The Ultimate Fix--Part 2 of "So You'll Never Take a Dressage Test?"

by Alice Trindle

In Part I of this series, we looked at the word dressage and concluded that for all of us who are aspiring horsemen, dressage--or training--is what we try to do every day with our horses. Whether we are headed to a Grand Prix test or going out to gather cows, we are working on ourselves to better understand the movements of the horse, and ultimately to set it up for accomplishment of an effortless dance...a willing partnership!

This month, let’s examine the elements that combine in this wonderful work ethic for both horse and rider. The dressage training scale gives us basic components that are arranged to develop a horse and rider team no matter what discipline you may be pursuing. They should be as important to the trail horse as they are to horse learning the "high school," or Haute-Ecole. One step builds on the previous and is intricately entwined in the final combined product of grace, feel, and accomplishment of a specific job. There are no quick-fix solutions in horsemanship! Thoughtful development of the basic elements within the training scale will lead you and your horse to the ultimate fix, no matter what type of dance you wish to accomplish!

There are several critical agreements you need to consider before you move forward in pursuit of these training steps. Call them philosophies or principles…these are the agreements I make with my horse to be sure I am setting it up for success. First, I agree that development of a positive attitude, or a willingness to yield in a respectful manner. is the foundation of all my interactions with the horse. This means I approach each experience with a high measure of patience, I work at understanding, and I am willing to reward the slightest try the horse makes. Second, it takes time to develop these elements, both physically and mentally, for both horse and rider.

A third vital ingredient is the human’s commitment to understanding movement. Questioning ourselves about the way in which horses move, and how we can train our bodies to go with those movements, is critical to the success of this beautiful dance. Entwined in this component is the final agreement: we need to understand that the training scale is for both horse and rider. It is a commitment to train and study and grow together, with no rush!

Let’s look at the elements of the training scale for the horse and overlay the requirements for the rider to help the team achieve a specific component. Please keep in mind that while this scale is composed to build one element upon another, in reality the parts intertwine and become enhanced as we progress.

For the Horse

For the Rider

In general, there are three overarching steps we are trying to accomplish:
1) Preparation and familiarization of equipment and environments, accomplished with respect and safety
2) Achieving willing forward movement, generated from the hindquarters
3) Development of self-carriage and lightness

I am constantly moving in a cyclical manner from respect to forward to lightness, using the "notes" of the training scale. Here are the things I think about and feel for when using the training scale to bring myself and my horse along:

Attitude & Rhythm
To achieve the first step in the scale, I must provide good leadership for my horse. That includes understanding the movement that I will be requesting, familiarizing my horse with the equipment and environment to be used, and always maintaining a positive attitude that rewards good effort. Because of my musical background, I often compare my horsemanship journey with my musical training. Without the good attitude (and tremendous patience!) of my music teachers, I would have never learned a specific piece of music. Quite frankly, I had great natural rhythm and timing, but without the guidance of my teachers and the respect I had for them, I would not have progressed. While my attitude in learning the violin was not always positive, it was the patience and discipline of my teachers that truly helped to shape some natural talent into a rhythmic and pleasing piece. This is a very similar scenario to horse and rider.

Suppleness & Understanding Movement
This is such a critical step for the partnership. As we have discussed many times in previous articles, the importance of relaxation, suppleness, and flexing has to be included in every warm-up for both horse and rider. Understanding the four basic movements (forward, backward, sideways, and crossing-of-hindquarters) is a human requirement. The most important of these is willing forward and beginning to develop a thrust or push coming from the hindquarters.

Contact, Feel, & Combination of Aids
Much has been written about "contact" and the various levels of "feel" involved in horsemanship. In my experience, the amount of contact on the snaffle bit or bosal is greatly influenced by the level of development of the horse. My ability to provide a reward or release along with the application of my aids (seat, legs, hands) at the correct time is equally important. Personally, I find this rung of the training scale the most difficult and challenging, as it requires that level of multi-tasking that so defines true horsemanship.

Straightness & Balance
Horses, like humans, are never totally straight. But the more we work on rhythmic movement, on both straight lines and in lateral postures, the more balanced we will become. I find that riding my two-legged horse to get my body in shape and balance really helps. Become a kid again! Trot, canter, leg-yield, and half-pass to rediscover how fun being balanced in these movements can be.

Impulsion with Finessed Aids
In this step, your previous work will really begin to pay off. Allowing the horse to drive from behind--while staying out of his way with our human body parts--will let you begin to rate the energy into a very pleasing picture.

Collection & Lightness
This truly is the pinnacle of the scale: to gather all the aspects achieved previously into a light and brilliant dance. To reach this spot without resistance in horse or rider may take a lifetime. It requires such discipline, but the feeling when achieved is worth all the effort! For me, this is what I ride for, whether it is a moment or two out on the trail or an extended period working on the dressage court.

Even if you don't have a lot of opportunities to apply the training scale to your horse this February, it is a great month to mentally and physically prepare yourself so that these steps become part of your vocabulary. As you sit at the computer, drive your vehicle, or push the grocery cart, think about the "notes" of the training scale. I think you will become more rhythmic, balanced, and supple, and carry yourself with a spring in your step that will surely put joy in your heart!

Visit http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/ for details

Bedding: Make the Right Choice for Your Situation, Part 1 of 4

by Alayne Blickle, Horses for Clean Water

Have you often wondered about bedding options for your horse? Or perhaps you’re new at keeping horses on your property and would just like to know what options are available. Would you like to try something that’s less dusty or easier to store? Maybe you’re interested in perfecting your compost pile and would like to know how your choice of bedding plays into that.

Looking around most feed stores these days shows us there are dozens of bedding products available to horse owners, many of which offer a variety of benefits including odor control, low dust, quick composting, and easy storage. In this series, we will help you determine your needs and your horse’s needs, and we will review some of the bedding choices available. Plus, we will provide you with a set of criteria for choosing the bedding that will work best for your situation.
The primary purpose of bedding is to absorb urine and moisture

Let’s start with assessing your needs.

First, let’s determine your horse’s need for bedding. The word “bedding” is a bit of a misnomer in the horse world. Many of us horse owners think we need to bed our stalls as we would have our own beds--soft and fluffy. But horses by nature don’t need a soft, fluffy bed. The primary purpose of bedding is to absorb urine and moisture. Examine your situation. Does your horse have 24-hour access to a paddock? Is the stall primarily for feeding and to provide protection from severe weather? If so, you may not need as much--or any--bedding. However, if your horse is primarily confined in a stall, then it may require a bit more bedding in order to absorb urine and moisture.

Second, what are your particular needs for bedding? This may include ease of storage and use, dust concerns, and your plans for managing stall waste. Any bedding you choose should be absorbent, as this is the primary purpose for the material. Beyond that, do you have a horse with heaves or other respiratory issues? Or do you or a family member have allergies or asthma? If so, you’ll want to look for an absorbent bedding with low dust, mold, and foreign object count.

The greater the absorbency, the lower the ammonia level in your barn will be. You also may want to look for a product containing zeolite, a mineral which helps absorb ammonia. Breathing ammonia is damaging to lung tissue--for you and your horse.

If you run a breeding and foaling operation, check with your veterinarian for their recommendation on bedding type. There are additional bedding considerations for newborn foals. For example, you don’t want bedding that could get sucked into their delicate nasal passages, or that might carry bacteria or other disease organisms that are particular dangers for a newborn.

Where do you plan to store your bedding? Do you already have a shavings bin you could use? Do you have a small place with storage issues? If so, then storage is an important consideration. One of the bagged beddings might be the best choice. With the aid of a tarp cover for protection, these can often be stored outside the barn with great space (and dust!) savings.

What is your current manure management plan? If you give away or plan to give away your stall waste, you may want to investigate this a bit more. In some parts of the country, gardeners and farmers prefer stall waste with straw bedding. In other areas, herbicides associated with straw can cause problems, so growers (and commercial composters) steer clear of stall waste containing straw bedding, as well as grass hay. Are you composting your stall waste or applying it straight to your land? In either situation, you have some other important considerations. Some bedding materials will compost faster and more completely then others. If you apply your stall waste straight to your land, you will need to look at reducing the amount of carbon (in the form of bedding) in your stall waste. Too much carbon dumped onto pastures robs soils of nitrogen, turning pasture plants yellow.

Take some time to think through these points on bedding needs for your situation. Next month, we will discuss the selection criteria for beddings available in your area.

Happy Horsekeeping!
~Alayne

The Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss

In the winter of 1917, a big-boned young woman shows up at George Bliss’ doorstep. She's looking for a job breaking horses, and he hires her on. Many of his regular hands are off fighting the war, and he glimpses, beneath her showy rodeo garb, a shy but strong-willed girl with a serious knowledge of horses.

So begins the irresistible tale of nineteen-year-old Martha Lessen, a female horse whisperer trying to make a go of it in a man’s world. It was thought that the only way to break a horse was to buck the wild out of it, and broken ribs and tough falls just went with the job. But over several long, hard winter months, many of the townsfolk in this remote county of eastern Oregon witness Martha's way of talking in low, sweet tones to horses believed beyond repair—and getting miraculous, almost immediate results—and she thereby earns a place of respect in the community.

With the elegant sweetness of Plainsong and a pitch-perfect sense of western life reminiscent of Annie Dillard, The Hearts of Horses is a remarkable story about how people and animals make connections and touch each other's lives in the most unexpected and profound ways.

Molly Gloss is the author of The Dazzle of the Day, a New York Times Notable Book, and The Jump-Off Creek, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award. She teaches writing and literature of the American West at Portland State University and lives in Portland, Oregon.

ISBN: 9780618799909
Hardcover; 304 pages
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/

Whole Health Mare Care

by Nicole Lanphear

With the coming of a foal, a flurry of excitement surrounds the newborn. Don’t let this cause you to neglect the unique health needs of the mother, as well. Before and after birth, give special care to your mare in order to sustain her needs.

Start with the basics: always feed a daily maintenance program, including vitamins that your vet recommends to suit your horse's individual needs. In the Pacific Northwest, this includes a higher dose of selenium to make up for a deficiency in the soil. Always consult your veterinarian to be sure both your mare’s and foal’s needs are met. Include quality feed, fiber, and minerals in her diet throughout the whole pregnancy.

Keep her on the same feed you would give a mare that isn't pregnant until the last few months of gestation, when you should increase the feed and protein ratio. Also, always ensure the mare has plenty of water she can access easily to avoid dehydration.

Exercise your mare regularly throughout the pregnancy. The better shape your mare is in, the healthier she will be for foaling. Pasture exercise is adequate, but listen to your mare when she begins to feel her pregnancy, around 5-6 months. She may have less stamina or coordination, and her exercise routine should be altered accordingly. Still, remember that foaling is an athletic activity and the mare should be in good shape (i.e., good muscle tone and not too overweight or underweight).

Discuss worming options with your vet before foaling–there are safe, natural alternatives to the typical drugs, and you want to avoid giving your mare drugs within the first trimester as the organs form. [Editor's note: see "Care of the Pregnant Mare and Newborn Foal" in this issue for more on specific vaccinations and when to give them.]

Owners need to be observant as foaling time draws near–even in between each check, a foal could appear. Once your mare starts foaling, you will see within 15 minutes if everything is progressing properly, says Dr. Scott Ludberl, a veterinarian with 23 years experience.

Call your vet to give them a "heads-up" that the foal is on the way. Within 24 hours of foaling, have your vet come to check on both the foal and mare to make sure everything is okay. The veterinarian will check the foal's heart and lungs and take blood tests. He or she will also examine the mare to be sure she is in good health and producing milk properly.

After foaling, the nutritional demands of the mare increase as she recuperates from the pregnancy and feeds her new foal. Select quality feed that is low in carbohydrates and high in digestible fiber. Also, feed her high quality protein and balanced chelated minerals. As the foal grows, the nutritional demands for lactation increase in 2-3 months. At this point the foal is growing larger and demanding more milk, while the mare is maintaining or losing weight. Quality--much more so than quantity--feed and supplements are key to keeping her healthy.

Note: Beware the warning signs of an unhealthy mare–weight loss during pregnancy is a key warning, along with insufficient weight gain. Keep in touch with your vet during the entire pregnancy to ensure the safety and health of your mare and her new baby.

Time to Revisit Your Website

by Doug DeVries

Over the past few years, websites have become increasingly more dynamic. The best websites allow visitors to interact with the content and engage with the community as it relates to your business. This can include product reviews, blogs, discussions, searchable FAQs, etc. If you haven't updated your website in a while, now is a good time to revisit it. A dilapidated website has the same effect as a broken window at your place of business.

Jakob Nielsen's of Alertbox (www.useit.com) discusses some of the top redesign priorities:

1. Email Newsletters
E-newsletters are a low cost, customer-centric method to address customer interests and needs with a high return on investment. If you don't have a newsletter, it's time to start one. Start simple, but at minimum begin collecting all of your customers' email addresses.

2. Product Pages
Your customers visit your website to learn more about your products and services. Don't skimp on the details.

3. High Quality Photography
Poor photography can be very distracting. Not only does it look bad, poor photography often inhibits visitors from fully engaging with your products. Be sure all thumbnails are linked to larger images.

4. Provide Product Comparison Options
Make it easy for visitors to compare your products or compare your products to a competitor’s.

5. Cater to Seniors
Older people are the fastest-growing segment of Internet users. Make your site senior-friendly with clear, easy to read fonts and simple navigation.

Other key items include gift-giving support, search functions, and user testing. Check out the full article at: www.useit.com/alertbox/roi.html. Don't let your website get stuck in 2005. Your customers expect your site to reflect you and your business. A little work on your web presence can give them the right impression and bring a return on your investment.

A Thorn in the Side

by Dave Sauter, DVM

The initial complaint was a trickle of blood from Sampson’s nose. Not a common problem in horses, and this particular case had a very unusual cause. Sampson’s unexpected story is the subject of today’s article and it illustrates just how tough horses can be.

The medical term for a bloody nose is epistaxis. Like many symptoms, there can be different causes. One of the more common causes in the horse is head trauma. A good solid blow to the head can, not surprisingly, cause a bloody nose, not unlike a good punch to a human nose. Sometimes there might be evidence of the trauma, such as an abrasion somewhere on the horse’s face, but often there are no marks whatsoever. With trauma, the bleeding is often from one nostril only, the side where the blow occurred. Sometimes the trauma is more central and the bleeding occurs from both nostrils. The bleeding generally is fairly minor; however, with more severe trauma, the skull can suffer fractures and the bleeding can be much greater.

There are many other possible causes for epistaxis. Here are a few examples:

· Ethmoid hematoma – Within the nasal cavity, toward the back, is an elaborate labyrinth of tissues called turbinates. These complex folds function in the cleaning, humidifying, and warming of the air the horse breathes. Rarely, the ethmoid turbinate develops into a hematoma, the cause of which is unknown. Because the hematoma generally happens only on one side, the bleeding only occurs from one nostril and it tends to be intermittent. The nasal discharge can be frank (plain) blood or mixed with mucus. There might be a foul smell to the breath. Sometimes there are noisy breathing sounds due to the discharge within the nasal cavity. Headshaking can be another symptom. As the hematoma grows in size, the shape of the facial bones can be altered.

· Tumors – These can occur either in the nasal cavity or in the paranasal sinuses. This, too, generally results in bleeding from just one nostril. As the tumor grows in size, the nasal passageway can be narrowed, resulting in restricted breathing sounds. The shape of the facial bones can also be altered by the expanding tumor.

· Fungal infections in the guttural pouch – Guttural pouches are large outpouchings of the auditory (Eustachian) tubes which connect the nasopharynx to the middle ear. Very large blood vessels line the guttural pouches. Fungal infections are rare, but when they do occur the fungus can erode the lining of the vessels, resulting in severe hemorrhage, which in some cases may be life-threatening.

Let’s get back to Sampson. On the day his problem started, he didn’t come up to the barn in the evening like usual. His owner noticed a trickle of blood coming out of both nostrils, and he did have some swelling on the bridge of his nose. The nose bleed was his only symptom at this stage. He was alert, eating, drinking, defecating, and urinating normally. Two days later, the nose bleed happened again, also from both nostrils.

Up to this point, head trauma seemed very possible as an explanation for Sampson’s symptoms. Over the next few days, however, things started to get a little strange. First, Sampson’s voice started to change. Other than the odd hoarse horse (for example, a foal separated from its mare or a herd-bound horse separated from its pasture mates, either of which might vocalize enough to become hoarse), a voice change is an unusual symptom.

Next, Sampson developed foul-smelling breath. The odor was not from his mouth but from both of his nasal passages. It was so strong smelling that it could be easily detected from 10 feet away. At this point, he did not have a cough and was still eating and drinking well, but he did seem a bit depressed and less active.

The next step in trying to determine the cause of all these symptoms was to get a look inside Sampson’s head. One method to get a direct look into the nasal passages, pharynx and guttural pouches is by utilizing a flexible endoscope. A videoendoscope is a flexible tube with a lens on the tip that converts its image into an electrical signal that is sent up the tube to a processor that converts the electrical signal back into a video image that can be projected onto a screen. Sampson’s nasal passages and guttural pouches appeared normal. Most of the nasopharynx looked fine...however, his throat was not.

Sampson’s epiglottis, arytenoid cartilages, and vocal folds were horribly inflamed, bleeding, and had torn surfaces covered in blood, pus, and necrotic tissues. The lesions were impressive, something you don’t want to hear uttered by your veterinarian. At first it looked like some sort of aggressive tumor such as squamous cell carcinoma. On further investigation, a foreign-looking structure was found. Initially, it looked like a wood splinter, but later it was clear that there were thorns on its surface. A grasping forceps was passed through the videoendoscope and used to latch onto the structure. It had to be torn free from where the thorns had embedded into the throat surfaces. It turned out to be an over blackberry stem more than 3 inches long with over half a dozen spiny thorns on it.

The last follow-up endoscopy done several weeks later showed that Sampson’s throat had healed almost completely. He is feeling more like himself, although his voice has not quite returned to normal. This case has been interesting not just because it is so unusual, but also because it illustrates how tough and resilient horses can be. It is truly remarkable how good Sampson looked while thorns were embedded deep in his throat, tearing his flesh and getting infected. His poor epiglottis, which normally flips over the airway to protect it, was getting raked over those thorns every time he swallowed, resulting in a deep ulceration of its surface. Yet he somehow managed to carry on without much complaint.

Still, it must have been a phenomenal relief when that prickly blackberry stem was removed.

February Spotlight

The 9TH Annual Northwest Horse Fair and Expo Opens March 28th in Albany, Oregon
Presented by SilverLite Trailers, the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo returns to Albany, Oregon for its ninth year March 28th through the 30th, and will feature an impressive list of renowned clinicians and presenters, diverse commercial displays, the popular Breed Showcases and Stallion Reviews, as well as new features including Craig Cameron's Extreme Cowboy Race™.

For more information contact the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo at www.equinepromotions.net, (765) 655-2107, or jjcloe@equinepromotions.net.

Results from 2007 Salon Du Cheval World Championship Arabian Show
Held the first week in December in Paris, France, Salon Du Cheval is a celebration of the horse and an international competition. Salon Du Cheval is a must-see for any horse enthusiast, not just Arabian lovers. The following are some highlights of the show results:

Junior Mare Champion: Layan Al Khalediah, owned by HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Khalidah
Senior Mare Champion: Kwestura, owned by Michalow State Stud of Poland
Junior Stallion Champion: Marijj, owned by Al Bidayer Stud of the United Arab Emirate
Senior Stallion Champion: Dakharo, owned by HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Khalidah

Information provided by Kristi Hopp of Bedu Arabians. To read more, visit the NWHS news archive at www.nwhorsesource.com.

Prime Performance Nutrition Adds Two New Products to Supplement Line
Prime Lyte™ and Re-Store™ are the newest additions to the Prime Performance Nutrition supplement lineup—offering electrolyte and vitamin boosts. Company founder and president Jeff Butler developed the products with a promise to guarantee content and bioavailability—ensuring quality for horse owners everywhere.

With Prime Performance Nutrition you’ll provide your performance horses with the best nutrition possible. PPN uses only certified ingredients and rigorously tests its products. For more information, visit www.primeperformancenutrition.com.

The Ultimate Tool for Equestrian Hygienic Control
Available in the U.S. for the first time, the Solid One-Piece Hygiene Shovel is designed specifically to avoid bacteria build-up and cross contamination. The solid one piece design has a non-stick surface that can be easily cleaned and disinfected after each use. Made of high-grade polypropylene, it is both rot and rustproof--and virtually unbreakable--even in sub-zero temperatures. The Solid One-Piece Hygiene Shovel is ideal for stables, barns, and vet clinics that require a clean-up tool that can be easily disinfected after working with diseased or potentially diseased horses and livestock. The Hygiene Shovel together with the Unifork is part of the complete Union Jack Equestrian Hygiene System.

The Solid One Piece Hygiene Shovel is manufactured in England with exclusive USA distribution by Union Jack Stable & Garden. For more information, contact Union Jack at 800-672-8119 or visit www.unionjackstable.com.

Steve Rother: Groundwork and Horsemanship DVD Combo
review by Karyn "K.C." Cowdrey

The Steve Rother DVD combo set is a complete breakdown of Rother's Groundwork Level One and Horsemanship Level One Clinics, packaged in an easy to watch and follow 4-disc set. The set is geared toward those looking to build a stronger communication base with their horse(s), but who either don't have a lot of experience or are just searching for new ideas to accomplish something in their horse-handling routine.

Each step is broken down into its own section so you can review it, go out and practice it, and then come back inside and review again. I found these DVDs to be attention-holding and easy to follow, very much what Steve's live demonstrations and clinics are like.

If you can't attend a clinic or would like to bring the clinic home with you, the Steve Rother DVD combo is a handy "clinic–in-a-box." For more information, visit www.horseteacher.com.
Copyright © 2008 The NW Horse Source, LLC

Hay, Health and Helping Hands

Rebuilding and renewing our horse community

In December 2007, a series of devastating storms hit much of western Washington and Oregon. Flooding, heavy winds, and power outages affected not only the human residents of these areas, but their livestock as well.

Areas hit hardest by the storms received federal emergency aid, but the government funding is limited. Throughout several counties, groups such as humane societies, animal shelters, Back Country Horsemen and others reached out to their neighbors in need. Local area vets and other facilities took in horses displaced by the flooding. Still, several horses lost their lives in the deluge and stores of hay that were meant to last through the winter became waterlogged in the flood, leading to mold and combustion fires. Costs for replacing the hay are far beyond what many can afford as they rebuild their homes and barns. Donations of feed, large and small, have been crucial to the health of affected horses.

Click here to read the full story.

The Morgan Horse

In 1789, a bay colt named Figure, later known by his owner's name of Justin Morgan, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. Because of this stallion's remarkable ability to sire foals in his own likeness, the breed that shaped America was born. Morgans were used in the pioneering of the West, as cavalry mounts, and as the most stylish road horses of the day. Morgan blood was used in establishing such breeds as the Standardbred, American Saddlebred, American Quarter Horse, and Tennessee Walking Horse, all of which enjoy popularity today.

The Morgan horse agreeably adapts to his owner's lifestyle. He is free moving and calm under western tack or elegant and aristocratic ridden in English style. A tractable temperament allows the Morgan to excel when driving in single or multiple hitches. Companionable and comfortable on a quiet pleasure ride anywhere open skies beckon, working as a sensible partner in a long day of ranch work or endurance riding, waiting alert and ready to enter a show ring, or performing in formal riding disciplines, the Morgan is a versatile horse.

The beauty of the Morgan horse lifts the heart. The breed exists solely because it pleases people. It is The Morgan's heritage. Its chiseled face, broad forehead, and kind, prominent eyes easily identify the Morgan horse. The short and shapely ears of the Morgan create an alert and friendly expression. Known for its athletic talent, the Morgan horse is built for success in all disciplines. The Morgan is a picture of balance and symmetry with an elegant length of neck, close-coupled body, short back, powerful hindquarters, and good bone. This ideal conformation makes the Morgan perfect for every job.

The Morgan horse provides an unmatched combination of beauty, ability, and disposition. Whether your interest is show, sport, or pleasure, you'll find there is a perfect Morgan for you.

Information in this breed profile provided by the American Morgan Horse Association (www.morganhorse.com).

A Perfect Day

by Karen Pickering

Recently, I committed in this editorial to face up to a challenge in my life each month and keep you posted on my progress. One such challenge is the ongoing struggle to find time for the very reason I began publishing this magazine: to be involved in the world of horses, and to follow my own words that close this article each month--"Remember to ride."

Have you ever tried to describe your perfect day? I've decided this is the first step toward actually getting in the saddle. Put it on the calendar. Make the time, then get out and follow through. My own perfect day would include exercise, quiet time, riding, and of course getting all the things on my “to-do” list done.

I would like to invite you to send me your perfect day, and let me know if you’ve ever had the day you describe. We’ll publish some of the best ones on our blog (the NWHS online journal). Check in through the link on our home page at http://www.nwhorsesource.com/ to see how other readers' days turn out.

Recently, I attended an event that came darn close to giving me that “perfect day.” As you are likely aware, Lewis County and the surrounding areas were devastated by floods in December. People lost homes, livestock, and feed, and many are still in need of support. On December 15, local realtor Robert McFadden organized a benefit horse show at the Flying M Arena in Olympia, WA. People turned out with horses of all shapes and sizes and several generous companies donated products for an auction, all to raise money to bring hay to the flood victims. All told, the event raised approximately $11,000. McFadden said he had hoped to raise $5,000 and was totally blown away by the local generosity. See this month's cover story for more on the storms and supporting those in need.

I'm unbelievably excited about having a Fred Stone painting on our front cover. Stone has been my absolute favorite equine artist since the late 80s when I started collecting plates. I have most of his horse racing series and a couple of his smaller plates featuring the mare and foal. The cover photo is from a plate I purchased early in 1991. (See our cover gallery if you missed the February cover.)

Have a great Valentine’s Day, and remember to ride! I have it on my calendar.

Quote for the month:
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” ~ Anne Frank

Renewal

by Deb Taber

As spring approaches, we see the earth renewed with fresh plant life and a new crop of foals. Care of these critters begins long before the birth process, and Dr. Wendy Vaala, a specialist in mare and foal care, has provided NWHS with some important guidelines to care for your expecting mare.Complementing Dr. Vaala's advice is a wholistic look at pregnant mare care in our Equine Wellness column by Nicole Lanphear.

Spring renewal isn't just for horses. Here at NWHS, we're renewing our commitment to our clients and readers. Results from our readers' survey are in, and we're using your guidance to continue improving the magazine. Look for the winner of our survey drawing to be announced here in the next issue. We also have our youth essay contest going on, and are beginning a redesign of our website to make it easier to use. Check for updates on this and more at www.nwhorsesource.com, and look for tips for your own web redesign in this month's "Bits and Bytes" column.

I hope you and your horses are enjoying a happy, healthy 2008 wherever hooves and dreams can take you.

Prenatal Planning: Mare and foal care advice from Dr. Wendy Vaala, Senior Equine Technical Services Specialist for Intervet

by NWHS

From simple checklists to online calculators, breeding calendars offer broodmare owners a way to ensure the best care for their expecting mares and newborn foals. Sometimes, however, the sheer amount of information available can be overwhelming, especially when not all sources agree.

How often should the mare be dewormed? Which vaccinations should be given or avoided? What are the warning signs of problems?

Whether expecting your first foal or your fiftieth, these questions need answers. For the most current information, we spoke to Dr. Wendy Vaala of Intervet. As a veterinarian who has started numerous mare and foal programs, Dr. Vaala believes that pregnant mare care begins well before the mare is actually bred.

Click here to read the full article.

It’s About The Feet

by Steve Rother

It’s a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The soft rays of the sun are drifting through the trees as you ride up on top of the last hill toward home...and then, all of a sudden, for "no reason at all," your trusty mount "Brownie" is out of control. One sight of the barn and he is off at a fast trot, then a lope, pulling through your hands and the pressure of the bridle. He has one thing on his mind, and it is not you. It’s the barn.

So what do we do now? What kind of situation have we gotten ourselves into, and how do we keep it from happening again? The answers are simple, but they do take some time. However, not near as much time as one would think.

This is just one scenario that you might find yourself in with your horse. But there are many others, which may be closely related, that just happen to show up in other places. For instance, a horse that doesn’t want to load into a trailer, one that wants to unload way too quickly, a horse that does not want to cross water, a horse that drops his shoulder toward the gate...the list goes on.

The Situation
The horse’s mind is not thinking the same thoughts as yours, and he is not taking his feet where you want them to go. There is a reason why the horse made a decision that was different from the plan that you had. There is something that is pulling on your horse so hard that it has affected his judgment and his feet. It as if there is a magnet or some sort of gravity pulling at your horse’s mind and body. So let’s find the reason and fix it!

Identify the Problem
The problem in the case above is that "Brownie" wants to be back at the barn and is unwilling to listen to any of your cues.

Identify the Options to Fix the Problem
Option 1: Try to slow the horse down until you get back to the barn, pull off his tack as soon as you get there so he can cool off, brush him down, pat him on the neck, and put him away – with his feed bin full of course. Then you can thank him for not injuring you physically that day, but just giving you a small blow to your confidence level.

Option 2: Hurry the horse up and get back to the barn at a manageable speed, but when you get there, keep him moving. Move his feet, move his feet, and move his feet more. Have him trot around the barn, sidepass around the barn, lope around the barn, trot around the barn, etc…then lead him to a hitching rail (strategically placed away from the barn) where you can tie him with his saddle still on to rest.

Option 3: Work the horse at the barn for at least 20 minutes a day on a regular basis before you go on your trail ride, moving his feet forward, backward, left, and right. Next, ride out away from the barn about 100 yards, and then turn around and come back to…move the feet, move the feet, move the feet. Forward, backward, left and right, for at least 10 minutes. Then go back out to the 100 yard mark and rest for as long as he will stand. When he chooses to move back to the barn, head on back…and proceed with move the feet, move the feet, move the feet. Continue this until the horse decides it is better to be away from the barn.

Are you starting to see where things might have gone astray in the first place? The horse is a creature of comfort and play. Your horse has really come to like the barn. That's where the food, the shelter, and his buddies are. So the answer is simple. You have to make the barn a little less inviting at times in order to make the scary trail seem better. You have to be able to build your horse’s confidence. The trick is doing it in a manner that makes him think he is doing it to himself. The temporary answer would be Option 2; the fix-it answer would be Option 3.

So let’s turn this into another scenario to picture this a little better. Little Tommy is sitting in a classroom on a nice sunny day and he would really like to go outside. He is getting so anxious that he can barely sit still. The teacher decides to let him outside, but she has a plan. She decides that Tommy is free to go outside whenever he wants to, but he has to run 10 laps around the track every time he does. So Little Tommy is faced with a decision…to stay or not to stay, to work in the classroom, or to work even harder outside, but the choice is his.

In the end, the equation is very easy. If your horse is not willing to listen to you where you are, go to a place that he would rather be and work him there; forward, backward, left, and right, until he makes the decision to listen. After this, teaching your horses and enjoying your time with them will be easy because they will want to be there as well. After all...their feet took you there!


Steve’s dynamic instruction style sets him apart from many clinicians. Blending education with entertainment, he breaks down concepts for all to understand. Riders of many disciplines can be found learning together at his clinics. Whether they attend to overcome fear or gain more control, participants leave each clinic empowered and more excited about horse ownership. For more information visit Steve online at www.horseteacher.com for the 2008 schedule, educational products, online newsletter, and much more. For more keys to success, see Steve's Groundwork and Horsemanship Series DVD sets. Coming soon…Ultimate Water Crossing DVD Series.

Sale Shopping with Cayley Wilson

by Allison Trimble

One of the most exciting things about futurities is the horse sales that go along with them. The fast talking and all the potential in the flashy horseflesh being led and ridden through the pen is captivating. I have purchased many horses through the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity sale, as well as others, and often find it hard to go to a sale without buying something. This can be a good way to get a horse, but there are some important things to take into consideration before you enter this fast-paced world.

I don’t know anyone in the Northwest better to talk to you about sale shopping than Cayley Wilson. Wilson was the 2006 Snaffle Bit Futurity Intermediate and Limited Open Champion and has had much success on horses he purchased from some of the top sales in the nation.

Allison Trimble: What do you think are the pros of buying a horse at a sale?
Cayley Wilson: It can be a great opportunity to see a lot of well bred, similar types of horses in one spot and it can make it easier to compare the quality of the horses. Often times at some of the bigger sales, x-rays are required, thereby saving a guy some cost and trouble in getting x-rays done privately. Some associations such as the NRCHA are offering incentive programs and special purses for horses that are purchased through the sales. The greatest allure of horse sales is the idea that you can sneak in and get a really nice horse for less than you could pay for him privately. I think that is what everyone who goes to a sale is hoping for!

AT: What are the cons?
CW: Sales are always “Buyer Beware.” You have an even greater responsibility to do your homework.
Often, in this high pressure experience where you are trying to see and judge so many horses, you don't have a lot of time to watch or ride the horse. Sometimes you get to see the colts work all week, but other times guys haul them in the day of the sale, making it difficult to really look them over and evaluate them.

I find it a little bit more difficult to purchase 2-year-olds at sales because you watch tapes that may be filmed 6 to 8 weeks prior, and it is hard to tell how the colt has progressed after one to two months of riding. When I watch the greener colts on tape, they will be riding very nice and are not usually as stressed by sale time. The colts that are doing a lot on the tapes sometimes are just as good, but a lot of times go backwards. An extremely high percentage of these 2-year-olds that you go to purchase through the sale are what are called “sale broke.” This is where a trainer is focusing on getting them as fancy as they can before the sale, and they are not so focused on the long run. This can result in the colts peaking too soon, or being simply pushed too hard and either breaking down or blowing up. It helps to have some knowledge of who has been training the colt.

A con with regards to yearlings is that it is hard to find time or space to watch them move. You see them in their stalls, and then you see them in the sale pen, and you may watch them walk up and down an alley, but you don’t get to watch them lope around in the pasture like if you were going to buy one off somebody's ranch. This makes it hard to judge their athletic ability.

AT: What are the things you look at when selecting horses at a sale?
CW: Our criteria for selecting horses are outlined here. As we move through each of these steps, we will cut our list down until we only have a handful that we are really interested in bidding on.

1. Pedigree -- I always try to stay with a proven sire. The dam must either be a money earner or a producer. These are my preferences, but pedigree speaks strongly to the prospective abilities of the offspring.

2. Watch sales tapes -- Judge how the horse moves, how it works a cow, what kind of stop it has. Does this horse have the athletic ability to perform the job you are going to give it?

3. Look at the horse in the stall -- Check out conformation: feet, legs, mouth, eyes, etc. Look for signs of hard training such as spur tracks on sides or shoulders and possible snaffle bit "raspberries" in the corner of a horse's mouth. These little signs tell you a lot about the horse and how it has been prepared.

4. X-rays -- Have a vet help you view the x-rays to look for possible problem areas. In my experience, around 60% of the list will be culled because of the x-rays alone.

5. Watch the horses ride during sale time -- Observe how the colt/horse reacts to the stress of being in the arena. See how they work a cow on the day of the sale.

AT: Are there any tips you have for bidding at sales?
CW: It is a good rule of thumb to remember to stick to your final list--don't get caught up in the excitement and bid on a horse that has just caught your fancy when it trots into the ring. Trust in your homework and stick to it.

Before bidding begins, you should have a set maximum price for each individual--don't go above that price. It is really easy to get caught up in the excitement and fun of the auction and forget about your budget.

AT: Is there anything else that you think would help our readers?
CW: My best advice for the average horse owner is to hire a professional who knows the industry you want to participate in, and have them help you buy a horse from a sale (or to buy a horse in general). A professional horse trainer will know what your goals are for your horse and will be able to guide you toward suitable choices. The professional will also know market value and will have connections to help you find the perfect horse.

Cayley Wilson is an AQHA Professional Horseman from Abbotsford, British Columbia. He trains reining horses, reined cowhorses, and cutters. To his credit are many NWRCHA, NRHA, and NRCHA wins. In 2006, he won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Intermediate Open and Limited Open Championship aboard Starlit Holly and was third on Chics Sassy Nic. He was also a NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Limited Open Finalist on Smart O Man. In 2007, Cayley was Reserve Champion at the Canadian Snaffle Bit Futurity and a finalist at the NWRCHA Caton Ranch Futurity on No Time For You. Not long after, he was crowned Canadian All Around Stock Horse Champion. He has been a Canadian Supreme Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion, a many-time finalist at Canada's Greatest Cowhorse, has won the Canadian Super Stakes Derby, and has placed several times at the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Cayley is considered to be one of the industry’s top up-and-coming trainers.