November 2021 Equine Times

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

November 2021

PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE HAY INVE$TMENT!

For the Finest STALLS Money Can Buy From One Piece To An Entire Stall Or An Exhibition Stall.

Dimensions: 72” x 78” x 76” Weight: 230 lbs.

“Hay Huts save and preserve the hay. They keep the hay weather protected and are horse friendly.” -CHRIS COX

Design Stalls that work for you and your Horses.... With Component Pieces or the Entire Stall!

• Removable Grills

E N T E R P R I S E S

• Panels • Lazy Susan Feeders • Water Bucket Doors • Multiple Door Options

OH-0001245590

Weldy Enterprises • 911 E. Waterford St. Wakarusa, IN 46573

OH-0001249917

574-862-4491 • 800-628-4728 • FAX 574-862-2122 • email: info@weldyenterprises.com

Horses May Be at Risk of Colic in Cold Weather Ann M. Swinker When it is very cold, horses will reduce their water consumption and be at risk of colic.

Horses should not be fed excessively cold water, as it may bring on colic symptoms. Try a heated waterer or consider taking warm buckets out when it's cold outside. If nothing else, make sure to break the ice on a horse's water supply in freezing temperatures. In very cold weather, water heaters may be needed to prevent the water from freezing. If you are using a submergible electric water heater to keep the water supply open and free of ice, check to see if it is giving off stray voltage and shocking the horses when trying to drink.

Be careful that you do not get shocked. If you use automatic waters be sure the heating element is turned on and that there is no stray voltage.

Water performs many tasks in the body. It makes up most of the blood that carries nutrients to cells and takes waste products away. In addition, water is the body's built-in cooling system; it regulates body heat and acts as a lubricant. A horse drinks about 10 to 12 gallons of water daily depending on the work it is doing. Larger breeds of horses may drink up to 15 to 20 gallons of water a day. Horses that are not drinking enough water will reduce their feed intake and reduce the Page 2

Equine Times

November 2021

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SLIDING OR SWINGING DOORS

energy intake.

During the bitter cold weather is when horses need to keep up their energy sources and the worst possible thing that can happen is to have a horse quit drinking water and go off feed. If the horse cannot drink or worse cannot get to water because it is frozen solid, the horse becomes dehydrated.

Within 24 hours of water deprivation, a horse can lose about 4% of his body weight. After 48 hours without water, 6.8% of his body weight will be lost, and after 72 hours it's about 9%. Symptoms of dehydration are dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, tucked-up appearance, skin that has lost its elasticity, and a slowed capillary refill time and a depressed attitude.

These signs become obvious when the horse has already lost 6% of his body weight or more, by which time dehydration has already begun affecting digestive efficiency. When this happens the body cannot maintain a constant body temperature and become hypothermic.

But the worst risk caused by lack of water is that the horse's intestines become impacted and results in colic. In fact, the main reason the incidence of colic increases from December to March is that many horses don't drink enough water in the winter months.

CLUB NEWS

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

has a Buckskin stallion and a palomino stallion(both sons of Cotton Eyed Joe). Gale has a spotted stallion who will throw color to your foal. Both are located in Gladwin,MI. Dimensions: x 78” 76” Contact them if you want to have your72” mare bred.x There Laura Kenny

We haveyet resources people available for you Equine to learn quito-killing frost as of and this writing.

Eastern is nothing like the expectation of a well-bred foal! from and breeders to refer you to if you want to Encephalitis is a deadly disease spread by mosquitoes infected Don't forget to transfer your newly-bought horse's buy aequines young one to train or if you want it to end further with the virus.

Infected not vaccinated against up registration papers into your name with the MFTHBA,too. the severe trainingneurological with your present horse. and die. suffering symptoms We are growing!

New welcomes gomembers out to Themember MFTHBA needs registered Prevent this from happening to your Naomi Haas, equinetodentist Kris Modreske and fill their by committees for 2021. justHarry agreed equine vaccinating yourI trail partStruble all of MI. Naomi rides a sorrel sabino gelding to help on ridding the Trailyour Committee again. nerout and property of (Dexter) and a blackSurely mareyou (Hank's Serenity Liberty Bell can,too!water Various committees need standing where mosquitoes members(younger ones too) for their input B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted breed.

The versatility particiand advice togo increase affiliate numbers,think pants have been definitely Prior). And congratulations out to Harry Struble on of waysGolden to makeChip, the shows better,to improve and taking ofbuckskin the nice his purchase of Joe's a advantage handsome okay National Trail Ride applications,give on weather!

Mandy Kellogg gelding, from Chuck fall Fanslow.

All theseideas memclinics (let's get more closer hit to our state),getting more verthe trails in Cook County, bers are riding quality Fox Trotters!!! satility riders interested,give ideas on training picking judges, plus Illinois,and Jodi New members are always welmore. Many positions can be supported remotely. this is aa great Myers Also, attended Sue come!

Go to www.michiganfoxway to meet those from other areas Hughes of the USA who raise,train and Dressage clinic and trotters.com print off have the ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way who I would not competed in to the Western otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding Association membership form.at We meet Dressage show Sunrise via www.mfthba.com to become Equestrian a member and for Sports, Rondal virtually somore all information members on helping out.

Montgomery and Carrie are able to meet without Also, PLEASE send in yourCarpenter MFTA dueshave and been your MFTHBA conditioning having to drive long dues disasap! their MFTs fortances. another out-of-state ride, Wishing everyone blessed andthe safeMTRA Christmas!

Carrie acompleted Virtual Shore-toOur Event Committee Shore ride, Georgi Carlton rode and Respectfully camped atsubmitted, Cowboy is busy Marilynthe Mannino Weekend in Irons, Michigan, Naomi Hassplanning competed innext the clinic.andItother will be a Gaited Hillsdale County Fair (jumping, speed English and Western Dressage Clinic at Western classes), Sue Bombard has been doing Mounted Posse endlessons of May. details work, Kelly Clevenger has been the taking fromMore Joanne Coy, showing in Western Dressagewill andbe trail riding. Julie Parliament available drove her MFT. See how many next different things The a Foxclinician Trotter can month. is do! top-notch!

Please send Kristi Modreske healing vibes as she continues to SLIDING SWINGING DOORS A littleOR history on our breed: The presheal from a nasty broken leg. Blame it on the mounting block! ent-day Missouri Fox Trotter evolved Morgans in If you are passionate about Fox Trottersfrom and would like to New England being crossed with Arabians, Plantation learn more about them and about this busy and interesting breed Horses, American Saddlebreds, TWHs and pacing association, go to the Michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com website and Standardbreds. genetic mixnew of square-trotting horses Facebook page. WeThe always welcome members (especially the ones wanthorses to pitch in and help!).

We are an effective resource and who pacing created the comfortable fox trot gait! for those of you who camp or show, train, just want Missouri Fox Trotting horses havebreed beenorused byorfarmers in to enjoy keeping them as pasture We have meeting Missouri and surrounding statespets. to ride long been distances to remotely but do meet up in person sometimes. Check the website check their fencing and work cows, pull buggies, by US for times and places. Print off a form and start your membership Forest Service workers, by mounted police and now people soon!

For the Finest STALLS Money Can Buy From One Piece To An Entire Stall Or An Exhibition Stall.

across the United States and Europe use them for recreation (showing, trail riding, Dressage,reining, 4H and Equestrian Team, Hippotherapy,etc.). They are truly versatile and also can be found in all colors and sizes! Try one out and find out why everyone loves them so! gates, shelter, and feed and hay storage. In addition, there may be municipal restrictions

Design Stalls that work for you and your Bringing Your New Horse Home Horses....

With Component Pieces or the Entire Stall!

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Hello December! Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino Marilyn Mannino At our November meeting we elected some newThe officers for 2021. Congratulations go out Ride held HelloMFTHBA/MFTA April! Spring National is upon Trail us! People areSeptember out Fox to Bob Howell elected as19 the MFTA Pres- in Chase, 17 through September atnew D bar D Ranch Trotting and enjoying the weather.

Many are accumulatident, Kathy Kruch is time now for VP, all.

Marilyn still Jodi Michigan was a fun TrailisBoss ing points in the Versatility Challenges that we are offerSecretary/Treasurer, the new Myers led Susan Char and Ostrom Wyatt isWilliams, ing.

2-year Director andJulie Miranda Mannino isand now Georgi Carlton, Parliament Registration is still open for all three Versatility the 1-year others on Director. a guided tour of the trails.

We are accepting membership renewals Not Under Saddle Challenges (Under Saddle Unfortunately, many trees Challenge, had and new memberships for 2021 now. are been blown downUltimate in that area due Youth Challenge).

Challenge and Horseman This proencouraged tostorm. join too!

Go to www.michiganfoxto a recent Nonetheless, gram is designed to show how versatile the Missouri Fox trotters.com printtooff thearound form. You will learn alot everyone wasto able ride Trotter is.

Registered and grade MFTs are allowed. from our members aboutand the still history of Fox Trotters,their these trail obstacles All and regular through useshandicapped and availability able toyouth network with those of us who enjoy their ride. Aand funbebingo adults are welcome.

Every imaginable camp,train and show them.

Our association is blessed to have skilled game and silent auction was also activity and category isto to included trainers,breeders andThank a farrier learn from. We love promoting this held on Saturday. you from inattended. hand work Dressage, so versatile and come in breed as they have greatto personalities,are all who Special thanks manyout sizes coat colors.toA benefit to joining is that we short distance trailwho riding goes to and Jodidifferent Myers planned can offer clinics at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we and conductedcompetitions this event. endurance and are meeting remotely each month.

Michigan is a big state and this is a Naomi Haas and her gelding, everything in-between (cow good way to easily Flaxy see andDexter talk with each other within and outside of Hank's Ramblin' B, cleaned work, driving, extreme trail, MI. at Come join the fun!County Fair this summer! up the Hillsdale 4H and open theshowing, upReserve now for Grand popular Versatility Challenge for 2021. Print TheySign won Champion in Speed, won parades, reining, trailfrom mainteoff the enrollment form our website. arefirsts may areas in first place in Hunter Hack (jumping), andThere earned in their nance and more!).

We also which you can Western accumulate points-even the were non-rideable months.

English and classes.

They inalso awarded 2021 included a competition forChampion! the Supreme All Around Equine Naomi and Dexter are a most ambitious member who super-successful pair!

PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE HAY INVE$TMENT! demonstrates theirgoes horsemanship Congratulations out to Harry and Cheryl Struble and their trusty Fox variety of categories. skills in a wide Trottersand (Joe'syear-end Golden Chip and will G & G's Quarterly awards be Rader's Cooper) for completing the MTRA Double-Cross trail ride in October. They given. Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com rode and camped across the wooded and beautiful state of to read the rules and print off the forms to join in on Michigan (from the sandy shore of Lake Huron to a Lake the friendly competition and fun.

Michigan beach) and back within two weeks! They earned a troMore Fox Trotters are slowly becoming available to phy to mark their accomplishments.

Way to go! purchase they are selling ThereCarpenter is a good video on RondalbutMontgomery andfast.

Carrie recently the correctthat Foxtheir Trot mare, gait posted onHang our Face Book site to announced Buckeye on Sloopy, is confirmedtoinwhen foal to Chuck Fanslow's stallion, Joe's Chance! refer you are considering an MFT toSilver buy. Be sure This is anaexciting match as person Sloopy is fromyou,too, the Songer Ambaw to bring knowledgeable with when you Hank line and Chance is from Breeders, the Cotton-Eyed Y line. Both narrow down your search.

ChuckJoe Fanslow (rivare foundation bloodlines and very gaited. Hank is unfortunately erflatranch.com) and Gale Gunders (989-534-1207), have deceased and Joe now lives in New York state. We eagerly look well-gaited young stock available. They also have quality forward to this important foal due next summer! studs to breed to if you havewarm a mare bred. Chuck We have had an unusually andyou wetwant fall without a mos-

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Weight: 230 lbs. on keeping livestock, and you will probably need to acquire permits before building stables or shelters.

Whether "home" is your property or a boarding facility, there is a lot to do to make For those inexperienced with horses, it is not recommended to keep your first horse sure the horse's transition is as smooth as possible.

“Hay Huts save and preserve at home. You should have an experienced mentor to teach you the basics of horse care So you've decided to purchase a new horse! Whether it's your first horse or your They keepis the and safe horse handling. You must learn the signs of health problems, which may not be fifth,the andhay. whether “home" yourhay property or a boarding stable, you have some work to apparent to the untrained eye. Many people think that getting a horse will be just like do toweather make sure the transition smooth and easy. This article will focus on bringing protected andis are getting a dog, but they are very different animals. Horses are large, flighty prey animals home your first horse, but any horse owner can pick up some new tips. horse friendly.”

-CHRIS COX E N T E R P R I S E S that are meant to live in herds. Housing a horse by itself is not recommended. They must Before He Arrives have firm behavioral boundaries, but the use of force in training is not recommended.

This may seem obvious, but it's important to identify an appropriate place to keep There’s a much steeper learning curve when handling and training horses, and some your horse. Some backyards may be large enough to graze a horse, but many are not horses will quickly figure out if you are inexperienced. In addition, the amount of time appropriately fenced or set up to house livestock. While you may not think of your new and money required to care for a horse is typically higher than a dog or cat. horse as livestock, he certainly is, and you need to consider factors including manure 574-862-4491 • 800-628-4728 • FAX 574-862-2122 • email: info@weldyenterprises.com Instead, consider boarding your horse with a reputable and experienced horse permanagement and disposal, pasture upkeep and related costs and equipment, fencing and Page 2

• Removable Grills • Panels • Lazy Susan Feeders • Water Bucket Doors • Multiple Door Options

Weldy Enterprises • 911 E. Waterford St. Wakarusa, IN 46573 Equine Times

April 2021

December 2020 November 2021

Equine Times Equine Times

Page Page113

Bringing Your New Horse Home son to teach you the ropes first. Here you can learn the basics of horse handling, grooming, riding, and general care. In addition, the barn manager will likely have established contacts with a veterinarian, farrier, dentist, and other equine professionals that they can share with you. You could look for local riding clubs or attend competitions in your preferred discipline to find trainer recommendations.

Tips on Selecting a Boarding Farm Finding the right boarding facility for you can be a long process. First, consider location. If you want to visit your horse multiple times a week, how far away are you willing to drive? The closest barn is not always the best fit. Explore different areas to find the best facility for your needs.

Secondly, consider the type of board you will need. There are a few different boarding options. Full board means that the staff will do all of the feeding, stall cleaning, turnout, etc. There may also be a la carte services like changing blankets, holding the horse for the vet/farrier, etc. This is typically the most expensive option, but it can be a good way to learn about equine care. Some barns allow for volunteers to take some of the barn work shifts in exchange for reduced board cost. Self-care board means that you will be provided with a field and/or a stall, but all horse care is up to you; you will need to come out daily to feed and clean stalls. Cooperative board is similar to self-care, but a group of boarders takes turns caring for all of the horses. Pasture board means that the horse is turned out 24/7, and may or may not include feeding of hay and grain and other full board services. You will want to make sure the pasture has a sturdy shelter and good water source.

Once you have found a few possibilities in your area, call ahead and set up visits.

Be honest if you are new to horses and looking to learn the ropes. During your visit, you will get a feel for the atmosphere of the facility. Is it laid back and quiet? High-pressure and competitive? Could you see yourself learning from the trainer? A boarding facility does not need to be “top of the line" to be a perfectly acceptable place for your horse.

Other things to notice during your visit: • Horses: Do they look bright and healthy? Or skinny and listless? One ribby horse could be a rescue that they are nursing back to health, but if all the horses are underweight, you should consider looking elsewhere.

• Cleanliness: Does the barn look like it is well-managed? Barns can be dusty, dirty places, and a facility doesn’t need to be spotless to be a good place for your horse to live.

But cleanliness and organization, or the lack thereof, can be a sign of the farm owner’s management style.

• Safety concerns: Look for hazards that could injure horses, such as exposed sharp metal objects, nails sticking out, fences falling apart, junk in pastures, etc.

• Water: Do all horses have access to clean water, both in stalls and outside? Are water buckets/troughs empty or dirty?

• Turnout: How much turnout space is there? Does it look like enough for the number of horses that live there? Horses do not require lush pasture to be healthy, but daily turnout is very important for horse health. Even if there’s no grass, dirt paddocks should be relatively clean of manure and have some dry areas when it’s wet out. Feel free to ask the manager about their pasture management strategies to learn more about their goals and methods.

• Riding space: If you are interested in riding, look at the number and state of the riding arenas. Do they have the items you will need based on the discipline you want to ride (jumps, poles, barrels)? Is the footing hard and packed, or soft and well-maintained?

How many riders are in there at once? If year-round riding is important to you, is there an indoor arena?

Another thing to consider is your new horse's previous management, and how much your new barn will differ from that. Ask the previous owner about its diet, turnout schedule, herd makeup, training level, and riding frequency. Major changes to the horse's management may cause some temporary stress and attitude changes. You can expect some problems if you take a horse turned out 24 hours a day and put it in a stall for 24 hours a day. Horses can and will adapt to new management over time, but the sudden change will be stressful. Therefore, you should try to reduce this as much as possible by making significant changes to management as gradual as possible. If the horse is stressed, you may notice stereotypic coping behaviors like cribbing, weaving, or stall-walking, or just a particularly grumpy horse. Try to change management techniques to prevent these behaviors from becoming a habit.

Questions to ask barn managers/owners: • What is the turnout schedule? How many horses go out together? How do they decide which horses go out together?

• How much hay do the horses get? How often are meals fed? How long do horses typically go without hay or pasture? (A horse should get about 2% of its body weight in dry matter feed daily, and at least half of that must be forage such as hay, pasture, or forage alternatives like hay cubes.)

• What grain do you feed? Can boarders add different products or supplements if needed?

• If you want to take riding lessons, ask about the lessons available for your experience level. You may need to take a few private lessons before you can start group lessons. Is the clientele mostly adults or children? Ask if you can watch a lesson to see if you like the instructor’s teaching style.

• How busy are the riding arenas? Is there a busy lesson program that will prevent you from using the arena at the times you are usually available to ride?

• What services are included in board? It may or may not include blanket changes, holding for vet/farrier, deworming, 2-3 meals per day, stall cleaning, bedding, and feed.

In some situations, you may have to provide your own feed.

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November 2021

• Do they use a boarding/liability contract? These important legal documents protect both parties. They should clarify basic management details, what will happen if there is an emergency with your horse (can they make medical decisions if they can’t get in touch with you?), minimum notice for both parties to leave/terminate the contract, and what happens if you are late/delinquent with board payments. Ask for a copy of the contract and read it carefully, making sure you are comfortable with everything outlined.

Preparing for the Arrival Once you have decided where to keep your horse, you may need to make a few other preparations. Your horse will need some basic items like a halter, lead rope, grooming tools, and first aid items. Ask a mentor for advice on selecting these, as there are many different options, and they may let you try out theirs. If riding, the horse will need tack like a saddle, bridle, bit, and saddle pads. Ill-fitting tack can cause pain and a poor attitude, so consult a professional to make sure it fits correctly. If keeping the horse at home, you will need miscellaneous farm items like feed and water buckets, wheelbarrows, pitchforks, shovels, hoses, and brooms.

You will need to determine horse transport logistics; are you picking up the horse, is the seller delivering him, or will you hire someone to transport him? There are some well-known nationwide haulers that you can hire. Make sure to look up reviews on any company you choose. Your mentor would be a good resource for local advice. Determine if the horse will come with a halter and lead rope or if you should bring your own. Sellers typically do not include tack with the horse. Bell boots and shipping wraps/boots are also a good idea, especially on long trips.

Make sure you have everything worked out with the seller, including transportation logistics, form of payment and what paperwork you will be receiving. You will want any breed registration papers, a negative Coggins test, a health certificate (typically required if crossing state lines), past health records, and a bill of sale. Find out what feed the horse is on and try to find the same product. If you can’t, you might ask if the seller can provide you with a week’s worth of the horse’s current hay and/or grain to make the feed change gradually and hopefully avoid a colic episode.

The Big Day Whether your horse is being delivered to you or you are picking him up, make sure you do not forget the paperwork accompanying the horse. The move may be stressful for him, so don't be surprised if he doesn't settle right away. Before releasing him into his pasture for the first time, it can be helpful to lead him around the fenceline in hand so he knows where the boundaries are. He may run around in the pasture snorting or neighing. This is normal and it may take a few hours for the horse to calm down. Be extra careful if you are interacting with the horse at this time as they may act more excited than usual.

The barn owner may insist on quarantining your new horse for up to 3 weeks. This is to make sure he isn't bringing any contagious diseases (like strangles or equine herpes virus) onto the farm that could spread to the other horses. Your horse would be turned out separately and stalled away from the other horses. During this time, you should not touch any other horses after touching your horse. If you are bringing your horse to your own farm with other horses, this 3-week quarantine is highly recommended. The new horse should be able to see other horses, but not touch noses. Watch for any signs of illness like fever, nasal discharge, cough, or diarrhea.

Settling In Slowly transition your horse to his new hay and grain. The proper protocol is to start with 100% of his old feed for a few days, then replace 25% with new feed. After a few more days, replace 50%, and then 75%, and then 100% new feed. The entire process should take two weeks.

The pasture transition should be slow as well, especially if he is going from no pasture or poor-quality pasture to lush pasture. Start with 15 minutes of grazing per day and add 15 more minutes each day until he's up to your target grazing time. When he is not grazing, it would be ideal if he could still be turned out in a dry lot with his hay.

Make sure he is drinking plenty of water by keeping an eye on his buckets or asking the barn manager to do so. The new farm's water might taste different and cause him to drink less. Some people will add salt to the feed for a week or so when moving barns, which will encourage him to drink more while he adapts to the new water.

Don't be surprised if his behavior changes as he settles in and adapts to the new routine. Try to keep up with his previous riding schedule so that his exercise level remains the same. You may want to let him explore the riding arena in hand or at liberty first (ask for permission from the barn manager). Have your trainer ride him if you are not yet confident enough. Make sure to have your tack checked for good fit.

Learn how to take his vital signs(link) so that you have a good baseline for his normal state. Take them regularly and keep a record. You should also record his weight (using a weight tape or measurements and equations) and body condition score on a monthly basis. It's easy to miss subtle weight changes when you see your horse frequently, but this will allow you to pick up on small changes before they become a problem.

Plan out health care appointments based on the health records you received. Plan on having the veterinarian out to give vaccinations in the spring and the fall, the farrier out every 4 to 6 weeks to trim hooves, and the dentist out annually to float teeth. If you are boarding, you will likely fall into their existing health care schedule, but double check on this. Work with the veterinarian to perform fecal egg counts and develop a deworming protocol that is tailored to your horse’s needs.

Lastly, enjoy your horse! Spend some time getting to know him by grooming him, hand grazing him, and just hanging out quietly together. Learning some groundwork exercises like clicker training, longeing, and long lining can be a great way to form a good relationship with your horse.

Ask the Expert: Fall Grazing Dr. Krishona Martinson

A friend told me it is not safe to graze my horse in the fall. Is this true?

I believe what your friend is referring to are the recommendations surrounding grazing after the first killing frost.

Frost damaged pastures can have higher concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates, leading to an increase in the potential for founder and colic, especially in horses diagnosed with or prone to obesity, laminitis, Cushings, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome. To help prevent these health issues, wait up to a week before turning horses back onto a pasture after a killing frost. Subsequent frosts are not a concern as the pasture plants were killed during the first frost.

Why do nonstructural carbohydrates increase during the fall?

During the day, plants carry out the process of photosynthesis. In this process, they make carbohydrates as an energy source for the plant. A second process, respiration, is carried out when the plants use up the carbohydrates they produce during the night for energy.

Plant respiration slows down when temperatures are near freezing.

As a result, the plants hold their carbohydrates overnight. Freezing can stop respiration and lock the carbohydrates in the plant for over a week. Thus, plants tend to contain more carbohydrates in colder temperatures or after a frost. Often, horses will prefer forages after a frost due to the higher carbohydrates levels.

November 2021

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Page 5

5 Hay Storage Tips

Dr. Krishona Martinson

Although storing hay indoors is ideal, it is not always possible. To protect your hay investment, follow these 5 hay storage tips.

2

Water and animal proof the stor-

3

Regardless of indoor or outdoor

age site. Don't stack hay under a leaky roof

storage, do not stack hay directly on the

as the potential for mold growth increases

ground. Instead, stack bales on pallets to

When storing outdoors, bales

with each rainfall event. Plug rodent holes

allow air flow and help prevent hay from

should be covered with a tarp or another

and detour wildlife, such as raccoons and

absorbing ground moisture. Hay bales

durable cover. Tarps and plastic covers can

opossums, from living in hay storage areas

stored on wet surfaces can have as much as

reduced storage losses by half. For round

during the winter months. Not only can

50% spoilage.

bales stored outdoors, using net wrap or

rodents and wildlife make a mess of hay

B-wrap reduces storage losses compared to

storage areas, feces from some wildlife can

twine.

cause diseases in horses.

4

1

Use older hay first. While hay

should keep indefinitely if properly baled and stored, seasonal temperature and moisture fluctuations can reduce storage life.

Therefore, we recommend feeding hay within two years of harvest and having older hay tested for quality.

5

When storing round bales out-

doors, store them end to end. Stacking round bales while stored outdoors usually increases losses as stacking traps moisture and limits drying from the sun and wind.

Additionally, buy or bale tightly packed bales, store bales on a well-drained surface, and never store bales under trees or in low lying areas.

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November 2021

November 2021

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Kit's "Popgrain" Balls for Horses Kyanah Blair This recipe is by Raging Bear Ranch in response to the expensive horse grain balls from the internet or the store.

They are similar to popcorn balls but instead of popcorn you are using grain instead.

In g r e d i e n t s 1 cup sugar or dry molasses (preferred) ⅓ cup light karo syrup 1 cup water ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 3 quarts sweet feed (You can use sweet feed, oats, Raging Bear Ranch used a grain and a handful of kettle corn for crunch)

Cook first three ingredients to medium-crack stage (280°F by thermometer.)

Add salt and vanilla.

Stir into sweet feed.

Grease hands and shape mixture into balls.

Place on wax paper to set.

The Effect of Ground Poles and Elastic Resistance Bands on Equine Muscle Activity Dr. Krishona Martinson Core strengthening and postural stability are desired outcomes of certain

The use of ground poles at a walk resulted in an increase in the longissimus dorsi and rectus abdominus muscles. Manuscript authors

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therapeutic exercises performed in horses. A recent study, conducted at the University of Tennessee, aimed to quantify changes in muscle activation at a walk and trot in horses traveling over eight consecutive ground poles evenly spaced in parallel fashion in a straight line, and with hindquarter and abdominal elastic resistance bands applied at 25% stretch.

Surface electromyography data were collected for the longissimus dorsi (muscles along each side of the spine) and rectus abdominus (muscles underneath the belly) in six horses.

The use of ground poles at a walk resulted in an increase in the longissimus dorsi and rectus abdominus muscles.

The use of ground poles at a trot resultNovember 2021

ed in an increase in the rectus abdominus muscles. The hindquarter and abdominal elastic resistance bands resulted in an increase in the left rectus abdominus muscle.

These findings provide support regarding changes in muscle activation when using ground poles to increase core and epaxial muscle engagement. While an effect on core muscle activation was identified with the elastic resistance bands at a trot, further research is needed to further characterize their effects on muscle activation.

For more information on this research, view the abstract in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science at sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/ pii/S0737080621004020?via%3Dihub.

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Prepare Your Horse for the Winter Months Ashly Snell Throughout the year, tending to your horse’s needs requires you to be prepared for a variety of conditions.

When the temperature falls and the winds grow colder, you should be prepared with the proper gear, supplies and accessories to keep your horse healthy and happy during the upcoming months. Learn more about caring for your horse during the winter so you can be prepared well before the first frost.

Water and Food • Food for Health and Warmth. Food digestion is a primary source of warmth for your horse, which means your horse’s caloric needs can increase during the colder months.

Use quality forage, combined with grain, as recommended by an equine nutritionist to sustain warmth and maintain caloric intake.

• Wintertime Hydration. Even though your horse might eat snow while it’s outside, fresh water is still important for wintertime hydration. A supply of (non-frozen) water, ideally above 45 degrees, will keep your horse hydrated and aid in digestion.

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horse to drink and eat without discomfort. It’s wise to have an equine veterinarian check your horse’s teeth and mouth to ensure he can eat comfortably and maintain the right caloric intake for weight maintenance throughout winter.

Comfort and Warmth • Your Horse’s Natural Coat. If possible, allow your horse’s coat to grow during the winter months. Its natural thickness provides your horse with the extra insulation needed to keep its body warm as the weather gets colder, as a layer of warm air is trapped below the surface.

• Provide Extra Warmth. There are times when you must clip your horse’s coat to keep them cool while working in the winter or in preparation for a show . For this reason, or because you’ve got an older horse, extra warmth can increase the horse’s comfort throughout winter. A waterproof, breathable blanket or coat will come in handy for days when your horse needs an extra layer to stay warm.

• Shelter During Winter. The warmest natural coat isn’t always enough to protect your horse from cold temperatures. A strong wind can cut right through it, and a wet coat can quickly lose its insulating ability. Provide your horse with shelter from wind, snow and rain so it can enjoy

Prepare Your Horse for the Winter Months pasture time and still have access to an area that will protect it from the elements.

• Wintertime Riding. When riding your horse during the winter months, be careful to warm them up properly and ensure any sweaty areas are fully dried since this can cause the horse to later become chilled. Likewise, maintain care of horse riding tack and the proper saddle so that it doesn’t become cracked and dry from the cold air, causing it to become less effective.

Tending to Health • Controlling Parasites. Consult with the equine veterinarian for wintertime parasite control. Once the first frost has occurred, you may want to give your horse something to kill bot larvae.

• Barn Pest Control. People and horses aren’t the only creatures that seek warm places in wintertime. Other pests are likely to find their way into the barn. Discourage and control pests by keeping food storage in sealed containers.

Likewise, store blankets, leather products and other materials that could be used for nests in sealed storage spaces.

• Vaccinations. Good health is pivotal to staying comfortable and warm from the first frost until the temperatures begin to rise again. Part of your effort to maintain your horse’s health should include any necessary vaccinations as autumn transitions to winter.

• Take Care of Hooves. Hoof growth occurs throughout the year. Maintain hoof care year-round. Consider having your farrier use winter studs for traction and snowball pads to keep snow from accumulating inside the bottom of the hoof.

Wintertime Storage Make it easy to access everything you need throughout the winter months by putting away the seasonal items you won’t need again until spring. By organizing your barn storage space, you can avoid wasting time searching for supplies and spend it grooming or caring for your horse. In conjunction with preparing your horse for winter, you can also be prepared by getting organized and ready to spend quality time with your equine friend this winter.

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Animal Confinement is a Priority When Assisting an Accident Involving Livestock Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa Trailers of different sizes transport livestock on United States highways and roads every day. Like any moving vehicle, there is always a risk of accidents, regardless of the distance traveled. When an accident involving livestock occurs, the response required is quite different from an accident involving people.

An important difference and a critical step is the set-up of a confinement area to contain the animals.

During and after a transportation accident, it is likely that both people and animals will experience distress. Because of their size and strength, large animals such as adult size cattle, pigs and horses can easily harm a person in any situation, and in a situation of distress, the risk of getting hurt is higher. An animal in distress can react with aggressive behaviors, sudden movements or by trying to

escape. These behaviors represent a threat to the safety of first responders and members of the public who may be near the accident.

Even animals that are not in distress pose safety risks: a loose animal that wanders off onto a road or highway might cause an accident or harm a bystander. Additionally, loose animals at an accident scene can interfere with the work of first responders.

Personnel assisting the accident should set a safe area in close proximity to the trailer where the animals can be released after they are extricated from the trailer. They should confine the animals there until they can be moved to another confinement area or loaded into a transportation trailer. The animal size and other characteristics must be considered when choosing the type of barrier to use in the perimeter of the confinement area. Any animals that were loose when the response crew arrives at the accident scene should be

During and after a transportation accident, it is likely that both people and animals will experience distress.

Because of their size and strength, large animals such as adult size cattle, pigs and horses can easily harm a person in any situation, and in a situation of distress, the risk of getting hurt is higher. Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa

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moved into the confinement area as soon as possible.

Michigan State University Extension recently launched an online course for first responders, law enforcement officers, animal control officers, livestock haulers, livestock producers, and animal agriculture professionals. The course has multiple modules that will provide the basic knowledge required to properly respond to an accident involving livestock, including the importance of animal confinement at an accident scene and other relevant topics such as safe animal handling techniques. For more information, visit the MSU Extension Emergency Response to Accident Involving Livestock virtual training website at canr.msu.edu/courses/emergency-response-to-accident-involving-livestock-virtual-training or contact Beth Ferry email at franzeli@msu.edu.

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What is the Difference Between Hay, Straw and Premium Forage?

Dr. Stephen Duren Do you know what the difference is between hay, straw and premium forage? Some of these terms are incorrectly used interchangeably. Let’s get to the bottom of these differences!

Hay Many misconceptions exist with the term “hay.” By definition, hay is cut plant material that is dried, stored and fed to animals, such as horses, cows, sheep, goats and others. With such a broad definition, the term hay can conjure up many different ideas related to type and quality grade. Terms such as “cow hay,” “dairy hay” and “horse hay,” all mean something different to animal owners, based on the quality and variety of the hay. “Cow hay” is generally viewed as lower quality hay that is ideal for most beef cattle. “Dairy hay” is an extremely high protein, high energy hay suitable to support milk production in dairy animals. “Horse hay” is extremely clean, no dust or mold, hay that contains moderate levels of both protein and energy.

Premium Forage At Standlee Premium Western Forage, we utilize the term “premium forage.” Premium forage is a term to indicate high-quality plant material (e.g., alfalfa, timothy grass, orchard grass, teff grass) that is harvested at the optimal stage of maturity to maximize nutrient content and then properly stored to prevent environmental damage. These premium forages are then packaged into bales, compressed bales, pellets, cubes and chopped physical forms. This makes premium forage the best choice for feeding your horse, livestock or small animal. We take the guesswork out of hay and replace it with premium forage that can be fed to your animals.

If you have questions, please consult with your veterinarian.

Straw Horse, livestock and pet owners also use the term “straw.”

Straw is not hay and hay is not straw. Straw is an agricultural by-product consisting of the dry stalks of cereal plants (e.g., wheat or barley) after the grain has been harvested. It contains a significant amount of non-digestible fiber (lignin) that causes intestinal impaction (blockage) in animals that consume large volumes. Straw is primarily used for animal bedding (e.g., chickens, dogs, small companion animals, etc.). Our nutritionists at Standlee Premium Western Forage® do not recommend using straw as bedding for horses or mules that tend to consume it.

However, straw can be incorporated into the diets of donkeys because of their ability to digest poorer quality fiber. In addition, the low-calorie value of straw helps donkeys avoid obesity that often occurs when these animals are fed high energy alfalfa or grass. Straw can also work well as mulch for gardens.

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Your Guide to Safe Horse Handling As the horse’s owner we need to understand certain behavioral traits before handling them.

Bethany Bickel Horses are sensitive, curious animals that respond to their surroundings.

Safety is key!

Understanding Your Horse As prey animals, horses often respond rapidly to disruptions in their surroundings. Horses are sensitive to movements, smell, touch, sounds, and sights. They have survived because of their ability to quickly recognize and respond to danger. This ability generates both advantages and disadvantages when handling. Horses respond to what they recognize as dangerous objects or situations by fleeing, fighting the threat, and/or bunching together. This is called the “flight or fight" response. The horse's most common reaction is to startle and flee, often called “spooking." To safely work with and handle your horse, you need to understand these key points of their behavior.

Haltering Make sure the halter and lead rope are in good condition and fit properly: not too tight or too loose. The nose piece of the halter should lay across the bridge of the nose and roughly two fingers width below the cheekbone, and it should not be tight around the nose. Move slowly and be confident when approaching the horse. Stand to the left side between your horse’s head and shoulder. Reassure them by talking to them as your put the halter on. Slide the halter over the horse’s muzzle, or nose. If the halter fastens with a crown piece, place it behind the right ear and slide across behind the left ear, and buckle. Do not flop this piece over the horse’s neck as it may spook the horse or hit its eye and cause damage. Adjust if needed. If the halter fastens from the throat latch slide the crown piece over both ears and then fasten. Putting on a rope halter is very similar to flat halters (i.e.. Nylon halters, web halters), the main difference is that you tie a rope halter to fasten it instead of buckling. Bring the crown piece of the rope halter under and through the loop in the cheek piece. Pass the crown piece to the right and under the eye, to make the tail point to the left. Pull it back to the right, going through the loop you made to tie the knot. Pull snug. When finished the tail end should point away from your horse's eye, meaning to the right.

Where to Stand As the handler you must control your horse's movement and create a safe environment for you, the horse, and people nearby. Never stand directly in front of your horse when leading or backing. Horses cannot see directly in front of them or behind them. Stand to the “near side" (left side) of the horse, between the head and shoulder, ideally at the throat latch. Standing behind a horse is also unsafe, as they have a blind spot there as well. When standing close to the horse, standing next to the horse's body is the safest. When standing still with the horse, point your feet toward the horse’s neck or shoulder.

This allows the handler to maintain eye contact. Facing away from the horse is unsafe. The horse may react to movement before you are aware. Standing close allows you to act immediately if you feel your horse become tense or frightened.

Leading When leading your horse always use a lead rope, do not hold onto the halter, and never wrap the lead rope around your hand. Wrapping the excess rope around your hand can be dangerous if the horse shys away from you.

Your right hand holds the rope under the horse’s head, and the other hand will hold the remaining rope. Be sure the excess lead doesn’t drag on the ground where it may become entangled in your legs or the horse’s legs. Hold the lead about six inches from the halter. When leading, extend your right elbow toward the horse and keep your knuckles on top of the lead. Horses should not pull or push you when leading but walk quietly and obediently beside you. If the horse moves too close to you, it should hit your elbow first and then move away from you. Look where you are going and face forward.

When leading, apply pressure with the hand closest to the halter in the direc-

Helpful Hints to Remember: • Do not stand directly behind the horse.

• Never wrap the lead around your hand or body.

• Teach your horse to be patient when being turned loose.

• Do not allow the lead to drag on the ground.

• Never stand, lead, or back standing directly in front of the horse.

• To discourage bolting, never open the gate and let the horse run through. tion you would like the horse to move. Over time and with training, horses will respond to the handler's body and hand position, more so than pressure applied to the lead. Never pull the horse towards you to turn, always turn the horse away. Follow the horse, moving with them as they turn to prevent the horse from stepping on you. If you encounter problems with your horse it is recommended to seek help from an experienced equine professional.

Approaching Move confidently and slowly when approaching a horse; walk, never run.

Approach the horse from the front, toward their shoulder. Speak to the horse when approaching and extend your hand. Never approach a horse from the rear. If the horse begins to move away, stop, wait until the horse stops, then attempt to approach again. Make sure the horse always knows where you are.

You can do this by talking to them (horses prefer low pitch sounds). Suddenly patting the horse on their body can scare them or make them move away rather than calm them, so pet them gently instead. If you are approaching the horse to catch them, once you get to their neck calmly but swiftly put the lead rope around the neck to have control of them for haltering.

You should always pay attention to the head, ears, neck, and body position because these are good indicators of what your horse is thinking and feeling. If you see a horse pin back its ears (lay them back against its neck), tighten or arch its neck, bob its head, or tuck its hind end under these may be signs that the horse may act aggressively. Be careful when approaching and ask experienced horse handlers for help. When working with horses in pastures remember horses are social animals that live in groups. If horses perceive danger their response will be flight, if that is not an option, they will defend the herd. If one horse runs, the whole group may take off so be prepared. Herds also have natural pecking orders or herd hierarchy. So, some horses may “push others around" a bit. As the person entering the pasture, make sure that you are confident and that the horses recognize you are there.

Releasing When releasing a horse in the field, it is best to turn it around so it is facing the gate before removing the halter. Horses sometimes bolt sideways, or rear and spin when the halter is unfastened if they are anxious to join their herd or just have a lot of pent-up energy. This habit is unsafe because the handler can be kicked or run over. If the horse is very tense or excited before releasing it, point the horse toward a fence or wall if available. This lessens the horse's impulse to run off. Make the horse stand patiently, and once it relaxes, remove the halter. This may also happen when releasing multiple horses at the same time; in this case, make sure all handlers are prepared to release their horses at the same time. Trying to hold one horse back while its buddies gallop off is not a good idea unless you are very experienced. Horses may turn quickly and kick out toward the handler, so be aware. Move away calmly without turning away from the horse.

Remember, horses respond to their surroundings. Basic safety practices are essential in providing a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your horse. Safe ground handling is important no matter what breed, type, or age of horse you work with.

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