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.

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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.

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.

Backcountry, Wine Country, Horse Country

Horse activities in Northern California

by Nicole Lanphear

You won’t find it in a brochure, but there is a place for horse lovers to ride and have a picnic with a 1,200-year-old redwood affectionately called the “Grandmother tree.” You can only find this in Jack London State Historic Park of Northern California.

The state of California offers an expanse of horse activities, but the northern half of the state is distinctive from the southern half. Lifelong California resident Tiffany Whitehouse says Northern California has more opportunities to go out and enjoy riding horses. From vineyard tours to wilderness trails, Northern California is a haven for recreational riding. 

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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!

A Place to Heal

One woman's passion for learning creates a sanctuary for horses with special needs
By Nicole Lanphear

In the realm of holistic horse care, there are veterinarians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, farriers and more. One Montana woman looked to combine the breadth of knowledge into one central location to better serve horses and horse owners that have special needs.

In Bozeman, Montana, a woman named Judy Smaaland offers a retreat for horses who need more supervision or attention than most boarding barns can offer. She works with a handful of alternative practitioners, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, homeopaths, massage practitioners, and natural hoof care farriers to form a central location to treat various needs.

Smaaland had horses off and on since she was a child, and five years ago got back into the horse world with a vengeance. She had become involved with natural healthcare for herself and her small animals, and began to see more and more health issues in horses that could benefit from a similar kind of care.

“I’m seeing a lot of horses come through with digestive, chiropractic issues, or general health challenges,” says Smaaland.

She saw a need in her community for a place where horses with special needs could get the kind of care that regular boarding facilities couldn't offer.

This summer, she converted her barn and pastures to accommodate rehabilitation and a surgical recovery center. Along with a local vet, she works with horses from stall confinement through the healing process in different pens, corrals and pastures suited to their needs.

Each horse is unique, and Smaaland tailors her routine to each boarder’s needs and feeding schedule. One of her current horses foundered in the past, so he is turned out on a strictly timed schedule with a grazing muzzle. Another horse is a former dressage mount whose eye was kicked out by another horse. Smaaland watches him closely and works to build his trust.

Providing Peace of Mind
A hands-on approach and intensive supervision provide the horses at Smaaland's stable with the care they need, but it isn't just the horses who benefit. Owners, too, appreciate the time and attention spent on care, offering peace of mind to those who cannot provide full care themselves.

Whether it is soaking abscesses or administering medication, “It is fun to see what can be done,” says Smaaland. “Within the confines of what can be done, a prognosis can change.”

Building a Network
“I love seeing horses get better,” Smaaland says. “Their healing capabilities are amazing, given the right tools. I’ve seen them come around so quickly.”

Smaaland’s larger goal is to provide her services on more of a consultation basis, rather than at her physical location. She wants to bring together a network of people who have the desire to continue learning and meeting the needs of their horses through natural options. She loves being a constant student of horse care and recommends that anyone interested in starting up a facility like hers bring together as many human resources as possible.

“Networking is wonderful,” she says. “Bringing together people of like mind. It greatly increases the services we can all provide.”

For more information on Smaaland’s ranch, visit www.fourcatranch.com.

Senior Horses' Wintertime Needs

Keep your equine seniors comfortable and healthy in the cold season
By Nicole Lanphear

As the seasons change, your horse’s needs change. For senior horses, accommodating these needs is even more important as the weather changes and their health is at stake. This month we once again turn to Hannah Evergreen, DVM, of Evergreen Holistic Veterinary Care (http://www.evergreenholisticvet.com/) in Monroe, Washington for advice.

Senior horses are less able to thermo-regulate their body temperatures than younger horses. Thus, as the days and nights get colder, shelter and other methods of keeping body temperature up become more vital for your senior horse.

Blankets and Shelter
While a 12'x12' sheltered area with coverings on at least two sides to block the wind is recommended for all horses in all seasons, senior horses need it most of all during the winter. Shivering requires a lot of energy, which can cause your senior horse to lose hard-earned weight. If you don't have a proper shelter for your horses yet, now is the time to create it, before the mud and wet ground make construction more difficult.

Horses traditionally gain warmth from the herd setting, so horses kept alone need special attention to blanketing and shelter. If you do keep your senior horse in a herd setting, make sure it's the proper herd for your horse; for example, if your horse is slightly arthritic, a herd of younger horses might push the older horse to its limit and cause injury.

Blanketing is a necessity that must be a consistent routine.

“Once a horse becomes reliant [on blanketing], the owner must keep using it because the horses acclimate to it,” Evergreen says. One solution is to use the blanket only in a specific temperature range, such as freezing or below. This way, the horse only acclimates to the blanket in that temperature range. However you choose to determine your blanketing range, keep it consistent so the horse is able to adapt and be comfortable.

“They can survive and do okay without their blanket,” Evergreen says, provided the horse hasn't previously been blanketed, but adds, “It sure is nice to be cozy.” Blanketing will keep horses from losing too much weight from shivering, and will help keep their coats clean.

Blanketing also helps horses that are more prone to rain rot because of an immune system weakness. Rain rot is common in horses who are not brushed or kept dry consistently. Dander and debris build up under the skin, causing this condition, so in the winter months it is important not to forget regular care and grooming. Older horses are also more prone to Cushing's, which causes excessive hair growth. Horses with Cushing's have more hair and thus a higher risk for rain rot.

If you do choose to blanket your horse in the winter, the most important task is to find a blanket that fits properly in order to avoid injury or losing the blanket. If you see excessive rubbing on the shoulder after blanketing, get a shoulder guard so the blanket is a pleasant experience for your horse.

Footing and Hoof Issues
If a horse is wearing shoes, the wintertime is a good time to remove them. It can relieve soreness from any ill-fitting shoes. Bedding is also important in the winter months. Dry footing can prevent thrush and other hoof issues. Any shelter will be warmer with dry bedding, whether it is straw or shavings.

Abscesses are also common in the winter, as are scratches around the pastern (pastern dermatitis). To keep your horses feet healthy, clean them all out regularly and strive to provide a mud-free area.

“Mud happens in this climate, but it doesn’t have to happen,” Evergreen says. Use gravel or other materials to prevent mud in areas where your horse has access.

Changing Nutritional Needs
Senior horses often have poor teeth that can lead to poor nutrition. There are ways to combat this, and senior horses don’t have to be skinny; it is a misconception that you don’t have to settle for. Many senior horses need softer diets including beet pulp or hay cubes, but the combination of proper nutrition and proper dental care can keep most seniors at a healthy weight throughout the year.

In the wintertime, pay special attention to your horses' weight and realize they are losing pasture supplements from grazing. Keeping them warm will help them keep their weight, and your vet can help you with supplementation needs.

Not all feeds have equal benefits when it comes to weight gain. “People think extra grain will keep them warm,” Evergreen says. “But extra fiber will keep them warm. Beet pulp, extra hay, and extra foliage will keep them warm, rather than carbs.”

As you bundle your own coat against the Pacific Northwest rain and wind, think about your horse and his needs. Think also of your senior horse and the different needs that change during the winter. Your healthy, happy horse will be your true reward.

Stretching Pays Off

Do your homework and do the work to get the most out of stretching
by Nicole Lanphear

One of the most important aspects of your horse’s training is his overall health. A huge part of this is the health of his muscles and joints. When used properly, stretches can help ensure flexibility and prevent injury. Stretching improves blood circulation, elongates muscles and helps the horse relax.

Before you start a regular routine of stretching, passively test your horses’ body through slow, relaxed stretches to see if he responds with any pain or compensation. Work on level ground when your horse is relaxed. If your horse backs off, stop stretching. The goal is to improve mobility, but if it is painful, it will be counterproductive.

While horses are much stronger than humans, it doesn’t take a body builder to stretch out a horse. The amount of time spent doing a stretch is more effective than a hard grip or overextension. At the same time, this work can be beneficial to you! Remember last month when we talked about play time? Put on some music and make the stretching exercises a relaxing game for yourself and the horse. If you do other kinds of stretching for yourself, such as yoga, do that first so you are limber and relaxed when you begin your horse's stretching session. Plan on devoting at least five minutes a day to stretching your horse. It isn't a lot, and can save you time later by giving you a horse less prone to illness and injury.
Insert photo Horse1, credit: Lars Sundström

Stretches to Try
Some basic stretches include using a carrot or treat and placing it next to the girth area, bringing the horse’s nose back toward the treat and holding for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Hold a carrot down between the horse’s front legs, bringing his nose down to his fetlocks. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. For a more complete set of stretches, talk with your veterinarian and ask him or her specifically how long to hold each stretch for each muscle. There are also plenty of books on equine stretching available. See the sources noted below.

Not all stretching takes place on the ground – transitions in a straight line and a light trot elongate many different muscles. Learning a little bit of basic dressage can help with under saddle stretching. Also, the best time for ground stretching is after a 15 minute warm-up of going through all the gaits.

Concerns
Overstretching is a concern that should not be taken lightly. Many times a stretch can cause hypertension in the spine or flex the spine but not the muscles. Be aware of your horse’s reaction and don’t put all your muscle and might into stretching. If, despite your care, your horse seems to have some soreness after stretching, talk to your vet or other equine health specialist about how best to care for the injury and when to return to your stretching program.

Be calm, steady and diligent in your stretching routine. If you take your time and build your horse's flexibility gradually, the benefits can be enormous.

Sources:
Pros and Cons of Equine Stretching by Michael Baxter
Stretching Exercises for your Horse by Sue M. Copeland
Stretching out the Kinks by Stephanie L. Church

Schedule in Some Play Time

Horse around for better health
By Nicole Lanphear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caring for the Working Horse

by Nicole Lanphear

Athletes know their bodies require more care and attention during their peak season. The same goes for your working horse. No more lazy days now that the sunshine is out. It's time for you to remember your horse has special dietary and physical needs to stay in top condition.

Nutrition
Access to a lush green pasture is desirable for balanced nutrition, but not always available. As a substitute for grazing, working horses need energy, protein and minerals they don’t get from standing inside a stall.

Missy Wryn, owner of "W"Holistic Natural Horsemanship, has worked with horses for 20 years and recommends all working horses either have access to pasture or be fed four times per day. Because horses are engineered to graze, they can develop ulcers or colic without constant eating. Feeding small amounts over time reduces the amount of stress on the horse and provides the proper nutrition to feed muscles. Remember to change feeding schedules gradually, preferably over a period of 10-14 days.

Light working horses require less protein and energy than heavy working horses, but it is still an important part of the daily diet. To maintain proper weight and health, a horse must have certain levels of nutrients, proteins and energy. Two to three hours a day of riding increases the horse’s needs by 30 percent; four to five hours of riding increases those needs by 70 percent.*

Look at your feed in amounts of the essentials rather than “a flake here” or “a flake there.” Hay has 50 percent total digestible nutrients (TDN), while grain has 75 percent. Alfalfa clovers have 15 percent protein, while grasses have 8 percent.

Wryn discourages sweet feeds and processed feeds. Vitamin supplements are ideal, as are flax seeds, which help with digestion and improve skin condition. Also, as your horse sweats more, it needs more salt intake. Provide a salt lick and ensure your horse is drinking enough water.

Exercise
Wryn encourages a proper warm-up with longeing and cinching the horse two or three different times to make sure he is comfortable. It isn’t fair to ask your horse to work while he is in pain.

Take note of your horse’s pulse as you work and cool him down to give you an idea of how much he is exerting. There are many websites that offer a step-by-step guide to stretches that can help loosen muscles and help relax your working horse before and after a workout. Just type "horse stretches" into your favorite search engine and plenty of useful links should turn up. You might also find books on horse stretches in your local bookstore or library.

Wryn suggests using a carrot to stretch out after a workout. Hold onto the horse's tail and hold the carrot so he bends his neck all the way back to the carrot. Repeat the stretch on both sides. This can allow the horse to chiropractically correct himself. Another beneficial stretch is to hold the carrot at the horse’s chest, encouraging him to arch his neck and bring his nose almost to his chest.

Know your horse and know his limits. If he can’t reach the carrot, don’t force him to hurt himself. At first he may be a little stiff, but after consistent working and stretching he will be more flexible. Massages and chiropractic work can help prevent problems and keep your horse in top shape for work or competition.

When it comes to the overall health of your working horse, think holistically to prevent a possible roadblock to the long summer ahead. From warming up to proper nutrition, your working horse deserves your return on the devotion he gives to you.

Clean & Green

by Nicole Lanphear
Water conservation, good waste management, and knowing how your products affect the environment all play a big part in horse ownership and barn management. Every human has an impact on the environment, so each horse owner leaves his or her own unique ecological footprint.

There are many ways horse owners can be mindful of the environment, and some are as simple as checking a label.

Keeping Healthy and Clean
Several companies feature environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaners and other products. When you pick up fly spray, saddle cleaner or horse shampoo, check the label to look for natural ingredients such as aloe, lanolin or tea tree oil. The fewer chemicals, the better. Non-toxic and environmentally friendly also mean it will be a non-irritant and safer for your horse’s skin.

Despite an “all natural” claim on the label, some products contain ingredients derived from toxic plants. Be careful with fly sprays, especially since many of them have “natural” insecticides that can still be toxic, such as pyrethrum pyrethrin, permethrin, or resmethrin, which are neurotoxins from the chrysanthemum plant. Exposure to these ingredients can cause headaches, nausea and heart problems for you, and similar reactions in your horse.

Many tack-cleaning products are also non toxic and biodegradable. Again, look for natural rather than chemical ingredients. If the ingredient list resembles a Twinkie wrapper, it's probably best to stay away.

Spending a few minutes online can save a trip to the store (good on both the environment and your wallet!) and can show you natural, safe products for your horses that you might not find otherwise. If you must use products with harsh chemicals, don’t pour them down drains or into the ground. Dispose of them properly (read the directions or contact your local waste management company) to ensure a healthy environment around you and all your animals.

Rinsing out and recycling containers from your fly sprays, shampoos, tack cleaners and other products will help lower the amount of waste from your barn. Keeping a recycling bin handy at the barn will encourage others to do the same.

As for that more natural waste—yes, manure—see Alayne Blickle's past Horse Farm Management columns or her website www.horsesforcleanwater.com for tips on how to turn your horse's waste into a useful tool or get rid of it cleanly and efficiently.

Water Conservation
Be sure to save as much water as possible. Here in the Pacific Northwest, water seems to fall out of the sky 364 days out of the year; however, we receive an average of 20 inches of rainfall annually and typically dry summers. Projected freshwater availability is low, so conserving water today can greatly influence tomorrow.

Washing your car with a hose and sprayer uses 100 to 300 gallons of water.* Your horse may be smaller than your car—or not, depending what you ride and drive—but a constantly running hose wastes the same amount of water in any case. Whether washing four legs or four wheels, use a bucket and sponge and turn off the hose when you are not using it.

Around the house, you know that turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth can save gallons of water. Following that example, use water wisely while cleaning tack, stalls, and water buckets.

Spread the Word
Getting your own riding group or 4-H group involved with green practices can help make a bigger difference in your area. Organize meetings to share ideas or call in speakers to share holistic, healthy horse management tips to help encourage other horse owners to join in. You can also support each other by ordering hard to find supplies in bulk and sharing the cost or by taking turns gathering and turning in the recyclable containers at your barn if it doesn't already have a recycling program set up.

Going to horse expos or lectures can expand your knowledge and benefit you greatly. Check online or printed calendars (such as Northwest Horse Source's "What's Happening") to find upcoming educational opportunities.

We can all do our part to ensure the health of our horses as well as our land. Whether cleaning your tack, bathing your horse, or filling up a water bucket, realize the mark you and your horses leave on the environment. A little change here and there can go a long way.

* Source: King County Natural Resources and parks
Other information provided by US Global Change Research Program

Get Ready to Hit the Trails

by Nicole Lanphear

As we head into the prime season for shows and trail rides, now is the time to make sure your horse is physically prepared for the road ahead. For advice on how best to do this, we turn to Ann Turner, owner of Wits End Farms Equine Rehabilitation (www.witsendfarms.com) in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Turner has spent 35 years in the horse industry, working everywhere from sunny Jamaica to the snowdrifts of Canada. She specializes in equine massage and chiropractic work, and has plenty of tips to prepare your horse for the summer season.

Look at Overall Health
This is the time of year for detox. Turner recommends using herbal remedies to help cleanse away the built-up gunk in your horse’s system that is a result of long winter months of relative inactivity. Ask a vet or equine nutritionist to recommend a good detox formula for your horse.

Proper nutrition is also key at this stage so your horse can reach optimal performance. Feed organic grains, salts, and good vitamins to supplement your horse’s diet. Electrolytes are vital to ensure your horse drinks enough water to stay healthy. Remember, a good diet will also aid in a healthy, shiny coat and stronger, healthier hooves.

Exercise
If snow and ice hindered you from riding as much as you would have liked this past winter, make sure you transition slowly into a more active routine. Start by walking your horse around for 10-15 minutes every other day for a couple of weeks before you begin to trot.

Building up stamina and bone density are key, and not something that can be rushed. When your horse stands in one place for a long time, the bone density decreases. This can be built up again by walking on hard surfaces, says Turner. This is important especially for show horses that must walk on various types of footing in different arenas.

Trails are an excellent way to get a horse fit because the terrain is gentle on joints. Trails also offer a variety of muscles a proper workout. Lunging can be more tricky. Turner recommends slow lunging; hard workouts on the lunge line can damage joints and work muscles in the wrong order. “It is like going to the gym and using the workout machines wrong,” she says.

It is important for each owner and rider to know how a horse should move properly. This way, you know if your horse is carrying him or herself correctly.

To Shoe or Not to Shoe?
In the springtime, it is also time to check in on hoof health and other regular maintenance routines such as teeth and vaccinations. Turner does not shoe any of her horses, but says the decision to shoe or not depends on each horse and its environment, diet, and discipline.

A shoe can only go so far, according to Turner, but going barefoot can help solve some problems such as fixing a frog or getting heels to spread. After the problem is solved, you can choose to return to shoeing your horse.

Turner had a 17-year-old Thoroughbred mare that had been shod all her life, and when she finally went barefoot, she began to loosen up; within a week, she was a completely different horse. Many times, stiffness and pain radiate from the hooves and through the whole body, which can cause stiffness elsewhere in the body and other problems.

Some pain and discomfort can occur after removing shoes from a long-time user. Turner recommends going barefoot in the wintertime so the cold weather can help with any discomfort. For her mare, she did some cold water rinsing and Epsom salts for about a week, after which there was no more pain.

Talk to several different people including vets, farriers, and trainers, to get a good idea of what might be best for your horse when it comes to shoeing. Hire a professional and go from there.

Tack Prep for the Trail
Since you will be riding for hours in a saddle, find one that fits both you and the horse. Also, make sure your saddle and bridle are properly placed. A noseband that is too tight or a bit that is too far back can cause vices such as head tossing or pulling. Ensuring that your tack is correct will make a big change in behavior.

Even if the saddle fits, if it is set too high on the shoulders, the horse will suffer. Make sure the girth is one hand's width behind the back of the horse’s front leg so the saddle is not sitting on the shoulder blades. Otherwise, the saddle can cause the front strides to shorten and make downhill riding painful for the horse.

Turner suggests using a natural fiber saddle pad, such as cotton or wool. In the hot summer months, a cotton or wool pad will breathe, preventing skin problems. Natural fiber products are also good for horses with sensitive skin.

Be aware of the little things that can ultimately make a big difference. This will prepare you and your horse for happy trails this summer. Do as the Boy Scouts do and be prepared!

Stout-Hearted Rodeo Queen

by Nicole Lanphear

Northwest Youth with Cystic Fibrosis Lives her Dream

For many young girls, the sight of a smiling, curly-haired rodeo queen atop her prancing steed sparks the dream of one day becoming that queen. For Jennifer Stout, her first view of Kari Kondro, Miss Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo, set her on the path to that dream.

“Her first impression was that Kari was so outgoing,” says Stout’s mother, Dolores. “She was a very genuine person, and had not changed once she became a rodeo queen. Her genuine love for people touched and inspired Jenny.”

On the path to reaching that goal, Stout had more hurdles than most girls her age. Now 16, Jenny Stout is one of 30,000 children and adults in the United States with cystic fibrosis[i], a genetic disease that affects the respiratory and digestive tracts and growth rate
[i] According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.


Click here to read the story in PDF format.

Your Horse gets the Sniffles, Too

by Nicole Lanphear

As spring draws near, you aren’t the only one to fear the rising pollen count. Break out the bottle of Benadryl or Claritin. Allergy season is here – for you and your horse.

Equine allergies are not limited to any breed, size, or gender. They can appear in any horse at any point in the horse's life. Asking about allergy attacks before you purchase the horse is an important step to better prepare yourself and your vet in case your horse experiences symptoms again.

In a given day, your horse is surrounded by dust, pollen, mold, and other allergens. Reactions vary from mild to life-threatening, and can also be a result of bug bites, supplements, or even some types of hay. Some horses will react to a vaccination or a new fly spray.

The symptoms for horse allergies can easily be associated with other diseases or ailments, and there is no diagnostic testing for hives or any other allergic reactions short of skin biopsies and other costly, inconclusive methods.

Symptoms can present as skin allergies or respiratory ailments. Most commonly, after being exposed to the allergen, hives will appear around the horse’s neck or shoulders. The horse will itch and might also present with a fever.

Many horses will recover from hives on their own, but if symptoms persist, corticosteroid sprays or an allergy shot from your vet can help alleviate the reaction. Most importantly, recognize the source of the allergen and remove it so that the horse can recover. Repeated exposure to the source could lead to a more serious reaction.

For respiratory allergies, “heaving” is the most common reaction. Coughing, heavy breathing, and nasal discharge are signs of heaves, which can be caused by anything from mold spores to pollen. Fresh air or changing the bedding can reduce allergens in the horse’s immediate environment.

Hay hosts organisms that can lead to allergic reactions such as heaves. Soaking the hay in water can help remove some of those allergens, but if the reaction is serious enough, consider replacing hay with pellet feed. Always consult your vet first and explore other options, such as other types of hay or feed. As a second measure, corticosteroids administered by the vet can ease the effects of heaves.

Preparation for allergy season is the best prevention for your horse’s allergies. Be aware of changes in your horse’s behavior or condition. If you change fly spray or feed, be on alert for allergic reactions so you can remove the allergen as quickly as possible if your horse reacts. Cleaning out the dusty barn rafters, keeping old hay outside, and ensuring good air circulation in barns will help reduce allergens – hopefully for you and your horse!

Equine Allergy Symptoms*:

• sneezing
• labored breathing
• head shaking
• nasal discharge
• nasal bleeding
• heaves
• hives, itching
• hair loss from rubbing

*Always consult a veterinarian before treating your horse for allergies.

Sources:
1. “Horse Allergies: Symptoms, Common Causes & Treatments of Equine Allergy,” www.horses-and-horse-information.com
2. “Allergic Reactions” by Heather Smith Thomas, www.TheHorse.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.

Preparing for Natural Breeding

by Nicole Lanphear

‘Tis the time to prepare for breeding season! For a successful season, there are several things to keep in mind. While natural breeding, or “pasture breeding,” is used less regularly than artificial insemination, Mother Nature still has some benefits that current science doesn’t.

Preparing for Natural Breeding
Careful planning and preparedness can help to avert several of the drawbacks of natural breeding, which include a higher risk of infection and injury. Overall, natural breeding gives a higher chance of getting the mare pregnant while artificial insemination, despite its lower risk of injury, has a lesser chance of impregnating the mare.

Breeding healthy horses is key for the overall success and health of the mare and stallion—not to mention the foal--no matter which method you choose. Both stallion and mare owners should have the animals inspected prior to breeding to ensure quality and success. Because natural breeding has the risk of infection that artificial insemination doesn’t have, having a vet-check is one way to protect your mare or stallion.

For the Stallion
Regular exercise without over-straining the stallion will keep him in prime condition for natural breeding (careful attention to the mare’s condition will also help prepare her for the event). Injuries with natural breeding are generally mild, and commonly include bites and scrapes; more severe injuries include kicks to the stallion’s penis, but even then, most horses eventually recover. The more interaction a stallion has with other horses on a day-to-day basis, the better behaved he will be in a pasture breeding situation. For in-hand breeding, experienced handlers are also able to minimize the risk of injury.

One way to give a stallion more experience is to turn him out with one mare in a secure pasture, and then if the experience is successful, add more mares to his harem. Most of the time, the stallion will be able to impregnate all the mares of the group.

For the Mare
Now is the time to introduce your mare to artificial light 12 hours a day, says Dr. Ron Friedman of the Oregon Equine Reproduction Center. This tricks the mare’s brain into thinking the days are longer and spring is here. She will then start her cycle earlier and be prepared for breeding. Also, a breeding soundness check at this time of the year will identify any problems, especially in a mare that has had previous trouble conceiving.

The prepared mare will have a regular cycle and no uterine infection or inflammation. Avoid a headache by having the mare examined before she is taken to the stallion or breeding farm.

Successful Breeding
Returning the animals to nature allows the horses to relax and without surrounding stresses, the likelihood of pregnancy increases. Although it may take some time, in pasture breeding the mare is able to regulate and dictate when she is most ready to become impregnated. This process can’t be compared with artificial insemination.

Pasture breeding healthy mares produces a pregnancy rate of 90 percent, while in-hand breeding produces a rate of 80 percent. International Competition Stallions, a breeding company in Great Britain, shows a 75 percent success rate with artificial insemination, but the rate varies with each stallion. As with natural breeding, artificial insemination conception rates can be higher when the timing is right.

Racing thoroughbreds are required to breed naturally, and those breeding farms are highly managed. Because they are so meticulously maintained and overseen, the natural breeding has a high success rate. But natural breeding is not for everyone.

AI as an Alternative to Natural Breeding
Artificial insemination can be less costly than transporting a stallion or mare, and is more accessible for those mare owners who can ship semen from across the country if there is no suitable stallion in the area. The procedure is less stressful on the animals than if they have to be transported for a natural breeding, and it is quicker than in-hand or pasture breeding. There is also less of a risk for spreading disease.

Because of this, AI has gained greatly in popularity, but only you can decide which method is right for your own breeding program. Before deciding to breed, evaluate which technique is most practical for you and your horse. Also, consult a vet or expert and make smart decisions in the choice of stallion and your commitment to raising a foal.

The best time for pasture breeding is April through June, so the time to prepare mares and stallions is now. Healthy diet and exercise over the first few months of the New Year will make the time for natural breeding smoother.

Don’t let the cold weather fool you – spring will be here before you know it, and nature will take its course. The sooner you begin preparing, the better your chance for success.
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Proper procedure and advice from local breeding experts or veterinarians is essential. Some resources in the Pacific Northwest include:

Reproductive Revolutions
Newberg, OR
www.reproductiverevolutions.com

Puget Sound Equine Reproduction Center
Snohomish, WA
www.pilchuckvet.com/services/horse_repro.htm

Oregon Equine Reproduction Center
Lake Oswego, OR
www.oregonequine.com/reproductionpg.html

Rocky Bay Equine
Vaughn, WA
www.rockybayequine.com