October/November 2009 Vol 1, No 3
Don Blazer-A Horse Of Course
FREE
MO Non-Profit Gets Creative How To Build A Mounting Block
Ag Risk Management with Jim Osburn Round Pen Woes Horse Wound Care World Equestrian Games And More!
Letter From The Editor
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ello and Happy October to all!
As we look at our calendars, many of us can hardly believe that 2009 is coming to an end. For those of us in the Mane Connection offices, 2009 has been a fantastic year full of great horse shows, beautiful trail rides, and meeting some of the most friendly people in the state of Missouri. Though we are sad to see 2009 come to an end, we are excited for all the possibilities that 2010 holds….but first we have to make it through another Missouri winter!
Over the last few months we have been working on a list of activities, and events that will help keep you involved with your horses and the Missouri equine community throughout the winter months. Starting next month, we will feature articles on feeding tips for cold weather, guides for tack cleaning, great online shopping sites for equestrian apparel and gear (it’s cold - it’s snowing, you might as well get a new show outfit or tack item from one of our online sites!), barn maintenance tips for cold weather, and other activities that will keep your mind in the barn! We will also feature events from across the state held in locations away from the elements! We hope to provide you with the information you need to have a safe and fun winter with your horses! If you have a winter activity, event, or tip that you would like to share please contact us at info@
mane-connection.com. As always we are looking for people to write articles and submit pictures for future issues of Mane Connection, so send in your submissions today! I hope everyone has a safe and healthy fall, and I look forward to showing you what we have been working on in December. Happy Halloween! Jennifer Kruse Editor/Publisher Mane Connection
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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.
Mane Connection 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. ©2009 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.
Mane Connection Editor/Publisher: Jennifer Kruse-jkruse@mane-connection.com Financial/Development: Susan Miller-smiller@mane-connection.com Information-info@mane-connection.com www.mane-connection.com Mane Connection PO Box 252 Tipton Mo 65081
A Horse, Of Course BY Don Blazer
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our success lies within. When you follow your heart and you practice nonjudgment you are on the path to perfect horsemanship. Practicing the fourth secret will change everything about the way you train and handle horses. Horses, as humans, are herd animals. Survival is the first concern. The actions and focus of horses, as they are with humans, always begin and end with themselves. Horses, as humans, seek the acceptance of the herd, and the praise of other herd members. Understanding that, you can understand why the fourth secret has two steps. To reach perfect horsemanship you must first 4. Give. That is the secret! The first who needs forgiveness is you. Yesterday is gone and will never return. While you may wish you had done things differently or behaved in a different way, you cannot change what is past. Don’t live with “regret” or “guilt” or the wish for what “might have been.” Simply forgive yourself and begin your next moment with the desire to forgive and give. Forgive those you think have wronged you. Forgive the mistakes others made. Forgiveness has no “debt”. When you have forgiven, it is over and all that is to come is new. When you have forgiven, you have no fears, frustrations or disappointments associated with your horse. You have only the promise of a new beginning. And the new beginning is the second step: “giving” not “taking.” You must change your way of thinking about training and handling horses, but not necessarily what you do physically. The most common and constantly used behavior modifications with horses are “habituation/ desensitization” and “positive and negative reinforcement.” Habituation and desensitization are simple forms of learning. The horse initially responds to a stimulus and eventually learns to respond
less and less or not at all. It is habituation and desensitization we use to eliminate “spookiness” in a horse. We want the horse to get over the spookiness so that he can focus on what we want to teach, or to keep him listening to our requests. “Flooding” or “sacking out” are forms of habituation and desensitization and they are also a way we “take” from the horse instead of giving. While flooding or sacking out have been used for years and are still used with results, they are not the way to perfect horsemanship. There is almost always too much risk of injury or punishment to the horse when we “take” by forcing the horse to tolerate something or accept something which frightens him. Tying a horse hard and fast to a snubbing post will “take the fight out of him.” Why not “give” the horse an opportunity to become familiar with something by allowing him to test it with his senses of smell, feel, sight, taste and/or hearing? Why not “give” the horse lessons over a period of time on standing and being tied?
rounds into the proper frame and another negative reinforcement has been applied. Riding forward both legs apply equal light contact. To turn left, the left leg contact is removed and right leg pressure is increased. This is an example of “giving” the horse an option. The right leg has blocked movement in that direction, but the left leg has opened the door for the horse to move through. “Taking” leaves no options. When you have mastered the fourth secret, you always find a way to give rather than take. Don Blazer is the author of Nine Secrets of Perfect Horsemanship. Visit his website at www.donblazer. com
Thank You
Holly Meek for the Front Page Cover photo. Because it takes time? Yes, it takes time. But Holly’s horses (left to right) April, Calypso, perfect horsemanship isn’t instantaneous. Kah’ya, and Dynamite. Positive reinforcement is the adding of something--a reward for having performed as requested. This is easily understood as “giving.” Positive reinforcement teaches the horse to become an active participant, seeking the correct answer. But positive reinforcement can easily lead to unwanted behaviors. A horse sees you coming and knows you are bringing food. In his excitement, he kicks the stall wall, and you hurry with the food to stop the kicking. Repeat this several times and the horse soon becomes an obnoxious and dangerous problem. In that instance you have not “given”, but have “taken” away your leadership position. Think rather than react and do not feed until the horse is quiet. You must “give” leadership, not abandon it. Negative reinforcement is the removal of something which is uncomfortable. The shortening of the reins sets a bit barrier which is somewhat uncomfortable. You give the horse leg cues to round up the body and find a shorter frame and bit pressure becomes nonexistent…a negative reinforcement that the shorter frame is correct. Leg pressure is reduced when the horse
Holly would like to thank Nicole Schuettenberg and Rishab Rao for all they do to help Love and Care for her extended family of horses.
MO Non-Profit Gets Creative BY Susan Miller - Mane Connection
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, like so many of you, have concerns about the direction our economy is heading and how it affects the Missouri horse industry. So, when “plain ole Midwestern horse sense” is applied to economic survival, I sit up and take notice. Although this particular example is from a notfor-profit organization, their proactive approach is applicable to all sectors of the economy. Dennis Costello has recently taken the helm of St. Louis based, Therapeutic Horsemanship. I do not believe there has been a tougher time in our recent history to take the reins of a notfor-profit organization. Director Costello was immediately faced with the reality of sagging donations and increased demand for services. What could he do? What any practical, Midwesterner would do. Stop complaining. Look at what you have. Think about your strengths. Determine how you can create, sensible offerings that people will see as needed and valued…and if possible, help others as you help yourself. It is how horse people think, is it not? It is called horse sense. Therapeutic Horsemanship (TH), an organization that offers equine assisted therapy programs for individuals with disabilities looked inside its organization and examined what it could do for itself, its riders and their families, and the horse community, in general. Director Costello found a TH strength, among his corps of volunteers, in a very talented artist by the name of Jeane Whittenburg. He utilized her talent for the creation of a unique and beautiful collection of Holiday greeting cards. These cards will be available for sale online at thstl.org by clicking the holiday card link or by calling 636-332-4940. Additionally, saddle clubs, 4H clubs and not-for-profit or service organizations desiring a fund raiser product, are encouraged to contact TH for bulk orders. The cards go on sale October 15th. A box of 15 cards is $20.00. TH truly found a way to help themselves while helping others and I applaud Director Costello and Therapeutic Horsemanship in identifying a common, everyday product they could make uniquely beautiful. Thousands of people send greeting cards every holiday season and now those people have the opportunity to support a good cause and send a true work of art to their friends and family; so, on your next visit to the tack shop, if you don’t see these cards displayed, take a second and ask if they are offering the cards for sale. Let’s all help each other in every way we can. If your business or organization has a strategy to battle these tough economic times, please share your ideas with me at smiller@maneconnection.com
MO Emergency Response Service BY Roger Vincent
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uly 17, 2008 At 3:45 p.m. MERS answered a call for a horse trapped in a hay loft. The veterinarian had also been contacted but was almost an hour away. Upon arrival, the members of MERS found a very anxious, sweating horse in the second floor loft of the barn. The horse had apparently made its way up a stairwell measuring approximately 20 inches in width, but had destroyed any chance of descent by breaking several of the steps on the way up. Now there was no way down. The temperature in the loft had reached 115 degrees and the horse was suffering. The horse had already put four or five small holes in the floor of the loft with its stomping and rearing. It needed to be sedated, but the veterinarian had not yet arrived. Three MERS team members took on the task of fitting the horse with a head protector and providing comfort to the animal. A fan was trained on the horse to offer some relief from the heat. High Ridge Fire Department was also on the scene. Chief Mike Arnhardt and MERS President Roger Vincent discussed how best to extricate the horse from the loft. They determined that even if the stairs could be reconstructed, the horse would most likely refuse to descend. As luck would have it, a nearby farmer had an all-terrain forklift truck. A platform was fashioned to hold the rescue glide on the forklift. By that time, the veterinarian had arrived and was able to sedate the horse. There was now a 15 min. window in which to get the sedated horse onto the rescue glide, attach the glide to the forklift and lower the horse to safety. In less than six min. the glide and horse were safely on the ground. In another 15 min. the horse was up and walking around. Today, the horse is doing great and the steps to the loft have a brand new door.
STEP UP - How To Build A Mounting Block By Jody Reynolds Design by RossMiddleton Courtesy of AQHA’s The Journal www.americashorsedaily.com
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ember the days when you’d get a running start, grab the saddle horn, take an acrobatic leap and somehow land perfectly and safely aboard your horse without so much as straining a finger?
Yeah, those days are gone, and we could all use a little help for the big climb.
Supply List: • One half sheet 3/4-inch plywood • Saw (table saw, jig saw, circular saw) • #8 box nails • Wood glue • Safety goggles and gloves
Mounting Block Construction: 1. Using a ruler and pencil, draw the cutting measurements onto the half sheet of plywood. (You won’t use the entire sheet.) 2. Wearing your safety goggles and gloves, carefully saw out each piece. 3. Join each piece, according to the diagram, by running a ribbon of glue along the joints, then nailing. 4. Add your creative touch. Paint the block your favorite colors, then add your barn’s logo, your horse’s name or your favorite horsey scenes.
Thoughts on Ag Risk Management for Farm/Ranch Owners BY Jim Osburn
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s a farm or ranch owner, you’re a business owner who has to wear several hats. One hat is as the owner/operator, another is as financial manager (you are a financial manager if you deduct business expenses on your tax return).
Because you are a business owner, you have an obligation to your spouse and family to reduce the financial risks your business and income are subject to. The most effective way to reduce risk is to get rid of it by transferring it to an insurance company. Taking out insurance to protect your property from fires, floods and tornados is an example of risk transference. Like these unpredictable natural disasters, accidents on your property could happen at any time. The risk you run if a non-family member is injured in an accident on your land needs to be covered with proper liability insurance. In today’s world of lawsuits that can end up with settlements in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, not having proper liability insurance is a mistake you can’t afford to make. While liability insurance is very important to you and your business, it’s still only the second most important type of risk management. Life
insurance is the best way to ensure your business can continue after you—the owner/operator and financial manager—is gone. Transferring risk is cheaper than you might have thought: you can do it for pennies on the dollar. When you consider all the reasons you need protection from risk—the ability to rebuild after a loss, income replacement if your money machines (other income producers—anything from horses to cattle to crops) die and life insurance to guarantee your loans when you’re gone—there’s no good reason to not protect yourself from risk. Remember, the ability to replace income is the most important item in your family’s future. Life insurance has changed a lot in the last five to 10 years. Rates are less expensive and many insurers now require fewer exams. You don’t need to be an Olympic caliber athlete to get good coverage—just as long as you are in average health for someone of your age, you can get coverage. In fact, for smaller amounts, some companies don’t even require a health exam. How do you determine how much life insurance coverage you will need to sustain your spouse, family and business after you are gone? One way is to add up the total debt on your business (the farm mortgage, equipment loans) and the
income your family needs to make it through the next couple of years. This approach will allow your family to take the time they need to adjust and, should they have to sell the property, they can take their time to get a fair price. More importantly, a life insurance policy can help your family avoid foreclosure in your absence. And you already know that foreclosures are like estate sales—no one is going to pay full price because they’re all looking for a bargain. Some insurers even provide additional benefits that you could use while living if you have been diagnosed with cancer or survived a heart attack. This benefit can provide tax free income when you need it most—when you can’t work but you still have bills to pay. It’s your business. It’s your family. Protect them by ensuring your risks are someone else’s problem. See a good life insurance professional today and have them help you with your specific needs. Happy Trails! Jim Osburn, CLU
Round Pen Woes BY Patricia Titchenal
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ast spring my old horse “Jasper” age 29, died of colic. For the first time in over 20 years I found myself without a horse. One month later I found “Reba”, a 7 year old TB, who was actually given to me by a friend. When I got Reba, we could go out on trails, run down to the local show, and she did most everything I asked. I just got on her and went. The only thing was that I did not feel like we had a bond. A friend suggested that I take her to a clinic with one of those natural guys and said that the bonding process would be complete. I signed Reba up and the two of us learned so much. It was a great weekend! I really enjoyed taking Reba through the process. I never knew before that I could have so much fun working with my horse on the ground or that all horses should be worked in the round pen before you ride. Soon, there was another clinic with another trainer who had similar techniques, but was from a different program. I eagerly signed us up and once again we just had a great time. I thought this must be what was missing all along for me. I felt like I wanted to do the whole program so I could become a trainer myself. I had a new found desire in horsemanship. Progress seemed great as I worked Reba everyday. Sometimes all we would do is work in the round pen. This went on for the next few weeks or so, but Reba suddenly started to get cranky about our workouts. Then one day she kicked out landing me on the ground. Now Reba won’t even go near the round pen, even if she is out grazing. What has happened here? Why won’t my horse go into the Round pen? We seemed to have such a great time before but now she even runs when I go out to catch her! I have lost all of my confidence. We see this situation in a growing number of equestrians. To get to the root of the problem lets break down the factors. 1) The situation as a whole: I applaud your efforts to get to know this horse better. At best it is difficult to settle in with a new horse after losing your old friend. Using natural horsemanship as an avenue can be a wonderful way to get your horse ready for riding and has really changed some of the less desirable techniques used to train horses. However, when a person attends a clinic for a weekend or a short period of time the clinician has limited time to spend with each participant. Because of time constraints it is also quite difficult to explain all of the ins and outs and whys of each exercise. The other constraint would be that there is no time to teach the participant timing which is critical when using any kind of technique with a horse. 2) The good in what happened: While you have come to a cross roads with Reba, something wonderful has taken place. For one thing you have overcome the grieving process that you were in when you lost Jasper. The other thing is, while Reba now refuses to enter the round pen, you have been able to enjoy her on many levels all the while bonding is taking place here. You are also fortunate to have Reba at home where you can be with her and observe her behavior. 3)The Human Factor: People tend to get excited when we have success and want to really use our new skills. You indicated that because of your new successes with Reba you are thinking that you would like to start training horses and have some
different goals than before. 4) The Equine Factor: Reba sounds like a very settled TB, easy going and eager to please her new owner. In her former training , she was trusting and willing to do just about anything that this owner asked. She enjoyed her time with this person but most likely, because of some communication errors, Reba no longer feels successful. In short, when Reba enters the round pen she sees it as something that causes her distress. Reba views the owner as an alpha horse and because of the failure in communication, which is most likely due to a timing issue, Reba feels like she cannot find her place in the herd. Finding the solution: This horse owner has indicated that while they learned much from “Jasper”, he was a lone horse. As nice as it is for an owner to enjoy a horse in their back yard, there are few opportunities to watch how horses interact. Understanding the body language of horses is as important as knowing the temperament of each breed. Finding a course that offers body language is a great way to help your timing while asking the horse to perform ground exercises. If a body language clinic is unavailable in your area - enroll. Also, it would be beneficial to find a farm with multiple horses which are allowed to live in the most natural setting available in the domestic world. What I mean by that is: mares and geldings that are allowed to run overnight in a pasture together with both young and old horses in the mix. Ask the farm owner if you can come and observe. Take a note book and make notations about what you see. Next purchase books on the subject. In addition, if you have a deep sense that becoming a trainer is the direction you would like to go, it would be a good idea to pick one of the two programs you attended and go to the next clinic as an observer. This will give you yet another take on timing. In the mean time, go back to basics with Reba. Make time to take her out of the pasture and do things she enjoyed before. Regain her trust by grooming, bathing and trail riding or take her back to the show. Give her a time to rest and try not to push the exercises again until you have a better understanding of the whys and hows. Also, remember Reba was a horse who was willing to do anything you asked her without much prompting. All horses do not enjoy or even learn well in the round pen, much like all children do not learn to read by phonics. Round penning is one technique, but for centuries horses were trained without them. If you really want to learn the techniques, Reba needs to have a good reason to return to the round pen. You could start by feeding her the evening meal in there and then taking her in there to brush her or just spend time with her. Time is the main ingredient with all horses. I believe you and Reba will reach your goals. If you have any questions or comments or would like information about Body Language schedules through our program log on www.RiderRecovery.com or e-mail at info@RiderRecovery.com The Rider Recovery Program is a faith based program. We help people and horses overcome fear in each other, rebuild confidence in riding and help both horse
and rider communicate and bond. In each issue of the Mane Connection we will present some solutions to the most common situations horses and riders face. If you would like more information, log on at www.RiderRecovery.com or by e-mail info@RiderRecovery.com or by phone at 1.3618.372.8968. We put the King’s horses and the King’s men back together again!
U.S. National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show Trots Into Tulsa
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he U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (U.S. Nationals) begins October 23 and continues through October 31, 2009 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. U.S. Nationals is the flagship competition for the Arabian horse industry and is produced by the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, Colo. Exhibitors and spectators will have plenty of shopping at their fingertips at the U.S. Nationals Shopping Expo in the Exchange Center and Ford Truck Arena. The expo features dozens of equine lifestyle vendors that offer everything from jewelry, tack and furniture to small gifts and fine art. The Ford Truck Arena will be open for shopping October 23-31 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the Exchange Center will be open from October 23-32, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nine-day show is the grand finale of the Arabian horse national show season, which also includes Youth Nationals, Canadian Nationals and Sport Horse Nationals. For the first time, the AHA National Endurance Ride and National Competitive Trail Ride will coincide with U.S. Nationals, October 27-31 in Lake Carl Blackwell in Stillwater, Okla. Last year over 1,800 horses from all over the U.S. and Canada competed at U.S. Nationals for prizes and a chance at the title of National Champion. Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses will again go head to head in nearly 130 classes that span several disciplines including reining, cutting, working cow, trail, mounted native costume, pleasure driving, show hack, in-hand, sidesaddle, park, and English, hunter and western pleasure. U.S. Nationals will again host the nationally accredited Arabian Horse Youth Judging Contest attracting more that 150 youth contestants, competing in three divisions: 4-H/FFA, Jr. AHA and Sr. AHA/Collegiate Teams. The contest awards youth contestants over $10,000 in scholarships and prizes annually. The last two nights of the show include special evening performances which will feature some of the Arabian breed’s most popular spectator classes, including country English and English pleasure, mounted native costume, western pleasure and park. Admission to the show is free in the Ford Truck Arena for the duration of the show, tickets are required for Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Pavilion and can be purchased in the ticket office at the southwest corner of the Pavilion.
Ozark Dressage Society 2nd Annual Instructor Showcase!
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zark Dressage Society is hosting the second annual Instructors Showcase at Shadowbrook Stables in Fair Grove, Mo. on November 7, 2009. The event starts at 9 AM and ends at 5 PM, and is free to the public! Instructors from Missouri are presenting demos and lectures on a wide range of topics for Hunters and Dressage enthusiasts! For more information see the Ozark Dressage Society website! www.ozarkdressage.org or call 417 491-3131.
Have an idea for an article, or news story? Is your organization or business hosting an event? We want to hear about it! Contact us: info@mane-connection.com
Horse Wound Care Article By Andrea Caudill Courtsey of the AQHA www.americashorsedaily.com
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he cut (shown here) WAS A SMALL, SEEMINGLY minor scrape that most horse owners would treat themselves. In fact, the owners treated the wound themselves. They cleaned the wound and administered penicillin and phenylbutazone. Four days later, the horse became lame. The condition worsened, and three days later, they were referred to Dr. Ted Stashak at Colorado State University’s vet teaching hospital. The horse was diagnosed with septic arthritis of the coffin joint and also suffered laminitis in his other forefoot from uneven weight bearing. “It was a case that could have been managed with a high degree of success with less cost had it been brought in shortly after the injury to have it examined,” Dr. Stashak says. Barring the advent of Bubble Wrap suits, horses will sustain injuries no matter how alert their owners are. Knowledge and preparedness are a horseman’s best first aid. When to Call the Vet “MANY OF THE CASES THAT VETERINARIANS DEAL WITH, AND THAT I dealt with through my career through referral, are ones that were managed in most cases initially by the horse owners,” Dr. Stashak says. “Unfortunately, because of lack of recognition of how serious an injury it was, it then became serious because it became infected.” So when is a cut not just a wound? In most cases, Dr. Stashak says, superficial wounds that do not gape open can be managed by a horse owner. Any wound, no matter how small, that overlies a synovial structure is at risk of developing an infection that can be career- or life-threatening. Synovial structures are located in joints and act as sheaths protecting tendons. They contain synovial fluid, a yellowish lubricating, protective fluid. A diagram of the danger zones is on Page 2. Puncture wounds can look very minor but can penetrate deep enough to invade the delicate capsules. Any wound over a synovial region that leaks yellow fluid requires immediate care by a veterinarian. Other situations that require a call to the veterinarian are: • A laceration that is gaping open, requiring stitches. • Any wound that does not appear to be healing; it could be infected or have a foreign body imbedded deep in it. • Any wound near or involving the eye. • Any injury or wound involving blood coming from the nostril; it could involve fractured facial bones, or the cut could penetrate the nasal cavity or sinus and lead to more serious problems. Care by Owner A wound that does not require the attention of a veterinarian can be cared for by the owner. If a wound is heavily contaminated, use a water hose to remove dirt and other contaminates. Then pack the wound with gauze or a clean towel to prevent any more contamination, and then clip the hair around the wound. If you do not have clippers, use a disposable razor. If the wound is not dirty, skip the first step, wet the hair and proceed with clipping.
Then wash out the wound at an angle, using a 60 mL syringe and a 19gauge needle or a spray bottle. Both of these deliver the liquid at an ideal force. Studies have shown the ideal pressure is 10-15 PSI (pounds per square inch). An average water hose releases water at 40 PSI. Fluid delivered at a higher PSI might drive bacteria deeper into the wound or damage tissue. If repeated washings of the wound are needed, Dr. Stashak recommends using a Hydro-T massage nozzle to deliver a safe stream of water. See Wound Cleaner sidebar for proper cleaning solution mixes. Hydrogen peroxide is an antimicrobial commonly used to clean wounds, but it can damage tissue and is not recommended. Once the wound is cleaned, Dr. Stashak recommends a triple antibiotic or antibiotic spray. Repeatedly applying a nitrofurazone product (such as Fura-Zone) can delay healing. As for bandaging, “upper body wounds are very difficult to manage,” Dr. Stashak says. “I would prefer lower body wounds to be covered until a healthy bed of granulation tissue develops. As soon as that occurs, you can go ahead and stop bandaging if you want.” Keep a wound bandage on a horse that is in a small paddock or other location where contamination of the wound is likely. Studies have shown unbandaged wounds can take longer to heal – up to 30 percent longer, according to Dr. Stashak – as they tend to dry out. This is especially true for any injuries to the knee and hock and below. A danger from any wound is the possibility of proud flesh developing. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian. Preparing for the Vet IF A HORSE’S WOUND IS IN A DANGEROUS area or is serious enough to need your veterinarian’s assistance, there is first aid you can do to help a situation while waiting for the vet to arrive. Bacteria initially adheres to the wound surface by an electrostatic charge, and within approximately three to six hours they invade the wound tissues and begin to damage them, so prompt care is recommended. First, clean the wound and protect it as described previously, then remove hair with either clippers or a disposable razor. Next, rinse the wound again and apply an antibiotic ointment (such as triple antibiotic or nitrafurasone product). Then put a temporary cover over the wound, such as a clean Telfa pad or 4x4 gauze pads, wrapped so that it will stay on the wound. “That will minimize further contamination,” Dr. Stashak says, “and shorten the period of time the vet needs to be out there. It also prepares the wound for the best opportunity to heal and minimizes the chances for infection to become established.”
Any injury, especially puncture wounds, in the highlighted “danger zones” that include the eye and extend over joints and synovial areas should be immediately checked by a veterinarian. If the injury has entered a synovial cavity and is not treated, the horse can sustain irreparable harm.
FIRST-AID KIT Wrap The easiest way to be ready for any emergency is to have a wellstocked first-aid kit available at all times. Here are recommended items to have in the kit: • Clippers or a guarded razor • 60 mL syringe and 19-gauge needle or spray bottle to wash out wounds • Telfa dressings or antimicrobial dressing such as Kerlix AMD • Antiseptic soap to clean around wound • Wound cleaner, like diluted povidone iodine • Gauze • Elastic gauze, like Vetrap • Padded cotton • Betadine or triple antibiotic ointment • Tongue depressors to apply ointment • Scissors
The next layer is absorbent rolled cotton. This will help prevent injury from a too-tight bandage. Make sure it is flat with no wrinkles
If leg wraps are incorrectly applied, they can cause damage to the leg. Dr. Chris Morrow of Mobile Veterinary Practice in Amarillo, demonstrated, step-by-step, how to correctly apply a bandage to a minor mid-leg wound. Make sure you have help and some sort of restraint. In this case, it’s a rear-leg wound, and it’s dangerous enough to be behind the horse, then add working on an area that’s already sore. Begin by prepping the wound area by clipping the hair around the wound, then applying a non-stick Telfa pad. I don’t tend to put anything on the wound as far as dressings, unless they were grossly contaminated, he said. A clean, dry bandage allows me to know what’s coming out of the wound.
Self-sticking elastic wrap, such as Vetrap, covers the cotton. Pull with an even tension and wrap from the top of the leg to the bottom.
Apply an elastic bandage to hold the pad in place. Wrap from the inside of the leg to the outside counterclockwise on left legs and clockwise on right legs. When you put the bandage on, make sure that everything stays smooth.
The final step is adding elastic tape to the top and bottom of the wound to help the bandage stay put.Morrow changes the bandage every three days. Antibiotics are always indicated if it’s full thickness. “If you’re near a joint or tendon sheath, call
The American Spirit Drill Team
The One-Rein Stop
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From Rick Lamb’s HORSE SMART’S For the Busy Rider
he American Spirit Drill Team (TASDT) was founded by a group of friends who just wanted to have fun and fellowship with each other and their horses. Over the last five years, TASDT has developed into a well-choreographed drill team that has performed opening ceremonies for many Cowboys for Christ events, received invitations from PBR and Missouri Chuckwagon Association, and participated in numerous parades in Southwest Missouri. Even with such success, the team’s roots of fellowship and fun far outweigh the pressures of competition and the stress to be perfect. It is all about learning and working as a team. The performance is the icing on the cake.
B
eing stuck on a runaway horse is the biggest fear of most riders. The one-rein stop can change all that.
The fine sponsorship of PFI Western Store in Springfield, Mo. has enabled this team, comprised of riders from Branson, Ozark, Highlandvile, Galen, Rogersville, and surrounding areas to continue their fellowship and perfect their drills. Currently, TASDT is seeking more riders for their team and invite riders of high school age or older, with basic equitation skills, a safe horse, a willingness to take direction and a desire to learn and work together as a team, to join them Thursday nights at the Finley River Equestrian Arena in the Ozark City Park, Ozark, MO. at 7:30 p.m. Come and join the fun and fellowship of TASDT! For more information, call Cindi at 417294-2268.
To do the one-rein stop, the rider pulls on one rein instead of two. This bends the horse’s head and neck to one side, making it hard for him to keep running forward. For the rider, this is not a difficult maneuver, as the horse has relatively little strength in his neck to oppose lateral movement. But the true magic occurs when the horse is conditioned to this cue ahead of time, as Dr. Robert M. Miller Describes. A conditioned response is an involuntary response. It’s working on the subconscious mind, which overrules the conscious mind. So even though he wants to run straight away, if you have established as a conditioned response that, when this horse feels this pressure, he’s going to bend his head laterally all the way around, basically, it pulls him to a stop. As he’s slowing down, the horse will veer off to one side, so be sure you allow space for that.
Ticket Sales Exceeding Expectations for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
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ithin three hours of the public ticket sales launch for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, tens of thousands of tickets had already been purchased for the world’s most prestigious equestrian competition.
Tickets have already been reserved in each of the 49 competition sessions available for the 2010 Games, including opening and closing ceremonies. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will feature eight world championships in equestrian sport at the Kentucky Horse Park from Sept. 25 to Oct. 10, 2010. Tickets are on sale at www.alltechfeigames.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000.
Therapeutic Horsemanship Benefit Polo Match a HUGE Success!
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t was really an amazing afternoon! So many people came out to support TH and others who came to see the match left with such great impressions about TH and what we do.” This comment made by Kristi Kovalak, a member of Therapeutic Horsemanship’s Board of Directors, pretty much summed up the 7th Annual Benefit Polo Match, which provides a significant portion of the revenues required for the operation of this beneficial program. Guests enjoyed delightful weather while they were treated to numerous family-friendly activities and learned about the game of polo, including the “stomping of the divots” at intermission. TH rider Monica Marsh threw out the first ball and Addilee Geisler and Ashly Armstrong provided a narrated demonstration with program riders.
“Ticket sales have already far-exceeded our expectations,” said World Games 2010 Foundation CEO Jamie Link. “By the end of this first day of public sales, more than 20 percent of tickets for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be reserved.” As expected by the Foundation, sessions for final rounds of competition are showing particularly strong interest, as well as opening and closing ceremonies and the reining freestyle exhibition. A demographic breakdown of countries represented in the first wave of ticket sales will be available this week. Ticketholders are already visiting www.alltechfeigames.com to plan their trips to Kentucky, where spectator information includes: --Housing and Accommodations --On-site Parking Permits available for purchase --Headset rentals for competition coverage --Travel and Tourism information Spectators can find out more about traveling to Kentucky at www. kentuckytourism.com and www.visitlex.com. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale. Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The games are held every four years, and this will be the first occurrence in the United States. The games run for 16 days in 2010, Saturday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Oct. 10.
Spirit Valley Farms’ Janet and Smith Mcghee graciously provided their spacious facilities for the event and Spirit Valley Farms and Friends of TH played an exciting 7-7 match. Additionally, volunteer chairpersons Nate Harms and Christina Blankenship, their volunteer committee, and TH staff worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone who attended enjoyed the opportunity to support Therapeutic Horsemanship and the developmentally and physically challenged riders it serves. JOB WELL DONE!
For more on Therapeutic Horsemanship please call 636-332-4940 or visit their website at www.thstl.org.
MAJORITY OF BOTH PARTIES BACK LAND CONSERVATION BILL
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ASHINGTON, DC (Oct. 1, 2009) –The Land Trust Alliance announced today that a majority of the House of Representatives – including majorities of both Democratic and Republican members – has co-sponsored legislation that will help protect millions of acres of the nation’s forests, agricultural lands and open spaces. H.R. 1831 makes permanent an expiring incentive that allows modest-income landowners to receive meaningful tax deductions for donating conservation easements that permanently protect important natural or historic resources on their lands. Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Eric Cantor (R-VA) have now recruited 232 cosponsors for their Conservation Easement Incentive Act, H.R. 1831. This proposal has solid backing from every part of the country and from across the ideological spectrum, including a majority of both the Democratic and Republican members of the Ways and Means Committee. “In this time when partisan conflict seems to be the norm, we are thrilled that Democrats and Republicans can agree on the importance of conservation,” said Rand Wentworth, Land Trust Alliance president. “Unless Congress acts, this important tool for conserving special places across America will expire at the end of 2009. We look forward to working with all 232 co-sponsors to enact the bill this year.”
“We’ve seen a 50 percent increase in the number of conservation easement donations since Congress passed my provisions to enhance these tax benefits on a temporary basis in 2006,” said Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA). “It’s time we made these protections permanent. By making sure that landowners can count on this, we’ll take a big step forward in protecting environmentally important lands and family farms.” “Many families across Virginia have made great use of this tax deduction. Providing permanent incentives for easements is smart policy to promote conservation,” said House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA). Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and ranking member Charles Grassley (R-IA) have secured 30 co-sponsors for companion legislation in the Senate, the Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act, S. 812. For a complete list of House and Senate co-sponsors, please visit www.lta. org/easementincentive/cosponsors/. The Land Trust Alliance is a national conservation group that works to save the places people love, working with nearly 1,700 local, regional and national nonprofit conservation organizations. It works to increase the pace and quality of
conservation by advocating favorable tax policies, training land trusts in best practices, and working to ensure the permanence of conservation in the face of continuing threats.
Horse Shows Oct. 9 thru 11 St. Louis Area Dressage Society The National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO thenationalequestriancenter.com Oct. 10 Jefferson County Trail Riders Charity Fun Show Grubville, MO 636-586-6939 Oct. 10 Safe Saddle Club Cowboy Challenge, 10am Safe, MO www.safesaddleclub.com Oct. 10 Shadowbrook Hunter/Jumper Show Fair Grove, MO www.smhja.org Oct. 10 Day of Fun Rain Date Lincoln County Fairgrounds Troy, MO www.gwha.org
MRHA The National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO thenationalequestriancenter.com Oct. 17 Richland Saddle Club Fun Show Richland, MO www.richlandmosaddleclub.webs. com or 573-736-5533 Oct. 23 thru 25 Irish Fox Schooling Show The National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO thenationalequestriancenter.com or 636-398-6868 Oct. 24 Fun & Frolic Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO thenationalequestriancenter.com or 636-561-8080 Oct. 24 GWHA Show Rain Date Lincoln County Fairgrounds www.gwha.org
Oct. 10 & 11 Local Hunter Jumper Show American Royal, Kansas City, MO www.americanroyal.com
Oct. 25 St. Clair Saddle Club Fun Show & Costume Contest, 1pm St. Clair, MO www.stclairsaddleclubsite.com
Oct. 11 Mid Rivers Halloween Show Therapeutic Horsemanship, Wentzville, MO www.midriverssaddleclub.com or 636-299-2530
Oct. 29 thru Nov. 1 IFSHA Grand Nationals National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO www.friesianshowhorse.com or 262-249-8870
Oct. 16 thru 18
Oct. 30 thru Nov. 1 Janian Horse Show Midway Expo Center, Columbia, MO www.midwayexpo.com or 573-445-8338 31 - Happy Halloween! Nov. 4 thru 8 National H/J Horse Show American Royal, Kansas City, MO www.americanroyal.com Nov. 6 thru 8 Equine Productions H/J Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO thenationalequestriancenter.com or 636-398-4623 Nov. 11 thru 14 Cutting Horse Show American Royal, Kansas City, MO www.americanroyal.com Nov. 11 thru 15
Equine Productions Hunter Jumper Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO www.thenationalequestriancenter. com or 636-398-4623 Nov. 15 thru 21 UPHA American Royal Championship American Royal, Kansas City, MO www.americanroyal.com Nov. 27 thru 29 Midway Quarter Horse Show Midway Expo Center, Columbia, MO www.midwayexpo.com or 573-445-8338
Boone County Fairgrounds, Columbia, MO www.charitonvet.com or 800-748-7837 Oct. 17 Puxico Horse Sale Puxico, MO 573-222-6229
Nov. 28 Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769 Nov. 28 Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360
Oct. 24 World Foxtrotting Sale Boone County Fairgrounds, Columbia, MO 573-364-3662
Dec. 3 Wright County Horse Auction Mountain Grove, MO 417-926-4136
Oct. 24 Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769
Dec. 3 Mountain Grove Horse Auction Mountain Grove, MO 870-458-2780
Oct. 24 Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360
Dec. 5 Rolla Horse Sale St. James, MO 573-265-8813
Nov. 5 Wright County Horse Auction Mountain Grove, MO 417-926-4136
Dec. 5 Lolli Brothers Horse Auction Macon, MO 660-385-2516
Nov. 5 Mountain Grove Horse Auction Mountain Grove, MO 870-458-2780
Dec. 5 Puxico Horse Sale Puxico, MO 573-222-6229
Nov. 7 Rolla Horse Sale St. James, MO 573-265-8813
Dec. 12 Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769
Nov. 7 Lolli Brothers Horse Auction Macon, MO 660-385-2516
Dec. 12 Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360
Nov. 26 - Happy Thanksgiving! Nov. 28 Fun & Frolic Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO thenationalequestriancenter.com or 636-561-8080 Dec. 2 thru 6 Equine Productions Hunter Jumper Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO thenationalequestriancenter.com or 636-398-4623 Dec. 9 thru 13 Equine Productions H/J Show National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO thenationalequestriancenter.com or 636-398-4623
Sales Oct. 10 Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769 Oct. 10 Lone Star Ranch Year-end Tack Sale Lone Star Ranch, Kansas City, Mo www.lonestarranchkcmo.com Oct. 10 Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360 Oct. 17 Rolla Horse Sale St. James, MO 573-265-8813 Oct. 17 Show Me Classic Horse Sale
Nov. 7 Puxico Horse Sale Puxico, MO 573-222-6229 Nov. 14 Farmington Horse Sale Farmington, MO 573-756-5769 Nov. 14 Owensville Horse Auction Owensville, MO 573-437-5360 Nov. 21 Rolla Horse Sale St. James, MO 573-265-8813 Nov. 21 Puxico Horse Sale Puxico, MO 573-222-6229
Trail Rides None Listed
Ropings None Listed
Rodeos Oct. 9 & 10 1st Annual Raise The Roof Rodeo benefiting Hoofed Heroes Belle Saddle Club Arena www.hoofedheroes.org Oct. 19 thru 24 Youth Rodeo American Royal, Kansas City, MO www.americanroyal.com
Oct. 22 thru 24 Dodge Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo American Royal, Kansas City, MO www.americanroyal.com Nov. 20 & 21 Midway Rodeo Midway Expo Center, Columbia, MO www.midwayexpo.com or 573-445-8338
Clinics
HORSES FOR SALE
Oct. 10-11 Richard Shrake Weekend (2 day) Riding Clinic. The Due West Ranch Arena 12001 Donohoo Road Kansas City, KS Contact: Linda Wright painteddreamsfarm@gmail.com
Barrel Races Oct. 14 thru 18 Barrel Bash American Royal, Kansas City, MO www.americanroyal.com Oct. 17 Missouri Dist. 2 MBHA Barrel Race Double J Arena, Humansville, MO www.nbhamo2.com or 417-894-8489 Oct. 27 thru 29 Barrel Bash Boone County Fairgrounds, Columbia, MO 641-743-8223 Nov. 7 Missouri Dist. 2 MBHA Barrel Race Double J Arena, Humansville, MO www.nbhamo2.com or 417-894-8489
Events Oct. 10 Concert of Dancing Horses Featuring Jerry Diaz American Royal, KC, MO www.americanroyal.com
To add your event to the Mane Connection Calendar of Events, please e-mail us at info@mane-connection.com
horse, nice mover, registered (jockey club) sire Breeders cup winner ,” Alphabet soup “$1,500 618-973-3477 or nicolajwheeler@hotmail.com
SERVICES Missouri hay for sale - square bales alfalfa or mixed bales of alfalfa, brome and orchard grass, and round bales. Contact Queen Bee Stables. Barn phone 417-588-6274 or home phone 636-583-4046. HORSE TRANSPORT: Local/ Long distance,reasonable rates,good equipment. Custom transport for the owner that wants there horse right away. Call 573.364.8737. Rolla,Mo. Larry Harrison www. drycreekranchandstables.com
Lightning Jacks Marie Lavoe aka Marie is a 4 year old solid sorrel mare. Professionally trained, she was briefly shown as 3 year old. Will make a wonderful 4 year old show prospect. Has also been on the trails. Your choice for show or pleasure. Priced at $5000. Up to date on all shots including West Nile. Loads, bathes, clips, etc. http:// www.queenbeestables.com/ or 417-588-6274 Absolutely beautiful 5 y/o black mare, no markings. Gentle, has had 30 days professional training but was bred to “Greyboy” and had a handsome solid black colt. This outstanding mare will work in any program whether you want a trail companion or as an addition to a breeding program. http://www.queenbeestables. com/ or 417-588-6274
are looking to breed for show quality, you owe it to yourself to give Greyboy your strong consideration! 1996 World Grand Champion 4 Year Old, 1995 3 Year Old Futurity Open S&G Champion, 1995 3 Year Old Open Stud Champion. Stud fee $300 and mare care is $6 per day
Reining, Cutting and Cow Horses, well started to finished winners by proven sires and dams. Standing Smart War Olena, The Flashy King, and Smart Chic O’Dry. www. mclaughlinwesternstore.com Paris, MO 660-327-4869 A nice selection of Missouri Foxtrotting Horse Trail Horses. www.moorefoxtrotters.com
Cast Iron Wizard will be standing in Missouri for Fall Breeding Season only. Two time world champion, excellent disposition, gait, and conformation. Over 60 foals throughout the US and Canada. Standing at Hollandsworth Stables in Owensville, please visit our website at www. hiddenacresfoxtrotters.com for more details.
BOARDING & TRAINING
BREEDING
Halter broke, small amount of ground training, gentle bay filly, 16 hands. Dam is sorrel reg. AQHA 16 hands, Sire is a black Percheron 16.3 hands. Price is negotiable, NO horse dealers please. She is UTD on shots and worming. Is reg. with Draft Cross Registry of America. Sport Horse Prospect. milanpercherons@ Miss America’s Masterpiece aka Greyboy the only son of aol.com or 660-265-3997 the late, great Miss America! 7 year old grey mare Miss America was only shown thoroughbred, 16.2hh , quiet one year as a 2 year old and disposition, quiet ride , excellent won the Open World Grand ground manners , just the Championship. Since Greyboy sweetest girl you could find,, has returned home, he has ready and willing ,will make shown to sire excellent crosses someone a super competition with Traveler bred mares. If you
Queen Bee Stables - The fun place to “Bee”! Situated on 55 beautiful acres, Queen Bee Stables features a 12,000 square foot barn, 144 x 60 indoor riding arena, two trailer hook-ups with water, sewer and electric are available for the convenience of our guests for overnight or extended stays, and much more! Full care $200 and pasture boarding $125. Training, breeding, boarding, and sales. Owners Rick and Mary Ellen Frantz. Barn phone 417-588-6274, home phone 636-583-4046.w
we are a family owned complete hoof care provider, we offer full farrier services and also the mustang trim for your barefoot horse,we will work 1 horse or large herds, we also offer discounts 417-379-7046 or mo_cowboy68@yahoo.com
BARNS, CORRALS, FENCING English Riders of Central Mo Love the country but miss The Barn atmosphere? Get connected at HTTP://WWW. ENGLISHRIDERSNET WORK. BLOGSPOT.COM
TACK AND FEED Anderson Tack Horse Supply Lowest Prices. Saddles Bit Bosals Horse Care Items Call for Details. Please contact us at shelly08@centurytel.net or 636-578-4592. New BIG OX Locking Saddle Rack can help prevent theft of your valuable saddle. Solid steel. Made in USA.. bakedon powder-coat finish..Mounts in you wooden tack room w/ special anti-theft hardware(incl) or may be mounted on masonry or metal walls...even in your Show trailer Please look at my website www. bigoxsaddlerack.com
Classified Special!!! 50% OFF Classifieds for Oct/Nov/Dec Now Just $2.50 www.mane-connection.com