Reader Photo of the Week: Monday, June 29, 2009

Another mustang photo from Tracey Westbury...just too cute!

Tanya's Story

by Lauri McBeath-Davies

I was born with a condition called Congenital Hip Dysplasia. Unfortunately, it wasn’t properly diagnosed until I was about 10. At the age of 12 I underwent major reconstructive surgery on my hip. During the recovery process I was unable to walk. Being a normal active child, I refused to slow down. Fortunately for me I had Tanya.

Tanya was a Bay Arab mare. My grandfather bought her for me when she was 5. She had been green broke at 3, ridden for a month, and then put out to pasture and had very little human contact. As you can imagine, she was quite a handful for a child. Even though I had ridden horses from the age of 3, I would not call myself an accomplished rider. Tanya and I both were strong willed, impatient, and self centered. We battled for the title of “being in charge”. We were constantly trying to show each other who was boss and put each other in our place. My mom would chuckle at us, both stomping our feet home after an unsuccessful attempt to have a pleasant ride. Tanya was never mean, but always challenging. I took lessons on her and we learned and grew together. It was quite an adventure. We grew to understand each other, so by the time I had surgery we were a good team. We had learned to trust each other and accept each other.

When I came home from my 6 week stay in the hospital, I immediately tried to see her. She shied from my shinny silver crutches, so it took a bit of coaxing and patience to introduce her to my new look and sound. Occasionally, she would snort at my crutches, not quite sure what to make of them. For the next year she became my legs. I couldn’t put any weight on my bad leg, so climbing into a saddle was out of the question. I rode bareback, which was my favorite. To get on I carefully climbed on some stacked hay bales and gently slid onto her back. She was very patient with my awkward mounting procedure. Once I was on her I could hang my crutches from a tree and go all day on her. She took me fishing, hiking, swimming, visiting the neighbors, and any place I wanted to go. She was my freedom from my disability.

My doctors expressed concern for my safety and recovery. Activity was good, but falling off a horse during the recovery time could have been detrimental. It was a risk I was willing to take, and my parents didn’t try to stop me. We trusted my horse. During my time of being vulnerable, she was a gem. She didn’t get excited or cop an attitude. I felt she sensed that she was in charge of my safety and took it seriously. Once I was healed and able to handle the unexpected, she would have her moments of “attitude”. She liked to remind me that I was the boss because she allowed it. After I grew up and married, my children learned to ride on her. As usual, she was careful and gentle with the children, but loved to show me a little “attitude” when I rode.

My wonderful memories of her have encouraged me to get back into horses again. No horse will ever be Tanya, but I am once again enjoying riding.

Western States Horse Expo Recap – Fun in the Sun!

by Karen Pickering

I’ve just returned from a great trip to Sacramento, California where I attended the Western States Horse Expo, which was a real success this year. I’m used to the smaller shows in Washington, Oregon and BC, so this was really a treat. The WSHE is massive. Numerous buildings housed vendors with just about anything you could ever want—clothing, tack, horse treats, hand lotions, and of course, your favorite clinicians. There were nearly five acres of horse trailers to look through as well. I would definitely put it on your list of places to visit for 2010.

While there, I was able to interview five of the clinicians. They were kind enough to spend a couple of minutes sharing their thoughts on the horse industry with us, so keep an eye on the website and digital edition to hear more about those soon. We also have an online photo gallery so you can get an overview of just how much fun this expo really is.

It was great to see John Lyons receiving the prestigious award for the 2009 Horse Expo Hall of Fame. The award was presented by Ken McNabb, Clinician, & Miki Cohen, founder and president of Western States Horse Expo.

I ended up making the journey to and from the expo by car--what a beautiful trip! We really do live in an awesome part of the world. I was amazed at how fortunate we are to live in this much natural beauty. I finished the trip with a great visit with Raye & Sharon Lochert. They are incredible hosts and have a beautiful ranch in Santa Rosa.

I invite you to send in your thoughts and comments about experiences you’ve had this summer to editor@nwhorsesource.com. We will post selected stories and photos here on our blog each week.

Have a great summer and make time in the saddle. It’s the best place on earth.

Reader Photo: Horses Down Under!

This week's photo is from Dianne Mortenson, who says:

I thought your readers might enjoy a few photos from Australia. I'm original from Australia, and I travel back every year or so. So last year I went back and based my training out of Kiama NSW Australia. Kiama is right on the coast, It was a thrill to see dolphins and whales while traveling from farm to farm to train. Of course I was always on the look out for spiders and Black snakes, they loved to slither into the round pen to warm up on the warm sand. I have many more story's from Downunder and heaps of pictures on my web site.

Cheers Mate

www.DiannesEquineServices.com

Born That Way, a Horse Book Review for NWHS Reader Friday

Review by Deb Taber, NWHS editor

In place of a readers’ story today, I’m offering a story of my own...or, rather, a look at someone else's story.

As the editor of NWHS, I receive several books each week to review. Part of my job is to decide which of those books will be most applicable and interesting to our readers. Through surveys and interactions, I’ve learned that the majority of you are interested in nonfiction books: the how-to’s of training, riding, health care and general horsekeeping.

Sometimes, however, a book outside of those categories deserves mention. I love young adult fiction in general, and horse fiction in particular. It’s what I grew up on back when I was determined to have a horse of my own, but I lived in the suburbs with two working parents, not a lot of spare cash, and the impression that owning real live horses at that point in my life was just not going to be possible.

Born That Way by Susan Ketchen is the story of just such a girl, but there’s so much more to it than that. Sylvia isn’t just your average horse-crazy teen girl. She has problems that are larger than the standard call-and-response of “Can I have a pony?” “No.”

Born That Way

by Susan Ketchen

Sylvia is tiny for her age, more like an eight-year-old than the fourteen years she’s known. She’s interested in lucid dreaming—the only way she has to experience horsemanship—and busy battling the misguided intentions of her psychologist mother (who puts an embarrassingly Freudian spin on her horse-ownership desires) and a father who wants to believe that she’s just a “normal girl.”

The best books targeted at adolescents don’t just offer escape from the pressures of changing bodies and a changing world; they offer an education on topics that young people are too shy or uncomfortable to broach. That is exactly what Born that Way does. Sylvia’s growth – or lack thereof – combined with her mother’s Fruedian leanings leads her on a journey of self exploration that includes sexuality (an escapade with barnacles makes her wonder if she might somehow be a hermaphrodite), individuality, honesty, promise-keeping, and more.

Although I understand that some parents may be uncomfortable with some of the content in the book, I think that is its inherent strength. It deals with topics that are sensitive to both the child and the parent, and offers a place from which open discussion and learning – on both sides – can occur. The overall message is that you don’s solve problems by ignoring them, and the family relationships help to underscore that an open mind and understanding are essential on everyone’s part.

Born that Way by Susan Ketchen is available from Oolichan press, www.oolichan.com

ISBN 978-088982-254-2 • pb • 192 pp • $12.95 • Ages 12 to 15

Also available through amazon.com.

My Grey Mare: The Journal of April’s Health, Continued

PSSM Testing Follow-up on 6/4/09

Well, I finished the regime of 10 minutes of hand walking daily, plus working in 2-3 minute increments up to 6 minutes of lunging at a trot. The morning of June 4th, April’s exercise was to increase to 9 minutes of lunging. I hand walked her, and then lunged her for the full 9 minutes. She is pretty fit, so it seemed easy for her. She wasn’t the least bit out of breath, nor did she act at all lame or sore. That was at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday morning.

At 11:00 a.m. I drew a blood sample per the vet’s instruction. It took me three tries. April jumped every time I stuck her. The first two times I either dropped the syringe (because I jumped too!), and the second time I bent the needle. The third time was a charm, but April had pretty much had enough by then. She was fairly tense (so was I), but we managed to draw 6 cc of blood. That afternoon I ran it over to the veterinary clinic for testing. All this to save a call of $35 and hauling her in to the clinic.

When Dr. Sauter called me later on, the results were disappointing. April’s CPK levels were actually higher than the 2 weeks prior (now at 437), though AST was lower (826). Normal for each is 10-350 and 100-600, respectively. It’s so disheartening when I’ve worked so hard to get her ready for competition. The money for training and lessons is basically for naught this year.

My questions that need to be answered are these: What if her levels were normally high before the incident? Could the stress from being stabbed with a needle three times affect the results?

She will be in the care of my friends as I’m leaving for a 8-day trip to California. I’ll keep updating and let you know what I’ve discovered. If anyone has any feedback on this topic, please email me at karen@nwhorsesource.com or post a comment below.

Reader Photo of the Week, June 15, 2009

From Dorothy Bush, photo by Charlie

Riders above Haystack Reservoir Near Culver, Oregon, ten miles from horse camp.

L-R: Linda, Melody, Paul, Mark, Mike

Do you have an equine photo to share? Send it to editor@nwhorsesource.com! See details about reader stories and photos below.

Thoughts from Clinton Anderson’s Walkabout Tour in Puyallup, WA June 6 & 7

by Karen Pickering

After an invitation from Tony Lang of Cashel Company, I decided to make my way to the Puyallup Wahl Walkabout Tour last weekend. We arrived a couple of hours after the event had started, but the grounds were still quiet. I was greeted by Amy, a well-dressed and smiling individual, who guided me to a table already prepared for the magazines I’d brought. I really felt welcome and looked after. People in brown shirts sporting a dazzling green kangaroo logo were scurrying around making sure everything was in place for the next break.

As I walked into the entrance of the horse arena, I could see why it was so quiet. A spellbound crowd was listening intently to every word Clinton Anderson was saying about training and working with your horse. The stands were full of equine enthusiasts just waiting for some nugget of truth that could help them solve the issues with their beloved horses.

He was talking about suppling a horse and being able to move all the body parts. Most of the things he was saying were not original; however, the presentation made it easy to understand and clearly the crowd was hanging on every word. His demonstration with Mindy, his Quarter Horse mare was good - his lead changes, spins, rollbacks and maneuvers were smooth and well-executed. I think everyone in the crowd was wishing they could accomplish these maneuvers on their own horses. He just made it look easy.

One of the statements Clinton made about the importance of being safe on the trail was interesting. He said we think it’s more of an accomplishment to be able to ride our horses in an arena, but when trail riding it is of utmost importance to have control of our horses – out there, we don’t have the safety of four walls. The theme of safety really ran throughout his entire tour.

The staff was friendly, well organized, extremely helpful and willing to share what they liked about working with Clinton and the rest of the team. I spoke with Kandace Underwood, who obviously enjoyed her work and being a part of a team that helps people with their horses. The remaining staff was made up of all different kinds of riders: rodeo riders, ropers, reiners, cutters, gamers and more.

Kandace pointed out that it’s really the culture of the company that keeps her interest. She said in order to work for Clinton Anderson you must be hard working, ambitious, loyal and

personable. He spends a great deal of time building his team though activities such as “teaminars” and exploring the teachings of Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, including workshops with Lencioni himself. Truly this group is a family and looks out for each other and their leader.

The goal of Clinton Anderson and his team is to encourage the dreams of horsemen through innovation, inspiration and instruction.

During the breaks in the event, people would flock to the “No Worries” club booth and eagerly sign up for one of three plans (see www.noworriesclub.com for details). These plans allow you a wealth of information on a regular basis, which helps keep you motivated, connected and safe. Clinton answers club member questions on a weekly basis, and other membership benefits include: A subscription to the “No Worries Journal” (published quarterly), 8 informational DVDs, free access to Clinton’s TV shows (through the website), 25% off clinics and spectator tickets, up to 5 free tickets for any or all of the Wahl Walkabout Tours, access to user chat forums, and more discounts on DVDs and tack.

It takes a team of 20 people at each of these events to keep things running smoothly, 8 of which are volunteers. They have signups online for those interested in volunteering at one of the Wahl Walkabout events. As a reward for their hard work, volunteers are given over $200 worth of DVDs.

The products that Clinton has at these events are top notch, and the selection is great! From saddles, tack and equipment to grooming products, there was more than enough shopping for all.

Clinton personally greets everyone who is at the gate first thing in the morning and stays after the event until every person that has a question can personally spend a moment with him. It was truly impressive to see his commitment to his attendees.

I would highly recommend this event to our readers in the Northwest. Clinton Anderson has a great product, fantastic support, and a super group of people to help him bring these tours to you.

Reader Photo: The Danger of Leaving Halters On

A reader sent in this photo to help remind other horse owners to take their horses' halters off when they're left in the pasture...

Mark says: "We put Skipper and Cruzer in this paddock with a fence between them and the sheep. Minutes later, this is what we found. Skipper reached over the fence, picked him up and over a 4' fence...as you can see, Cruzer is thinking, 'what the heck is this?' It was good that we were there to get that ram off - he is about 140 pounds."

Have an equine photo to share? Send it to editor@nwhorsesource.com to be considered for our Reader Photo of the Week!

Reader Story: Hobby Horse Robbery

Editor's Note: While not exactly a reader story, we at NWHS realize that Hobby Horse is not the only venue to be hit by such events. We believe that sharing information can help the whole equine community prosper.

A message from Hobby Horse Inc.

Many of you may have seen this info via other lists, but please just forwarding the info along. Keep an eye out. 

The Hobby Horse Clothing Co. warehouse in Chino, CA was robbed late on  May 22/early May 23rd, 2009.

Thieves made off with approximately $250,000 worth of chaps and show tops. More than 300 pairs of our popular PMS split leather chaps were stolen; they had been delivered from our customs broker less than 12 hours earlier. No attempt was made to enter our offices; no computers or electronic equipment in the warehouse was taken. The thieves appeared to only be after our chaps and more expensive garments.

 

My employees and my company are jeopardized by this robbery; we lost inventory, including Limited Edition garments that cannot be replaced, that would provide the cash flow to continue our business operations. We will survive, but this is a serious setback.

 

I am asking for the help of horse community members in advising me if they come across ANY strange offers on Hobby Horse apparel. We have not yet completed an inventory of stolen items but will shortly. We will post a notice on our website at www.hobbyhorseinc regarding items that were stolen. A reward will be offered for information in this case.

 

PLEASE contact me if you suspect someone is sellling our stolen inventory. We will immediately contact our local police for their follow-up. Most thieves are never caught, but Hobby Horse chaps and show apparel is such distinctive apparel to try to fence, we may have a chance of possibly recovering some of our inventory.

 

I also ask for your patience and understanding as we work through this disruption; we appreciate your business more than ever in this tough time. We'll do our best to fulfill your orders; we know you count on us!

 

Thank you, and please share this message with others in the horse community.

 

Suzi Drnec

Hobby Horse Clothing Co. President

13775 Stockton Avenue

Chino, CA 91710

800.569.5885

suzi@hobbyhorseinc. com

My Grey Mare: Journal of April’s Health

PSSM (Tying-Up) Part 2: The 10-Day Checkup

From Tuesday, May 12th

At April’s initial emergency clinic visit on May 2, Dr. Sauter recommended we take a hair sample and send it to The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. We now have the results back from the test. April tested positive for Type 1 PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy). It was determined she had one parent with the mutant gene.

Her blood drawn on this 10th day indicated her CPK and AST levels were still above normal. Dr. Sauter had me continue on the program of hand-walking April for 10 minutes two times daily with turnout. He also suggested I start looking for a feed that was appropriate for a PSSM horse. I had been feeding LMF’s Super Supplement Grass Formula. After talking with the helpful people at LMF, we changed her to LMF’s Low Non-Structural Carbohydrate Stage 1 ration. I’m also supplementing with Equine Nutrition’s TriFecta to make sure she is getting enough Vitamin E each day. It’s critical to make sure she’s getting the calories and protein necessary to give her the nutrition she needs when we start her back in training.

Management of PSSM will mean changes to her daily life. Through a specific diet and training regime, we can manage this condition and she can lead a fairly normal life. 

Follow-up

We continued hand-walking for another week. We will take another blood sample in 10 days, which will give us an indication if she’s ready to return to work. As we concentrate on other sources of protein and energy, we’re avoiding starch (such as lush green grass). We’re assuming that a combination of a little lush pasture, returning to work after a couple of weeks off, vaccinations, teeth floating and a biopsy of a tumor all contributed to this episode. Dr. Sauter referred to this as a “perfect storm.”

Join me next week as we get the results of the second blood draw. We’re getting her started this week on LMF’s Stage 1, Equine Nutrition’s TriFecta, and continuing with grass hay but no pasture grass.

 

Reader Photo of the Week, June 1, 2009

Someone's hiding behind mama! Check out another great foal photo from Tracey Westbury:

Have an equine photo you'd like to share? Send it to editor@nwhorsesource.com. We'd love to see some shots of other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and ponies too!