Reader Photo of the Week: Monday, November 30, 2009

In case you missed the story on Friday, or if you just wanted a little more Morgan fun, here's another photo of Tiggerlillie, submitted by Bobbie Ann Beller.

Reader Story of the Week: Tiggerlillie's Triumph

Editor's Note: due to a server glitch, this story did not appear as scheduled last week. We hope you enjoy it this week as a little bit of Thanksgiving cheer!

2009 National Mountian Trail Championships
by Bobbie Ann Beller

The little black Morgan standing in line between the Mammoth Mule and the 15+ hand Paints looked like an unlikely candidate for a win at the National Mountian Trail Championships at the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene, Oregon the weekend of November 7th. There were 780 entrants and 150 equines vying for national titles. The course was an engineering feat that facility owner Major Defoe and his staff had worked on for 2 weeks. There were logs to cross that were well above Jinglebob Tiggerlillies knees, 4 ½ foot ditches, ponds, creeks, a bridge 20 feet in the air and a waterfall all in the Silverado Arena.

Rose White owner, trainer and rider of her “mighty little Morgan Lillie” believed in her bravery, sure footedness and above all huge heart. With the help of friends and family who sponsored the journey they competed the three days in two divisions: Mountain Trail Explorer and Novice Horse against Quarter Horses, Mules and Paints, she was the only Morgan there.

At 14.1 hands (with shoes…) Lillie epitomizes the image of the Morgan Horse. When she was born she was bold but as she grew to only 14.1 hands Rose was worried that her size was not adequate for her 5’7 inch 140 pound frame. So Lillie kept company with her mother Blacksaddle Gypsey until she was 7 years old. Rose knew she had to start the mare and began her training trail riding and eventually rode her over 250 Limited Distance miles in AERC sanctioned endurance rides where she was in the top ten more often then not. In the summer of 2008 Rose and Lillie started participating in Medieval Equestrian Gaming with the SCA. Jousting the quintain, swinging swords at fake heads and doing palfrey competitions where Rose would ride bridless in all gates carrying a flag. They were Tournament champions both events they entered in 2009.

Rose had wanted to participate in the Mountain Trail Series at the Oregon Horse Center for the 8 years since its inception but as a National Championship wasn’t sure that a small Morgan could be competitive with the “big gun” Quarter Horses and Mules who were each years champions. With the encouragement of her partner Bobbie Ann and her friends and family who believed in the team she entered and went up hoping to just have a great experience, keep Lillie safe and do the best they could do.

When the announcer called The 2009 National Mountain Trail Championships Mountain Explorer Division Champion winner is Jinglebobs Tiggerlillie and Rose White the crowd erupted for the “mighty little Morgan” and a teary eyed Rose buried her face in Lillies velvet soft neck. Lillie leapt onto the winners podium, a 3’ tall three tear pedestal, to receive her Champion ribbon and photograph. In the Novice Horse Division they placed 4th out of 30 entrants. The icing on the cake for this dynamic team was receiving the Judges Award for the Top 5 Competitors who exemplified the finest in horsemanship throughout the entire event. A cherry on the cake of success!!

A holiday wish for our readers

Gratitude

by Karen Pickering

Wow, time slips away. I can’t believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow! This year has been especially hard. The declining economy, illness, surgery, a sick horse...it just seems to pile up some days. Now that the rain has started, along with short days, and it’s easy to slip into depression and look at everything that’s gone wrong. Sound familiar?

Enough!

It’s time to look at what I’m thankful for. I still have my business, I still have loyal clients and readers, I have two horses with great attitudes, a husband who supports me and an incredible editor who helps me keep things together and moving forward. My designer is talented and I have a support network of friends and family around me that is second to none.

When things get really tough I try to fill my time with inspirational books, audio recordings on positive or inspirational themes and being around people who are also looking at life in a positive manner. Tough times challenge us as human beings and keep us striving to get through, get better and look at how far we’ve come, not how far we have to go. Through perseverance and being grateful for what we have, we see the world in a different light. Perception is something we can change. Being grateful is the best place to be and is the path to take away from discouragement and despair.

Our equine friends are great partners in life. There’s nothing like the sweet smell of hay and a friendly nicker as they welcome us first thing in the morning.

As you’re sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, please remember those less fortunate, as well as our soldiers who must spend their holidays away from home.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Reader Photo of the Week: Monday, November 23, 2009

A little bit of cute to start off the week...

"Franky" by Kelli Pierson

November News Clippings

A few news clippings from around the Northwest as we head into the end of November...
~Brandon Enyeart

Washington
Lead researcher Don Knowles and his colleagues at the Animal Disease Research Unit at Washington State University have found that a relatively high dose of the cattle drug imidocarb dipropionate--used in the past for treating Texas Fever or Cattle Fever--eliminates piroplasmosis, a protozoal infection carried by ticks, in horses. The treatment was well tolerated by most of the test subjects;, only a few experienced an upset stomach.

Piroplasmosis is found commonly in Puerto Rico, but although it is considered a foreign disease, this is still a huge discovery. Recently, there was a 100+ horse outbreak in Texas.

Researchers say it is extremely important to make sure the parasite behind the disease is eliminated with treatment since a healthy horse can still transmit the disease while experiencing no symptoms. Early results seem promising.

Learn more about piroplasmosis here.

Idaho
After Idaho was named one of the nation’s worst states in regard to animal cruelty laws in 2008 by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (California), state senator Tim Corder (R) put a two-piece legislation into development with hopes of creating a more specific definition as to what constitutes cruelty. Corder says he wants to allow the rules to differentiate between companion animals and livestock. Corder’s concern is that if cruelty laws are not addressed in Idaho, the state will become a target for animal activist groups. He expressed that he does want to strengthen the laws against all animal cruelty, but also reports that his actions are mainly to avoid being pressured by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). In his words, “We have a lot of folks who would like groups such as HSUS to come into Idaho and raise a fuss, and for us to do certain things with our cruelty statutes…we don’t want that. We want Idaho to decide what cruelty is or not.” Idaho is one of only four states in the nation lacking a felony penalty for a broad animal cruelty law.

California
In mid-October, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger officially signed a bill making it illegal to dock horses' tails in California. Docking is still allowed if done for emergency purposes but the emergency treatment must be consistent with the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act. The law, which includes a ban on imported animals that have docked tails, will go into effect this January.

In other California news, Woodside, California is thrilled to be hosting the 2010 Western Championships—that's western as in the region, not the discipline--at the Horse Park at Woodside August 8-10. Events will include dressage, show jumping, polocrosse, and eventing.

Did you know...

...that adult horses only require about 30 minutes of REM sleep per day? And that your horse's ability to lie down for REM sleep can greatly affect his overall health? Learn more about equine sleep and sleep deprivation--and the role it plays in your horse's health--in the December and January issues of The Northwest Horse Source. Dave Sauter, DVM, of Kulshan Veterinary Hospital takes a detailed look at the mechanics and function of sleep in horses in this new two-part series coming to the "Doctor's Corner" column in NWHS.

Look for the December issue in your local feed store or online starting December 1st.

Reader Photo of the Week, Monday, November 16, 2009

We're starting off the week with one more photo of Patrick and Kiowa, just because we couldn't resist. Don't they look like they're having fun?

If you missed their story, see last Friday's Reader Story of the Week.

Reader Story of the Week: Patrick and Kiowa

Who says an old girl can’t learn new tricks?
by Kathy Bateman, Stanwood Theraputic Riding

Kiowa is a twenty three year old Appaloosa / Quarter Horse cross, and one third of the equine team at Stanwood Therapeutic Riding, operating out of the Stanwood Equestrian Center. She is a very well put together horse who was the family pet for twenty two years, and had one other stint as a therapy horse in Colorado from 1996-1997.

Her calm demeanor, sprightly attitude, and willing-to-please work ethic make her a great component of our program. She is a very versatile horse, as she can take riders who may be in a wheelchair, and help them relax their legs, while strengthening their trunk; or she can work with a child with autism, and help them focus. Her walk can go from short and perky to elongated and smooth as needed. She patiently waits for saddle or rider adjustments, and gladly steps to her work when asked. Her voice is low and long, and her owner describes it as a rhinoceros voice.

We are very fortunate to have her, and look forward to many years of collaboration with her. She is a positive attribute to both the Appaloosa and Quarterhorse breeds, and a stunning example of what combining the power of the horse and the human can do to optimize the abilities of both.

Below is a story written by one of her current riders, Patrick.

Hi. My name is Patrick Johnson. I am 39 years old and work in Everett as a mail clerk for the State of Washington. I live in Stanwood with my parents. I have lots of hobbies including bowling, swimming, watching sports on TV and going to Husky games at the UW. My favorite thing to do though is riding horses. I am a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and do not use my right side much. I have been riding through a therapeutic riding program for about 15 years now.

I have ridden on a lot of horses over the past few years and each one has given me a new experience. All of them have helped relax my tight muscles and made me also use muscles I would not normally use. It has helped my posture also. My self esteem has also raised. I get a totally different view from up on the horse. I normally am at waist level as I am in a wheelchair. I feel like I can take control of my life along with the horse.

Kiowa is the horse that I am riding now and she helps me so much by listening and feeling my every move when I am on top of her. She and I make a great team! I cannot imagine not being able to ride horses. I am thankful for Stanwood Therapeutic Riding for opening their doors when I was worried about ever riding again. They have made it possible for me to continue to get the therapy I need (both physical and emotional) Kiowa is the best horse ever for me and I love her so much. -Patrick

~Patrick and Kiowa

Northwest Winter Horse Care

by Brandon Enyeart

Living in the Northwest, you never know what kind of winter weather you are going to wake up to. Some days you might have a tropical storm, others you might have an arctic storm, and the rest fall somewhere in between. When it comes to caring for your horse, there is never a such thing as too much information, so listed below are some simple things to remember going into the winter and links you can follow to learn more.

Thrush
One of the more common diseases that affects horses in winter is thrush. It is caused when anaerobic bacteria attacks the frog on the foot and the sides of the frog. For more information visit www.horsehealthcare.info/horse-thrush.html

Rain Rot
Horses whose thick coats get soaked repeatedly or that are left in wet blankets are most likely to develop problems with rain rot or rain scald. Do a thorough, deep grooming at least once a week and keep at least one spare dry blanket available. If your horse does develop rain rot, the good news is that it will probably disturb you more than your horse. It isn’t quite as bad as it looks. For more information on how to cure rain rot visit www.understanding-horse-nutrition.com/rain-rot.html

Cold Weather Tips
Keeping a blow-dryer and several heavy towels around may come in handy for times when your horse doesn’t come in out of the rain until it is too late.

If you have multiple horses in a paddock or field, make sure to keep a close eye on herd dynamics. Sometimes horses lower on the pecking order get shoved out of the shelter you've provided.

If your horse is stabled, his coat probably isn't as full as an outdoor horse's. Always be sure to have the proper blanket ready for turnout.

When temperatures dip very low, allow enough air circulation between the barn and outside to avoid temperature extremes so it is easier for your horse to adapt.

Snow is never a substitute for water and horses will not drink water that is extremely cold. Heated troughs or buckets are ideal. If this isn’t possible, buckets can be wrapped with insulating materials and enclosed in a wooden box to keep horses from chewing on the insulation.

Hopefully this will help you be a little more prepared for some of the issues you may deal with for the next few months. Keeping a close eye on everything and thinking ahead can make the long, cold, times ahead much easier.

Inquisitive Minds Succeed

by Karen Pickering

I’ve had the privilege this past week of answering marketing questions for students attending the online courses at the University of Guelph, located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The questions were so relevant and clearly showed how much thought the students put into them. I think that when you’ve been in any business for a while it becomes a chore, something you put off rather than become enthused about. These students proved to me that the enthusiasm comes not from the activity itself, but from the process of learning.

Learning is at the core of what makes us thrive as human beings. Take it upon yourself to learn, whether it's about your horse, your work, or some other aspect of life. When we learn something new, we open ourselves up not only to that specific knowledge we're looking for, but to a community of others who are interested in the same thing. It's not just educational—it's energizing!

Check out the online courses at The University of Guelph. If you're in the horse business, you may find just what you’re looking for.

When it comes to marketing an equine business, I’m here to help—but take your success into your own hands. There are many ways to learn how to get where you want to be. Be inquisitive!

On another note, today is Veteran's Day. Please take a moment to be thankful for the sacrifices of our brave soldiers. Because of them we have freedom. Thank you to our troops past and present!

Reader Photo of the Week: Monday, November 9, 2009

A little wintery wonderland for this chilly November morning...

Paddy, a 4-year-old PMU foal

photo by Sandra Baker

Look for Paddy at the Clark County Fair in Ridgefield, Washington next year!

Reader Story of the Week: A Haflinger Poem

Visitors on a Summer Evening
by Emily Gibson
BriarCroft Haflingers
http://www.briarcroft.com/weblog.htm

Fingers of twilight shadow
Begin to reach over the hill
Crawling down through the field
Up unto the bank of blackberries
Covering fences along the alder grove.
The Haflingers chew their last
Leaves of clover before
Coming to the barn for night, eyelids heavy,
Relaxed and full, drowsy with spring evening
Peace at hand and hoof.

A sudden change in the air forces
Their heads up and ears forward;
They form a line, staring at the hilltop
Above them, riveted to the spot, alert
To the coming intruder, unfamiliar and foreign.

The roar is intermittent, like a warm wind
Rattling a barn roof, but inconstant;
Then peaking over the crest of the hill
A rounded top of technicolor glory:
The hot air balloon rises.

The horses silenced, baffled, fascinated;
No alpine instinct prepares their response
To this wizard’s act from Oz in their own backyard.
The basket riders wave and laugh at the equine audience below
In formation with golden noses in the air and white manes blowing in the breeze.

The balloon summits the hill, dipping low, almost touchable
Before moving back up to race the sunset,
And search out other pastures, other valleys and hills.
The horses released from the spell
Leap in response, snowy tails high, noses flared-

To race up the hill to catch impending darkness,
Dream mares cavort, float suspended
Until their air is let out, gently, in softening snorts,
To settle down in a shavings bed in the barn
Where night, blissful, becomes ordinary again.

The Santa Rosa Trickster

by Brandon Enyeart

Sometimes one story seems the same as any other: little girl begs for a horse every year for Christmas; one year she gets a Breyer horse, the next she gets a book about all the breeds in the world; the next perhaps a life-sized poster to hang up in her room. Then, finally, there is that one Christmas where everything comes together and the girl’s biggest wish comes true.

You've heard this story before, right? Maybe...but sometimes happy endings are just the beginning of the complex bond between a girl and her horse.

On a crisp winter morning in Santa Rosa, California, 13-year-old Suzy and her family set out to find her the horse of her dreams. No matter what she had been told, she wanted a baby. Everyone told her it would be harder to train and a lot more work, but Suzy didn’t care; she wanted a baby and was determined to make it work.

As she made her way out into the muddy pasture, her parents stayed behind and talked with the owner of the horses that were for sale. Suzy’s eyes immediately locked onto a fuzzy, jet black colt whose name at the time was Rupert.

When she approached the colt, the first thing he did was kick her in the shin. Hoping her parents hadn't seen it happen, she shrugged it off and immediately started to fall in love. After spending some time in the pasture, she made her way back to her parents. When asked if she was sure that she wanted the 5-month-old colt, her response was “Yes, he’s perfect!”

Rupert became Atticus, but the name change didn't alter the antics of the shin-kicking troublemaker, often referred to as “Dennis the Menace” by those who knew him. Even at a young age, Atticus was brave and brazen and would frequently snap crops in two, not caring if they were fancy $80 dressage whips. He and Suzy spent their time together playing games like hide-and-seek around the trees in his pasture, leading to a few small problems once he reached 1200 lbs. as an adult. A game of tag gets dangerous when your opponent is eight times your size!

Finally, Atticus' somewhat mischievous attitude lead to an ultimatum: one of the trainers at the stable Atticus called home told Suzy that he would either have to shape up or ship out.

Suzy's family found a professional trainer and sent Atticus to him to learn some manners. Suzy was too sad to watch her horse leave, so she said goodbye early that morning and wished for the best. Atticus started his new adventure off well by being nice and courteous as he entered the trailer...but by the time he had arrived at his temporary home, the inside of the trailer was nearly destroyed.

The next morning Suzy received a call from the trainer. Atticus had bucked the trainer off—which he had always done with everyone but Suzy—broken the trainer’s leg, squeezed underneath a 3-ft. fence, taught the other horses at the stable to open their stalls, and had gotten into the hay storage. Needless to say, his first few hours of boot camp hadn't quite gone as planned.

Things did get better, though, and Atticus did return to Suzy a little less naughty than he had been before.

Five years after that winter morning, Atticus has grown out of some of his youthful tricks, but old habits die hard. He now has a partner in crime: a big palomino draft named Nari who recently helped him push down a fence to visit neighboring longhorn cattle.

Despite—or maybe even partly because of—all this, Suzy loves Atticus as if he were the most well-behaved grand champion show horse. Maybe it is his good looks, or maybe it is just the unexplainable connection that grows when a young girl gets the horse of her dreams.

A Fun, Festive Halloween on Horseback

Halloween was a blast this year at Cowgirl Cattle Company in Lynden, Washington. Allison Trimble and Rachel Westby hosted a fun-filled day for over 25 attendees. The girls from the Western Washington University Equestrian Team were there, as well as many of Allison’s clients. The event was even videotaped, so I’m sure Allison’s new website, http://www.coastalequine.com/, will have footage of a variety of activities.

The day started off with the riders wearing various costumes. From vampires to hippies, both horses and riders were all decked out. Working cattle with costumes made it even more challenging. Other events included obstacle courses, a costume contest and a piñata. The horses were pretty good sports about the whole thing.

With prizes, hot chocolate and other various beverages, cookies, cupcakes and candy, it was a regular party! I think everyone had a good time. I certainly enjoyed interacting with everyone!

If you attended a fun event over Halloween, let us know about it. Just send your story (about 200 words) and photos to editor@nwhorsesource.com. Make sure to put "Halloween blog entry" in your subject line.

Reader Photo of the Week: Monday, November 2

Hunter Love with VP Commotion

Photo by John Love, submitted by Lorean Love