Reader Story of the Week: A Northwest Morning Encounter

One, Two, Three, Four, FIVE?????????
by Karyn Cowdrey

It’s a true NW morning: dark, low heavy clouds, mist wet rain/fog mixed and only about 45 degrees. I stumble out of bed an hour later than normal because I was up until 3am working on a new computer project. I have not had my morning coffee yet because I forgot to set the timer before heading for slumber the night before. In a nutshell, I’m NOT yet awake but the horses don’t care they want their breakfast, so out to the barn I stagger.

I walk in the barn and there are all three mares crammed into one stall... “Girls are weird” I mutter to myself and head into my feed room to start getting feed pans ready. I walk out and there is Emmerson’s head whinnying for his breakfast over his stall door, there are the three mares all with their heads over the one door and in the final stall is yet one more head...

WHAT????

I start to come awake a bit more and quickly do a head count, “One, two, three, four, and five.... WHAT!” “One, two, three, four, FIVE!”

OK now through my sleep deprived fog it’s registering “there are not supposed to be FIVE horses in the barn!” As my brain tries to wrap itself around this extra horse, I finally wake up enough to realize, horse number 5 isn’t even a HORSE, it’s a DEER!

Yup there was a deer in the other open stall the three girls normally share. The deer looked as shocked to find itself in the stall as I was. It stood frozen in time for what seemed like an hour but was probably less than a minute and then it spun around and bolted out the open door, across the paddock and cleared the 5.5’ fence as only a deer can do.

From the look of the deer tracks and manure I had to clean out of the stall it had been hanging out for a while. I suspect to come and eat the alfalfa stems the girls had rejected. It’s the first time I’ve ever had a deer in my barn and it definitely woke me up for the rest of the day.

The horses continued to nicker and stomp their feet in anticipation of breakfast and as if to say “What’s YOUR problem, you never see a deer before?”

The Horses of Halloween Past

by Brandon Enyeart



I have been in the horse circle for many years, and when it comes to being around the stables and such, this is my favorite time of year (as for the weather and stress of upcoming holidays...that’s another story). There is nothing I love more than seeing friends at the stables get creative and dress both themselves and their horses up for Halloween. I have photographed many different creations over the years and I still get excited for what someone will think up next. Below are a few of my favorites from the years past.

The Trail of Painted Ponies Enlivens the Pages of The Northwest Horse Source

by Karen Pickering

I’m so excited about our November issue! The Trail of Painted Ponies has graced our magazine with a heartfelt story about “The Fine Art of Giving.” Rod Barker, CEO and Founder of The Trail of Painted Ponies, is committed to the belief that giving can be a truly special gift for both the recipient and the giver. As a collector myself, Painted Ponies are one of my all-time favorite items to receive and give. They’ve also added a new line of candles that are absolutely delightful.

Rod’s story is one of a company that gives back to the community through fundraisers, charitable donations and a new program in which you can have a say in where a portion of your money goes. Read about the history of The Trail of Painted Ponies here, and look for the November cover story to tell you more about The Trail's community giving.

There are several Northwest retailers that carry the Painted Pony figurines, so check out the November issue for further information. The new magazine will be in the stands next week—some stores may even have theirs early! And, as always, the full issue will be available online, or you can subscribe to have it delivered right to your door.

As Rod says, Happy Trails!

Reader Photo of the Week: Monday, October 26, 2009

This week's photo is "Colonel," submitted by Kellie.

Want your photo on The Cyber Saddle? Send images to editor@nwhorsesource.com

Reader Advice at the Mounting Block

In the last issue of the NWHS newsletter, our Horsekeeping Tip was to use a mounting block to save wear and tear on your tack, your body, and horse's back. A reader wrote in with an additional perspective and a word of warning we'd like to share with the rest of the NWHS community:

Be sure your horse is very used to a mounting block. I recently had a serious accident when my horse moved quickly away sideways from a mounting block, pulling me off the block with one foot in the stirrup. I ended up with a fractured pelvis (not really my horses fault, I am now doing more ground work with my horse making sure he doesn't move a hair until I ask him to!).

~Audrey

Do you have a story of a horsekeeping tip you'd like to share? Send it to editor@nwhorsesource.com.

If you aren't getting the NWHS newsletter, you can sign up here.

Fox Hunt!

Photo essay by Brandon Enyeart

Click on any photo for a larger view



I compiled these pictures from the Fox Hunt held this past Saturday near Sumas. It is the second year I have been to the event, but the first time taking photos. It is always a fun event to watch, even if my driver (my grandfather) and I get lost frequently; I will definitely take the blame for that.


As to be expected in October, it was a very soggy hunt this year, but that didn’t stop the hunters from having a great time. For those of you new to fox hunts around here, this is a "drag hunt." No real foxes are used—it is simply a scent put down along the course.

This is the lady who lays down the scent for the hounds to track; she also sounds the horn when necessary.

One of the riders getting warmed up.

A red coat signifies a hunt master.

A group of riders receiving instructions for the hunt.

All morning long the hounds were anxious to get out of their kennels. Once released they were very excited, to say the least.

A group of riders trudging through the rainy hills.

At this point in the hunt, the rain was coming down extremely hard.

Laying the scent down for the hounds.

The course is very scenic with beautiful green hills and forests.

This jump was before a rest stop for the hounds to get a drink of water.

A little calmer part of the day; the rain had started to dwindle. Only a few hours after the hunt, however, a strong thunder and lightning storm passed through the area.

Returning home after the hunt.

The rain returned for the finish. You can bet the heat was turned up to maximum in most of the cars on the way home!

A few of the hounds enjoying their reward at the end.

The group's next hunt is scheduled for October 31 in Ferndale, WA. Everyone is welcome to join the fun!

Northwest Teen Wins Big at the International Reining Festival in Denver

by Karen Pickering, Photo by John O’Hara

Ryann McKinzie, 17, of East Wenatchee, WA made the Northwest proud on the weekend of September 22, 2009. Winning nearly $25,000 in the go-around and finals at the International Reining Festival 2009, Ryann's horse, RU Missin Diamonds, carried her to a landslide victory. When I asked Ryann if she had expected to do this well, she said, “Yes. Diamond is amazing. He knows his job and gives his heart to you. He’s one of a kind."

Ryann is proud to be a part of this sport and rides daily to keep her skills fined tuned for the next big show. Reining is a family affair for parents George & Cindy McKinzie and their daughters, Carlie and Ryann, on their ranch in Eastern Washington. The girls both live and breath Quarter Horses; it was obvious that Carlie is a big part of Ryann’s life.

Carlie got started showing first and convinced her sister to join her, and Ryann has been showing horses since she was nine years old. Smarty was Ryann’s first Quarter Horse. She did small shows for three years, then started moving up to a higher level of competition. She is currently a member of the National Reining Horse Association and the Washington Reining Horse Association.

Ryann has received help from trainer Mike Stokes from Chelan, WA, and most recently from Cory Hutchings of Mt. Vernon, WA. Ryann rides daily and sees Cory every couple of weeks to help her through any issues she might have. Her passion for the sport of reining leads her to encourage everyone to try the sport.

“Reining changed my life,” says Ryann, who is convinced she will always have and show horses. She most enjoys the traveling associated with the competitions, and meeting different people.

Next year Ryann plans to show in the USEF Youth Equestrian Olympics in Lexington, KY. Currently a sophomore at Eastmont High school in East Wenatchee, Ryann also plans to attend college, where she hopes to continue to ride and show her horses. With her focus and determination, she should do very well!

Pictured: Ryann McKinzie riding “Whiztacular,” another one of her horses.

Reader Photo of the Week: Sierra!

This week's photo is Sierra, an Arabian/Quarter Horse mare, taken by David Lewis

Have an equine photo you want to share? Send it to editor@nwhorsesource.com!

Reader Story: Friday, October 16th

Submitted through our reader story submission form.

Name
Amanda

How long have you had horses?
Don't have any...yet

What is the funniest thing your horse has done?
It wasn't my horse, but the horses across the street where I grew up were off of a busy road. They were so used to traffic noise that nothing bothered them--not airplanes overhead or honking or backfires, or even the shooting range up the road. But one day while I waited for the school bus, these calm, bored-to-tears horses were startled by a noise that must have been absolutely terrifying, from the way they stampeded away from it.

It was my sister's singing! We've teased her about it ever since.

When you're worn out, what motivates you do get out and spend time with your horses?
The horses do it. Any chance I get, I'll spend with a horse, even if it's just looking out the window at them, across the road.

Describe your dream horse
A dark bay that turns nearly red in the sun, maybe an Arab mix with a pretty head, small ears, and shining eyes.

How have you shared your love of horses with others?
I take my kids and all of my friends kids to the fair. We go through all of the barns and learn about the different breeds of horses and talk to the owners.

Anything else you'd like to tell us about you and the horses you love?
I just think there's something magical about horses. It's something other people don't understand, but for the rest of us, horses mean everything, even when you're not around them they're a part of you. They're a dream.

The New and Improved Grants Pass Downs

by Brandon Enyeart, NWHS

You might remember the article on Grants Pass Downs in Oregon posted here earlier this summer. It was written shortly after their yearly meet, which had one of their best turnouts to date. Since then, even more has been happening at Grants Pass Downs to help establish its place as one of the more progressive racetracks on the West Coast.

The Downs' Director of Communications, Tag Wotherspoon, recently broke the news of an estimated $180,000-$200,000 remodeling project that took place over the last few months. As is typical of Wotherspoon, there was no shortage of enthusiasm on the new additions to the track, including a new drainage system and a brand new race-friendly track surface.

The new drainage system is a welcome addition to Grants Pass Downs, given that they had to cancel a portion of their meet earlier this year due to poor weather. The new system will not only prevent races from being cancelled, but will also provide a much safer environment for both horse and rider, which is just the kind of thing Grants Pass Downs is pushing for these days.

The project, headed by Copeland Sand and Gravel, corrected past mistakes in the facility's creation, improved the present track, and ensured that future generations will find maintaining Grants Pass Downs simple. Track experts from around the nation were consulted to establish a proper side slope and ensure the track was graded to perfection. Using laser technology, markers were placed along the fence to be used as reference in the future.

Don Jackson, for whom the track is named, says he is really pleased to be providing a more wallet-friendly facility for people who want to get involved with the sport. Expensive racetracks such as Del Mar, Santa Anita, and Emerald Downs are common on the West Coast, but Jackson hopes that aspiring owners, trainers and even young jockeys on a budget will find a home at Grants Pass Downs as they make their start.

The remodel project will mean a lot to local horsemen, who will now be able to train year-round. While it may not be as well known as Santa Anita or Emerald Downs, Grants Pass Downs' ongoing commitment to safety and sustainability makes it a leader in the future of the sport.

Nutrition Was a Hot Topic at the Elenbaas Open House

by Karen Pickering

photos by NWHS

October 6th brought many local horse people out to the Elenbaas Country Store in Lynden, Washington. The evening was packed with guest speakers talking about dewormers, vaccines, and the theme of the evening: equine nutrition.

Scott Hooper, a regional representative from Farnam Companies, Inc., discussed the importance of deworming practices, farm management, daily feed-through worming, purge worming and more. One of the interesting facts he shared was that since the release of Ivermectin in 1984, there has not been a new formulation of dewormers. Hard to believe!

Here in the Northwest, most of us let our horses graze. This leads to more issues with worming, as grazing is how many forms of worms are transferred into the horse's system. When horses are in stalls, they are far less likely to become infested. In addition, our damp weather creates the perfect breeding ground for many varieties of worms. Hooper stressed the importance of good farm management practices in the control of worm infestation.

Gib Moore from Intervet spoke on the latest in vaccinations. He discussed the rabies vaccine and the importance of a variety of vaccines horse owners should consider when immunizations are due. He was a very enthusiastic speaker and was excellent at explaining the science behind the vaccines. Attendees received a handout that explained in detail the key vaccines, how and where to inject, and time of year to administer the appropriate product.

The evening finished up with an impressive presentation by Ty Cochran, Equine Nutritionist/Specialist for Elenbaas Company. He was funny and really broke the science down into an easy-to-understand language. I’ve sat in on a few nutrition seminars before, and this one was one of the best I’ve heard. He reminded us all that one of the most important aspects of nutrition is water. One of his key points was keeping the water temperature around 45 degrees (any colder and horses drink less water). Using a stock tank de-icer in winter can help keep your horses healthy. Look for upcoming articles on watering your horse and other important nutrition topics in the NWHS Equine Wellness column beginning January 2010.

Northwest weather can be very hard on horses. During cold weather, we should feed more grass hay, not grain, because the hay creates warmth. Many people don’t like it because of the “hay belly” appearance horses get, but it’s a significant factor in winter horsekeeping. Cochran also noted that horses rely on movement to enhance digestion, so it’s important they get some form of exercise all year 'round. There are more cases of colic in horses that are stabled 24/7 than in those that receive regular exercise; this could very well be the reason.

Cochran stressed the importance of weighing your feed. It’s critical in keeping your horse on a consistent diet, and judging a flake by sight just isn't accurate. Feeding cubed doesn’t necessarily qualify as the roughage your horse needs; hay must be at least 2" long to qualify as fiber.

Overall, the evening was very informative, and those who turned out enjoyed pizza and beverages along with the education.

If you live in or near Whatcom County, make sure to attend this event next year. It’s well worth the drive out to Lynden, and the team at this store knows their products and are committed to educating the horse people in their community. Many thanks to Elenbaas Country Store in Lynden for putting on such a necessary seminar!

Photo of the Week: Monday, October 12 2009

Trying out for the WWU Equestrian Team...

photo by Karen Pickering

Reader Story of the Week: Bed Spreading

by Emily Gibson
BriarCroft Haflingers
http://www.briarcroft.com/weblog.htm

When I glanced out the window and saw the large shavings truck pull up to our barn to dump its load in the shavings shed, you’d have thought it was the Second Coming. I could almost hear the trumpet sound and the heavens sing. It was that welcome and long anticipated.

We’re in the middle of a wood shavings shortage in the northwest and have been for over a year. Even pellet stoves are going wanting. Here we are in the land of the evergreens, of thousands of acres of woodlands, and in the old days, a saw mill on every corner. Many factors have threatened the lumber industry in our part of the country: less expensive lumber coming down from Canada, the spotted owl and the Endangered Species Act, and most recently, a new housing slump because of the economic down turn. The mills shut down for extended times so the shavings stockpiles have evaporated quickly. In addition, the mills have decided that their own shavings can convert to pretty decent fuel for steam powered machinery, so they are keeping it and burning it themselves, when previously, it went to whoever would haul it away–free.

No more.

I always try to plan ahead for when I’ll need my next truckload of shavings for bedding the horse stalls. A two week lead time used to work pretty well, and by the time I’m scooping my last wheelbarrow load to haul to the barn, the truck will drive in ready to dump the next mountain for me, usually lasting about 2-3 months, depending on the time of year and how many horses we have.

I called in early December, knowing I’d need more shavings soon, but hadn’t run out yet. The local friendly shavings guy said he was out of the business. It’s not looking good, I was told. Orders were backing up and the stockpiles were gone. They were totally dependent on the mills starting back up after Christmas and I was totally dependent on them.

Meantime I was starting to be very careful in my stall cleaning strategy. No more wasteful scooping of shavings and poop–I needed to filter out the good shavings as best I could. It easily doubled the cleaning time, this “panning for poop” approach. But I stretched the shavings I had another week or so.

Then I had to go buy baled shavings at the feed store to tide me over. This is an outrageously expensive way to go–easily 6x the cost of bulk shavings hauled in by truck. Pretty soon, even the baled shavings were sold out and none anticipated any time soon. Then we resorted to straw bedding–a truly desperate measure. Cleaning straw beds in horse stalls is one of the most difficult jobs as the horse manure just sinks to the bottom of the straw bed and has to be searched out like so many brown Easter eggs. Straw makes Haflingers happy though–it is like a constant brunch underfoot.

So I was near despair and so were all my local horsey friends. Then my ship came in from British Columbia today. Yes, it is costing 150% more than it did when I last had a truckload hauled in a year ago. But it is sweet fluffy shavings and it made my day.

When I came home tonight, it was pure joy to put on my muck boots and head to the barn. I started in on the cleaning process and realized that two months of scrimping had left these dirt floor stalls in a sad and mired state. They are not damp, but they are in dire need of a deep clean that I cannot even begin to do–it will take weeks to dig out all the old stuff so the new bed can be spread. All I could really do was put on a coating of fresh clean shavings tonight on top of the layers, knowing full well they will be mixed up thoroughly and spoiled by the morning. However, over time, I will manage to get back to the clean beds I once had.

We can tend to accumulate a lot of muck in our lives, never really doing a deep clean when it is needed. We get pretty used to sleeping in it, eating in it and not even noticing it after awhile. But the day when fresh new clean stuff arrives in our lives, how do we react? Just put it on top of the muck and hope no one will notice what is still underneath? Abandon the old stalls and build new ones, ready for a fresh start? Or dig down and really get rid of the old dirt, working as long as it takes to remove it? What an amazing thing to have a chance to clean it all up!

All I know is that I celebrate that there is still renewal that can come into my life when I least expect it or deserve it. I can start again and hope for the best. There is nothing like a sweet fresh bed to rest in.

The Hottest New Equine Sport You Haven’t Heard Of

by Brandon Enyeart

We can rightfully thank Australia for a number of things: AC/DC, Naomi Watts, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, Waltzing Matilda--okay, well, some things more than others. However, you may not have heard of a relatively new sporting event from the land down under that is finally starting to catch on stateside.

Blokes and Sheilas, I present to you...polocrosse! This “new” event to the horse world actually had its first recorded game played all the way back in 1939 at Ingleburn Sports Ground near Sydney, Australia. Shortly after the second world war, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hirst of Sydney both paid a visit to the National School of Equitation at Kingston Vale near London, England. A few of the instructors there had been using early forms of polocrosse as an exercise to help teach young riders to take better charge of their horses. It was played indoors with two riders to a side, with elongated basketball nets hung at each end of the arena as goals. They removed the mallet heads from old polo sticks and replaced them with shallow string nets, much like what you see in lacrosse competition. Intrigued by the possibilities of turning polocrosse into an outdoor sporting event, Mr. and Mrs. Hirst returned to Australia with sticks, balls and rulebooks, all ready to bring polocrosse to life.

After hours of practice and rule revision, the couple finally came up with the modern day version of polocrosse, a game that could be played by a person of any age on any horse. Shortly after the inaugural game at Ingleburn, the first polocrosse club was formed; here, the book of rules was officially established.

Today the sport is played in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe and, although still rare, it is finally starting to catch on in the USA. Given that it is both a simple and relatively cheap sport to play, many pony clubs are starting to introduce it to young riders across the nation. Polocrosse finally made its mark on the Northwest in 2005 when Ethel, Washington hosted the National Polocrosse Championships at Happ’s Inc.

This exciting, fun and even educational sport is waiting to be discovered by a new region of horse people, so what’s stopping you? Whether you would like to participate or simply become a fan, visit www.americanpolocrosse.org, where you can find out all you need to know about getting started. As they say in Australia, “I reckon you will find this sport bonzer--bonzer indeed!”

Local Horses Win at the Rocky Mountain International Championships Sept 8th - 12th

At the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky
Article and photos by Stride Right Farms

This annual championship has Rocky Mountain horses coming from throughout the USA & Canada to compete for the titles. The world renowned Kentucky Horse Park is where the World Equestrian Games are being held Sept. 25 - Oct 10, 2010.

We are proud to announce that two of our horses that are Northwest champions have won additional championship titles at this competition. Our four-year-old mare, Tequila Afternoon (Tiki), won the Amateur Owned and Trained (AOT) Show Pleasure Grand Championship and our five-year-old stallion, Z Roc, added two more championship titles to his growing list. Z-Roc won the 5 Year Old Stallion Trail Pleasure Championship then went on to take the Reserve Championship in the Open Stallion Trail Pleasure Championship.

It is the goal at Stride Right Farms to breed the highest quality Rocky Mountain Horse possible. Winning these and other championship titles over the years, to us, is an indicator that this goal is being accomplished. Nearly all of our breeding stock have proven themselves in the show ring.

Primarily, West Coast-based customers are looking for a good, solid trail horse. Potential customers state repeatedly, "we are not looking for a show horse." What most people don't understand is that a show horse in this breed has to perform in the same manner as a trail horse. It must exhibit a calm disposition even in a stressful situation, it must exhibit an even and consistent gait from a trail walk to an intermediate speed, and then to a faster pleasure gait. The horse must then immediately return back to a relaxed walk. The horse must give to the bit, back up calmly, and must stand quietly in a side-by-side lineup. These are all the same attributes that people expect from their trail horses. The show champions produced from Stride Right Farms have received the majority of their training on mountain trails. These are the same mountain trails that are used for training the trail horses.

Reader Photo of the Week: Monday, October 5, 2009

One last photo from the Fox Bay Derby, by Brandon Enyeart:

Reader Story Fridays: Karyn's Story

Submitted through our Reader Story Submission form. Have a story to share but don't know where to get started? Use the form!

Name
Karyn

How long have you had horses?
Off and on for 30 yrs

What is the funniest thing your horse has done?
Funniest thing: One gelding let himself out of his stall and then all the other horses in the barn and put himself BACK in his stall 3 nights in a row before we caught him in the act.

When you're worn out, what motivates you do get out and spend time with your horses?
They're too costly to own to not spend time riding, grooming and caring for them. Some days after an 8-10 hour work day it can seem overwhelming to go ride two horses, but once I get started, I find they energize me and help me sleep better that night.

Describe your dream horse
Chestnut Arabian with small blaze and star, very classically dished head, long hookey neck, compact body and four small white socks who snorts fire and trots with his knees up to his ears yet can be as gentle as a butterfly when appropriate.

Have you ever had to say goodbye to a beloved horse? Tell us about it.
Yes... My first horse died at 32 yrs of age suddenly from an aneurism on his way into the barn to eat his supper. It was sudden and sad but he lived an incredible life and never knew a bad day in all 32 yrs so I was able to feel happy he never knew a day of lameness, illness, hunger, or mistreatment.

Last year I had to put a horse down due to serious sand colic. He was only 7 yrs old, too young to be gone already. That was a hard thing to do and the worst part of owning a horse but also the one final thing we can do for our horses, let them be free of incredible pain and misery.

Sometimes horse owners have to improvise. Whether it's homemade halters to catch a runaway or making trail obstacles out of whatever's handy, what have you done that's creative with your horse?
LOL what HAVEN'T I done would be more accurate... bailing twine gets used for emergency halters, lead ropes, door locks, trailer ties, bucket ties, tail extensions to swat flies when tails are braided up. Also has substituted for broken reins, saddle strings, and once, was even used to fix a broken latigo. Also tie trailer doors open, tie up barn dogs in a pinch, use as an emergency dog lead, and if you braid enough together, you can make a very strong set of light weight, durable long lines.

Duct tape gets used to repair holes in buckets temporarily, tape polo wraps shut so they don't come undone at an inopportune moment, hold quick release rein ends in place, make a makeshift poultice hoof boot, temporarily fix a hole in the sole of a pair of riding boots and once, patch a hole on a seat of English breeches.

Has a horse ever scared you? What did you do?
NO I've never been scared by a horse.

How have you shared your love of horses with others?
By allowing them to spend time with my own horses.

Anything else you'd like to tell us about you and the horses you love?
Horses have always been a part of me and who I am even if I haven't always been able to have one, I've always been able to be involved with them and they have led me to many different adventures and new friends as well as reunited me with old.

At the end of my day, just before bedtime, going to the barn for one last bed check is my favorite time of day. The horses are waiting happily for one last flake of hay in the winter, or contentedly munching in the fields in the summer and always come running to have their good night treat. Through wind, rain, snow, sleet, heat, cold, and all things in between, that last bed time check has always given me a sense of contentment to see them safe and happy and many nights I've been lucky enough to see a shooting star, an owl silently gliding through the air, the moon in all of its stages, sometimes lighting my way, sometimes glittering off snow or reflecting off my pond. Things I wouldn't notice otherwise if I did not have the horses to take me outside every night late when the world is quiet.

Best sight of all? New born filly taking her first adventurous steps into the world and reaching out to sniff her new canine pal. So trusting, so innocent, so beautiful... so peaceful.

Fox Bay Farm Annual Derby

Photo essay by Brandon Enyeart

This is a collection of photos from Fox Bay Farm’s annual derby. I have shot 7 Derbies now, and every year it is great to see the mixture of breeds that are brought to the event and the different generations of riders who show up as well. Thankfully, the weather cooperated for yet another year and I was able to get some nice pictures of the riders and their horses.

Click on any photo for a larger view.