From Rodeos to the Racetrack

Take advantage of the horse opportunities Washington has to offer

By Nicole Lanphear

“And they’re off!”

The racing bells of Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington, echo throughout the state at the largest racetrack in the area. From April to September, the dirt flies as thoroughbreds shoot from the gates.

Emerald Downs is but a small piece of the equestrian activity available throughout Washington state.

Click here to read the full story in our digital edition.

Old Horses, New Friends: NWHS Reader Perspectives

We asked our newsletter* readers to tell us about their experiences buying, selling and adopting horses in 2009. Here's what they had to say...

"I attended an auction in Calhan, CO. I had no intentions of buying anything--just looking. Yeah, right. We all know that saying.

"I had seen this horse outside, but he would not turn and come to me, he just ate and ate. Well, once inside the showing pen, I was glad I did have a bidding card. Yeah, you know the ending. I bought a 7-year-old grey gelding. He's registered AQHA and has a butt to die for. We have some kinks to work out, but he is a quick learner and we are starting from the beginning. I hope to have many, many long trail rides with him here in Colorado through the Garden of the Gods.

"P.S. I had to get your news--I moved to Colorado from Vancouver, WA."

Thank you,

~"JusJoan"

"I did want to tell you my story about my new horse. First, I need to tell you why I got a new horse. I moved to Whidbey Island seven years ago from California. I noticed that there were a lot of horses here on the island, but I also noticed that there were a lot of what I thought to be neglected horses. I have loved horses all my life, but never had a chance to have one of my own. So I started reading about horses, and what it would require to have a horse. I read for almost a year about horses and how to take care of them. Then, three years ago, I started taking horse lessons, and I was so in love.

"After taking lessons for three months, I noticed that my neighbor had a horse that appeared to be dying. I called my neighbor, who thought he knew about horses, but did not know anything, and asked him to give me the horse. Her name was Maggie. She was about 21 years old, and when my vet looked at her, she was questionable as to whether she could be brought around to live. He gave me the horse, and I brought a palomino Quarter Horse from him to keep her company.

In October this year, Maggie foundered and had to be put down. I had lost my best friend. I was now with my third teacher, Kim, and she is wonderful. Her father had a horse that was priceless. She had my name written all over her. So I worked out a deal to buy my new horse, and she is perfect for me.

I have had multiple heath problems since I started my riding lessons so I have had to take many breaks. Kim knew that the new horse would be perfect to help me gain my confidence back. She was right, and now I own an Russian Arab. She is so gentle that I would not believe her to be an Arab. We connected right away...I just love my new horse, Aurora. I have found the love of my heart when I found horses."

~Lynn

"This past year I bought my 9-year-old paint mare, Stilly. I am a junior in high school and at the Evergreen State Fair FFA horse show I showed her in western pleasure green horse, western pleasure ec. green. I placed champion, and then reserve champ. This was also my first horse show ever. It was a great experience. Also, I have owned an Arabian who last winter passed away at the age of 36. I have been raised on a 27 acre farm my hole life with cattle, horses and mules."

~Whitney

*If you haven't already, you can sign up for the NWHS email newsletter at www.nwhorsesource.com.

Live Long, Live Well

What to look for as your horse gets into its senior years
by Ron Colton, DVM, Evergreen Equine Veterinary Practice

We don’t know just how many older horses there are, but we do know that number is growing. If you don’t have an older horse now, chances are you will someday. Learning to recognize the early signs of age-related declines in health can make a big difference in your horse’s quality and length of life. It might also save you a lot of heartache, as well as some serious cash.

Your Horse is Old When…
No easy answer here. Most veterinarians would agree that an equine friend that is 25 years or more qualifies for the “old” title. What about the horse that is 17, 18 or 19 years old? These cases are not so clear. There is a lot of variation in what horses in this age range can look like. Genetics, previous care or lack of care, and injuries certainly affect whether a late teens horse is perceived as old. However, regardless of outer appearances, as horses approach their late teens or early twenties, there are functional changes that take place. These include changes in cardiac and exercise capacity, ability to chew and digest feed materials, altered immune function, and lessened ability to recover from injury. The bottom line is that as your horse ages you should be ready to change how you monitor and care for him.

Outer Beauty Counts
A weight tape and camera are the best way to objectively follow a senior horse’s physical condition. Changes often occur at a slow enough rate that an owner may not notice, or will just think it’s all part of getting old. Comparing photos and measurements from year to year is more reliable than going by memory. Late spring is a good time to take a picture; the horse should be shed out enough for you to see its condition. During periods of the year when the hair coat is longer, make sure to get your hands on the horse to feel for changes, generally most noticeable over the topline.

Weight and Condition
If your horse has lost weight or body condition, this could be normal age-related loss in digestive capacity, something that is generally easy to fix with diet management. On the other hand, weight loss or failure to shed normally (remember to look at last year’s photo) may signal the presence of a medical disorder. Poor dental condition, parasite infestation, pituitary dysfunction (Cushing’s disease), and chronic pain are common causes of weight loss and poor coats in older horses. Early intervention and appropriate care to address the specific condition can often get the older horse back into good condition. Remember, too, that the older horse may need a little extra help staying warm during cold periods. Energy spent to keep warm diverts calories from weight and condition maintenance. Investing in a heavier, waterproof blanket may go a long way to keeping your horse in the best shape.

While watching for weight loss, don’t forget that some older horses have the opposite issue¬¬—they are too fat. Obesity may be due to an owner being a little too generous with the feed, or it could reflect a problem like insulin resistance or pituitary disease.

Keeping horses on the leaner side reduces the load on joints and may help manage insulin resistance. Some people fatten up older horses prior to winter; it is best to avoid this practice. Adjust feed as needed to keep a healthy weight, and don’t forget that blanket!

Not What She Used to Be
Owners often assign an older horse’s quiet behavior to “getting up there.” If your older equine stands around during turnout or looks sleepy on the end of the line, don’t accept this as just being old. Healthy older horses are not sluggish or lethargic. While senior horses may not be as active as 3-year-olds, they still should pay attention to what’s going on and readily interact with humans and other horses.

Certain disorders, like Cushing’s, may lead to a rise in some hormones, such as endorphins, that essentially sedate the horse. Look for rub marks or abrasions on the limbs. Such injuries on the front of the fetlocks or the points of the hocks may signal that the horse is having difficulty getting up or may have a sleep deprivation problem. Or you may realize that you never see your horse lying down. Chronic pain, such as arthritis, is often the reason for these sleeping or rising difficulties. There are many therapeutic options to help horses with this type of discomfort and greatly improve quality of life.

Active Lifestyle
Hopefully, you can keep your older horse in a regular exercise program. Just as with humans, activity helps maintain strength, joint health, and other important functions like immunity and metabolic stability. However, as horses age, there is usually some loss in muscle mass, and tendons and ligaments become less elastic. As these changes occur, first speed is lost, then agility declines, followed by loss in strength. When you notice a decrease in athletic ability, it may be time to consider changing what you expect of the horse. Make a move down in class or find a whole new job description. This may save your horse from a sports-related injury, such as a torn ligament or tendon. These injuries are difficult enough to rehabilitate in a young horse and can be very troublesome in older horses.

Pay Attention
Your farrier can help you monitor your horse’s condition. Ask if she or he has observed changes in the feet. Differences in how the horse accepts farrier care, along with the wear pattern in its feet or shoes, can be early clues to musculoskeletal discomfort such as arthritis. Pink or red areas in the sole and widening of the white line are indicators of laminitis that otherwise may not be readily apparent. Pituitary disease-associated laminitis often seems sudden in its onset. The reality is that this condition is usually slow to progress—all the warning signs went unnoticed. Early intervention could save your horse a lot of pain or even its life.

As veterinarians, we hope to be part of your older horses’ extended family and to help them live comfortable, productive lives. During routine exams, vets often identify age-related changes that have gone unrecognized by the owner. However, it’s best if these changes can be caught as early as possible. Older horses can fall into a serious state of decline by the time their routine veterinary care is performed, especially if they only receive annual exams. It is important for owners to understand the signs of decline and to keep a watchful eye.

Little things matter with older horses. You may not need to sweat the small stuff, but you should pay attention to it. Don’t be afraid to call the vet for a free phone consultation if you have a question. Take advantage of the many publications that provide health information specific to older horses. Remember, age itself is not a disease. You have the opportunity to help your equine companion have a good life in his or her golden years.

About the Author
Ron Colton, DVM, is a co-partner at Evergreen Equine Veterinary Practice in Snohomish, WA. His specialty interests include lameness, ultrasound, and internal medicine. www.evergreenequinevet.com

Winter Riding in Oregon

Give yourself the gift of time with your horses all winter long
by Nicole Lanphear
photo by Kim McCarrel

This season, give the gift of an extra trail ride, an extra moment with your equine companion. Winter doesn’t bring an end to the horse activities in the Pacific Northwest; despite the rainy and snowy days, dedicated Oregonians head out with their horses to hit the trails all year long.

“We trail ride all winter here,” says Kim McCarrel, a member of Backcountry Horsemen and Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET). “I live in Bend, and we have several places nearby with very sandy soil where we can trail ride in all but the worst weather. If the roads aren’t icy, we ride!”

Rose Mahoney of Philomath is also a member of OET. She showed Morgans for many years but now spends her days with her horses on the trails of Southern Oregon. She makes a point of continuing to ride year-round.

Click here to read the full article on Winter Riding in Oregon.

Barefoot for Winter

Safe hoofkeeping in the ice and snow
by R. Matthews

Winter can be a pitfall of peril for our equine friends. Between the icy pastures and snow-trampled, muck-filled pens, it seems the elements are just waiting to mess with our horses’ feet. Adding shoes to those feet can increase the danger to hooves and legs during the winter months.

In this day and age of barefoot horses and natural trimming, it stands to reason that during the winter months, many of our horses should go ironless.

According to Shane Blakely of Blakely Shoeing in Kimberly, Idaho, “The three main reasons for shoeing a horse are: protection for the hoof, therapeutic, and traction. If none of these are needed, then most horses are fine without shoes. Smooth shoes are very slick on ice and can cause a horse to slip and pull muscles and ligaments, or go down to the ground and harm horse and rider.”

Click here to read the full article in our digital edition...

Avoid Boarding Nightmares

Examine potential boarding facilities through a horse's eyes for a healthy, happier horse
by Karen Brown

There are a lot of factors involved in deciding where to board your horse. Generally, the first issues to narrow the search are location, cost, and type of riding most prevalent in the facility. But are these factors really the best criteria to use in choosing a healthy and safe environment for your horse?

Never forget that you are your horse’s advocate. He can’t speak up for himself, at least not in a way anyone will notice until his health is already compromised. As the owner of a living, sentient being, it is your responsibility to learn what a horse needs in terms of his species, not what we humans consider to be necessary. In fact, in the past 50 years horses have been taken so far away from their natural habitat that some people can’t believe they are quite capable of surviving without cozy stalls, winter blankets, and all sorts of fly repelling products.

The Equine Ideal
So let’s take a look at the kind of boarding facility species equus would choose for himself if given the chance. First, there would be plenty of room to roam and graze, along with places for shelter when the weather got cold and windy. An open-sided wind shelter is preferable, but in the chilly months those box stalls aren’t so bad. Most places don’t have much turnout, but at the least, every horse should have a chance to spend a few hours each day in a paddock big enough to run a bit and have a good roll. Even better if the horses get to pal around together out there. You’ll be amazed at how much better behaved your horse will be if given this kind of recreational recess every day.

Second, plenty of fresh water should be available everywhere, in a container that is regularly cleaned and checked for fullness. If grazing on grass isn’t possible, which in most facilities it is not, free choice grass hay is essential for supplying every horse’s need to graze throughout the day. With the exception of obese horses, grass hay should be available to each horse as needed, i.e., if he cleans up, give him some more. This does not apply to legumes such as alfalfa; these affect the horse’s digestive tract differently and must be fed with careful attention. Most horses will do better on a grass hay diet along with a good quality, balanced nutrition grain product to supplement the hay.

Another note on hay: it should be of excellent quality. If you don’t know how to assess the quality, grab a handful and go ask your vet for his opinion. The quality of grass hays varies widely from one pasture to the next and from one cutting to the next, yet it all seems to get labeled “horse quality”. Not so. If the facility doesn’t strive for the best hay at all times, their commitment to proper care is in question.

Grain meals should be fed from a clean, well-organized feed room. Horses should receive grain meals at fairly regular times and all at the same time. Horses that don’t get fed when others do may fret enough to cause ulcers. This is a common problem in self-care facilities. Grain should be fed based on each horse’s nutritional and workload needs. The feeding program should be monitored daily because horses’ nutritional needs can change at any time. An observant caretaker will notice weight or behavioral changes long before a horse becomes obese or skeletal.

The horse's ideal barn would have an open feeling so there’s lots of fresh air flowing through, even when it’s cold outside, and it would have skylights or windows to provide plenty of daylight. Gloomy interiors don’t make for enjoyable surroundings for humans or horses. Stalls would be roomy, meaning big enough that the horse isn’t bumping into walls to turn around. Bigger horses require bigger stalls. The bedding would be fresh and cleaned daily. The barn and stalls would not be dusty or smell moldy. The stall walls would be constructed of materials strong enough to withstand a kicking horse, which is greater than 15,000 psi of pressure.

Barn walls, doors, windows, and all other construction in and around the barn would be horse safe, which is much different from people safe. Fencing, corrals, gates, and any other objects horses could come into contact with should be examined for sturdiness and safety.

The barn, turn-out paddocks, and arenas would be peaceful. Horses are sensitive to their environments, and loud, unpleasant noises prevent them from resting well. This will affect their overall health and their performance under saddle. A quiet, low-stress atmosphere is the ideal for equus. This includes the attitudes of the barn workers; if employees are stressed or unhappy, the horses will be too.

The Human Factor
One of the greatest factors affecting the safety and health of horses in boarding facilities is also one of the most overlooked: the knowledge and experience of the facility manager and employees. People tend to assume that anyone running a facility has sufficient knowledge, but unfortunately that is not always the case. Anyone can board horses; there’s no licensing or certification required. All the more reason you must make time to do your homework when evaluating the facilities on your list.

If you’re not sure what to look for, take a professional horse person with you to assess the potential homes you’ve picked out for your horse. I promise the price for getting a professional opinion will be far cheaper than any vet bill you could end up paying if your horse were to get ill, colic, or get injured. It’s not worth the risk to your horse’s health and life.

Often, when choosing the best facility, the person’s needs and wants don’t match up with the horse’s needs. You will then have to make the difficult decision regarding which criteria take priority—your horse’s health and safety or your convenience and pocketbook. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find a place that suits both of you.

Expanding Your Horizons in Idaho

Explore mountains, deserts, and everywhere in between

By Nicole Lanphear

From the highest peaks to the lowest, driest desert, Idaho presents the horse owner with the dilemma of packing attire for the right climate. Wherever you’re headed within the state, there is adventure ahead. Idaho’s $1.6 billion horse industry consists mostly of recreation and pleasure horses, so whether you’re a native of the state or just visiting, equine leisure activities abound.

Members of the Twin Rivers Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, Mark Bogar, and his wife, Pat, have been actively involved with several organizations that promote horse activities, trail conservation, and breed-specific activities.

“Idaho has some of the most beautiful and spectacular areas to see on horseback in the world,” Bogar says.

Click here to read the full article in our digital edition.

A Hero's Work

One horse's will to live became an inspiration to many

by Catherine Madera, photos by Emily Greene

The working horses of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch outside Bend, Oregon don’t have performance pedigrees. They don’t round up cattle or help hold wily calves. For their job of equine counselor, this motley crew need only the basics—two eyes and four good legs. One special horse doesn’t even have those.

Of the 30 horses that live year-round at this rescue and youth ranch, 85% have come out of heartbreaking situations. They are the undesirables—horses abused or abandoned by ignorant, cruel, or desperate owners. Since 1995, the nine-acre ranch has been instrumental in rehabilitating hundreds of horses. Some find a permanent place in the ranch’s award-winning youth program.

“We don’t rescue as many horses as we used to,” says co-founder Kim Meeder, “but we try to keep two spaces available at all times.”

One of those spaces was called upon last fall in the rescue of a young Arabian.

Click here to read the full article

The Magical World of Dancing Horses

A look at the horses that bring magic to the performing arts world

by Angel S. Gnau

Imagine the most beautiful, exotic horses you have ever seen, literally dancing before your eyes. The artistry, the pageantry, the fantasy…it must be a dream.

No. It’s “The Magical World of Dancing Horses!”

Known as the “Master of the Dance,” Dianne Olds Rossi is one of the foremost trainers in the highest level of dressage or high school training, “Haute Ecole,” in the United States. Dianne is the owner and producer of “The Magical World of Dancing Horses,” a unique traveling equine entertainment show that has been in existence since 1979.

I remember the first time I saw the “Magical World of Dancing Horses.” It was in Burbank, California during the “Hot August Nights” dressage show in the 1980s. The lights were dimmed in the indoor arena; the music to Star Wars boomed over the loudspeakers. Out of the misty darkness, a majestic black Friesian stallion pranced into the spotlight, his long, shining mane and tail flowing, with Darth Vader (Dianne) in the saddle. It was the most incredible, dramatic show using horses that I had ever seen...

Click here to read the full article.

Essential Equipment: Weed Free Feed

New regulation requires certified weed-free hay in the Pacific Northwest Region

by Janie McQueen

There is a new regulation for livestock owners that could cost you money if you’re not careful. USDA Forest Service Rangers are given full authority to hand out citations for non-compliance. There is no talking your way out of this one, folks!

The entire Pacific Northwest National Forest region is affected by this federal regulation. It follows a 2007 requirement for weed-free feed to be used in all the Pacific Northwest Wilderness areas. This federal mandate goes beyond just the trailheads and covers every square inch of National Forest land. That means if you even have a tire parked on National Forest land and don’t have any certification, you could be ticketed and receive a monetary fine.

I, personally, will carry only certified weed-free hay and heat-processed pellets, just in case! Here are a few of the rules with which we must comply and points to consider:

1. The new requirement states that all hay, cubed hay, straw, mulch and other feed or fodder products used or stored on USDA Pacific Northwest National Forest land be free of weed seeds. Even if the new signs aren’t posted yet, officials can still cite you.
2. If you’re just driving through and not stopping or feeding on National Forest land, this does not apply.
3. With the purchase of certified weed-free bales of hay, you will receive a certification paper for your dashboard. There is a NAWMA (North American Weed Management Association) tag permanently placed on color-coded baling twine. This certification is done at the farm that produces the hay because the fields in which it’s grown are inspected. Make sure all the hay in your rig is certified weed-free.
4. The hay/feed products that are not allowed are all non-certified weed-free feed products. That does not include any heat processed (commercial) pellets or steam-rolled grains. They are considered weed-free and do not require certification. However, hay cubes are not allowed unless you purchased them outside Oregon and Washington (which do not have them) and they are certified weed-free.
5. All certified weed-free feed is acceptable and need not be from the state in which you are visiting National Forest lands. That means you must still have the appropriate tags with official labeling or twine. No hay or crop products coming from a state without a certification program meeting NAWMA standards can be used.
6. If you need certified weed-free hay, ask your local feed store to order it for you or talk to your local BCH chapter. Otherwise, take only pellets for feed.
7. The cost of certified weed-free hay or straw products can be somewhat higher than standard feeds, and the price may vary by location and availability.

Citation Fee Amounts

This federal mandate was issued and actually began on January 1, 2009. For this first year, a small amount of leniency will be granted. But, the fines can legally reach a maximum of $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a group. Just in the Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forest citations are expected to be issued, and according to officials, the monetary amount is up to each ranger. Most likely, for the first year, tickets will be issued for up to $300, but that isn’t carved in stone.

Why Now?

The USDA Forest Service has been monitoring noxious and toxic weeds for many years. It is a fact that many noxious weeds are brought in because of livestock feeding on hay. “There is a lot of noxious weed growth alongside the trails,” says Viva Worthington, a plant biologist for the National Forest, “and it’s especially noticeable where people camp with their horses.”

The forestry service also asks that horse owners give their critters the weed-free feed a day or two before they enter the forestry land. That will ensure that any manure is free of weeds. It takes at least a day to work through a horse's system.

Kim Larned, a National Forest Officer with the Cle Elum Ranger District, says that because of the program’s relative newness, the availability of certified weed-free hay is not as prevalent in Washington as Oregon. The spread and growth of noxious weeds is rampant and the seeds can be spread by tires and boots, so when traveling it’s important to make sure all your feed is certified weed-free. Even if you’re going to other states with National Forest land, take the weed-free hay and use it - you’re better safe than sorry.

Color-coded Baling Twine:

Certification labels are white for Oregon, Washington and Idaho and the twine is purple and yellow.

Montana has red labels (tags), blue and orange twine, blaze-orange labels on bags.

California has colored twine and tags, product certificate, and transit certificates.

Colorado has blue and orange twine.

Wyoming has blaze-orange tags, purple and yellow twine.

About the Author:

Janie McQueen is a freelance reporter/photographer for the NKC Tribune and Cascades Mountain-Echo. After moving to the Central Cascade Mountains 25 years ago, Janie fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a horse owner and rider. Her property borders the Wenatchee National Forest, so riding became a daily pleasure.

Over the years, Janie’s writing became specialized about trails and everything related to horses, though she writes about many subjects. Her favorite monthly column is called Trailmix (Cascades Mountain-Echo) which involves riding many trails on horseback. She was also a photographer on horseback and editor for The Pacific Northwest Trail Guide. Currently, Janie is authoring a book about long rider Gene Glasscock (See NWHS August 2007) and his famous horseback ride of over 20,000 miles to all 48 continental state capitals.

Many stories she writes are because of real-life experiences. Other articles are carefully researched and based on the knowledge of experts in those fields.

Veterinary Technology: 21st Century Health

Today’s veterinary tech equipment allows rapid responses for improved horse care

by Ron Colton, DVM, Evergreen Equine Veterinary Practice, www.evergreenequinevet.com

Imagine you find your horse with a nail in his foot. You call your veterinarian. She is on the way and has told you to leave the nail in place. She wants to take an x-ray to determine the exact location of the nail and whether it has damaged any vital structures. Only then will she remove the nail and begin therapy. It’s 1999, so she will have to drive back to the clinic to develop and review the films, which hopefully are of good quality, and then drive back to your farm to provide care. Cross your fingers traffic isn’t bad.

Fast forward to the same scenario today: your vet arrives with portable x-ray equipment and is able to see the digital image of your horse’s foot and the nail in a matter of seconds. If a second opinion is needed, the images are sent directly from the portable to a vet hospital via a wireless Internet card. Important information is acquired and analyzed quickly. Treatment is started in minutes instead of hours, with no risk of traffic delays. This is just one of many newer technologies that have brought considerable advantages to equine medicine...

Click here to read the full article in our digital edition

Youth Essay Contest Winners!

NWHS congratulates the winners of this year's youth essay contest for their excellent essays on the theme "Wild Ride!"

Youth Category Winner

Elizabeth Thomas, age 16

Higher Victory

The gold ribbon braided into his mane brilliantly reflects the sun as he tosses his head. Anxiously he pounds a heavily clad hoof, impatient to be on the move. The distant clamor of the crowd focuses me on the competition ahead and flusters my nerves. Mounted high atop the two-wheeled cart, I clench the reins in anticipation of my grandstand arena debut. 

The gates fling open. I am first in line. I urge my fine steed along, his massive form gracing the ring with vigor. I’m startled by his exhibition of might, my small frame struggles to restrain his swift gait. Sensing resistance, he snorts in defiance and bolts about the stadium. He challenges human direction as I venture to subdue the inherent zest of equines. 

Frustrated, I gently ease up on the rein, granting the Percheron’s desired freedom of movement. He immediately relaxes and heeds my guidance, the two of us accepting and benefiting from our separate aptitudes. We are transformed into a picture of sheer magnificence. His stride elongates, his neck proudly arches, and my face wildly beams. A beautiful sight we become, one of superior elegance, quiet strength, triumphant harmony. 

Undoubtedly we were showered with praise and ribbons, but what does that matter to us? For a higher victory had been won. I’d discovered that when we embrace our different abilities and together aspire to a common goal, we become radiant. With our strengths united we become wild, untamed in focus, in zeal, and in victory.

* * *

Child Category Winner

Micah Peters, age 10

Wild Ride! 

"Wake up, sis," said Alex, Dufflyn Breyers' older sister.

Dufflyn was going on a ride to take pictures of a band of wild horses near her small ranch house. She had already packed everything she needed.

She put on her jeans, shirt, vest, boots, and hat.  She grabbed her saddle bag and ran down the stairs and through the door. She ran to the barn, gave her horse a quick groom, and tacked him up.

Then off she went!

After a few minutes she spotted them. They were grazing and grooming each other. She took a picture of them. The little ones were so cute! She took a few more, and then all of a sudden the beautiful band stallion appeared.

Then he reared on his hind legs, actually challenging her horse, Prince! Prince was a stallion, too.  The band stallion thought Prince was going to steal the herd!

As quick as she could, Dufflyn turned Prince away from the stallion and urged him at a gallop.  Then the chase was on!

The stallion ran after them for a few minutes until he was sure he had scared them off. Dufflyn took a picture of him proudly galloping away.

That was one wild ride she would never forget!

Honorable Mentions:

Kaitlyn DeBoer

Sarah Gregory

Farm Disaster Preparedness

Seven steps to preparing yourself and your horses for emergencies

by Alayne Blickle, Horses for Clean Water

In the Pacific Northwest, many types of natural disasters are possible, including wildfire, arctic blizzards, major earthquakes, volcanic activity and flooding. Recent winter blizzards with record snowfall followed by warm weather with record rainfall produced massive flooding and accompanying landslides within our region. Many of us were impacted, and in some cases overwhelmed, by this weather. On-farm disaster preparedness can go a long way to help minimize disastrous results for you and your horses. 

During an emergency, the time you have to evacuate your horses will be limited. Having an effective emergency plan will help you move your horses to safety more quickly. If you are unprepared or wait until the last minute to evacuate, emergency management officials may tell you to leave your horses behind. Once you leave your property, you have no way of knowing how long you will be kept out of the area. To avoid this situation, emergency officials recommend the following steps to help you become better organized in the event of a disaster... (click here to read the full article in our digital edition)

Horsing Around Montana

A world of horse opportunities, all in one state

By Nicole Lanphear, photos by Patrick Chaplin www.BitterrootBroker.com  

A state that defines the quintessential “Wild West,” Montana is a place for families, friends or individuals to experience new adventures on horseback. Rolling green hills, deep blue skies and a quiet atmosphere create a haven for horse folk, whether they're coming from just across a county line or all the way across the country. 

Residents will tell you the Montana attitude is unique, relaxed and peaceful. Linda Olson from Bitterroot Therapeutic Riding in Corvallis says being in Montana is like going back in time to enjoy the wide open spaces without the hustle and bustle. 

From the mountain ranges in western Montana to the flat plains on the eastern side of the state, there are hundreds of equine activities for all ages and interests. VisitMT.com lists more than 60 rodeos and fairs throughout the year and more than 200 ranch vacations, outfitters, cattle drives and trail riding opportunities. 

Click here to read the full story, with photos in our digital edition!

Leasing: A Smart Alternative

Understanding the details is an important part of a successful lease
By Ferronato Shen

For so many of us, having horses is a dream, perhaps one that has been with us since childhood. But the dream horses we create in our minds are not the same as the flesh and blood horses standing in front of us. Sometimes when people are finally in a position to own a horse, they get so excited that they take the first horse that comes along instead of trying many different horses to find the right one.

I feel strongly that we should treat horse ownership like marriage and put as much thought into our future equine partner as we do our marital one. We may date multiple people before settling down and getting married. For me, the dating equivalent in horse ownership is taking lessons either from several different trainers, or if you have a trainer who is a good match for your personality, trying several different horses she has available. Another option is to lease prior to making a commitment to purchase.

Advantages of Leasing
Frequently, a rider advances to a place where she has outgrown her first horse and then is stuck needing to sell the horse; if she is so attached to her horse she can't bear the idea of selling him, she does not progress in her riding. On the other side of things, I have often located the horse of my client's dreams, only for her to realize months later that it wasn't really what she wanted in a horse. In either case, a lease would have been advantageous over buying.

My own first lease was done on a verbal agreement, and when my trainer found out she sat me down and gave me a stern talking-to about liability and the importance of writing up contracts. I have no doubt most people leasing do not want to take the years and make the mistakes I've made to discover how to create a lease that is a win-win situation. The most important thing is to write everything down. Even the smallest detail is important, so leave nothing to chance.

Essential Items to Include in a Lease Contract

• Shoeing - How frequently and by whom? Is the owner or lessee responsible for payment?

• Veterinary Care – The contract should specify all vets authorized to care for the horse, including dental, lameness, general care, homeopathic care, and several vets for emergencies. Phone numbers should be included right in the contract.

• Supplements – The contract should outline what supplements the horse is supposed to be on and specify a check-in every three months with the designated vet in case something changes. A copy of the consultation with the vet should go into the file as an addendum to the contract.

• Body Work – Especially for performance horses, frequency and designated practitioners for equine massage and chiropractic care should be specified in the contract.

• Equipment – The contract should list what—if any—equipment is provided and stipulate the type(s) of tack and equipment to be used on the horse. Ill-fitting or improper equipment can cause expensive and lasting problems.

• Injury – Each party's responsibilities in case of injury should be specified. The lessee should not be expected to spend a bunch of money right off the bat on dental and various other veterinary costs; it's the owner's job to have the horse in good shape prior to beginning the lease. On the other hand, the owner should not be expected to pay for rehabilitation necessitated by lessee negligence.

• Termination – Typical leases may include a termination clause requiring 30-day notice on either side, and possibly some additional responsibilities in case of termination.

• Work – The type of work the horse is allowed to do (jumping, dressage, trail riding, etc.) should be clear.

• Housing and Transport – For horses housed on the owner's property, conditions under which the horses are allowed to leave and what is required when they do should be specified. For example, if a horse is going to a show, the owner may require that the horse be accompanied by one of his or her trainers or have written permission releasing the horse from that requirement. For horses boarded at the lessee's property, specifications should include the address where the horse is to be boarded, required conditions of that property, and possibly a protocol for changing locations.

• Training – The owner may specify a trainer or list of approved trainers for the horse.

• Riders – Often, only specific riders are allowed on a leased horse. If a family is leasing a horse, each family member who is allowed on the horse should be listed. The contract will likely state that no one except the person or people listed is allowed to ride the horse outside of a lesson environment. If the horse is green or has known vices such as kicking or biting, a list of approved handlers should be included as well.

• Liability – If the contract has a "hold harmless" clause (a clause stating that one party will accept all liability in certain circumstances), make sure it is clearly defined.

I also like to include a clause stating that if the horse should become available for sale during the lease that the lessee has the right of first refusal (the horse is offered to her for purchase first), then specify the exact terms of that right.

Legalize Your Document
As an owner, have your contract reviewed by an attorney to make sure everything is legally sound. As a lessee, make sure you read the contract carefully and ask questions if there is anything you don't understand or would like to change. If changes are made to the lease agreement, then it goes back to the attorney to make certain the changes are done in an appropriate legal manner.

What makes a lease successful is that everyone agrees up front on the parameters. The best interests of the horse should be the primary concern for everyone involved. For sample documents or assistance getting started there are many wonderful sites online, or you can email me for a free copy of one of my contracts (email available on website, below).

Ferronato Shen is the owner of Three Treasures Farms, a non-profit holistic program dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of performance horses, as well as helping disadvantaged children through a partnership with horses. For more information about Three Treasures Farms, visit www.threetreasuresfarms.com.

Second Chances

Horse Rehab in the Real World
by Catherine Madera

I knew what sort of horse I was looking for: something young and cheap. A healthy, unspoiled animal that with a minimum of invested time might be sold for a profit. That’s the story I told myself, anyway.

Scrolling down the list of hard luck and despairing ads, I knew one thing was in my favor—the season. In early December, few things are less appealing than caring for a horse in the Pacific Northwest.

It didn’t take me long to find what I was looking for. The horse fit all my criteria right down to the color; healthy weanling filly, cheap, and bay. I’ll take a conservative bay over flashy spots every time.

Unfortunately, the deal fell through. It seemed an unbelievable coincidence when, that very night, my husband stuck a piece of paper under my nose while he talked on the phone. “Free horse,” it read, followed by a phone number. All horsemen know that the Free Horse falls into the same category as the Free Car: both mostly useful as lawn ornaments. Still, I couldn’t help calling the number. It took exactly five seconds to be disappointed.

“Yep, gotta seven-year-old Arabian stallion. Got no time for ‘im.”

Further information revealed the horse was unbroke. I was invited to take a look at the stud while the owner was at work. If I wanted him, he was all mine. Anyone with good sense would have resisted the urge to see what she already knew was undesirable. I decided to take a look at the horse.

As it turned out, the horse lived close by in a narrow sliver of pasture that followed a gravel drive. He stood in a corner of his pen in the icy rain, picking listlessly at a pile of dirty hay.

At first I just stood at the gate, looking the animal over. He was small—no more than 14 hands—and missing about a third of his body weight. Skin sagged over the protruding croup bone like the sides of a collapsing tent. His neck, conspicuously missing a proud stallion crest, sprouted a head overly big for its body. A filthy pinto hide draped his skeleton; the long bi-colored mane hung in a tangle of knots. A knackers horse. Those were the words that came to mind. I approached slowly.

“Hey, pal.”

The horse looked at me briefly, then lowered his head to pick at the hay. He didn’t seem dangerous or fearful so I fit a halter on him and pulled on the lead rope. He alternated between following me haltingly and balking like a mule.

“Great. Seven years old and he can’t lead,” I said to the friend I'd brought with me. It didn’t take long to see all I needed to see.

“You gonna take him?” my friend asked as we drove home.

“I don’t know. I should just call somebody.”

No doubt somebody—a rescue, the authorities, an unsuspecting horse owner—would be thrilled to have a starving, ugly, untrained stallion dumped in their backyard, just in time for Christmas.

The horse broke out of his apathy long enough to follow the fence line after our car, nickering. I felt a pang of sympathy. I’d read all the articles about the glut of unwanted horses on the market, the ones left tied to trees or starved dead in their own pastures. I felt bad, to be sure, but there wasn’t much I could do about it. The girl who had once saved every fallen bird and feral stray had grown up and grown realistic. There was only one sensible end for that horse, and it wasn’t a good one.

But later that night as I stood in my warm kitchen, staring out the window into the inky chill, I pictured the stallion huddling in his frozen paddock. I could call “someone,” or I could see what I could do. At least I could feed him. My eye caught an early Christmas card perched behind the sink—a picture of the nativity. Christmas...the season of second chances. Maybe I was meant to do something for that horse.

I made arrangements to pick the stallion up the next weekend. Amazingly, he jumped in the trailer, legs shaking, after only a few minutes.

As anyone who has rehabbed a starving horse knows, the animal you start out with is not the animal you actually have. A few groceries work a metamorphosis that is remarkable and sometimes unnerving.

After a few days of eating grass hay 24/7, the stallion’s feed was increased to include grain and alfalfa. He began to perk up, pacing the confines of the round pen and calling to the other horses. My stomach churned as I watched his behavior. I had no experience with stallions and had foolishly allowed a horse on my property that could very likely hurt me or my family. My feelings were confirmed the day I attempted to lead “Chance” out of his round pen.

He was quiet and easy to halter. Turning my back to the horse, I began to open the gate. A sudden punch to the shoulder nearly knocked me down. Shaking, I turned toward Chance, unsure whether to drop the lead rope and run or stand my ground. He regarded me coolly, as if to say, “There, now that you know the order of things we’ll get along fine.”

After that I dug into any information on stallion handling I could find. Chance would be gelded soon enough, but the horse needed to be managed safely in the meantime. I began regular short training sessions with him that simply involved leading and, eventually, lunging.

Chance acted deceptively calm as long as he did what he wanted. When asked to move, however, he had two responses: charging and striking at the handler, or stiffening his body and bolting in the opposite direction. I learned to watch him closely to know which method he would use. Often, he gave a husky nicker just before rearing and striking. The sound set my nerves on edge.

I didn’t even attempt to be the horse’s friend, initially. Respect for human beings needed to come first. He was not allowed to approach my personal space or turn his hindquarters to me. To control his outbursts I used a thin rawhide bosal fit snugly over his nose and a dressage whip. As soon as possible I altered his gender. While that began to help with attitude, it was no magic pill for the horse’s challenging behavior.

Chance was a mess of insecurities that resulted in a horse that wouldn’t allow his feet to be handled, couldn’t tolerate the close proximity of other horses, and pulled back when tied. Additionally, the horse that had first loaded like a dream now had a violent aversion to my trailer. He pitched and plunged like a fish on a line when I tried to load him. The first time I was successful in trailering him, I arrived at my destination to an interesting dilemma. As I listened to Chance strike the trailer repeatedly and throw himself against the walls, I was as afraid to leave him in as I was to unload him.

Chance reminded me of the small, scrappy kid in school who came from an unhappy home. Always ready to punch someone out, he nonetheless wanted a friend, someone to depend on. 

Progress came slowly but surely. I began riding Chance four months after bringing him home. Besides basic under saddle work, he learned to allow hoof handling and became confident in the trailer. Rather than pacing and pulling when tied, he’d stand with a leg cocked in relaxation. Though pleased with his progress, it was the horse’s mental and emotional state I hoped to affect long term. An aloof and independent spirit, his mind was hard to penetrate.

The personality changes were small at first. Chance stopped swishing his tail when I stroked him and began to show pleasure in being groomed. Instead of hiding out in a corner of the field, as close to the other horses as possible, he often lingered at my side while I worked in the pasture. And when the car pulled into the driveway, he’d whinny enthusiastically and run to the barn, bucking in glee. The look in his eye softened, too. Instead of anxious and contrary, the horse seemed to be making peace with the world.

Since meeting Chance I’ve thought a lot about rescue and horses. What it means and doesn’t mean. I’d like to say it was my horsemanship skill that reformed him, that I saw a spark of something when he was starving and ugly. But that wouldn’t be true.

I took him more out of guilt than out of sympathy, used time--not great skill--to train him, and focused on his flaws before finding his strengths. Frankly, I’ve owned easier, more talented, and better bred horses. But I’m not sure a horse has given me greater pleasure than this little pinto. He’s reminded me that, regardless of age and bad beginnings, an individual can start over.

As for the greater problem of horse welfare, there aren’t easy answers. Progress comes when individuals act, not when politicians pass a bill; when people focus on what they can do, not on what they can’t.

In the movie Seabiscuit, Charles Howard approaches Tom Smith and asks why he is saving the lame white horse. “Cause I can,” came the simple answer. “You don’t throw a whole life away just because it’s banged up a little.”

Thoughts worth pondering this season of second chances. 

About the Author
Catherine Madera is a freelance writer whose inspirational stories, articles, and profiles have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. A few include Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, Equus, Horse of Kings, and Arabian Horse Magazine. To contact Catherine visit www.catherinemadera.com or view her blog at www.thehorsebackwriter.blogspot.com.

Equine Seniors in Service

Learn how the senior horses of BHTRC are selected for their second career
by Angel S. Gnau, photos courtesy BHTRC

Bright Horizon Therapeutic Riding Center, located in Siletz, Oregon, proves that senior horses still have much to offer in their later years. In a program that uses horses to assist in physical and emotional therapy, a senior horse’s wealth of experience can be his greatest asset.
Each horse is carefully screened and evaluated for soundness, temperament, age, and smoothness of gaits. The horse’s soothing rhythm, strength, warmth, and three-dimensional movement pattern provide healthy exercise for the rider.

Meet the Equine Therapists
Currently, there are five horses in the Bright Horizon program, four of which are seniors who had previous careers before becoming therapeutic riding horses:

Abbey is a 21-year-old, 14.3 hand red dun Quarter Horse mare. She had a very successful show career as a western pleasure and trail horse. Abbey is ideal for beginner riders and emerging independent riders because she is patient and sweet.

Buzzy is a 21-year-old, 15 hand overo Paint Horse gelding. Buzzy led many different lives, from competitive rodeo horse to mountain trail riding horse to 4-H show and gaming horse for a young girl. Because of his diverse background and training he is wonderful with new riders and emerging independent riders.

Delight is a 21-year-old, 14.3 hand palomino Quarter Horse mare. Delight carried her former young rider to many blue ribbons in western and English classes both in 4-H and open shows. Delight is a talented horse and is currently used for vaulting and dressage. Because of Delight’s movement and base of support, she is ideal for young riders.

Jake is a 17-year-old, 15 hand chestnut Quarter Horse gelding. Jake’s former career as an Oregon Governor’s Mounted Guard Horse was quite exciting; because of all of his special training, he is very patient and quiet with riders. He is confident and enjoys being ridden by emerging independent riders. The class clown of the barn, he loves his daily carrots.

Seniors at Work
Polly Cohen, the executive director of Bright Horizon, was kind enough to give us a little more information about the therapeutic riding program at BHTRC:

NWHS: What do you look for in a prospective therapy horse?

PC: I look for horses with show experience because that horse has seen a lot, been trailered, clipped, bathed and they generally have good ground manners. Size wise, 14 to 15.2 hands is best. Each horse has a different base of support, some riders can’t straddle a broader horse, so we look for a narrow base of support. Each horse has a different type of movement; some horses give a front motion, side-to-side or rotational. I get on the horse and get a feel of how they move and what this will offer to a rider. For instance, if we have a rider with Down Syndrome, and we put them on a Thoroughbred with a big swinging walk, that would put them to sleep. If we put them on a stocky Quarter Horse type with a more jarring gait, this would encourage the rider’s muscles to pay attention and would actually be a better ride for them and much more interactive in the class.

Every horse that comes into the program goes on a 30-60-day trial. We let them settle in the first week; the second and third week we ride them, put them through the paces, getting them adapted to toys, being led and having them handle the sidewalkers, leader and a rider. We want to see how they handle emerging independent riders. Are they comfortable with beginner riders? Some of our riders may have weak trunks, so they may sit off to the side. We want to see how the horse handles an hour-long class with the rider not perfectly sitting in alignment. If all goes well, we accept them into the program after the trial period. Quarter Horse type horses seem to work out the best because of their size and varying base of support.

NWHS: What exercises are performed by the riders and how do the horses help in this process?

PC: Delight and Abbey are great for nervous novice riders who have never been on a horse. They are extremely patient babysitters and confidence builders. They tend to adapt themselves to each rider. Things that the rider may have issues with are confidence and self-esteem. The riders start brushing the horse, interacting with the volunteers, and we try to make that consistent and have them ride the same horse every week so they can develop that relationship.

They learn strength, balance, posture and sitting up tall in the saddle, which is difficult. Horse’s movements mimic our own movement. For wheelchair-bound or people with limited mobility, when they get on the horse their hips are moving in the same direction, so when they get off they stand a little taller, and can even let go of the walker a little longer.

NWHS: What do you see for the future of Bright Horizon?

PC: I guess the future of Bright Horizon is to get a wheelchair ramp and electric lift so that we can open our doors to everybody. Right now we are limited to people who can walk at least a few steps on their own, as we do not have a wheelchair accessible ramp. We want to expand to local organizations like DHS, Shangri-La, County Mental Health and the school districts and develop those partnerships. The current facility is leased; eventually, being able to own our own facility would be wonderful. We are also becoming an accredited NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) center.

About the Author

Angel Gnau is a certified equine appraiser and consultant who manages her Pacific Equine Appraisal in the Portland, Oregon area. She appraises all breeds and disciplines and is available nationwide. Her background comes from more than 30 years in the horse industry as a trainer and consultant. She is also a freelance writer specializing in horse-related articles. Contact Angel at (800) 484-9538 x 4344, (503) 684-2097, or angel.gnau@verizon.net.

Don't Miss the Benefit!
Hearts for Horses Valentine’s Day Benefit Dinner and Auction will be held on February 14th, 2009 at the Bright Horizon Therapeutic Riding Center. They are hoping to raise enough money to get their wheelchair-accessible ramp, electric lift and new footing for the arena. Come out for a night of fun and donate to a great cause! Check the website at www.brighthorizon.org for more information.

Senior Horse Essay Contest Winners

NWHS congratulates our latest contest winners!

Child Winner: Brandi Sansaver

"Aged to perfection," a phrase that is slightly overused, but completely true when talking about horses. My name is Brandi and I have owned horses over twenty for twelve years. I currently own a highly spirited 28-year-old Connemara/Arabian named Lady. She is ultimately my pride and joy.

In July of 2008, two unfortunate things happened. First, Lady was diagnosed with diabetes. Second of all, Lady was tragically injured while in her pasture. This was an enormous bummer, because it was four days before the fair. Luckily I have an outstanding friend who let me borrow her older, jolly Appaloosa gelding to use for the fair. Lady's condition is still improving and hopefully she can return to her busy show seasons that she loves!

Looking back upon fond memories, I remember my first show. Lady had gotten a scratch in the trailer, and she still carried my trepidatious novice self through the show.

I currently show local and 4-H shows. Lady has made me the rider I am today and is a major part of my life. I have never had such a deep bond with anything before. It's amazing. I would give anything for Lady, and know she feels the same because she completely trusts me.

My exciting riding career started at a very young age. I had an ebony Shetland pony and an Appaloosa mare named Kissy, both laying a well needed foundation for improvement. While Kissy and Pony Boy were very different, they both served as teachers, training me in a critical way.

I believe that older horses are a great way to start young novices on their way to success. I also love owning older horses because it gives them a "second wind" from being retired. So, when looking for a horse, never underestimate the value of a furry senior citizen.

* * *

Youth Winner: Heather Shatz

My favorite memory with my senior horse was when I first got Jelly Bean, my Appaloosa pony mare. I am now a senior in high school and I want to go into an equestrian program for college. I had been considering this program for a little while and decided that I should do it. However, before I went into the program I wanted to get familiar with horses, tack, and riding. So what I did was I arranged, at my high school, to have an equine science class, so I can learn all of these skills.

Now I had everything all set, but I was still missing one thing: a horse. I looked around on the Internet for a horse, but none of them “jumped out” at me, so then I went to the Billings Livestock Auction in Billings, Montana. There I saw Jelly Bean, a twelve-year-old Appaloosa mare. I still remember the way her previous owner rode her in and how gentle she was. My dad bought her that day. I went over to the pen where she was and she walked right over to me. Our eyes, which are at about the same height since she is 13.3 hands, met. I knew that she was the perfect horse for me. She let me put the halter on her and we walked her over to the trailer to take her back to the school farm where she would live.

After we got to the school farm, we walked her down the dusty road to her new home. She got settled in and then we got the saddle out to ride her. She easily let us saddle her and get on her back. She never pulled away or resisted being saddled. Jelly Bean let both my dad and I ride her that night. She was so gentle and kind, even after being trailered for a couple of hours. I am still amazed with her smooth gait. I have never had a horse of my own before. It meant so much to me to be able to ride her that day. I felt like nothing could go wrong.

Reluctantly, a little while later, I took her saddle off, brushed her, and got some hay for her. She was so docile that she let me hand feed her some hay. I stood there in the field of the school farm petting her, talking with her, and feeding her for quite awhile. Then at the end of the night I had to leave her at the school farm. I was so sad to leave her, but I knew she would be there waiting for me tomorrow.

So basically, my favorite moment with my senior horse was when I first got her and rode her. I never would have thought that I would have a horse of my very own. Jelly Bean is an amazing horse, who is both smart and gentle. I love her very much and she means so much to me.

* * *
Adult Winner: Kevan Garecki

In November 2006 I volunteered to haul for the SPCA when they seized over 2 dozen horses from a condemned "rescue" farm. The rain drenched us all that first night, driven by 60-70 km winds. I had just loaded a sopping wet, unbelievably emaciated little grey mare, and stepped into the trailer to escape the weather while waiting for the next few horses to be led out. I stood there looking at the saddest mote of matted hair I'd ever seen. She smelled horrible & looked worse. She showed no response whatsoever when I stroked her forelock; it was as if I weren't even there. When she finally lifted her stare in my direction, the look I got chilled me more than the rain & wind already had. The mind that controlled those hollow eyes had long ago resigned to just wait quietly for a forgiving death to ease her suffering. I tried to say something, anything, but no words made it past the knot in my throat. The days during that seizure proved to me that at times a "rescue" can be little more than an inexorable journey from misery to hopelessness.

I made that little grey mare a promise that night. I had no idea how it would happen, but somehow her life would get better. Every night thereafter, whenever I closed my eyes I saw hers. That lifeless stare invaded even conscious moments, leaving me little else to think about but what would become of her. My wife & I spoke often & long about her. We rationalised that we couldn’t look after such a needy animal, had no stall nor time or extra care. None of those excuses worked, nor did we get much sleep. We worked on an idea, the idea grew into a plan, & 4 days later I brought her home. With almost constant company, love & attention her eyes slowly regained a tiny gleam.

As word about her spread through the local horse community, we started to receive bits of information about “Falon.” We’ve learned that she is somewhere in her late 30s, & marveled at how such an aged horse survived under the hideous conditions in which we found her. Falon is nearly blind, has only a few teeth left, & is quite arthritic; yet despite these challenges she still knickers a cheerful “hello” to us every time we approach the barn. One day, as I was cleaning her paddock, Falon came over to me, laid her head across my shoulder & sighed. Right then, if there was anything else in the universe it didn’t matter to either of us. As I stood there awash in the moment, I got the distinct feeling that little grey mare & I have been places before ...

There’s no telling how much time Falon has left, but we will ensure every day will be as comfortable as possible. When she is gone we will remain, enriched by our journey with her.

* * *

Once again, NWHS congratulates this year's winners! Many thanks to all who participated, and best of luck with your senior horses.

*Online Exclusive!* Feeding the Senior Horse

Not all horses eat alike, so take the time to assess your equine senior's nutritional needs
by Dr. Stephen Duren and Dr. Tania Cubitt, Performance Horse Nutrition

The nutritional management of the senior horse is challenging as there are not set criteria that define old age or the 'senior' horse. The nutrient requirements of senior horses differ from other classes of horses because of the changes in metabolic and digestive efficiency that accompany the aging process. The first step to good nutrition for the senior horse is determining if it is 'senior.'

Rather than rely strictly on age, it is more important to determine if the horse is nutritionally senior. A horse that is nutritionally senior can no longer eat its accustomed diet and maintain proper body condition. The combination of age, physiological status and physical signs of aging will determine if a horse is nutritionally senior. Some common physical signs of aging that require nutrition management are loss of weight and decrease in body condition, loss of muscle mass over the top line, sway-backed appearance, and dental problems. Some senior horses also develop diseases such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Cushing’s, and kidney or liver dysfunction.

When it has been determined that a horse is indeed nutritionally senior, each horse must be evaluated and fed as an individual. The main goals of feeding programs for senior horses should be to maintain an optimal body condition and minimize the risks of nutrition-related disorders and diseases.

Generally, senior horses that are in good body condition are less active than their younger counterparts and only have maintenance energy requirements. However, if the horse has difficulty maintaining body weight, then a higher caloric diet is needed. Likewise, the protein and other nutrient requirements in senior horses of good body weight are similar to those of the maintenance animal. Horses that are underweight or have lost muscle mass require higher levels of protein and other nutrients.

Overall ability to digest in the senior is decreased, therefore highly digestible and available nutrients are critical. Water intake is especially critical in order to reduce constipation and impaction problems that are common in old horses.

Dental problems are a large issue in older horses. Horses that are missing teeth or have poor dentition must rely on alternate sources than pasture and hay as their ability to chew is limited. Forage products such as hay cubes, hay pellets and chopped forage can be used as substitute forage sources. Complete feeds that use high fiber byproducts such as beet pulp and soybean hulls can also be used as a quality forage source. These are often fed wet or in a mash or gruel form to minimize issues of choking associated with inability to properly chew.

Commercial feeds specifically designed for the senior horse are typically easy to chew and highly digestible. These feeds are either pelleted or extruded, and in severe cases they can be soaked and made into a mash to facilitate easier consumption. Senior horses should be offered small meals frequently throughout the day, and a single meal should not exceed five pounds.

The main point to remember when developing feeding programs for senior horses is that these animals should be treated as individual cases; feed programs should be optimized for the specific needs of each horse.

Making Hay in the Northwest

You know hay costs are up, but do you know why?
by Janie McQueen

Are you one of the lucky people who have this year’s hay purchased and stored neatly in the barn? Perhaps you own hayfields and are able to bale enough hay to feed your critters for the year. If you’re not in either category, you probably have to buy hay wherever it’s available, and that could be at a local feed store instead of a farm.

Hay sales are about the same this year as before; however, less hay is on the market. There just isn’t as much acreage for hay production. But don’t panic just yet, or get rid of horses so there are fewer mouths to feed!

2008 Price Increase
The higher hay costs have nothing to do with our export market driving prices this year. It would be nice to blame exporting, but it just wouldn’t be realistic. Retailers in the Northwest say it is because of supply and demand controlling product prices. That’s something we can all relate to, and understanding this helps us dip into our pocketbooks at the cash register.

Retailers must pass price increases to the consumer to stay in business, but most customers are very understanding. “We’re not out for a profit on hay,” says Becky at Old Mill Country Store in Ellensburg, WA. “In fact, profit is actually down. The price increase is for the added cost of the product because we operate on a fixed margin.” The Old Mill Country Store sends a truck to pick up the farmers' hay, and this year they really noticed a cost difference in fuel.

Hay is usually sold by weight, and local retailers say that they must pass a 2008 price increase to the consumer - nearly $100 per ton. Retailers feel somebody’s making a profit, but it’s not them or the farmers. So, why this price increase?

Hay Farmers
Fuel costs are way up, and so is the base price of fertilizer. The farmer must purchase many gallons of diesel fuel to run his equipment. That doesn’t account for the initial cost of fertilizing and planting hayfields or the extra expenses for maintenance and repairs on equipment. An important thing to realize is that the farmers aren’t making any more of a profit this year than before. Many are barely hanging on since they must pay higher prices out of last year’s profit and have no profit increase for this year.

Less Hay Production
Hay production has gone down this year because there is less acreage for hayfields, and there was also a drought this year. A drought? That doesn’t seem possible with all the green growth and decent mountain snow packs. But the spring melt was very even, consistent, and finished by springtime, plus there was a lack of successive rains in the mountains and the high water usually associated with spring melt. Consequently, some areas are experiencing drought conditions and some are not. Unfortunately, much of our hay-growing acreage is in drought areas and isn’t able to produce a later cutting of hay. That affects prices in the entire region because of supply and demand. And with lower hay production, most retailers in Washington were forced to stock up on the first cutting of hay. That hay is notorious for being drier and stalkier, but it was the only hay available.

Quality Control
Retailers always demand the same quality hay as export buyers. This year, because production was down, they settled mostly for first cutting, but it is still as weed-free and mold-free as they can find. It must be clean, dry and a nice green color for retailers to purchase the hay.

Now that we are all armed with information about our local retailers and good reasons for cost of hay increases, it never hurts to throw in a prayer for hay price reductions next year!