throws a shoe.

The bottom line is that if your horse is growing enough good, dense foot for the amount of riding you are doing on your choice of terrain, shoes or protective hoof boots may not be necessary. The horses that can do this while being heavily ridden in rocky terrain are few and far between.

What you and your farrier decide should be based on the horse’s need. _________________________________ A special “Thank You” for images and contribution to this article goes to farrier Naomi Saiz.

Dr. Boswell is an equine veterinarian in Edgewood, NM and can be reached at stacie@stacieboswell.com.

IMAGES

1. The portion of a shoe after being worn and touching the horse’s foot. The area of shiny metal shows how the dynamic structure of the hoof contacts and wears the shoe in this region.

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2. A leather and a plastic pad. These are nailed between the shoe and the foot and are trimmed to the exact shape needed to provide protection for the sole.

3. A horse’s hoof with a quarter crack. The foot has been rebalanced, and the crack marked horizontally using a rasp.

At this time, this horse’s foot is growing out and the crack has been reduced.

4. A pour-in pad being placed in a freshly-shod hoof.

5. A new and a used rim shoe showing how the edges of the rim and the dirt packed within it can add traction.

6. A hoof boot. They provide foot protection and good traction.

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9 100

TRAINERS HORSES DAYS

Article and Photos by Evalyn Bemis

They're Getting Ready for This Year’s Gimme Shelter Trainers’ Challenge

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Could you train a horse in 100 days and then present him to a thousand spectators in such a way that someone might eagerly bid to adopt him? Or, more to the point, would you even consider undertaking such a daunting task? Nine brave horse trainers in New Mexico are saying yes to a benefit event for The Horse Shelter, the Gimme Shelter Trainers’ Challenge, to be held July 9 at the Santa Fe Rodeo Arena.

The trainers include Clint Mortenson, Erica Hess and Joost Lammers, Maureen Maestas, Stephanie Gershon, Alexis Fastle, Greg Russell, Patrick Otis, Julie Phillips, and Katie Johanson.

Here are snapshots of three of the nine horses, in the beginning stages of their 100day journey: Oscar: Trainer Stephanie Gershon was lucky to be the first person to choose a horse, and promptly claimed Oscar, a handsome dark brown thoroughbred colt that impressed everybody with his movement in the round pen.

Oscar had a rough start at Stephanie’s barn when another horse took a dislike to him and landed a nasty kick on his upper foreleg. The incident delayed his training, but while he was mending, he enjoyed daily grooming, had a border collie dropping

Photos from top: Trainers and horses at The Horse Shelter in Cerrillos. Stephanie Gershon and Oscar. Patrick Otis and Figaro.

Maureen Maestas and Jesse. sticks at his feet, watched horses and riders coming and going, and spent some time trotting over poles in the round pen.

When Stephanie saddled him after two weeks, he was as calm, but nearly toppled over when she got on him. At age four, horses are still growing and learning where to put their feet, let alone how to carry a person on their back. A big part of Oscar’s 100-day program will be gaining strength and fitness so he can show off the lovely gaits with which he was born.

Figaro: Trainer Patrick Otis picked Figaro because he liked his sweet temperament and the way Figaro turned to meet him, rather than pulling back as some of the other horses did. Within ten days of Figaro’s arrival, the little chestnut Navajo gelding was already accepting a saddle and had been on an excursion up to a Pecos ranch that Patrick manages for its owners.

The day I came to watch Patrick ride Figaro, the horse bumped his nose against the round pen’s gate and scared himself.

This caused him to jump forward with a few half-hearted crowhops, but Patrick just sat calmly and made nothing of it. As soon as Figaro stopped, Patrick dismounted, rubbed the little guy’s nose and shoulder, and then remounted and resumed a quiet

walk around the pen, in effect letting Figaro know that all was right in his world.

Jesse: Trainer Maureen Maestas chose Jesse, one of the tallest and most physically mature horses of the group. He came to the shelter in October 2014 with two others, after being found near Alamogordo, discarded by some drug-dealers on the run. His distrust of humans was evident and his way of coping was to try to get away from any sort of confinement.

Maureen quickly saw that with Jesse’s fear she needed to revise her plans and instead began in a most basic way to get him comfortable and accepting of instruction.

“I work daily on giving him a recognizable interaction he can trust will always be respectful, and clear with requests and boundaries. (I let him know) that his leader will take care of him,” she said.

These three horses, and the others, will have good and bad days, get bruised and scraped, have strong opinions about their world, and show talent in different areas.

Some will be happiest trail riding and others will grab the bit in their teeth and take off after a cow like there is nothing else in the world. The best that each trainer can do for his/her horse is to ensure they

Bode, gelding, age 6 Trainer Julie Phillips

are healthy, happy, and fit in 100 days, and that their individual lights shine bright.

We can show our appreciation for these accomplishments by cheering loudly on July 9, and supporting the trainers who have given considerable time and expertise.

Each year the roller coaster ride has been worth it when someone is heard to say “I didn’t know they had such good horses at the shelter.” Catch the ride this year and see for yourself!

To see the horses as they progress in their training, follow on Instagram, @TheHorseShelter, or on the website, www.thehorseshelter.com.

Evalyn Bemis is a lifelong equestrian who continues to learn from every horse she meets and is grateful for every opportunity to engage with them and the people who love them.

Chaca, mare, age 3 Trainer Alexis Fastle

Figaro, gelding, age 4 Trainer Patrick Otis

Jesse, gelding, age 5 Trainer Maureen Mestas

Joey, gelding, age 3 Trainer Katie Johanson

Napoleon gelding, age 4 Trainer Clint Mortenson

Oscar, gelding, age 4 Trainer Stephanie Gershon

Rolo, gelding, age 3 , Trainers Joost Lammers & Erica Hess

Stella, mare, age 3 Trainer Greg Russell

Photos courtesy of Evalyn Bemis Photography

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English bits can seem complicated: Dr. Bristol, waterford, French link, hollow mouth, mullen mouth, copper, stainless steel, sweet iron. My head is starting to ache with all these choices!

Actually the world of English bits is not that complicated. As in Western riding, snaffles are direct-action bits. There is no shank, so one pound of pressure on the reins delivers one pound of pressure on the horse’s mouth. In western riding, the snaffle bit is used primarily as a training bit, used to start horses or to tune up trained horses. In English riding, many horses are ridden in some variety of snaffle their entire life. This is why there are so many different snaffle mouthpieces. They give the rider choices to find something the horse is comfortable and performs well in.

When snaffles are used in western riding, contact with the bit is released as soon as the horse responds to the slightest pressure.

In the English world, many horses are ridden on the bit which means there is always contact on the bit and mouth.

Here are the main types of bits – mouth and cheek pieces-- used in English riding: MOUTHPIECES Mouthpieces can be jointed, solid, ported, straight, or any combination of these. They are designed for the comfort and control of the horse. Mouth pieces can be from the traditional jointed to as foreign looking as a ported mullen mouth.

• Jointed affects the bars of the mouth, the tongue, and opposite side of the mouth. In hard hands it can have a nutcracker effect on the jaws and also hit the roof of the mouth causing damage to the palette. To avoid these pitfall of the jointed, other mouthpieces were developed.

Bits

Demystified (PART 2 OF 2) BY THOMAS GARCIA

• French Link and Dr. Bristol are 3-piece mouthpieces that eliminate the nutcracker effect and also the pressure on the palette.

• Mullen are solid mouthpieces, straight or ported. The can be used in snaffles, pelhams, or kimberwickes.

CHEEK PIECE STYLES • O ring snaffle is the simplest snaffle and used mostly to start horses and must be used with a curb strap to prevent being pulled through the mouth. The ring rotates through a hole in the mouthpiece and hangs in the most natural position. It encourages the horse to pick up and hold the bit in a natural and comfortable position. The main drawback is this bit’s ability to allow pinching the corners of the mouth.

• D ring and eggbutt snaffles are shaped in a way that eliminates the pinching that can happen with the O ring. Must be used with a curb strap.

• Full cheek snaffle has full cheek pieces that prevent the bit from pulling through the mouth. It can be used with or without keepers, however, using it with keepers somewhat

changes the action of the bit to a bit of a leverage bit, putting a slight bit of poll pressure on the horse.

COMBINATION BITS • Pelham can be used as a curb bit.

It puts pressure on the mouth, chin groove, and the poll. It can also be used as a snaffle or with double reins as a combination of snaffle and curb. It is used commonly with leather bit connectors that connect the snaffle point of attachment and the curb point and then can be used with only one set of reins.

The Pelham is used for all of the English disciplines where the horse needs the direct action of the snaffle and the added control of the curb action as well.

• Kimblewicke is a short shanked bit with a D shaped cheek piece, which is used with a curb chain.

The reins slide along the D and put slight pressure on the mouth, chin groove, and poll.

• Gag is used in English and Western disciplines. It slides along either the shanks or the bridle shortening the distance between the mouth and poll and puts pressure on the mouth, poll and chin groove.

• Hanging cheek snaffle has a cheek piece that hangs below a short shank. It puts very slight if any pressure to the poll, and normal pressure to the mouth.

OTHER BITS/HACKAMORES/ SIDEPULLS • Double bits such as the bradoon and weymouth. These are often the setup of choice in dressage and Spanish Doma Vaquera and similar events.

• Traditional hackamore (Jaquima). Hackamore is the

Americanized word for the Spanish word Jaquima. The Jaquima was brought by the Moors to Spain, and from Spain to Mexico, and then to California by the Spanish. It has a rawhide noseband called a bosal, with a simple leather hanger and a continuous rein called a mecate. Traditionally the mecate is made from mane or tail hair, with mane being the preferred because it is softer. The traditional hackamore is used as an intermediate step in the development of a bridle or spade bit horse. The purpose is simple; preserve the mouth on the horse throughout his training.

When the horse is finished and ready for a bit in his mouth, the mouth is fresh and new and he responds to the lightest cues.

• Bitless bridles and sidepulls can be effectively used on trained, easy-going horses during nice trail rides.

A Note on Mechanical Hackamore: These are comprised of a noseband, curb chain, and long shanks. They are a leverage tool that, in my opinion, should only be used on finished horses that respond well to seat and leg cues and neck rein well. They should not be used for training.

I tried to write this to help even a novice get a basic understanding of English bits. As you can see, there are many options, depending on the needs of horse and rider.

Ask your trainer or an advanced equestrian friend. Then go out, sidepass, canter, and jump to you and your horse’s heart’s delight! __________________________ Thomas Garcia is the owner of Spanish Creek Performance Horses and Taos Tack and Pet Supply. He can be reached at 575-737-9798.

PHOTOS FROM TOP: Ring snaffle D ring snaffle Pelham with French Link Hollow mouth full cheek snaffle Kimberwicke with port mouth.

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EVENTS: June - July .................

JUNE

1, 8, 15 Wednesday Night Barrels Rodeo de Santa Fe www.rodeodesantafe.org Santa Fe 3-5 NM Hunter Jumper Summer Opener Show www.nmhja.org Albuquerque 5 Pecos Valley Horsemen’s Assoc.

Show Facebook Roswell 5 No Bling Show NM Appaloosa Horse Club www.NMApHC.info Albuquerque 7, 14, 21, 28 Tuesday Night Barrels Bosque Farms Rodeo Assoc.

Bosque Farms 10-12 Spring Series Barrel Race Rockin Horse Ranch www.rockinhorseranch.net Moriarty 11-12 4th Annual AERC Endurance Ride for Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding www.ridecaja2016.weebly.com Santa Fe 11-12 Point Show NM Buckskin Horse Assoc. www.nmbha.com Bosque Farms 11-12 American Vaulting Assoc. Region IV Championships Ann 505-350-8775 Albuquerque 12 Schooling Show NM Dressage Assoc. www.nmdressage.net Stanley 17-19 Annual Chile Roundup National Versatility Ranch Horse Assoc.; www.nvrha.org Bosque Farms 18 Point Show All Breed Horse Show Assoc.

Facebook ABHSA Clovis

18 Rio Grande Mule & Donkey Assoc.

Fun Show www.rgmda.com Edgewood

9-10 Fall Series Barrel Race Rockin Horse Ranch www.rockinhorseranch.net Moriarty

18 Horse Show Desert Sun Equestrians Facebook Portales

10 Schooling Show NM Dressage Assoc. www.nmdressage.net Santa Fe

22-25 67th Rodeo de Santa Fe www.rodeodesantafe.org Santa Fe

16 Horse Show Lea County Horseman’s Assoc.

Facebook Lovington

24-25 Showdown ‘N Old Abiquiu Rodeo www.racfa.net Abiquiu 25 2 Man Ranch Sorting Kim Weinberger 360-490-3975 Bosque Farms 25 Horse Show Lea County Horseman’s Assoc.

Facebook Lovington 25-26 Horse Show SW Quarter Horse Assoc. www.swqha.com Las Cruces 25-26 Rodeo de Taos www.nmrodeo.org Taos 26 Green Chile Days Pinto/Palomino/All Breed Marilyn 505-865-6568 Bosque Farms

JULY

2-3 Recognized Show NM Dressage Society www.nmdressage.us Santa Fe 6, 13, 20, 27 Wednesday Night Barrels Rodeo De Santa Fe www.rodeodesantafe.org Santa Fe

16-17 Green Chile Classic NM Paint Horse Club www.nmpainthorse.org Stanley 21-24 Rendezvous-Back Country Horsemen www.bchnm.org Resumidero Campground San Pedro Parks Wilderness

HORSE ✽ RIDER June 3-5 John & Cat Parks Horsemanship Julia Jarvis: jvj@cybermesa.com Trinity Ranch, Lamy June 4 RGMDA Western Dressage Clinic with Erlene Seybold www.rgmda.com Edgewood Jun 4, Jun 19, Jul 2, Jul 17 Zuni Mt. Chapt. Back Country Horsemen Trailrides Facebook Cibola County June 7, 14, 21, 28 & July 5, 12, 19 26 RiderFit Equestrian Yoga landofenchantmentequineyoga.com Los Ranchos De Albuquerque June 12 Western Dressage Clinic with Joyce Swanson Steve Simmons 505-301-0917 Corrales

23 2 Man Ranch Sorting Kim Weinberger 360-490-3975 Bosque Farms

June 25 Kerry Picken - Riding with Pilates 4windsequestriancenter.com Estancia

23-24 Horse Show SW Quarter Horse Assoc. www.swqha.com Las Cruces

July 9 Fiesta de Western Dressage 4windsequestriancenter.com Estancia

23-24 Dressage I & II Santa Fe Dressage Assoc. www.horseshowsolutions.com Santa Fe 27-31 Summer Series Welcome Week www.hipicosantafe.com Santa Fe 29-31 Team Roping SW Regional Finals www.ustrc.com Clovis 30 Point Show All Breed Horse Show Assoc.

Facebook Clovis

9 Gimme Shelter - Trainers Rally For Rescues 3rd Annual Horse Show & Adoption Event www.thehorseshelter.org Santa Fe

30-31 Mild Minis & Hot Ponies Chile Sensation Horse Show Marilyn 505-865-5678 Albuquerque

9 Horse Show Desert Sun Equestrians Facebook Portales

30-31 Rio Grande Mule & Donkey Assoc.

Old Timers Show www.rgmda.com Edgewood

July 9-10 Cal Middleton Clinic 4windsequestriancenter.com Estancia July 9-10 Working with Equine Limbs Susan Smith www.susansmithsantafe.com Santa Fe July 16 First Aid for Trail Riding Emergencies 4windsequestriancenter.com Estancia

Horse Around New Mexico DEADLINES AUG/SEP Issue Articles & Events June 20 editor@horsearoundnm.com eventshorsearound@gmail.com Ads July 5 ads@horsearound.com www.horsearoundnm.com

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36 HORSE AROUND | June/July 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com

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HORSE VACATION/ TRAVEL DIRECTORY Listed here are places to have fun with horses, and places to stop while traveling with horses. Horse Around New Mexico magazine dedicated the time and space to make this the most complete list possible. We may, however, have overlooked a business. Please let us know if you would like to be added to this listing: HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, 505-570-7377.

Guest Ranches/Outfitting/ Riding Vacations Bluewater Lake Lodge, Prewitt; trails, full

hookups, small cabins, overnight stabling: 505-290-2699; www.bluewaterlake-lodge. com Burnt Well Guest Ranch, Roswell; working cattle ranch, large ranch house, cattle round ups; 575-347-2668; www. burntwellguestranch.com Circle A Guest Ranch, Cuba: trail riding, historic lodge, BYOH, corrals, near San Pedro Parks Wilderness; 575-289-3350; www.circlearanchnm.com Concho Hills Guest Ranch, Magdalena; trail riding, ranch activities, cowboy shooting, historical tours, award-winning accommodations. (575) 772-5757 Cow Creek Ranch, Pecos; fly fishing,horseback riding in the Sangre de Cristos. (505) 757-2107 Creek Ranch, Santa Rosa; All inclusive horseback vacations on 82,000 acres, genuine working cattle and guest ranch; www.creek-ranch.com

Twin Willows Guest Ranch, Ocate, near J Bar C Horse Motel, Roswell; arena, 2 RV Angel Fire; Log house with log house for 8 hookups; 575-347-2742 / 575-626-5296 / for rent, BYOH.575-666-2028 575-626-5294; www.jbarchorsemotel.com TwoPonyz Ranch, Mountainair; guest house; BYOH; 505-847-0245; www. twoponyzranch.com

J.P.'s Horse Motel, Mentmore (Gallup); arena; 505-979-1192

Kiva RV Park and Horse Motel, Bernardo; U-Trail’s, Glenwood; guided pack trips, day 14 stalls, large pens, obstacle course, rides; lodge, gourmet meals; 575-519round pen; 8569; www.utrail.com Tel: 505-861-0693; www. kivarvparkandhorsemotel.com Vermejo Park Ranch, Raton; Ted Turner-owned luxury resort offers guided Kiss the Moon Equestrian Center, Moriarty; horseback rides; vermejoparkranch.com Easy I-40 access, indoor arena, easy access for bigger rigs/haulers; 505-975Wolfhorse Outfitters, Gila/Aldo 3567 Leopold Wilderness; Native American Guide Service; 575-534-1379; www.

Las Cruces Horse Motel, Las Cruces; WolfHorseOutfitters.com 5 minute trail ride to Rio Grande, RV hookups, roping arena with cattle; 575-644Overnight Stabling 3518; www.lascruceshorsemotel.com 4 Winds Equestrian Center, Estancia; RV/ trailer sites with electrical hookups, small LazyKo Ranch. Deming;horse motel, travel trailer, arenas, nearby riding in the hookups with open range for riding; 575Manzanos & Sandias; 505-384-1831 202-2876; www.chickentracks.biz

Justyn Brynn Enchantment Equitreks, Edgewood; All-inclusive horseback riding adventures offering day rides, weekend, 5-day, 7-day and 8-day packages; 575-4307514; www.enchantmentequitreks.com

The Albatross, Santa Fe; horse motel, long Mac’s Overnight Stables, near Santa Fe and short-term, outdoor arena and round on 1-25: round pen and trails, RV hookup; pen; 505-231-8570; john@mineralogica.org 505-466-2815; www.macsovernightstables. com Arrowhead Ranch, Santa Fe; multiple arenas and trail access; 505-424-8888; Open Heart G Farms, Anthony; located on Arrowheadsantafe@aol.com 25-acre pecan orchard, indoor box stalls, hookups, bunkhouse; 915-920-5169; Branco's Boarding Stables, Las Cruces; openheartgfarms@gmail.com full hookups, daily/weekly/monthly rates, access to BLM land trails; 575-636-8809; Rancho de la Angostura, Algodones: www.brancosboardingstables.com easy trail access, power available, arena and round pen; 505-280-4849; www.

Broken M Ranch, Albuquerque; large arena katylindberg.com w/lights; barrels; round pen; wash rack; dry camping; 505-877-9433; Rancho Siesta, Edgewood; dry camping, www.broken-m-ranch.com spacious corrals; 505-450-3165

Los Pinos Guest Ranch, Cowles; lodge and gourmet meals; 505-757-6213; www. lospinosranch.com

Bruton Stables Raton; outdoor arena and Red Rock Park, Gallup; enclosed and round pen; 575-447-8777; brutonstables@ covered stalls, arena, primitive/water/ gmail.com electric; 505-726-1277; www.gallupnm.gov

NAN Ranch, Faywood; rent the HQ of national registered historic 1870s ranch in the Mimbres River Valley, BYOH; 575-288-5368

Carter's Stables, Farmington; guest house, Rocking Horse Ranch, Moriarty; huge one full hookup; 505-330-3066; www. indoor arena; 505-832-6619 / 505-301cartersstablesfarmington.com 3772; www.rockinghorseranch.net

Nancy Burch’s Roadrunner Tours, Red River; overnight excursions and trail riding; 575-377-6416; www.nancyburch.com

Caballo Lake State Park, Caballo; four Roy-El Horse Hotel , Espanola; 505-603large pipe corrals with cover, tack room, 6016; www.roy-elmorgans.com water, trails, easy on/off I-25; 575-743-3942 Slash M Slash Ranch, Grants; horse Cassetta Critter Care, Tucumcari; horse motel, indoor riding arena, roping arena, motel, roping arena, trailer hook up; bunkhouse; 505-290-7836 / 505-290-2645; 575-403-6227 / 603-798-5033; www. jodiepalmermirabal@hotmail.com cassettacrittercare.com; Facebook.com/ cassettacrittercarehorsemotel Ride To Pride at “The Barn,” Las Vegas; easy access off 1-25; 505-429-9935 / 429Crossroads Ranch, Anthony; 575-882-5533 3905; www.ridetopride.com

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch; remote dude ranch; 575-772-5157; www.geronimoranch. com Gillespie Ranch, Mayhill; large pens, gift shop, cozy cottage, RV hookups; 575-6873732; www.gillespieranchulazy2.com

N Bar Ranch, Reserve; in Gila National Forest, BYOH or ours, rent entire ranch; 575-533-6253; nbarranch@hughes.net Quinlan Ranch, Chama; RV hookups, guided rides, lodge and meals; 575-2091618; www,quinlanranch.com Starrynight Ranch, Llaves; All-inclusive, children’s camps, guided rides through private and BLM land, guest cottage and rooms, BYOH or ours; 575-554-0577/ 575638-5661; www.starrynightranch.com Taos Horse Getaways, Tres Piedras; BYOH; houses, cabins, RV space; 575-7583628; www.taoshorsegetaways.com

Diamond Arrow Ranch, Deming, 5 RV hookups, ride out on BLM land, big rig friendly; 575-546-1115 /480-332-8265; gregsandy03@hotmail.com

Spur Stables LLC, equine hotel, south valley Albuquerque; new owners since 2015; four full hookups includes 30 & 50 amp, dump; 505-382-2370;paulsilva46@ comcast.net

Trail Riding Operations A.A. Taos Ski Valley Wilderness Adventures, LLC, Taos; Ride peaks and ridges of Rocky Mountains; 575-751-6051

Acacia Riding Adventures, San Acacia; 575517-0477; www.acaciaridingadventures.com Broken Saddle Riding Company, Cerrillos; gaited horses; 505-424-772; www. brokensaddle.com Bishop’s Lodge Stables, Santa Fe; www. bishopslodge.com Cedar Crest Stables & Country Cottage, Cedar Crest; mountain riding, cottage for rent; 505281-5197; www.cedarcreststables.com Cieneguilla Stables, near Taos; trail rides and “saddle and paddle” combo trips; 575-7512815 Circle S Riding Stable and Outfitting, Tererro; trail rides in Pecos Wilderness June-July, elk hunt outfitting Sept.-Oct. 575-288-5055, 505-757-8440; www. circlesridingstable.com Corralitos Trail Rides, near Las Cruces; working ranch riding; 575-640-8184; www. corraltostrailrides.com Enchanted Gaits, Tijeras; smooth, gaited horses; 505-281-2226 Gila Hot Springs Ranch, Gila Hot Springs: half and full-day rides; lodging/rv/camping; natural hot springs; 575-536-9551; www. gilahotsprings.com Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu; 505-685-1000 Grindstone Stables, Ruidoso; guided trail rides, sleigh and carriage rides; 575-257-2241; www. grindstonestables.com Inn of the Mountain Gods Riding Stable, Mescalero; 575-464-7424 New Mexico Horse Adventures, Albuquerque; BYOH or rent; 505-301-0917; www. newmexicohorseadventures.com Red River Stables, Red River; ride, fish, view wildlife; 575-747-1700; www.RedRiverStables. com Rio Grande Stables, Taos & Questa; hourly plus multi-day rides; 888-259-8267 / 575-7765913; wwwlajitasstables.com Runnels Bonita Stables, Nogal: Ride near Bonito Lake, no reservations needed; 575354-2778 Santa Fe Western Adventures, Santa Fe; ride on private ranch and Lone Butte Mountain; 505-473-9384; www.SantaFeWest.com

Double Y Ranch, Santa Fe; hot walker, RV Stables at Tamaya Resort, Bernalillo, 505-771hookup; 602-320-7136; amazcowboy@ Western Drive Stables, Tucumcari; 5756060 cox.net 461-0274 / 575-403-8824; hallerstable@ plateautel.net 37 | June/July 2016 | HORSE Vision Quest, LasAROUND Vegas; private, catered D S Horse Motel, Grants; nextwww.horsearoundnm.com to an RV rides, family activities;505-469-8130; www. park with full hookups; 505-240-2544; VisionQuestHorseBackRide.com darinsimpson2003@yahoo.com

HORSE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Listed here are horse-related services provided by the June/July advertisers. They are experts in their fields. Many of the business owners are also horse owners and enthusiasts. They are the reason Horse Around New Mexico magazine exists and why the magazine is growing. If you enjoy this free publication, please show your support by supporting our advertisers.

ART/HORSE PORTRAITS L. Thayer Hutchinson, page 10 BARNS/BUILDINGS Ironhorse Pipe & Steel, page 12 Morton Buildings, page 6 BLANKET CLEANING The Desert Sky Ranch, page 29 BOARDING Mac’s Overnight Stables, page 38 CLINICS Fiesta de Western Dressage, page 29 EVENTS 4 Winds Equestrian Center, page 29

AERC Endurance Ride, page 5 Gimme Shelter Trainers’ Rally for Rescues, page 31 FEED/SUPPLEMENTS Horse Sense Solutions, page 6 GUEST RANCHES Starrynight Ranch, page 36 MASSAGE Medicine Massage, page 8 Life and Vitality, LLC, page 25 OUTFITTERS U-Trail’s, page 19 REAL ESTATE Annette Wood, page 34 Corrales Horse Property, page 29

SPECIALTY SERVICES Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service, page 10 TACK AND FEED STORES Barn Dogs, page 22 Hitch’n Post Feed, page 5 Horsemen’s, page 8 Miller’s Feed, page 12 Paul’s Veterinarian Supply, page 9 Taos Tack and Pet Supply, page 7 Village Mercantile, page 2 TRAILERS C & J Traders, page 8 Sandia Trailer Sales and Service, page 40

38 HORSE AROUND | June/July 2016 | www.horsearoundnm.com

TRAINING A Teacher of Horses, page 19 For The Heart of The Horse, page 5 Morgan Equine, page 12 Platinum Performance Horses, page 7 Susan Smith, page 39 VEHICLE Amerian Diesel Service, page 9 VETERINARIAN Santa Sophia Equine, page 10 Western Trails, page 22

Clinics & Workshops: Equine Body Balance (TM) is informed and shaped by Equine OrthoBionomy and Equine Positional Release (EPR). This gentle, but effective, non-force approach uses elements of healing that are in concert with the body’s natural tendencies.

Liberty Foundations begin without tack to bring horse and human to deep working connection. Private lessons

Individual work: Horse & Rider Integration sessions are available mounted or unmounted, for those who want to experience bodywork with a specific focus on riding.

Ortho-Bionomy sessions for you or your horse, with primary focus on healing from within: postural, acute and chronic injuries.

For more information see: www.susansmithsantafe.com info@susansmithsantafe.com 505-501-2478

CONVENIENT LOCATION - EASY ON/OFF I-40 20 minutes from Alb., 1 hour from Santa Fe 75 minutes from Santa Rosa

1435 Route 66, Edgewood, NM 87015 (505) 281-9860 (800) 832-0603 Open Tues-Sat 8:30am-5pm Closed Sunday and Monday

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