November 2022 Equine Times

November 2022

Serving the Michigan, Indiana and Ohio tri-state horse community

A Symbol of Power and Strength

Kim Kramar

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.

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

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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

Weldy Enterprises • 911 E. Waterford St. Wakarusa, IN 46573 574-862-4491 • 800-628-4728 • FAX 574-862-2122 • email: info@weldyenterprises.com Equine Times

November 2022

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SLIDING OR SWINGING DOORS

Jennifer Dymond, Carla horse. From these foundational breeds, comes stamiClark and Peggy na, good natured temperaAuwerda ment and certainly majestic The colorful and extraor- beauty.

The Gypsy Vanner horse dinary breed of the Gypsy Vanner horse dates back to is a hearty draft style horse the eccentric Gypsy travel- that is generally 13 to 16 ers in England. These stur- hands in height. The head dy caravan horses were not of a Gypsy Vanner is pleasonly flashy horses but were ant with an intelligent eye. also part of the art form J. Klein Photos that the Gypsy travelers displayed. From their stout strong stature, flowing manes and tails to the feathers on their legs, these horses were looked upon as a symbol of power and strength among the Gypsy culture. Today, they continue to hold awe and wonder amongst breeders and onlookers as a symbol of power and strength.

Until the late 20th century the Gypsy Vanner was not a recognized breed.

Many of the foundational bloodlines were typically kept secret by family members so there is little knowledge about the true bloodlines of the breed. However, what is known, is that such powerful bloodlines and numerous qualities of the Shires, Clydesdales, Dales Pony and the Friesian were used to create this exquisite November 2022

The topline is said to be “level” with its natural aligned curvature from wither to tail head. There is proportional curvature to the croup to enhance the powerful abilities of the hindquarters. The muscling is balanced throughout the body and the legs are straight and correctly

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aligned. The athletic ground covering trot of the Gypsy Vanner is a “trademark” of the horse’s powerful fancy image. The Gypsy Vanner’s conformation allows them to trot willingly and freely under a load and at liberty.

While there is no set color standard for this breed,

most are considered piebald (having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white) or skewbald (having irregular patches of white and another color (properly not black). The most noted visual trait of the Gypsy Vanner horse is the abundance of hair and

Kim Kramar Page 4

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November 2022

“feathers’ that should be straight and silky. The manes and tails of this breed are full and flowing giving them an elegant and majestic appearance.

The Gypsy Vanners are a very versatile breed known for their soundness and sanity. Although originally bred to pull the lavish wagons of the ancient Gypsies, their gentle nature lent itself to the teaching of young Gypsy children the skill of riding. With the outstanding disposition of kindness, generous efforts and faithful nature, the Gypsy horse is easily trainable for almost any discipline. You can find them pulling carts and carriages, ridden in the dressage ring, over fences, as western pleasure horses, down the trail, and even fulfilling therapy duties.

In 1996 the first Gypsy Vanner horses came to North America and the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society was established as a registry for the breed. At that time the breed did not have a name and the name Gypsy Vanner horse was chosen because the breed was a Gypsy’s “vanner horse,” bred to pull the colorful caravan.

WWW.RINEHOLDWESTERNWEAR.COM Waterloo, IN - (260)837-7385 November 2022

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CLUB NEWS

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

exhibited fox trot gait. and Auction horsesfor can Wethe have resources people available you tohave learn is nothing like expectation of a well-bred foal! from and breeders to refer you to if you want to unknown backgrounds or your maynewly-bought unfortunately be Don't forget to transfer horse's buy a young one to train or if you want to further registration papers into yourbetter. name with the MFTHBA,too. drugged to sell Other breeds can the training with your present horse.

We are growing!

New member welcomes gomembers out to fox trot well. needs Grade gaited horsTheas MFTHBA registered Naomi Haas, equinetodentist Kris Modreske and Harry fill their for 2021.

I just agreed es are committees frequently advertised as Struble all of MI. Naomi rides sorrel sabino gelding to help out on athe Trail Committee again.

Fox Trotters, but a DNA (Dexter) and a blackSurely mareyou (Hank's Liberty need Bell can,too!Serenity Various committees test gelding will for members(younger ones prove too) for that their input B). Kris rides a black and white (Radar's Spotted and advice togo increase sure.

Buying sight Prior). And congratulations out toaffiliate Harrynumbers,think Struble on of waysGolden to makeChip, the shows better,to improve and unseen over the interhis purchase of Joe's a handsome buckskin okay National Trail Ride applications,give ideas on gelding, from Chuck Fanslow. these mema All risk as clinics (let's get more closer net to ourisstate),getting morewell verbers are riding quality Fox Trotters!!! unlessandyou personally satility riders interested,give ideas on training picking judges, plus New members are welmore. Many positions can be supported remotely.

Also,always this is a great know the reputable come!

Go to www.michiganfoxway to meet those from other areas of the USA who raise,train and breeder or trotters.com printowner. off have the ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way whotoI would not There areBreeding unscrupulous otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse membership form.Association We meet via www.mfthba.com to become adealers member and more offorsocourse who, virtually all information members on helping out. are able meet willing without too often, areto very Also, PLEASE send in your MFTA dues and your MFTHBA dues having to drive long disto sell you an unsuitable horse. asap! tances.

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas!Fox Trotters Most of these Missouri Our Event Committee Respectfully submitted, if retrained, fed properly, trimmed correctly is busy planning next Marilynthe Mannino should turn style. They serve well as mounts for the U.S. and refitted with comfortable clinic.tack It will be a Gaited included a competition for the It's all aboutClinic being Forest Service and the mounted police.

They have out to be just fine for you.

Western Dressage at most ambitious member who PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE HAY INVE$TMENT! the end of May. More details demonstrates great mindstheir andhorsemanship love to figure out obstacles. informed.

From To Anavailable Entire Stall by will be skills in a wide of categories.

You canOne learnPiece about Missouri Fox Trotters Missouri Fox variety Trotters come in a variety of colors, next month.

The is Quarterly and year-end awards will be Or An Exhibition Stall. clinician (MFHA) builds and sizes. They can be bred to produce even going to michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com top-notch! given. Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com Those two sites provide factual more color combinations and sizes. What's more and mfthba.com.

SLIDING SWINGING DOORS A littleOR history on our breed: The presto read the rules and print off the forms to join in on andFox will answer many of Morgans the quesfunfriendly than expecting a fresh new foal to bond with? information ent-day Missouri Trotter evolved from in the competition and fun. tions that you will have about the breed.

The TheyMore are Fox smart companions for the young and the Trotters are slowly becoming available to New England being crossed with Arabians, Plantation listed on there with old.

Horses, people American Saddlebreds, TWHstheir andcontact pacing purchase but they are selling fast. There is a good video on helpful Standardbreds.will Theguide geneticyou mixand of square-trotting horses the correct Fox gait posted on our Face site to to information answer any quesFinding anTrot affordable Missouri Fox Book Trotter and pacing horses created the comfortable fox trot gait! refer to when you are considering an MFT to buy.

Be sure buy has been a challenge lately. Demand is high tions that you may have. to bring a knowledgeable person with you,too, when you Missouri Fox Trotting horses have been used by farmers in When you do purchase your new Missouri Fox and supply is limited in our state. They can be narrow down your search. Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (riv- Missouri and surrounding states to ride long distances to befencing sure to thepull horse into by your found in plenitude in Missouri there are qualcheck their andtransfer work cows, buggies, US erflatranch.com) and Gale Gundersbut (989-534-1207), have Trotter, name.

The seller will provide the paperwork for ity breeders closer in Michigan and surrounding well-gaited young stock available. They also have quality Forest Service workers, by mounted police and now people doUnited so. This may you for arerecrethe states.

Sometopeople will abreed their mare the you acrosstothe States and prove Europethat use them studs to breed if you have mare you want bred.for Chuck ation (showing, Dressage,reining, 4H and has a Buckskin stallion palomino later. stallion(both if there trail is a riding, question about ownership in experience then sell and the aweanling Many sons get owner Design Stalls that work for you and your Equestrian Team, Hippotherapy,etc.).

They are truly of Cotton Eyed Joe).

Gale has a spotted stallion who will sent to auction merely because the seller doesn't the future in the absence of a bill of sale. versatile and also can be found in allPieces colors Try throw to your Both located in Gladwin,MI. Horses....

With Component or your horse documents andand thesizes! bloodwant color to take thefoal. time toare find a suitable buyer. Registering 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 allows you in breed specific Owners will sell Missouri Fox Trotters in their lines the Entire Stall!to participate Weight: 230 lbs.

• Removable Grills upper teens or twenties thinking that they need a programs. If the papers are lost or there is a ques• Panels younger one, these experienced horses are the tion about the authenticity of the breeding, “Hay Huts savebut and preserve • Lazy Susan Feeders the hay.mount They keep theriders hay please contact the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse perfect for to buy.

• Water Bucket Doors weather protected and are at 417-683-2468 or go to mfthBuyer beware though.

When you do decide to Breed EAssociation horse friendly.”

-CHRIS COX N T E R P R I S E S • Multiple Door Options check one out advertised for sale or at auction, be ba.com for the needed forms. The MFHA is also availableSt. to Wakarusa, help answer any sure to bringWeldy someone knowledgeable withE.you Enterprises • 911 Waterford IN questions 46573 if you call 517-983-3550.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. who can advise you about the quality of the 574-862-4491 • 800-628-4728 • FAX 574-862-2122 • email: info@weldyenterprises.com We hope to hear from you soon!

Marilyn Mannino Hello December! Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino At our November meeting we elected some new officers for 2021. Congratulations go out Hello April! is uponabout us! People are out Fox There's justSpring something a versatile to Bob Howell elected as the new MFTA PresTrotting and enjoying the weather.

Many are Fox makes life issostillmuch accumulatident, Trotter Kathy Kruchthat is now VP, Marilyn ing points in the Versatility Challenges Secretary/Treasurer, Char Ostrom iscarry the new better.

They effortlessly us that we are offering.

2-year Director and Miranda Mannino is now floating for hours down the Registration the 1-year Director. is still open for all three Versatility cool and shadedmembership trailsChallenge, or We are accepting renewals Not Under Saddle Challenges (Under Saddle and newfootedly memberships 2021 now. Youth Challenge). are sure upfor treeless Challenge and Ultimate Horseman This proencouraged to join too! toFox www.michiganfoxmountain trails. gram is designed to Go show how versatile the Missouri Fox trotters.com to print off the form. You will learn alot Trotter is.allow Registered and grade MFTs are allowed.

Trotters us tothe chase from our members about history of Fox Trotters,their All handicapped and regular through cows they have uses andasavailability and bedone able toyouth network with those of us who adults are welcome.

Every imaginable camp,train and Missouri show them. Our association is blessed to have skilled for early setactivity and category included trainers,breeders and a farrieristo learn from. We love promoting this tlers.

They excel in westfrom in they hand work Dressage, so versatile and come in breed as have greatto personalities,are ern and gaited many sizes andEnglish different colors.toA benefit to joining is that we short distance trail coat riding can offer clinics at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we dressage, saddle seat, endurance competitions pleaand are meeting remotely each month.

Michigan everything in-between (cow sure and trail classes.

Some is a big state and this is a good way to easily see and talk with each other within and outside of work, driving, extremeThey trail, do well even love MI. Come join to the jump. fun!

4H and open showing, up now for thetoo. popularMissouri Versatility Challenge in Sign endurance Fox for 2021. Print parades, reining, form trailfrom mainteoff the enrollment our website. and There are may with areas in Trotters easily pull carriages carts nance and also which you can more!). accumulateWe points-even in the non-rideable months.

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For the Finest STALLS Money Can Buy

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April 2022 2021 November

December 2020

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Ask the Expert: Pumpkin Treats for Horses Hannah Lochner

I've heard some people use pumpkins to treat their horses instead of discarding them at the end. Are pumpkins safe for horses to eat?

Uncarved orange pumpkins and their seeds are safe for most horses to eat. However, as with any treat, they should only be fed in moderation. Avoid feeding horses more than one to two cups of pumpkin per day.

To prevent choke, remove the entire stalk and slice the pumpkin into small pieces before feeding. Never feed pumpkins that are rotten or moldy, contain candle wax or have been decorated.

While orange pumpkin is safe as an occasional treat, avoid feeding horses other pumpkins or squashes.

November 2022

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Getting Ready for Winter on Horse Farms Hannah Lochner As the days shorten and growing season comes to an end, it's time to start getting ready for winter. Here are a few fall tasks that can help set your farm up for Page 8

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success before the cold weather hits.

• Manage manure. Manure piles must be removed at least once a year. You can spread manure on your pastures or hire a local farmer or landscaper to remove it for you. When fertilizing your pasture with manure,

horse's bodyweight. Regularly gauge your horse's weight through body condition scoring so you can adjust your feeding program to meet their needs.

Starting now can help you recognize any changes over winter. Sorting horses by age, body condition and nutrient requirements makes it easier to feed groups of horses appropriately.

• Watch for signs of colic. Colic is often unpredictable and frequently unpreventable. However, changes in management practices associated with cold weather have been linked to colic. As winter approaches, remember to make gradual changes to diet, turnout and exercise as needed. Also, ensure that your horse has free access to fresh and clean water.

SHIPSHEWANA AUCTION

HORSE SALE

Friday After Thanksgiving Horse Auction

FRIDAY, NOV. 25 9 am - Driving, Work & Saddle Horses 9 am - Tack Auction (Up to 5 rings) 2 pm - Pony / Mini Auction ipshewan Sh

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take a soil sample and a manure sample so you know how much to spread. Only spread manure on your pastures if you have more than two acres per horse.

• Rest your pastures. Pause grazing on pastures that are ≤ three to four inches tall for the remainder of the year. Rest will allow the grasses a chance to store up nutrients for next year, which will result in healthier pastures come spring. On average a pasture needs 30 days of rest after one to two weeks of grazing. Pasturing horses during the winter can damage plants and offers the horse no nutrition. If possible, keep horses in a dry lot with access to water, hay and shelter.

• Check your fences and waterers. It is always easier to make repairs and adjustments before the snow flies. Walk your fence lines and pay special attention to any loose or broken posts that will need replacing before the ground freezes. Ensure tanks and waterers, including heating elements, are in good working condition. Inspect tank heaters for worn wires or damage, and check the water for electrical sensations or shocks.

• Ensure your hay storage area is free of leaks and rodents. Protect your hay from mold by storing it off the ground and under a sealed roof. Stack bales on pallets to allow airflow below the bales and to prevent hay from absorbing ground moisture. Bales stored on wet surfaces can have as much as 50% spoilage. Plug rodent holes and detour larger animals such as raccoons that may be looking to move in for the winter.

• Deworm your horses based on fecal egg counts.

Fecal egg counts can help determine the parasite load and type of parasite present in your horses. You can then select the appropriate dewormer for a specific parasite, which can be cost effective and reduce the risk of parasite resistance to deworming products.

Work with your veterinarian to develop a deworming program that is right for your farm.

• Assess your horse's weight routinely. Heavy winter coats or blankets can often hide changes in a

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SHIPSHEWANA AUCTION, INC 345 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565 260-768-4129 ShipshewanaTradingPlace.com

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Winter Blanketing Practices Hannah Lochner Minimal research has evaluated the effects of winter blanketing on horse health and welfare. As a result, winter blanketing is a highly debated practice within the horse community. Researchers in the Midwest aimed to develop a better understanding of blanketing practices and beliefs of horse owners in North America.

The researchers developed a survey that consisted of 33 questions regarding demographics, usage of winter blankets and participant beliefs on use or nonuse of winter blankets. The survey was available online from Page 10

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December 1, 2020 to January 5, 2021 and yielded 1,450 complete responses.

Overall, 54% of respondents reported blanketing the majority of their horses during winter.

While 68% of respondents resided in the Midwest, geographical region did not affect the frequency of blanket usage. However, riding discipline, years of horse ownership, number of horses owned, and management (e.g., access to shelter or forage) did impact blanket usage. The most common reason for blanketing was exposure to rain, sleet, or snow (85%) followed by exposure to wind (58%). In contrast, access to shelter (50%) November 2022

Michelle DeBoer

was the most common reason for not blanketing. Seventy-three percent of respondents agreed that scientific research on winter blanketing would help horse owners and managers with decision making when considering blanketing.

The results of this survey provide valuable information on blanketing practices in North America and can help direct future research and education efforts. For more information on this research, visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/ science/article/abs/pii/ S0737080622000491?via%3Dihub to view the abstract published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences.

November 2022

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Haley Milenki rides Ronin, one of eight horses relocated in Venice, Florida amid rising floodwater following the hurricane. Thomas Bender

As Ian floodwaters rose, a rush to rescue residents – and livestock: 'We ride in a boat, but the horses can’t' Trevor Hughes VENICE, FL. — Battling rising floodwaters on boat and horseback, rescuers plucked stranded residents from their homes and herded cattle to higher ground as the Myakka River overflowed its banks.

Locals and rescuers, long familiar with how hurricanes push Page 12

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water into their neighborhoods, said Hurricane Ian drove unusually high flooding, which came three days after the storm’s passage.

The heavy storm surge was exacerbated by hours of pounding rainfall in Central Florida – leading to deep inland flooding. Several longtime residents blamed new developments for destroying historic floodplains able to soak up November 2022

the water.

“We’re used to flooding, but we’ve never seen anything like this,” said Jennifer Stringer, 50, a high school teacher who has lived alongside the river since 2011. “All that water has no place to go.”

The high waters forced a nearly 24-hour closure of Interstate 75 over the river as engineers assessed the damage to bridge piers about

seven miles inland from the coast.

The closure caused massive traffic jams as returning evacuees struggled to get home.

Stringer said when she left her house two days earlier, water was six inches below the front door of her stilt home. The water was significantly higher and she worried what she’d find as she boarded a

small boat to float down the road into her neighborhood.

'Worst I've ever seen it here' A flotilla of boats was buzzing around the neighborhood, from small fishing boats to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Bruce Phillips, 61, grimly climbed aboard a borrowed kayak to paddle to his longtime home off

Border Road, near the Sleeping Turtles park. He and his family have lived there for 45 years, and he feared what he'd find.

Phillips evacuated his elderly mother before the storm arrived, and came back to check on the property. Phillips remembered minor flooding during previous storms and floating around on

Chelsea Sunderman, 33, rode Ringo through floodwaters to safety near Venice, Florida as the Myakka River levels rose. Trevor Hughes November 2022

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55-gallon drums as a kid. Ian, he said, was different.

"It’s the worst I’ve ever seen it here," he said.

Most of the flooding took place inland of Venice, impacting several cattle and horse ranches, including Stepping Stones Farms, where volunteers swam eight horses out to dry land.

'Man, that's a lot of water' “You see the water and it’s like, 'man that’s a lot of water.' It’s crazy," said Jason White, 40, who helped tear down fences so his friends could remove the animals.

"But the horses intuitively know what to do.”

Chelsea Sunderman, 33, rode

out out on a horse named Ringo, snapping a selfie midswim. She said she helped rescue a calf the night before, and returned to help other volunteers with the horses.

"I can't believe we did that," Sunderman said after loading Ringo into a horse trailer for evacuation.

Scott Benge, 54, who owns Stepping Stones Farm, said bringing the horses to a safe barn where they could be fed and watered was an immense relief. He said he and his family had been wading through the waters as they rose, trying to keep the horses fed, watered and safe.

“It’s a huge burden lifted off

our shoulders," he said. "We can ride in a boat, but the horses can’t.”

About a half a mile away, Keith Stafford, 27, sat in the bed of his pickup looking out at the water surrounding his home. Stafford and his friends drove through the water earlier in the day when it had been lower.

“We’re OK, but this is definitely the highest I’ve seen it here. We went through Hurricane Charley and it didn’t even come close to what we’re seeing," he said. "Now we’ve got our own private island."

Concerns time was running out Authorities had no reports of deaths from the flooding, but were

Road signs stick out of the water in a flooded area of DeSoto County, Florida following the passage of Hurricane Ian. Trevor Hughes Page 14

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Trinity Moore surveys the high water from a park bench at the Port St. John boat ramp in Brevard County, Florida after the winds of Ian had passed. Tim Shortt

concerned about the safety of a Sarasota County water treatment plant.

The waters were still rising, and Nikki Duyn worried aloud about her neighbors and livestock.

Duyn's home was spared, but she fretted about the cows and goats still stuck on grassy islands within the flooded areas. Her fam-

ily spent several days helping extract horses and other livestock from the flood zones, and Duyn shared their work on TiKTok to her 56,000 followers, prompting a flood of requests for help.

As the sun began to descend over the flooded neighborhood, Duyn fretted there wasn't enough time to help everyone, despite the

best efforts of her husband and his large extended family.

Even her 12-year-old son, Cody, was pressed into service as a rescue boat captain, zooming over the top of fences, dodging submerged mailboxes and circling neighbor's flooded yards.

“It just keeps coming,” Duyn said.

Hurricane Ian churns the seas along Fort Myers Beach as the massive storm descended on southwest Florida. Wind speeds crept to within two mph of Category 5, the most devastating hurricane level. Andrew West November 2022

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