March 2022 Equine Times

March 2022

Serving the Michigan, Indiana & Ohio Tri-State Horse Community

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Equine Times

March 2022

CLUB NEWS

Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association Michigan Fox Association Michigan Fox Trotter Trotter Association

or if you have questions. out for a fun day using Wethe have resourcesCome and of people available for you to learn is nothing like expectation a well-bred foal! from and breeders to refer you to if you want to a number of creative and updated obstacles to get Don't forget to transfer your newly-bought horse's buy a young one to train or if you want to further scoredpapers on. For camping, go with to the Michigan DNR registration into your name the MFTHBA,too. the training with your present horse. website, choose Ionia, thengoreservaWe are growing!

New member welcomes out to The MFTHBA needs registered members for the equestrian campNaomi Haas, equinetotions dentist Kris Modreske and Harry fill their committees for 2021. I just agreed Struble all of MI. Naomi rides athe sorrel sabinoarrangegelding ground make your to help out onto Trail Committee again.

(Dexter) and a blackSurely mareyou (Hank's Serenity Liberty Bell can,too!

Various committees need ments. There will be prizes members(younger ones too) for their input B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted for pee wee, youth and and advice togoincrease affiliate Prior). And congratulations out to($$).

Harry Struble on adults It numbers,think will be fun of waysGolden to makeChip, the shows better,to improve and his purchase of Joe's a handsome buckskin for the whole family! okay National Trail Ride applications,give ideas on gelding, from Chuck Fanslow. memJuly 23All thethese acclaimed clinics (let's get more closer to our state),getting more verbers are riding quality Fox Trotters!!! satility riders interested,give ideas on training pickingeducator, judges, plus judge andand New members are welmore. Many positions can be supported remotely.Coy Also,always this is again a great Joanne will come!

Go to www.michiganfoxway to meet those from other areas of the USA who raise,train and be our clinician forthe a trotters.com print not off have ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way whotoI would western dressage clinic for otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding membership form.Association We meet gaited breeds at Pine via www.mfthba.com to become aall member and for more virtually so all information members on helping out.

Lake Stables . Pine are able at12300 to meet W without Also, PLEASE send in your dues and your MFTHBA LakeMFTARoad in Plainwell having to drive long dues disasap!

Michigan. The fee is $175 for non tances.

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas!

MFHA members and $150 for MFHA memOur Event Committee Respectfully submitted, planning next bers. There will be a choice ofis busy two groundwork sesMarilynthe Mannino clinic.and It improving will be a Gaited included forof theour events for this year. sions. Getting your horse to gait gait This ais competition the schedule Dressage Clinic at most ambitious member who then semi-private lessons April 30 through May 1, clinician Susan Williams will will be held in the morning Western PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE HAY INVE$TMENT! the end of May. More details demonstrates their horsemanship conduct an indoor obstacle clinic at her Morning View will take place in the afternoon. Spots are limited so From Piece TobeAn Entire Stall available skills of Trail categories. nowOne by going towill our website for the registraFarminata wide 3075variety Turkey in Ionia, Michigan. All register next month.

The clinician is Quarterly and year-end awards will be Or An Stall. andExhibition membership form (if interested). gaited breeds are welcome with a 10-rider limit. Clinic tion form, flyer top-notch! given. Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com fee is $200 per rider and $175 (MFHA member). Stalls, Send it in as soon as possible as this clinic will fill fast.

SLIDING SWINGING DOORS A littleOR history on our breed: The presto read the rules and print off the forms to join in on We are offering a horsemanship clinic with Levi a bag of shavings and rustic camping are all included. ent-day Missouri Fox Trotter evolved from Morgans in the friendly competition and fun. on August and 28 with at Morning View Farm at Go to michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com to print your New England being27crossed Arabians, Plantation More Fox Trotters are slowly becoming available to Beechy 3075 Turkey Trail in Ionia, Michigan.

Ten riders are reservation form (and membership form if interested) purchase but they are selling fast. There is a good video on Horses, American Saddlebreds, TWHs and pacing allowed.

It will cost $350 per rider or if you are a to send in with your full payment.

Your horse will the correct Fox Trot gait posted on our Face Book site to Standardbreds. The genetic mix of square-trotting horses member, will cost Reserve become desensitized to a number of things you MFHA and pacing horses itcreated the $325. comfortable foxyour trot spot gait! refer to when you are considering an MFT to buy.and Be sure mailing your deposit.

Go to ourused website for the willbring learna important horsemanship Dowhen not miss Missouri FoxinTrotting horses have been by farmers in to knowledgeable person withskills. you,too, you by membership desired) forms and out. down your search. Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (riv- registration Missouri and and surrounding states (if to ride long distances to narrow check information. their fencing and work cows, pull buggies, by US erflatranch.com) Gunders (989-534-1207), have more Cows? Join usand at Gale Slippery F Ranch at 9770 Butler Forest Service workers,qualify by mounted police andcost nowin people well-gaited young stock available.

They also have quality MFHA members for reduced our Road in Nashville, Michigan on May 14 to participate across the United States and Europe use them for studs to breed to if you have a mare you want bred.

Chuck form in a beginning cow clinic put on by MFHA with clinics. You can join too. Mail in the membership recreation our (showing, trail Dressage,reining, 4Hhorse and has a Buckskin stallion and aFlower. palomino stallion(both website andriding, learn how toyou enjoy your instructors Greg and Lisa The fee is $175sons per from Design Stalls that work for and your Equestrian Team, Hippotherapy,etc.).

They are truly of Cotton Eyed Joe).

Gale has a spotted stallion who will horse or $150 (if MFHA member). Go to our website more! and also can be found challenge in allPieces colorsprogram and Try throw foal.aBoth are located in Gladwin,MI. Horses....

With Component orsizes! has Our popular versatility if youcolor wishto toyour become member.

Call 517-755-9899 to versatile x 78” 76” one out and find out why everyone loves them so!

Contact them if you wantDimensions: to have your72” mare bred.x There RSVP and for questions. Payment is expected the day been updated to include Fox the Entire Stall!

Weight: 230 lbs.

• Removable Grills Trotters in harness. Sign up now. The rules and of the clinic. Print your reservation form and bring it • Panels registration forms for under saddle, not under saddle to “Hay the clinic.

Make checks out to MFHA. Fox Trotters Huts save and preserve • Lazy Susan Feeders and horseman's challenge are on our website waiting were bred to work cows.

You will learn from the best! the hay. They keep the hay Waterhow Bucket Doorsyour weather are versatile Next, protected we are and offering a judged trail ride for all for you to read and print off.• Prove horse friendly.” -CHRIS COX E N T E R P R I S E S • Multiple quarter.Door It's aOptions very fun breeds on May 21 at Ionia recreation area equestrian MFT is and earn prizes each campground in Saranac, Michigan. There is a $25 fee program doing things with your horse.

Weldy • 911 E. Waterford St. Carrie Wakarusa, IN 46573 Contact Carpenter at 269-806-1371 for for ages 18 and older asEnterprises well as a $10 fee for ages 17 answers to your questions. and younger. Contact Susan at 517-755-9899• to 574-862-4491 • 800-628-4728 FAXRSVP 574-862-2122 • email: info@weldyenterprises.com Marilyn Mannino Hello December! Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino At our November meeting we elected some newIt's officers for 2021. go out way toward WeCongratulations areis upon inching HelloMarch!

April! Spring us! our People are out Fox to Bob Howell elected as the new MFTA Presspring. and enjoying the weather. Many are accumulatTrotting ident, Kathy Kruch is now VP, Marilyn is still Spring foals. you ing points inmeans the Char Versatility Secretary/Treasurer, OstromIfisChallenges the neware that we are offering. thinking of breeding your mare to 2-year Director and Miranda Mannino is now Registration is still open for the 1-year Director. quality bloodlines, contact all three Versatility We are accepting renewals Not Under Saddle Challenges (Underinmembership Saddle Challenge, Chuck Fanslow Gladwin, and new memberships for 2021 now. Youth Challenge). are Challenge and Ultimate Horseman This proMichigan at 989-435-9224. encouraged to join too!

Go to www.michiganfoxgram is designed to show how versatile the Missouri Fox He has a couple of the Cottontrotters.com to print off form. You will learn alot Trotter is.

Registered and grade MFTs are allowed.

Eyed Joe stallions (a of Fox Trotters,their from our members about the history All through useshandicapped and availability and regular be able toyouth network with those of us who Buckskin and a and Palomino) adults are welcome.

Every imaginable camp,train show them.

Our association is blessed to have skilled that youandcould to breed activity and category included trainers,breeders and a farrieristo learn from. We love promoting this your mare to.

Excellent from in they hand work Dressage, so versatile and come in breed as have greatto personalities,are gait, beauty and coat brains. many sizes and different colors.toA benefit to joining is that we short distance trail riding What else could you ask can offer clinics at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we endurance competitions for? and are meeting remotely each month.

Michigan is a big state and this is a Members Carrie Carpenter everything in-between (cow good way to easily see and talkhave with each other within and outside of and Katie Collier both mares work, driving, extreme trail, MI. Come join the fun! expecting year. They will be 4H and foals openthisshowing, Sign up now for the popular Versatility Challenge for 2021. Print wonderful foundation-bred babies.There We are can't parades, reining, trailfrom mainteoff the enrollment form our website. may areas in nance and more!).

We also wait see they produce! which to you canwhat accumulate points-even in the non-rideable months.

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Begin Your Horse's Spring Grooming Spring grooming of the horse assists in promoting a clean, shiny coat and skin Ann M. Swinker Benefits of Regular Grooming • Give it a clean, shiny coat and skin • Stimulate muscle tone • Gentle to most horses • Provide an opportunity to examine the horse closely.

Basic grooming tools • rubber currycomb or rubber groommitt • a coarse-bristle dandy brush • a fine-bristle body brush • a wool cloth or cotton towel rub rag • a hoof pick • electric clippers • a coarse-toothed mane and tail comb • a shedding or scrape stick-bent double with the two ends fastened, is a handy tool to use during the spring when the horse sheds its winter hair. It can be turned over and used as a sweat scraper in the summer.

• A sponge can be used to clean muddy legs and other dirty areas.

• Metal spring, or bar-type currycombs, are not recommended for show horses because they pull and break the hair.

• Keep your tools clean. Remembering how you use the tools, not their quality, determines the results.

When and How to Groom • Groom your horse before and after you ride. If you follow a definite system, you will thoroughly clean the horse each time, and it will require less work.

• Comb in the direction of hair growth.

Begin brushing the horse with a rubber curry comb or rubber groom-mitt at the head and work back on the near side including the legs. Then go to the off side and work back from head to tail. Don't neglect the head (be gentle here) and the area around the tail. Do not use a metal

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curry comb the head or below the knees and hocks. There is no fat or muscle in these areas to cushion the comb's hard edge • Use a wet sponge or soft brush to remove dirt from the horse's head, knees or hocks. Use a rubber curry comb to remove caked dirt from below the knees and hocks.

• When brushing, start with the coarse-bristle dandy brush and brush in short, brisk strokes. Flick the bristle up at the end of each stroke so it throws dirt away from the hair. Brush with the lay of the hair. It changes direction at different points on the body, so watch for these changes.

• Use the dandy brush on the body and legs, but not on the head. Use the fine-bristle body brush on the head, body and legs. Again, brush in the direction the hair grows. Rub the horse from head to tail with a wool cloth or cotton towel rub rag to remove dust.

• Many old-time grooms use their hands and fingers to rub and massage hair and muscles. When training a young horse, use your hands to rub, scratch and massage every part of its body.

Trimming and clipping Clippers and shears are additional tools used for grooming. Use clippers for cutting bridle paths and leg hair, to trim around the head, ears and lower jaw, and to remove whiskers from the muzzle.

Shears can be used in place of for horses that are clipper-shy. Clipping a horse can be dangerous. Always have experienced people around to provide assistance if needed.

Mane and tail styles vary with breed preferences • Contact your breed association for grooming styles.

• Regardless of style, the foretop,

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mane and tail should be kept neat. Tangles in the mane and tail should be worked out with your fingers and brushed with a dandy brush. Use caution when using a comb. Over a period of time, a coarsetoothed comb or currycomb will pull out hair and leave it thin. Never try to pull tangles out; they just become worse. Pick at them to loosen snarls. Watch for burrs and sticks caught in the mane and tail; remove them carefully. When grooming the tail, stand at the horse's side and never directly behind the rear of the horse.

Feet care • Proper cleaning of feet requires you to pick up each foot. Every foal should be taught to allow its feet to be picked up and handled. Begin when it is young so it gets accustomed to the feel of your hands.

If you trim the foal's feet as it grows, you should have no trouble when the horse becomes full grown.

• Slide your left hand down the cannon to the fetlock. Lean with your left should against the horse's shoulder.

Reverse for picking up the off forefoot.

When the horse shifts weight and relaxes on the foot, pick it up.

• For a quick cleaning, hold the hoof in your free hand. When shoeing or a long leaning job, it will help to place the horse's foreleg between your legs. Hold your knees together to help support the weight of the horse's leg.

• Near hindfoot: Stand forward of the hindquarter and stroke with your right hand from the point of the hip down the hip and leg to the middle of the cannon.

As you move the right hand down, place the left hand on the hip and press to force the horse's weight to the opposite leg.

Grasp the back of the cannon just above the fetlock and lift the foot forward.

• When the horse is settled, move to the rear, keeping the leg straight and

swing your left leg underneath the fetlock to help support the horse's leg. Never pull the foot to the side--your horse will resist.

Reverse sides for picking up the off leg.

• Clean the hoof from heel to toe. Pay particular attention to the area around the frog. Clean the depressions thoroughly between the frog and the bars to prevent thrush and other foot infections. Watch for rocks, nails, injuries and loose shoes.

Check the growth of the hoof periodically; trim and change shoes when necessary.

• Proper hoof trimming is very important because it keeps your horse standing squarely and moving straight.

Trim hooves every six to eight weeks, or when growth exceeds wear, depending on the rate of growth. The hooves of young horses should be watched closely as they grow. Keep feet trimmed regularly so that the muscles and bones of the feet and legs will develop correctly. A healthy hoof grows about 3/8- to 1/2-inch a month and the fastest growth is at the toe of the hoof. Do not let hooves grow long during winter months or when you are not using your horse. Keep hooves trimmed. If your horse is idle during winter months, it may be left unshod so its hooves have a chance to expand without being limited by shoes.

This will help prevent contracted heels.

• Corrective trimming and shoeing on some horses improves or corrects inherited faults in conformation. The work should be done only by a person fully experienced in the structure of the foot and leg who has the knowledge of corrective measures.

Ask your farrier for the shoe size your horse wears on the front and back, and if he did corrective work on your horse. If so, ask what correction was needed and exactly what was done. Learn the basic points of proper shoeing so you will know when your horse is shod correctly. A poor job of shoeing can cripple your horse for long periods of time. Know what is correct and insist the job be done right.The hooves of a horse often become too moist with the damp Eastern climate.

• Keep your horse's hooves from becoming too moist. When hooves are too moist thrush infections and white line disease are common. If your horse gets thrush, apply a commercial germicidal preparation or a 7 percent iodine solution to the frog area of the hoof. If affected by white line disease, apply the same solution to the lower hoof wall and the white line.

Fitting and training for show Competition when showing horses,

either halter or saddle, is challenging. If you intend to compete, you must plan to fit your horse. Proper fitting and conditioning is time-consuming. It requires a good worming program, proper feeding, a balanced exercise schedule, grooming and training. You cannot fit a horse properly in a day, a week or a month. Start early.

Worming program The worming program should keep the horse free of internal parasites mentioned. If your horse has worms, it cannot make the best use of its food, and is likely to develop digestive problems.

Feeding program Follow a feeding program that furnishes all the required nutrients. Consider the size of the horse, its growth rate (if young) and the amount of exercise or use it gets. Feed to get a good covering of flesh, but not an overly body condition.

You must balance your feeding with exercise to keep the horse's body fit and its muscle good tone.

Exercise Exercise is necessary to build muscles and develop stamina. Circumstances will dictate how you exercise the horse, but it should receive some planned exercise daily. Training and exercising can be combined, but keep them in balance. Train for short periods. Plan to get the horse out on long, relaxed rides to introduce variety in the exercise routine. This will help prevent boredom and a sour attitude. Lunge the horse for 20 to 30 minutes on days when the horse is not in training, to keep muscle tone. Regular turn out in a pasture or paddock to play and exercise freely benefits the horse mentally and physically.

Grooming • Regular grooming is a must. The horse should be cleaned and brushed at least once a day. Brushing will stimulate the skin and bring out natural hair oils that make the coat shine. A quick brushing when a horse is warm after working it will also help bring out body oils.

• Wipe the entire body with a cloth after brushing. As you use the cloth, it will accumulate oil from the hair. This oil will help shine the hair, and will pick up more dust from the hair. You may dampen the cloth and use it as a temporary substitute for a full bath.

Bathing • When you bathe your horse, use a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Use only water on the horse's face--avoid using

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soap.

• After rinsing the horse's body, scrape the remaining water off with a sweat scraper.

• Then, rub the horse dry with a clean towel. Keep the horse out of drafts until it is dry. The horse's coat may be fluffy and not lay flat after washing. If bathing can be done at least one day prior to a show and the horse kept clean until show time, the hair will lay flatter and smoother.

Grooming techniques will assist in promoting cleanliness • Cleanliness is very important, especially in showmanship classes. Clean the horse around eyes, nostrils, muzzle, under the tail and between its legs. The gelding's sheath and the mare's udder also require regular cleaning.

• A blanket or sheet placed on the horse overnight will help keep the coat clean, but blanketing your horse should depend on circumstances. If you plan to show early or late in the season, it is necessary to blanket the horse full time when a short-hair coat is desired during the winter months.

Clipping Train the horse to allow you to use electric clippers to trim the long hairs on the muzzle, under the jaws, the ears, the bridle path, and the legs. Breed and show customs will influence what you clip, but the goal is to have the horse looking trim and neat.

Shoeing • Keep the horse's hooves trimmed and in a healthy condition. If the horse is shod, the shoes should be reset or replaced about every six to eight weeks. Replace worn shoes before a show. It is best to trim the hooves and shoe the horse one to two weeks before the show; this will allow time for the horse to recover if it becomes sore due to short trimming.

• The feet should be clean when you enter the show ring. A hoof dressing may be applied, but avoid those that leave a greasy appearance and attract dust. Use of artificial hoof coloring varies from breed to breed so know your breed rules.

Summary None of the tricks practiced in fitting a horse for showing replaces the need for good feeding, grooming, exercise and training. Be observant and learn new techniques as you watch others. Add these ideas to your fitting knowledge, and use those that appear to help. Don't be misled by fads or fancies.

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By Danielle Smarsh

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Ask the Expert: Infrared Light in Horse Barns Bob Coleman, PhD

Does infrared light cause horses to shed? Specifically, I'm concerned about the infrared light that security cameras use for nighttime viewing. In our barn, the infrared cameras light it up like daylight on the video feed, but if you look, it’s dark inside. I am concerned that the infrared light might impact the development of their winter hair coat.

We know that hair coat changes are responsive to changes in daylight which have an impact on the secretion of melatonin. As the days get shorter and the horses are in darkness longer, the melatonin increases and hair growth is a result. Horses grow more hair as we pass into the time of longer nights and then shed as the days get longer.

When we put horses under lights to change different physiologies, like making mares cycle sooner, we are mimicking the increase in day length. We do that by adding light at the end of the day to make an artificial 16 hours of light followed by 8 hours of dark. The same can be done to get horses to shed earlier. What is interesting is the light that makes the change is the shorter wavelengths of light. Research has shown that blue light is most effective in making these changes.

However, infrared light is a longer wavelength, and will have minimal effects on your horses. Research has looked at using a low intensity (5 to 8 lux) red light with a wavelength of 625. This wavelength allowed people to move safely in the barn to do routine things, but did not cause changes to the horses under the red light. We know that the bright white light has an impact on mammals, and in many cases when we need to have some visibility, a low-intensity red light is often used as it allows us to see but does not have the effects a bright white light does. Therefore, the lights you are using to make your cameras function should not cause your horses to shed their winter hair coat.

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By Danielle Smarsh

By Laura Kenny

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Anthelmintic Treatment Regimes Krishona Martinson, PhD The availability of affordable and effective anthelmintics (e.g. dewormers) have resulted in the practice of frequent and singular treatments for the entire horse herd. A downside of this common practice is the development of anthelmintic resistance. To further evaluate the development of anthelmintic resistance, researchers from Belgium tested the effectiveness of anthelmintic treatment schedules for three consecutive years on pasture housed horses.

Historically, horses were treated with an intensive, calendar-based deworming schedule that included being treated up to 6 times a year with ivermectin, or up to 4 times a year with mox-

idectin. During the three-year study period, all horses were treated with ivermectin or moxidectin in the spring and in fall. Fecal egg counts were conducted every two weeks during the summer pasture season and whenever individual fecal egg counts exceeded 250 eggs per gram of feces, the horse was treated with pyrantel embonate.

No increase in parasitic disease over the three-year period was observed. The fecal egg counts data collected in the study, as well as the age of the animals and local weather data, were imported into a cyathostomin (e.g. small strongyles) life-cycle model to evaluate long term effects of the newly applied treatment regimen on the selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance compared to the previous intensive, calen-

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dar-based deworming schedule.

Model simulations indicated that the wholeherd treatment regimen with at least 4 ivermectin or moxidectin treatments annually led to 2 to 3 times faster parasite resistance development than any of the alternative treatment regimens evaluated under the specific conditions. While an initial investment, fecal egg count monitoring of the individual horse should guide parasite management programs and should reduce long-term management costs.

For more information on this research, view the paper published in Veterinary Parasitology at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/ pii/S0304401721001977?via%3Dihub.

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