July 2026 Issue of Saddle Up! Magazine

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SADDLE UP! MAGAZINE DIRECTORY

4 Season Equine Association Allegan County Speed Series Animal Health Solutions, Equerry Arnold Lumber Black River Farm & Ranch Briana Hali Performance Horses CANTER Michigan Cashmans Horse Equipment Central Michigan Horseman’s Copper Mare Ranch Coventry Realty LLC Digger’s Tile Service Eaton Special Riding Volunteer FQHR of MI Gettin’ Branded Good As New Blankets Great Gaits of Michigan Hosanna Horse Haven Humane Society of HV

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Re/Max Platinum, Kathie Crowley Sara Kolenda, CPA Shoo-Fly Sparta Chevy & Trailers Steven Jagusch AIF T Wellness Tea Tree Oil Products Traci Martin Realtor/Consultant Tuscola County Fair & Shows

ARTICLES & NEWS 16 18 Associations/Trail Riders News 11-12 24 Cardeccia, Kim: 30 When You Stop Forcing, Things Change 19 37 3 Eversole, Robert: 9 Trailer Math: Power Isn’t the Problem 6 37 Your Horse Doesn't Have a Dashboard 23 15 Palm, Lynn: 18 History Relates to Present Day 14 13 2 18 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 42 Classified Ads 28-29 19 16 Pricing/Ad Rates 17 7 Show & Event Dates Are FREE! 20 25-26 MICHIGAN, OHIO & INDIANA

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Trailer Math: Power Isn’t the Problem

By Robert Eversole trailmeister.com I’ve been getting questions lately as I’ve started offering trailer safety clinics, and a pattern is showing up. The details change, but the core issues don’t. Folks are trying to sort out their towing setups, thinking about different tow vehicles, trailers, and the ways to make it all work. The questions often start with a specific rig in mind, but it’s not really about the vehicles. It’s about the math behind what they’re asking.

people end up with rigs that “should be fine” but don’t feel right once they’re moving down the road.

“Can I tow an 'X' horse trailer with this vehicle?” is one of the most common questions I hear from people driving everything from SUVs to one-ton trucks. The short answer: maybe. The answer that matters depends on the numbers — numbers that don’t care about the badge on the grille.

That’s why I encourage people to flip the process. Instead of starting with the vehicle and trying to make it work, start with the trailer, or at least get close enough to understand what you’re really asking of your tow vehicle. If you don’t own a trailer yet, find a comparable model and look up its empty weight and GVWR (the maximum allowable weight when fully loaded). Then estimate its weight based on what you usually carry.

The symptoms are familiar. The rear squats, headlights illuminate the treetops, and the steering feels light. None of this is surprising when you look at the numbers. The vehicle is simply being asked to carry more than it was designed to handle.

Most people start with towing capacity because that’s what gets advertised. Big numbers, fancy marketing, and promises that the vehicle can “handle it.” The problem is that towing capacity is rarely the limiting factor in the real world. Payload is. Payload is everything your vehicle has to carry, not pull. That includes tongue weight, passengers, road snacks, tack, hay, water, and all the small things that seem insignificant on their own. These quickly add up once you start loading for a day or weekend with horses.

From there, determine tongue weight, ideally with a scale for accuracy. Once you have that, ask a better question: Not “Can I tow it?” but “Can my vehicle carry the weight this trailer puts on it?” That shift moves the conversation from guesswork to informed decisions.

The goal isn’t to make a particular vehicle work at all costs.

The goal is to build a towing system that works safely, predictably, and without drama. If the math says you’re on the edge, you’re already too close. Those numbers assume perfect conditions. Real-world driving includes hills, traffic, and moments where you need your vehicle to work without question.

This is where it catches people off guard. You can have a vehicle rated to tow far more than your trailer weighs. Still, you may run out of payload long before you ever load the horses. That’s not a failure of the tow vehicle. It’s math, and it’s predictable if you take the time to run the numbers before you hitch the trailer.

Let’s foot it out in plain terms. Say your tow vehicle has a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. That number isn’t from a brochure. It’s printed on the driver’s door sticker of your specific vehicle. It reflects what that exact configuration can carry. From there, you start subtracting real weight.

Passengers first. It’s worth being honest here. Add in a dog, a cooler, tack, and whatever else ends up in the cab or bed.

It’s not hard to be 800 to 1,000 pounds into your payload before the trailer is even part of the equation.

Most towing problems aren’t power issues; they’re math problems. Modern vehicles generally have plenty of horsepower. What really matters is how much they can safely carry once fully loaded for a horse trip.

If you remember one thing, make it this: Know your payload, determine your tongue weight, and do the math before you hook up. Trust the numbers. This is math, not opinion.

For more of my thoughts on life with mules, trail riding, and camping with livestock, the world’s largest guide to horse trails and camps, and for copies of my books, give me a visit at www.TrailMeister.com.

Then you add tongue weight. This is the downward force the trailer applies to the hitch. For most bumper-pull horse trailers, a reasonable estimate is 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. The best answer is always to measure directly. If your trailer weighs 5,000 pounds loaded, you’re looking at roughly 500 to 750 pounds of tongue weight.

Every bit of that goes straight onto your vehicle’s payload.

Now the math becomes clear. You started with 1,500 pounds of payload and used 900 pounds on people and gear. Now you have 600 pounds left. Your trailer adds 650 pounds of tongue weight. You are now over your payload rating before the horses are even loaded. That’s how JULY 2026

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HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

MI FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSN.

I am glad that we had our one week of perfect haying weather last month. Now that my supply is in the barn, I can focus on my riding lessons. It’s always worth it to sharpen my skills. I learn from a number of different clinicians to get a wider perspective. I have been learning from Gaye DeRusso on how to get my trotty mare to gait properly. Carl Bledsoe (Just Gait!) is another good one who can help you find your horse’s gait. He will be at Morning View Farm in Ionia,MI August 28-29. Contact Susan Williams (517-7559899) for more information and to reserve your spot. Besides that, it has been cool and rainy. This cooler weather is great for riding though. Members Kelly & John Sweet up in Barton City,MI have a stable and 501 c3 rescue called K’Lorne Acres. They will take you through beautiful woods and hills on their horses. Young and old can enjoy the scenery and camaraderie while gaiting on beautiful well-kept horses. Contact them at 224-605-8257 to find out more.

Ready to train one or two quality broodmares? These two well-gaited Palominos who came from Cecil Huff’s farm are ready for you to turn them into trail partners or Dressage or cow horses.

Contact Susan Williams (517-755-9899) for an appointment to check them out at her farm in Ionia, MI. Remember to send in your new horses’ registration paperwork to transfer them into your name. Go to mfthba.com to do that. Check out our website(michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com) for more interesting and useful information too!

HORSE ASSOCIATIONS & TRAIL RIDING GROUPS

Join us monthly, bi-monthly or as needed. There is no cost to your group, and we’ll always have a spot waiting for you!

JUNE 2026

MI TRAIL RIDERS ASSN.

For those who love horses, the outdoors, and the adventure of exploring new trails, the Michigan Trail Riders Association (MTRA) offers something truly special. We are a community of riders who are passionate about preserving and enjoying Michigan's Shore to Shore trail system while creating lasting memories with our horses, friends, and families.

At the heart of MTRA is our membership.

Every member plays an important role in helping us fulfill our mission of protecting and promoting equestrian trail riding opportunities in Michigan.

Membership dues help support trail advocacy, maintenance projects, educational programs, and organized events that benefit riders across the state. By joining MTRA, you are helping ensure that future generations of horse enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the trails we treasure today.

While membership provides the foundation for our success, volunteers are the driving force behind everything we accomplish. Whether it's helping clear trails, assisting with organized rides, serving on committees, supporting fundraisers, or sharing ideas and talents, volunteers make a tremendous difference. No contribution is too small.

Every hour spent volunteering helps strengthen our organization and improves the experience for fellow riders. Volunteering is also one of the best ways to become more involved, meet other members, and make a meaningful impact on the trail-riding community.

One of the most exciting developments within MTRA is our new Activities Committee. This enthusiastic group is dedicated to creating fun, engaging opportunities for members to connect and enjoy their time together. The committee has many exciting plans for our organized rides, including social activities, friendly competitions, themed

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events, educational opportunities, and campfire gatherings that bring riders together after a day on the trail. These activities add another layer of enjoyment to our events and help create memorable experiences for members of all ages.

MTRA organized rides offer far more than miles of beautiful trails. They provide an opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect with people who understand the unique bond between horse and rider. Whether you're camping for a weekend ride, sharing stories around the campfire, or exploring a scenic trail with a new riding partner, you'll quickly discover the sense of community that makes MTRA special.

Many of our members join because they love trail riding, but they stay because of the friendships they build. There's something special about spending time with people who share your passion for horses and the outdoors. New members are always welcomed, and it doesn't take long before familiar faces become trusted friends. Some members have formed lifelong friendships through MTRA, and many would say their closest riding companions were first met at an association event.

If you've been looking for a way to become more involved in Michigan's trail-riding community, now is the perfect time to join. Become a member, volunteer when you can, participate in our organized rides, and experience everything MTRA has to offer. Together, we can protect our trails, strengthen our organization, and continue creating unforgettable adventures on horseback.

The trails are waiting, the campfires are burning, and new friendships are ready to be made. Join the Michigan Trail Riders Association and discover where the trail can take you. Mtra.org HTTPS://SADDLEUPMAG.COM/

HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS ORTONVILLE REC. EQ. ASSN.

I hope you’re having fun out on your horses this year!!! A group of our trail riders had some fun in June when they robbed a train!

They were partnering with the Genesee County Parks to bring a fun and unique experience to a group of passengers on the Huckleberry Railroad.

OREA is about partnerships. Of course our main partnership is with the DNR Team out of the Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area. We partner with the DNR Team to improve the user experience at the Ortonville Equestrian Campground, Day Use Area, and Trails. Also in June, we partnered with them to help introduce a new group of people that were interested in learning how to have fun by camping with their horses. This was an idea that the DNR came up with and OREA provided support for because we wanted to share something we love to do with others that wanted to expand their fun with their horses. The DNR provided the free weekend of camping and we had presentations on saddle fitting, veterinary care for your horse, how to set up and use high-lines and portable pens, how to start a fire as well as demonstrating the various means of camping with your horse from tenting to high-end LQ trailers. Of course, we also got to ride out on the trails. We are hopeful this provides them with a way to have more fun with their horses.

In May, OREA partnered with the Walking Horse Association of Michigan (WHAM) to bring you a Judged Trail Ride for the second straight year. OREA worked as a support team along with the DNR to take care of some logistics like clearing the trails, coordinating parking, and getting judges to where they needed to be (and back) – so that the participants could concentrate on having fun!

As with most smaller nonprofit organizations, OREA is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and the work that OREA does is accomplished by volunteers (helping the DNR Team). We would like to share our volunteer spirit with you by inviting you to volunteer! While we would love to have you volunteer with OREA, that may not be practical for your situation.

What is it that you enjoy doing? How could that be beneficial to others?

OREA does lots of things that do not involve riding horses! We build corrals and other JULY 2026

structures like mounting blocks out on the trail. We hold events that would benefit from people who like to cook or decorate. Because we need funds to accomplish our goals, we would benefit from people who are willing to interface with local businesses to solicit sponsorships for activities or donate money or goods to be auctioned or to become a business member. You could do an independent fundraiser and donate the proceeds. Have tech skills? We have a website. Have writing or engineering skills.

Someone to research or provide specifications for grants would be fantastic!

Willing to coordinate rides with others? We also explore to discover old trails and help maintain the existing trails. We have started to remove invasive plants from the trail system – opening up the view for all to enjoy!

We could also leverage people with heavy equipment to help complete the redesign of the Day Use Area or haul asphalt millings for us to use to define level the parking sites for the campground.

Everyone is welcome to join OREA Board meetings – and you can do it virtually. Go to the hadleyhills.com website and join the meeting from the Board Mtgs tab.

Hope to see you all out on the trails!

IHTA hopes to build more obstacles on Phase 2 of the Confidence Course, but we are still waiting for approval of the location of each obstacle.

We hope to get that approval soon and hopefully will have scheduled a work bee to create the obstacles and do any needed clean up work in the campground, by the time of this publication.

If you haven't yet renewed or established your membership with Ionia please find a form linked on the footer of every page of our website. ioniahorsetrails.org A single membership is still only $15, family $20, and lifetime just $200.

Hope to see you on the trails and at our events!

Michigan, Ohio & Indiana HORSE ASSOCIATIONS & TRAIL RIDING GROUPS

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IONIA HORSE TRAILS ASSOCIATION

If you camped at Ionia in 2026 you know the entry point for the campground has been changed. This will continue for 2026 and potentially the future. The old driveway may be blocked off the 2026 camping season, but for now it was decided to keep it open.

IHTA hosted a brand new event on June 6!

We had our typical poker ride and 50/50, and included lunch at the pavilion. You may have seen posts on facebook of Game Day at the arena beside Day Staging. We scored riders on five games played on horseback and introduced those interested to a 42" soccer ball. Most events were individual timed games, but with more riders in the future some will convert to relay games.

The overall winner for the day was Jim Emaus. If you run into him, a Congratulation would be in order!

Join us monthly, bi-monthly or as needed.

There is no cost to your group and we’ll always have a spot waiting for you!

Word Limit: 600 words Deadline: 16th for following issue.

Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com First time submission?

Please include logo, email, website, and social media page. A word document, PDF or within the body of your email will work great.

The IHTA Chili Cookoff will be October 3, 2026 - set that annual reminder or calendar event for the first Saturday in October.

Reservations opened six months before, so I hope you have yours made!

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Palm Partnership Academy™ How Dressage Principles Contribute to Longevity of Horse and Rider History Relates to Present Day

By Lynn Palm | lynnpalm.com how his movement became more comfortable and the cadence of each gait became more defined. I also was learning lateral training; Turn on the Forehand, Yielding, Turn on the Haunches, Shoulder In, Travers, Ravers, Half Pass. I was learning collection! Advancing all the transitions, especially the flying lead change, was the best feeling ever!

Ms. Steele lived just down the street from me. Her small horse farm of 3 acres was the most perfect dream home I could ever imagine. White painted board fences and a stable that was red with white trim, I will always remember the white on the dutch doors. On weekends I would ride my bike to her farm in hopes of getting a glimpse of her riding. Then it happened, one Saturday, when I arrived, she was riding! She stopped, introduced herself and invited me in to meet her and her horses. For more than 30 years I rode with her. Little did I know what all she would give me. She taught me how to train a horse and spent so much time explaining not only how, but why. Over time this taught me how to teach others.

At the time, I did not know that I was learning to ride Dressage, which is the natural way for the training of the horse. I practiced everything at home with my own horses and when I ran into challenges, Ms. Steele would always be there to help me. Not only were those years the foundation for me as a rider, but I was also following the steps for training horses that would last well into their golden years.

What I was learning was that Dressage was the foundation of training for all horses and how it influenced multiple disciplines like Hunter, Western and Driving. I was able to compete with my horses, and they were so responsive in their tasks and willingness to do so while building fitness. Six decades later, this training is what I follow today which mirrors the requirements in Dressage and Western Dressage!

She rode her horses using Dressage and its principles and turned that foundation into entertainment as she performed with the Ringling Bros Circus. She and her husband retired from the Circus and had built this dream farm in Sarasota which was the winter destination for the circus. Together they bought animals and trained them for entertainment but in retirement she took me in as a life-long student.

Follow this series to discover how the Principles of Dressage built the foundation of my riding and training which shaped my career in competition, education and entertainment.

Her influence was amazing as soon as I started taking lessons with her. She allowed me to ride, “Nick Nac” a beautiful saddlebred quarter horse cross who was dark chestnut, with 4 tall socks and flaxen mane and tail. Learning the basics of walk, trot, and canter, I was learning how to put my horse in balance by controlling straightness each direction. When I did I could “feel” how the horse relaxed and

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The acreage is split among four parcels, with the home situated on the largest parcel of 5.95 acres. This property offers wonderful potential for horse ownership, with numerous ideal locations to build a custom horse barn. Buyer to verify permitted number of horses, animals, and any required permits directly with the local municipality.

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WHEN YOU STOP FORCING, THINGS CHANGE

By Kim Cardeccia | ConfidenceThroughConnection.com

urgency, less attachment, less making the horse’s response mean something about us.

There is a kind of effort that feels like love. We try harder.

We ask again. We add more energy, intention, and presence.

We want things to go well for the horse, and often for ourselves too. Without realizing it, our caring can begin to turn into pressure.

This does not mean becoming passive or giving up leadership. It means returning to leadership that is clear enough to guide and soft enough to listen. Clarity gives softness a shape. Softness without clarity can feel vague to a horse. Clarity without softness can become pressure before we know it.

Forcing is not always harsh or obvious. Sometimes it looks like tightening our body while trying to appear calm.

Sometimes it looks like repeating a request before the horse has had time to answer. Sometimes it looks like holding so tightly to the plan that we stop noticing what is happening in front of us.

Your horse’s response is not a report card. It is a conversation. If your horse hesitates, braces, walks away, rushes, or says no, it does not mean you have failed. It means there is information here. Maybe the ask was unclear. Maybe the timing was too quick. Maybe your horse needs more time. Maybe your own body became tighter than you realized.

The horse may not protest dramatically. They may simply brace, look away, slow down, disconnect, or become unavailable in ways that are almost too quiet to name. Then we wonder why things feel harder than they should.

One useful shift in horsemanship is learning to notice the moment effort becomes pressure. Pressure changes the conversation. When we become attached to completing the task, our body stops feeling like an invitation and starts feeling like something the horse needs to protect themselves from. Our breathing changes. Our timing quickens. Our thinking narrows. We begin responding more to the voices inside our head than to the horse in front of us.

When we can receive that information without collapsing into shame or pushing past it, we become more available.

We can pause. We can breathe. We can soften what tightened. We can clarify what became muddy. We can return to the horse in front of us.

Sometimes that means changing the plan, and that can be disappointing. Listening to your horse matters more than completing the plan.

I should be able to do this. My horse should know this by now. This should be going better.

Connection is not always built through completion.

Sometimes it is built when we notice the first sign of brace and choose not to push through it. Sometimes it is built when we change direction before the horse has to shout.

Sometimes it is built when we allow a pause to become part of the work rather than an interruption.

Horses feel that. They feel the difference between clarity and urgency, between a steady invitation and a demand wrapped in soft language. They feel the difference between a human who is present and a human who is performing calm while carrying pressure beneath the surface.

That is where things begin to change. Not because we stopped leading, but because we stopped forcing. When we stop forcing, we create room for something more honest to emerge. Not perfect. Not always immediate. But often softer, clearer, more connected, and more true.

Alignment means our intention, body, energy, and actions are moving in the same direction. If our words say, “Take your time,” but our body says, “Hurry up,” the horse receives the body. If our hand says, “Come with me,” but our nervous system says, “I need you to prove I’m doing this right,” the horse feels the need.

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When things feel difficult, our instinct is often to add more: more pressure, more correction, more effort, more insistence. But often the first thing needed is less: less

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Michigan

SHOW & EVENT DATES

EVENTS

15th of the month from April-September: Thistle Run Online Horse Show Series Film & Submit your rides to our USEF & WDAA carded judges for critique! Ribbons mailed home for every class! Dressage, Western, Hunter Jumper and more!

Website: https://thistleruneq.weebly.com July 10 and August 21: Allegan County Speed Series- Friday 6:00pm Series Buckle for High Point and Reserve High Point in Each Age Division! Pre Entry- Encouraged: Link on facebook: ALLEGAN COUNTY SPEED SERIES Billy Mac Arena 1511 14th St. Otsego, MI 49078 July 25th - 26th: Wayne County 4H and Open Shows Location: Wayne County Fairgrounds Belleville, Michigan 48111 Contact: Tiffney Tripp 734 325 5569 Tiffney2001@gmail.com July 30th- August 2nd: Michigan Reining Horse Association- Liberty Derby NRHA & MRHA Reining Classes, plus Ranch Riding and Western Rail Classes.

Introducing the 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞 reining class — the perfect place for brand-new reiners to take their first step into the show pen!

Midland County Farigrounds- 6905 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48642 www.mrha.org August 15th-16th: Twin Elm Training Opportunity Series 8671 Currie Rd Northville MI 48168 Classical and Western Dressage classes offered the first day. Second day is open for clinic rides with the judge. WDAA, WDAAMI, MDA sanctioned. Visit www.twinelmtraining.com for the prizelist and more information.

September 19-20: TCSS Harvest Finale 2026 Traverse City Schooling Shows 3606 Blair Townhall Rd Traverse City, MI 49685 www.traversecityschoolingshows.com Show Contact: Betsy Hill (231) 944-8367

MICHIGAN AUCTIONS HORSE & TACK AUCTION: 2nd Saturday of each month. 5:00pm start. Lake Odessa Livestock Auction, 3675 Tupper Lake Rd., Lake Odessa, MI. Call Roger Leech 231.730.0353. Facebook or lakeodessalivestock.com HORSE/TACK AUCTION: First Saturday of each month (except July) Tack 2pm, Horses after 6pm. Consignments welcome. Northern Michigan Livestock, 1848 N. Townline Rd. Gaylord, MI. Office 231.439.5679. Find us on Facebook. northernmichiganlivestock.com MONDAYS: HAY & STRAW: 3:30pm, Livestock 5pm (cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, etc.) Ravenna Auction, LLC. 3265 S. Slocum Road, Ravenna, MI. Call 231.853-.5738. Facebook or visit us at ravennaauction.com TACK AUCTION: 3rd Saturday of each month, 5pm start. Longhorn Auction Service, 3265 S. Slocum Rd., Ravenna, MI. Call 231.730-0353. Facebook: Longhom Auction Service TACK AUCTION: Select Tuesday Evenings ALL ONLINE! Facebook: Tri-Pine Tack & Western Boutique.

(517) 937-9439 tripinetack04@gmail.com Items bought can be shipped or you can pick up in Hastings, Michigan

YODER BROS. AUCTION SERVICE: Spring and Fall Horse and Carriage Auctions in Mt. Pleasant, MI. August 21st & Sepetember 25th: Barry County Under The Lights Speed Show Auctioneers: LeRoy Yoder or Willis Yoder, Rain or shine. Daily & Series High Point awards. 989-386-9082, Clair, MI. Barry County Fairgrounds 1350 M-37, Hastings, MI 49058 Contact Melissa for more info: 616-206-9774 August 22nd & Sepetember 26th: Barry County Open Pleasure Series Daily & Series High Point. EWD Welcome.

Barry County Fairgrounds 1350 M-37, Hastings, MI 49058 Contact Melissa for more info: 616-206-9774

Aug. 22: Ride & Drive-A-Thon: Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Assoc.

8:30am-3:30pm- Sleepy Hollow State Park 7835 E. Price Rd Laingsburg, MI 48848 Registration fee is $25 per rider.

Questions: Dorothy @ 517-763-3729 September 4-6: Shoreline All Breed Youth Show- 23rd Annual at Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington, Michigan. Open to youth of all ages and experience levels!

Follow facebook page for more info: Shoreline All Breed Youth Show September 5th-Pine Lake May Dressage Show Entries close August 27th English & Western Dressage thru 2nd level 12300 Pine Lake Rd, Plainwell, Mi 49080 Online & mail in entry forms at pinelakestables.com Contact Mary 269 664 4223, or equineline@mei.net JULY 2026

Ohio

EVENTS July 11th, August 1st, September 12th & October 10th: Farmer’s Tan Gymkhana Series & Hold My Britches Jackpot Series Dusty Britches Equestrian & Dusty Britches Equestrian on Facebook.

Miami County Fairgrounds- Troy, OH July 17th, August 14th, September 18th Hoppel’s Arena Friday Night Lights Early Exhibition begins at 5:00 PM, followed by an evening of barrel racing and pole bending competition.

40891 SR 518, Lisbon, OH 44432 Follow facebook page for more info: Hoppel’s Arena

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OHIO AUCTIONS ATHENS LIVESTOCK SALES: Sale every Saturday at 12:30pm.

Consignment welcome. Athens Livestock Sales, 3738 Enlow Road, Albany, OH. Call 740.592.2322. Email: jdbrowning01@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

MT. HOPE AUCTION: Horse, rack, livestock auctions monthly. Mt. Hope Auction, 8076 SR 241 Millersburg, OH. Call us at 330.674.6188, email: info@mthopeauction.com. Find us on Facebook or mthopeauction.com LARUE HORSE SALE, LLC: Hay, straw, tack, and horse auction on the first Saturday of every month. 1059 Richwood-Larue Rd., Larue, OH. Call 419.889.9150, email laruehorsesales@hotmail.com. laruehorsesales.com

Indiana

EVENTS July 18th: 6th Annual Kevin “Peavine” Anspach Memorial Horse Show Rain or Shine. Payback Classes.

Van Wert County Fairgrounds 1055 S Washington St, Van Wert, OH 45891 Follow facebook page for more info: Northeast Indiana Open Show Circuit

INDIANA AUCTIONS HAMILTON COUNTY HORSE SALES: 1st & 3rd Saturday each month. New and used tack, hay, strawy, trailers, & horses.

Consignors welcome. 22217 St. Road 37 N., Noblesville, IN. Call 317.946.4450 or 317.773.5590 or find us on Facebook.

IILLIANA LIVESTOCK, LLC: Tack, ponies, donkeys, and horse sales held at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds, 325 W. Maple St. Cayuga, IN. Call Clay Norris 574.780.8378 or Cobie Norris 217.260.5696.

Facebook “Illiana Livestock LLC“ SHIPSHEANA TRADING PLACE: Horse Auction Fridays. 10:30am tack, 12:30pm horses. 345 S. Van Buren Shipshewana, IN. 260.768.4129, email: info@shipshewanatradingplace.com, or visit shipshewanatradingplace.com.

TOPEKA LIVESTOCK AUCTION: Hay and livestock auction every Tuesday. 601 E. Lake St., Topeka, IN. Call 260.593.2522 or email us at info@topekalivestock.com. Find us on Facebook or topekalivestock.com.

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Membership Drive: Horse Associations & Trail Groups Special Rates MQHA Tack Sale: MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, Michigan Michigan Horse Expo: Free Distribution, MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI Equine Affaire: Free Distribution, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, Ohio Showbill Issue: Horse Associations/Non-Profits Special Rates Showbill Issue: Horse Associations/Non-Profits Special Rates Showbill Issue: Horse Associations/Non-Profits Special Rates Summer Issue Summer Issue Summer Issue Tack Sale Special: Discounted Ad Rates October thru April Issues Tack Sale Special: Discounted Ad Rates October thru April Issues Tack Sale Special: Discounted Ad Rates October thru April Issues

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Your Horse Doesn't Have a Dashboard

By Robert Eversole trailmeister.com respirations. Reduced gut sounds. Changes in gum color.

Those are your warning lights coming on.

I spend a fair amount of time teaching safety clinics, and one of the things we discuss is paying attention to our vehicles. We look at our truck gauges almost without thinking. Fuel level. Oil pressure. Engine temperature. If the temperature gauge pegs itself in the red, we don't keep driving and hope for the best. If the oil pressure needle drops to zero, we don't shrug and say, "It'll work itself out."

We pay attention because we know the gauges are telling us something. They provide information that allows us to make decisions before a small problem becomes a big one.

The challenge with horses and mules is that they don't come with dashboards.

The information also helps your veterinarian. There's a big difference between saying, "Ruger doesn't seem right," and saying, "His normal pulse is around thirty-six, and right now it's sixty. His respirations are elevated, his gums are tacky, and I can barely hear any gut sounds." One statement voices concern. The other provides information. That information helps your veterinarian begin building a picture of what may be happening before they leave the clinic.

This becomes especially important for those of us who ride and camp in remote places. Many of our favorite trailheads are far from a veterinarian’s office. Sometimes help is far away and, at least for a little while, you're the only person available to evaluate the situation. Knowing how to check vital signs won't make you a veterinarian, but it will make you better prepared.

Our critters don't have gauges or check-engine lights mounted between their ears. No warning messages flash to let us know something is wrong. Instead, equines communicate through changes in behavior and their vital signs. That's why I think every horse owner should know how to take a horse's temperature, pulse, and respiration, and have at least a basic understanding of gum color, capillary refill time, and gut sounds. Those measurements are the closest thing our horses have to engine gauges.

Temperature can indicate infection or heat stress. Pulse often rises with pain or dehydration. Respirations can increase with heat, discomfort, or respiratory problems.

I often hand out a small flyer during clinics with three columns. The first lists generally accepted normal values.

The second is where owners write down their horse's baseline numbers. The third is for the day something feels off. It’s not fancy, just a few numbers and empty boxes, but I think it may be one of the more useful things I hand out.

You can’t recognize abnormal if you've never taken the time to understand what normal looks like for your horse. A pulse of forty beats per minute might be perfectly normal for one horse and a reason for concern in another that normally rests in the low thirties. Every horse is an individual.

"Normal" and "my animal’s normal" are not always the same thing.

I think every horse and mule owner should ask their veterinarian to show them how to take vital signs. Most veterinarians are happy to spend a few minutes showing owners where to feel for a pulse, how to safely take a temperature, and how to count respirations. Those few minutes of instruction can pay dividends later. The first time you try to locate a pulse shouldn't be while your horse is in pain at three in the morning.

You're not trying to become a veterinarian. You're simply learning to read the gauges. Numbers have a way of slowing us down. Instead of feeling helpless, you're gathering useful information. Our trucks come with dashboards. Our horses don't. Learning your horse's vital signs is how we build one of our own.

For more thoughts on trail riding, horse camping, emergency preparedness, and caring for the horses and mules that carry us into wild places, visit me at www.TrailMeister.com, home to the world's largest guide to horse trails and camps. You can also find my books, including The ABCs of Trail Riding and Horse Camping and Daily Wisdom from the Saddle, and It’s a Cinch! on Amazon.

I encourage people to fill in that second column while their horse is healthy and relaxed. Take a few minutes on a quiet evening. Listen to gut sounds. Count respirations. Take a temperature. Feel for a pulse. Over time, you'll develop a picture of what normal looks like for your horse.

Often, the first sign that something is wrong isn't a number at all. Maybe your horse quits eating or simply seems off.

That's the time to start checking your gauges. A horse with colic, heat stress, or illness can show changes in vital signs before the situation worsens. Elevated pulse. Increased JULY 2026

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(Use Pizza Hut for GPS Mapping)

2026 HORSE SHOWS Find us on Facebook:

Tuscola County Horse Arena @ Fairgrounds & Alumni

Greater Thumb Area Silver Buckle Speed Show Series July 10th- Start Time 7:00 P.M. Entry Booth Opens 6:00 P.M. Contact Marie Curell 810-614-9390

Ride For A Cure Show

DATE CHANGE: Saturday, September 26th Join us in BAD AXE, Michigan as we cosponsor with Huron County 4-H Horse and Pony Association for a great cause.

Camping the night before will be availableCall the Huron County Fairgrounds to book. *Arena is available for rent for approved organizations, camping and stalls available.

Contact Jackie Garner: 989-302-0191 jd070409@gmail.com

HARNESS RACING Tuesday, June 23rd Wednesday, June 24th Saturday, July 25th Sunday, July 26th Pre-Fair Fun, Games & Prizes! Post Time 4pm Programs will be available for $5 Parking and Admission is FREE!

~145th Annual~

July 26-August 1, 2026 | Caro, MI COMMERCIAL VENDORS WELCOME!

TUESDAY, JULY 28TH- KID’S DAY Ages 2-14 are only $12 until 6pm

Commercial Vendor Space Rental available during the fair. For Midway Hall & Vendor Booth Specials, contact John Riley at tuscolacountyfair@hotmail.com

CARNIVAL RIDES OPEN:

TUESDAY & SATURDAY - NOON-10PM; WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY - 3-10PM

Carnival Opens at Noon.

Thumb Truck & Tractor Pull.

Pay One Price $15

Senior Citizen Day Thursday, July 30

Free Admission 62 & Older

Seniors- join us for the Euchre Tournament in Midway Hall at 5:30pm PAY ONE PRICE ADMISSION

ALL EVENTS INCLUDED! Admission: Tues-Fri $15

FREE WIFI On Grounds ALL WEEK!

THURSDAY, JULY 30TH 3PM-10PM

Senior Citizen Day Thumb Truck and Tractor Pulling

Pay One Price $15

Free Admission 62 & Older Senior (rides not included)

TUSCOLA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS Caro, MI (Entrance on M-81, Next to Pizza Hut)

https://tuscolacountyfair.org/

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29TH 3PM-10PM

Unique Motorsports Bump & Run/ Night of Destruction Pay One Price $15

FRIDAY, JULY 31st 3PM-10PM Southpoint Rodeo Open Rodeo Pay One Price $15

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 1PM-10PM Southpoint Rodeo Ranch Rodeo Pay One Price $15

GRANDSTAND SHOWS: START AT 7PM

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AUTOMATIC WATERERS

Nelson Automatic Waterers - Nelson preferred provider for repair and maintenance of your Nelson Automatic Waterers.

Excellent response time. Most parts in stock. Honest, ethical and reliable. Will travel. Serving Michigan and Northern Ohio.

WATERFIX COMPANY – John Guthrie Dexter, MI (Washtenaw) 313.418.5676 or 734.475.8898 (S-01/27)

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EVERVIEW FARM – 269.948.9570 Hastings, MI (Barry) (S- 04/27) Email: lee@everviewfarm.net Online: http://www.everviewfarm.net/ stalls and pasture board on over 20 acres.

Miles of trail riding on the farm. Good location for trailering to nearby parks.

Quality hay, outdoor arena, round pen, dry lot, heated tack room and restroom. Call Sandra Tuthill.

TUTHILL FARMS - 248.207.6201 South Lyon, MI (Livingston) Email: sandratuthill@gmail.com (S-04/27) Online: https://www.tuthillfarms.com/

Boarding, Training Available Small dressage farm featuring: indoor & outdoor arenas dragged regularly; board includes 12x14 stalls, daily cleaning, turn out, two grain feedings, grass/hay continuously; individual lockers; heated bathroom; owners on site.

Horsescape Farm, LLC Williamston, MI (S-11/26) text/call 517-655-2584 https://www.horsescapefarm.com/

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JULY 2026

Quarter Moon Farm, LLC Gail Johnson-Independent Bemer Distributor Sales, Demos & Rentals. Equine sessions and farm visits by appoint.

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OPEN 24/7 – Quality Boarding: Tack locker, heated rooms, 12% pellet grain, hay, large pastures, daily turnout. We have trails, two indoor arenas, and one outdoor arena with lights.

HARDY FARMS – 313.363.2243 7215 N. Latson Rd., Howell, MI Email: info@hardysfarm.com http://www.hardysfarm.com/ Find us on Facebook

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EQUINE SERVICES

R & R Equine Services Joely Higgins - Independent Saddle Fitter, Bliss of London / Loxley Rep, Integrative Bodyworker Providing a holistic approach to your horses health and performance.

"Relief for your equine, one release at a time" Servicing SE Michigan and Travel 734-360-8302 Releaseandreliefbodywork@gmail.com Releaseandreliefequine.com (S-06/27)

FARRIER SERVICE Hoof Care Matters! Over 30 years of experience in trimming, shoeing and corrective shoeing. Ask about teeth floating too! Serving Oakland County and surrounding counties.

JOHN PETERSON FARRIER – 248.303.6498 Milford, MI (Oakland) (S-09/26)

FLY & INSECT CONTROL Shoo-Fly Insect Control

Automatically get rid of flies, mosquitoes, and spiders. Safe and inexpensive to use. Used throughout Michigan for over 30 years. We Install or Do-It-Yourself.

SHOO-FLY INSECT CONTROL Bill Tressler – 517.927.8089 Webberville, MI (Ingham) Email: bill@radiant-energy.com (S-08/26)

Top quality equine supplements that HORSE BLANKET WASH promote better health, which leads to better haircoats, healthier hooves, less GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS – Horse blanket colic issues, less breeding problems, wash and repair service. 10 years experience. healthier foals. Try it and see the difference GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS –517.404.6336 for yourself!

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BIG BUCK SADDLERY Roger Burkowski – 830.285.2080 (S-02/27) Flint, MI (Genesee)

SADDLE REPAIR & LEATHER WORK: New and used saddles and tack bought and sold. Complete Leather Repair available. Many years of experience. M-F 9am-6pm, Sat. 9:30-5pm.

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(S-03/27)

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Deadline is the 16th of the month prior to the Issue!

TRAINING & LESSONS

THE TRAVELING TRAINER offers training, lessons, consulting at your facility or mine. Over INSURANCE 30 years of experience. Bachelor’s degree in Equestrian Studies from the University of CHARTIER AGENCY Findlay. Also quality horses for sale. Find us on Specializing in tailored equine, liability, and Facebook, or on Instagram: #thehappyhorse farm and ranch insurance, we are here to house, or: http://www.thetravelingtrainer.net/ protect your livelihood and cover your THE TRAVELING TRAINER LLC unique agribusiness needs. Contact local Ann-Marie Lavallee – 810.796.3510 Dryden, MI (Lapeer) Email: thetravelingtrainer3@gmail.com (S-10/25)

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Shelby Agnew (248) 765-4374 shelby@chartieragency.com www.chartieragency.com

Tonya Grant Dressage Grand Prix Rider 30+ years of experience USDF Gold Medalist PET & FARM SITTING I love teaching kids and older adults from K & J HORSE AND FARM SITTING: Need beginner to advanced. Specializing in to get away, call K & J – 248.667.2185! Also classical training emphasizing the basics HORSE ART, Books and Journals (links below): using exercises to train the horse's mind and www.zazzle.com/store/thistlebrook/products body. https://www.amazon.com/stores/kimberlykingstad/author/B0BZSMTH7P? Tonya Grant 248-219-0410 K & J HORSE AND FARM SITTING Evekko10@gmail.com Kim Kingstad – 248.667.2185 call or text Milford, MI (Oakland) (S-10/26) Fenton, Michigan and surrounding areas JULY 2026

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NEW

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES Active horse enthusiasts can submit their equine story/article for a chance to be highlighted on the Saddle Up! Magazine social media page.

For more information visit SaddleUpMag.com/article-submission

2026 Leaders Day Open Youth Horse Show July 11th, 2026 Highpoints for English, Western, Gymkhana Rosette Ribbons 1st-8th place Four Divisions: 8-13, 14-19, Pony 8-19, Walk-Trot 8-19 Clover Bud 5-7 and PEP/TRP classes Showmanship, Pleasure, Equitation/Horsemanship, Speed Medal Classes: Crossrails Equitation, Trail, Ranch Riding

Show Bill: bit.ly/4HLeadersDay26

Cohoctah Park 1000 W Allen Rd. Howell, MI 48855 MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, marital status, family status, or veteran status.

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2027 Trails West Adventure MX 2 Horse slant BP

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