Youth Pages............................31 4-H..........................................16 Equine Health by Neely........ 23 Therapeutic Riding.......29 & 34 Cattle Producers of Louisiana........................... 35
FEATURED ARTICLES Delta Ventures Equine Center....................Cover Mike Pedersen Premier Equine Auctions......Cover Junior’s Show Experience.........................Cover
Now Covering Southern Arkansas
Delta Ventures Equine Center– Ready for Foaling and Prepping By Barbara Newtown
Delta Ventures Equine Center in Vinton, Louisiana, is hard to miss—it’s just half a mile from the Delta Downs casino and racetrack, at 2560 Delta Downs Drive. The new barn, the elegant gates, the sturdy and safe fencing, and the lush pastures all point to a firstclass business.
Q & A with Mike Pedersen of Premier Equine Auctions By Barbara Newtown
How did Premier Equine Auctions get started?
This auction company was owned by Mr. Raymond Havard for many years and operated under the name of Havard Sales Management. We heard “We didn’t open until August 1st,” says owner Shelley Broussard, “which means that he was thinking about we missed most of the deadlines for sales prep. We didn’t want to open until selling it and we made a deal to buy it in 2008. Continued on page 28... everything was ready.” Continued on page 7...
Junior’s Show Experience: Priceless
Take It All In by Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2015 Laura Sumrall..........................17
By Grey Cummins, SEDA Junior Rider Hi, my name is Grey Cummins, and I am ten years old. I have been a SEDA member for a few years. I would like to tell you about my experience at SEDA’s Junior Classic show this past summer.
Deworming LSU Vet School........................41
A week before the show, I went with my friends from Highlands Riding Center to help set up the jumps for the show. My mom taught us how to make jump courses on paper and then set up the real thing in the arena. We had to pull poles and standards down from the jump wagon and move them to different places in the ring. It was a lot of work, and it was hot! But I loved being the jump cup person, which meant I brought cups and pins to each jump so they could be set up. We also put the flags and numbers out. It looked really good when we were done.
Brushy Creek Ranch................45 Voices of the Schools of the Sacred Heart.................56 Don Stevens Track Announcer at Delta Downs......................................63
Calendar of Events Page 6
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLEY VARISCO
I was lucky enough to ride my favorite two ponies at the show this year – Charlie, my POA gelding, and Libby, a black-and-white Pinto pony mare. Continued on page 24...
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911 Cowboy Distress- Jeff Wilson ““My horse is irreplaceable, there isn’t another like him,” are thoughts that can echo through our minds whenever we face losing them. Yes, I hate that topic too. Our fantastic riding partners are so unique, that without them, we have a void. Make sure you enjoy your own extraordinary horse today. I was greeted by my horse, Black Willow Orion, as he emerged from the pasture the other morning. He looking as if his belly was saying, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.” I reasoned with him that it was just a little too much grass as I led him back to the barn. I finished feeding everybody else and returned to him. I could see his distress, and his coat had begun to glisten with sweat. “OK, tough dude, you’ll be fine.” I murmured, trying to convince myself. But I knew..., yes I knew that hated killer, Colic, was payin’ us a visit today. Orion just stood there, motionless, dealing with it. My mind began to whirl, “This can’t be happening on the threshold of releasing our new promo video,”—a video that featured Orion. In my mind’s eye, I could see the video ending with his epitaph. I moved into his stall, the same stall he had been born in 17 years ago, and snapped a lead to his halter. “Let’s go walk around the arena.” Some days it’s hard to rise to the occasion, it’s just easier to slide over to deal with it. Trying to keep my own guts from twisting, I hurriedly called my medical team. “It’s Orion,” I blurted, I had no words to downplay it. My team is exceptionally good, but serious challenges stomped in right along beside them. Orion’s veins would not stay open to administer fluids. He refused to swallow any mineral oil, and we weren’t able to tube him successfully. Did you know banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour? Did I mention that by this point that I was outta my mind and not coming back soon? There aren’t words to describe your feelings towards people who stand with you; I was fortunate and grateful to have competent people working all day to evict that dirty, ole’ rotten scoundrel, Colic, from the premises. Despite their efforts, Orion’s temperature dropped, his body cold to the touch, and his gut sounds on the right side remained deadly quiet. By the end of the day, there was nothing more for us to do. Facing the next tier of care, I recognized that he and I were heading towards our last moments together. As surreal as it was for me, I prepared myself to do what was necessary—for him. I wasn’t going to allow his suffering to escalate.
designed to clear impactions using the power of osmosis—sending water back into the digestive system to clear the impaction and relieve the gas. We administered the bottle, in truth, without much hope of recovery as Orion was so far gone. Time had been against us. Strangely, the SayWhoa was the only thing he cooperated with and swallowed. We waited; by now there was a small crowd of concerned people standing with us awaiting the outcome—the tension in your belly really does make you hold your breath. Within 15 minutes of administering the product, Orion’s temperature began to rise and, like turning a switch, his temperament returned. Within a half hour his guts sounds returned (strongly), and, after drinking a half bucket of water, he strolled to the other side of the arena and began eating hay. Within 45 minutes he passed manure. Yes, a miracle occurred. We all stood stunned, in disbelief, at what we just witnessed. The transformation, had it happened any other way, may have left some skepticism behind in us (we are all so marketed to), but we were unanimously convinced. This product actually had done what it said it would do.
Photo Credit: Rein Photography
If you want to keep your horse around, you need to have a bottle of SayWhoa on hand all the time. The makers of this product are very accessible and willing to help you through your 911 emergency colic squatter eviction situation. You can find SayWhoa here: www.facebook. com/StopsColic or their website www.SayWhoa.com.
Check out this fantastic horse of mine on YouTube. Search ‘Orion the Star Morgan Stallion’ and thank you SayWhoa for making this video not an ‘in memoriam.’ Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you wanted. Fortunately, this time, I got both. (Keeping Orion actively moving continued on that day, maybe to make us feel better. Moving around me in a circle, I did not ask for a routine, but Orion swooped in with all his big moves. He absolutely felt great.) Hi Ho Silver! If you want to learn more about what I talked about here, or wish to ask a question, you can contact me at: Jeff@JeffWilsonCowboyDressage. com or www.facebook. com/pages/ Cowboy-Dressage-World-of-New- York. I have been training horses for over 30 years and valued the western horse lifestyle in my approach to training. I give clinics and seminars on how to reach your full potential with your horse through the training foundation of Cowboy Dressage.
You can picture that moment, can’t you? What do you say and do to make everything better? Nothing. It was in that moment—with nowhere to run— that someone had the conviction to bring me a single dose of a product called SayWhoa which is the focus of this article. SayWhoa is a relatively new product
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Horse Racing Evangeline Downs Quarter Horse Racing September 30th – December 19th, 2016 Post Time 5:40pm
October 1st – 5th Louisiana Hunter Jumper Association Elite Show Jumping | Amen Corner Farm Info: Cheryl Sims csims1128@att.net Folsom, LA
Delta Downs Thoroughbred Horse Racing October 16th – March 12th , 2016 Post Time 5:40pm
October 2nd DeRidder Riding Club Friday Night Jackpot | Info: Shanna Thomas 337-802-7049 | DeRidder, LA
New Orleans Fair Grounds Thoroughbred Horse Racing November 19th, 2015 – March 27, 2016
October 2nd & 3rd Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Calcasieu Parish Junior High Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com Lake Charles, LA
Young Guns Bull Riding Practice Day First Saturday of Every Month Info: 985-351-6862 | www.younggunsbullriding.com Livingston, LA
Mississippi High School Rodeo Assoc. Lazy J Rodeo | Info: www.mshsra.org Brookhaven, MS
October 2nd – 4th Team Josey Hattiesburg Forrest County Multi Purpose Center Info: Carly 903-935-5358 | Hattiesburg, MS
Catahoula Riding Club C Bar Ranch Arena/Shivers Arena Info: Jennifer Tiffee 318-481-3119 or Tim Laine Neal 318-715-6912/0894 | Jonesville, LA
October 3rd Tri State Dressage Society | TSDS Show & Clinic Holly Hill Farm | Info: tristatedressagesociety.com Benton, LA
NBHA MS03 Barrel Race $200 Added for every 50 riders Rankin County Multi Purpose Arena Info: Robert Sutton 601-813-3968 | Brandon, MS
Mississippi Paint Horse Club Four Judge Horse Show Rankin County Multi Purpose Center Info: www.missphc.com or 601-604-9779 Brandon, MS
Mississippi Junior High School Association Lazy J Rodeo I Info: www.mjhsra.org or msjrhighrodeo@hotmail. com | Brookhaven, MS
NBHA LA 06 Show #15 | Florida Parishes Arena Info: 504-452-9707 | Amite, LA Emerson Arena 3D Ranch Sorting Info: Dilton Emerson 318-393-5703 | Benton, LA
River Cities Barrel Racers Info: Susan Hickman 318-729-4323 Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Association Pole Bending & Barrel Racing Port Allen, LA | Wolf Barrel Racing Association Twin Lakes Arena | Info: Staci Wolf 903-724-9956 Fairfield, TX
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Delta Ventures Equine Center– Ready for Foaling and Prepping- By Barbara Newtown Getting ready took a lot of work: the entire acreage had been piney woods with no buildings, no fencing, and absolutely no pasture. The new foaling and prepping facility is a family venture—in fact, Shelley and her husband Jason and Shelley’s parents Marilyn and Allan Anderson have their homes on the backside of the 33-acre farm. Allan Anderson owns a commercial lending company and pitches in with strategic planning for Delta Ventures Equine. Shelley’s brother Cullen, a registered veterinary technician, is the facilities manager. “I do the heavy lifting,” Cullen says.
Shelley is the guiding spirit and prime mover for Delta Ventures Equine. She fixed her sight on a life with horses early on: when Shelley was eighteen months old, Marilyn warned Allan that he’d better get his checkbook ready, because Shelley couldn’t be pulled away from the fence where the horses were. The Anderson family, originally from Harlingen, Texas, has been involved with horses for over fifty years. Marilyn grew up riding in local shows in Texas, but Shelley took the next step and showed in All-Around AQHA classes. She and her horses collected three AQHA World Championships, four AQHA Congress Championships, and many Top Ten and Finalist awards. She has also trained successful performers in everything from halter to barrels to hunt seat equitation.
gelding Mister Terrificcandy won the AQHA World Championship. “He was a true all-around,” she says.
In 2008 Shelley found her niche: showing in AQHA performance halter classes. The combination of “prep” necessary to create a winning halter horse and the training necessary to create a winning performance horse made the best of both worlds, she felt. Performance halter horses have to possess excellent conformation and muscling appropriate for an athlete. Before they can compete in the “halter” part of performance halter, they have to prove themselves by winning performance points. In 2011 Shelley and her
While Shelley was in college, her family moved to Simonton, Texas, near Houston. After she graduated, Shelley taught agricultural science for a while in high school, but she left that career to follow her dream of running a foaling and prepping business. Mother Marilyn, father Allan, and brother Cullen all jumped on board to follow the dream, too. Continued on page 8...
Shelley received two Bachelor of Science degrees from Texas A & M: Animal Science and Agricultural Science. She bought a horse she trained at A & M, a little bay mare named Belle. She also fell in love with a foal she met in the Equine Reproduction class, which she named Rabbit, because the little filly sucked on Shelley’s ear before she sucked on her mother. Shelley bought Rabbit, too. (“Most of the horses that the students work with at A & M are for sale,” she says.) Shelley didn’t compete with the collegiate equestrian team because she and her family were so involved in showing their own horses in the AQHA classes.
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Delta Ventures Equine Center– Ready for Foaling and Prepping By Barbara Newtown
The latecomer to the equine dream is Shelley’s husband Jason. Although he grew up in Vinton, home of the Delta Downs track, he never had a horse or spent time around them, although, he says, he loved them at a distance. When he met Shelley, he was running the “Night Stalker,” a night fishing boat on Calcasieu Lake. Shelley and her parents came on board expecting to spend the evening catching speckled trout and red fish in celebration of Father’s Day. But the real excitement was the immediate connection between Shelley and Jason. “We never stopped talking after that trip,” says Shelley. “We were married eleven months later,” says Jason. He adds that he was excited by the prospect of becoming part of a horse-crazy family. And Jason’s native state of Louisiana worked its magic: within a year the Andersons had left Texas behind and made Vinton their home. Shelley is teaching Jason how to work with foals and yearlings. Jason is not new to the joys of working with animals. As a hunting guide, he has worked closely with dogs, and he trains retrievers for duck hunting. “My passion is duck hunting,” says Jason. “Grays, teals, mallards, pintails. The retrieving is the most rewarding part.” But Jason foresees a day very soon when dog training will just be a hobby, and horses will take up most of his time, and that’s fine with him. Shelley doesn’t miss horse show competitions. “I love taking care of the horses. I’ve always like getting them ready more than the actual showing!” Her passion now is bringing healthy foals into the world, turning them into good citizens, and building them up with good food and appropriate exercise so that they will catch the eyes of buyers. “It all starts with how you take care of that momma,” she says. “You treat her with the respect she wants and deserves. She provided you with something, and you hope she continues. Why not take care of what you have?” Marilyn says, “We develop a rapport with every mare that is brought in. If that broodmare is extremely comfortable with us, that baby will be far more comfortable with people. You can’t erase that early training on a baby.” Shelley and her family do imprinting: they start “messing” with the babies as soon as they are born. “We towel them down and run our hands all over them. We continue to do it, and by the second or third day they start to realize that people are OK,” says Shelley. Marilyn points out that the reaction of the baby to human touch rests on the mare’s relationship with people. If the mother is calm, the baby won’t get excited. Although the family worked with Quarter Horses for years, Shelley points out that all horses are the same at the start: they need to be handled every day when they are babies. “The different breeds don’t faze me,” she says. “A horse is a horse!”
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Shelley says that her family decided that they could help the industry best with quality mare care. The sales prep season comes along after foaling season and is an added bonus. An owner will typically bring a yearling to Delta Ventures Equine 60 days before a sale, which is enough time for Shelley to give the young horse a healthy glow and correct muscling. Although there are broodmare sales and two-year-old training sales, Shelley says the farm’s main focus will be foaling and yearling prepping. Shelley has firm ideas about proper prep. The farm feeds more alfalfa and hay than grain, because horses are designed to be fed forage. Shelley prefers to give the horses sweet feed…because it’s tastier. “Well,” she says, “I’d rather eat sweet feed than pellets!” Yearlings receive 14% protein and broodmares and foals receive 16%. Supplements are given rarely, if at all. When you add supplements, says Shelley, you are breaking up the ratio of nutrients in your feed. “If you have good quality hay and good quality grain, you shouldn’t need supplements.” Broodmares and weanlings eat Omolene 300, yearlings eat Omolene 200, and maintenance horses eat Omolene 100. All horses receive a flake of alfalfa twice a day. And they are turned out on pastures seeded with Bermuda grass. For improving fitness, Shelley alternates between the round pen and the treadmill. When she and her mother were showing in performance halter, they used an underwater treadmill. Now Shelley prefers a “dry” treadmill. She believes that soaking the hooves every other day with swimming or working on an underwater treadmill will make the hooves too soft. Weight-bearing exercise will also produce stronger bones. Limb fitness and cardiovascular fitness will proceed at the same rate. The imposing treadmill has another advantage: the process of training a yearling to load up onto the treadmill and to tolerate having a gate latched behind him is excellent prep for getting on trailers. She starts the yearlings on the treadmill at 5 minutes and an incline that is much less than the 15% maximum. The sides are solid, so there is no danger of a horse getting a foot caught. “We always wrap legs before they go on the treadmill. They wear a halter, but I don’t tie the lead rope. I’m up above, watching all the time. You start slowly and see how much they are comfortable doing. I don’t want to push them too hard, too fast.” The round pen gives the horses a different fitness experience. They learn to respond to the trainer’s voice commands and body language and they learn how to turn. Shelley doesn’t worry about the footing in her round pen becoming too hard, too deep, or too wet. “We’ve got good quality sand in there, but these race babies are going to have to run rain or shine. They’ve got to keep going, even if the ground is not 100% that day.” The round pen is 60 feet wide, and she doesn’t ask for more than a long trot, so there isn’t excessive strain on their legs. The family behind Delta Ventures Equine is poised to make a significant contribution to the racing industry in Louisiana. Jason says, “Come by and visit. The people that have visited so far are clients now!”
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Horse Laughs All I Need to Know in Life I Learned From My Horse
Q: What is a young colt’s favorite sport? A: Stable Tennis. Q: How does a winning jockey communicate with his horse? A: He lays his cards on the stable. Q: What do you ask a sad horse? A: “Why the long face?” Q: What do you call a baby donkey? A: A burrito! Q: What did the mare tell her filly after dinner? A: Clear the Stable. Q: What do you call a horse that lives next door? A: A neigh-bor! Q: What kind of horse likes to be ridden at night? A: A nightmare! Q: Where do horses go when they’re sick? A: The horsepital! Q: Where do horses shop? A: Old Neigh-vy! Q: Why did the horse eat with its mouth open? A: Because it had bad stable manners! Q: What kind of bread does a horse eat? A: Thoroughbred Q: What is black and white and eats like a horse? A: A zebra.
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Do you ever just take it all in? By Laura Sumrall
After several months of nonstop travel, studying, speaking engagements and just one thing after another, I had one weekend off. Free time- I am not even sure what that is anymore, but I made sure to enjoy every second of it, and it gave me just the moment I needed to reflect on some of life’s most amazing moments. The past few weeks have gone by quicker and quicker. I cannot believe it is already the middle of October. I spent early September in Pendleton, OR, at the Pendleton Roundup, where they put on a show like I have never seen before incorporating all of the history of Pendleton with the Cowboys and Indians. Going there was like one big history lesson on a part of the country I had never even been to, and it was incredible. And have you ever seen the rodeo itself? It is on an enormous grass arena surrounded by a dirt track and a temporary fence between the two. The rodeo crew uses the fence throughout the rodeo, and the Pendleton Court and winners of each round jump it for show. Sometimes they clear the two-foot fence, and sometimes they don’t, and it comes tumbling down. All of the spectators sit on the edge of their seat watching as each person jumps the fence. A big roar ripples throughout the crowd as each person clears it, and that is just the beginning of it all! After Pendleton, I came straight home and made my way to north Mississippi to the Mid-South Fair and Rodeo. I have a lot of great memories from that weekend, mostly because I was able to help with the pageant and all of the sweethearts that were a part of it. Orchestrating seven or eight girls all under the age of eight in the back of a truck proved to be rather entertaining, especially when the announcer turned on “Watch Me (Whip/ Nae Nae)” and they all start dancing up a storm. And all of this leads me to me weekend at home. After four years in college and on the equestrian team, being home during the month of October never happened, so when the time came for the Summit Fall Festival to come around, I made sure to go to my favorite outing that my little town puts on. Of course, we started out the morning at our famous pancake breakfast at the Summit Fire Department where we saw the entire town. I then made my way over to the kids costume contest where I was a judge. Phew! That was challenging! I loved them all, although I did have a few favorites. There was a very handsome scarecrow as well as a strawberry and a piñata that I just fell in love with. Fortunately, I was not the only judge, so I had some help spreading the love around for those little ones. My family and I spent the rest of the morning touring Robb Street filled with vendors and people. It could not have been a more perfect day surrounded with the feel of fall. Continued on page 20...
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Triple Crown Nutrition®, Inc. Named Official Feed Sponsor of the U.S. Eventing, Show Jumping, and Dressage Teams Wayzata, Mn, September 1, 2015 – Triple Crown Nutrition is proud to announce a new partnership with The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Triple Crown Nutrition is now the Official Feed Sponsor of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team, the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team, and the U.S. Dressage Team. Triple Crown Nutrition’s unique, premium line of horse feed, supplements, and forages can create a successful feeding program, helping horses maintain high performance levels and stay healthy and in elite condition. “The USEF is pleased to welcome Triple Crown Nutrition as the Official Feed Sponsor of the U.S. Eventing, Show Jumping, and Dressage Teams,” said USEF CEO Chris Welton. “With Triple Crown Nutrition’s attention to detail in the production of its products, we could not think of a better partner, and look forward to its continued support of the USEF.” Much like the three phases of the prestigious Triple Crown racing series, Triple Crown Nutrition’s products focus on three critical areas: revolutionary formulations, premium ingredients, and EquiMix® Technology. Each Triple Crown product is designed to address specific nutritional concerns and feeding challenges. “Triple Crown is committed to helping horses achieve their potential,” said Triple Crown Nutrition CEO Rob Daugherty. “We know USEF members demand a lot from their horses. We admire their passion for sport and the intimate connection they have with their horses. We are honored to sponsor such a fabulous group of riders.” Triple Crown Nutrition, Inc., headquartered in Wayzata, Minn., is a super-premium horse feed company whose products are primarily sold through independent feed dealers across the United States. Established in 1989, Triple Crown Nutrition was the first company to add prebiotics, probiotics, and organic minerals to horse feed. To learn more about Triple Crown products and how they compare, visit www.triplecrownfeed.com/compare.
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Do you ever just take it all in? By Laura Sumrall We then headed out to our farm in Liberty, MS. We do not have a television or phone out there, which to me, makes it quite possibly the best place on earth. We spent our time checking fence lines and cattle, building a new deck, roasting a few marshmallows and of course riding horses a time or two. Not to mention, Momma is “camp cook,” so we were incredibly well fed the whole weekend. No matter the day, if my family cannot find me, they just walk out to the pasture and find me getting some love from my favorite four-legged creatures. I always bring a brush and a hay string, just in case someone needs to come in or I feel like jumping on one while I am out there. As sassy as my horses may be, we get along quite well. I think our “sassiness” all together makes for a pretty great team. Being out there this weekend made everything so clear. I could hear the birds chirping and the leaves moving every second of the day. I took my books outside to study. I took in the fresh air and the first cool mornings of fall. We even grabbed a blanket and looked up at the stars to find three shooting stars and the clearest night I have seen in months. This weekend was just what I needed. My time with my family at our farm brought me back to the simplest things in life. It made us all slow down and reminded me why I do the things that I love to do, and sometimes that is exactly what we need in order to take it all in.
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Equine Health
By Neely
Neely Walker, PhD: LSU Ag Center | Equine Extension Specialist
Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) in Horses Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) formerly known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or Heaves a disease of the equine lung. RAO is a chronic, non-infectious airway condition in horses that is a result of an allergic reaction to inhaled particles such as mold or dust found in feed or bedding. Horses also suffer from another similar respiratory disease, summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease or SPAOD, which is also caused by the inhalation of allergens present specifically during the summer months. Once these allergens are inhaled, a reaction causes the small airways within the horse’s lung to constrict. As a result of the allergic reaction, lung tissue becomes inflamed and thickened, and excess mucus production occurs. RAO usually occurs in horses 6 years or older. Symptoms of heaves include: • Coughing • Exercise Intolerance • Increased Respiratory Rate • Nasal Discharge • Wheezing • Weight loss • Flaring of the nostrils • Presence of a “Heave line”- enlarged abdominal muscles resulting from the horse “heaving” or pushing out the last bit of air out of the lungs at the end of exhalation.
While there is no definitive cure for heaves, change in management techniques to reduce or eliminate the allergens from the affected horse’s environment often reduces or even resolves the clinical symptoms. If the horse is experiencing hypersensitivity to factors in its stall such as bedding, it is recommended to move the horse out to pasture with fresh grass as its primary source of roughage. If the source of the allergens are pasture related moving the horse into a stall with low dust producing bedding such as peat moss, shredded paper, or cardboard might be beneficial. Feeding a “dust-free” diet may also be necessary. This may require soaking all hay in water prior to feeding, feeding a completely pelletized feed such as a complete feed, hay pellet, hay cube, or fermented hay products may also increase the chances of reducing the presence of allergens. Medical treatments may also be required to alleviate the difficulty in breathing. Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators are traditionally used orally or injected. Recently aerosolized medicines have been prescribed after the development of the Aeromask (a tight fitting mask placed over the horse’s nose that works much like an inhaler in humans). While the aerosolized treatments are somewhat cost prohibitive, they are very effective and have less risk of adverse side effects.
Unfortunately once a horse has been diagnosed with Heaves, it will have the disease for life. The long-term course of the disease depends upon management, improvement of air-quality, and reduced exposure to allergens. Despite the lack of a permanent cure for this disease, complete or near complete recovery from the clinical symptoms can be achieved As the disease progresses it becomes more difficult for the horse to with appropriate environment management and medical treatment. If exhale, leaving the lungs overinflated. If this condition is left untreated, you think your horse is suffering from recurrent airway obstruction or irreversible damage may occur to the lung resulting in permanent loss of summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease contact your lung function. veterinarian immediately. While one specific cause of Heaves has yet to be determined, it is thought that this disease is the result of a hypersensitivity/allergic reaction to inhalants found in the barn (hay, straw, bedding, barn dust, etc.). Heaves primarily affects horses who are stalled for a long period of time, increasing the exposure to allergens. The two primary agents suspected in causing the hypersensitivity are mold, Aspergillus fumigatus and Micropolyspora faeni found in hay. The pasture associated allergens have yet to be narrowed down, but it is likely a combination of pollens.
References: 1: Costa, L.R.R., Johnson, J., & C.H. Swiderski 2008. Managing Summer Pasture-Associated Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, an “Asthma-like” Disease of Horses. Respiratory Conditions. www.AAEP.org 2: Landolt, G. Treating your horse for Heaves. Colorado State University Equine Hospital Fact Sheet. 3: Seahorn, T.L. & R. E. Beadle. 1993. Summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease in horses: 21 cases (1983-1991). JAVMA 202(5):779-782
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Continued from cover...
Junior’s Show Experience: Priceless By Grey Cummins, SEDA Junior Rider
It was a very fun day. I was super busy, but I was enthusiastic about it. I entered the combined test with Charlie, and I practiced two dressage tests with Libby. She is my mom’s lesson horse, so she was a good horse to give me experience. I also did the in-hand class, and I got to jump Charlie in the 2’3 jumping classes. That was my favorite part! My ponies are very different from one another. Charlie and I are a lot alike. Like me, Charlie is curious, mischievous, a little hyper, and a handful...but still an awesome pony. He really loves to jump. I do a lot of things with Charlie at home – like ride bareback around the farm – and sometimes Smiles from Team Equi-Best at the Junior Classic PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLEY VARISCO we go scouting in the woods together...just the two of us. Sometimes, I turn him loose in the yard and let him eat grass, and he follows me around. I entered Charlie in the in-hand class because I thought we would do a good job since we spend a lot of time together. I was a little worried that he would spook at the judge because he is not very trusting of people he doesn’t know. He just doesn’t know what to do around strangers. But I was very happy with him because he was curious about Ms. Helen George, the judge – he sniffed her but didn’t jump away. I think he was trying to see what she was all about! I was also proud of him because he stood very still for her to walk around him for the inspection. Trotting for her was easy, too, because he likes to go fast.
Reluctant pony?...at the Junior Classic. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLEY VARISCO
My other pony, Libby is very trusting and laid back, but she can be a little sassy. Libby is easier to ride than Charlie because she has “been there Ann Byerley on Maggie and Isabella Rodwig on Aidan perform a pas de deux at the Junior Classic. and done that!” I love her canter. It is PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLEY VARISCO so much fun! I was a little bit nervous about doing the Beginner Novice tests because I don’t ride Libby as much as I ride Charlie, but I was pleased with my rides because Libby took care of me and did what I asked her to do. I think I would have gotten a better score if I had practiced on her more.
Camille Cambre at the Junior Classic.. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLEY VARISCO
I think the show was great because I got to see all my friends from other barns. I really like laughing and teasing with Ms. Lynn Quast because she always plays with me. I also like Ms. Kimberley Schultz because she is always so nice to me. Her daughters, Sam and Sydney are some of my best friends. The horse show was also nice because we had fun at the potluck lunch. Everyone brought such good food! I think everyone had a good time and learned a lot, and I hope that more kids will come next year. Kelsey Lassen at the Junior Classic.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLEY VARISCO
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See you there!
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Continued from cover...
with Mike Pedersen
of Premier Equine Auctions
By Barbara Newtown
We didn’t change the name to Premier Equine Auctions until this year, after the March 2015 sale. I didn’t change the name on the spur of the moment. I thought about it a long time and the name “Premier Equine Auctions” kept popping up. I thought of several different names, such as “Lone Star Equine Sales,” but I didn’t want to limit it to Texas, because a lot of our business comes from Louisiana. Also people come from Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. We get horses from all over. We felt that after 7 years under the old name it was time to give the business a new name and started branding it as such. How’s the business going? We bought Havard at probably the worst possible time, in July of 2008. And in September that year you were hearing about all the bank and insurance company bail outs and the price of horses bottoming out… So we rode it through the bottom and now we are on the upturn. It’s fun! We’ve been putting lots of effort into the company, changing things, and the horse market is getting better. What sort of changes did you make? We are constantly making changes that we feel enhance the sale. When we changed the name we also upgraded the onsite sale catalogs, we increased the prize money of the Ranch Horse Competition from $6500 to $8500, and also went from using 2 judges to 4 judges. We also changed the competition and allowed mares and stallions in it instead of geldings only. Also all this time the demonstration and competition were held in the outside arena. The lighting was not so good out there and there was not much seating. We decided to move it into the main domed inside arena. We built a 200’ by 100’ arena inside of it and we still have room for our sale ring and vendors. It really works great. It is well lit up, has lots of bleacher seating, and has those Big Ass fans for circulation. It really works great. When are your sales? We have four a year: Our 2016 sale dates are March 11th & 12th, June 24th & 25th, September 2nd and 3rd and November 25th and 26th. What kinds of horses come to the sales? The auction is open to any type. We primarily have Quarter Horses and Paints and a few Thoroughbreds. It’s amazing, we do really well with ponies. People are always looking for good horses for their children. We have pleasure horses, ropers, reiners, team penners, sorters and cutters at every sale. We are doing more with barrel racers. Also trail horses and even broodmares. Twice a year we feature our Ranch Horse Competition with our regular horse sale. Our upcoming November sale will incorporate this competition. Grand Champion will receive $5000, Reserve Champion will get $2500 and third place will win $1000.
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We will start off on November 27th with a demonstration at 10am followed by the competition. We try to finish the competition by 4 pm, get the judges’ scores together, and announce winners by 5 pm and award prizes. We start the auction right after that, with the competition horses going first followed by our Color Gelding Session and then our Ranch Gelding Session for geldings that were not entered in the competition. Do you own the facility? We rent the facility from the Expo. When we get there, it’s an empty canvas except for 400 stalls. We make it how we want it. First thing we do when we go there is start setting up the sale ring, demo arena and offices. We have a crew of myself and about 7 or 8 guys setting up the whole thing. We spend two days getting it all ready. Then, while the sale is going on and just before that, we have about 4 guys in the back helping to bring horses in. 4 or 5 people work the check in table and another 4 inside the sale office. All total I would say that we have about 28 people there. We spend about $60,000 to $70,000 to do a sale. Do you sometimes have moments when you can’t find the next horse? Does it bring the whole auction to a halt? I have a guy at the entrance to the indoor and he has a microphone and he keeps like 20 horses coming. So you can be in the barn and hear. If you sometimes have one that kind of gets antsy, then they just bring the next one in ahead. But his job is to keep them coming and that works pretty good.. What opportunities are there for people to check out the horses? Every horse has a numbered stall. We have a place where we post the lot number and what stall they are in. You get a catalog so you know what horses you are looking at or where to find them. You or your trainer can ride them and try them out. This is encouraged and it gives the buyers and sellers a chance to visit about the horses. In private sales the vet check is so important. When does that happen during a horse auction? Of course, it being an auction, all sales are final. We have a veterinarian on staff, there the whole time. It’s always good to have a vet check out a horse before you buy it. If you like a horse, you get it vet checked first before you buy it? Right. But, for instance, we will guarantee our November sale ranch horses for three days from the knees down, to make sure there are no cripples. We have very few comebacks. Continued on page 33...
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Youth Page Sponsored by:
East Mississippi enjoys team and individual rodeo success during season-opening event in Missouri MARSHALL, Mo. – The East Mississippi Community College rodeo teams had a successful start to their 201516 campaign this past weekend by finishing third in men’s competition and fourth in women’s action at the seasonopening Viking Stampede Rodeo. The three-day event hosted by Missouri Valley College concluded Saturday night at the Saline County Fairgrounds. EMCC also enjoyed individual success during the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Ozark Region season opener, as sophomore Katelyn Nicholson earned All-Around Cowgirl honors and newcomer Marcus Theriot claimed Reserve All-Around Cowboy recognition for his second-place finish. Nicholson, from Lawrence, collected all 230 of EMCC’s points on the women’s side by winning the barrel racing competition and finishing fifth overall in the goat tying event after placing third during the short-go round. On the men’s side for East Mississippi, Theriot paired with UT Martin’s Lane Mitchell to capture top honors and earn 165 points in team roping. Theriot, from, Poplarville, earned another 80 points for his fourth-place finish in the steer wrestling event. Also for the EMCC men, Max Dever-Boaz, of Senatobia, garnered 80 points with a fourth-place showing in the calf roping competition, while Oak Hill Academy product Palmer White picked up 40 points for sixth place in steer wrestling. EMCC’s 365 total points in the men’s competition ranked third behind runner-up UT Martin (530 points) and team champion Missouri Valley (645). Host Missouri Valley College also claimed a share of women’s team honors along with Arkansas-Monticello with 265 points apiece, followed by third-place Three Rivers College (235). Coach Morgan Goodrich’s East Mississippi rodeo teams will be back in action, Oct. 8-10, at the University of West Alabama in Livingston.
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I think people are afraid of scratching their noses and owning something.
By Barbara Newtown
Your peripheral vision is constantly working and you may think you see something and then realize you didn’t. Yes, it can happen, but you aren’t going to hang something on somebody, because then you won’t get paid for it! An auctioneer can usually tell.
Q & A with Mike Pedersen of Premier Equine Auctions Does that ever happen? At our last sale, we had 300 head, and there was only one problem. And we’ve had times when we auctioned 350 head and we had no problems. Even though we sell “as is” and without warranty, if a seller represents a horse in the catalog as being a certain way and it’s not that way, then we have an issue. We pretty much make them stand by what they put in the catalog. It’s different from selling machinery. A horse is someone’s pet and a living being. We’ve had a few instances where we had to work through problems, but you try to do the fairest thing for everyone involved. I think if people realize that you are trying to help and resolve the problem and you are not ignoring their phone calls—even if you have no obligation to help—that helps build a reputation. That’s exciting. Your success can’t just be the name change and the rising economy. There has to be some good word of mouth happening. I really think so. I’ve done this for thirty years and you can’t stay in business that long with a bad reputation. Our reputation and service is all we have to sell. We own three different auction companies with annual sales of over $30 million combined. Did you go to auctioneer school to learn the fast patter? In 1984 I went to a two-week school in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They taught how to count, up and back and in every increment. But they don’t actually teach you the chant. That’s something everybody picks up and puts their own personality on. It takes years to develop. I would go to auctions and hear somebody that I thought sounded good and I would try to copy it. Then I’d go to another auction and hear something I liked and mix it with the other. What auctioneers say doesn’t make sense, but it makes people listen to the numbers. My dad and I had a yard where we bought and sold tractors and trucks. My dad said he would like to have an auction company, but he felt he was too old to start auction school. I’m very shy, but he talked me into it. So we started doing little auctions, and it grew and grew, and we still have that company today: Pedersen & Pedersen Auctions. Pedersen & Pedersen now owns Premier Equine Auctions, and we still do farm machinery and construction equipment. I bought Lake Charles Auto Auction in 1991, and that’s a different company. You auction horses, heavy equipment, and cars. Does an auctioneer’s style change whether it’s a living thing or a machine? Basically the style doesn’t change, but your speed will change. We do a car sale every Wednesday, and the buyers are professionals who go to sales every day. You can go fast with them, because they know what they’re looking for. At an estate sale, you have a bunch of people who aren’t auction-wise and you go slower. And horse sales are slower than equipment sales, which are slower than car sales. The auctioneer is in charge and he has to keep in mind who he is selling to. It does no good to run fast, and people have no idea what is going on, what they’re bidding on, or what the price is. It’s a fine line. You want to go as fast as you can without losing your crowd.
Seasoned buyers must have their own signals. We have a couple of guys whose deal is that as long as they are looking at you they are bidding. You get other bids, but you keep taking this guy who’s just standing there and looking. And when the bidding is through he just turns and walks away. Some buyers will wink. We have 6 ring men or bid spotters to watch the audience during horse sales. You must have a very agile mouth! You know, I’ve had very little trouble. I’ve lost my voice twice in 30 years of auctioneering. The last auction we had, I auctioned from 9:30 am all the way until 4:30 pm and never took a break! Are there bargains out there in the auction world? There are bargains at all auctions; you just have to watch for them. One thing my dad and I agreed on when we started the auction company was that we weren’t going to compete against our customers. We are inviting them and advertising for them to come to our place and buy. If there are any bargains we are going to let them have them. That’s just something that my dad and I started and I continue to this day. It’s an etiquette thing. Do you use the Internet for sales? We do use Internet bidding with our farm machinery and construction equipment sales and it has totally changed that business and increased sales dramatically. We also sell some items in what is called “Timed Online Internet Bidding Sales.” These sales are similar to an EBay-type sale and the results there are amazing. We sold a bulldozer there a few weeks ago for over $100,000 and it went to Utah. We have sold items to Saudi Arabia, Belize, Columbia, Germany, Canada, and Mexico, as well as to most states in America. Are you doing Internet sales with horses? We have not utilized Internet bidding at our horse sales, but at our last sale we had a live streaming video. People couldn’t buy, but we had people watching from 34 states and one from Australia and one from Honduras! Who knows when someone will be watching and will want to come to the sale next time, or will want to send some horses? It’s all promotion and advertising. We do use the Internet for advertising, however. We started advertising on Facebook and have nearly 15K likes so far. It’s amazing and crazy. It gets out there to so many people. I boosted a post at our last sale and over 56,000 people saw it! What to you is the most rewarding thing about the horse auction business? I think just meeting new people. I’m a shy person, and it’s a challenge, but it is rewarding. And the biggest satisfaction is actually seeing it happen and, hopefully, you have people who are satisfied!
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34 Louisiana Equine Report • October | November 2015
PRICE CORRECTION by Dave Foster
When our cow/calf producers look back in the year 2015, they know that the rye grass season was a bust due to cold temperatures and lack of sunshine. Those weather conditions pushed back rice and corn planting ( from March 1 to late March). Ma Nature decided we need rain so for weeks we had rain and then 40 plus days in a row with temperatures in the 90’s (30 plus days in a row over 95). Many farmers and ranchers north of Alexandria never had a drop of rain after July 4 until early September. To compound cow/calf producers problems the cattle market took a huge price correction in early August. Up until that point, producers were enjoying higher prices compared to the same time last year. Last year calf prices started increasing in May and got higher until Dec 2014. This year in August, calf prices came out of July and dropped $20.00 - $30.00 cwt from one week to the next. We have experienced a more “normal” marketing cycle, increased receipts starting in midAugust coupled with lower prices for increased supply of calves. During September our calf prices were $100.00 per head less than September 2014. For those producers who are experiencing “sticker shock” on today’s prices, my only consolation is compare this price to 2013. Your still ahead of the game. This long history lesson is to continue to remind Louisiana cow/calf producers that if one wants to operate like we always have and not keep up with the changing times, then there is a price to pay. Today there are less cattle numbers, fewer buyers, lower numbers of back grounders and feedlots and only 4 major companies who buy 86% of the live cattle coming out of feedlots. If you have read this column for any length of time, then you know how important it is to check with your marketing rep (auction barn, order buyers, video rep) to keep posted on the market prices. As the market place gets smaller one has to become a better manager. Adjust your operation to be flexible. For example, if you normally sell your calves in September this would have been the year to sell in July because with no rain coupled with high temperatures your calves probably gained less than a pound per day. Pulling calves early helped that momma cow gain some condition going into winter. Today one has access to a world of information, so don’t get in a rut but become flexible. October is a time for cooler temperatures, better demand for stockers and a time to decide what to do with those older cows.
Contact Cattle Producers of Louisiana at 888-528-6999 or visit our website lacattle.org to become more informed. Enjoy the fall season.
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Louisiana Equine Report • October | November 2015
DELTA DOWNS EMBARKS ON 2015-16 THOROUGHBRED SEASON FRIDAY NIGHT - 86-DAY MEETING FEATURES SEVERAL MAJOR STAKES EVENTS -
VINTON, LA.- Delta Downs’ 2015-16 Thoroughbred season gets underway Friday night in Vinton, Louisiana with an 11-race program that begins at 5:40 pm Central Time. The upcoming season runs through March 12 with live racing set to take place each Wednesday through Saturday night after opening weekend October 16 and 17. Delta Downs’ stakes schedule is an impressive one with 32 big races featuring $4.6 million in total purse money. The first stakes activity of the season will take place on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 when the track hosts the $100,000 My Trusty Cat and the $200,000 Jean Lafitte respectively. The My Trusty Cat winner will earn an automatic bid into the $400,000 Delta Downs Princess and the Jean Lafitte winner gets first preference to enter the season’s richest race, the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot. Both grade III races for 2-year-olds will take place on Saturday, November 21 when the track offers eight stakes races overall and will award over $2.3 million in total purse money. There will be a special post time of 1:15 pm CT on Jackpot Day. Later in the season Delta Downs will feature a special day of racing dedicated to horses bred in the Bayou State. Louisiana Premier Night will take place on Saturday, February 6 and the program will include 10 stakes races and over $1 million in total purse money. The highlight of Louisiana Premier Night is the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles. Fans of Delta Downs will recognize many of the horseman taking part in the upcoming season. Past Delta Downs leading jockeys Colby Hernandez and Gerard Melancon are each scheduled to ride on opening night and former leading trainers Karl Broberg, Keith Bourgeois and Sam Breaux will also hit the ground running with several starters this weekend. For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.
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Florida Parishes - 2015 Event Schedule october 2015 Saturday, October 3 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race. Friday, October 16 Finally Friday Open 4D Barrel Race. Saturday, October 17 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race. Saturday, October 24 Justin Banks Open Calf Roping. november 2015
Friday, November 13 Finally Friday Open 4D Barrel Race. Saturday, November 14 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race. Saturday, November 21 Three DOTS Team Sorting. December 2015 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday December 4-7 Cajun Rodeo Association Finals.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 6-8 Talmadge Green Barrel Racing Clinic. Saturday, November 7 NBHA LA06 Barrel Race.
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Deworming Your Horse to Prevent Resistance Worms Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, DACVIM-LAIM LVMA Equine Committee Professor, Equine Medicine Director, Equine Health Studies Program | Louisiana State University Equine Hospital | Baton Rouge, LA Introduction Horse parasites (worms) are becoming resistant to the current horse deworming products, like ivermectin, moxidectin, fenbendazole, and pyrarntel pamoate. Unless we change our deworming habits, the drugs we currently use will be ineffective in the near future and horses will suffer massive worm infections. Recently, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) released guidelines for veterinarians and horse owners (http://www.aaep.org/custdocs/ ParasiteControlGuidelinesFinal.pdf) to stem the tide of parasite resistance and prolong the effectiveness of the current dewormers.1 REASONS FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Important changes in the parasites that infect horses. The large strongyles (blood worms) are now rare, and the small strongyles (cyathostomes) are now the major parasite of concern in adult horses. Although, Parascaris equorum (“milk” worm) remains the most important parasite infecting foals and weanlings. 2. Drug resistance has been shown to be high in the parasites, and this must be considered when deworming. 3. Adult horses vary greatly in their ability to resist infection with worms due to their immune system. Parasite control should be tailored to the individual horse and farm, related to individual parasite control needs. 4. Horses < 3 years of age require consideration as they are more susceptible to parasite infection, and are more at risk for developing disease. TERMINOLOGY ANTELMINTIC (DRUG) RESISTANCE “Resistance is the ability of worms to survive dewormers (anthelmintics) that are generally effective. Anthelmintic resistance is inherited by the parasite when the drug is exposed too often or inadequate doses. Once resistance is present, the resistant parasites do not appear to revert back to being susceptible, so the aims of resistance control are to prevent the first steps in the development of resistance.
PARASITE REFUGIA Refugia refer to the portion of a population of parasites (or stages of parasites) that are not exposed to the drug during treatment. This sub-population includes stages of parasites in the horse not affected by the treatment (e.g. encysted stages [small strongyles) within the horses gut, all free-living parasite stages on the pasture, and all parasites in animals that were not treated. The higher the proportion of worms in refugia, the more slowly resistance develops. The worms in refugia are not “selected” for resistance, thus resistant worms remain diluted by susceptible worms, which continue to make up the majority of the worm population. The concept of refugia can be utilized by keeping the frequency of drug treatments at a minimum when pasture refugia is low (e.g., during the temperature extremes of cold winters or hot summers and during droughts). Consequently, the old practice of “dose-and-move”, is now considered to select more strongly for resistance, as moving newly dewormed horses to a new pasture removes the dilution effect that would have been provided by a good size pasture refugia. Furthermore, refugia can be utilized by leaving some horses untreated at every deworming. Fecal egg counts have been used to select the moderate and high egg shedders for anthelmintic treatment. If highly effective drugs are used, treating all horses exceeding a strongyle FEC of 200 EPG, only leads to treating about 50% of the horse population, but still provides about 95% reduction of the overall egg shedding. FECAL EGG COUNT (FEC) AND FECAL EGG COUNT REDUCTION TEST (FECRT) The FEC is the number of parasite eggs in 1 gram (weight of a penny) of manure. The FEC, which can be done under a microscope (Figure 1), can give you an idea of how many parasites (parasite burden) your horse has. The FEC can be used to classify horses into low (200 EPG), moderate (200-500 EPG) and high (> 500 EPG) contaminators or shedders (Table 1).1
• Anthelmintic (dewormers) kill the parasites that are susceptible but leave a few that have mutated to be drug resistance. Repeated deworming allows the resistant parasites to preferentially survive and increase in frequency over time. • The Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) is the only method currently available for detecting resistance in parasites of horses.
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Louisiana Equine Report â&#x20AC;˘ October | November 2015
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Deworming Your Horse to Prevent Resistance Worms Figure 1: Strongyle and Parascaris (Ascarids, “Milk Worm”) eggs in the manure of a horse with mixed infection (http://67.212.230 .121/~eggzamin/eggz/wp-content/ uploads/2011/01/parascaris.jpg) The FECRT is used by your veterinarian to determine if specific parasites are resistance to a given dewormer. The equation below is used to calculate the reduction of eggs in the manure 14 days after deworming.
• They do not detect immature or larval stages of parasites including migrating large strongyles and Ascarids, and/or encysted cyathostomins. • Tapeworm infections may be missed or underestimated because tapeworm egg shedding is intermittent. • Pinworm eggs are usually missed since they are adhered as egg packets around the anus rather than being shed in the feces. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANURE SAMPLING AND STORAGE • Samples should be stored in airtight and leak-proof containers or plastic bags. Collected manure should be as fresh as possible. Samples less than 12 hours old are acceptable, but should be refrigerated immediately after collection (Nielsen et al., 2010b).
Specific guidelines for FECRT in horses do not currently exist, but are being developed by parasitologists under the auspices of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP).
• Refrigeration is always recommended for storage of fecal samples, but anaerobic storage at room temperature will also prevent eggs from hatching and developing. Anaerobic storage can be achieved by squeezing all the air out of the bag, or by using a vacuum-sealing device. Note that anaerobic storage works best on wet feces; if feces are dry; it is difficult to achieve an anaerobic state. • Samples should preferably be tested within 7 days of collection, although there are indications that eggs can remain intact for longer if adequately refrigerated • Fecal samples that are or have been frozen are not acceptable, as this will damage the eggs and decrease the recovery rate. • Diarrhea samples are not acceptable for FEC, but can be used for qualitative testing. Horse should have normal feces before a FEC is done. Note that if a horse has diarrhea that may be associated with parasitism, deworming may be indicated per clinician’s recommendations without regard to results of the FEC.
GOALS OF PARASITE CONTROL The goals of any parasite control program should be discussed with your veterinarian. The goal of parasite control in horses is to limit parasite infections so animals remain healthy and free of clinical disease. The goal is NOT to eradicate all parasites from a particular individual. Not only is eradication impossible to achieve, the inevitable result is accelerated development of parasite drug resistance. The goal of deworming is summarized below:
INTERPRETATION OF EGG COUNT DATA (WHAT DOES IT MEAN?) In managed horses, greater than 99% of all strongyle eggs seen in a fecal are from the small strongyles (cyathostomins). In feral horses or in cases of severe neglect, 90-95% of the eggs seen will be from the small strongyles (cyathostomins) and the remaining few percent will be from several large strongyle (blood worm) species, which are potentially more pathogenic. It is not possible to distinguish a large strongyle egg from a small strongyle egg while doing a FEC (Figure 1).
1. To minimize the risk of parasitic disease.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL It is important to utilize the environment, especially in Louisiana, East Texas and Western Mississippi to help with parasite control. The following recommendations for environmental control of parasites: • Non-composted horse manure should never be spread on pastures as this will increase the level of parasite contamination. • Leaving pastures unoccupied for several months of the year, especially during the summer in our area will reduce the risk of infection depending. Infective strongyle larvae (L3) can survive for only a few weeks in hot weather, but for as many as six to nine months during colder weather (Nielsen et al., 2007). • Consequently, leaving the pastures unoccupied in the winter in our area will not be effective. • Avoid treatments of equine strongyles during the winter months in cold temperate climates and during summer months in warm/hot climates (times of low refugia), in order to reduce the development of anthelmintic resistance.
EPG (pre-treatment) – EPG (14 day post-treatment) X 100 = FECRT EPG (pre-treatment)
2. To control parasite egg shedding. 3. To maintain efficacious drugs and avoid further development of anthelmintic resistance as much as possible. To achieve these goals, it is important to know the magnitude of egg shedding of individual horses or the FEC, as noted above. Guidelines are listed in the Table below. It is also important to understand that FEC may change over time as a result of changes in the horse’s immune status and level of parasite exposure. In addition, no exact guidelines have been published regarding the “acceptable” number of P. equorum (milk worm) eggs in young horses. REASONS TO PERFORM FECAL EGG COUNTS (FEC) • To evaluate the effectiveness of a deworming agent using the FECRT. • To evaluate and monitor the egg (parasite) reappearance period (ERP) of the most recently administered dewormer. • To determine the shedding status of the horse at the time of sampling. •To determine whether parasite burdens in foals and weanlings are primarily P. equorum (milk worms) or strongyles. LIMITATIONS • May not accurately reflect the total adult strongyle or Parascaris equorum burden of the horse.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR MATURE HORSES: General (Basic Deworming): • Based on our climatic conditions, one or two yearly treatments are sufficient to prevent occurrence of large strongyles, bots and tapeworms. • Include 1 treatment effective against encysted cyathostomins at end of the grazing season, which is the spring in the more tropical and subtropical climates. • Evaluate the efficacy of the dewormers used on each farm at least every three years using the FECRT.
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Louisiana Equine Report â&#x20AC;˘ October | November 2015
Brushy Creek Ranch By Barbara Newtown
Brushy Creek Ranch is a 54-acre jewel in the wilds of the 200,000 acre Homochitto National Forest, near Gloster, Mississippi. The Homochitto is thick with pines, oaks, streams, ravines, and wildlife. The ranch has green, mown pastures, three log cabins strung out along the banks of Brushy Creek, a stocked pond, a swimming pool, a bath house, a bunk house, over 70 covered and uncovered stalls, an outdoor arena, 28 RV sites with full hookups, horses for guests to ride, and a log house with a wraparound porch where the owners of Brushy Creek make their home. Chris and Ashli Kimball and their two children love Brushy Creek Ranch, and they want to share the experience with others. “We are trying to create a wilderness experience. We want to help people get out of their boxes, and open their eyes to what is out there,” says Chris. Guests can explore the Homochitto on foot, and even hunt for turkey and deer. But the main focus of the Brushy Creek experience is riding the 40 miles of trails. The trails, at first glance, seem easy, because they are wide, free of stones, and cushioned by soft dirt, pine needles, and oak leaves. But steep banks, downed trees, and deep creek crossings seem to be everywhere. Chris explains that the ranch operates under a policy called Challenge by Choice. “Our job is to present an element to you and challenge you, but at the end of the day, it’s your choice. You have to be willing to push yourself.” Beginners can choose an easy way around a log or across a stream, but riders who choose to be challenged get a workout. Chris says, “This place is like Six Flags for horses!” Before Chris and Ashli found Brushy Creek, they owned an adventure company that led wilderness treks and trail rides. “My buddies and I started building up our herd, while we were doing guided rides in Colorado and Arkansas,” says Chris. That herd of reliable trail horses became part of the Brushy Creek roster of horses for guests. Chris and Ashli have added some gaited horses and have started breeding mules that, they hope, will turn out to be gaited, too. They feel that the “rent horse” experience can be life-changing, in a good way. “It’s very delicate putting a human on a horse,” says Ashli. “You will never escape risk, but there are so many rewards. We are very careful about who rides which horse, because horses have personalities, just like humans. We want the people to understand the relationship that is being formed.” Continued on page 46...
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Continued from page 45... Brushy Creek Ranch
By Barbara Newtown
All trail rides start off in the sand arena. Chris and Ashli instruct and guide the riders and help them relax and overcome initial fears. “The time we spend in the arena lets the horse understand who’s on its back,” Chris says. Ashli says that sometimes new riders think they are telling their horses what to do, but the horses are hearing something totally different. The riders think they are on “bad” horses—but they just don’t know how to communicate with their mounts. The horses know the trails. “Your horse will take care of you,” says Ashli. But creating a horse that will “take care of” a beginner takes some work. Ashli says that they spend a lot of time touching the horses, bonding with them, and exposing them to noise: empty water bottles, plastic bags, and buckets. She and Chris take the horses out on the trail a lot to get them used to the terrain. “In certain spots in the creeks,” says Chris, “there’s quicksand. If you recognize what that sand looks like, then you can avoid it. But there are places in the creek where your horse can go up to its knees and shoulders in the sand and that can present a problem. We actually put them in the quicksand and let them work themselves out. If it ever happens to a rider, it’s not the first time these horses have ever been in that situation.” Chris says, “We have babysitters—horses that are very protective. We try to put people that have never ridden on those horses. We recognize people’s natural athletic abilities, their ages, injuries, and previous health conditions. You don’t want to put someone who’s had a double knee replacement on a hard trotter. And we plan routes appropriate for the clientele.” Besides newbies who might be touching a horse for the first time, Chris and Ashli welcome guests who bring their own horses. In the future, Brushy Creek Ranch hopes to host endurance rides, competitive trail rides, and even extreme cowboy events. Ashli says that she and Chris also want to reach out to church groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, and other organizations that might need a retreat, a wilderness challenge, or a team-building opportunity. There is no cell phone signal at Brushy Creek. Chris and Ashli want the ranch to be a place where guests come to get unplugged. “One group showed up with iPads and cellphones and there was no service. A little boy said he wanted to
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get in the truck and go home!” Ashli describes the flip side: a family stayed in the lakeside cabin for a weekend, and she asked their kids what their favorite part of the vacation was. The little girl said her favorite part was that her parents weren’t on their cell phones. “That really hit home,” says Ashli. “And a few days ago a boy said that Brushy Creek was better than Disney World! He got to play, swim, and fish.” Chris believes that inside every man and woman’s heart is a desire for adventure. When people come to Brushy Creek, he hopes that each guest finds a “little nugget of adventure” that will help a little bit in everyday life. “It may not be going out in the woods and spending three days with a knife and a compass. It may be riding two miles down a flat trail. For some people that’s the biggest adventure of their lives. Or a six-year-old kid catches a fish. That kid will never forget that fish as long as he lives.” Chris says that 80% of Americans have never been around a campfire. In fact, just sitting around a table and having dinner together is an adventure for some families. He points out that riders may not need to go out and jump logs or get stuck in quicksand to find a challenge: just going in circles in the round pen can be awesome. “Adventure is relative, you know,” he says. Chris sums up Brushy Creek: “This is the most therapeutic place I’ve seen. Listen, a lot of people don’t realize it’s therapeutic! The best approach for making a difference in people’s lives is ‘backdoor.’ One of the biggest enjoyments for me out here is seeing people enhancing their lives and their relationships through horses and trails and campfires and good food and … just escaping their boxes.” Brushy Creek Ranch -5939 East Homochitto Road | Gloster, MS 39638 | 601-225-7777 | stay@brushycreekranch.net
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Deworming Your Horse to Prevent Resistance Worms Specific (Based on FEC): • Base additional deworming (> 2/year) on FEC (see Table 1) and discuss with your veterinarian the products to use. Horses with < 200 EPG should only be dewormed per general program above. • Focus anthelmintic treatments during seasons of peak transmission (usually spring and fall when pasture refugia is at it’s highest). • Don’t deworm in the summer in our area (July 1st-September 15th). However, discuss specific dates with your veterinarian, as deworming during these times may be needed due to the clinical signs that the horse is showing. CONSIDERATIONS FOR FOALS, WEANLINGS AND YEARLINGS: General (Basic Deworming) • During the first year of life foals should receive a minimum of four anthelmintic treatments. •Mare should be 2 weeks before foaling based on her FEC. • First deworming should be carried out at about 2-3 months of age • Benzimidazole drug (fenbendazole, Panacur) is recommended to ensure efficacy against ascarids. •Second deworming is recommended 1-2 weeks before weaning (approximately five-six months of age). • At weaning FEC are recommended to determine whether worm burdens are primarily strongyles or ascarids, to facilitate the right choice of drug class. Third and fourth treatments should be considered at about 9 and 12 months of age, respectively, and treatment should primarily be targeting strongyles. • Tapeworm treatment should be included on one of these latter treatment occasions. • Recently weaned foals should be turned out onto the “cleanest” pastures with the lowest parasite burdens. Yearlings and two-year olds should continue to be treated as “high” shedders, and receive about three to four yearly treatments with efficacious drugs. Summary: Worm control programs are best viewed as a yearly cycle. Typically, in our area worm transmission to horses is negligible in the summer months and high in the fall, winter and spring months. All treatments should be discussed with your veterinarian and should be viewed in the context of a preventive program where FEC surveillance is being performed. Unless the horse is showing clinical signs, such as weight loss, diarrhea, poor hair coat, loss of appetite or appearance of parasites in the manure. As outlined, all adult horses should benefit from a basic foundation of one or two treatments per year. Martin K. Nielsen, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. EVPC (chair), Linda Mittel, MSPH, DVM, Amy Grice, VMD, Michael Erskine, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, Emily Graves, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, Wendy Vaala, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, Richard C. Tully, DVM, Dennis D. French, DVM, Ph.D, Dip. ABVP, Richard Bowman, DVM, Ray M. Kaplan, DVM, Ph.D, Dipl. ACVM, Dipl. EVPC. AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines. Developed by the AAEP Parasite Control Subcommittee of the AAEP Infectious Disease Committee. White Paper, http://www.aaep.org/custdocs/ParasiteControlGuidelinesFinal.pdf
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Oldenburg Inspection Report The eleventh annual Newtown Farm ISR/Oldenburg mare and foal inspection took place on Friday, 18 September 2015, under the majestic pines in Benton, Louisiana. Inspector Eberhard Senckenberg—a new German evaluator for the ISR/Oldenburg NA who comes to us from his position as the director of the Bavarian State Stud—assessed the eleven animals presented this year: three mares, four 2015 colts, and four 2015 fillies. Paperwork began over coffee and doughnuts at 11:30 AM, while the actual inspection of animals began at 12:30PM. The day was sunny and warm, and the added wrinkle of holding parts of the inspection this year in two neighboring venues—Holly Hill Farm and Newtown Farm—caused no undue delays.
All three mares were approved into the Main Mare Book. The highest scoring mare at 98 points was Rebecca Murphy’s bay 6-y-o Thoroughbred Beezaroo by Action This Day x Beezer (Lucayan Prince). Also approved were Tracy Hewlett’s 13-y-o Dutch mare Vignette by Darwin x Ulette (Formateur) and Marsha Murray’s 19y-o Welsh Cob/ Thoroughbred cross Molly McGee by Winterlake Alexander x Waltzing Matilda (Redipoint) A remarkably high count of six of the eight foals of 2015 won the coveted Premium Foal Award. To
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become a Premium Foal, the weanling must score no lower than 8.0 on each of three subsets of the judging: conformation & correctness, movement, and overall impression. We brag about our breeding successes in the TriState area of Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, but it’s nice to see our pride confirmed again this year in the scores of our young stock. High scoring filly (premium foal and site champion) was Julie Wrzesinski’s bay Southern Belle (8.7/8.8/8.8) by Don De Marco x Sunnydayromance (Deputy Diamond). High scoring colt was Jennifer Wiggins’s gray Power of Pi (8.5/8.5/8.2) by the Canadian Welsh Pony stallion Daventry’s Power Play x Rustyred (Western City). Also achieving the premium foal award were four offspring of Newtown Farm’s young Oldenburg stallion Balanchine: Marsha Murray’s dark bay colt Beaujolais (8.4/8.2/8.2) out of Molly McGee (Winterlake Alexander); and Newtown Farm’s bay colt Bradford (8.3/8.2/8.2) out of Zoe (*/-/-) (Juventus), gray filly Henrietta (8.6/8.8/8.7) out of Hannah (-/*/-) (Der Radetzky), and bay filly Flannery (8.4/8.5/8.6) out of Fredericka (Consul). With these awards added to his production record, Balanchine earned his star designation for having produced over ten premium foals.
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Continued from page 6.......... October 3rd & 4th Race Against Hunger BBR Pending Mississippi Horse Park Info: Pattie Jo Higdon 601-566-0237 Starkville, MS | Sugasheaux | SugArena Info: 337-365-7539 | New Iberia, LA Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Calcasieu Parish High School Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com | Lake Charles, LA October 3rd – 5th Louisiana Team Roping Association West Cal Arena | Info: Ricky Jordan 337-263-0036 or George Reeeves 337-884-4525 | Sulphur, LA October 4th Terrebonne Livestock Agricultural Fair Assoc. Horse Show | Info: Adrian Dufrene 985-232-5141 Houma, LA NBHA LA 04 Info: Scooter LeBouef 985-209-3531 Email: scooterlebouef@aol.com | Plaquemine, LA Acadiana Barrel Racing Association Rice Arena | Info: info@laabra.com Susan Krieg 337-288-5374 or Shannan Roy 337-280-9349 | Crowley, LA October 8th – 11th USDF Region 9 | Dressage Championships & HDS Autumn Classic | Katy, TX $100 Added open 5D Bossier Parish Riding Club Info: Martha 318-560-7583 | Benton, LA
October 9th – 10th 2nd Annual Steers and Steel for LeBonheur $2000 Added to Open & $500 to Adult & Youth Pontotoc County Agri Center Info: Misty Tucker 662-297-4600 (Barrel Racing) Bryan Wood 662-419-3381 (Team Roping) Pontotoc, MS October 9th – 11th Lucky Dog Productions WPRA,BBR, $5,000 Added Open 4D Four States Fairgrounds | Info: Christy Lewis 870-930-7717 | Texarkana, AR
Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Tri-Parish High School Rice Arena | Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com | Crowley, LA
October 16th – 18th Horse Poor Barrel Race Mississippi Horse Park | Info: 662-325-9350 Starkville, MS
Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association MHJA OKTOBERFEST Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 or www.mhja.net Canton, MS
October 17th Louisiana Stock Horse Association SugArena | Info: Judy Weisgerber 877-335-3072, 337-208-2336 or 337-238-0193 | New Iberia, LA
October 16th DeRidder Riding Club | Friday Night Jackpot Info: Shanna Thomas 337-802-7049 | DeRidder, LA
Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Assoc. Info: bjcotten@gmail.com | New Roads, LA
October 16th & 17th North Louisiana Equestrian Association DREC Halloween | Info: www.nlea.org
3rd Annual Hootin Halloween Barrel Race Southside Riding Club | $1000.00 ADDED 5D Barrel Race | Info: Karen Rehak 318-658-0632 or Chris Free 318-455-1877 | Keithville, LA
NBHA LA 06 Florida Parishes Arena Info: 504-452-9707 | Amite, LA
Baldwin Ranch Sorting Baldwin Arena | Info: Mike Baldwin 936-598-3419 or 936-591-2524 | Center, TX
$500 Added Open 5D Cloverleaf Barrel Racing & NBHA Bossier Parish Riding club | Info: Trent 318-422-9335 or Martha 318-560-7583 | Benton, LA
Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Bell City Junior High Burton Coliseum Outdoor Arena Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com | Lake Charles, LA
October 17th & 18th Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Bell City High School | Burton Coliseum Outdoor Arena | Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com | Lake Charles, LA
NBHA LA 03 SugArena Info: Glenda LeBlanc 337-789-9050 | New Iberia, LA
Clinton Anderson Clinic Tunica Arena & Expo Center | Info: Brittany Chamberlain 254-552-1080 | Tunica, MS
Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Assoc. Info: www.swahsra.org or 870-582-1968 | Linden, TX
North Louisiana Exhibition Center Cotton Country Open Horse Show | Ruston, LA
October 18th Piney Woods Horse Show Assoc. Marshall Arena Info: 903-399-1097 or www.pineywoodshorseshow.com or contact@pineywoodshorseshow.com | Marshall, TX
October 10th & 11th Silver Spur Rodeo Club | West Cal Arena Info: www.westcalevents.com | Sulphur, LA
Rodeo Sabin River Rodeo Company Sanction: LRCA/UPRA | Info: 318-617-8991 Natchitoches, LA
October 10th Deep South Stock Horse Show Association Open Horse Show | BREC Shady Park Arena Info: www.dsshsa.org or Celine Perry 225-235-0570 NBHA MS07 5D Collinsville Riding Arena Info: Lisa Pevey 601-934-1765 | Collinsville, MS
5th Annual BOO BASH Racin’ Cajuns Barrel & Pole Bending Club Crowley Rice Arena | Info: 337-789-4784 or cypressmarie@yahoo.com | Crowley, LA
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Louisiana Equine Report â&#x20AC;˘ October | November 2015
Continued from page 48... Oldenburg Inspection Report Although Balanchine’s two remaining foals— Tracy Hewlett’s bay filly Valeta Dancer, out of Vignette (Darwin), and Newtown Farm’s splashy chestnut and white paint colt Bollywood, out of Hermione (-/*/-) (Coeur de Lion)—each averaged 8.1 overall, they fell short of the premium designation by failing to achieve 8.0 on all three component scores. Both foals gained high marks, however, for their movement scores (Valeta Dancer at 8.7 and Bollywood at 8.5), so they too added to the luster of Balanchine’s production record. As the final official act of the day all eight foals were branded. Then participants and auditors gathered in the Newtown’s home to chat about the results and to celebrate with cookies and cold drinks. Eberhard Senckenberg was impressed with the concept of doughnut holes and became a convert to Mexican beer.
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Advertising
Reach more horse owners and potential customers with the Louisiana Equine Report than any other Horse Publication in Louisiana. Reasonable Rates, Flexible Advertising Packages, Free Ad Design. Published every other month, i.e. Feb/Mar, April/May etc. plus a Horseman’s Directory in February, Horseman’s Christmas Gift Guide in our October/November and December/January issues, Stallion Edition in January 2014 Don’t Miss Out on this opportunity to Grow Your Business with advertising in the Louisiana Equine Report. Email sales@laequinereport.com or call 225.229.8979 or 225.622.5747 today!!!
Adoption Horses For adoption info contact admin@lahorserescue.com Louisiana Horse Rescue Association is looking for members! To become a member and provide rescue and sanctuary to horses of racing breeds please contact admin@lahorserescue. com. Membership is $25.00 per year and entitles you to vote on key issues, nominate board members and participate in volunteer activities. Be part of the solution - join today. BOARDING Equine Boarding 6 miles south of Opelousas. $125 per month, you supply the feed. Trails to ride on and arena. Camelot Wilderness Ranch, Leonville, LA 337-781-4312. www.camelotwildernessranch.com Hay QUALITY BERMUDA HAY – We have Tifton, jigs and coastal 50 pound, 2 string square bales for sale. You may find hay as pretty, but none better than our hay. It’s fertilized, irrigated and stacked off the ground. It is cut with a conditioner and put up with expertise. We test every cutting. Protein
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comes out between 13 and 19% protein, depending upon the cutting. Located in Woodville, Texas. Contact Judy at 337802-0344 or Email: karafarms@gmail.com Top Horse Quality Round Bales Bermuda and Mixed Bahia Available $50/bale Bobby Granger 337-207-9535 Chaffhaye: Fermented Alfalfa. Now in stock, fresh shipment, call for bulk pricing. Better than dry hay..its Chaffhaye! Info: 337-581-3618. Bahia square bales $5.50 per bale. Folsom area 985-796-9261 HORSES FOR SALE ARABIANS 14 year old registered Polish Arabian mare for sale. She is smart, gentle and can clear a five-foot fence. She rides Western or English. She has not been formally trained for hunter/ jumper, but would make a nice ride for this class. She would also do well in endurance classes. She loves to run---and can run forever! She has a beautiful stride and smooth trot. Price is negotiable. For more info contact Linda @ 214-929-8368 MORGANS 2001 AMHA Morgan Mare, wonderfully bred, sound, GREEN BROKE, super smooth ride, has produced two winning show mares, very pretty and has a willing attitude, wants to please and easy to work with. Good feet and overall health is very good. Easy keeper, approx. 15.2 hands has ridden English but seems to be more of a Western type. Valued at $25,000 but will sacrifice at only $2000 to a great home. Contact 985-796-0444
Louisiana Equine Report • October | November 2015
PAINTS 2003 APHA gelding 14.3H Romeo is the kind you want in your barn. He is very gentle and laid back as they come. He has a rocking chair lope and a super smooth trot. This gelding has an automatic handle. He will lope circles in the arena and trail rides anywhere you point him. This gelding has great ground manners and is easy to catch, groom, and handle. If you’re looking for a super flashy gelding that can do it all from arena work to riding outside Romeo is your guy. Call today for pricing and more info 337-764-3456 Great Kids Horse. Shown in 4H, high school rodeo, and Sugasheauxs. Registered APHA 10 year old Mare. $5000. For Info Call: 337-371-1104 QUARTER HORSES 11 accredited La Bred QH yearlings for sale contact 318-572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - January filly by Okey Dokey Fantasy o/o Stakes Mare - Princely Daisy. Strong black type Family. $5500. 318-572-9525 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - January filly by Mr Jesse (3/4 brother to Mr Jess Perry ) o/o Dash to Chivato Mare. Black type family $3,500 318-572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling -January filly by First Prize Perry o/o Dashin Bye Mare - black type family. $7500 318-572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - filly by Whathaveigottado out of Rebels Royal Lady(Rebels Dasher) Blacktype family including $1mil race winner $5,000. 318-572-9515
Accredited La Bred QH yearling -filly by Ragazzo out of Lil Due to Due $3,000 318-572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - colt By Mr Jesse (3/4 brother to Mr Jess Perry) out of a Strawfly Special mare. Black type family. $3,900 318-572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - filly by JLS Party Wagon out of The Converter Mare. Black type family. $4,200. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare By Mr Jess.Perry. In foal to Jet Black Patriot. eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - colt by Ragazzo out of stakes Mare by Game Patriot Blacktype family $4,900 318572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - filly by Mr Jesse (3/4 brother to Mr Jess Perry) out of Streakin La Jolla Oh. Blacktype family. $3,500 318-572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - colt by Too Tough to Catch out of Stawfly Special Mare. Female family of CHAMPION Rare Form. $7500 318-572-9515 Accredited La Bred QH yearling - colt by Sir Runaway Dash out of Miss Hollywood Perry black type family. $6500 318-572-9515
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Continued from page 49.......... Southern University Ag Center Horse Show | Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena Info: 225-771-6208 | Baton Rouge, LA
October 30th Youth Friday AEI Riding Arena | Gonzales, LA
NBHA LA 04 Info: Scooter LeBouef 985-209-3531 | Port Allen, LA
October 31st Adult Saturdays AEI Riding Arena | Gonzales, LA
October 23rd & 24th 2 Hearts Barrel Racing | Spooktacular Barrel Race Open 5D $2,500 ADDED | Marshall City Arena Info: Martha Reyenga 318-560-7583 | Marshall, TX Mississippi High School Rodeo Assoc. Purvis I High School Rodeo | Info: www.mshsra.org | Purvis, MS Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Hackberry High School | Hackberry High School Arena Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com October 24th 5D Western Store Youth Rodeo Series | Info: 225-658-8015 | Zachary, LA Mississippi Junior High School Association Purvis Rodeo Club | Info: www.mjhsra.org or msjrhighrodeo@hotmail.com | Purvis, MS Spooktacular Barrel Race Marshall City Arena | $2500 Added Open 5D $250 Added Youth Rollover | BBR Approved Info: Martha 318-560-7583 | Marshall, TX Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Assoc. Info: www.swahsra.org or 870-582-1968 | Texarkana Deep South Stock Horse Show Association Open Horse Show | BREC Shady Park Arena Info: www.dsshsa.org or Celine Perry 225-235-0570 Great Southern Youth Rodeo Association Info: Lisa Ladner 601-916-7016, Suzanne Wilson 601-916-6380, Tony Wilson 228-66-0091 or Lance Ladner 601-916-6873 Poplarville, MS Louisiana Playday Riding Club | Info: Kayla Kennedy 337-401-1225
3DOTS 3 D Ranch Sorting & Cattle Working Ranch Sorting, Youth, 3 Man Open Arena & Team Penning Info: Troy Crain 985-516-7507 or Blake Chiasson 985-285-0892 | Bogalusa, LA October 31st – November 1st Arkansas Horse Reining Horse Show Tunica Arena & Expo Center | Info: Tim Laws 870-897-3026 Tunica, MS Halloween Barrel Bash $1000 Added Open 4D | Point Coupee Multi Use Indoor Arena New Roads, LA Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Corbin Carpenter Memorial Fall Cuttings O’Neals’ Arena | Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com | Choudrant, LA November 1st Terrebonne Livestock Agricultural Fair Assoc. Horse Show | Info: Adrian Dufrene 985-232-5141 | Houma, LA November 5th – 7th Tunica Fall Classic TN Walking Horse Show Tunica Arena & Expo Center | Info: Mike Inman 205-966-0969 Tunica, MS November 5th – 8th Mississippi Hunter Jumper Assoc. WTHJA Harvest Time | Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 or www.mhja.net | Germantown, TN November 6th DeRidder Riding Club Friday Night Jackpot | Info: Shanna Thomas 337-802-7049 DeRidder, LA
October 24th – 31st NBHA WORD CHAMPIONSHIPS | Perry, GA
November 6th & 7th Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Pointe Coupee Junior High | Pointe Coupee Multi Use Facility Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail. com | New Roads, LA Mississippi High School Rodeo Assoc. Poplarville I High School Rodeo Info: www.mshsra.org | Poplarville, MS
October 27th & 28th Silver Spur Rodeo Club 4-D West Cal Arena | Info: 337-529-5365 or 337-582-7373 | Sulphur, LA
November 6th – 8th Talmadge Green Barrel Racing Clinic Florida Parishes Arena | Amite, LA
Wolf Barrel Racing Association Witches N Sticks Fund Raiser | Porth Ag Arena Info: Staci Wolf 903-724-9956 | Crockett, TX
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November 7th Deep South Stock Horse Show Association Open Horse Show | BREC Shady Park Arena Info: www.dsshsa.org or Celine Perry 225-235-0570 Mississippi Junior High School Association Poplarville Rodeo Club | Info: www.mjhsra.org or msjrhighrodeo@ hotmail.com | Poplarville, MS NBHA LA 04 Info: Scooter LeBouef 985-209-3531 | Plaquemine, LA Emerson Arena 3D Ranch Sorting Info: Dilton Emerson 318-393-5703 | Benton, LA NBHA LA 06 Florida Parishes Arena | Info: 504-452-9707 \ Amite, LA November 7th & 8th Wolf Barrel Racing Association Porth Ag Arena | FINALS Info: Staci Wolf 903-724-9956 | Crockett, TX Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Pointe Coupee High School | Pointe Coupee Multi Use Facility Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail. com | New Roads, LA Acadiana Barrel Racing Assoc. ABRA Finals – Qualified Members Only SugArena | Info: info@laabra.com or Susan Krieg 337-288-5374 or Shannan Roy 337-280-9349 | New Iberia, LA November 7th – 9th Ricky Jordan Roping | West Cal Arena Info: www.westcalevents.com | Sulphur, LA November 10th & 11th Silver Spur Rodeo Club 4-D West Cal Arena | Info: 337-529-5365 or 337-582-7373 | Sulphur, LA November 13th & 14th NBHA LA 06 | Florida Parishes Arena Info: 504-452-9707 | Amite, LA Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. CENLA Junior High | DeWitt Livestock Facility Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail. com \ Alexandria, LA November 13th – 15th South Louisiana Team Sorting Assoc. Finals Info: www.sltsa.com or Email: sltsa@hotmail.com | Port Allen, LA November 14th Baton Rouge Barrel Racing Assoc. Finals Info: bjcotten@gmail.com | New Roads, LA
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Louisiana Equine Report • October | November 2015
Sacred Heart Welcomes The Studious HorseTM Clinic The Studious Horse™ Clinic is coming to the Sacred Heart Equestrian Center November 20 & 21! The Studious Horse is a unique clinic designed to improve the horse show experience for horses, riders, and the people who love them. This clinic is a day and a half in length and is designed by Jill Groff Worman, a US Equestrian Federation “R” judge with 30 years of experience showing horses and training riders. Most clinics follow a typical pattern: one or more students will have a riding lesson with a visiting expert. Auditors are invited to learn by watching. The Studious Horse™, however, is different. There are three ways to enjoy and learn from this clinic. The first way is to attend only the interactive video presentation, which covers subjects such as techniques for entering the ring on top, what judges’ cards look like, what are the most common or most serious mistakes, and what makes a good jumper or good mover. Attending this session is a unique opportunity to learn details and to question a judge. The second way to enjoy and learn from The Studious Horse™ is to attend the interactive video presentation and ride. Each rider is prepared by his or her trainer to come in and jump a hunter course. After the round, the rider receives immediate feedback and a score from the judge. Then the rider repeats the course, with hopefully better results. The rider is invited to discuss the second round with the judge/clinician. When all riders are finished with their hunter courses, the clinic moves on to flat classes. The judge/clinician discusses her routine for judging a
flat class, techniques to put your best foot forward, and what she is looking for in a good mover. The third way to enjoy and learn from this clinic is to attend the interactive video presentation and to audit the mock horse show. The auditors will be seated next to the judge/clinician so that they are able to listen to the feedback the judge/clinican gives to the riders and to ask questions. This option is perfect for spouses and parents of riders. Jill Groff Worman, creator of The Studious Horse™ Clinic, has ridden since she was a young girl. She attended Virginia Intermont College and went on to coach the Virginia Tech IHSA team for several years. Jill then began to train horses and riders at the farm owned by Kathy and Joe Patton, who just happen to be Beezie Madden’s parents! She got her judge’s card in 2011 and has been judging ever since. Jill decided to start this clinic in 2014 to help frustrated competitors. The Studious Horse™ clinic will start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20. There will be drinks and finger food served during the presentation. On Saturday, November 21, the riding portion of the clinic will begin at 8:30 a.m. There is a $50 nonrefundable deposit (due by November 2) to reserve your spot. There are a limited number of stalls available, so reserve your stalls early! Please contact Morgyn Roberts for more information and prices at 337-662-3920 or mroberts@ sshcoteau.org. The Sacred Heart Equestrian Center is located at the Schools of the Sacred Heart Equestrian Center at 1821 Academy Rd., Grand Coteau, LA 70541. We hope that you will join us for this awesome clinic!
October | November 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
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Voices of the Schools of the Sacred Heart By Barbara Newtown
The Schools of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, are independent, Catholic, college preparatory institutions which educate girls and boys from Pre-K 3 through Grade 12. Although girls and boys share the campus, The Academy of the Sacred Heart is the original, all-girls school founded in 1821, and Berchmans Academy of the Sacred Heart just graduated its first class of young men. All girls and boys are welcome to apply, no matter what their religion, race, or nationality might be. There are approximately 150 Schools of the Sacred Heart in 40 countries around the world. The schools were all started by The Society of the Sacred Heart, a religious order founded in France in 1800 that has among its missions the education of youth and religious retreats. The Grand Coteau institution is the second-oldest Sacred Heart school in the United States, and the longest continually-operating Sacred Heart school in the world. The 250-acre campus, with its historic buildings, lush trees, and generous fields, is a lovely setting for educational pursuits and a perfect setting for a riding program. Under the guidance of five instructors, students not only enjoy recreational riding, but also compete locally and nationally in Western and English disciplines. Riders may use school horses or bring their own. The equestrian program of the Schools of the Sacred Heart teaches more than how
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Louisiana Equine Report • October | November 2015
to win a ribbon: besides learning Western and English horsemanship, the students learn the “life lessons” of “responsibility, discipline, compassion, self-confidence, and adaptability.” Sister Lucie Nordmann, head of Institutional Advancement The equestrian program is unique to this wonderful school. The order is run by what we call a Superior General, a nun in charge of all the Sacred Heart schools around the world. One of our Superior Generals, Janet Erskine Stuart, lived and worked on a farm with her family. She was an avid, passionate rider. We just celebrated the 100 years since her death this past January. She is a wonderful model. The value she put on riding, among other things, was the development of character. Character development has always been a very important part of our education. It’s not just about educating the head. And one of our stated goals is teaching our students to take care of creation. I have ridden a horse only once in my life, but to watch the students with them, I must say you know those horses are relating intuitively to those children riding them. It’s phenomenal. I’ve done reading and watched videos on the therapeutic value of children relating to horses. Continued on page 57...
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Voices of the Schools of the Sacred Heart By Barbara Newtown
One thing we love about this program is that when the students show up to ride, they take care of the horses themselves. Another thing is that this program is really the only school-based interscholastic riding program on our part of the Gulf Coast. When we started the project on the arenas, I started an account for people to donate and we were trying to think of what to name the account. We came up with “Live, Ride, Learn.” Sacred Heart is the only place I know where you can live—we have a boarding school—you can ride, and you can learn.
Alyson Pharr, mother of student Olivia Pharr My father put me on a horse when I was five years old and I grew up loving it. I did hunter-jumper, just like Olivia is doing now. That’s how we got involved in the program. When Olivia started riding here I asked the director at the time, about five years ago, for her wish list for improving the program and getting more shows here. The simple answer was that we needed an indoor riding arena! So we started down that road. At the same time there was a fundraising campaign for the boys school. We really didn’t want to interfere with that, so there were two separate missions, so to speak. This area, near Carencro, has a lot of horse farms and people with equestrian background. My husband and I started raising money around here with the goal of collecting about half a million dollars. The indoor arena is going to be 148 by 210. The long side will be new stalls, tack rooms, wash racks and that sort of thing. And then the arena itself is 100 x 200. We had to add 10 feet on each end because of the beams. We used straight beams. When you build a steel building you can either used the curved or the straight, but even with the straight they take up about 2 or 3 ft on each side and we wanted the riding surface to actually be 100 by 200. We needed enough room to have regulation hunters and jumpers and do a lot of Western activity. We have two outdoor sand arenas, newly built. One, which we call the Western arena, is 100 by 200. The other arena is 120 by 240. We are in the process of trying to lease more land next to the school. Our long-term plan is to be a full service facility for hunter-jumper, dressage, eventing, and all the Western activities. It’s been a slow process but we are steadily moving forward.
We’ve seen a difference in Olivia. We had some significant things happen in our family—the death of my husband’s mother and then the death of my father back-to-back, and then I was in an accident right after that. It affected Olivia greatly and the one thing that seemed to calm her and give her peace of mind was riding. It just gave her so much confidence and we started to see her smile again. Olivia Pharr After school is when I get to spend time with my horse-related friends. You go to the barn and change, get your horse ready, and if you don’t have a lesson after school you have free time to ride with your friends. We have teachers out there who watch and care for us, even if we aren’t being technically supervised. We are so lucky to have these great people who help us and teach us and comfort us in our riding. It’s a community-building process. My dad knows a little about horses. At one point he tried riding, but it didn’t work out. Alyson Pharr He couldn’t quite get the posting going. Olivia Pharr By always being at horse shows and watching he understands more. Now it’s not so hard to talk to my dad about riding! Alyson Pharr It’s been an incredible journey for our entire family. I think riding teaches a great deal about responsibility. The horses aren’t just pleasure horses, they are athletes. You have to treat them as such. It’s a great learning experience. It was for me when I was younger, and I think it has been for Olivia. Morgyn Roberts, Director of Schools of the Sacred Heart Equestrian Center I grew up showing 4-H in Indianapolis, Indiana. I rode competitively in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association in Western Horsemanship and Reining, and I also competed in barrels. [Morgyn graduated from St Mary-of-the-Woods College with
a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Business Management and minors in Business Management and Equine Science. She received a Master’s degree in non-profit organizational leadership from the same school.] After college I worked at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, in the foal NICU. It was a wonderful experience. I didn’t want to be a vet, but the experience I got there has been very helpful to me, especially here where I manage a herd of 50 horses. I also showed Saddlebreds and I did some hunter-jumper, so I’m able to relate to what the students are going through. I’m excited about getting back into competitive barrel racing. My new barrel horse is Tally, short for Phrosted Talent. She’s a little bay mare, about 15 hands. She’s petite. She’s a finished barrel horse. At the end of the day I can go ride her and relax. It’s wonderful. Our herd at school is a little mix of everything… mostly Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and warmbloods. Our ponies are pretty much Welsh ponies. We have two school horses that are Arabians. At the moment, we have about thirteen school horses. The rest are either owned by the students or belong to outside boarders. We really like to stress the safety of our students as well as the safety of our horses. Anyone under the age of 18 is required by our insurance to wear a helmet. I ask all of our instructors or anyone who is riding to wear a helmet just to set an example for the children. When we go off the school property to a show like a barrel racing show, that’s a parental decision. Actually, in AQHA events anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet. We’re moving towards greater awareness, but it’s going to be hard with the rodeo crowd. Fallon Taylor is a professional barrel racer who rode in a helmet in every round at the National Finals Rodeo. She’s trying to set an example. She and the AQHA have teamed up to start pushing awareness. It is very difficult to have a program that teaches everything from Western Pleasure to Horsemanship to barrels. Fortunately, we have enough staff members and we’ve all done a little bit of each so that we can cater to whatever the student wants to do. The equestrian program is considered a sport, so when the students go to a show it’s like the track team going to a meet. It’s always excused. A lot of schools won’t do that for their riders. Alyson Pharr We encourage the teachers to go out to the arenas and watch, so they know what the students are doing and see that it’s not all fun and games, but a lot of work. It’s been very educational for the teachers!
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October | November 2015 • Louisiana Equine Report
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Continued from page 52.......... AQHA race Bred broodmares in foal; 3 in 1 packages also eligible for La Bred program. Herd reduction - farm that bred Mr Jess Perry. 318-572-9515. more than listed
26 yr. old Red Roan Gelding. Barrel and calf roping horse. Ready to go. Good for kids and beginners. $3000. Please call 985-526-8943 or 985-271-2056.
AQHA broodmare Favorite Ovation 1/2 to NTR setter in foal to All American Winner Mr Polito Solid Blacktype family with foal by Fast Prize Jordan 318-572-9515
Be A Rose (My Intention x JMK Rosalee) 2012 Sorrel Filly, Top three in her class at 2013 Fort Worth Stock Show, Winner of the 2012 Iowa Breeder’s Futurity, Registered AQHA, PHBA. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265
AQHA broodmare by Strawfly Special in foal to Stakes producer Okey Dokey Fantasy eligible for La bred program. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare Miss Hollywood Perry 1/2 to NTR setter. In foal to Mr Jesse (3/4 brother to Mr Jess Perry) eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare by Raise A Secret. In foal to Mr Jesse (3/4 brother to Mr Jess Perry) with Mr Jesse colt at side. eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare By Apollo TB. In foal to Mr Jesse (3/4 brother to Mr Jess Perry) AQHA eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 Qh broodmare By Mr Jesse (3/4 brother to Mr Jess Perry) in foal to AJs Fast Dash (Heza Fast Dash) eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 TB broodmare by Falstaff in foal to Divide the Cash( AQHA) and Divide the Cash colt at side. Eligible for La Bred Program 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare From the family family of Mr Jess Perry . In foal to Mr Jesse (3/4 brother to Mr Jess Perry) eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare By Mr Jess.Perry. In foal to Stoli. eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare By First to Shine In foal to Mr Jesse. Mare from the female family of Mr Jess Perry. eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare By Toast to Dash. In foal to Divide the Cash. Mare from the female family of Mr Jess Perry eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare By Mr Jess.Perry. In foal to Stoli. eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 AQHA broodmare By Achievement In foal to AJs Fast Dash and foal by Tee Cos. eligible for La Bred program. 318-572-9515 2 year Old Red Roan stud colt by Peeka Pep X out of daughter of Dual Rey. Really nice colt has everything you need in one color, confirmation, ability and mind. This colt is out of the top bloodlines in the cutting world. $6000 and is nominated for the NCHA Super Stakes. Give us a call at 318-335-6476 Super adorable little gelding! Honestly can’t believe he is still for sale! Monty is great for any type rider- very broke, lopes right off and has a super smooth slow rocking chair lope. Monty has an awesome neck rein and has no bad habits. He is great in the arena or out on the trails :) This guy has the best ground manners as well. He stands right under 15h and is 8yrs old. Would be a great addition to any family or barn lesson program 337-764-3456 Top Quality Cow Horse and Performance Prospects for Sale. Van Powell Quarter Horses. For more info contact Van: 225-505-1710 5 year old appendix gelding for sale. Out of an all-around Doc Bar mare. Broke solid but has not been rode in a while. Been walked around the barrel and pole pattern. Train him your way. Super smart and laid back. Stands for baths and farrier. Registered name is Little Come To Ya. He is on all breed pedigree. I really hate to sell him, but I’m in college and just do not have time to finish him out. $1800 for info call: 318-588-0338 AQHA Sorrel Halter Gelding; 8 years old 16HH Great Bloodlines. Won Region 9 Show in 2013; Sweet, easy going, no vices. Great show horse for youth or 4H; Out of Dominates Image and One Cool Addition by Cool Tall One. Easy Keeper; clips, baths, loads. Lots of show miles at halter. $2,000 FIRM. Offers considered for right home. Contact: Juanita Thomas 225-869-4140. 11 Year old Gelding. Great Bloodline. Trained in barrels, knows poles. Has traveled to several local shows and Houston Rodeo. Great horse for an adult or advanced rider. Very sweet boy. Great for farrier, clips and baths. Easy but slow and cautious loader. Very bossy in barn as he wants to be fed first and wants love and attention. $4000; Contact; Amy at kas@gui.glacoxmail.com 6 year old 14.3 hands tall Gelding; cruising 2-3D local and big shows. Has a lot more to give. 100% sound and ready to start hitting the road. I have videos and pics. He registered name is Just Cuttin Loose. For info: frazier81@gmail.com 8 yr. old Registered Breakaway & Calf Roping Quarter Horse Gelding. Ready to be hauled. Peppy’s Here O’Lena. Started on breakaway and calf roping. Started on barrels, lots of potential. Please call 985-526-8943 or 985-271-2056 for more information. $6000 OBO.
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Pretty OK (Mr. AOK x Peps Star Girl) 2001 Chestnut Mare. Bred to Casino Cool for 2014 foal. Registered AQHA. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 Jules Time Machine (Mr. Baron Jules x Wiggle Time) 2010 Buckskin Mare. Registered AQHA and ABRA. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 The Gift of Fab (Fabuluke x Can Do Gal (TB) ) 2008 Bay Mare. Presented JUNIOR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE, In training with Jerry Erickson in Danger, Texas. Registered AQHA appendix, incentive fund. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 Kid Splashing (OBB Secret Skip x Kids Art) 2011 Palamino Stallion. 2013 Forth Worth Stock Show, Palomino Show: Top 5 Amatuer/Open Halter and Top 5 in Color, By Superior Halter Stallion, OBB Secret Skip. For inquiries call Double J Ranch, Whitesboro, TX 940-668-8265 Performance Quarter Horses, All disciplines All Ages, plenty to choose from, Call (985)892-6884.
Black Jack – 2013 black Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Weltmeyer), mother is Elite Hanoverian, charming, and personable. $7500. 318-965-9071. www. newtownhorses.com Bojangles – 2012 premium bay Oldenburg NA gelding (Balanchine x Coeur de Lion), champion at his inspection, big and beautiful. $15,000. 318-965-9071. www. newtownhorses.com Honor – 2011 premium dark bay Oldenburg NA filly (Balanchine x Coeur de Lion), champion her inspection. Started. $20,000. 318-965-9071. www. newtownhorses.com Flower - 2011 Irish Sport Horse Mare, sired by Fancy Clancy, chestnut with flaxen mane and tail, blaze, 16+ hands (still growing), homebred and started with natural horsemanship, quietly hacking out on cross country course, basic dressage work started; sweet, kind and gentle mare $4500. For more info go to hollyhillfarm.net WELSH PONY Adorable welsh paint pony for sale. Jewel is super adorable. He rides very well, has been trail ride all over and done some play day events. She has also been started over fences. She goes English and western and is looking for a kid of her own $1500 337-764-3456 LODGING Camelot Wilderness Ranch Bed & Breakfast; located on an equine ranch near Opelousas, LA Country Cottage. $75 per night. 337-781-4312, visit our website for details. www.camelotwildernessranch.com
Cremello Weanlings & Yearlings, Call Dana (985)893-1251, (985)259-1723 or (985)335-4238
STALLIONS AT STUD Balanchine, 16.3 black Oldenburg stallion. Lifetime breeding license with ISR/ Oldenburg NA. Sire: Bergamon (Hanoverian) by Baryshnikov; dam: Norma Jean (Oldenburg) by Frohwind. 2014 stud fee $1250. 70% premium foals in 2013. 318965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com
Quality Quarter Horses available, Great Performance Prospects Call Kent @ Gray Ranch/M-Heart Corp. (337)589-7336 or visit www.grayranch.com
Koris Lil Joe Sire: Pipers Doc; Dam: Rogues Poco Cutter x Tivio Stripes Lad For more info contact Lyon’s Den Quarter Horses (337) 684-6751 or www.lyonshorses.com
Great Cutting Horse Prospects, Nice Bloodlines, Call Jerry 225-921-0955
Hes Plenty “Doc” 2003 Buckskin Stallion Sire: Woodys Nifita Moon; Dam: Plentyofit E Face x Plentyofit For more info contact Lyon’s Den Quarter Horses (337) 684-6751 or www.lyonshorses.com
QH weanlings, yearlings, 2 & 3 yr olds, great all around prospects. Lyon’s Den Quarter Horses Call (337) 684-6751 www.lyonshorses.com
Quarter Horse Weanlings & Yearlings, Cutting bred, Great Cow Horse Prospects Call Tommy 225-413-4053 THOROUGHBREDS Habanero – 2010 Thoroughbred Gelding; chestnut with flaxen mane and tail; 16.2 hands; homebred for sport horse not racing; started with natural horsemanship; handsome, big boned, muscular horse; excellent, brave, scopey jumper; shown in first show in 2’6” jumpers like a pro; was the star of his class in 2 Karen O’Connor clinics; sweet and kind personality lo9oking for a leader in his life. $8500. For more info go to hollyhillfarm.net Young Prospects for Racing & Performance Sports Several yearling, two and three year old registered thoroughbreds for racing or performance, bred at Holly Hill by stallions standing at the farm- Ruler’s Court, Middlesex Drive, Malibu Wesley, Chatain. For more info & video go to hollyhillfarm.net Mulligan Man - 2001 chestnut thoroughbred gelding, 16.2 hands, Evented through training level, Pony Club mount for Young Rider competing at several Regional Dressage, show jumping and Eventing Rallies. Super flashy, great mover and jumper, excellent temperament. Perfect for a Young Rider or Adult Amateur. Asking $20,000. For more info go to hollyhillfarm.net
Pistol Packin Badger Sire: Smart Little Pistol; Dam: Wheeling Polly x Wheeling Peppy For more info contact Lyon’s Den Quarter Horses (337) 684-6751 or www. lyonshorses.com JL Playboys Fantasy Sire: Lot A Playboy, Dam: Danas Last Fantasy x Freckles Fantasy 225-687-3667 • 225-291-0955 Jerry’s cell Grubbin Sire: Eatin Out, Dam: Peppy’s Lil Oak x Docs Oak 225-687-3667 • 225291-0955 Jerry’s cell TACK 16 inch Tatum Saddles. Excellent condition. $900 For info: 225-921-8460 Older model Campbell Dressage Saddle. 17 inch seat, medium tree. Fair Condition. (318)229-9143 $200 or best offer. Older model Campbell Dressage Saddle. 17 inch seat, medium tree. Fair condition 318-229-9143 $200 or best offer. Prestige Optimax dressage saddle. Black, 17” No fittings. 985-893-4500 $2000
WARMBLOODS Byron – 2013 bay Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Juventus), cute, compact, athletic. $7500. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com
17.5” Berney Brothers Cross Country Saddle. Medium tree. Very good condition. $850 obo. Contact Watson for pictures or more info 504-495-5242 or wcopelan@ my.centenary.edu
Bentley – 2013 bay Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Deputy Diamond [TB]), premium foal, lithe, elegant. $8500. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com
16” close contact Crosby Collegiate jumping addle, excellent condition. $300 obo. Call Chris at 251-342-8197 or email clschlecht@zebra.net for additional information.
Bruce Wayne – 2013 dark bay Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Consul), premium foal, dam is international eventing star. $12,000. 318-965-9071. www. newtownhorses.com
17.5” Schleese Liberty Dressage saddle. Excellent condition with brand new seat (new seat only ridden in once). Contact Elaine Harmon at 504-952-9524 or Harmon692@aol.com for more information. Used saddles for sale: $100 - $300 good stuff just gotta move em! Info: 337-581-3618.
Bobbie Burns – 2013 bay Oldenburg NA colt (Balanchine x Coeur de Lion), premium foal, reserve champion at his inspection. $12,000. 318-965-9071. www. newtownhorses.com Heather – 2014 chestnut Oldenburg NA filly (Balanchine x Coeur de Lion), high point premium filly at her inspection. Elegant and feminine, $10,000. 318-965-9071. www.newtownhorses.com Hope – 2013 bay Oldenburg NA filly (Balanchine x Der Radetzky), premium foal, reserve champion at her inspection, feminine, elastic. $12,000. 318-965-9071. www. newtownhorses.com
Louisiana Equine Report • October | November 2015
TRACTORS 2013 Kubota (ZG123S-48) 35 Hours; 23 HP; 2WD; 23 HP Kubota zero turn mower with 48” deck. Bought larger property and purchased a diesel mower. Transmission: Automatic; Cutting width 48”; Price $4500. For info contact: Parish Tractor, Poplarville, MS at 601-795-4521 2013 Kubota (ZG227A-54) 71 Hourse; 27 HP; 2WD; LIKE NEW 27 HP Mower with mulching kit. Traded in on larger deck machine. Transmission: Automatic; Cutting width 54”, zero turn radius. Fuel: Gas Price: $7800. For info contact: Parish Tractor, Poplarville, MS at 601-795-4521
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horse” competition that’s fun to watch.
And also for administrative personnel, who see what it is that they’re paying all these bills for.
I was born in California so I’ve always really wanted to go back. My dad went to Pepperdine in Malibu and they have an amazing pre-med and pre-vet program. So I haven’t decided what I want to do yet, but helping people at school and helping animals at the barn has really become a big part of my life, so those programs are definitely something I want to pursue.
Voices of the Schools of the Sacred Heart By Barbara Newtown
Morgyn Roberts The staff, we love this place. It’s a sanctuary for us to be here. We love being around the kids and the horses every day. For me, growing up with horses, I don’t know life any other way. So having the girls and boys come to the barn and being able to teach them and seeing them grow up at the barn, it’s wonderful. And hearing what Olivia has to say about it brings tears to my eyes, because we really never get to hear that, we just kind of watch as they grow and see all the skills that they are learning. All of my staff grew up with horses and we are all very passionate about what we do and we love it here. The parents are passionate. The students are passionate. It’s just a wonderful place. Sydney Culligan [Sydney, an 8th grade student, keeps her own horse at Sacred Heart. He’s a big bay warmblood from Argentina.] Falco and I do the children’s hunters. That’s like 3 feet to 3 feet 3 inches. It’s really fun. Olivia and I go to shows in Texas and Florida and Alabama. Skipping school to go to shows is fun! We make sure, though, to get our homework done. It puts us in a bad spot if we aren’t responsible. The show that most impresses me is the Pin Oak Charity Show in Katy, Texas. It’s a two week show, and a whole bunch of different trainers come. I show in Open classes, so I can be riding in classes with professionals and really well known riders. It’s awesome to see them in person and to ride with them. I know that I want to continue in the riding business. I’d like to go up to the Northeast where all the big riding schools are and major in business, so that I can
start my own business buying and selling horses for the hunter-jumper circuit. Jessica Culligan, mother of Sydney The riding program has been a blessing. Sydney broke her foot two weeks after we shipped Falco down here. She couldn’t come out to the barn and she couldn’t ride. We didn’t know what was wrong with her; she was just kind of down and not her outgoing, bubbly self. The minute she was able to come back to the barn, my husband called me and said, ‘She hasn’t stopped singing since I’ve picked her up!’ It’s just something in her blood. Sophie Regard [Sophie is a 10th grade student.] I don’t have my own horse. I ride the school horses. It’s great not knowing who I’m going to ride that day! My favorite horse is Apache. He’s an Appaloosa, and he’s everybody’s favorite horse. He’s a little lazy, but he’s so well mannered. There’s another horse, a Thoroughbred named T. C.—when he came here he had some problems adjusting, so he was really cranky. I was one of the main people to ride him, so I would come to the barn on free time and take care of him as if he was my own. So he is pretty up there as one of my favorites, just because of the bond. I compete in hunters and equitation on the flat and over fences. I enjoy the Halloween “B” show in Folsom. They decorate the jumps with little witch hats and pumpkins, and there’s a “decorate your
Ari Metoyer [Ari is a senior and plans to go to LSU.] My horse’s name is Moose. He’s pretty large—16.2 hands. He’s a chestnut Quarter Horse. He has a big butt. I do Western Pleasure and Horsemanship with him. He can be lazy. I did go over a diagonal once with him, and it was pretty insane. He likes to hop over like a deer. It’s really cute but scary. We go to shows at the SugArena in New Iberia. The show that affected me the most was one I brought Moose to when I hadn’t ridden him in a while. We didn’t place well—I think we got 6th—but it was all adults and I was proud of Moose for behaving. I’ll be majoring in Animal Science. I think the Sacred Heart Equestrian Center has a lot to do with what made me make that decision. It’s made me really respect animals and nature and life. Being a veterinarian is my dream. All of the world’s Schools of the Sacred Heart instill in their students the Five Goals: • A Personal and Active Faith in God • A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values • The Building of Community as a Christian Value • A Social Awareness that Impels to Action • Personal Growth in an Atmosphere of Wise Freedom The Schools of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, have succeeded in uniting the Five Goals with their equestrian program. The students respect the discipline of riding, enjoy the friendship of the barn, and care deeply for their comrades, both human and equine. They see horses as God’s creatures.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sent on behalf of Equine Sales Company Dialed In Colt Tops Equine Sales Company Consignor Select Yearling Sale Equine Sales Company on Wednesday held its annual Consignor Select Yearling Sale in Opelousas, Louisiana. All told, 120 of 177 horses sold for $1,051,600 with an average of $8,763 and a median of $4,000. Those figures are down from last year's record-breaking sale that featured a strong supplement of racing age horses from Coteau Grove Farms, but sale officials were still pleased with the results. "We knew going in that it would be tough to match the records set last year without the racing age supplement and with the fact that the local economy is down due to the depressed oil market, but it was still a good sale," said Foster Bridwell, sales director for Equine Sales Company. "And we've been having a very strong response to our upcoming open yearling and mixed sale with more than 200 head consigned."Â The high seller was hip #189, a Louisiana-bred colt from the first crop of Dialed In. Consigned by Select Sales, agent, and purchased by Bill Johnson, the April foal is out of Middleburg Mint, who is a half sister to Grade 1 winner Malibu Mint. The top-selling filly, and second-highest overall price, was hip #160, a Louisiana-bred daughter of Into Mischief. She sold for $52,000 from 4M Ranch, agent, to Carl Moore Management LLC. Equine Sales Company will hold its third and final auction of the year on October 25 with an open yearling and mixed sale. For complete sale results, go to equinesalesofla.com.
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“Every Race is a Story – Every Race is a Painting” An Interview with Don Stevens By Barbara Newtown
Don Stevens, the track announcer at Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana, loves the possibilities of his job. “When you listen to a great announcer with your eyes closed, you can visualize what’s happening and the hair on the back of your neck will stand up!” Having called over 20,000 races, Don now has the words and images and instant mental reflexes to be tops in the field. “I have to have a reservoir of thought and a library in my head,” he says. When Don was growing up, he was always sketching and painting. After high school he took commercial art correspondence courses with the Minneapolisbased Art Instruction Schools. Although he acquired a degree, he realized that artists in the business world have to create on demand…and he didn’t like to create unless he was in the mood. “I wandered for a few years,” he says, and he ended up working for Hertz. Then he decided that he needed to do something he loved. He combined the two things he loved most: racing and broadcasting. Don can peg the exact time he fell in love with racing. He was thirteen years old, and he begged his mother to take him to Longacres Racetrack near Seattle. “We bet on the horse with blue silks and it won! We thought, ‘That was easy!’” Don’s love of watching horses hasn’t developed into a love of sitting on horses. A career as a jockey was impossible, because Don grew to be very tall. He admits he has only been on a horse two or three times in his life, and each time in a Western saddle. “Pony ride stuff,” he says. His connection to horses is visual and verbal. Don’s artistic skills complement his announcing. He sees every race as a series of paintings unfolding second by second. “I can see a horse’s muscles rippling. I can see a jockey’s strain and strategy. But what’s great is this: unlike a painting where I might sketch out the outline of something and plan it all out, I can’t plan out a race. It’s all ‘fly by the seat of your pants.’ When they open the gate and the favorite stumbles and goes to his knees and is dead last and I expected him to be up front, the whole painting changes. All of a sudden we went from realism to abstract real quick! I have to change gears and keep up.” A newcomer to racing who watches Quarter Horses sprint 220 yards might see only a blur. Don Stevens sees every frame of the movie…and each frame is rendered in gleaming oils. Don’s interest in broadcasting also started early. He says that when he was a kid he was always playing with a tape recorder and making up stories into the microphone. Later he “did some radio” and, after his stint at Hertz, he went to sports broadcasting school in Oklahoma. There he met Jim Byers, legendary track announcer at Remington Park in Oklahoma City. Jim became Don’s mentor. In the mid-90s Remington Park didn’t have a simulcast TV show, so Jim had 20 minutes of down time between races. He would record every race on his VHS recorder, then back up the tape to the start, turn down the volume and sync the tape with Don’s voice recorder and
mike, and have Don call the race. “Then we’d watch the race with my call, and Jim would critique me,” says Don. “He was training me to be his backup.” Don honed his skills with chart calling. “It’s a good stepping-stone to being an announcer,” he says. “I learned to watch races, place horses, and estimate distances and margins.” The chart caller, watching with binoculars, dictates to the chart taker the position of every horse at various points in the race. The chart records each horse’s performance in company as the race develops. Chart calling is an important job, because it creates data that inform the choices of buyers, trainers, and sophisticated bettors. Although chart calling is great training for making sense of a race, Don points out that announcing is “a totally different mental exercise.” Calling numbers is easier than calling names—and a lot easier than calling some names, such as “Flat Fleet Feet,” “Onoitsmymothernlaw,” or “Sotally Tober.” Don also practiced his own method of announcer training. He’d get up on the track office roof by himself with binoculars, a program, and a mini recorder. Don says that the best way to learn announcing is just to do it, even if you only have yourself as an audience. In time he was skilled enough to take over Jim Byer’s job when Jim left Remington to do radio play-by-play for minor league baseball and hockey. In 2003 Don started announcing at Delta Downs. At Remington Park, Don had produced and starred in a half-hour local FOX TV show in the early morning that recapped the previous day’s racing. When he moved to Delta Downs, he increased his media presence by doing live TV from the announcer’s booth in between all the races. “The booth wasn’t bigger than a closet,” he says. “I could reach out and touch the walls, and I only had room to sit down, look at the camera, then turn around, look out the window, and call the race. There was a little lipstick camera that made me look like I was in a fish bowl. It wasn’t much of a production!” In 2005 Hurricane Rita damaged the casino and track so extensively that racing was postponed for nineteen months. Don helped design the new announcer’s booth, which is not only more spacious (Don has to walk several feet to get from his TV host spot to his viewing window) but also has classy studio gear. A separate room houses monitors that show simulcast feeds from all around the country as well as equipment and a technical team that keeps the Delta Downs audio and video humming. Don communicates with the crew through the low-tech but high-efficiency method of a little window cut in the wall between the two rooms. “Then we took it to another level and I started doing something other tracks didn’t do: I started answering email and talking to fans in between races,” says Don. He has made lifelong friends all around the world: Guam, England, Peru, Japan, Vietnam… The personal touch creates fan loyalty, he says. Don says that he is always truthful and honest with the fans. “If I think a horse has a chance, I will tell it to the camera. Sometimes people call up and complain about my picks because the odds are changing, although they complain in a nice and endearing way.” Continued on page 64...
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Continued from page 63... “Every Race is a Story – Every Race is a Painting” An Interview with Don Stevens By Barbara Newtown
Don never loses sight of the goal: creating entertainment. He says that one reason horse racing has a problem is that the rhythm of an evening at the races is too slow for young people. “We have to stimulate and entertain,” he says. “We play music here, which a lot of tracks don’t do. We take requests and people watching all around the country love it.” The secret, he says, is putting the customer first. Another key to Don’s success with fans is humor. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. “I’ll laugh at myself. But I also brag. If I pick three winners, I’ll say, ‘Look, you need to listen to me. I’m hot tonight!’ It’s not brain surgery: we are here to entertain and have fun!” As all horse people know, accidents will happen when you work with equine athletes. “It breaks my heart that a young fan may see something that may just ruin that person’s thoughts on horse racing. I’ve seen heartbreaking things and it’s hard, because I’m an emotional person. On camera and on mic, you can’t get emotionally involved, because you have a job to do, which is to give an accurate explanation to the fans.” Don remembers that when racing at Remington Park resumed after 9-11, the mood of the country was somber, and his usual racetrack patter would have been inappropriate. “We had to go on, but I had to be very, very serious, even though we were doing something entertaining.” He says that gauging the mindset of your audience requires years of experience. These days Don Stevens has his own protégé: Michael Chamberlain, the new announcer at Evangeline Downs. Evangeline and Delta are both owned by Boyd Gaming, and Don interviewed Michael for the job. Don described his TV shows between races, and Michael was eager to try the same outreach to the public. Now Michael and Don are creating a “Delta Downs”-type TV experience at Evangeline. “I’m his biggest fan!” says Don. “Michael is doing a great job and is really building up Evangeline Downs.” You can watch the Delta Downs simulcast at Delta, of course, and at other tracks around the country. The show is streamed live on the Delta Downs website (www.deltadowns.com). (“If it’s legal in their area, fans can go on www.twinspires.com and actually bet on Delta races,” Don says.) You can follow Don on Twitter: www.twitter.com/horsemandon. And, of course, you can go to Delta and tip your ear towards the loudspeakers as Don makes sense of the mad scramble to the finish line.
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SCOOPIES LEAVING YOU SCOOPS UP THE EVANGELINE DOWNS DASH
FOUR-YEAR-OLD WINS FIRST STAKES RACE OF THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE SEASON OPELOUSAS, LA – Joel Galindo’s Scoopies Leaving You prevailed to win the $20,000 Evangeline Downs Dash on Friday night under jockey Donald Watson. There were two objections called against the winner, one by the rider of runner-up Zoomin For Bugs and one by the trainer of 7th place finisher, Rbd Jessaswingin, but both were disallowed by the stewards. Scoopies Leaving You covered the 220 yards of the Evangeline Downs Dash over a fast track in 11.798 seconds for a 96 speed index. His winning margin was a neck over Zoomin For Bugs, while Jess A Rogue was a further neck behind in third. The win was the tenth in 20 lifetime starts for Scoopies Leaving You. He earned $12,000 for the victory, boosting his lifetime earnings to $177,780. Scoopies Leaving You was sent off as the 8-5 favorite by the betting public and returned $5.40 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.60 to show. Zoomin For Bugs paid $4.00 to place and $3.60 to show. Jess A Rogue paid $4.20 to show. Scoopies Leaving You is trained by Kevin Broussard. He is a 4-year-old horse by Coronas Leaving You out of the Toast To Dash mare, Ms Scoopies Toast. He was bred in Louisiana by Gerald D. Libersat. Evangeline Downs will wrap up the opening week of the American Quarter Horse season on Saturday night with a 9-race program. The featured event will be the $35,000 Amelia Belle Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at a distance of 350 yards. Post time for the Saturday card will be 5:35 pm Central Time. For more information on the American Quarter Horse season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com. About Evangeline Downs: Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel is owned by Boyd Gaming Corporation, a leading diversified owner and operator of 22 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information can be found at www.boydgaming.com, or www. evangelinedowns.com.
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Continued from page 54.......... NBHA MS03 Barrel Race Rankin County Multipurpose Arena Info: 601-813-3968 | Brandon, MS NBHA MS01 & 02 Benton County Fairgrounds | Info: Courtni 901-651-7622 or Beau 662-544-5290 | Ashland, MS 4D Multi Race Lauderdale County Agri Center Info: Lisa Pevey 601-934-1765 \ Meridian, MS November 14th & 15th Silver Spurs Riders Club West Cal Arena Info: www.westcalevents.com | Sulphur, LA Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. CENLA High School \ DeWitt Livestock Facility Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com | Alexandria, LA Mississippi Hunter Jumper Assoc. GB Gala Harvest | Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 or www.mhja.net | Folsom, LA November 15th Southern University Ag Center Horse Show | Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena Info: 225-771-6208 | Baton Rouge, LA November 20th DeRidder Riding Club Friday Night Jackpot | Info: Shanna Thomas 337-802-7049 DeRidder, LA November 20th & 21st Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Sulphur Junior High | West Cal Arena Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com | Sulphur, LA Mississippi High School Rodeo Assoc. Lazy J Rodeo II | Info: www.mshsra.org | Brookhaven, MS
Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Assoc. Info: www.swahsra.org or 870-582-1968 Magnolia November 21st & 22nd Louisiana Stock Horse Association LaSH Finals Info: Judy Weisgerber 877-335-3072, 337-208-2336 or 337-238-0193 Louisiana High School Rodeo Assoc. Sulphur High School West Cal Arena Info: Stephanie Rodrigue 337-540-4623 or stephanied.rodrigue@gmail.com | Sulphur, LA Great Southern Youth Rodeo Association Info: Lisa Ladner 601-916-7016, Suzanne Wilson 601-916-6380, Tony Wilson 228-66-0091 or Lance Ladner 601-916-6873 | Kiln, MS November 24th & 25th Silver Spur Rodeo Club 4-D West Cal Arena | Info: 337-529-5365 or 337-582-7373 \ Sulphur, LA November 27th & 28th LRCA Finals Rodeo | 3 Performances Ike Hamilton Expo Center | West Monroe, LA November 27th – 29th Mid-South Quarter Horse Show Tunica Arena & Expo Center | Info: www.midsouthqha.net Tunica, MS 2 Hearts Barrel Racing Gobble Up the Cash $12,500 ADDED Marshall City Arena Info: Martha Reyenga 318-560-7583 Marshall, TX November 28th 2nd Annual Turkey Twerk 4D Lauderdale County Agri Center Info: Lisa Pevey 601-934-1765 | Meridian, MS
November 20th – 22nd F5 Barrel Race | Tunica Arena & Expo Center Info: Brenda Chilton 573-734-2766 | Tunica, MS
November 28th & 29th Running Down The River Open 4D ADDED $’s Info: Scooter LeBeouef 985-209-351 New Roads, LA
November 21st NBHA LA 04 | Info: Scooter LeBouef 985-209-3531 Plaquemine, LA
December 4th & 5th Mississippi High School Rodeo Assoc. East Central | Info: www.mshsra.org | Meridian, MS
Mississippi Junior High School Association Lazy J Rodeo II | Info: www.mjhsra.org or msjrhighrodeo@hotmail.com | Brookhaven, MS
December 4th – 6th Cajun Rodeo Association FINALS | Info: billy@cajunrodeo.com | Amite, LA
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December 5th NBHA MS 03 | Rankin County Multipurpose Arena Info: Robert Sutton 601-813-3968 | Brandon, MS Mississippi Junior High School Association East Central Rodeo Club Info: www.mjhsra.org or msjrhighrodeo@hotmail.com | Meridian, MS December 5th & 6th Mississippi Hunter Jumper Assoc. MHJA Holiday Classic & Banquet | Info: Laurie McRee 601-927-4503 or www.mhja.net | Canton, MS December 8th & 9th Silver Spur Rodeo Club 4-D | West Cal Arena Info: 337-529-5365 or 337-582-7373 | Sulphur, LA December 11th – 13th Ms. Classic Team Roping Tunica Arena & Expo Center Info: Kevin Hall 417-547-3406 Tunica, MS December 12th NBHA MS 01 & 02 $1000 ADDED Pontotoc County Agri Center Info: Courtni 901-651-7622 or Beau 662-544-5290 Pontotoc, MS Southwest Arkansas High School Rodeo Assoc. Info: www.swahsra.org or 870-582-1968 Texarkana Cajun Little Britches Rodeo Beauregard Parish Covered Arena Info: Casey Richard 337-302-1365 DeRidder, LA NBHA MS07 5D Lauderdale County Agri Center Meridian, MS December 18th – 20th Jingle Bell Jamboree West Cal Arena Info: www.westcalevents.com Sulphur, LA
LQHBA Fall Mixed Sale Catalog Available Online Saturday, November 7th @ 9:30 AM Equine Sales Company of Louisiana in Opelousas The 2015 LQHBA Fall Mixed Sale will feature 223 head of broodmares, weanlings, yearlings, horses of racing age and barrel horses Over 90 Yearlings Available! The 2015 LQHBA Fall Mixed Sale will feature 223 head of broodmares, weanlings, yearlings, horses of racing age and barrel horses on Saturday, November 7. Courtesy LQHBA ALEXANDRIA, LA—OCTOBER 9, 2015—An online version of the 2015 LQHBA Fall Mixed Sale is now available. The annual sale, featuring 223 head of broodmares, weanlings, yearlings, horses of racing age and barrel horses, will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 7 in the new sales pavilion of the Equine Sales of Louisiana in Opelousas. “It will be a very exciting weekend for our association,” Tony Patterson, LQHBA Executive Director said. “Sale goers will have a chance to attend the trials for the $1 million LQHBA Breeders’ Futurity on Friday evening (Nov. 6) and the LQHBA Breeders’ Derby Trials on Saturday evening (Nov. 7) at Evangeline Downs. It’s only a five-minute drive from the track to the Equine Sales Company of Louisiana.” Horsemen can view the catalog online at the LQHBA website. Hard copies of the catalog will be mailed next week. For additional information or to request a catalog contact Michelle Hatwig at mhatwig@lqhba.com or call 318-487-9506.
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The LQHBA Insider is a monthly feature written by Martha Claussen for www.lqhba.com. She served as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park for ten years. She continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana and other regions in North America.
JOCKEY ALFONSO LUJAN FUELED BY FAMILY AND FAST HORSES
Quarter Horse jockey Alfonso Lujan is an allaround good guy. Respected by his fellow riders and trainers, he is regarded as a hard-working and humble professional as well as a devoted family man. However, it might surprise people to know that he is a self-confessed “speed junkie”, who loves the thrill of riding those blazing fast Quarter Horses! Role Model Lujan was born in Pecos, Texas and made his riding debut when he was 19. The first few years were lean, to say the least, but Lujan was never impatient in honing his craft.
LQHBA Insider
“I have learned a ton,” explains Lujan. “There are so many things you can do to get the best out of your horse. Each one is different; young horses, colts, fillies. We have to make split second decisions, but that’s what I love about this profession.” He does not hesitate when asked which rider he most admires. “Jacky Martin was my role model,” states Lujan. “I watched his races and had so much respect for him and Jack Brooks. There was a reason he had so many accomplishments, but one thing I always admired about Jacky was his hands. He was amazing in the way he was so cool and calm on a horse; extremely focused at all times.” Lujan began on the Texas circuit, riding at Manor Downs, Sam Houston Race Park and Lone Star Park. He had his first stakes win in 2000 aboard Easy Winning Jet in the $107,000 TQHA Sires Cup Futurity at Sam Houston Race Park for trainer Lance Moore. Two months later, he added his second career stakes with a well-timed finish on Hooks Jet in the $25,000 Los Alamitos Stakes at Lone Star Park. Other major stakes wins in Texas included a victory aboard Okey Dokey Fantasy in the 2006 Manor Downs Futurity for trainer Carlos Saldivar and a nice stakes run with Snowy Alibi for Janet VanBebber. In 2006, Lujan piloted the multiple-stakes winner to several titles, including the $343,305 TQHA Sale Futurity. He and VanBebber had great success with
a number of runners, most notably, Acorn, a son of Oak Tree Special, who won the 2010 AQHA Derby Challenge Championship. Texas racing was good to Lujan. He rode for some of the top horsemen including Danny Eldridge, Kenny Roberts and Carlos Saldivar in addition to VanBebber. But, like so many Texas riders and conditioners, Lujan knew that Louisiana had more race dates and better purses. So he shifted east to ride at Delta Downs, Fair Grounds and Evangeline Downs. The move paid off; in 2005, Lujan was the leading rider by wins in the nation with 162 wins from 988 starts, one more than Cody Jensen. Leading rider titles at Delta and Evangeline followed and in 2008, Lujan eclipsed the $3 million mark in earnings for the first time in his career. The Injuries Injuries are an unfortunate part of the sport and Lujan has had his share, especially in the past four years. He broke his ankle in a training accident at Evangeline Downs in 2011. Last October marked one of the worst accidents of his career, when his mount went down and Lujan suffered five broken ribs and a punctured lung. In December, his fellow riders and a group of horsemen organized a fundraiser for Lujan and jockey Eddie Cox, who was forced to retire based on the severity of his injuries. There were some rumors that Lujan was considering hanging up his tack as well. “It does make you ponder,” said Lujan. “The ups and downs of this sport can beat you up mentally, but I realized I wanted to come back. Once I made that decision, I had no second thoughts.” Devoted Family Man Lujan, 37, and his wife, Anna, make their home in Elgin, Texas and are the proud parents of three children: Jocelyn, 10; AJ, 8 and Coltin, who is almost 3. AJ was 2 1/2 when the Lujans noticed a delay in speech; a year later, they received the diagnosis that their oldest son was autistic. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects 1 of 68 children in the United States with males four times more likely to be affected. Anna drives her son to Austin three times a week for therapy and both parents are committed to ensuring that he has a healthy and happy childhood. “We are lucky that AJ isn’t aggressive; he is a pretty chill guy if you know how to deal with his quirks,” said Anna. “Although raising AJ is a challenge sometimes, we do as much as we can physically and financially to give him what he needs to live a productive life.” Jocelyn is the “A” honor roll student and according to Anna, “a little Momma Hen” who helps her two brothers. The true racing fan of the brood is Coltin, who zealously cheers for his Dad in person or on television. He loves to ride horses and only gets upset when it’s time to dismount. Raising three children from Texas while her husband
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is riding in Louisiana is a huge challenge for Anna. The family spends summers together, but during the school year, Alfonso will only be able to come home two days a week. However, Anna remains positive and supportive of his career.
“Fortunately, Alfonso, is probably the best hubby God could have sent me,” she said. “He works harder than anyone I know and puts in 110% for us. We love what Fonzy does and how much he loves it, just wish the logistics where not an issue. And the fear of him getting hurt was not imbedded in me.” Lujan readily admits that the hardest part of his career is being away from his family. He fully acknowledges the role that Anna plays in keeping everyone healthy and happy. “Anna is the rock of the family,” states Lujan. “I treasure her so much and can only describe her as exceptional and remarkable. When I am injured, she continues to have the will and power to get us through. We know that God put AJ in our hands because we were capable of handling the challenge. But Anna didn’t just accept it, she has done the research, supports his therapy and is a loving mother to all three kids. She has knocked it out of the park.” LQHBA Sale Futurity Lujan will ride Micmac Warrior in the $303,777 LQHBA Sale Futurity on September 5. The son of leading Louisiana sire, Heza Fast Dash, was the fastest qualifier in trials run on August 15, covering 350-yards in a swift :17.724 seconds. Trey Ellis trains Micmac Warrior, and has a solid relationship with Lujan. “Training these horses is a big puzzle,” admits Ellis. “You have to rely on jockeys for their feedback after a race. Alfonso is super smart about each of his horses. He does his homework, watches replays, and always tells me what we need to work on to make them better.” According to AQHA statistics, Lujan has ridden over 13,000 horses in his 18-year career and is 60 wins shy of his 2,000th milestone. He has won the Evangeline Downs title five times, and perhaps he will win his 2,000th race this year. He will cherish the moment and share it with his family and fellow riders. With the exception of being away from his family, he truly loves what he does. “It’s in my blood,” acknowledges Lujan. “When you have a powerful athlete beneath you, there’s no describing the feeling. All I can say is that it sets my mind free when I get on a fast horse.” The LQHBA Insider is a monthly feature written by Martha Claussen, who served as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park for ten years. She is the coordinator of the AQHA Wrangler Racing Aces and continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana and other regions in North America. -www.LQHBA.com
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72 76 Equine| Email: Report â&#x20AC;˘sales@laequinereport.com June | July 2015 Ph: Louisiana 225-622-5747 | www.laequinereport.com