Horse news quarterly january 2015

R OCKY S PRINGS H ORSE NEWS Q UARTERLY January 1 2014 Volume 4, Number 1

www.issuu.com/claudiajswisher/docs/horse_news_quarterly_january_1 www.facebook.com/RSRHorseNewsQuarterly

Hello, Neighbors!

By Claudia J Swisher Welcome to the Horse News Quarterly. Our purpose is to provide specialized information to our equine-owning neighbors. In this and future issues we will attempt to give you interesting articles and the latest news and information from our local horse world. The publication will keep you posted on equine events and activities in the Shenandoah Valley region in Virginia, WV and the surrounding areas.

In this edition you will find articles by equine professionals and horse owners who have interesting stories to tell. To the right you will find an Inside This Issue box to guide you through this issue. In subsequent issues, you will find more breaking news from our area, information about new products, seasonal advice, regular features 4-H News Report, Tips from the Professionals, and Professional Advise along with an Event Activities Calendar and the Dear Blue column.

Our Free Classified Ads, is a listing for individuals with horses or horse related items for sale or wanting to buy.

Our other feature is our Directory listing, which will now be in every issue with business and service listings that may be of interest to our fellow horseman. If you are interested please call us at 540 858 3090 for more information on listing services.

Our editor is Claudia J. Swisher, owner of Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. And founder of Balanced Awareness Horsemanship. Claudia is a life-long resident of the Winchester/Frederick County area. Follow her on Facebook or visit her blog for more valuable information at http://ofhorsesandhumans.blogspot.com.

If you have a story you would like to submit, something interesting to share, contribute news or articles, please send it to us via emailed rsr.cswisher@gmail.com or snail mail to: Rocky Springs Ranch, 116 Pinetop Road, Gore, VA 22637.

If you are interested in advertising a business, product or service, call us on 540 858 3090 for information. Look on page 12 of this issue for more details on sizes and rates.

Free Winter/Spring Issue 2015

Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC 116 Pinetop Rd., Gore, VA 22637 540 858 3090

Inside This Issue Hello Neighbors -------------------------------------page 1 Dear Blue -------------------------------------------- page 2 Letting go is Hard---- -------------------------------- page 3 In Praise of Ponies ------------------------------------page 4 Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network -- page 5 Business Directory Listing -------------------------- page 6 Free Classified ads ------------------------------------page 7 Therapeutic Riding News --------------------------- page 8 4-H News Report ------------------------------------- page 9 Community Calendar News updates ------------ page 10 Tips from the Professionals-------------------------page 11 How to advertise in the Quarterly --------------- page 12 The views and opinions of contributors or advertisements are not necessarily of those of the Quarterly Publisher or of Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. All Copy Rights are the property of Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC.

“We start this new year of 2015 with renewed energy to learn, live and laugh. Finding ways to enjoy your horse and stay safe and be creative and entertaining.

Stay positive and move forward. “ Says Claudia

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Dear Blue With help from his owner Kim Meyers All you horses, ponies and owners, if you have a problem you want help with send me an email and I will try to give you good horse sense advice. talktothehorse2014@gmail.com

Dear Friends, BRRRR it is cold out here! I have decided to take a break from writing my column until the spring issue of the Horse Quarterly. I have been feeling a little under the weather this last month and I have gotten kind of lazy. However, I don’t want to leave you with nothing this issue so I am going to invite you to my mom’s (Kimberley Meyers) Facebook page to see my latest video. I made an awesome snow angel and I’d like to share it with all my fans.

So until spring, stay warm, full, and don’t forget drink plenty of water! It’s good for the gut!

Love, Blue P.S. If you cannot find Kimberly Meyers page you can always look for it on Mrs. Claudia’s farm page > Rocky Springs Ranch.

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Letting go is Hard.

By Claudia J Swisher, Founder of Balanced Awareness This article is dedicated to all the wonderful horses I have had the Great pleasure of having in my life and had to say the last goodbye to.

Losing a beloved animal is always very hard, but in the case of a horse I find it especially difficult. Horses tend to live longer well into the 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s, so you may have them in your life a long time. At our farm we have bred and raised quite a few horses and when you raise them from a baby or had their parents and even the grandparents, as in our case, they become part of your family.

We try to not think about this part of horses and horsemanship, but it is a very real and sooner or later you may find yourself in that situation. You are your horse’s advocate and good stewardship means at some point you may have to make a hard decision. Whether it is a very old horse with their health failing and their time near or are suffering, it is a young horse that is injured severely or they develop a terrible health issue that cannot be resolved, you may have to make that call that none of us want to do.

When is it time? I cannot tell you that part of it as each is different, but you will know. You have to think of their quality of life and the suffering they may be experiencing. That is something you and your veterinary will have to discuss. Horses tend to suffer in silence.

You should do some planning and discuss with your family, veterinary and boarding facility, if you don’t have your own farm. With some thought you can make the best of a very traumatic time. Everyone’s situation is different and this is just a basic guideline to help you prepare. I am a realist and I like to prepare for the worst but expect the best.

Here is a list of just a few of the things to think about: 1. Do you have a veterinary you can talk to about this? If you own a horse you need a good vet that knows you and your horse so you can make good decisions when the time comes.

2. Do you have a place for them to be laid to rest? There are options, but each county has their own laws about whether you can bury or not, become advised. If you can bury, you will also need someone that can dig the grave and handle the body properly with respect. Some areas have companies that can come and pick them up and others have crematories. You may have to have someone haul them off premises. Have this figured out before you need it and have the phone numbers ready.

3. Make sure you can get to the body and have access to it if at all possible. If you have your horse at the hospital they sometimes have options but you need to ask them.

4. If it is an older animal and you know the time is close you may want to consider acting before the weather gets terribly bad. A deep snow or ice could keep your vet or you from getting to them in a timely manner and the horse may get down, suffering and you may not be able to get to them.

The unexpected can happen at any time to anyone, sometimes for no reason. Have phone numbers of your vet and anyone else you will have to contact at easy access or posted in your barn. Also have someone that can make the decision if you are not around in an emergency situation.

For more information on how to buy a horse, finding a boarding facility, care for your horse and other good topics visit my blog. http://ofhorsesandhumans.blogspot.com/ Want my personal help then give me a call to set up an appointment to discuss your needs at 540 858 3090.

Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. , Gore Va. We are here to serve and educate you in your equine needs.

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In Praise of Ponies

By Susan Murch

Horse News Quarterly “Ponies, either you love them or hate them”, I’ve heard this said so many times in my daily contact with horse people They had either a great one as a child, the family kids all ride or drove, or had the ride from hell “ on some poorly trained, Thelwell type, who wanted to do them in.

In my experience there are very few bad ponies. There are those who are smarter than their people and use their intelligence to their advantage, but if well started early on, this intelligence can come to good use. They are a bit quicker in the I. Q. department that some horses. Because of being smaller, they had to be quick to size up a situation that could mean ending up on some carnivores dinner menu.

Ponies, which are started well, like their larger equine counterparts, are worth their weight in gold. There is nothing better than a safe well-trained pony to help babysit your children. They are of a size a child can handle, tack up and have a lot of fun with but be sure to supervise this activity at first so that a child and pony know what is to be expected from each. Never get a young pony to grow up with your very young child. This is a big mistake often made by unknowing parents who think that cute foal will always be cute. It may look cute but can do some very un-cute thing like all foals.

They will play like horses play, biting, kicking, rearing, etc… Things a young child should not be exposed to. Only look for a good older well-handled pony that an adult has trained and handled, preferably one who has been outgrown by many children and given them a good experience. Don’t worry about age. Ponies often are very useful into their late 20”s or even 30”s and if well cared for stay sound all those many years.

What about adults? Ponies who are medium to large size are great riding companions for small adults. I have a 12 hand Shetland, whom I ride and drive. I raised him from a foal, started driving him as a 3 year old and when he finished growing at about 7 years old, I started to ride him. He’s great on the trail and can go places bigger horses can’t and he keeps up just fine. In Europe, especially the UK, Ponies are often ridden and shown by adults. You may not see a 6” 200 lb. man on one, but a 5”4” lady , 150 lbs. would not be unusual on a 12 to 14 . 2 hand pony.

Whether or not the pony fits you depends on its build and if its barrel takes up your leg. So don’t be closed minded about smaller equines, just be well informed when looking at one.

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Horse News Quarterly

Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network

By Cheryl Sparrow Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network is a 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and rehabilitation for unwanted, abandoned, neglected, abused and malnourished horses while educating the public in equine rescue and all aspects of horse ownership and care.

SVERN is based in Winchester, VA and serves the entire Shenandoah Valley.

AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION Applejack (Jack) is the most loving and sweet boy you will meet. He is always a favorite of our volunteers. He has a gentle nature and is a perfect gentleman. Jack is a very easy keeper and requires only a small amount of grain. He is a horse who loves to have a job and enjoys his training sessions. He has been working in round pen and free lunging and has been ridden. Jack will bond very closely to someone who spends time with him and he loves the attention and affection. He is a very healthy 21 year old thoroughbred who looks and thinks more like a quarter horse. He is ready to find his loving forever home!

COMPANION ONLY - Bree is the most beautiful dark bay thoroughbred you will ever see.

She is only 9 years old. Exceptionally sweet and gentle ground manners and loves to be groomed. She appears to be a black beauty in the winter months and in the summer has just a hint of bay in her. She has a permanent limp due to having a fused ankle and therefore is a companion only candidate. She has had a tough life so far and deserves the promise of a loving home that will admire her incredible beauty and grace. She will capture your heart in an instant!

Meet our newest residents. Ebony, Felix, and Gruff came to SVERN on New Year’s Eve. DONATIONS NEEDED. We need sponsors to help with vet care and Felix’s eye injury. Donations can be made on our website at www.svern.org or can be mailed to 204 Indian Hollow Rd. Winchester, Va. 22603.

Keep up with the happenings and progress and like us on Facebook.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP We need volunteers to help with horse care, fundraising and grant applications.

Please contact us via www.svern.org or 540-247-4747.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENT Annual Cash Party will be held on March 7th at Lee Jackson. Tickets are $35 which includes a delicious meal and all beverages for the evening with a total cash payout of $2175.00 . Tickets are available on-line or call 540-247-5317 to reserve yours today.

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Directory Listing for Services and Business for the area.

If you are interested in having your business or service listed please contact us at 540 858 3090 / rsr.cswisher@gmail.com One year (4 times a year) is only $70 for up to two places, $5 for each addition or $20 for a one issue listing in two categories.

Blanket Cleaning & Repairs Rocky Springs Blanket repairs & cleaning

540 858 3090

Boarding Double J Stables – Full care boarding 540 869 7770 388 Vaucluse Rd. www.facebook.com/doublejstablesllc ,Stephens City, VA 22655 Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC. Full care boarding 540 858 3090 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch

Physicians / Chiropractors /Physical Therapy Cheff Chiropratic Care 118 Fairground Rd Woodstock, VA 22664

540 459 3900 www.cheffchiro.com

Saddle Fitting and Repairs Rocky Springs Tack Shop - Claudia Swisher 540 858 3090 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch Tack Shops & Saddlery

Clubs &Non Profit Organizations Golden Horseshoe 4-H Frederick County,VA 540-877-4935 www.goldenhorseshoe4h.com Stars and Spurs 4-H Club

Warren County, VA

540 622-0390

SVERN-Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue Network 501-c3 Non- Profit assisting equines in the area

540 247 4747 www.svern.org

Farriers Sue's Farrier Service – BWFA Certified Farrier 703 401 7683 correct shoeing & trimming for balance HappyHorses1@comcast.net and performance.

Rocky Springs Tack Shop/ 20 years experience 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA 22637

540 858 3090

Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship 540-533-2777 BRCTH www.brcth.org

703 314 4961 www.horseyhelpers.com

Heating * Cooling * Water Services Kangen Water Units – Making your water better www.wateriam.com

540 335 1919 540 325 9756

540 665 1833 www.Gasstoreinc.com

Instruction /Riding Lessons /Academies Rocky Springs Ranch, LLC Balanced Awareness TM 540 858 3090 Lessons- Western, English, Dressage, Hunter – beginners/advanced 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore,VA 22637www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch Susan Murch – Dressage / hunter / show prep

Tack Repairs

540 662 0375

Hay Suppliers James Michaels - Timothy hay square bales 304 258 5277 Delivery available upon request / ear corn for sale as well. 540-533-2777

The Gas Store - Your Hearth Connection 234 Weems Lane, Winchester, VA 22601

Wild Bill’s Western & English Things 540 869 4430 Western and English tack and horse care, boots, accessories and clothing for the whole family. 4541 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA

Therapuetic Riding

Feed & Supply Stores Southern States -Winchester Cooperative 447 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601

Horse and Barn Sitter services Horsey Helpers- Cathy Schultz

Rocky Springs Tack Shop – Repairs/fitting/sales 540 858 3090 116 Pinetop Rd. Gore, VA www.facebook.com/RockySpringsRanch

304 856 2976

Massage Therapy Hope O'Toole-Certified Equine/Canine Massage 304 897 7073 PO Box 40 Baker,WV 26801 donkeymomhope@gmail.com 540-878 8060 Healing Hands for the Horse, L.L.C.- Nell Kushlak 540 931 3440 Certified Equine Massage nell@healinghandsforthehorse.com

Trailer Sales and Services W. F. Artrip & Son Trailers 1726 Front Royal Pike, Winchester VA 22602 www.artriptrailers.com

540 662 5028

Training Team Barlow www.teambarlowperformancehorses.com Veterinary Services Cheryl Detamore, DVM 785 846 7404 Meliheal creator-Healing Salve for Equines/Cannies www.meliheal.com Hackwood Equine, Inc- Valerie L. Babcock, DVM Equine Veterinary Services Mobile www.hackwoodequine.com

540 662 1662

Mountain State Equine & Large Animal, PLLC 304-856-3010 Fred D. Minazzoli, MS, DVM www.msequine.com Schay Swope DVM –Mobile Equine Veterinary Services 304 2837421 schswope@gmail.com www.facebook.com/schswope

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Free Equine Classified

(25 words or less for individuals * Businesses Please use the Directory listing)

Horses & Ponies for Sale (want to list a horse or horse related item call or email and we will place it free) Saddles Barrel Racing Saddle/Saddle King 15 “ Wide tree, Light oil $275 BO Used very little in good condition 540 550 1405 Western Saddle Roping/trail 16” good condition $375 BO Western Trail saddle 15” seat older in fair condition $75 540 550 1405 Stubben Jumping Saddle – 18” seat older, good condition $285 BO

540 550 1405

Tack For sale Balanced Awareness square saddle pad only used 3 times then got rid of my horse. Like New. $75 Phone or TEXT 540-336-6755 for pics or more information Wanted If you have something you want to buy or sell equine related then give us a call and leave a message for your free ad of 25 words or less. You must have it to us by the 10th of the month prior to publication. You also must have phone # and a complete description with price. We have the right to not print any and all ads. If you are a business selling please use the advertisement or directory column.

Visit the Double J Stables and like them on Facebook at > www.facebook.com/doublejstablesllc

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Therapeutic Riding in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

By Margie Youngs The New Year is now here, and Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship (BRCTH) has much to proud of and also thankful for this past year. BRCTH wishes to thank all of our volunteers and donors who helped make 2014 a banner year in so many ways!

During Fall Session, 22 students and clients participated in both our Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Learning (EFL) programs. Therapeutic riding instruction includes grooming, handling and knowledge as well as mounted activities.

EFL emphasizes psycho-social learning through observation of and interaction with horses in mostly un-mounted ground activities. Our PATH-certified instructors, dedicated volunteers and remarkable equines worked (and played) hard to make every lesson and activity fun as well as therapeutic.

In early October, five BRCTH students, 2 adults and 3 children, participated in the 26th Annual Therapeutic Riding Association of VA (TRAV) at the VA Horse Center in Lexington, VA. We transported our Belgian gelding, CJ’s Teddy, and our Halflinger mare, Honey, to the show, along with six volunteers who worked hard both inside and outside the show arena. This show welcomes about 100 participants from a dozen or so therapeutic riding centers in VA and NC. Our students rode well, and we soon lost count of our ribbons! It was a fun and uplifting family event, and we look forward to next year’s show!

BRCTH recently inaugurated a Feed Donation Program at Berryville Farm Supply and Clearbrook Feed and Supply, Inc. Patrons can purchase bags of Purina Enrich, Equine Senior or Omolene 100 for donation to BRCTH, and the feed will be held at the store for BRCTH pick-up. The in-kind donations will help to support our therapy horses and ponies through the winter.

Look for information at our website, www.brcth.org, and on our facebook page re: upcoming events in early 2015: Friday, January 23, 7 to 9 pm - Norwex Party in Boyce to benefit BRCTH. Norwex products reduce chemicals in personal care and cleaning, creating safer home environments.

Saturday, February 7 – Longaberger/Vera Bradley Bingo at Enders Fire Hall in Berryville. Doors open at 1:00 and Bingo begins at 2:00. Snow date is Sunday, February 15. To pre-register or for more information, contact Margie at 540-5332777 or at brcthinc@hotmail.com.

Our 8-week Spring Session will begin April 13th, and volunteer training for lesson volunteers will be scheduled for the two weeks prior. Interested in finding more about our programs, volunteering or registering a student? Contact Margie Youngs, Executive Director, at 540-533-2777 or at brcthinc@hotmail.com. BRCTH is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that relies heavily on volunteers to help not only with lessons, but in many other roles. If you feel you have something to contribute, please contact us. We would love to hear from you.

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4- H News Report Featured Club: Golden Horseshoe Frederick County, Virginia

By Rose McDonald Hello Horsey friends and supporters, Our 2013/2014 4-H year ended with much success back in September at the Virginia State 4-H Horse Show and our Club picnic.

Late August, Golden Horseshoe held a state horseshow preparation clinic to the 4H members in the Northern District. Instead of a charge all participants were asked to bring items to donate to the state show silent Auction. Thank You to Faye Strickler and Hannah McDonald for taking the time to work with each participant in Showmanship and Trail.

September stepped off with Golden Horseshoe hosting a benefit Horse Show for The Stiles Family. Fun was had by all and a great donation was made.

At the State Horse Show our members competed in riding and educational events, where all placed in the top 10 with many of their placing being reserve and champion. I’m proud to say all of our members and parents volunteered their time at the Virginia State 4-H Horse Show in a variety of capacities. Yes we practice all year long to compete and do well but the knowledge we gain, friendships we make, saddle time and the feeling of helping to make our State 4-H Show a success is what it is truly about. Winning a ribbon is just a bonus!

In mid September members and parents participated in the Winchester AG Days, downtown Winchester. We helped spread the word of 4-H. We ended the year with a club picnic on the farm. The members enjoyed playing corn hole, horseshoes, eating awesome food, bonfire and socializing. The New Year began in October with the state fair of Virginia. A few of our members traveled to Doswell to compete and volunteer. This was a great weekend filled with Drill Team and Ranch Horse Fun. Golden Horseshoe once again brought home the Ranch Horse Division Championship. Our weekend was spent helping others, smiling and making the best better.

Next was 4-H Promotion week at Tractor Supply. Members and parents spent time at TSC selling clovers and chatting about the 4-H program. Mid October our club cooked for and served the Gainesboro Ruitan. We enjoyed chatting with the Ruitan members and eating some delicious food. We ended October with a great fundraiser we shared with The Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue.

Horsin’ Around Basket Bingo. Funds are being used to feed the rescued horses and competition expenses of our 4-H youth. We wish to thank all that donated or volunteered or came to play.

November came in with a bang. Our Leader Rose and Horse Judging Coach Hannah headed off to Louisville Kentucky to assist with National Horse Judging Contest (Eastern National Round-Up) the following weekend we loaded up our Judging members and head to Virginia Tech for the Block and Bridle Horse Judging Clinic. Here we spent a full day of learning about Horse Judging and giving oral reasons. The Following weekend members headed to Northern District Horse Judging Contest in Albemarle, VA where members assisted with putting on the contest.

December came in with our club participating in the Old Town Winchester Christmas Parade and we celebrated Christmas with our December meeting/party being at the Youth Development Center. We collected items for “ Operation Remember Me” ( 4 area nursing home’s patients will receive wonderful gifts. Golden Horseshoe also made platters and delivered to all the local Fire Halls.

Our club also donated to and assisted Gainesboro Fire/Rescue with Christmas Always. We shopped at Wal-Mart for 12 kids in need this season. We had a wonderful time and it was a great feeling of contentment knowing we are making someone happy this Christmas.

In 2015 Golden Horseshoe will be learning a lot about horses and horsemanship. Hosting the Northern District Qualifying Horse Show (this is an open show), we will be holding horsemanship clinics, ALL STAR Clinics, Hippology, Horse Bowl and Horse Judging practices and clinics. Trips to area horse farms, participating in Share the Fun, -Presentation/Public Speaking/Fashion Revue, the Frederick County Fair, traveling to Georgia for the Southern Regional 4-H Horseshow, heading back to Lexington for state horse show and much more.

If you are interested in joining our club please contact : Organizational Leader, Rose McDonald 540-877-4935 or email horsemomrose@yahoo.com Hippology/Horse Bowl Coach, Faye Strickler 540-533-7029 or email lfstrickler@ihmcloans.com Horse Judging Coach, Hannah McDonald 540-877-7756 or email hannah8@vt.edu

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If you have an event you would like to have posted please contact us at rsr.cswisher@gmail.com. Visit us and like us on Facebook as well. You can also post on our page. https://www.facebook.com/RSRHorseNewsQuarterly

Shenandoah Community Calendar January 24 @ 1 pm - 3 pm Workshop “The rider’s body and how you influence your horse.” RSR 540 858 3090 February 7 @ 10 am - 1 pm Workshop “Horse care simplified and demystified.” RSR 540 858 3090 7 @ Doors open 1 pm BRCTH benefit “Longaberber Basket Bingo 540 533 2777 or brcthc@hotmail.com 21 @ 11 am- 2 pm Workshop “Equine anatomy from the inside out.“ March

5–8

RSR 540 858 3090

13th Annual Pennsylvania Horse World Expo, 2015 http://www.horseworldexpo.com.

7 @ 6 pm SVERN cash party fundraiser www.svern.org or 540-247-4747 14 @ 1pm – 3 pm Workshop “To bit or not to bit. “ RSR 540 858 3090 22 @ 1 pm RSR Members Activity Trail check and clean up. RSR 540 858 3090 28 @ 10 am to 12 RSR Members tack cleaning day/ pot luck lunch afterward. RSR 540 858 3090 April

12 rain date April 19 Equine Extravaganza at Warren County fairgrounds Check them out on Facebook 18 @ 1 pm – 3 pm Workshop “Saddles from the inside out. “ RSR 540 858 3090 26 @ 1pm – 3pm Cowboy Dressage first practice of the season. Then practices will continue on the last of each month (none on Sept. 27) last one on Oct 25 at Rocky Springs Ranch 540 858 3090

May

14 through Sunday, May 17 Potomac Highlands 4-H Horse club HORSE CAMP Find them on facebook.

17 @ 4 pm RSR Members Trail ride and cook out.

23 @ 9 am – 12:30 RSR Spring warm up clinic (getting your horse and yourself on a good program for the year ahead > learning to gauge your horses ability and yourself) 31 @ 1 – 3pm Cowboy Dressage practice RSR 540 858 3090

Tentatively in June 22 or 29. Children’s horse camp All levels will be combined this year (more info to come).

Week long camp Monday – Friday 8:30 - 4 pm Contact Rocky Springs Ranch for more details 540 858 3090 June

27 @ 4 pm 28 @ 1 – 3pm

RSR Members Activity Trail ride and cook out.

Cowboy Dressage practice RSR 540 858 3090

July

18 prepare at 12 26 @ 1 – 3pm

RSR Members Activity River ride RSR 540 858 3090 Cowboy Dressage practice RSR 540 858 3090

Please send us your activity or event. We would love to add it to the calendar, but you MUST let us know by sending it to us in an email at rsr.cswisher@gmail.com or you can mail it to us at : c/o Claudia Swisher Rocky Springs Ranch 116 Pinetop Rd., Gore VA 22637 (We cannot list it if we don’t have the information.)

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Tips from the Professionals

Horse News Quarterly You're at the barn when something really bad happens. You need help immediately.

Do you know how to get that help?

EMERGENCY! COME HELP!

By Hope O'Toole

Let's face it - When something terrible is wrong with your horse or a human, we can all panic. With all that adrenaline, we can even forget our own phone number. This article will not tell you how to be prepared for every emergency, or all the equipment and supplies to have available. At the most basic level, here is what you need so you can call for help. Whether you are in a boarding barn or your own personal barn, there are certain things you need, so you can summon the help you need.

TELEPHONE One of the most useful pieces of emergency equipment is a telephone. If you are relying on a cell phone, make sure it is charged. Chargers are cheap. Get an extra charger for your car or to keep at the barn. A cell phone is only helpful if you have a cell signal. Know where you can get a reliable signal, and where the dead spots are. Many barns are in rural areas that do not have a reliable cell signal. If your cell phone will not work inside the barn, install a land line. We all love our cell phones, but sometimes a land line is more reliable.

WHO TO CALL Obviously, if you need police, ambulance or fire professionals, dial 911. You also need a list of people and phone numbers, both in your phone, and printed in the barn. You will need all the contact numbers for home, work, cell, etc. We rely on our phones for so much of our every day life. Take some time right now to make sure the contact information for everyone is current and complete.

The veterinarians' phone numbers are probably the most often needed emergency numbers. Make sure you know the after-hours phone numbers as well as their regular numbers. Do not limit yourself to just one veterinarian. If your first choice of vets is not available, you want to have numbers for at least one other vet.

The horse's owner should be called when there is a problem with her horse. Know whether the policy is to call the owner before the vet, or if you should call for a vet first in case of a medical problem.

The barn owner or manager should be notified if the problem has to do with the property. Because the owner or manager is responsible for what happens on the property, you should notify them of anything unusual or noteworthy.

The farriers' numbers should be handy. Although if it's a medical emergency, skip the farrier and call the vet.

A local friend or neighbor who is close to you, and frequently home, can be invaluable. "Country folk" often watch out for each other and will usually help if needed. Sometimes all you need is another warm body to help you. It is polite to talk to your friends and neighbors and ask if you can list them as an emergency contact. And, of course, you should offer to help them if they should ever need it.

List the phone number of someone with a truck and trailer, in case your horse must be transported. Even if you own a truck and trailer, it is good to know someone else who could drive it. When you are frantic because your faithful steed needs emergency transportation, you may not be in any shape to drive safely. Under no circumstances should you ride in the trailer!

DIRECTIONS You undoubtedly know how to get to your barn. But, can you tell someone else how to get there? The directions you give must be able to lead someone who is completely unfamiliar with your area, directly to your location. Being able to give accurate directions will reduce the chance that someone will waste time getting lost on their way to the barn. Know what the street address of your barn is so someone could program a GPS navigator to find you. But never rely on just a GPS navigator to get someone where you need them. We all know that sometimes a GPS is not as accurate as we would like it to be. Directions should be printed in the barn as well as somewhere in your phone. When the pressure is on, you want to be able to read accurate directions to someone, without relying on your memory. You will need directions from different approaches. Someone coming from the south of the your location will need different directions than someone traveling from the north. Make sure you have accurate directions from all the major roads from which someone may be approaching your location. Think about how unsure you feel when following poor directions. Take the time to actually measure the distance between turns. Telling someone "it's probably about 10 miles" is too vague. Be able to tell someone "it is 8.4 miles from where you leave the interstate, to where you will turn left." Know the names and/or route numbers of the roads. Be able to tell someone of obvious landmarks that will help them identify turns. The more accurate and easy to follow your directions are, the faster help will arrive.

PLAN FOR AN EMERGENCY NOW Preparing for an emergency now could save you many tears later Whether you are in a boarding barn with many people and horses, or you are the only person who is in your private barn, all these phone numbers, directions, and information needs to be in your phone as well as written down in the barn.

What if, your phone battery is dead and you cannot access the information in your phone? A hard copy must be easily accessible in the barn.

What if you are away and someone else is caring for your animals? Make sure they have the information in their phone and know where the hard copy in the barn is. Give them a hard copy to keep, so the important information will be at their fingertips.

What if a friend or neighbor passing by notices your horse is in need of help, when you are not there? Having phone numbers prominently displayed in the barn will help them get help for your horse.

What if you are too upset to remember whether it's 8.4 miles or 4.8 miles between the highway and the first left turn? Written directions that you can read without much thought will reduce mistakes. ~~~~Hope O'Toole ~~~~Certified Equine/Canine Massage Therapist ~~~~Serving Northern VA, Central MD, & Eastern WV ~~~~International Assoc. of Animal Massage

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Want to Advertise in the Horse News Quarterly?

Full page ads are $260 for each issue or to run it all year with four ads for $900 All ads are full color or B/W your choice.

They need to be in a pdf or jpeg format or a hard copy slick.

You Must fill out completely our Advertising Form and Send with your payment no later than the deadlines.

Business card size ad is $35 for a one time insert or all four issues each year for $120.

You can change your ad but not the size each quarter.

With every ad you will receive free listing in the Directory.

Contribute a story or a news article and if you have a business you will receive a free directory listing in the issue your feature is in.

Quarter page vertical is $65 each issue or do the year with four issues for $240.

Quarter page Horizontal is like a banner at the top, middle or bottom of the page for $70 each issue or $260 for the year.

We publish the Horse News Quarterly on Issuu, Facebook and Twitter as well as the hard copy prints you can find at your local businesses and feed stores.

You can post updates on our Facebook page.

We also can place you on our extensive emailing list if you would like. Just email us at: rsr.cswisher@gmail.com

Half page ads can run horizontal or vertical for $120 each issue or $500 for the year of four issues.

We must receive your money , our form and ad before the 10th of the month prior to printing.

Dates due : Dec. 10Th for the January issue March 10th for the April issue June 10th for the July issue Sept. 10th for the October issue

Advertisers please contact Claudia Swisher at 540 858 3090 for more details.

You can also email at rsr.cswisher@gmail.com If you do not hear back from us by the next day please call.

If you would like have copies at your business please contact me at the above phone number or email.