May 2022 Equine Times

May 2022

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

A Potential Problem For Pregnant Broodmares

While tall fescue is not harmful to most horses, pregnant broodmares can develop fescue toxicosis if they eat endophyte-infected tall fescue Danielle Smarsh Tall fescue is a variety of cool-season grass that is found throughout the United States. It is well adapted to low-pH soils, is drought resistant, and can tolerate high stocking densities. Due to these traits, tall fescue is highly sought after as a pasture grass. There can be, however, a downside to tall fescue, particularly for pregnant broodmares.

Certain varieties of tall fescue are infected with the fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum (formerly known as Acremonium coenophialum). The fungus is advantageous to tall fescue in that the fungus provides protection against certain insects and drought and heat. The fungus produces ergot alkaloids, and it is these alkaloids (particularly ergovaline) that can cause harmful physiological effects in pregnant broodmares. Tall fescue known to have Neotyphodium coenophialum is known as endophyte-infected tall fescue. The amount of ergot alkaloids on a given pasture will vary depending on the time of year, the amount of fertilizer present and simply plant variation.

Pregnant broodmares that consume endophyte-infected tall fescue are at risk for developing fescue toxicosis. The symptoms in mares of fescue toxicosis include prolonged gestation, abortions, stillbirths, thickened placentas, low conception rates, weak foals, increased risk of newborn foal death, dystocia and low/no milk production (known as agalactia). You can't tell just by looking at the tall fescue if it is infected; the grass must be tested.

Broodmares in late pregnancy are the only horses that are known to suffer ill effects from grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Non-breeding stock have not been shown to date to suffer adversely from grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue. Research has also

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shown no adverse effects on stallions and their reproductive function when they graze endophyte-infected tall fescue.

So, what can be done to help our pregnant broodmares? It is recommended that if your pasture does have endophyte-infected tall fescue, then you should remove pregnant broodmares from the pasture sixty to ninety days prior to foaling. Another option is to talk with your veterinarian about treating your mare with domperidone, which can help relieve most fescue toxicosis symptoms.

If you have enough acreage and can devote the time and money, then renovating your pastures to remove the endophyte-infected tall fescue is another management option.

You can remove the tall fescue with an herbi-

cide and choose other cool-season grasses to plant, or you could plant endophyte-free tall fescue. Again, this process can be costly and take several years, so it might not be the best solution for everyone. It can be difficult to completely remove all endophyte-infected tall fescue from a pasture. Additionally, if you have a mix of cool-season grasses in your field, be sure to identify what percent is actually tall fescue. If the tall fescue is a small minority of the grass in your field, then there is less risk for your broodmares, and perhaps the best management strategy is to simply remove them from the field sixty to ninety days prior to foaling.

In summary, fescue toxicosis can have serious detrimental effects on pregnant brood-

Tall Fescue poses a threat to grazing broodmares. Danielle N. Smarsh

May 2022

mares. If you are unsure if your pasture contains tall fescue, contact your local extension office, who can help identify the grass. If it is confirmed that your pasture contains tall fescue, then samples should be sent to a forage lab to be tested. Samples should be taken when the plant is growing rapidly (typically early summer and fall, though this will depend on the weather and region), to ensure you do not get a false low reading on the endophyte analysis. If you breed mares on your farm and have tall fescue, be sure to discuss with your veterinarian the risks of fescue toxicosis and the best management strategy for your farm.

Listed below are a few laboratories that analyze fescue for ergot alkaloids/endophytes: • Agrinostics Ltd. Co. • Oregon State University Endophyte Service Laboratory • Cumberland Valley Analytical Services

This mare is very pregnant and should be foaling pretty soon. Joesboy

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10

Tips for Preparing Your Pasture for Grazing

Krishona Martinson

While starting grazing in the spring may seem as easy as opening the gate, there are several items to consider. This list outlines ten tips for preparing your pasture and horse for grazing.

1. Evaluate last year’s grazing system. Think about how your pasture worked, or did not work, in previous years. Some items to consider include stocking rate, paddock size and shape, number of paddocks, amount of forage produced (e.g., yield), weed control and fertility. Keeping a grazing log and using aerial images can help you optimize pasture growth and meet your pasture management goals.

2. Check fences. Over the winter months, snow and wildlife (e.g., deer) can damage fencing. Check all fences and make repairs as needed before starting spring grazing. Also, make sure all gates are closed and latched.

3. Check water sources and equipment. Ensure water sources and equipment are clean and in working condition.

4. Remove debris. Walk the pasture and remove debris (e.g., plastic and garbage) that might have blown in over the winter months. This includes downed branches.

5. Take soil samples. Take soil samples every three years to determine pH and fertilizer needs. Soil sampling can occur as soon as the frost is out and the ground is dry. You can collect one soil sample per twenty acres of pasture if the management, topography, soil type and plant species are similar. Sampling should occur from multiples sites within the

pasture. You can obtain soil testing kits from your county extension office.

6. Fertilize. When applying fertilizer, it is best to apply half of the amount in early spring and the other half in the middle of June. The ideal time to fertilize is right before a gentle, soaking rain. Keep horses off the pasture until you can no longer see the fertilizer pellets.

7. Control weeds. Spring is a good time to control annual weeds. Mowing is usually sufficient for annual weed control, but you may need to use a herbicide. Always follow the directions and grazing restrictions listed on the herbicide label.

8. Evaluate your horse’s health.

Schedule your annual dental exam and vaccinations with your veterinarian. Test your horse’s manure to determine fecal egg counts and deworm accordingly. Proper deworming will reduce the parasite load in your horse and on your pasture.

9. Let the grass grow. Keep the horses off pastures until the ground is firm and the grass has grown to six to eight inches. Once the grass has reached this height, start acclimating the horses to the pasture in fifteen minute, daily increments (fifteen minutes the first day, thirty minutes the second day, etc.) until you reach five hours of grazing. After that, unrestricted grazing can occur. This gradual transition provides enough time for the horse’s microbial populations to adjust, which reduces the chance of laminitis and colic.

10. Make adjustments as needed and consider rotational grazing.

Grazing requires flexibility to respond to plant growth, which depends on weather conditions. Having a dry lot, multiple pastures and practicing rotational grazing can help buffer adverse weather conditions. Rotational grazing also makes resting, mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, and dragging pastures more manageable.

A horse grazing in a pasture. Krishona Martinson

May 2022

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By Aubrey Jaqueth

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May 2022

Milkweed and monarch butterflies in summertime. Smilesb

A Toxic Weed To Avoid

Primary toxin, galitoxin, is found in all vegetative parts of the plant and toxins known as cardenolides may be responsible for digitalis-like signs that cause or contribute to death Donna Foulk Milkweed is a native perennial herb with milky sap and leaves opposite or whorled, simple and entire;the flowers are in umbels, purple to greenish white; the fruit is a follicle, with numerous seeds, each with a tuft of silky hairs.

Description Milkweeds exude a white, milky juice from broken or cut surfaces. Both narrow-leafed (whorled) and broad-leafed species exist; the narrow-leafed variety is most toxic. The fruit is a follicle (i.e., a capsule filled with numerous seeds); a silky tuft aids spread of seeds by the wind. The flower is very distinctive: each flower has five sepals and petals which are strongly deflexed. Extending upward from the base of each petal is a club-shaped or hooded lobe.

Toxic principle The primary toxic principle, galitoxin, is of the

resinoid class. Galitoxin is found in all vegetative parts of the plant. In addition, a group of toxicants known as cardenolides may be responsible for digitalis-like signs that cause or contribute to death. In general, it appears that the broad-leaved species produce cardiotoxic and GI effects while the narrow-leaved species are more commonly neurotoxic. Dosages of whorled milkweed as low as 0.1 % to 0.5% of the animal's body weight may cause toxicosis and, possibly, death. Cattle, sheep and horses are most susceptible. Toxicity is not lost when the plant is dried. Therefore, contaminated hay is potentially toxic.

Clinical signs include profuse salivation, incoordination, violent seizures, bloating in ruminants and colic in horses. Early signs are followed by bradycardia or tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension and hypothermia. Death may occur from one to three days after ingestion of the milkweed.

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CLUB NEWS

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

from the horsemen's camp. members Wethe haveexpectation resources andAll people available for you to learn is nothing like of aMFTHBA well-bred foal! from and breeders to refer you to if you want to whoDon't participate in transfer top trailyour willnewly-bought receive a point for forget to horse's buy a young one to train or if you want to further participating their miles. There registration papers intoand yourlogging name with the MFTHBA,too. the training with your present horse.

We are growing!

New member welcomes gomembers out It to will be a Saturday night potluck.

The MFTHBA needs registered Naomi Haas, equinetowill dentist Kris Modreske and Harry be committees a great time to meet othfill their for 2021.

I just agreed Struble all of MI. Naomi rides sorrel sabino gelding to help on athe Trail the Committee again. ersout who enjoy trails just (Dexter) and a blackSurely mareyou (Hank's Liberty Bell Various committees need ascan,too! muchSerenity as you do. members(younger ones too) for their input B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted We are honored that and advice togoincrease Prior). And congratulations out toaffiliate Harrynumbers,think Struble on bronze medalist and of ways to make the shows better,to improve and his purchase of Joe's Golden Chip, a handsome buckskin okay National Trail Ride applications,give ideaswill on judge, Joanne Coy, gelding, from Chuck Fanslow. All these memclinics (let's get more closer be to our state),getting more verthe clinician for the bers are riding quality Trotters!!! satility riders interested,give ideas on training and Fox picking judges, plus gaited western New members are always welmore. Many positions can be supported remotely. Also, this is adresgreat sage clinic on July 23 at come!

Go to www.michiganfoxway to meet those from other areas of the USA who raise,train and trotters.com print not off the ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way whotoI Pine would have beautiful Lake otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding Association membership We meet Stables in form.

Plainwell, via www.mfthba.com to become a member and forsomore virtually all information members Michigan.

There is room on helping out. are able to meet without forMFTA ten dues riders.

All MFTHBA breeds dues are Also, PLEASE send in your and your having to drive long disasap! welcome. Auditors are welcome tances.

Wishing everyone a blessed andinformation safe Christmas! and the regas well.

More Our Event Committee Respectfully submitted, istration form can be found onis the page of busyactivities planning next Marilynthe Mannino our website.

Joanne is a USDF Bronze medalist, participants.

Awards are given out quarterly.

Go to clinic. It will be a Gaited included a competition for the board member of both Glass-Ed and Western michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com, visit the activities Western Dressage Clinic at most ambitious member who PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE HAY INVE$TMENT! the end of May. More details demonstrates horsemanship and instructs new page to read their the rules and print off the registration Dressage Association of America From Oneother Piece TobeAn Entire Stall your will available skills in ato wide judges among things.

She will instruct form(s) tryvariety it out.of categories. next month.

The the clinician Quarterly and year-endtoawards will be give semiprivate lessons day ofis The introduction cows clinic is full! It will take groundwork Orand An Exhibition Stall. top-notch! given.

Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com place on May 14 at Slippery F Ranch in Nashville, the clinic. This will be a fantastic clinic.

SLIDING SWINGING DOORS A littleOR history on our breed: The presto read the rules and print off the forms to join in on Twelve riders can sign up for the natural trail and Michigan with Greg and Lisa Flower. Believe me, ent-day Missouri Fox Trotter evolved from Morgans in the friendly competition and fun. clinicbeing on crossed July 24 with clinician Susan you More want Fox yourTrotters horse used to bovines when you are New England with Arabians, Plantation are slowly becoming available to obstacle Williams which will be held at the Holland Western out and about riding.

It will save you from a cow purchase but they are selling fast. There is a good video on Horses, American Saddlebreds, TWHs and pacing Park inThe Holland, Michigan.

You and horses your associated scare.

Contact Susan 517-755Standardbreds. genetic mix of square-trotting the correct Fox Trot gait posted on William our Face at Book site to Horse will learn bestthe ways to negotiate actual 9899totowhen ask if there is still room you.

All Be breeds and pacing horses the created comfortable fox trot gait! refer you are considering an for MFT to buy. sure horse Missouri Fox Trotting farmersat in to a knowledgeable person with you,too, when you trail obstacles and horses water.have Gobeen to used our by website arebring welcome!

Missouri and surrounding states to ride long distances to narrow down your search.

Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (rivThen on May 21, we are hosting an all breeds Michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com to print off the regischeck their fencing and work cows, pull buggies, by US erflatranch.com) GaleIonia Gunders (989-534-1207), have tration form. judged trail rideand at the State Recreation Area Forest Service workers, policeView and now people well-gaited young stock available.

They also have quality Levi Beechy will by be mounted at Morning Farm in equestrian campground. That will be lots of fun studs to breed to if you have a mare you want bred. Chuck across the United States and Europe use them for recreseeing everyone trying their skills on the different Ionia, Michigan on August 27 and August 28 teachhas a Buckskin stallion and a palomino stallion(both sons ation (showing, trail riding, Dressage,reining, 4H and ten riders horsemanship andyou teamwork skills. obstacles that Joe). we changed a bit. The adults Design Stalls that work for and are your Equestrian Team, Hippotherapy,etc.).

They truly of Cotton Eyed Gale hasup a spotted stallion who can will ing Sign up for his popular clinic to assure yourself a vie for cash paybacks while those 17 and under win and also can be found in all colors and sizes!

Try throw color to your foal. Both are located in Gladwin,MI. versatile Horses....

With Component Pieces or spot.

Send your is located ribbons them and if other prizes. in your Dimensions: 72” x reservation 78” 76” one out and in find outregistration why everyoneform loveswhich them so!

Contact you want to Send have your mare bred.x There on theEntire activities page of our website as soon form located on the activities pageWeight: of the michiganthe Stall!

230 lbs.

• Removable Grills as posfoxtrottinghorse.com website to assure yourself a sible as this clinic will fill quickly.

• Panels “HayContact Huts saveSusan and preserve We are always welcoming members. spot.

Williams at 517-755-9899 if you • Lazynew Susan Feeders Our the hay. They keep the hay mission is to promote the fox trotting horse, provide have any questions.

• Water Bucket Doors weather protected and are the enjoyment this verEveryone invited horse friendly.”is-CHRIS COXto the first ever great lakes education E N Tand E R Pencourage R I S E S • Multiple DoorofOptions national trail ride cosponsored by MFHA and the satile breed. Get involved now and meet others who and show these beautiful horses.

Indiana Fox Weldy Trotter Enterprises Association set• 911 for July 8 love to trail E. Waterford St. ride Wakarusa, IN 46573 Happy foxinfo@weldyenterprises.com trotting! through July 10 at Waterloo Rec Area in• FAX Chelsea, 574-862-4491 • 800-628-4728 574-862-2122 • email: Michigan. The Saturday and Sunday rides start out Marilyn Mannino Hello December! Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino At our November meeting we elected some newWell, officers forfinally 2021. Congratulations go out weather for have decent Hello we April! Spring is some upon us!

People are out Fox to Bob Howell elected as the new MFTA PresTrotting and enjoying the weather.

Many are accumulatriding.

Yay! ident, Kathy Kruch is now VP, Marilyn is still ing points in the Versatility Challenges that we are offerThe versatility still Secretary/Treasurer, Char program Ostrom is theisnew ing.

2-year Director and Miranda Mannino is now seeking participants.

This is a Registration is still the 1-year Director. self-paced program for open MFTsfor all three Versatility We are accepting renewals Challenges (Under membership Saddle Challenge, in divisions which are Youth areNot Under Saddle and two new memberships for 2021 now.

Challenge and Ultimate Horseman Challenge). This pronot under saddle and under encouraged to join too! to www.michiganfoxgram is designed to Go show how versatile the Missouri Fox trotters.com to print offdriving). the form. You will learn alot saddle (includes Trotter is.

Registered and grade MFTs are allowed. from our members about the history Trotters,their Plus, the handler gets to of Foxthrough All useshandicapped and availability and and regular be able toyouth network with those of us who earn points by promotion adults areand welcome.

Every imaginable camp,train show them.

Our association is blessed to have skilled (and doing other things) activity and category is included trainers,breeders and a farrier to learn from. We love promoting this from in they hand work to Dressage, so versatile and come in breedMFTs as have greatultimate personalities,are of in the many sizes and different coat colors.toA benefit to joining is that we short distance trail riding horseman challenge. can offer clinics at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we endurance competitions and Versatility program chairperare meeting remotely each month.

Michigan is a big state and this is a everything in-between (cow son, Carrie Carpenter, good way to easily see and talkencouragwith each other within and outside of work, driving, extreme trail, MI. Come join theowners fun! es alland MFT who love and 4H Sign open showing, up now for the popular Versatility Challenge value their equines to work on new skillsfor 2021. Print parades, reining, trailfrom mainteoff the enrollment form our website. There are may areas in and compete in a friendly with the other nance and also fashion which you can more!). accumulateWe points-even in the non-rideable months.

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December May 2022 2020

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Rain Rot in Horses

When there are high volumes of rainfall, many horse owners may begin to see the presence of rain rot on their horses which is a a skin disease that can be frustrating to owners, but with the right care can often be easily treated Brittani Kirkland

In periods of constant, frequent rain, it is important for horse owners to consider how rain may impact their horses, farms and riding experiences. Rain rot is a common condition during rainy seasons and can be of concern for many horse owners. While typically easily treated, rain rot can be a serious issue and should be addressed immediately by the horse owner to prevent spread or worsening.

What is rain rot?

Rain rot, also called rain scald or dermatophilosis, is a skin infection caused by a bacterium known as Dermatophilus congolensis. Living on the horse's skin, D. congolensis is mostly dormant, but under wet conditions, this bacterium can cause an inflammatory infection resulting in lesions along your horse's skin. These lesions cause small patches of raised bumps which are scabs containing clusters of your horse's hair.

Removal of these scabs results in bald patches along the affected area. In severe cases, lesions and scabs may become large and affect multiple layers of skin.

When this occurs, the horse's use may be impacted until the infection clears.

While most often found on the horse's topline, rain rot can be found on numerous areas of the horse's body, including their rump, face and legs. Therefore, it is important that regular, thorough fullbody examinations occur. Hands-on palpation may be needed when examining your horse for rain rot, particularly during winter months, as increased coat length makes visual assessment difficult.

Unlike many other skin conditions, areas with rain rot do not typically itch but can be painful and cause your horse to Page 10 Equine Times

become sensitive to touch.

All horses can be affected by this condition; however, there have been identified links with horse's coat colors and immune status leading to a higher incidence of rain rot. Particularly, horses with lighter coat colors as well as horses with compromised or poorly developed immune systems (such as young or older horses) have been found to be at higher risk. Specific environmental factors have been also been identified. Rain rot most often occurs when the skin has been compromised in some way. Compromise occurs during times of high humidity, prolonged rainfall, or increased exposure to biting insects. Horse owners should take steps to limit impact when these environmental conditions are present.

Prevention Practicing good hygiene habits with your horse such as regular bathing and grooming is one of the best ways to prevent rain rot from occurring. Likewise, reducing exposure to environmental factors known to increase incidence may help prevent this condition. If you know there will be heavy rainfall in your area, keeping your horse in a barn or under shelter can help reduce risk. Also, limiting access to muddy areas or trying to reduce the overall presence of mud may be helpful, as caked mud on your horse could compromise the skin. If you are seeing high biting insect populations, implement best management practices based on fly species. Some of these practices include setting up traps, increasing farm sanitation, introducing parasitoid wasps and spraying your horse with a pyrethroid-based insecticide.

Treatment If your horse has a minor case of May 2022

rain rot, it can typically heal with a little bit of extra attention and care. Giving your horse a bath with an anti-microbial soap can help remove the scabs and disrupt the bacteria in the affected area.

Additionally, currying and brushing your horse can help by promoting healing and preventing the spread or worsening of the area. As you work to remove scabs, the affected area may become tender to the touch so be cautious with removal. Softening the scabs first makes removal easier and more comfortable for your horse. There are also topical antimicrobial products you may want to include in your treatment routine if you find it necessary.

Keep your horse dry and reduce exposure to known environmental factors during treatment. You may also want to keep horses with rain rot separated from others while treatment is occurring to prevent spread amongst horses. Similarly, be sure to disinfect and replace contaminated grooming tools and other equipment as needed to prevent spread.

In severe cases, your horse may need antibiotic injections given by a veterinarian. Skin biopsies may need to be conducted to identify if the cause of the infection and ensure it is rain rot. It is always recommended that you consult a veterinarian in any case when determining cause and making treatment plans.

This content is educational only and not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.

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Psychological Skills Training with Equestrian Athletes

Krishona Martinson

Psychological skills training (PST) is a proven coaching method used with athletes in a multitude of sports. Psychological skills training refers to the consistent practice of mental or psychological skills for the purpose of enhancing performance, increasing enjoyment, or achieving greater self-satisfaction. This study, conducted by Middle Tennessee State University,

investigated the use of PST with equestrian athletes. An online survey was administered to equestrian coaches to determine whether coaches used specific skills relative to PST. Ninety-one percent of equestrian coaches surveyed were using PST with their riders. Confidence building and goal setting were used more frequently than other skills, followed by imagery, self-talk and task relevant routine. Relaxation

Ninety-one percent of equestrian coaches surveyed were using PST with their riders. Krishona Martinson

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was least used. The type of skills used differed by situation (e.g., practice, competition). Confidence building was used more in practice than during competition. Goal setting and imagery were most used in practice and pre-competition, compared with during competition and post competition.

Use of confidence building, self-talk, relaxation, task relevant routine and goal setting were correlated to PST-attributable performance improvement by increasing self-confidence and lessening anxiety. When asked which PST skills promoted a positive attitude, correlations were found between selftalk, relaxation and task relevant routine. Lack of training was identified as the largest limiting factor of PST implementation, with 68% of coaches interested in more PST education and training.

These results suggest equestrian coaches actively seek methods for rider improvement beyond the saddle. Further research should explore the best PST methods to use with equestrian athletes.

For more information on this research, view the abstract published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science at https://www. sciencedirect.com/science/article/ abs/pii/S0737080621002215.

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Ride Safe Essentials When Riding The Trails There are many considerations to keep in mind as you prepare to hit the trails Bethany Bickel Trail riding is a popular way to spend time outdoors enjoying nature, friendship and your horse. Safety is first and foremost and should always be considered when riding on the trails. There are many considerations to keep in mind as you prepare to hit the trails.

Have you checked your tack, equipment, and horse?

Do you have a safety plan?

If you are riding alone, did you tell someone where you were going and when to expect your return?

These are a few of the many considerations and steps to take to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for you and your horse.

Make a Plan Plan your ride and route in advance. Make sure the area and trails allow horses. It is best to not ride alone; if you do, let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back. Even if you are riding with a group, it is good practice to let someone know where you are riding and when to expect the group back. Be aware of the wildlife you may encounter in the area and plan accordingly.

When riding during early September through December keep in mind large and small game hunting seasons. You may choose to limit your riding to Sundays which traditionally is the "day off" for hunting.

Check your Tack and Equipment Riding equipment should be clean and in good working condition, free of rot and frays. The saddle should fit you and your horse properly. It should not pinch the horse's withers, shoulders, back or loin and the girth should not pinch behind the horse's elbow.

Now is also a good time to make sure your stirrups are adjusted properly. The bottom of the stirrup should reach the ankle bone of the rider when the foot is out of the stirrup.

Riding equipment should be clean and in good working condition.

Bethany Bickel

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Other General Guidelines for Riding Safely on the Trail • Wear a properly fitted riding helmet.

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings and watch for other horses acting up or situations that may frighten your horse.

• Always ride at the speed that is comfortable and safe for the least experienced rider in the group.

Items to Consider Packing • Cell phone • Health papers/Coggins Test • Easy Boot which is good to have in case your horse has lost a shoe. No Easy Boot? No problem, a diaper, vet wrap and tape can be used.

• Map, compass, other GPS tracking • Horse and human first aid kits • Electrolytes • Whistle (it's less effort to use in an emergency) • Snacks • Sunscreen • Water • Halter/lead rope which is good to have in case bridle, reins or bit breaks.

• Rain gear • Gloves • Hoof pick • Multi-tool Whether you are taking a short ride or a weekend trip, keep these safety guidelines in mind before you hit the trails.

Basic safety procedures and practices are essential in providing a safe and enjoyable experience for both you, your riding group, and your horse.

Happy Trails!

The bottom of the stirrup should reach the ankle bone of the rider when the foot is out of the stirrup. Bethany Bickel

Plan your ride and route in advance. Make sure the area and trails allow horses. Bethany Bickel

• Avoid riding away from other horses in the group, especially from a horse that has a buddy.

• Depending on temperament and experience of horses and riders in your group, you may ride abreast (shoulder to shoulder).

• Try to avoid horses that do not like your horse or vice versa.

• Wear bright colors during hunting seasons. A blaze-orange hunting vest, some are reversible, so you can wear a softer color other times of the year. Do not forget about your horse, consider a brightly colored halter, saddle bag or plastic ribbon braided into their mane and/or tail.

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