Art & Fiction Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of our equine art and fiction contests!
The NWHS staff would like to congratulate all of this year's contest entrants. Don't forget to enter the NWHS Senior Horse Essay Contest, Deadline Sept. 30th, 2008.

Adult category winners

ART:

"Dylan and Cadence" by Kathleen Kresa

View more of Kathleen's artwork at http://www.kkmurals.com/

FICTION:

The Little Pinto
by Janet Lee

It was a clear spring day in Oregon. She was recovering from eight months of chemotherapy for uterine cancer and hadn’t been out of her apartment for several days. Janna Kenler wanted to do something that would be revitalizing, so she drove to the part of town where there was open land. As always, she was uplifted by the pristine beauty of lush green fields with fences, barns and best of all, many kinds of horses.

She especially noticed one large property with a “GARAGE SALE” sign. Near the pasture, which held two horses, there was a house with tables of merchandise in the front yard. The garage sale wasn’t of much interest to her, but what caught her attention was that one of the horses, a piebald pinto, was near the fence with its head up high and facing toward the sale. She knew that most horses would be in the pasture farthest away from human activity. “So here is a friendly one,” she thought. Not having had horses for many years, she was thrilled at the possibility of being near one and stroking its coat. She decided to go in and pretend to be looking at the sale and see how close she could get.

Because they were separated by a fence, her only hope of patting him was to be on her best behavior and persuade him to come up to her. She didn’t want to frighten him away, so she walked slowly among the tables and watched him from the corner of her eye. After sneaking around for fifteen minutes, she walked to the fence that was several feet from where he was standing. Her gaze went to his hip as she moved closer, and then stopped. Her eyes left his hip and traveled into the pasture then back to his hip, out to the pasture and again to his hip. He turned and looked directly at her. Then her eyes rested on his shoulder, and he moved up to within three feet of the fence. She went to the fence that was closest to him and looked on with a relaxed smile. It was the smile of someone who was putting her best self forward.

She decided that now was the time. With soft eyes on his shoulder, she murmured in her sweetest voice, “If you come closer I’ve got a scratch that will feel good to you,” and extended her hand. He walked up to the sagging wire fence and put himself within her easy reach. He leaned his body into her knuckles as she vigorously scratched his ears, neck and shoulder.

Janna was delighted to stand there and let him enjoy her touch, but then he did something that she could not have expected. He stepped closer, dropped his forehead even with her abdomen, and pressed inward. She stood motionless and was awestruck. He was making contact with the part of her that had been badly injured by cancer. If she touched him, he moved his head away, but when her hands were straight at her side he brought his head back to her abdomen and kept it there.

She thought this was an extraordinary gesture. She tried to understand why he turned away from her rubbing, but moved closer when she didn’t touch him. She realized that he was a horse who took more pleasure in giving than receiving. When he moved his head away, that was instructing her to be still. As his head was against her she sensed the mighty potential of his physical power and at the same time, a pressure so gently precise that it didn’t even push her off balance.

Janna had been deeply disheartened by the effects of her cancer treatments. People frowned when they noticed the brown circles under her eyes, wobbly steps and scarf that couldn’t entirely cover her bald head. She felt their pity, confusion and fear. They seemed to turn away from her, and now this dear heart moved close and in the horse language of touch was saying, “I want to be near you.”

At the time it happened she didn’t really understand what the pinto was doing, but later that day she knew it was the touch of compassion; not only for her physical illness but also the many emotional disappointments. “Miracles don’t always happen like a flash of lightning,” she thought with misty eyes and a quivering chin, “sometimes they have a brown forelock and are quite gentle.”

After she left, Janna cherished the memory of looking down at the horse’s beautiful coat and feeling his head against a part of her body that was desperately in need of healing. In that moment she was reminded of the noble generosity of horses, and why she was a better person for knowing them. As she drove home she felt a deep sense of peace that she would be able to draw upon for many days to come. And it was all because of the little pinto who gave so much more than he received.

Honorable Mentions, Adult
Art: Jeannie Yovetich Burham, Jay Olson
Fiction: Cynthia Williams, Jim Bottoms

Youth category winners

ART:

"Sierra"

by Bridgette Lewis

FICTION:
Beneath Me
by Kyllian Genzmer

Beneath me,
My horse prances.
Beneath me,
He is collected.
Beneath me
Are four legs moving effortlessly.
Beneath me,
A dance is in motion.
Beneath me,
A passage is in play.
Beneath me,
A beating heart races.
Beneath me,
Is a love too big to hold.


Honorable Mentions, Youth
Art: Kyllian Genzmer, Dessa Sandelin
Fiction: Sarah Gregory

Child Winners

ART:

"Buddies"

by Emma Pust

FICTION:
Windsong
by Rayn Joy Norton

I am Windsong. I was born on the shifting sands of the Arabian desert to our Chieftain’s best stallion, Desert Prince, and to the mare White Sky. The Chieftain gave me as a gift to his only daughter, Desert Song. She gave me my name. At first, I was scared of her. Soon, though, I came to trust her. She tended to my needs herself and comforted me when I was scared. Her gentle, flowing voice helped to calm me down, and her brown hands ran skillfully over my golden-bay coat as she rubbed me down with rags as soft as a hare’s fur. She slept with me at night, using her own blanket to cover me from the cool night air. She let me drink before she did, letting me drink cool, clear water from her own goatskin.

As I grew, my mother taught me things I would need to know to be a wise horse. She taught me the scent of a desert snake, whose bite is deadly, and how to find water in the driest places. Desert Song taught me to be gentle and to accept a rider. My training began when I stopped nursing and began eating grasses and dates. I had been frolicking near my mother when Desert Song came toward me. I was used to her, so I went up to her and snuffled her hair. Without warning, she pulled from behind her back a long, thin snake. It was over my head and across my nose before I had time to notice. It pulled down on my nose and curled around my neck. I whirled, the whites of my eyes showing in fear. I rubbed against everything to try to get the snake off, but it was coiled tight. My small hooves were everywhere, tangling and coming undone in trying to free myself of the snake. Then I slowly became aware of the fact that this thing around my head could not be a snake. It had a slightly bark-scented smell. It was not biting me like a snake would. I could not feel scales against my skin like a snake would have. Yet perhaps this was some new type of snake, one my mother had not yet told me about. I looked at Desert Song. She was holding one end of the snake in her hands. I snorted at her, so confused at what was happening to me. Suddenly, again without warning, she pulled at the snake. It tightened around my head and tugged me. I resisted it, planting my feet and refusing to budge. I called to my mother, pleading to her to help me, but she looked up at me with calm eyes and then continued to drink at the water trough, unconcerned as I was lead away.

Soon I learned that this strange snake was called a halter and the part that Desert Song held was the rope. At first, I hated the restraint of the halter and rope around my head. I fought it, rearing and bucking and snapping at the rope nearest to the halter. Then Desert Song patiently taught me to accept the rope, scratching my ears and giving me sweet dates when I behaved. Always her hands were there, petting me and rubbing me when I was unsure. Gradually I learned that the rope was not a restraint, but rather a guide to help me know where to go. Gently, she taught me to accept weight on my back, filling grain sacks with sand and resting them on my back, weighing me down. At first I snorted and sidestepped, but I did not buck. Desert Song ran her hand along my neck. Soon, I calmed down and allowed myself to be led, walking, in a circle. The weight was slowly increased. I was gaited at trot and canter. As time passed, I was taught to turn on command, to halt and change pace, using pressures on the rope around my head as a signal.

The wet season came and went two times. One day I was sleeping on the warm sand when I heard Desert Song coming. I had come to recognize different footsteps. The Chieftain had a firm, solid walk that was never a run. A horse boy had a quick, hurried trot. Desert Song’s footsteps were the quick, dancing sound of bare feet. That is what I heard now. I sensed a change in their rhythm, like something important was going to happen. I sprang to my feet and went over to my friend. I tossed my head, my mane waving in the wind. Desert Song held up the rope. Unhesitating, I lowered my head and slipped my muzzle into the halter. Then I noticed something different: Desert Song carried no sand-filled bags, only a colorful blanket. She laid this on my back and smoothed it. I gave a shiver. She led me to a small sand dune. What was happening? As lightly as a shadow, Desert Song swung onto my back! I shook and half reared. Then, I stood so still I could have been a statue. I turned my head to look at Desert Song, who looked scared yet thrilled at the same time. I felt her heels touch my sides, first lightly, then firmly, in a commanding way. Then I realized it; there was no pressing on my rope, nothing holding me back. Only the wide desert stood before me. I tossed my head up, dancing in place with uncertainty, and then sped across the desert like a hawk flies across the sky! My hooves beat the sand; Desert Song clung to my back, rocking with me as I sped over the vast expanses of sand. My hooves beat out a song, a song that sung of the sand, the wind, and the rain. It told of ancient Arabia, when the horses ran free over the plain. I was fire, wind, and cloud. Was I earthbound? I could not tell.

Honorable Mentions, Youth
Art: Kaitlyn Schueler, Kaylie Jamieson
Fiction: Anna Cartee

Creativity

by Deb Taber

For me, creativity is inseparable from living a healthy, happy life. It makes no difference whether you show that creativity in visual or literary arts, or simply in the way you interact with others in your life and approach the challenges that come to you. That is why I felt the Equine Lifestyle issue was the perfect place to feature the creative talents of local horse people.

The art contest was the most popular for all age ranges, but I think the most difficult category to judge was the youth fiction. The stories and poetry we received from our teen readers showed creativity and skill that perhaps I should have expected, given the entries into our youth essay contests in previous years. The winner in this category was a poem, "Beneath Me" by Kyllian Genzmer, that captures the awe and kinship between a girl and her horse. You may also recognize the name of our youth category honorable mention, Sarah Gregory, from her essay in 2007's April issue.

The entries into the child category also drew amazement from our staff. It is a pleasure to know there are such talented young people who share our love of horses. It's hard to believe the eloquent story "Windsong," by Rayn Joy Norton, was written by someone so young.

Janet Lee led the way in our adult fiction category with a story of caring and kindness that will leave many a reader misty-eyed. Art from adult category winner Kathleen Kresa captures the beauty and joy of being with horses. The artists in our youth and child categories, too, show impressive talent, as you'll see in this issue.

Although we were only able to select one winner in each category, I hope we will be able to bring you the work of some of our honorable mentions in future issues. For those who didn't make the final round this year, don't worry! You can be sure this will be a recurring event.

The Basics of Backing, part 1 of 3

A practical approach to teaching a straight and light back

by Patrick Wyse and Sue Muir

A basic that every horse should know, the backup is an indicator of the horse’s responsiveness to the bit and his level of education. A smooth, light back is an advanced maneuver that is not only useful on trail, ranch, and pleasure horses, but also is a requirement in many competitive show events. In cow horse training, the backup is a very important tool, and backing can be used to intensify a stop for a wide range of events.

Beginning to Back
Before being asked to back, the horse needs to be reasonably well started and well past the panic stage. He should be willing to go forward at the walk, trot and lope. Training for the turn on the forehand should be started by this stage. Most importantly, he should understand how to flex laterally at all gaits.

A snaffle bit (non-leverage/shankless bit) and running martingale are recommended, along with any type of saddle that is comfortable for both horse and rider. We also recommend a dropped noseband or cavesson. The martingale should be adjusted with the ring about one inch from the horse’s throatlatch while he’s standing in a natural position. Note that the reins have rein stops on them--in this case they are the large button on the rein--to prevent the martingale rings from getting caught on the reins’ bit attachment.

Techniques for the Untrained Horse
The beginning steps of training the back will require the horse to modify his instinctive resistance to pressure. Most horses' first reaction to a backward pull on the bit is to oppose it. If the pressure persists, he may try to rear. To discourage these undesirable behaviors before they occur, tip the horse's nose slightly to one side. A slight offset of the horse’s head decreases the amount of pressure needed to get the horse to respond, which in turn reduces the risk of a violent reaction. This technique becomes even more important as speed is added to the backing maneuver.

Start by pulling on the right rein to turn the head slightly. Next, keeping both hands just above the withers, add left rein pressure so a coordinated rein effect exists. Start with a very soft pull; without releasing, gradually increase the pressure, keeping the nose tipped, until the horse yields. Some horses will yield by taking a step back, while others will just lean back. At the moment the horse gives, the rider must immediately release all bridle pressure. Make sure the release of bridle pressure occurs instantly upon feeling the horse yield. Delaying the release, even by half a second, will make it difficult for the horse to associate his effort with the relief from pressure. After multiple repetitions, the horse will discover that moving backward causes the pressure to cease. Avoid using leg at this stage of training, as it confuses the horse.

During this process, be careful not to yank or seesaw, just patiently wait for a response. After the horse leans or steps back, wait a moment, then press him back again with nose angled slightly in the other direction. Alternate the angle of the horse’s head with each step you request.

Getting it Right
Two common problems that may occur at this stage are:
1) getting light in the front end, and
2) locking up and refusing to move at all.

If the horse begins to elevate his front end, release and immediately pull him around in tight circles to the same side his head is turned. You may also want to bump him with a leg on the inside of the circle. Do this assertively, so he is not rewarded for threatening to rear. Then start again softly. Be extremely alert to any “give” by the horse, and instantly reward correct behavior by releasing pressure. Give the horse a break for even a modest effort by walking around on a loose rein for a few minutes.

If the horse locks up, refusing to move at all, he might suddenly rear to escape the pressure. You want to do everything possible to avoid this. An effective method is to use the leg on the same side to which his nose is tipped, bumping or kicking well back on the barrel to push his hindquarters over. When the hind end moves, completely release both bridle and leg pressure.

Don't allow the horse to remain in the locked-up posture for long before moving the hind end. Pushing the hindquarter isn’t as desirable as a back, but at least he is moving in response to the bit. Some horses need to have this done numerous times, but eventually they will attempt to lean or step back to escape the bit pressure. If they are repeatedly rewarded for that accidental response, they will soon discover that moving backward spells relief.

The first day you may only get one or two steps. That's a great time to quit. Remember, for many horses in early training, backing is not an easy task, so you need to work on single steps for a few rides.

A Few More Steps
When the horse appears to understand and responds promptly, you can begin linking a few steps together by giving only a very soft release between steps. When he will take two steps willingly and calmly, you can gradually link in additional steps. Keep your training sessions short, usually less than five minutes. Then move on to teaching other maneuvers.

During the training process you will occasionally have setbacks where the horse reverts to earlier problems. Don't worry about this – it’s normal. Instead of getting upset with the horse because he did it just fine yesterday, look at it as a typical obstacle in the horse's education. Young equine minds can be fragile, and if a horse is punished at every roadblock, he will become frustrated or intimidated, or may even choose to fight back. Instead of punishing the horse, just go back to the basics. You may be surprised by how quickly he returns to correct behavior.

In the horse's early training, don't use your leg when asking for the back. At this stage, the horse would be confused by leg, since its meaning in prior training has always been to move forward. Leg will be added later in the horse’s education (the only exception to this is in the instance of the locking up problem discussed earlier). Furthermore, don’t be concerned if the horse backs to one side or the other. At this stage of training, straightness is not an important issue. Focus on teaching him to willingly step back from bridle pressure.

Next month, we'll take a look at refining these steps as your horse learns to back.

PATRICK WYSE, nationally acclaimed trainer and teacher, has instructed many accomplished trainers. He studied with the late Monte Foreman, who called Wyse his “first and best certified instructor.” Today, Wyse and his wife, Doreen, travel the United States and abroad teaching community clinics. They reside at HorseWyse Ranch in Townsend, Montana.

SUE MUIR began learning from Patrick Wyse over 35 years ago and has gone on to train and instruct professionally. After showing and training many breeds and disciplines, she now specializes in working western horses. Muir is a National Reining Horse Association and Washington State Horsemen certified judge. Lynnwood, Washington is home to Muir, her husband and three children.

For more information, visit www.HorseWyse.com.

August Spotlight

Unique Equestrian-Focused Real Estate Project Near Merritt, B.C.
Nicola Valley Ranchland Estates, a unique equestrian-focused real estate development located in the beautiful Nicola Valley near Merritt, B.C., includes 87 prime one-acre home sites well-spaced within 900 acres, with each owner’s home site surrounded by protected green space.

Ranchland Estates features first-class equestrian facilities — including stalls, paddocks, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, and turn-out pastures — and caters to both English and Western riding disciplines. Miles of riding and walking trails winding through the property and neighbouring 12,000 acres of open public grasslands offer fabulous horseback riding for both novice and experienced riders. For horse owners, flexible boarding options allow for boarding of up to two horses on each home site, or more at the equestrian centre. More information can be found at http://www.ranchlandlots.com/.

Happy Trails to You! Safe-Guard®’s Ranch & Ride Adventure Winner
Safe-Guard® and parent company Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, a leader in providing quality animal healthcare products, are pleased to announce that Tyra Raisner of Dennison, Ill. is the winner of the Safe-Guard® Ranch & Ride Adventure. Joining her will be her best friend Jodie Webb and Raisner’s daughters, Sarah and Hannah. The horse-loving foursome enjoyed an all expenses paid trip to the Bitterroot Ranch in Dubois, Wyo. located 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park. While at the Bitterroot Ranch, all four were featured in an episode of the popular RFD-TV series “Best of America by Horseback” hosted by acclaimed trailmaster Tom Seay.

Safe-Guard® (fenbendazole) equine dewormers have set the industry standard for safe and effective parasite control in horses and are used by thousands of horse owners across the country to keep their horses healthy.

For more information, visit:
Safe-Guard® http://www.getrotationright.com/
Bitterroot Ranch http://www.bitterrootranch.com/
“Best of America by Horseback” hosted by Tom Seay http://www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/

Cashel Crusader Fly Mask
a product review by Karen Pickering
I have found the Cashel fly mask to be a great alternative to other fly masks on the market. The particular model I tried is the Crusader. The separate holes for each ear and the forelock ensure a very tight fit that doesn't allow any flies to get by, and the soft fleece around each opening keeps my horse from getting any rub marks on her face.

My mare seems to be able to see through the tight mesh quite well, and it seems to fit quite comfortably, even on an American Quarter Horse with a fairly thick throatlatch. The sizing is very forgiving and adjustable, allowing for larger or smaller throatlatches by way of a velcro enclosure on the cheek piece. So far, she's been wearing it for two weeks and it still looks brand new!

The FURminator
a product review by Deb Taber
No, the FURminator is not a certain California governor after a week without shaving. It's a tool for getting rid of all that loose fur your horse, dog, cat, or other animal has hidden in its coat. Being without a horse around the house, I tried the small version of the FURminator out on my cats. One has very fine fur and extremely sensitive skin, and I found that the deep-reaching tines of the FURminator were too much for her. Cat #2 loves anything that means attention, so she enjoyed the grooming and I liked getting rid of the huge tufts of fur that would otherwise have been on my couch. The biggest surprise, though, was cat #3, who won't stand still for any kind of grooming. She actually crawled into my lap after a few strokes with the FURminator and begged for more whenever I stopped.

The FURminator is great for removing the loose buried fur, just be careful to go gently and stroke with--not across--the grain of the fur. I know I'll be using it again.

Fly Free with Farnam Wine Country Vacation Sweepstakes
Imagine spending the day riding through vineyards and down mountain trails over the same landscape that Seabiscuit and his jockey, Red Pollard, trained on for their comeback to win the Santa Anita Handicap. Experience the taste of world-class wines at local wineries. These are just a few of the activities the winner of this dream trip for two has in store as grand prize winner of the Fly Free with Farnam Wine Country Vacation Sweepstakes.

Online entry deadline: midnight August 29, 2008 (MST); mailed entries must be postmarked by August 29, 2008. Entry forms and complete details are available at local retailers and on http://www.farnamhorse.com/.

Farnam is introducing the Fly Free with Farnam Wine Country Vacation Sweepstakes as a reminder of the importance of keeping your horse and barn fly free with effective fly control products to protect the health and happiness of your horses. Farnam Fly Control products are the official fly control products of the American Quarter Horse Association and United States Equestrian Federation.

Showing on a Budget

Cost effective solutions to combat this crazy economy and keep you in the show pen!
by Allison Trimble

The number one issue in the horse industry right now is the exponentially rising cost of everything: supplies, hay, fuel, grain, bedding and entry fees, just to name a few. Personally, I am freaking out about the winter, so now I am devoting a lot of time to budgeting and trying to find ways to cut costs. My hay has gone up 150%, my bedding 140%, and fuel prices make it all but impossible to head down the road to shows. This is the first article in a series focused on staying afloat in the horse industry during these financially hard times. It seems that this is a conversation I am often having with fellow non pros, trainers and owners at horse shows, and I want to share some tips to help manage the cost of showing while still allowing you to go out and have fun.

1.) Define your goals: Why are you showing? Is it to improve your abilities? To go for year-end awards or points in a certain association? To increase the value of your horse? Do you want to go and have a good time with friends? Answering these questions will help you do a more specific cost/benefit analysis. If you want to chase AQHA points, it would be best to try hitting shows that have the largest number of entries and are closest to home. There is no reason to haul across the state to gain one AQHA point. This also allows you to minimize fuel and maximize stall fees, plus you'll have the best shot at the most points. If you want to go compete and have fun, maybe this is a good year to look at some local associations, such as the Northwest Reining Association, where you can have fun at a nominal cost with few additional show expenses beyond the entry fees. In any situation, look closely at all costs and fees and weigh them against the benefits.

2.) Fuel: The fuel situation is just ridiculous. I have been trying to get Bob’s Burger and Brew in Ferndale to put up a hitching post so I can ride my horse to town. The best suggestion I have here is to find a friend or two that you can haul with and split the gas. It is always good to find a friend with a fuel efficient truck! Working together with other horse people on a few of these aspects is going to make a big difference to your budget.

3.) Overnight Stays: Bunking up with friends is a great way to save a buck. Hotel rooms range from about $75 to $125 per night at most shows, so splitting that up will help. I need my space when I show, so recently I traded in my older trailer on a used living quarters trailer that was in really good shape, and now I have a monthly payment of about $250. It is convenient at the shows and saves me a lot of money in hotel bills. It is also convenient because I can pack food with me and save money by not having to eat out.

4.) Bedding: Often, the shavings at horse shows are expensive and small. I recommend taking three bags of pelleted bedding (under $15 total cost) per stall. If you water it, this will put a base on a concrete or dirt stall floor. Then put one or two bags of shavings on top of the pellets. The pellets will stick a little better and the shavings will give softness. Most of my horse shows are weekend shows, so I don’t have to worry about a long term plan, but the stalls usually require a lot of bedding to keep the horses sound. At my last show, shavings were $12 a bag and it took six bags to bed the stall well enough so that my horse wasn’t lying on a big block of concrete.

5.) Entries: If you know you are going to a show, pre-enter. This will save you $25 to $50 per horse in late fees, and that really adds up. Make sure you make your cattle reservations on time. That can be a $50 to $100 late fee in addition to the late entry fee. You don’t usually have to send a check at the time of entry; if you do, you can just enter one class up front, and enter the rest of the classes when you get to the show and still avoid the late fees. Look closely at the entry to see if there is a jackpot on the class, such as in AQHA reining classes. You aren’t always required to enter and pay the jackpot fee, and that can be between $10 and $50 at weekend shows.

6.) Show Clothing and Tack: This is a place where you can shop pretty frugally. If you are in need of show clothes or saddles, ask around to see if anyone has any used chaps, shirts, or other equipment. A few friends of mine and I have swapped around clothes, and I have sold some chaps for very reasonable prices. A lot of people are getting out of showing horses, and that is a great time to pick up their old stuff at a killer price.

I want to thank all of the readers who have taken the time to email me, ask questions and give input. This is a scary time for a lot of horse owners, and I would love to hear ideas from any of you on what you have done to adjust your horsey budgeting.

Proper Use of the Flag: Training your own horse, part 2 of 6

by Alice Trindle

What is the purpose of a horseman's flag, that small piece of fabric or plastic attached to a stick or dressage whip?

This is such a critical question. Often, I believe people see wonderful horsemen such as Ray Hunt or Dennis Reis using a flag, but don't see the reason or misinterpret what they are witnessing. If you watch one of Mr. Hunt’s colt-starting clinics, you may well think he uses the flag to scare the colts around the pen until they are so tired that they have to settle down. What you may have missed were Hunt's many years of working with horses, understanding herd behavior, and recognizing just the right time to release the pressure with the flag so the horse begins to search for that release.

The flag needs to be handled with a very clear purpose in mind; otherwise, it will create fear, intimidation, and negative reactions such as pawing or rearing. On the opposite side, if a flag is overused or applied without clear vision and understanding of the horse’s nature, you may develop a creature that is non-sensitive, lacks enthusiasm, and disappears inside himself.

What are the over-arching goals the flag can help a horse and rider team achieve?

1. Ability to read intentions
The flag is a visual extension of body language, along with the vision you have in your mind's eye. By going through the Horseman’s Protocol of becoming present, breathing, then picturing what it is that you are about to ask the horse to accomplish, you can then add the flag to reinforce this picture. Because the flag is visual, it helps connect to the eyes and ears of the horse quickly. Then, with the application of a little pressure or clear intention, it is easy to influence the feet.

2. Confidence and self-carriage
Your ability to learn how to handle a flag with clear intention, from both the ground and atop your horse, will certainly build confidence in you! It helps the horse with his bravery too. As he separates the movement and sounds of the flag and becomes sensitive to your intentions, this works a part of the brain that builds self-confidence and in the process develops his posture and athleticism. Many times, I ride a more timid horse while working a herd of horses at liberty. The timid horse quickly learns that the flag is not intended for him, personally, but it is helping him become the prima donna leader, driving the flow of the herd!

3. Awareness and sensitivity
Here is where we may get into a war of semantics, but I am firm on this point: I have no desire to "desensitize" my horses. I want them to be aware of their environment with their flight instincts intact and all their natural abilities on call. So often, with mindless use of the flag, I have seen horses become truly non-sensitive, dull and numb to their surroundings. In a natural setting, they are the horses the cougars would eat!

Proper and mindful use of the flag, and knowing when to quit or release, will build on your horse’s awareness and ability to read your intentions. It can also heighten his intelligent sensitivity to the environment.

4. Multitasking skills
The ability to separate a mental picture from the rhythm and timing of the flag as you direct the horse with your aids--while breathing with a smile on your face--is not easy! For the horse to separate the movement and sounds of the flag from the intentions of the rider, and still accomplish the true job at hand with posture and athleticism, is frankly amazing. The flag can be a great tool to help us separate body parts while maintaining a clear focus, ultimately making both horse and human handy.

Caution: Don’t overuse the flag; rather, see it as a tool to fix, refine, adjust, enhance and sensitize. You do not want to get the horse to a point where the only way he will react to your intentions is with the flag.

With the purposes outlined above in mind, here is one of my favorite flag exercises and the qualities I am looking for that constitute the release or reward:

Sideways “No Smoking” Exercise
This exercise asks the horse to move sideways, away from the bend, in a leg-yield posture with little forward movement. You can also ask him to perform a leg-yield on the diagonal or circle. Your horse should have a horseman's halter and 12' lead.

Start with your horse’s nose to the wall. Take a deep breath. Picture the horse moving sideways, softly away from you, but still having a slight bend around you. Put a slow rhythm in your mind’s eye for your flag to follow as it traces a "No smoking" sign (that red circle with the diagonal bar) on the side of the horse…from eye to foot, then foot back up to eye.

Start walking toward the middle of the horse while you paint your "No smoking" sign. You may need to spend a little more time at the eye or at the hip to get the sideways movement in the horse started. He should move sideways, remaining almost perpendicular to the wall.

Reward by stopping your feet and flag when the horse moves softly sideways with a rhythmic flow and no pull on the lead rope. As he understands the exercise, you can carry the sideways a little further each time before the reward, and even change the gait to a trot.

Caution: If the eyes and head pull away from you, the next body part to come toward you will be the hindquarters! Keep a feel for the eyes and head on the lead rope, but do not get so close that you can’t freely extend your flag arm (the one closest to the horse’s tail) in a nice, rhythmic paint stroke. Also, make sure you are moving your feet with rhythm.

Rest and Reward
Let the rest time be longer than the work time. When you first start this exercise, do only one side, and remember that if it takes you a week to get up to 90 miles an hour, that’s okay! Slow and right beats fast and wrong. Once your horse understands this exercise on both sides, put it in the bucket for a time and bring it back out in a month or so. Do not overuse it or you will lose what you are after, which is to build on your horse’s desire to read your body intentions.

For variations on the "No smoking" exercise and other ways to use the flag, visit www.tnthorsemanship.com.

Natural ways to control bugs: Fight Nature with Nature Part 3 of 3

Trapping

by Alayne Blickle, Horses for Clean Water

Reducing chemical use in our lives as well as reducing the nuisance bug population on our horse properties is a healthy goal for each of us. In this series on green insect control, we conclude with some ideas for simple, non-insecticidal traps for insects, along with some resources where you can get more help.

Go Trapping
Several types of simple insect traps can be useful for reducing the flying insect population. Perhaps one of the cheapest and easiest is fly paper or tape. This is the old-fashioned type of sticky tape you uncoil and attach to the ceiling. The paper may or may not have an attractant; at any rate, the insects happen across it and get stuck. The disadvantage to these is when the tape accidentally falls into your hair or when your horse’s switching tail catches it. So use it, but choose your locations carefully!

Pheromone traps are simple containers with one-way lids. The traps are placed in barn areas where flies hang out. A small amount of pheromone solution, a natural substance to which flies are attracted, is placed in the container. The flies (and yellow jackets!) buzz into the jar, stay trapped and die. Traps are sold by different companies under various names, such as Trap-A-Fly, Venus Fly Trap and Fly Terminator. Some are jars, while others are bags you hang or sticky traps infused with pheromone attractants. Check farm and horse supply businesses, as well as catalogs.

Bait jars are another effective way to trap flies. You can make your own fly bait jars very cheaply and easily. Take an old mayonnaise or similarly sized jar and punch several holes through the lid. Put in a few pieces of raw hamburger or fish and about an inch or so of water in the bottom of the jar. Set the jar in a safe place where it won’t be stepped on, and very soon the flies--attracted by the smell of the meat--will make their way into the jar and eventually drown. The disadvantage to this method is that it can be smelly and particularly attractive to your household dogs, but it is a very useful method that your grandmother probably used on her farm!

Goodbye Bugs
The key point to keep in mind when trying to manage insects is to strive to reduce insect habitat, which is the mud and manure. After you have these under control, go after the bugs with birds, bats, fly parasites and insecticidal traps. Your farm will be different from ever before, and you will be helping to keep potentially harmful chemicals out of the environment!

Good luck and good horsekeeping to you.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

Fly Parasites
· Try an Internet search under the words “fly parasite”

Bird Nest Boxes
· The Original Birdhouse Book by Don McNeil
· Local chapters of the National Audubon Society (www.audubon.org)
· Local feed stores and wild bird supply stores

Bat Houses
· Try an Internet search for “bat house”
· Bat Conservation International (www.batcon.org)
· Your local extension office (see last item under mud and manure section below)
· Gardening supply catalogs and stores, local feed stores and wild bird supply stores

Fly Masks, Traps and Sprays
· Feed and tack stores and supply catalogs

Mud and Manure Technical Assistance
· Horses for Clean Water (classes, workshops, farm tours and more) www.HorsesforCleanWater.com or Alayne@horsesforcleanwater.com
· Your local Conservation District—do an Internet search for the county that you live in along with the words “conservation district”
· In many Western states, cooperative extension may be able to assist you in these areas. Locate their offices through your state’s land-grant university (if you have trouble locating them ask for help from your public library’s reference librarian).

Come Home to Barn Pros

Affordable luxury for horses and horse lovers

What does it mean to live the equine lifestyle? Is it some essence captured within the scent of fresh hay and a cool breeze over grass that soothes the horse-lover's soul? Is it a vision of flowing manes and majestically arched necks as horses run free under the setting sun? Or the feeling of flight as the ground passes by, thundering through nature like wind itself on a horse's back?

No. These things are only a part of the whole, small pieces of what horse people know in their bones is the life they were meant to lead. For many of us, we are content to say, "home is where the horse is." But there is more to the equestrian dream than running and riding and being the breeze.

The truth of it is, horses require a lot of care. For committed horse people, this isn't a hardship...but sometimes the location or situation makes it more of a chore than it ought to be.

Click here for the full story.

Living the Life

by Karen Pickering (photo by NWHS)

As I write this column I’m sitting at a hotel in Albany, New York, waiting for the weather to clear up. Severe thunderstorms, lightning, and tornado warnings have plagued the last day of our American Horse Publications convention trip. It makes me aware of just how powerless we are against the weather.

Even so, it was a very rewarding weekend and an opportunity to network with my peers. Once a year I get this chance to see the latest trends in promoting the horse industry and listen to some very respected speakers. It's such a treat to see those familiar faces every year.

Saratoga Springs is a place loaded with history and alive with anything horse; I immediately fell in love with this town (especially the Starbucks right downtown—check out the horse statue in front). The entire city is built around a racetrack that entices some of the best horses in the country. The Racing Museum was quite an experience as well. If you ever get the opportunity to travel to New York, this little town is a must-see. Every downtown street corner hosts a beautiful statue of a life-size horse decorated with a different artistic theme.

This industry has truly enriched my life, allowing me to see and do things I never thought possible. As we bring you this Equine Lifestyle issue, just be encouraged that you can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t ever think it’s impossible.

Enjoy your horse, and remember to ride!

Quote of the Month:
"Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries."
~Corita Kent

Schedule in Some Play Time

Horse around for better health
By Nicole Lanphear

Bring new meaning to the phrase “horsing around” and connect with your horse on a whole new level. Not by riding, training, conditioning or working. By playing.

The physical and emotional benefits of playing are the same for all species. It is easy to see dogs and cats frolic all the time. As adult humans, we sometimes forget the importance of playing. For our domesticated horses, it is especially important.

Lisa Ross-Williams of If Your Horse Could Talk and EquiSport Toys and Tools says horses can forget to play, especially when they are stuck in a stall for too long. As innately curious, active creatures, horses are built for constant movement and exploration. In wild herds or any herd setting, horses play games of hierarchy that eventually teach young males how to become the dominant stallion.

Ross-Williams encourages playing with your horse from birth. The benefits are not just physical, but target the mind, body and soul.

Work and Play
Including playtime in your typical routine with your horse is not hard. Ross-Williams suggests turning music on and making your groundwork exercises a game. Teaching your horse to back up? Relax your own body, dance a little and try to get the horse to back in step with the music’s beat.

Utilize tools around you–fill an empty milk jug with pebbles so that it rattles and teach your horse to fetch it back to you. Use cones to practice serpentines or backing around an obstacle. Using props to target your horse’s attention will help the horse respond better.

“Start young,” Ross-Williams says. “But even older horses can learn how to play again.”

The Play Pen
For those days you don’t have the time for in-hand work, create an environment suitable for your horse to play in. Place safe toys in a pasture or paddock so your horse can create his own games. Some suggestions are barrels, which horses love to roll around, or cones, which horses can pick up and toss around.
“It is amazing the games they come up with on their own,” Ross-Williams says. Horses are intelligent and the exercise for their minds will keep them from becoming bored, listless animals.

Toys must be durable and safe, but don’t have to be expensive. There are many lines of horse-specific toys, but even some dog toys are suitable to entertain your horse. Other options include plastic cones, milk jugs and old plastic garbage cans.

“Use your imagination and take a look around the house,” Ross-Williams suggests.

Buckets without handles are popular among her horses, and she has one horse that loves to stick his head in an old garbage can and play around.

Goal: Have Fun
The main purpose of playing is for everyone involved to have fun. Spending more time with your horse will draw the two of you closer, and playing games together will help build a stronger bond. Aside from the physical exercise and mental challenge, think of the funny stories and memories you can share.

Do your horse the favor and make time for play. After all, all work and no play make ol’ Blaze a dull, unhappy horse. Who knows–if you let yourself get caught in the games, you might even have a little fun too.

The Appaloosa

The rich and fascinating history of the Appaloosa breed is as unique as its colorful spotted coat patterns.

The Spanish introduced horses to Mexico in the 1500s. Following the Pueblo Revolt, horses rapidly spread throughout North America, reaching the Northwest around 1700. The Nez Perce tribe became excellent horsemen and breeders, creating large herds renowned for their strength, intelligence and beauty. It is unknown how many of the Nez Perce’s horses were spotted, but a possible estimate is ten percent. Settlers coming into the area began to refer to these spotted horses as “A Palouse Horse,” a reference to the Palouse river, which runs through Northern Idaho. Over time, the name evolved into “Palousey,” “Appalousey,” and finally “Appaloosa.”

In the mid-1800s, settlers flooded onto the Nez Perce reservation, and conflicts soon ensued. The Nez Perce War of 1877 resulted in their herds being dispersed. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, interest in the breed gradually began to grow as Appaloosas began appearing in roundups and rodeos.

The Appaloosa’s flashy coat patterns caught the eye of the public, and in 1937 an article in Western Horseman entitled “The Appaloosa, or Palouse Horse” revealed a widespread interest in the breed.

On March 25, 1975 Idaho governor Cecil Andrus signed a bill naming the Appaloosa as the state horse. This is a deserving honor for a horse that has been an integral part of Idaho history.

Today, the beautiful spotted horse is one of the most beloved American horse breeds and can be found throughout the world, excelling in disciplines including western pleasure, games, working cow horse and dressage. Appaloosas are prized for their easygoing dispositions and their reliability as family horses.

Information and photo provided by the Appaloosa Horse Club, www.appaloosa.com.

Prescription Drugs for Horses

The FDA regulates drugs for your horses' protection
by Dave Sauter, DVM

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the governing body that regulates the development, production and sale of medications in the United States, both human and animal. Here, we’ll review the basic rules and regulations governing the pharmaceutical industry.

FDA Approval
All new drugs must be approved by the FDA before they go to market. Pharmaceuticals have to demonstrate through mandated, standardized methods--including blinded control studies--that the new drug is safe and effective for the intended animal and medical purpose. The company must establish that the drug can be manufactured consistently, batch after batch; that it remains stable; and determine a reliable shelf life. Monitoring continues once the drug is in production, and the FDA also regulates marketing and advertising activities associated with the drug.

Generic Drugs
Generic drugs must be approved by the FDA just like name-brand drugs. After the patent has expired on the “pioneer” drug, other companies are then permitted to produce it. They must demonstrate that the generic is the bioequivalent to the brand-name version in dosage form, efficacy, safety, strength, route of administration, quality and intended use. Like the pioneer drug, they must follow the same Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) mandated by the FDA in federally inspected plants. Once generics are allowed, consumer prices for the product go down substantially.

Extra-label Use
The costs associated with bringing drugs to market are enormous. Consequently, it is not surprising that there are many situations where approved veterinary medications are simply unavailable. The necessary research and development, not to mention the formidable FDA approval process and subsequent monitoring requirements, are economically unattractive to manufacturers. Fortunately, practitioners are permitted to use their discretion and utilize medications beyond the label indications. For example, Adequan is labeled for arthritis in the knee but is commonly employed for arthritis of other joints. Naxcel is an antibiotic labeled for respiratory infections but is commonly used for other infections. Prior to Gastroguard, there were no gastric ulcer medications approved for horses. Human ulcer products were routinely prescribed “extra-label.”

Dispensing vs. Prescribing
Generally, all new pioneer drugs are prescription. In order to provide prescription drugs, a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship must be established. This means that the veterinarian has examined and is familiar with the patient and has determined that the drug is appropriate. This also provides an opportunity to review proper dosing, storage and administration.

Most veterinary prescription products are dispensed directly by the attending veterinarian. It is permitted and sometimes necessary to prescribe medications through outside sources, such as extra-label use of a human medication not kept in the clinic inventory but available at a local human pharmacy.

The FDA has the authority to change a prescription drug status to over-the-counter (OTC). This is done for products that have been on the market long enough and no longer require veterinarian supervision. An example of this is procaine penicillin, which is readily available from most feed stores. These OTC products are still regulated and monitored, and the manufacturing facilities are inspected by the FDA.

Direct marketing of health products to horse owners through magazines, catalogs, and other publications is becoming commonplace. Also, online pharmacies are becoming more prevalent. These alternative sources are a permitted, legal avenue for prescriptions, just so long as they are licensed pharmacies with a registered pharmacist. If they are not licensed, they are selling products illegally. The products sold illegally might be FDA approved drugs. Worse is if the illegal pharmacies are selling illegal, unapproved products, which could be unsafe, impure and poor quality. If there is no mention of FDA approval on the site, beware. It is easy to check the licensing status of an online pharmacy by calling the State Health Department. When in doubt about a product, check with your veterinarian.

Background on the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Its origin dates back to June of 1906, when President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law the Food and Drug Act. This was in response to concern over adulteration and misbranding of food and drugs on the American market. FDA powers were expanded in 1938 by the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, granting greater authority over drugs, drug labeling, safety standards, inspections, enforcement and standards for food and cosmetics. This legislation was in response to numerous injurious products that made it to the marketplace, such as radioactive beverages, cosmetics that caused blindness, and the 1937 Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy, during which over 100 people died because the elixir used an untested toxic solvent.

Today, the FDA regulates companies and industries that account for roughly $1.5 trillion worth of consumer goods and medicines. The agency is responsible for the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs, biologics (e.g., vaccines and blood products), over-the-counter medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, nutritional supplements and all food products except meat and poultry. The Center for Veterinary Medicine is the branch of the FDA that regulates food, food additives and drugs given to animals. Animal vaccines are regulated by the USDA, not the FDA.

A Horse of Her Own by Annie Wedekind

Reviewed by Deb Taber, NWHS editor

Although I grew up on horse fiction, it has been a while since I've indulged in reading horse stories. Over time, I tried a few that seemed to be written with no understanding of a young horse lover, so I was hesitant when I picked up A Horse of Her Own by Annie Wedekind.

The premise is unsurprising: Jane Ryan's family can't afford to get a horse for her, and circumstances take away the school horse she has bonded with. That may be an old story, but it's still timeless...and besides, that's just the beginning. Jane and her family are all enjoyable, quirky, believable characters who are whole people, not clichés. The same goes for the other characters in the book, horses included. Sure, the nasty clique of rich girls is there...but one of them might be more human than she wants to think, and even the minor characters have distinct personalities that make them as real to the reader as they are to Jane. The best part of A Horse of Her Own is the down-to-earth feel, be it the bumps and bruises of training or a young girl's realization that some things don't matter as much as she once thought they did, and other things matter even more.

I enjoyed my visit to Wedekind's world very much, and learned a little about the mechanics of jumping and eventing along the way. Despite its designation as a young adult novel, I think readers of any age will enjoy this book just as much as a horse-struck young girl will; it's one to put up on the shelf with the Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley novels from our own younger years.

Hunters vs. Jumpers

The difference between hunting and jumping, part 1 of a 3-part series
by Barb Hento

To the outsider, the world of hunters and jumpers is all the same: horses jumping big fences. The truth is, even though both types of horses jump, that is the only thing they have in common.

Hunters 101
A hunter is usual a handsome Thoroughbred type of horse with good conformation. Good movement and manners are imperative. Hunters must cover the ground in a smooth gallop, jumping each fence precisely at the same spot and in the same style as the previous fence. An even pace is a must.

The hunter’s tack and appointments, along with his rider’s, are conservative and follow fox hunting traditions. Bridles are plain and usually have a snaffle bit and standard noseband. The horse’s mane is braided, and sometimes the tail is too. This is a tradition from the hunt field where grooms braided manes and tails to protect them from brambles and burrs.

A hunt rider dresses in muted colors of black, brown, grey or green, with buff, canary or tan breeches and a black hunt cap and black boots. You might see a rider with a special collar if he or she belongs to a Hunt Club. Scarlet coats are reserved for hunt officials.

In looking at a course designed for hunters, you will notice there is a lack of bright colors. All fences are designed to represent what might be found in the hunt field and are made to look natural. The styles will be post and rails, oxers (never square), brushes, and walls. The distance between fences is set in multiples of 12 feet (or shorter if indoors or for pony competitions).

Judges look for a pretty horse that jumps evenly, smoothly, and would be comfortable to ride all day in the hunt field.

Jumpers 101
Opposite the hunter, we have the jump horse – the rock star of the horse show world. The sole purpose in this arena is to see who can go the highest and the fastest. The type of horse and its jumping style are not important; in the end, it is the numerical score that counts.

The competition arena is colorful, with brightly painted rails and fancy wings (the pieces that hold the rails up). Courses are designed to present adjustment problems to the horse and rider. Distance between fences is set at odd numbers (e.g., 21 feet instead of 24 feet) so the horse has to make stride (pace) adjustments as he travels around the course. Jumps are designed and laid out in a manner that requires the horse to speed up or slow down to make the distance. Mental hazards are also a part of the course, using variations such as a lack of ground lines, few rails, solid rails, odd colors and strangely shaped objects to throw off horse and rider.

The jumper dress code is much looser than that of the hunter ring, with the exception of the Grand Prix ring. Riders may wear long sleeve polo shirts, breeches, boots, and--of course--helmets. The "bling" (decoration) on the horse’s equipment is considered fun. The type of bridle and bit are left entirely up to the rider as long as they are humane.

Jumpers are scored on a numerical scale, receiving “faults” (points subtracted from their score) for knocking down or hitting rails, stepping in the water jump, or going past the time allowed to complete the course. Style and form are not considered.

The United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) and Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) associations have complete charts in their rulebooks that detail scoring. When competing in jumper classes, horses often jump the course several times to break a tie and determine the winner. Jumping is also an Olympic event for equestrians, whereas hunting is not.

The Plain English
In comparing the two types of horses, one might say that the hunter is the working horse whose job is to safely carry his rider over fences in the hunt field. The jumper is the horse who must show how athletic and brave he is as he negotiates an artificial environment.

BARB HENTO is an accomplished horsewoman born and raised in Bellingham, Washington. With her entrepreneurial drive and competitive spirit, she has been involved in all aspects and disciplines of the horse industry. She has trained and competed at some of the highest levels and has been a certified horse show judge since 1976. She continues to provide riding lessons and to both manage and judge horse shows around the Pacific Northwest and Canada.