Horse Around New Mexico Nov/Dec 2018

NEW MEXICO HORSES

RIDES

TRAINING

PEOPLE

PLACES

NOV/DEC 2018

FOR HORSES & HIKERS

HOPE

FOR THE TRAUMATIZED HORSE

FOR THE HORSE LOVER FREE! / BEST HORSE STUFF ISSUE / WINTER EQUINE SPORTS IDEAS / WHY GET A COGGINS

Alfalfa-Based Natural option for dispensing medication or supplements in pill or capsule form Support Antioxidant-Enrichment Contains cranberries to help support the immune system Pill Holding Design Assures medication or supplement is delivered to the animal Stay Fresh Packaging Resealable package to keep horse pill carriers fresh & palatable No Preservatives, Colors or Artificial Flavors

Consistent quality feed with every bag and bale AVA I L A B L E A T O U R N E W M E X I C O R E T A I L E R S :

•

When I was interviewing Erica Hess and Joost Lammers for the article on rehabbing traumatized horses (page 16) they said something that resonated with me: They both had felt guilt about how they treated horses years ago. Many of us feel some guilt about being too forceful or insensitive with our horses before we knew better. Turns out these feelings of guilt are rooted in our genetics, may be gender-related and can be reduced with positive action.

Lynn Clifford, a licensed mental health counselor and horse trainer/instructor, says that feeling guilty is a common human experience, especially for those who are introspective, caring and compassionate. She also says the tendency is hard-wired in our species, a built-in mechanism that kept us safe for eons: Humans focused on what went wrong, so we would not repeat the behavior and put ourselves in danger. She says it is common to focus on what we did wrong rather than what we did right.

I still feel bad about some of the things I did to my horses years ago, like using a crop to get my mare to cross a bridge that frightened her, or yanking on my gelding's bit when he tried to race home. Often the first thing I say to my horses before the morning feeding is, “I’m sorry.”

When I told Lynn that, she responded like she had heard it before, like I was another person beating myself up too much for a minor infraction. She says that women especially hold ourselves to a high bar, believing that we are supposed to always be nurturing, compassionate and perfect.

So if you are feeling any guilt about your mistreatment of horses in your past, here’s the fix: Put your guilt into a motion.

You can do simple things, like say or write a sincere apology to your horse or give them a special treat. “A motion is an energy,” explains Lynn. Some people do larger actions, like volunteer or contribute to horse-related organizations. One woman I know felt so guilty about accidentally injuring her horse that she started a horse rescue. “How we harness and channel the energy is our choice. We can direct our feelings of guilt and channel them for good. It’s a beautiful option,” Lynn says.

I learn so much from my horses. With this lesson on guilt and letting go, they have taught me about self-forgiveness, not just for using a crop in an unfair manner, but for larger mistakes I have made in my life. “Horses and life provide us with an opportunity to renew ourselves again and again,” says Lynn.

What a wonderful perspective to wrap up 2018 and start a new year.

Cecilia Kayano

My Kentucky mountain gelding Lance on a perch outside of Santa Fe.

New Mexico Editor/Publisher CECILIA KAYANO Associate Editor PEGGY CONGER Facebook/Events SUSIE SPICER Manager Contributing Writers SHELLEY BACHICHA & Photographers SHARON BICE ANNA BOWSER NANCY BURTON ANDY CAMERON, DVM RON HANKLA JOAN LATTNER JOHN MCKENNA LISA MCKENNA COLLEEN NOVOTNY TOM SUTHERLAND PHOTOGRAPHY Photojournalist EVALYN BEMIS Graphic Design/Layout MARIE ANTHONY Advertising & Sales FREE Events Listing

HORSENEWMEXICO@GMAIL.COM EVENTSHORSEAROUND@GMAIL.COM

Subscriptions $30/YR MAIL CHECK TO:

HANM * PO BOX 367* PECOS * NM 87552 OR PURCHASE ONLINE AT:

www.horsearoundnm.com Well-written, informative articles and high-resolution photos are welcome. Submissions will be considered and are subject to editing.

The next issue, the Get Ready Issue, appears at New Mexico outlets on March 1, 2019. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2019.

The deadline for ads is February 1, 2019. 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!

COVER PHOTO: Retired smokejumpers Jon Klingel and Doug Wamsley with BCH Santa Fe chapter president Joan Lattner on a trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. Photo by Cecilia Kayano.

BEST HORSE STUFF ISSUE

RIDERS' FAVORITES / 3 HORSE SPORTS TO TRY / COGGINS EXPLAINED

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20

16

FEATURES

16 From Trauma To Triumph

With patience and love, abused horses can learn to trust again

22 A Few Of Our Favorite Things

New Mexico horsepeople give us ideas for the perfect gifts for the horse lover in our families

26 Clear Trails For All

Retired smokejumpers return to the wilderness to help keep trails open for riders, ranchers and hikers

32 Vaulting

This physically-demanding horse sport will keep tots through adults in shape and having fun on horseback

34 Fox Hunting

If tradition and protocol are right up your alley, try this fastpaced sport

36 Equine Trail Sports

Riders choose the level of difficulty as they attempt each obstacle in this low-key competitive sport

38 Why Your Horse Should Get A Coggins Test

A case of EIA in Colorado reminds horse owners why the Coggins test is critical to the health of horses nationwide

34

PLUS

15 Horse Services Directory

Horse Around New Mexico is printed five times per year: Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec. Submissions of articles and photos 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 MexicoŠ2018. 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.

May your Christmas be full Of horses and snow, The beauty of New Mexico, Its people and places The amazing light and abundant grace.

710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos 575-737-9798 www.taostackandpetsupply.com Queenie is ready for adoption! She may be waiting for you.

Queenie is quiet, sweet, eager to please and looking for her own person.

Easy to ride, sensitive and very willing, Queenie will make a great horse for an intermediate rider.

She has been ridden in the arena, round pen and on the trail. She is approx. 8YO and 14.2H.

“Chance for a Lifetime�

Queenie is the very first graduate of a new collaborative program from Four Corners Equine Rescue and Heart of the Horses Sanctuary in Santa Fe. This is a dream come true for horses that have been rescued from perilous situations and given the best training and rehabilitation available from FCER and trainers Joost Inspire 9 Empower Horses 9 Humans Lammers and Erica Hess.

3.18 B sanctuary card.indd 2

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3/18/18 7:11 PM

Adoption fee is $800, and includes lessons from Joost and Erica.

Call for an appointment to meet Queenie.

505-474-5480 info@heartofthehorses.com

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HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

queenie 8.2 D.indd 1

8/6/18 3:46 PM

keep them healthy keep them happy Western Trails Veterinary Hospital is the best choice for excellent horse, cattle and pet care in the East Mountains.

OUR TEAM

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Stacey Thornton, DVM Krystle Hutsel, DVM

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large & small animals 24/7 emergency care

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Small-Town Service, Large Selection

Merry Christmas

Paul’s Veterinary Supply

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE HORSE LOVER, Western crafts, free gift wrapping

from Krissy, Hunter, and the staff of Paul’s Vet Supply

KEEP YOUR HORSE WARM with a horse blanket, many styles and sizes TOTES FOR HORSE & HUMAN, cowgirl purses, grooming totes Paul’s Veterinary Supply is known for our friendly, knowledgeable customer service! Have a horse care question? Stop by and ask!

VETERINARY SUPPLY Paul’s

2 Stores in New Mexico!

3825 Osuna NE, Albuquerque

505-341-9401

2005 SE Main, Roswell

575-624-2123

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALING Keep us in your giving plans this year and support therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs.

DONATE TODAY You can submit your tax-deductible donation online or by mail. www.nmctr.org/how-you-canhelp/donate/ NMCTR, PO Box 32505 Santa Fe, New Mexico 8759 8

The mission of the New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding is to enrich and expand the lives of children, youth, and adults with special needs through equine-assisted activities and therapies.

HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

Emma with Erica in CFLT

Paddy with Joost in CFLT

The Chance for a Lifetime is a new collaborative program from Four Corners Equine Rescue and Heart of the Horses Sanctuary in Santa Fe. This is a dream come true for horses that have been rescued from perilous situations and given the best training and rehabilitation available from FCER and trainers Joost Lammers and Erica Hess.

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CHANCE for a LIFETIME

CHANCE for a LIFETIME restoring hope in rescue horses

restoring hope to rescue horses

Find out how you can join in this experience!

Visit our website to find out how you can help by volunteering, adopting, sponsoring or making a tax deductible donation.

www.FourCornersEquineRescue.org 505-334-7220 www.heartofthehorses.com 505-474-5480

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO WHEN SELLING YOUR HORSE PROPERTY: #1 CALL ME. (I’LL HANDLE THE OTHER 9.)

Roni Merbler

has owned and ridden horses for most of her life. She knows how to prepare and market horse properties so they have maximum appeal to the horse owner.

505.259.9704 Rōni Merbler

CRS, ABR, Broker Associate

ENCHANTEDHOMES REAL ESTATE 505.944.2490

www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

9

starrynight guest ranch

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give your child the perfect christmas gift! l A GENTLE HORSE

TO RIDE l THE GREAT OUTDOORS ON HORSEBACK l NEW BEST FRIENDS l A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES

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Get outside! Have fun with horses!

STARRYNIGHTRANCH.COM 575-638-5661 Stall Barn | Riding Arena | Equine Facility | Pasture Shelter | Hay Storage

Join Generations of Horse Enthusiasts For over a century Morton Buildings has provided exceptional quality and service to our customers. From stall barns and riding arenas to storage buildings and shelters, Morton Buildings are constructed to keep both you and your horses safe and comfortable.

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To learn more and to get started on your project, contact Morton Buildings today. ©2016 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. NM License #016516 Reference Code 043

10 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

mortonbuildings.com

seminar & clinic De-Mystifying Collection December 1 lynnclifford.com/events

Lynn Clifford, MA, LMHC | 505.231.5353 | lynn@lynnclifford.com

Land for sale in Lincoln County. Beautiful views with flat to rolling terrain. Adjacent to the Lincoln National Forest. 3-11 acre parcels.

Owner financing - discount for cash. Perfect for vacation or retirement home.

Photo © tonystromberg.com

Live where you can really ride, retire and recreate!

The Ride of Your Life ™

Happy Holidays & Best Wishes for the New Year!

Pet cremation keeps them close to the heart ...so the memories never fade.

When your beloved horse or pet dies, it is a traumatic time. Let Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service be there for you and your pet. We are the only family owned and operated animal cremation service in New Mexico. We are animal lovers, and promise to treat your pet with the dignity and respect it deserves.

THIS MEANS:

We empathize

with you at this difficult time, and will explain options for cremation according to your budget and special wishes. when we pick up your horse or pet at your home, boarding facility or veterinary office.

We are respectful We understand

your need to keep your pet’s remains close by, or scatter them at a meaningful place. We offer a wide selection of urns, and can engrave them with words of comfort.

Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service is owned by Kelly and Dave Gifford.

Pictured here are Kelly and Dave’s grandchildren Paige and Jaxon being cared for by equine pal Velvet, who passed away in 2017.

ALBUQUERQUE PET MEMORIAL SERVICE 132 Mountain Park Place NW Suite A, Albuquerque, New Mexico

505-550-4793 www.AlbuquerquePetMemorial.com www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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CRAIG CAMERON Dec. 1 & 2

2-day clinic at Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc. Lamy, New Mexico

REGISTER TODAY!

Alto Road, 505-466-3961 48 Cerro LOALTUCKER.COM Lamy, NM 12 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

SM

Inspire 9 Empower

Horses 9 Humans

Joost Lammers + Erica Hess 505.474.5480 www.heartofthehorses.com

TLC FOR YOUR HORSE

Cameron Veterinary Clinic, in Eldorado, Santa Fe, offers two veterinarians and five clinic staff who are all devoted to providing the best care to your beloved horse or pet.

Andy Cameron, DVM, owns 3 horses for mounted search and rescue and wilderness packing.

Allison Otis, DVM, owns 2 horses for trail riding and ranch work.

505.466.1540uCAMERONVETERINARYCLINIC.COM www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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HAL BURNS

Hal Burns is the premier truck, RV and trailer specialist in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico.

FF GET 10% O ENTION

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• Diesel and gas engines service, tune ups & repairs • Horse trailer repairs & safety checks

We will meet all of your mechanical needs with factory-trained personnel.

14 Camino Charro, Santa Fe

505-471-1671 www.halburns.com

14 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

SUZANNE BETZ 2 2 5 Canyo n Roa d Sant a F e NM 505.984.1688 lamesaofsantafe.com “Sweet Comfort”

mixed media

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HORSE SERVICES DIRECTORY

Listed here are horse-related services provided by the November/December 2018 issue 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 - FINE & FUNCTIONAL La Mesa of Santa Fe, page 15 BARNS/CORRALS Ironhorse Pipe & Steel, page 9 Morton Buildings, page 10 BOARDING Dancing Bear Ranch, page 12 CHILDREN’S HORSE CAMPS Starrynight Guest Ranch, page 10 CLINICS Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc., page 12 EVENTS Holiday Obstacle Course and Trail Challenge, page 39

FEED Standlee Premium Western Forage, page 2 NATURAL PRODUCTS Pharm-Aloe, Nicole Troutsdale, page 25 Pharm-Aloe, distributors, page 31 REAL ESTATE Rōni Merbler, page 9 Property For Sale, page 11 RESCUE/ADOPTION Chance for a Lifetime, page 9 Four Corners Equine Rescue, page 9 Queenie for sale, page 6 SADDLES John McKenna Saddlery, page 14

SHOEING AND TRIMMING Thilo Hoffmann, page 13 SPECIALTY SERVICES Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service, page 11 TACK AND FEED STORES Horsemen’s, page 6 Miller’s Feed, page 12 Paul’s Veterinary Supply, page 8 Taos Tack and Pet Supply, page 6 Village Mercantile, page 3 THERAPEUTIC RIDING New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding, page 8

Loal Tucker Horsemanship, Inc., page 12 Lynn Clifford, The Ride of Your Life, page 11 VEHICLE/TRAILERS American Diesel Service, page 7 Hal Burns Truck & Equipment, page 14 Sandia Trailer Sales and Service, page 48 VETERINARIAN Cameron Veterinary Clinic, page 13 Jeannette M. Kelly, page 14 Western Trails, page 7

TRAINING Heart of the Horses Sanctuary, page 13

www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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From Trauma to

Triumph With patience and love, abused horses can learn to trust again ARTICLE BY CECILIA KAYANO PHOTOS BY EVALYN BEMIS

www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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C

When Emma came to Erica and Joost, no one could get anywhere near her. It took Emma six weeks to allow Erica to touch her. Emma belongs to Four Corners Equine Rescue and will be available for adoption as her training progresses.

an the abused horse be convinced to give humans another chance? For the beaten and starved, what is necessary to get them to take a step towards a human, to let a person lay a hand on a wither, stroke their neck? We’re not even talking saddling up. And, we’re definitely not talking 90 days from start to finish. We are talking about changing the look in an abused horse’s eyes from empty to bright, changing their go-to place from fear to curiosity. These unbelievable transformations are taking place, and taking time, lots of time...

18 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

Optimists and pessimists

Erica Hess and Joost Lammers of Heart of the Horses Sanctuary in Santa Fe are especially skilled at transforming abused horses. First and foremost, Erica and Joost are calm, speak thoughtfully, and move with cadenced, nonthreatening steps, mimicking a gentle herd leader.

They know this about horses: some horses are optimists, some are pessimists.

The optimists were born and raised with human consideration. “We have Merlin, the eternal optimist,” explains Joost. “He has never had anything bad happen to him. When he sees one of us, he runs to the gate, says, ‘Take me out.’”

Then there are the pessimists. Erica says they have been abused by people who themselves are most likely hurting.

Joost also tries to make sense of why

Joost says Erica has an uncanny intuition about what the abused horse needs to overcome trauma. Erica thinks Emma was traumatized when a foal was taken away from her because she went crazy, calling and desperately trying to run after the foal. Erica and Joost have placed two rescued yearlings in Emma's care as a way to help her get over the loss of her foal.

Joost goes on to say, “What we ultimately want to do is raise awareness and influence the entire horse community, not just the hobby horse owner, but the high-level competitors. We want to rally community around horses and build critical mass so that mistreating horses will be outlawed.”

Time and tea anyone would mistreat an animal and says, “People feel their own hurt and starvation, and that is what blinds them to not be able to see what is going on around them.” He also reminds us that until only 50 or 60 years ago we “broke” horses, tied them to snubbing posts and bucked them out. “That is when you see the souls of horses disappear behind their eyes,” he says.

Changing the horse industry Both Erica and Joost say that they used to be part of the horse industry-wide problem. Erica says she interacted with horses through dominance, and Joost says he was always in a hurry and cocky around horses. “I could feel some shame about how I was ten years ago, but I always had good intentions and at the time did not know any better,” explains Erica.

What the duo knows now is that to help a traumatized horse heal you need to do it on the horse’s terms. Says Joost, “Time is a crucial factor, giving the horses the time they need to get over the trauma they acquired. Horses don’t forget anything so we need plenty of time to give them lots of new, positive experiences.”

Erica explains, “When I work with them, I stop trying to direct them and just be present with them. We have a conversation, like having a cup of tea.

I ask them a question then wait, give them time to think before they answer.

When they give me an answer they are clear, they say yes or no. I don’t think it’s magic, I think it’s listening, believing the things we notice and the answers we hear.

Once they understand we are listening to them, they start communicating clearly.

When one of these guys feels heard it is like a magical moment of empowerment for them.”

The Black Stallion moment

Remember that scene in the film, The Black Stallion, the one that was partly shot from under water where the young boy gets on the stallion’s back for the first time? That’s what Joost and Erica are talking about, the slow dance of horse and human, recognizing the moment of agreement.

Joost says, “I have to feel if the horse will allow me to go further. Our job is not to get what we want, but to help him find what we are looking for. I am not there to get something: I am there to help.

They don’t know what we are looking for.

Humans have that ability to envision, but horses have no clue what we want. We need to help them discover what we are asking.”

And when it comes to the critical moment of getting on a horse’s back or not, Joost says he pays particular attention to how curious the horse is about the idea of Joost being on his back.

“Fear and curiosity rarely inhabit the same space. When there is curiosity, you can work with that. I ask a horse to be drawn in one step further. I’m not waiting for the horse to say, ‘It’s time to climb on my back,’ but I touch him everywhere. I lean into his side. I step on a bucket, and ask him, ‘How do you feel?’ I lay my upper body over his back. And at one moment, I

www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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Queenie was a rescue at Four Corners Equine Rescue, was adopted out, then returned.

The rescue sent her to Joost and Erica who discovered she had bruised ribs and was miserable wearing a bridle. Now she is a different horse, trusting, ridable, and happy. find we are both in a perfect state of mind and body, and I am on him. I didn’t know that was going to happen. It’s like that moment in The Black Stallion. That kid in the movie put in his time, and he put in his time lovingly.”

Shaking loose the trauma 20 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

Joost and Erica say that working with abused horses has profoundly changed them. Erica even says that her work with

Queenie used to hate being touched or groomed. But now look at her! She is ready for adoption, see page 6.

New Cooperative Program Helps Severely Abused Horses

Debbie Coburn, founder of Four Corners Equine Rescue, was searching for a special trainer to connect to one of her most traumatized horses, Paddy, who wouldn’t let anyone come within 12 feet of him. Paddy was special to her and she knew he could find his purpose if he was given the chance. Debbie visited Heart of the Horses Sanctuary in Santa Fe, operated by Erica Hess and Joost Lammers, and witnessed Erica working a huge dun gelding, Yogi, at liberty.

Debbie asked when Erica planned to start riding him. “Oh no,” said Erica. “We won’t ride Yogi. He doesn’t want us to.”

With that answer, Debbie had found her trainers, ones who would listen to the desires of horses. She brought Paddy to Erica and Joost, and from that moment, a cooperative training program called Chance for a Lifetime was born. Debbie says the program places severely abused horses with Heart of the Horses to “give them the space to heal, time to develop trust, and the invitation to participate with humans willingly, even eagerly.” horses became so deep that she had to stop instructing humans for two years.

Maybe we are too abrupt, too obvious, too on-task. “When I work with rescues, everything has to slow down, and every single moment has a message. It’s a quality of intimacy with another living being that is very rare.”

Joost encountered trauma in his own life, and like many horse owners, has benefited from relationships with horses. “There is a resonance between human and horse when both have experienced trauma.

When I work with them, the trauma loosens, and it is allowed to disappear. It is a gift we can give them, and they can give us.”

“This program is dedicated to helping the horses that need it the most,” said Debbie. “It’s for horses that are physically healthy and could live a full life if they can heal from past trauma.” She says that Erica and Joosts’ methods with traumatized horses offers them a new beginning, one that convinces these horses to give humans another chance.

How You can help

Find out how you can help rehabilitate traumatized horses by volunteering, adopting, sponsoring or making a tax-deductible donation.

• Debbie Coburn, www.FourCornersEquineRescue.org, 505-334-7220 • Joost Lammers and Erica Hess, www.heartofthehorses.com, 505-474-5480

Cecilia Kayano is the editor of Horse Around New Mexico magazine. Contact HorseNewMexico@gmail.com. Evalyn Bemis is a photojournalist and lifelong equestrian. View her photos online by searching Evalyn Bemis Photography. www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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A Few of Our

Favorite Things

BY PEGGY CONGER

Micklem Multibridle is a favorite of Horse Around New Mexico magazine founder Karen Lehmann.

W

e asked New Mexico horsepeople to share the horse stuff they just can’t live without. Maybe you’ll get an idea for the horseperson on your list!

As riders and horse lovers, we all have those go-to items, things that we wouldn’t ever want to part with. It might be something you never saddle up without, it might be a beyond-handy addition to your horse camping gear, or it could be an everyday thing that makes life better for your horse. When we asked New Mexico horsepeople (a resourceful lot, for sure) for their favorite things, we got great ideas. Read on -- maybe you’ll find something that will become your go-to item or something to put a ribbon on for the horseperson in your life.

Renegade hoof boots

These state-of-the-art hoof boots are the go-to item for many distance riders. “By far, my go-to, most dependable piece of horse gear are my Renegade hoof boots,” says rider Marie Anthony. “I’ve always ridden my horses without shoes and used hoof boots when the trail got rocky. I’ve tried three other styles of boots and found them clunky and hard to keep on.

These Renegades strap on within seconds and stay on no matter the terrain or speed. The only time they might come off is in deep mud. I also like that they have a rotating hoof bulb piece that prevents rubbing. They come in different sizes and vibrant colors, so I can easily select the pair I need.” $200 pair.

Yeti Hopper Flip 12

If you own a Yeti of any sort, you know how this manufacturer has mastered the art of keeping stuff cold. Now they have developed a lightweight Yeti. Reader Henry Jimenez shared this with us: “My favorite piece of gear is the zippered Yeti Hopper 12 Flip Soft Cooler. I recently packed it on a four-day pack trip into the

Pecos Wilderness. It fit nicely into my over-the-saddle pack, and kept the salmon and steaks cold for over four days. It’s worth the weight and the price!” $250.

Mayatex saddle blankets

If you're looking for the perfect horse blanket, you might want to follow the lead of Anna Bowser, who found a selection of Mayatex saddle blankets online. "They're inexpensive and pretty," Anna says. "They fit over other saddle pads, and let me make a new fashion statement whenever I want." Anna found them online, but check out the local tack stores listed on page 15.

Starting at $20.

Outland 18” Portable Propane Fire Bowl Premium

Campgrounds can be a cheerless place at night when fire restrictions are on.

Joan Lattner, president of Back Country Horsemen’s Santa Fe Chapter, uses this propane fire bowl to get a safe -- and smokeless -- fire in camp. “I love this portable fire pit because it’s perfect for camping and the fire is similar to a real campfire. It’s easy to light especially after you’ve ridden in from a long trail ride and don’t want to fiddle with starting a wood fire. After sitting around it, you don’t smell like smoke. You don’t have the mess from hauling wood or the ashes and it really puts out heat. It’s light and easy to carry and transport. You can use it during stage 2 fire restrictions. And it’s great for cooking hot dogs and grilling steaks.” $130.

YETI HOPPER SOFT COOLER

RENEGADE HOOF BOOTS OUTLAND PROPANE FIRE BOWL MAYATEX SADDLE BLANKETS

SADDLE HOLSTER FOR NIPPERS (Photo by Ron Hankla.)

Saddle holster for nippers

Ron Hankla of Cedar Crest repurposed a tool holder from Home Depot into his must-have item. “I believe it was originally used to hold a hammer or pliers. It is perfect to put a small set of nippers on the front your saddle so you can trim branches from horseback.” $10.

Micklem Multibridle

Horse Around New Mexico founder Karen Lehmann says this unusual bridle is her absolute go-to. “What I love about it: the design avoids placing pressure on the horse’s facial nerves and on the temperomandibular joint especially. The model I have can be used as a longeing cavesson, a regular bitted bridle, a bitless bridle and a plain halter–so it’s a great all-in-one piece of equipment. It’s a bit odd-looking; so I do get some sideways glances!” Fitting can be a bit tricky. Find out more at williammicklemonline.com.

Prices range from $150-$190.

Rubber curry comb, curry mitt and soft natural bristle brush

Nancy Burton of Edgewood loves her grooming tools and so do her horses.

What makes these curries different is the soft rubber, which is great for cleaning muddy faces (and Nancy’s horses love a forehead rub!) “The soft rubber curries are also good for currying leg joints and cannon bones,” Nancy says. She uses the mitt, which has little nubs on one side, on

CURRY MITT, COMB AND BRISTLE BRUSH (Photo by Nancy Burton.)

summertime coats and finishes everything off to a fine sheen with the natural bristle brush. $3.

Saddle saw

Trail rider Melissa Deaver’s favorite thing is an 18-inch saw in a holder that hangs vertically off her saddle so it’s easy to access. “I take it on every ride and I use it,” she says. The model Melissa has is no longer made, but Weaver and other tack companies offer similar saws. $75.

My Pet Sunblock

Anyone who has a horse with pink skin will understand the necessity for Linda March’s favorite thing: My Pet Sunblock.

Linda, who boards her horse in the East Mountains, slathers it on her palomino Bandit’s nose to keep him from burning in New Mexico’s relentless sun. A bit pricey at $45, but worth it: My Pet Sunblock is all natural, safe for all animal use and can go on those tender parts. And it stays on in the rain, so you don’t have to reapply after mid-day downpours during monsoon weather. Available online at greenpet.com.

Fly And Ride mask

Nancy Freshour of Corrales doesn’t set out on a ride in fly season without a fly mask. “I love my Fly and Ride. It fits on the headstall to protect the horse when you’re on the trail. They cost about $20 and are very versatile and durable.”

Cashel makes similar models.

SADDLE SAW

Weaver leather polycotton reins

Colleen Novotny of Four Winds Equestrian Center loves these thick, soft, round reins by Weaver Leather. “I am a little like Goldilocks when it comes to my reins,” she says. “Those are too long, those are too short, too fat, too skinny,

FLY MASK

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HORN BAG

too hard, too soft. But when I found these polycotton braided reins at Chicals, I fell in love. They are just right.” $15.

Horn bag

Sometimes, it’s the simplest thing you value most. Shannon Cobb of Estancia says her horn bag is a must-have on every ride. “It’s just so easy. Whatever I need I can have right at my fingertips.” Horn bags come in all shapes, sizes, materials and colors. Look for sturdy construction and seams. $15 and up.

Dutton 3-piece bit

This writer’s go-to item is this three-piece shanked bit handmade by Dutton Bits, located in Los Lunas. My horse is a short little guy who had the nasty habit of grabbing his bit in his mouth and making a run for it, on every ride. A trainer put him in this bit and everything changed. Since then, my former little runaway has led commercial guided rides, been in two parades and has hundreds of trouble-free miles on the trail. Because I know it can be a severe bit, I use it sparingly.

But I know it works. In a lesson a few years back, Joe was suddenly unstoppable! I looked down and realized I’d put my mare’s bridle on him by mistake. Sometimes equipment does make the difference. $70.

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Peggy Conger is the Associate Editor of Horse Around New Mexico magazine. She enjoys trail riding and can be reached at P_Conger@yahoo.com

“Happy, healthy horses are our top priority.

Pharm-Aloe helps us maintain peak condition for training and competition, and supports optimal health for horses in our retirement program, naturally.”

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DUTTON 3-PIECE BIT POLYCOTTON REINS (Photo

by Colleen Novotny.)

pharmaloe.com www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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Clear Trails

for all

Doug Wamsley and Jon Klingel, retired smokejumpers, clear a trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY CECILIA KAYANO

Retired smokejumpers return to the wilderness they love, not to contain wild land fires this time around, but to keep trails clear for riders, ranchers and hikers. www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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S

The men cleared a six-mile loop that had been blocked for years. Their wood cutting ability, specialized tools, and teamwork enabled them to make shorter work of clearing blockages.

even men were hunkered down in the middle of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness, some assuming the anti-lightning position of knees to chest, arms crossed over heart. There had been a sudden boom of thunder, followed by rain, hail, wind, and lightning. The men, members of an elite trail clearing group, were working on a six-mile loop trail when they were hit by this unexpected storm.

When you hear how these men, ages 61-78, volunteer for several weeks each year to clear trails for horseback riders, ranchers and hikers, you will never look at a log cut from the trail in the same way.

Jumping into fires

Need for horses

Each year TRAMPS teams in eight states take on about two projects each.

The project for this particular team was to clear trails in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness of the Santa Fe National Forest. Some TRAMPS projects are near drive-in campgrounds, offering the luxury of overnighting in trailers or campers, and walking short distances to the project site. But this team was going to clear trail five miles from the nearest drive-in campground. They coordinated with the Forest Service and the Santa Fe Chapter of Back Country Horsemen to pack in their gear: a 40’ X 40’ heavy vinyl tarp, tables, chairs, cook stoves, coolers, food and professional sawyer crosscut saws, pulaskis and peavies. Having the horse power was critical. “We couldn’t pack all this gear up here,” said TRAMPS

The men are members of the National Smokejumpers Association Trails Restoration & Maintenance Project Specials (TRAMPS). All but one worked for years as smokejumpers, parachuting into areas in and around wild land fires to build containment fire lines. TRAMPS was started in 1999 by a retired smokejumper as a way for fellow retirees to have a reason to return to the backcountry areas that they love, keep those areas open by building and maintaining trails and most of all, maintain relationships with other retired jumpers.

28 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

member Jon Klingel. “We couldn’t do this without the help of Back Country Horsemen.”

The men carried their personal gear from the trailhead five miles uphill to a campsite on the edge of the Vega Redonda. They were followed by seven BCH members and pack animals including horses, mules and one burro. At the end of the day, there was enough gear and food at the site for six days in the wilderness.

Trail clearing machines

Although BCH members are good at clearing trail, the TRAMPS teams are expert. “They are true professionals,” said Joan Lattner, President of the Santa Fe Chapter of Back Country Horsemen.

“When they go out, they are like a team of finely-tuned log-cutting machines.

They have the knowledge and the tools.”

Joan witnessed the team clearing part of the six-mile loop out of the Vega Redonda. There was very little need for words as the men walked from log blockage to blockage. Each one had a responsibility, to man a specific saw, to lubricate blades, to move the cut logs, to saw branches. When the thunderstorm

In the past three years, Back Country Horsemen has supported the smokejumpers on five pack-ins. TOP: Joan Lattner, president of BCH Santa Fe Chapter, talks to TRAMPS members at their camp on the edge of the Vega Redonda. BOTTOM LEFT: Dan Key, a member of the North West Chapter of BCH, gets ready to pack supplies out. BOTTOM RIGHT: It was Molly's first pack trip, and she proved she was solid by unflinchingly packing out a stack of chairs.

came in, they set down all metal tools, took cover and protected themselves against lightning strikes. It took them five days to clear the loop which included a half-mile section of crisscrossed blow down. For years it had been impossible for horseback riders to pass. Even hikers had a difficult time walking around and climbing over the mess of downed trees.

Their reasons for doing it

“That’s why we all clear trails, for hikers, horseback riders and ranchers,” said Joan.

“Imagine if there was a forest fire. How would the firefighters get in here if the trails were blocked?” Both Joan and the TRAMPS members know that the Forest Service does not have funds to clear

many of the trails in national forests and wildernesses, and that by volunteering to do it, they are keeping access open to the backcountry for all.

A precious gift of a clear trail

On their final morning, TRAMPS had cleared the six-mile loop, making passable some of the messiest sections of trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. They packed up their gear so when six BCH members and their horses, mules and burro arrived, they were ready to tie the gear on the stock and head back down to the Resumidero Campground.

around the state gathered at Resumidero for their yearly celebration. Many rode the loop that the smokejumpers had cleared, plus other main trails that had been recently cleared by BCH members.

There were no worries, no high logs to step over, no tangles of blow down to try to bypass. There were only sawed logs, whitish yellow from their recent cuts, small damp piles of sawdust still there.

Before he left for his home in Farmington, TRAMPS member Watson (Java) Brady wished the BCH members a good time.

“You guys are going to be amazed by what we did. You guys will ride a dam good trail.”

Their timing was perfect: Four nights later, 54 BCH members from chapters www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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JON KLINGEL

WATSON (JAVA) BRADY

THE TRAMPS TEAM Watson (Java) Brady lives in Farmington and is 66. He was a smokejumper in Montana. “When I clear, I think about horseback riders and hikers. This clearing needs to be done. The first day, there was a messed up area, and we only cleared a couple hundred yards. I would like to see more jumpers get active. It’s good comradery.”

Jon Klingel is 74 and lives in Santa Fe. He was a smokejumper in Alaska and Oregon. “I like working with people who like to work and are good at it. When we are clearing trails, these guys are always looking around to see what needs to happen next. And I like to be out in the woods. It feels good to come back to camp tired at night.”

ALLISON STOUT

MIKE OVERBY

Mike Overby lives in Dallas and Angel Fire and is 70. He was a smokejumper in Montana. He has been a TRAMPS member for 15 years. “This crew is hardworking, and the average age is pretty high. When we’re working on projects, we relive old times, tell stories.

It’s a brotherhood.”

MARCO RIVERA

DOUG WAMSLEY

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Marco Rivera lives in Angel Fire and was a smokejumper for four years. He is 62 and enjoys backpacking and being in the mountains. “I hike a lot of these trails and know how congested they can get with downfall. I clear these trails because I’m retired, and I can.”

Allison Stout is 61 and a large animal veterinarian who practices out of Las Cruces. He was a smokejumper in Idaho for eight years and likes the work ethic of the TRAMPS members. “I get to hang out with retired jumpers. We are all adventurous, good natured, hardworking and disciplined.”

Doug Wamsley is 78 and lives in Denver.

He’s a former smokejumper and has been a TRAMPS member since 2004. “I like being with these guys. We have a common bond, like a club. I do this because there aren’t enough places like this. Ride into the Vega Del Oso, this big, beautiful meadow, and see all the wildlife. Having access is very important.”

Alan Wonders lives in Dallas and is 66. He was not a smokejumper but was invited by Mike to join TRAMPS. “I like being in the mountains and on the trail and feeling like it’s not just selfindulgence.

I’ve hiked so many trails, I want to give something back. It’s more than contributing money, it’s giving man ALAN WONDERS hours.”

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Steve Percival and Debbie Spikermann pack up Lilly.

The beasts of burden The smokejumpers camp could not have been possible without the help of four-legged friends. Molly mule packed out a stack of chairs on her first major pack trip, and she acted like she had finally found her true purpose. Tony, the famous rescue horse from The Horse Shelter, also seemed to know he was truly needed when he packed out bags of rattling trash. It was his first pack, too. Lilly the burro carried anything that was strapped on her: metal tools, a huge, heavy toilet seat.

Nothing fazed her. Usually stoic Kentucky mountain horse Lance lost his cool when a propane stove rattled in the pack. But when it was secured with some twine, he continued calmly down the trail.

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How you can help When you trail ride, become more aware. Notice cleared logs and imagine what it took to cut and move them off trails. Consider becoming a member of Back Country Horsemen. You don’t have to be a lumberjack: you don’t have to clear trails at all! Your membership alone will provide funds and lobbying power to keep trails open to horse people. Join other organizations to clear trails, such as the USDA Forest Service. They have an online site that lists volunteer opportunities.

TRAMPS also needs volunteers, and you don’t have to be a retired smokejumper. But you do need to have a top-notch work ethic, and be at home in the backcountry.

Cecilia Kayano is the editor of Horse Around New Mexico magazine. Contact HorseNewMexico@gmail.com.

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Albuquerque Bob Powell 505.261.8059 Dr. Diana DeBlanc, DVM 505.804.1846 Horsemen’s 8812 2nd St NW 505.792.8225 Academy Pet Hospital 6000 Academy NE 505.822.0255 Dan’s Boots and Saddles 6903 4th St. NW 505.345.2220 Isleta Feed and Livestock 4607 Isleta Blvd SW 505 307 3859 Aztec/Durango Dennis Brazeal 505.508.8054 Aztec Feed and Supply 216 S Main Ave 505.334.8911

Belen Old Mill Farm & Ranch 19763 NM-314 505.865.5432 Corrales Meddleton Equine Clinic, Inc 6165 Corrales Rd 505.344.2680 Edgewood Jim Morris 505.350.5615 Los Lunas, NM Carol Newbill 505.565.2120 Santa Fe/Las Vegas Andrea Pabel-Deane 505.690.8426 Taos Nicole Trousdale 303.903.2721

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www.horsearoundnm.com | Nov/Dec 2018 | HORSE AROUND

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YOU'RE INVITED Horse Around New Mexico magazine readers invite you to try a new equine activity this winter, horse sports involving acrobatics, hounds, and trail savvy...

Jessica Bice does a maneuver called a "stag" at a vaulting competition in Colorado.

Photo by Tom Sutherland Photography.

32 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

Vaulting I

BY SHARON BICE

f you like horses, want to stay fit and try something new, horse vaulting may be just the thing for you! Horse vaulting involves performing a series of acrobatic and dance movements on the back of a horse for fun or competition.

It’s an ancient sport that dates back over 2,000 years. The exact origin is unknown: Some trace the origins to the bull dancers of Crete and some to the Roman games.

Knights and noblemen used to train for agility by using a fake “vaulting horse” and present-day gymnastics may be derived from that sport, minus the horse.

Vaulting in the U.S.

Seeking an opportunity for a pony club in California, a mom brought vaulting to America from Europe in the late 1950s. In many European countries, horse vaulting is offered at community centers or as a part of after-school programs, especially in Germany. Today there are more than 141 vaulting clubs in the U.S. and Canada and more than 1,200 members. As I write this article, hundreds of vaulters and horses from all over the world are competing at the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina.

At around seven years old, my daughter Jessica begged me to take gymnastics classes. That’s where I first experienced the extremely competitive sports environment so many parents and kids are involved in. Winning at any price wasn’t our number one goal, so soon after, we’d had enough, and that’s when we found horse vaulting.

Vaulting is now my daughter’s sport; one that she has grown to be passionate about over the past seven years. Her team is Vaulters Del Sol, based out of Sandia Park. Her coach is Greta Shryock, who is internationally known and recently started teams for Mexico and Peru.

The special horses

Vaulting horses are typically big draft or draft crosses. The horses are lunged in a 45-foot circle by an experienced handler. A surcingle with handles and a pad is put on the horse’s back to use to

balance on. There are three progressive levels, the walk, trot and the canter, and multiple levels within each. You can vault individually, as a pair, or with your team.

Competitive vaulters are judged by their ability to smoothly and technically execute movements and routines in harmony with the horse. There are both compulsory and freestyle routines which are judged on a degree of difficulty, content, artistic expression and performance.

Having fun and getting strong

Jessica, who is now 13, won all first places at the Texas competition this past spring and moved up to the copper level, which is the first level in the canter gait.

“As a vaulter we need to put a lot of time and commitment into getting stronger and better, that includes in practice and at home on our own time,” Jessica says.

“You don’t have to have your own horse to vault. One of the things I practice on at home is a vaulting barrel. It's a padded barrel with handles and is raised up on metal legs. It's really great to have a team that is fun to work with and where we all can hang out and relate to each other.

Being on a team means working hard for each other, helping, and cheering on our teammates.”

I think one of the main reasons she loves the sport is that her coach is kind and easy-going. Her goal is for students to have fun first, even at the competitive level. She builds her students' confidence

in a very safe and fun atmosphere with only gentle pressure to move on to the next level. You will find Kris Shryock, Greta’s mother, close by, either lungeing the horses, training them or helping take care of them. They spend several years training a horse to vault before a person is put on the horse’s back so the horses are very safe.

From tiny tots to adults

Vaulters Del Sol offers competitive classes of all levels, adult and tiny tot classes as well as an adaptive riding program for people with special needs and challenges.

I had seen too many kids make vaulting look like a breeze, especially at the tiny tot level - they are like goats on the back of a horse! So I decided to try the adult class offered on Saturdays. I thought it would be easy -- something akin to doing the basic maneuvers on a sofa. Greta puts adult beginners on Rosy, her old draft horse who is patient and gentle.

Her back is gigantic and broad, and her gait is soft and slow. I felt safe with the big cushy blanket underneath me and nice big handles to hold onto. But even at the walk, I found the basic maneuvers challenging and a great workout for my core strength and balance -- both important things to work on, especially as one gets older.

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Sharon Bice is the Vice President of the Spay and Neuter Coalition of New Mexico. She enjoys trail riding and vaulting. To find out more about vaulting, visit vaultersdelsol.org.

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t d

e

34 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

Getting ready to mount up for the hunt, Juan Tomรกs Hounds Fox Hunt at Diamond Tail Ranch.

Photo by Lisa McKenna.

I

Fox Hunting

BY JOHN MCKENNA

t’s a quiet and cold December morning in my little casita as I slowly open my eyes to the pink glow of the sunrise pouring in from an east window. Knowing that I would soon be following the hounds on horseback made it difficult to sleep. I had tossed and turned with butterflies in my stomach, anticipating that moment when I would step onto my big, lineback dun mare as the huntsman calls the hounds together with his horn.

Everything is prepped: truck and trailer stand right outside my door with hay net ready for a hungry horse. Fancy waits in her stall, blanketed and ready to load. My hunt clothes are already hanging in the trailer, all I need are my tall black hunt boots, and I’m out the door!

The hunt clubs

There are two hunt clubs here in New Mexico: Juan Tomás Hounds whose kennels are in Magdalena, and Caza Ladron whose kennels are in Santa Fe. Both clubs share some fixed hunting locations around the Santa Fe and Galisteo areas, but JTH tends to hunt more near Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, while CL focuses on the Santa Fe area. A typical hunt takes about two hours and covers roughly 15-20 miles, and for nonmembers, costs about $50 a hunt.

Both hunt clubs are filled with great people who love horses, hounds and the companionship. These hunters come from all walks of life and every age, all involved in this wholesome, enjoyable way to spend time with friends, both human and equine.

The quarry in the rest of the country is primarily the fox, but in the desert Southwest the hunt is for the elusive coyote.

A bit of history

Fox hunting in America began in colonial times and continues to this day with over 149 hunt clubs nationwide. Hunts were most popular in the south: Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were known to host hunts on their estates before and after the Revolution. It is said that when congressional members in

Philadelphia would hear the baying of the hounds, they’d adjourn for the day, don their hunt attire and join the hunt! The position in congress known as the “house whip” comes from the fox hunting term “whipper-in.”

Rules in place to care for hounds and riders Each hunt club in the U.S. belongs to the Masters of Fox Hunting Association, which makes sure qualified people are staffing each hunt club. All clubs must have a minimum number of hounds which are bred to be proper to the sport and kenneled and cared for appropriately by the hunt master or joint masters.

Every club’s master generally leads the pack of hounds (never called dogs) while hunting with the help of the whippers-in who control the pack’s flanks and help the master keep the hounds focused on coyote scents only.

Moving coyotes away from calves

Some of the hunt locations are on public land, but many times ranchers who are having problems with coyote predation invite us to hunt on their ranches.

There are so many coyotes in New Mexico that they are not protected by a hunting season and can be taken yearround. A hunt seldom, if ever, results in killing a coyote. Almost always the hunters push them off the ranches away from cows and calves.

The hunt season in most places is from November to March with training of the hounds happening almost year-round.

Three levels of riding

Since the hunts are generally open to all, American hunts have instituted a threefield system. Each group of hunters who follow the pack are known as “fields” with first field moving with the Master and the pack quite aggressively. This field is for hunters of advanced riding ability who ride well-conditioned, experienced horses.

The second field is for those who need to take more care with themselves and their mounts. The third field moves at little more than a trot and includes new horses, older patrons, pony clubbers, guests, and those trying out the hunt for the first time. Though English saddles are most frequently used, it is not uncommon to see a cowboy trying out the sport in his old reliable roping saddle, comfortable in his wranglers and packers!

Most hunters enjoy the pomp of the hunting attire with black hunt helmet, black jacket (red is for senior members), gold/yellow vest and khaki breeches tucked into black boots. A “stirrup cup” of port or sherry is offered just before the hunt begins. The Master/huntsman then leads the pack out and the fields follow, anticipating the excitement of a coyote sighting, which is always followed by a robust, “Tally HO!” When you hear that, squeeze your horse and grab some leather…the hunt is on!

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John McKenna, of McKennaSaddlery.com makes Western and English saddles and is a certified fitter/flocker. He and his blue healer, Red, split their time between their saddle shops in Nyack, New York and Santa Fe. For information on the New Mexico hunt clubs, go to cazaladron.ning.com and juantomashounds.com

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Equine Trail Sports allows you to practice obstacles in a managed environment, so when you are out on a trail ride, you and your horse are more prepared.

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Equine Trail Sports

BY SHELLEY BACHICHA

ompetitive trail riding just got more interesting and more fun! For the first time, riders can compete the same way they learn, by adding skills as they are acquired. In Equine Trail Sports competitions, riders choose the level of difficulty they attempt at each obstacle.

Does your horse love water? Choose level 3, the highest level of difficulty for a water obstacle. If you can’t jump a fallen log, showcase how well you can walk over the log by choosing level 1 for a jump obstacle. Does your equine have more difficulty on cold and windy days? Adjust your difficulty level during those weather conditions to maximize your fun and safety, one obstacle at a time. Customize your ride experience to best fit you and your equine on that day, at that time.

Equine Trail Sports encourages riders to try their hardest. ETS applies a degree of difficulty factor to each level. The higher the level, the higher the factor.

ETS awards more placement points for higher skill level placement. Ribbons get better and better with the higher skill placement. Ride hosts are encouraged to give better prizes to winners in the higher skill brackets. These incentives encourage riders to try their hardest when competing.

Riders experience the Equine Trail Sports “Ride for Fun, Ride to Learn” motto during each event’s awards ceremony. Each judge shares the criteria used to judge the obstacle and the judge offers tips for improvement. During “Judges’ Shout Outs,” individual riders are recognized for special achievements, which could be anything from a rider who experienced a “train wreck” but kept composed to a rider who shows amazing skills.

“What I find most exciting and fun about Equine Trail Sports events, is that I get the opportunity to choose skill levels that match what I am learning with my horse. I started out this season unable to side pass. As I’ve improved my side pass, I’ve been able to choose higher difficulty levels for obstacles which incorporate side passing," said one competitor.

Records are maintained online for every rider and equine. Members can view their performance history in almost unlimited ways. ETS tracks how many riders each competitor outperforms, tracks placement points, mileage records, scores, average obstacle scores, and more. A member’s statistics are accumulated across all horses ridden, and each equine’s statistics are accumulated regardless of how many riders compete with that equine.

Consider hosting an event

Levels to fit various skills

ETS has a simple scoring program which manages riders’ choices and places them in the advanced, intermediate or novice skill bracket. Riders choose their obstacle difficulty level - level 1 (novice), level 2 (intermediate), or level 3 (dvanced) - for each obstacle during their competition.

Simply put, riders who choose an average obstacle difficulty level of 2.5 or greater are placed in the advanced bracket.

Riders who choose an average obstacle difficulty level of 1.49 or less are placed in the novice bracket. Riders who choose an average obstacle difficulty level between 1.5 and 2.49 fall into the intermediate bracket. Riders are given a bracket chart on their obstacle course sheet which makes it easy to strategize.

Encouragement to ride better

Ride for fun, get awards

Equine Trail Sports recognizes rider achievement in many ways. Lifetime awards, annual awards, tournament awards, and event awards are all earned by riders and equines. Tournaments are built into the ETS system allowing riders to track their progress in real time for annual awards, for host series, and for breed association awards. Tournaments can be set up by ETS, event managers, organizations, or a group of friends. ETS tools allow tournament organizers to choose the time frame of the tournament and customize the tournament parameters. Tournaments contribute to the riders’ "ride for fun" aspect of being an ETS member.

Individuals, equine organizations, private ranches, ride venues, clubs and charities are encouraged to consider hosting an Equine Trail Sports event. An ETS event manager has the power to compose their event using any combination of pasture, arena, or trail that best utilizes the features of their event location. For example, if a location has three miles of beautiful trail, the host can include those three miles in the event. The event is limited only by the creativity of the host.

Judges are valued by Equine Trail Sports and are essential to the success of every event. ETS conducts live judging clinics and judging clinic webinars throughout the year to develop judges across the regions. The webinars allow ETS to develop judges in new areas where there is no live clinic to attend, and to give already trained judges an opportunity to refresh their skills.

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Shelley Bachicha will be hosting the Dec. 8 & 9 ETS ride in Santa Fe. She has participated in many equine disciplines from endurance to combined driving. Her current horse is Ivy, an off-the-track thoroughbred who is helping Shelley learn dressage. For information on Equine Trail Sports visit equinetrailsports.com

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HORSE HEALTH

Similar to HIV

EIA is a retrovirus, similar to HIV in that once a horse is infected, EIA cannot be cleared from its body.

Horses are infected by contact with infected blood from another horse, usually via biting insects, but potentially through reuse of medical equipment such as needles, or transmission during breeding.

Why Your Horse Should Get a Coggins Test

BY ANDY CAMERON, DVM

A Case of EIA in Colorado Reminds Horse Owners Why Every Horse Needs Coggins Testing

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any of us have heard the term “Coggins” in relation to our horses but do not know exactly what it means. Is it a test, a vaccine or what? And why do we need to have a Coggins done on our horses every year?

The Coggins test for horses (named for its inventor) is a blood test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a viral infection of horses. The test is run on blood that, by law, must be drawn from the horse by a federally accredited veterinarian and tested by an accredited lab. Most often, the blood sample is sent out to a lab which returns the results and official test form in 1-3 days.

Recent EIA scare

Although not a disease we have daily exposure to, EIA is found throughout the United States, and reservoirs of infection exist in many of the wild horse and burro populations. The discovery of an infected horse at a Colorado horse facility in September 2018 and the subsequent dispersal of potentially infected horses to 20 states heightened our awareness of this disease and the risk it can pose for our horses.

EIA causes, as the name suggests, anemia, which is a low number of red blood cells in circulation. The other and sometimes only signs of illness you may see are fever, lethargy or loss of appetite during the acute phase of the infection. Most horses do not show signs of illness for a long period after infection, and become seemingly healthy chronic carriers of the disease, able to transmit EIA to other horses even though they are showing no signs of illness.

Test required for boarding, events, travel

There is no vaccine for EIA. In order to try to limit the spread of the disease, the USDA and state veterinary officials require a negative Coggins test within twelve months for all interstate travel. Many private events and boarding stables also require a negative Coggins test for participation in events or boarding at their facilities. Because of the lab work required, you will want to plan ahead if you need a Coggins test.

If positive, outlook negative

Horses with a positive Coggins test are examined by the USDA Veterinary Services, retested and, if confirmed positive, are euthanized or must be quarantined for life in an insect-proof environment. Quarantine is an unreasonable life for most horses so practically, if a horse is positive for EIA, it will be euthanized after confirmatory tests.

The Colorado experience drove home the value of Coggins testing. Don’t consider a Coggins test optional or unnecessary.

Many veterinarians, including us at Cameron Veterinary Clinic, will recommend running a Coggins test and obtaining a negative result prior to finalizing the purchase of a horse.

Dr. Andy Cameron owns Cameron Vet Clinic in Santa Fe and treats all livestock and small animal species. He owns three horses, is a member of Mounted Search and Rescue and enjoys wilderness packing. Contact him at 505-466-1540.

38 HORSE AROUND | Nov/Dec 2018 | www.horsearoundnm.com

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SANTA FE HOLIDAY Obstacle Course & Trail Challenge Dec 8th – 9th 2018, Santa Fe NM

Saturday, Dec 8th 2018 Arena – In-hand Obstacles Arena – Mounted Obstacle

Sunday, Dec 9th 2018 5 Mile Trail Challenge

Hosted By: Shelley Bachicha ShowDogGal@msn.com Phone - (505)793.5417 NNMHA Arena 3233 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe NM Headquarter’s Well - Caja Del Rio

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

NEW MEXICO’S LARGEST SELECTION OF NEW AND USED HORSE, FLATBED, AND ENCLOSED TRAILERS

2-Horse BP With Living Quarters!

1435 Route 66, Edgewood, NM 87015 Tues-Sat 8:30am-5pm, closed Sun., Mon.

(505) 281-9860 (800) 832-0603 USED TRAILER SALE ON NOW

4 Star Trailers are here!

2-Horse Weekender Living Quarters

Make An Offer!

2004 Logan, insulated, cabinets, shower, toilet, slant load, rear tack

$11,457

2-Horse Straight Load

2006 Featherlite, All Aluminum, Drop Down Windows, Front Door

$6,850

TRAILER UPGRADES

1985 Shaffer, Gooseneck, 10-Foot Living Area, A/C, Fridge, Microwave, 2-Burner Cook Top, Sink, TV, Storage, Mid-Tack, Ramp, 23’ Floor Length

$9,850

21-1/2-Foot Flatbed Equip. Trailer

2002 Belsche, 82” Wide, V-Tongue, Triple Axel, 21,000 GVW

$4,850

2012 Cargo Craft, Aluminum, Insulated, Lined, Diamond Plate Floor

SAFETY CHECKS AND REPAIRS

CHECK OUT THIS NEW DOOR! FROM WRECKED TO REBUILT!

CUSTOM REBUILDS, LIVING QUARTERS INSULATION, COMPLETE HORSE TRAILER SAFETY CHECKS

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16-Foot Cargo Trailer

$6,620

RETROFITTING CALL US FOR ESTIMATES!

INTERIOR FINISHING, LADDER & HAY RACKS, FLOORING & MORE!

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Need to upgrade or fix a trailer? We have expert fabricators and mechanics on staff to: check safety, create custom portable corral racks, install fresh water / RV holding tanks, refurbish living quarters. CALL US TODAY!

50 new & used horse trailers: www.sandiatrailer.com 505.281.9860

Check out our inventory of over