June-July by Jen Kruse

June/July 2010 Vol 2, No 1

FREE

Horse Owners Have Civil Rights, Too! BY Susan Miller

ear Readers:

We at Mane Connection have been closely following the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) seizure of 25 head of horses in Stone County, Arkansas. This situation has been the topic of mealtime conversations. We invite you to enter “Denisa Malott” in your internet search engine to view the articles and blogs which fueled our lively mealtime conversations. The consensus of our very informal forum is that no matter how animal rights conscious we are; we are Americans, first and foremost. We certainly applaud States that implement laws which provide stringent penalties for the abuse and neglect of animals, but we find it abhorrent that civil rights may be trampled in the enforcement of these much needed, and very welcomed, laws. Thus, the effectiveness, and possibly the willingness of other States to implement such laws, is severely undermined! For those of you who have not read or heard about the Arkansas travesty, or do not have access to internet service, we offer the following background (compiled from multiple internet sources): 1. The State of Arkansas has a new, very strict law regarding the abuse and neglect of animals. 2. On November 12, 2009, the Stone County Sheriff served a search warrant upon Denisa Malott and her trail riding business, OK Corral. 3. Ms. Malott and a neighbor, Beverly Chapman, had poor relations and Ms. Malott was informed by Stone County Sheriff that she could not restrict Ms. Chapman from entering her property (Ms. Malott’s defense implements the belief that this neighbor instigated the complaints which resulted in the issuance of the search warrant). 4. HSUS personnel conducted the search and required Ms. Malott to leave her property during the search. 5. Simultaneously, HSUS personnel attempted to execute the search warrant issued on Ms. Malott’s property upon Joe Wiles, the owner of property where Ms. Malott pastured some of her horses. Joe Wiles did not cooperate. 6. The Sheriff of Stone County “assumed” HSUS was a government agency. 7. HSUS seized 25 head of horses from Ms. Malott’s property, based upon the opinion of a mystery veterinarian (possibly a Missouri licensed, retired vet) who stated the horses suffered from parasite infestation (determination based upon visual inspection, only, of the horses). 8. Nine of the horses seized were owned by others and those owners who responded quickly to news of the raid were denied access to their horses. 9.

HSUS seized Ms. Malott’s business records.

10. Ms. Malott did not receive an itemized inventory of the property seized . 11. HSUS issued a press release which stated they had rescued 25 head of horses from deplorable living conditions and moved them to “The Rescue Wranglers” pasture in White Hall, Arkansas, where they would receive the attention

Mane Connection Staff Contacts Editor/Publisher: Jennifer Kruse - jkruse@mane-connection.com Financial: Susan Miller - smiller@mane-connection.com Information-info@mane-connection.com www.mane-connection.com Mane Connection PO Box 252 Tipton Mo 65081 Mane Connection is an all-breed publication available for FREE at horse related businesses and events. Mane Connection is also available through the mail with a paid subscription. Mane Connection and staff do not endorse, and are not responsible for the content of any advertisements in this publication. Neither that information or any opinion which may be expressed here constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. Opinions expressed in any form are not necessarily those of Mane Connection. All copy is subject to the publisher’s approval. The publisher is not responsible for slight changes, or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement or for errors due to phoned, faxed, or handwritten copy. The publisher’s liability for errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement or listing is strictly limited to publication of the corrected advertisement in any subsequent issue. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. ©2010 Mane Connection. Mane Connection is designed to serve the Missouri equine industry as an information source and a communication tool for locating horses, products, services, organizations, and events.

they deserved. HSUS additionally reported executed by law enforcement personnel, not civilian organizations. that the horses were suffering from saddle sores, were underweight and weren’t being Another issue which piqued Mr. Rodger’s interest was the attempt by HSUS percared for properly. sonnel to execute a search warrant for Ms. Malott upon Joe Wiles. A separate warrant would have been required to search the property of Mr. Wiles. This was 12. The horses were actually moved to a not done. leased pasture that was insufficient to graze 25 horses and did not have a readily avail- Lastly and most troublesome to Mr. Rodgers was what, if any, investigation was able supply of clean water. done to secure the information necessary for the “Probable Cause Statement” utilized to secure the search warrant of Ms. Malott’s property? It would have 13. The Stone County, Arkansas Prosecut- been a simple matter for the Stone County Sheriff’s Department to go in and ing Attorney filed 25 felony counts of animal take photographs of the “deplorable” conditions these horses were living in abuse against Ms. Malott and the first hearing prior to securing a search warrant, had the conditions actually existed. Furtheron the action was held December 8, 2009. more, should such photographs exist, Ms. Malott would not have been given the opportunity to plead guilty to a single count of misdemeanor animal neglect, 14. On December 8, 2009, a witness for the nor would the Court have placed the horses back in her care after the claims prosecution (and spokesperson for HSUS) by HSUS that the horses would receive such “deserved” care while under their stated, upon viewing a picture of 25 head of control. The prosecution apparently does not have sufficient evidence to suphorses and being asked his assessment of port 25 counts of felony animal abuse and neglect and HSUS does not have evithe horses photographed, “These are some good looking horses drinking out of dence of their care being a pond.” superior to the care offered by Ms. Malott. 15. The photograph was a very recent photograph of the 25 horses seized from Ms. Malott. So readers, beware and take care. You have civil 16. HSUS claimed the 25 horses received coggins testing and feed in ex- rights that allow you to cess of $1,900.00. bar the entry of any civilian to your property 17. Ms. Malott reimbursed HSUS $1,974.00 but still has not received proof (regardless of any offiof coggins testing, or feed bills. cial looking badges). A search warrant is the 18. HSUS claimed Ms. Malott’s 25 head were under HSUS control; however, only way law enforcethe Court eventually ordered Ms. Malott to tend to the health and welfare of her ment may enter your horses because they were starving. property without your permission; however, you 19. Ms. Malott did, indeed, tend to the needs of the 25 head of horses that have the right to be preswere under the control of HSUS. ent and to receive an itemized inventory of any 20. The Stone County Humane Society publicly declaimed any association property they may seize. with HSUS. Protect your property and family by exercising 21. Ms. Malott was offered a plea bargain that entailed dropping all felony these rights. Apparently, charges in exchange for a guilty plea to a single count of misdemeanor animal they are not as sacred to neglect. some as they are to others. 22.

Ms. Malott did not take the plea bargain.

Regardless of Ms. Malott’s guilt or innocence, the violation of her civil rights appears to preclude her from being found guilty by a court of law. This is certainly 23. Ms. Malott now has physical custody of her horses, but HSUS still re- a travesty if she is, indeed, innocent because the damage to her financial welltains legal custody until trial of the matter is conducted (such trial has been being, reputation and business will be immeasurable. However, what if she is continued once). guilty? Is it possible that all this civil rights trampling will deter other states from attempting to implement stringent animal rights legislation? 24. Ms. Malott has amassed attorney’s fees for her defense in excess of $10,000.00. Food for thought. We, at ManeConnection, never have and never will claim to be “Legal Eagles”, but we have “people.” Case in point, Virgil D. Rodgers, II, Attorney at Law, graciously consented to review our compiled internet data and offer his legal opinion based on the information provided. His response to the question: “Is there any possibility this lady has been railroaded?” was a resounding “Yes, a distinct possibility.” Upon being asked to summarize the issues which led him to this statement, Mr. Rodgers stated that a property owner had the right to restrict any civilian access to their property and that a property owner had the right to be present during the search of their property by a law enforcement agency. So, Ms. Malott did have the right to restrict Ms. Chapman’s access to her property and Ms. Malott did not have to leave her property while it was searched. Furthermore, the search conducted was done so by civilians, not law enforcement HSUS is a civilian organization, not a government agency); so, had she known this, she could have rightfully ordered HSUS off her property and required the search to be conducted by the Stone County Sheriff. Search warrants are to be

Got News? Send us your club or business news and pictures, and see your info reach readers in Mane Connection! info@mane-connection.com

A Horse, of Course BY Don Blazer

ou can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

My mother told me that years ago, and while I’ve tried on occasion (intentionally or unintentionally) to prove her wrong, my efforts always proved her right. Every horse can do every movement of every exercise of every discipline! That is a fact! While every horse can do everything, no horse does everything well…..proving, that if you want a silk purse, don’t start with a sow’s ear.

Know this: start with the horse that has the best chance physically to be the kind of horse you want, and you’ve got about a 40 per cent chance of getting what you want. Know this: the horse’s mind is going to control about 50 per cent of your success at getting a horse to perform at the level you want. A horse can have great conformation, great talent, great pedigree, but if he doesn’t have a great mind you’re going nowhere! Know this: about 10 per cent of getting the silk purse you want so much is going to be in the training. Training is not rocket science, but it does take some knowledge and talent. The more of both, the better. Just as you sought the silk for the purse, seek out a “purse maker”…not a “carpenter”. And if you are going to do it yourself, you better become an expert on silk purses. Finally, hope for a freak. All champions are freaks; but that’s another story.

I’ve started with a lot of sow’s ears….for various reasons; bought her at an auction, she was cheap, she was pretty, needed another horse, looked athletic, was sure I could fix her problems. But a sow’s ear is a sow’s ear; it is what it is. Thank goodness; knowing that makes your horse choices so much easier. What do you want? Do you want a silk purse, a race horse, a jumper, a dressage horse, a western pleasure horse, a roping horse, a trail horse, a driving horse, a hunter under saddle or a racking horse? If you want a silk purse….start with silk. If you want a race horse, start with one bred to be a race horse. If you want a western pleasure horse, start with one bred to be a western pleasure horse. Want a jumper? Start with a horse bred to be a jumper. You getting the idea.? Today, there is a pedigree to suit every desire. Examine the pedigree. If the pedigree isn’t filled with the “discipline” you want to pursue, skip the horse. Keep looking until you find a horse with a pedigree that screams, “I’m bred to be the kind of silk purse you want.” Okay, finding the right pedigree is a good start. Now you have to be sure the horse is “built to do the job.” It’s a funny thing about equine genetics (or genetics in general). Sire and dam don’t always reproduce their most desirable traits. And in some cases they don’t reproduce a foal with the conformation traits necessary to perform well at the discipline the sire and dam found so easy. Start with “body type.” There is the draft horse, the sport horse, the endurance body type, the stock horse type, the hunter type, the dressage horse. I don’t care what anyone says, or how many exceptions there are to disprove the rule: get the body type best suited to perform at the work and discipline you have in mind. If the pedigree says, “Yes,” and the body type says, “Yes” then you’re in excellent position to take the next step. And the next step is “balance”. Balance is about the only conformation trait you’d like to see in any horse for any discipline. (The forehand, back and hindquarters are each just about 33 per cent of the total body.) After balance, you’ve got to start looking carefully at various proportions and angles— how long is the neck, how sloping the shoulder, how steep the croup, how short the cannons, how high the stifle, how low the hocks, how straight the hind leg, how are the front legs positioned, etc. etc.? Looking at each part of the horse, you must determine how the conformation you see is going to affect the horse’s movement. Knowing how he’ll move, you can decide just how good his chances are of becoming the silk purse you seek.

In the horse world, Don Blazer is an author, trainer, trader and teacher. Visit his web site www.donblazer.com for more articles on horses.

THE HORRORS OF HAULING, OR “ARE YOU REALLY INSURED?” BY Denise Farris

nce upon a time Kindly Equestrian offered to give her friend, and her friend’s horse, a ride to a nearby competition. The friend was delighted and offered to split the cost of the gas as well as the hotel expenses in return, per Kindly Equestrian’s typical arrangement with persons she transported to shows. Early the next morning, they loaded their show gear in the Kindly Equestrian’s Blazer, and their two horses, tack, and feed into Kindly Equestrian’s bumper-pull 2 horse Kiefer. On the way to the show, a car ran a red light and slammed into the passenger side of Kindly Equestrian’s Blazer, which flipped, causing the Kiefer trailer to flip with it. Kindly Equestrian and friend were severely injured, as were both horses who were then euthanized. The show gear and tack were also destroyed. The driver of the car which ran the red light was uninsured. Once able to leave the hospital, Friend (now labeled “Former Friend”), sues Kindly Equestrian on the grounds that: (1) Former Friend paid valuable consideration for the service of hauling, and (2) Kindly Equestrian breached the standard of care owed by hauling the horses in a trailer too large for the Blazer pulling it. Former Friend alleged that “but for” the oversized trailer, the car and trailer would not have flipped when hit, thus making Kindly Equestrian negligently liable to Former Friend for damages including: (1) Former Friend’s medical expenses, rehab expenses, lost salary, impaired earning capacity; emotional distress and pain and suffering; (2) Former Friend’s damaged show gear and tack; and (3) Former Friend’s dead horse. Wow. A terrible accident, you say. Fortunately, this one is entirely hypothetical, but it’s designed to illustrate how important it is for YOU to determine what insurance coverages you have, and what insurance coverages you NEED, before you ever haul horses. But sometimes it’s hard to know what issues you need to even raise with your insurance agent on these coverages. Here’s some help. 1. What issues are involved? A.Was the endeavor business or personal? In this instance, while Kindly Equestrian is not in the business of hauling horses, she did agree to accept Friend’s offer to split the gas and hotel expenses in return for the ride. This is a form of barter, which may be considered compensation for those services, which may constitute a business endeavor profiting Kindly Equestrian. If shown that Kindly Equestrian routinely hauls horses for barter or compensation, it may be determined that Kindly Equestrian’s hauling activities comprise a business not otherwise covered under her general auto policy. This in turn may require her to secure business coverage on the auto. B. What does Kindly Equestrian’s auto insurance cover? Let’s assume that Kindly Equestrian’s Blazer was insured by a rated auto insurance company and its determined it was not being used for a business purpose. If so, and her coverage amounts were sufficient, that insurance would most likely cover: (1) repair or replacement of the vehicle damage; (2) repair or replacement of the vehicle contents, including the show tack which was destroyed; and (3) reasonable personal injury/medical expenses of Kindly Equestrian and Former Friend up to the limits of that particular policy. However, if the cumulative expenses exceed the value of the policy, Kindly Equestrian is still on the hook for the difference. In catastrophic injuries (i.e. – spinal cord or closed head injuries, etc.), this can easily be the case. Also, returning to the business aspect, be aware that most personal insurance policies contain a specific exclusion for business endeavors. Because the use of an auto, or home in business is different than the use of an auto or home for personal

reasons, an insurance company requires particularity in your identification of the use so the company can appropriately assess the risk based on use. If its determined that Kindly Equestrian was using this Blazer to frequently haul friends for compensation, even though she didn’t consider it a business, Kindly Equestrian may have no coverage where business use was not identified and thus not contemplated under the policy. C. What about coverage for tack and horses in the horse trailer? Kindly Equestrian did carry separate auto insurance coverage for the horse trailer. This coverage typically covers repair or replacement of the trailer itself, as well as the damaged tack in the trailer. However, to Kindly Equestrian’s shock, this trailer coverage may not cover the horses hauled in the trailer. In many instances, the value of the horses can exceed the value of the trailer and tack. If Kindly Equestrian or Former Friend carried individual Mortality and/or Major Medical policies on their horses, these policies would come into play. However, Former Friend would still have the ability to sue Kindly Equestrian for the injury to her horse, and Kindly Equestrian would not typically have coverage for these damages. For this reason, if Kindly Equestrian is going to routinely haul horses, Kindly Equestrian should also consider a Care, Custody and Control policy to cover any potential harm to the horses while in Kindly Equestrian’s care, as well as counsel her friends that they should carry separate Mortality and Major Medical on their own horses. D. Does Kindly Equestrian need insurance coverage when we have the Equine Liability Act? The biggest misconception people have about the Equine Liability Act is that this Act somehow prevents lawsuits from being filed. IT DOES NOT. Anyone can file a lawsuit if they can identify basic elements of a legal cause of action against another. The Equine Liability Act merely serves as a statutory defense to assist in dismissing frivolous lawsuits. However, in this instance, the Act would not even apply! Note that the purpose of the Equine Activity Liability Acts is to prevent frivolous lawsuits related to personal injury to a person which arises out of the inherent risks of equine activities. The injury to Kindly Equestrian and Former Friend had nothing to do with the horses – it resulted from a car running a red light, and the potential negligence of Kindly Equestrian in mismatching hauling vehicle to trailer. Likewise, the resulting damage to the trailer and contents arose from the same activity, which had nothing to do with inherent behavior of horses, thus making the Act inapplicable. 2. INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT! I cannot understand why anyone wouldn’t consider complete insurance coverage essential in every phase of their lives. Any defense theory, whether legal or statutory, should never be viewed as a replacement to carrying insurance. YOUR INSURANCE ESSENTIALLY SERVES AS A PREPAID LEGAL PLAN WHERE YOUR POLICY INCLUDES COST OF DEFENSE! Look at this from a practical standpoint. Costs of insurance policies typically run anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year, depending on your requirements and the size of your operation. In the event you are sued, it is difficult for any lawyer to secure a dismissal of the case for much less than $1,000 to $5,000 dollars, a sum which typically exceeds the cost of your insurance premium by thousands of dollars. Why? In order to dismiss a case, the lawyer must review the legal documents filed, prepare required legal responses to be filed with the court, perform legal research to identify and brief the case law which supports a dismissal (if any), interview witnesses to secure factual support for the brief, draft and file the brief asking for dismissal, and then appear and argue the dismissal motion before the court. To this must be added various phone calls between the lawyers and court regarding time frames, deadlines, mandatory discovery scheduling, as well as out of pocket costs including copies, telefaxes, filing fees, delivery fees, travel expenses, expert witness costs, etc. If you have no insurance, you pick up these costs. If you have insurance, your insurance company picks up these costs assuming you have complied with all terms of your policy. Thus there is NO SITUATION WHERE YOUR INSURANCE POLICY DOES NOT REPRESENT ONE HECK OF A DEAL IF YOU ARE SUED! In summary, many of us haul horses with no thought as to our exposure or our insurance coverages. In the above example, we see that Kindly Equestrian should have considered: (1) personal auto insurance for the Blazer; (2)

potential business use coverage for the Blazer; (3) potential equine Commercial General Liability coverage if she engages in these kinds of activities for compensation on a regular basis; (4) separate auto insurance coverage for the trailer and physical contents; and (5) Care, Custody and Control equine insurance for the horses hauled. Based on this article, isn’t it time you call your various agents to be sure you’re properly covered before you haul another horse? (And oh, by the way, in addition to your insurance coverages, it’s never a bad idea to have your friends sign a liability waiver and release if you agree to haul their horses, especially when you’re doing it as a favor!) Reprinted article requested for this publication by Jim Brown, Segundo Insurance, with permission by the author, Denise Farris and reprinted from the Articles Section of the website www.equinebusinessforms.com “ DISCLAIMER This article provides general coverage of its subject area. It is provided free, with the understanding that the author, publisher and/or publication does not intend this article to be viewed as rendering legal advice or service. If legal advice is sought or required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The publisher shall not be responsible for any damages resulting from any error, inaccuracy or omission contained in this publication.

Determining the Value of a Horse By Lydia Bagley

n last months article I wrote about the 10 simple rules to purchasing a horse. This month I would like to help you price your either horse accordingly or decide if you are paying fair price for a horse you are purchasing. I cannot provide a fair price on all horses as the economy continues to change, but I can give you the tools to make to determine fair market price. Factors for determining value include:

1. Disposition - who well behaved is the horse? Kind, gentle, people loving, or spooking and disinterested in humans? 2.Value of sire/dam and offspring - Is the horse registered and did the sire and dam compete? Earn prizes or money? Have siblings earned points or money? 3. Physical traits such as age, health and conformation. Does the horse meet breed standards? How many years usability does the horse have left? Is the horse in good health?

2. Perceived Value 3. Direct or indirect costs of ownership (maintenance, veterinary bills, and financial needs) The horses price is not based on what the owner paid for the horse and cost of ownership. Price is based on training, breeding, usability, and earnings/points. Example: Owner paid $2,000 for an untrained 3-year-old colt and sent the horse to the trainer for 90 days at a cost of $2,000 the horse has not been ridden for 6 months due to time constraints. The horse is not worth $4000 dollars. The price for this horse should range from $1000 - $2500. The high purchase price would suggest the horse has excellent bloodlines and potential. A simple way to help determine if the horse is priced accordingly is to visit a number of websites and equine publications and view ads containing a horses similar to the one your selling or interested in buying.. Think of it as pricing a vehicle that you would be interested in buying. NOTE: The average price for a 5-10 year old quarter horse gelding trained for youth or all around sells for $8,500 (price was derived from taking the number of horses matching the criteria in a 50 mile radius of Fort Worth, Texas from 5 equine horse for sale websites. Prices for all horses matching the criteria were averaged together. Actual prices ranged from $900 - $10,000+ (Horses priced above $7500 had show records and well known or sought after pedigree’s.)

4. Breed and type characteristics, pedigree and background - Does this horse match breed characteristics, have a desired pedigree, and free of blemishes or scars?

Here are a list of sites to aid you in your search: 1. MyHorseForSale.com 2. Equine.com 3. DreamHorse.com 4. Horsetopia.com 5. Equinenow.com

5. Accomplishments including training, show records, prizes and earnings How much training does the horse have? Has he/she been shown, earned points, or prizes?

Best of luck and happy riding, Lydia

The following do NOT determine the value of a horse: 1. Emotional Attachment

Lydia has over 20 years experience in the equine industry and now focuses her effort on teaching others horsemanship with an emphasis on Classical dressage. She resides in Austin, Texas where she teaches lessons to beginner children and adults. Lydia is the owner of Equine-Synergy, visit her at www.equine-synergy.com.

Make Money With Horses By Don Blazer

“T

heme related” online forums can help you sell!

The best online promotion is staying in touch with your prospective customers, and one of the best ways to do that is the online forum, chat-room or message board. Start up can be difficult and take some time to get prospects to “post”, but when the forum begins to build you are never “out of sight or out of mind.” Use your business niche (remember you are really selling just one thing that makes you different from your competitors) as the main theme for the forum—boarding stables, training stables, feed store…whatever your business; and then get some friends or customers to “post” diverse, but related topics so many people can participate. Choose easy-to-use software for your forum format. The easier and more fun it is for visitors, the more use it will get…the more exposure your business gets. Have some “good manners” rules, and try to get some of your customers to participate as “moderators.” Keep the content “fresh” by periodically adding topics or new subjects to talk

Have a happy and safe 4th of July! about. Forums become stale if new conversations aren’t started frequently. Do lots of promotion. Tell your customers, tell your friends, tell anyone and everyone they are welcome to participate. Don Blazer teaches the www.horsecoursesonline.com course, The Business of Making Money With Horses.

Long Ridge Trail BY Laura Vonk Missouri Trailblazing

ong Ridge Trail, just north of Sullivan, is a triple loop trail that has a long connector trail between the northern single loop and a southern double loop. It’s officially listed as a 9 mile trail by the Conservation Area, but according to our GPS, if you ride the southern loops like a figure 8, then it’s just slightly longer than 12 miles total. This is a great trail to ride early in the riding season when you’re first trying to condition your horse or during the heat of the summer since it isn’t all that difficult and mostly shady. Bring water for your horse though, because there is no water along the trail or at the trailheads. In fact, there are no facilities what-so-ever at either trailhead, but both the north and south trailheads are huge so it’s easy to maneuver and park even the biggest of horse trailers I was pleasantly surprised by this trail. Even though it’s fairly close to home for me, I had never taken the time to ride it because I didn’t think it’d be very interesting or challenging. There isn’t really anything that stands out such as a beautiful vista or a particularly difficult transition, but I still really enjoyed the ride. The northern loop offers the most shade and a fair amount of hills to negotiate to keep it interesting. None of them are very steep, but a couple of them are pretty long. The trail corridor is mostly double track and wide enough for two people to ride abreast but all of the hill work is wide single track. Well maintained overall, we only ran into one downfall and it was easy to go around. There is one place where you cross a gravel forest road, and there was a lot of plane noise, but the only other trail obstacle we had to negotiate was a turtle. This is not a place to enjoy watching wildlife. We only saw that turtle, two gray squirrels, and heard various birds. The southern loops are almost like riding a different trail. Mostly flat with a dirt tread, it was more muddy, buggy, and sunny. To me it was the most boring part of the trail; however, once it’s had time to dry out good, it would be the best part of the trail for loping your horse. If I was going to ride only one part of the trail, I personally would ride the northern half. If you just want to really relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of a fairly easy trail ride, this is the trail for you. To get there, take I-44 to the Sullivan exit. Get on the north outer road and turn north on Hwy AF. Follow AF, which turns into Ridge Road, about 5 miles to the southern trailhead lot on the left, or pass that lot and park at the north trailhead lot about a mile further up the road, also on the left. For more information, pictures, and even a video of the trail, visit my website at www. motrailblazing.com. Have a fun and safe riding season!

The Missouri Equine Council says Horses are Livestock not Companion Animals

he Missouri Equine Council supports the legal definition of all domesticated equines to remain as livestock and opposes the current social trend of referring to them as pets or companion animals. The horse has long been considered livestock in the United States and throughout the world and changing the legal definition of horses to companion or other non-livestock animal would adversely affect not only the owners, but the animals themselves. On the federal level, the care and regulation of horses and horse related activities come under the purview of the United States Department of Agriculture. It is the responsibility of the USDA to improve and maintain farm income and to carry out agricultural research. The USDA provides technical expertise and monetary support for research into the prevention of many equine diseases. The USDA is also responsible for the development and enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and the Safe Commercial Transportation of Equine to Slaughter Act. On the state level, the state department of agriculture is charged with the regulation of horse related activities and assists the horse industry through research and regulatory programs. Changing the livestock status of horses could result in losing financial support for research, regulation and disaster relief on both the federal and the state levels. Livestock anti-cruelty laws are usually written to ensure humane treatment and care while still providing for the use of the animal. If horses were to be legally considered non-livestock, these laws would no longer apply. This status change would also have a major impact on limited liability laws and would no longer provide the much needed protection for stable owners, equine owners, event organizers and service providers. Currently, under federal tax law, commercial horse owners and breeders are treated as farmers. Certain tax ramifications could be changed and have a negative impact if horses were not considered as livestock. In addition, horse owners and breeders are treated differently by state excise and sales taxes because horses are now considered livestock. These advantages could be lost. If horses were no longer livestock, horse breeding would no longer be an agricultural endeavor and federal and state taxes for horse operations could increase. The terms livestock and companion animal are becoming interchangeable by the media and even in veterinary literature. Words are power and as we become accustomed to the flip-flopping of the terms “livestock and companion animal” the public and then the legal community will come to accept the status change and then the legal change will follow. It is for these reasons that the Missouri Equine Council strongly opposes any efforts to change the status of horses from agricultural livestock to companion animals. Shelia C. Short Vice President Missouri Equine Council, Inc. Please join the Missouri Equine Council www.mo-equine.org

Grazing On Small Pasture BY Rick Lamb

nyone who knows horses will tell you that grazing is the most natural way of feeding them. But take heart. Full-time turnout doesn’t require the holdings of a land baron. Pasture management expert Bryan Pulliam explains. Five full-grown horses, moving into six- to eight-inch grass, will need only one-tenth of an acre—or approximately sixty by seventy feet of new grass—to consume for the day. Most people think in terms of two and three acres per paddock. We actually think in terms of sixty by seventy feet for five full-grown horses.

So if you allow grass four weeks to re-grow after a day of grazing, five horses could be supported full-time on a total of just three acres of good pasture! This “intensive rotational grazing “requires subdividing your pasture into many small paddocks, and moving your horses to a new one daily.

effort accumulating to over $5 million in volunteer value each year nationwide. SMMBCH members also travel far distances to inform politicians, government leaders, and other decision makers about their mission. They diligently attend events large and small with handouts and informational materials to educate the public of our need to preserve our right to ride horses on public lands. That is the work ethic of Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen. There’s nothing wrong with riding clubs focused on enjoying our beautiful landscape from the back of a horse. But SMMBCH is dedicated also to preserving our opportunity to have that experience. SMMBCH membership is not for everyone. But if you’re ready to pick up the reins to join the hard hitters and the big players in the effort to preserve our “right to ride,” you may be ready to accept the responsibility of SMMBCH membership. If you know others in your area who are just as committed as you, it’s time to consider starting your own SMMBCH unit or join one of the 7 existing chapters in Missouri. What Does SMMBCH Do for You? SSMBCH membership may have its responsibilities, but it also carries benefits you and your neighbor horse users won’t find anywhere else. Association with other horsemen who love the wilderness can enhance your skill, expand riding opportunities, and make recreational equine use a much more enjoyable activity. Perhaps the most important benefit is the satisfaction of helping protect our wild lands and preserve the place of the horse in our national heritage.

Back Country Horsemen of America in Your Area

ack Country Horsemen of America is the leading organization in saving public lands trails for equestrian use. They have achieved such unsurpassed national credibility that they are actively sought to speak and represent their interest in wilderness and back country issues at the national level. Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen (SMMBCH) is the Missouri organization of BCHA. SMMBCH is well respected by land management agencies such as the Forest Service, the National Park Service and the Missouri Conservation Commission. BCHA began in the early 1970s by a few farsighted horsemen who understood the eventual implications of the trend toward restrictions on horse use in the back country. They felt that to be credible and effective, the organization must work in cooperation with the public land agencies that make and administer back country policy. They also felt the need to educate the equine community to become better stewards of the land. Are you seeing “No Horses” signs at your favorite trailheads? Is your local government making decisions against horse use on public lands? Are you wondering where you’ll ride your horse in the future? Take action now, before it’s too late. Join a SMMBCH chapter in your area or form your own local SMMBCH unit. It’s not as difficult as you might think! Not Your Typical Saddle Club Although SMMBCH offers many of the same experiences as social riding clubs, such as group rides, educational meetings, and social events, Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen go a step further. They commit themselves to protecting our heritage of back country stock use across the country. Those aren’t idle words. They stand behind that commitment with action, expending their own personal sweat, effort, and resources in a huge volunteer

SMMBCH members receive the national newsletter and the Missouri newsletter. Both are published quarterly. The national newsletter contains information regarding the activities of the National Board of Directors and the committee chairs (Education, Public Liaison, Wilderness, and Media Communications) along with news from various BCH units. The Missouri newsletter contains information on state policies and the events of the 7 state chapters. When your group is affiliated with SMMBCH, it will take part in valuable sharing of information with other back country users; including new ideas for working with public lands managers, fund raising, rides, education, insurance, liability, recruitment, and work party recommendations. The Education Committee compiles information with regard to gentle use on the land and other information that supports BCH units in their quest to keep the back country available for stock use through education. Several BCH groups have extensive programs in place that serve as models for newly formed units. The Education Committee is also in the process of preparing educational materials that local units can use to teach children about caring for our wild lands. Groups affiliated with BCHA also gain a national presence on “the Hill” by representatives from the Public Liaison Committee. They make several trips to Washington, D.C., annually to maintain our visibility with our legislators. Their example and protocol gives BCH units a model for approaching their local government. If you want to know more about Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen or become a member, visit the website: www.showmebch.org or that of the Back Country Horsemen of America at www. backcountr yhorse. com. The future of horse use on Missouri public lands is in our hands!

Miss Rodeo Missouri 2010

ontinued travels of Miss Rodeo Missouri….

When we last talked, I was packing and getting ready for my trip to the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, ID. I had a BLAST out there! We were able to visit numerous places around town promoting rodeo. The contestants entered in the rodeo definitely brought their A-game!! We had fast-paced and great rodeo action each and every night. This rodeo is a good one because it gives the ones who can’t, for one reason or another, make a run for the National Finals Rodeo. This is a rodeo where they can shine on a national level as well as their local level. A few of us did get to have a couple hours to “goof” off… Miss Rodeo Illinois, Iowa and I bit the bullet for Miss Rodeo Florida and headed to the mountain to play in the snow! It was Heather’s first time to get to play in the snow. I had a great time that week; everyone was so nice and helpful. I can’t wait until I can go back. I was also able to attend the Franklin Rotary Club Rodeo in Franklin, TN May 13 -15. Along with attending the rodeo and the Miss Rodeo Tennessee Pageant, we were able to enjoy a few tourist-y things. On Thursday we went to tour the Carter House in Franklin. The Battle of Franklin, during the Civil War, took place mostly in the yards of this house! For me it was so interesting to hear the story of this family and house, how they helped shape our young country. Saturday afternoon Kelly Azevado, Tennessee National Director, had a special treat for us girls…. An old-fashioned southern tea party, complete with the big floppy hats! This was such a new, great experience for me, definitely far from what I have done in the past. The house where this took place was also near the site of the Battle at Thompson’s Station. Those Tennessean’s really love and are proud of their history!! The next few months are going to be crazy, busy for me! I will be attending the Licking and Carthage, MO rodeos; Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo (Colorado Springs, CO); the Miss Rodeo America Clinic; and Cheyenne Frontier Days to round out June and July. I am excited for these trips and the memories I will make. I would like to now thank all my sponsors. We also have a new one to Miss Rodeo Missouri. Dan Post Boots has recently signed on to partner with us. These are some great boots! Go out and try ya a pair on today!! I have been working on getting sponsorship packets together and sent out to various people. If you have any ideas for me or would like to become one yourself, call me up! Sponsors are such a large part of the reason I am able to do what I love to do. A partnership can be very beneficial for the both of us! Girls don’t forget the pageant is fast approaching! It will be August 6-8 at St. Robert, Mo. The deadline for entries is June 15, 2010. If you are interested or have any questions either visit www.missrodeomissouripageant.com or email me at missrodeomissouri2010@yahoo.com. I can not wait to meet you! Also, if you see any of us queens at a rodeo or event... stop us and say Hi!! Until next time, take care and God Bless, Erin Watts Miss Rodeo Missouri 2010

Miss Teen Rodeo Missouri

ey everyone! My name is McKenna Wilmes and I am honored to be your Miss Teen Rodeo Missouri 2010. This is an amazing honor and a privilege to be able to serve as a titleholder for our great state. However, this is not the first title I have held as state royalty. I have also been Jr. Miss Rodeo Missouri. Through being a state queen, I have had many great opportunities. I have been a guest at many events including the famous Dixie Stampede and Silver Dollar City in Branson Missouri when I was Jr. Miss. To start out my year I began by attending Little Miss Rodeo Missouri 2010, Cheyenne Lewis, coronation party.

We had a great time celebrating her new title and meeting all of her friends and family who helped her earn her spot as a state Rodeo Queen. Next, I was off to this year’s Jr. Miss Rodeo Missouri 2010, Josie Milner, coronation party. I had a fun time passing down my title and welcoming Josie into our Rodeo Queen “family”. In January, I had my opportunity to hold my own coronation party. We had a dinner, auction, and dance. Family and friends from miles around came to see me receive my new title and congratulate me on my hard work. We topped it off by dancing the night away. Soon to follow my party, was the Missouri Equine Council Celebration in Columbia Missouri. There, we had a booth and were honored as guest speakers in the main arena. We talked about the benefits of being Rodeo Queens, and how it has helped us to get where we are today. During those two days I had the chance to talk with many vendors around the grounds and learn a little of the MEC’s history. At the end of the weekend, I was exhausted but had a great time anyway. In February Miss Rodeo Missouri, Erin Watts, and I traveled to Sedalia Missouri to help with their annual PRCA Rodeo. In Sedalia, we had the chance to do radio interviews, pictures, and time to sign autographs for the little cowboys and cowgirls eager to see and meet the Queens before they had to sit down for the Grand Entry of all the Rodeo riders. When it did come time for the Grand Entry, Erin and I had the honor of being flag bearers. As the other riders and I made a pinwheel in the center of the arena, Erin took the American Flag around. Finally, to round out my list of activities so far, all four of the state Queens were guests at this year’s Horsefest in Springfield Missouri. We had a booth and signed autograph pictures for many of the vendors and quests at the event. We got to view clinics and walk around the other exhibitor’s booths. We were there three days and had the best time, lots of shopping and bling! What Rodeo Queen does not love bling? Well that is where I have been this year, and I have so much more to go. My summer will be full of Horseshows and Rodeos … I cannot wait! McKenna Wilmes Miss Teen Rodeo Missouri

DOUBLE EAGLE RANCH BENEFIT for MO Emergency Response Services

ouble Eagle Ranch hosted a Fun Show and Trail Ride to benefit MERS on May 22nd. Although it had rained all week, the ground dried out, and the show went on as scheduled.

We can’t say enough about all of the participants that showed up, and the support they showed for MERS. It truly was a fun day for all the participants, and especially MERS. We gratefully acknowledge all the hard work that Carrie and her staff at Double Eagle put into this event to make it happen. We hope to be back next year! For more information on MERS go to www.mersteam. org or join us on Face Book under “MERS Large Animal Rescue”

MERS Rescues Fallen Horse

ERS responded to a call from a veterinarian for a horse that had fallen down into a ravine overnight. It was located in Mount Vernon, Illinois, approximately 110 miles away from MERS home base. Upon our arrival, we immediately placed our head protector on the incumbent horse, attached our specialized rescue lifting equipment to the horse, and with the assistance of the customer’s front loader, lifted the horse up into a horizontal position. Once the horse was up, the veterinarian continued to do evaluations on the horse. MERS responded to this call @ 2:45pm, and arrived back home at 11:55pm, after traveling 220 miles round trip. For more information on MERS go to www.mersteam.org

HORSE TRANSPORT Local/Long Distance reasonable rates, good equipment. Custom transport for the owner that wants their horse right away. Call 573-364-8737 or www.drycreekranchandstables Rolla, MO Larry Harrison

The Ozark Dressage Society

zark Dressage Society has proudly been a Region Four General Membership Organization from its’ conception. ODS was first established in 1988 by a small group of women with the desire to unite dressage enthusiasts. Our mission has remained the same as was stated 22 years ago- To aid and encourage the training, use, and exhibition of the dressage horse; to promote, educate and stimulate interest in dressage; to foster sportsmanship; and to establish an organization through which people with a common interest can socialize.

clared themselves T.R.O.T (The Riders Of Tomorrow)! They have since grown and moved on, and we are always looking for youth to continue T.R.O.T. ODS is a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Group Member. This is very important to us as USDF provides educational programs to encourage high standards of performance for horses, riders, and instructors. The USDF statement on Animal Welfare defines dressage as a method of training horse and rider in a gradual manner. It is based on the nature and athletic ability of the horse. For more info about the USDF, see www.USDF.org.

Mane Connection is now on Facebook & Twitter! Connect to the Missouri equestrian community. www.facebook.com/maneconnection

With this common interest, ODS has flourished for 22 years, with a current 36 member roster. We could not flourish like this without the hard work of our volunteers. Our members are among some of the best volunteers, organizers and jump starters a membership could ever ask for. We have participated in the ‘Walk for Life’ Cancer marathon, hosted several recognized rated shows, and several clinics with names such as Max Gahwyler! We enjoy aiding in the education of dressage and informing the public of our sport. In order to do this, we have participated in HorseFest by providing booklets and videos, and we provide ongoing educational opportunities during our monthly General Membership meetings with guest speakers, such as vets and farriers, who provide knowledge on a wide array of horse health related topics! We sponsor three schooling shows per year from Spring to Fall and encourage all our members to participate in the camaraderie of the shows, no matter if you are atop your horse or on foot and just want to be around the sport! Several years ago a side-line group by the youth of ODS was formed and de-

New Products in the Equestrian World New Holland Agriculture launches YouTube channel dedicated to Farming

here’s a new YouTube channel devoted to all things farming www.youtube.com/NewHollandNA. New Holland’s dedicated YouTube channel is a resource for a wide variety of farm equipmentrelated information. The channel currently has 36 videos covering topics ranging from making great hay to equipment at work in the fields, as well as, how-to tips and animated videos that reveal the inner workings of farm equipment. “Our YouTube channel creates an incredible opportunity to broadcast our brand and engage our audience with compelling content,” says New Holland’s North American Senior Director of Marketing David Greenberg. “We plan to keep adding new videos weekly that inform and entertain. We invite all viewers to subscribe to the channel and upload your agriculture, outdoor and farming related videos.” Purina Announces New Strategy® Healthy Edge® Horse Feed

ew Purina® feed designed for active horses with lower calorie requirements

Purina announces the launch of Strategy® Healthy Edge® horse feed, a nutritionally-balanced diet

formulated to support the health and well-being of adult horses ages two years and older. Horse owners can sign-up for an exclusive free trial bag of Strategy® Healthy Edge® horse feed online through June 30, 2010 at www.PurinaDifference. com.

Healthy Edge® horse feed, visit www.PurinaDifference.com.

“

With the addition of Healthy Edge® horse feed, there are now two diets under the Strategy® family that horse owners can choose from,” said Marketing Manager, Purina Mills, LLC, Chris Goodwin. “It’s our way of providing the best nutritional feed options to support various horse lifestyles and maintenance needs. We encourage horse owners to sign up for the exclusive free trial and see for themselves the difference it can make in their horse.” Designed for active horses with lower calorie requirements, Strategy® Healthy Edge® horse feed helps manage body condition with calories from fermentable fiber, including beet pulp, multiple fat sources and controlled starch and sugar. The highfat and nutritionally-balanced diet aids in the maintenance and development of strong muscles, shiny coat and healthy hooves. Added flax seed, vegetable oils and rice inside the patented Amplify® Nugget provide essential fatty acids, including Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for immune function benefits. For more information on Purina® Strategy®

Featherlite Trailers’ Model 8533 horse trailer now offers more choices in living quarters and dressing rooms eatherlite Trailers unveiled several enhancements to their existing trailers during its recent International Dealer Meeting. Among these are a greater selection in the sizes of dressing rooms and living quarters of the Model 8533 all-aluminum gooseneck horse trailer. The Model 8533 is already known in the trailering world for its durability and attractive price point. Now, customers have the choice of a 74”, 96” and 124” dressing room package. Customers may also select the standard 46” dressing room package. “Different horse owners have different space requirements,” Randy Lewis, Featherlite’s National Sales Manager, said. “These expanded dressing room options mean that customers don’t have to buy more trailer than they need.” All 2011 models are available for order at any one of Featherlite’s 180 dealerships. For more information about all of Featherlite’s 2011 horse trailers and features, visit Featherlite online at www. fthr.com/tnews or call 1-800-800-1230.

www.americanroyal.com

firemanjulie@gmail.com

St. James, MO

July 23 - MTR Speed Show MO Trail Riders Arena, Winfield, MO www.gwha.org

Aug 7 - Sullivan Saddle Club Open Show Sullivan, MO sullivansaddleclubsite.com

July 21 - Archie Horse Auction Archie, MO

July 24 - MMSHA Double Point Horse Show, Safe Saddle Club, Safe, MO www.mmsha.com

HORSE SHOWS

June 19 - Mid Rivers Saddle Club Fathers Day Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO www.midriverssaddleclub.com June 19 - Fun & Frolic Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO www.gwha.org June 19 - MTR-GWHA Show, Missouri Trail Riders Arena, Winfield, MO www.gwha.org June 19 - Republic FFA Livestock Show Republic, MO firemanjulie@gmail.com June 19 - CSHA Horse Show Hartsville Saddle Club, Hartsville, MO www.crsha.net June 19 - MMSHA Horse Show Union Saddle Club, Union, MO www.mmsha.com June 19 - Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Acre Assoc. Horse Show Hillsboro, MO 636-944-3935 June 20 - MO Western Horse Show Assoc. Horse Show St. Francois Fairgrounds 573-701-7628 June 24 - Arabian Horse Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO 417-894-8221 June 25 & 26 - Greene County 4-H Show Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield, MO 417-862-9284 June 26 - Moniteau Saddle Club Game Day for St. Jude, Moniteau County Fairgrounds, California, MO 573-694-7686 June 26 - MMSHA Horse Show Vienna Saddle Club www.mmsha.com June 26 - Andrew County Fair Mule & Donkey Show Savannah, MO www.mmdc.ws June 26 - Circle H Saddle Club Horse Show St. Genevieve Fair Grounds 636-524-9207 June 26 - Sho-Me Circuit Horse Show Fischer Stables, Sedalia, MO www.showmecircuit.org June 26 & 27 - MQHA Spring Show Boone County Fairgrounds, Columbia, MO 660-886-3208 July 2 & 3 - MO MHSA Show Huntsville, MO www.gwha.org

July 3 - Cabool Saddle Club Fun Show Cabool, MO Caboolsaddleclub-mo-webs. com July 3 - Humansville Boot & Saddle Club Fun Show Humansville, MO 417-754-8396 July 3 - Sullivan Saddle Club Open Show Sullivan, MO sullivansaddleclubsite.com July 3 & 4 - MO Quarter Horse Novice Show MO State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO 660-473-1140 July 8 thru 10 - Grand Slam - Mid America Fox Trotting Horse Assoc. 43rd Annual Show Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield, Mo mofoxtrot.com/midamerica July 9-11 - Ozark QHShow Lucky J Arena, Carthage, MO 660-473-1140 July 10 - Republic Saddle Club Show Me Horse Show Republic, MO firemanjulie@gmail.com July 10 - MMSHA Horse Show Edgar Springs Saddle Club, Edgar Springs, MO www.mmsha.com July 11 - Bates County Fair Open Youth Horse Show Bates County Fairgrounds Pre-entries due June 22, jimrunninabout@yahoo.com July 15-18 - Midway Summer Classic Midway Arena, Columbia, MO 573-445-8338 July 16 - 4-H Fun Show Callaway Rough Riders Arena, Fulton, MO 573-642-8274 July 17 & 18 - MO Paint Horse Club Show MO State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO 816-792-5827 July 17 - Warrenton Saddle Club Horse Show Warrenton County Fairgrounds, Warrenton, MO 573-929-3575 July 17 - Whatever It Takes Benefit Show, Sponsored by the Sullivan Saddle Club Sullivan, MO sullivansaddleclubsite.com July 21-31 - Boone County Fair and Horse Show Boone County Fairgrounds, Columbia, MO 573-474-9435 July 22-24 - Central States Benefit Horse Show American Royal, Kansas City, Mo

July 24 - MTR-GWHA Show MO Trail Riders Arena, Winfield, MO www. gwha.org

Aug 13-15 - 2010 National Breeders Cup Championship Show Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield, MO www.nabmfth.com/nbc.htm Aug 14 - Platte County Steam & Gas Mule Show Tracy, MO www.mmdc.ws

July 24 - Sho-Me Circuit Horse Show Fischer Stables, Sedalia, www.showmecircuit.org

Aug 14 & 15 - MO Paint Horse Club Show Boone County Fairgrounds, Columbia, MO 816-792-5827

July 24 - The Fox 4 Love Fund Charity Classic, 2pm Lone Star Ranch, Kansas City, MO 816-739-4097

Aug 14 - FMSFQHRA Horse Show Fischer Stables, Sedalia, MO 660-343-5653

July 24 & 25 - National Versatility Ranch Horse Assoc. Seminar & Competition MO State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO 660-827-8150 July 24 & 25 - All Novice Show Midway Arena, Columbia, MO 660-473-1140 July 29 thru Aug 1 - MSF 4-H & FFA Horse Show MO State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO 660-827-8150 July 30 - Stock Horse and Mule Pleasure Show Dixon Saddle Club, Dixon, MO 573-619-6301 July 31 - Gaited Horse & Mule Show Dixon Saddle Club, Dixon, MO 573-619-6301 July 31 - MMSHA Horse Show, Safe Saddle Club, Safe, MO www.mmsha.com July 31 - Sho-Me Circuit Horse Show Moniteau Saddle Club, Moniteau Co. Fairgrounds, California, MO 573-338-3929 Aug 1 - Mid Rivers Saddle Club Blue Bunny Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO www.midriverssaddleclub.com Aug 5 - Kingdom of Callaway 4-H Horse Show Callaway Rough Riders Arena, Fulton, MO 573-642-8274 Aug 6 - MTR Speed Show, MO Trail Riders Arena, Winfield, MO www.gwha.org

Aug 14 & 15 - Broken Arrow Appaloosa Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO 636-528-5239

Aug 4 - Archie Horse Auction Archie, MO Aug 5 - Wright County Horse Auction Mountain Grove, MO 417-926-4136 Aug 7 - Puxico Horse Sale Puxico, MO 573-222-6229 Aug 7 - Lolli Brothers Horse Auction Macon, MO 660-385-2516

June 19 - Puxico Horse Sale Puxico, MO 573-222-6229

Aug 12 - Mountain Grove Horse Auction Mountain Grove, MO 870-371-1205

June 19 - Rolla Horse Sale St. James, MO 573-265-8813

Aug 14 - Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769

June 19 - Lincoln County Livestock Auction Silex, MO June 25 - MO Horse Auction Springfield, MO 417-725-3333 Last Friday of every month. June 26 - Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769

Aug 14 - Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360

TRAIL RIDES

June 19& 20 - ACTHA Ride Longhorn Ranch, Plato, MO 417-453-6645

June 26 - Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360

June 26 - Murphy Lakes Summer Celebration Trail Ride & Dance Higbee, MO 573-228-1120

July 1 - Wright County Horse Auction Mountain Grove, MO 417-926-4136

July 10 - ACTHA Ride Longhorn Ranch, Plato, MO 417-453-6645

July 3 - Puxico Horse Sale Puxico, MO 573-222-6229

July 11 - Dixon Saddle Club Trail Ride Dixon, MO 573-619-6301

July 3 - Lolli Brothers Horse Auction Macon, MO 660-385-2516 July 3 - Rolla Horse Sale St. James, MO 573-265-8813 July 7 - Archie Horse Auction Archie, MO

Aug 7 - Cabool Saddle Club Fun Show Cabool, MO Caboolsaddleclub-mo-webs. com

July 10 - Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769

Aug 7 - Republic Saddle Club Shodeo Republic, MO

July 30 - MO Horse Auction Springfield, MO 417-725-3333 Last Friday of every month

Aug 7 - Rolla Horse Sale St. James, MO 573-265-8813

July 8 - Mountain Grove Horse Auction Mountain Grove, MO 870-371-1205

Aug 7 - Lathrop Mule ShowLathrop, MO www.mmdc.ws

July 24 - Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360

SALES

June 16 - Archie Horse Auction Archie, MO

Aug 7 - MTR-GWHA Show MO Trail Riders Arena, Winfield, MO www.gwha.org

Aug 7 - Humansville Boot & Saddle Club Fun Show Humansville, MO 417-754-8396

July 24 - Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769

July 10 - Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360 July 17 - Lincoln County Livestock Auction Silex, MO July 17 - Puxico Horse Sale Puxico, MO 573-222-6229 July 17 - Rolla Horse Sale

July 17 - NATRC Ride Cedar Creek Trail, Near Columbia, MO www.natrc.org July 31 & Aug 1 - ACTHA Ride Whispering Pines River Loop, Jadwin, MO 573-729-7591 Aug 7 - ACTHA Ride Elk Valley Equine, Pineville, MO 417-223-3395 Aug 8 - Dixon Saddle Club Trail Ride Dixon, MO 573-619-6301

BARREL RACES

June 16 - Barrel Racing Exhibition & Jackpot Lucky J Arena, Carthage, MO 417-437-7041 June 18 & 19 - Walnut Hills Barrel Race Flickerwood Arena, Jackson, MO 573-243-3876 June 23 - Barrel Racing Exhibition & Jackpot Lucky J Arena, Carthage, MO 417-437-7041

June 30 - Barrel Racing Exhibition & Jackpot Lucky J Arena, Carthage, MO 417-437-7041 Aug. 8 - MRBRA Training Barrels Flickerwood Arena, Jackson, MO 573-243-3876

Cutting

June 15 - Team Sorting Practice, McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 June 19 - Dixon Saddle Club Team Sorting Dixon, MO 573-619-6301 June 22 - Team Sorting Practice McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 June 26 - Top Hand Team Sorting McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 June 29 - Team Sorting Practice,McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 July 6 - Team Sorting Practice, McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 July 10 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Sorting Humansville, MO 417-754-8396 July 10 - Top Hand MOTSA Sorting NEMO Ranch Sorters, Edina, MO 660-342-0192 July 13 - Team Sorting Practice McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 July 17 - Dixon Saddle Club Team Sorting Dixon, MO 573-619-6301 July 20 - Team Sorting Practice McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 July 24 - Top Hand Team Sorting, McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 July 27 - Team Sorting Practice McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 Aug 3 - Team Sorting Practice, McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284

Aug 7 & 8 - Gasconade County Fair Sorting Show Owensville, MO www.motsa.org Aug 10 - Team Sorting Practice, McNail Arena, Lebanon, MO 417-532-4284 Aug 14 - Top Hand MOTSA Sorting NEMO Ranch Sorters, Edina, MO 660-342-0192

RODEOS

June 17 thru 20 - MO High School Rodeo Boone County Fairgrounds, Columbia, MO missourihighschoolrodeo.com June 19 - Humansville Boot & Saddle Club Youth Rodeo Humansville, MO 417-754-8396 June 25 & 26 - AFRA Rodeo Dixon Saddle Club, Dixon, MO

10 Tips to Tread Lightly When Trail Riding and Camping

573-619-6301 June 26 - Cape County 4-H Rodeo Flickerwood Arena, Jackson, MO 573-243-3876 July 24 - MFRA Rodeo Republic, MO firemanjulie@gmail.com

ROPINGS

June 18 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Practice Humansville, MO 417-754-8396 June 18 - Team Roping 10pt Pick and Draw, 7:30pm Lucky J Arena, Carthage, MO 417-437-7041 June 25 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Practice Humansville, MO 417-754-8396

inimizing your impact on the environment is a critical component of a successful trail ride or camping trip with your horse.

The nonprofit Tread Lightly! has released ten basic tips to keep your favorite recreation areas beautiful, healthy and open to the public. 1. Stay on designated roads, trails, and other areas open to horse use. Ride single file to reduce trail damage. If you are allowed to ride in an area with no trails, spread out to disperse impact and avoid creating a new trail. 2. Avoid riding in sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands, streams, tundra, seasonal nesting or breeding areas and cryptobiotic soils of the desert—unless on designated trails. 3. Water animals in areas where stream banks and water access can withstand hard use and are downstream from campsites.

July 2 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Practice Humansville, MO 417-754-8396

4. Pre-plan camp locations that provide plenty of room and the proper environment for confining animals. The site should accommodate them without damaging the area.

July 9 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Jackpot Humansville, MO 417-754-8396

5. Use hitchlines, hobbles, and staking to confine animals. Erect hitchlines in rocky areas with established trees and use straps or tree savers to protect bark.

July 16 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Practice Humansville, MO 417-754-8396 July 23 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Practice Humansville, MO 417-754-8396 July 30 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Practice Humansville, MO 417-754-8396 Aug 6 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Practice Humansville, MO 417-754-8396 Aug 8 - MRBRA Show Flickerwood Arena, Jackson, MO 573-243-3876 Aug 13 - Humansville Saddle Club Team Roping Jackpot Humansville, MO 417-754-8396

SPECIAL EVENTS

June 17 - Cowboy Mounted Shooting Lucky J Arena, Carthage, MO 417-437-6331

6. Use yards, paddocks, and hitching rails where provided. 7. If you use temporary corrals, move the enclosures twice daily. 8. To prevent the spread of invasive species, use weed-free feed. Start feeding it to your animal at least three or more days before entering the backcountry to clear their digestive systems. Also wash your gear and support vehicle and check your animal before and after every ride. 9. When breaking camp, remove or scatter manure, remove excess hay and straw, and fill areas dug up by animal hooves. 10. Be prepared to let other trail enthusiasts know what needs to be done to keep you, the horse, and other passersby safe when you meet on the trail. Take responsibility for your horse’s education. Introduce it to vehicles and situations it may encounter on shared trails. Originally started by the US Forest Service, Tread Lightly! has been offering minimum-impact education to recreationists for 20 years. Its mission is to promote responsible outdoor recreation through ethics education and stewardship. Last year, the organization stepped up its efforts to reach horseback riders by forming a partnership with the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource and re-issuing a quick-tip brochure about treading lightly when horseback riding. Tread Lightly! has also created an additional brochure with in-depth informtion on trail etiquette, with a focus on multiple use trails open to equestrians. It gives guidelines for encounters with off-highway vehicle drivers, mountain bikers, and others.

June 24 - Cowboy Mounted Shooting, 7pm Lucky J Arena, Carthage, MO 417-437-6331

“We are seeing a critical need for a strong stewardship message among the horseback riding community,” said Lori Davis, Tread Lightly!’s executive director. “Tread Lightly! has brochures, public service announcements, an online course, and web banners—all poised to help equestrians continue minimizing their impact on the environment.”

July 10 - Cowboy Mounted Shooting Warren County Fairgrounds, Warrenton, MO 314-780-4211

More information can be found at Tread Lightly!’s website, www.treadlightly.org.

July 16 - Cowboy Mounted Shooting Audrain County 4-H Center, Mexico, MO 314-780-4211 July 17 - Elk Valley Chuckwagon Challenge (MCWRA) Elk Valley Equine Camp,Pineville, MO 417-223-3395

Horses who have foundered might need special attention to their diets BY By Dr. Thomas Lenz Courtesy of the AQHA www.americas horsedaily.com

Wage War on Equine Parasites Courtesy of American Association of Equine Practitioners www.aaep.org

apidly growing spring grass poses a problem to some horses and creates the need to place them in dry lots and limit their grass intake.

nternal parasites are silent killers. They can cause extensive internal damage, and you may not even realize your horses are heavily infected. At the very least, parasites can lower resistance, rob the horse of valuable nutrients, and cause gastrointestinal irritation and unthriftiness. At their worst, they can lead to colic, intestinal ruptures, and death.

I have received several calls from people who now have their horses in stalls or paddocks and aren’t sure what to feed them. When considering diets for horses who are laminitic (prone to founder or are already foundered), there are two distinct types of horses: those who foundered due to a change in diet and those who foundered due to something else, such as a retained placenta, endotoxemia caused by colic, hormonal imbalance, ground founder, etc.

Using deworming agents on a regular schedule in combination with good management procedures is critical to relieving your horse of most parasites. Since parasites are primarily transferred through manure, good management is key. In terms of management priorities, establishing a parasite control program is probably second only to supplying the horse with clean, plentiful water and high quality feed.

The horses in the second group did not founder due to dietary triggers and usually do not require a special diet. However, like all horses, they should receive a well-balanced diet to keep them healthy. For the first group, we know that many of them suffer from “metabolic syndrome” and are susceptible to gaining weight easily and foundering on lush spring pastures. Now that we’ve gotten them off the pasture and are either eliminating or limiting their access to grass, let’s talk about providing them a good balanced ration until pasture growth has slowed and we can turn them back out.

To get rid of parasites before they attack your horse, follow these suggestions from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP):

Watch the Sweets

3. Rotate pastures by allowing other livestock, such as sheep or cattle, to graze them, thereby interrupting the life cycles of parasites.

Most horses prone to founder are carbohydrate-sensitive and overweight. Therefore, it is important to avoid feeds that are high in sugar or starch, such as grain-based or sweet feeds.

4. Group horses by age to reduce exposure to certain parasites and maximize the deworming program geared to that group.

Starvation isn’t the answer to taking weight off these horses. Overweight horses who are starved back to pull weight off often metabolize excess amounts of fat, resulting in high levels of fat in the blood stream, which can damage the horse’s liver. A diet low in calories but high in fiber works best to allow them to gradually lose weight while staying healthy. Remember that horses are designed to live on a forage-based diet. That means grass and/or hay – and mature, stemmy grass hay is the best nutritional source for the overweight horse. If you’re feeding last year’s hay in order to reduce the horse’s caloric intake, you may need to supplement the ration with protein, vitamins and minerals. Foundered mature horses need at least a 10-percent protein ration (1.5-2.0 lbs per day) to help their damaged feet heal, so keep the ration simple by feeding one supplement containing all three. Micronutrients such as biotin may also be beneficial, but remember, they are micronutrients and should be fed in very small amounts. If the laminitic horse is thin and needs calories, don’t provide carbohydratecontaining grain, but rather feed beet pulp or forage-based feed like alfalfa cubes. If the horse is still underweight, add an edible oil such as corn oil to the diet. Laminitic horses can handle calories from fiber and fat but not starch or sugar. Do not buy beet pulp that is mixed with molasses.

1. Pick up and dispose of manure droppings in the pasture at least twice weekly. 2. Mow and harrow pastures regularly to break up manure piles and expose parasite eggs and larvae to the elements.

5. Keep the number of horses per acre to a minimum to prevent overgrazing and reduce the fecal contamination per acre. 6.

Use a feeder for hay and grain rather than feeding on the ground.

7. Remove bot eggs quickly and regularly from the horse’s haircoat to prevent ingestion. 8. Rotate deworming agents, not just brand names, to prevent chemical resistance. 9. Consult your veterinarian to set up an effective and regular deworming schedule. With the many safe, convenient products available today, establishing an effective deworming program is easy. Discuss a plan with your veterinarian and implement it without delay. A good parasite control program will go a long way toward maximizing your horse’s appearance, performance and comfort. The net result will be an animal that is as healthy on the inside as it appears on the outside. For more information about waging war on equine parasites, ask your veterinarian for a copy of the “Parasite Control” client education brochure, provided by the AAEP in partnership with Educational Partner Bayer HealthCare Animal Health. Information about equine parasites also can be found in the AAEP’s horse owner Web site, www.aaep.org/ horseowner. Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.