Five Dollars A Mile

by Brandon Enyeart

Back in December I wrote an article about a lady from Eagle Point, Oregon named Carole Mercer (Oregon Morgans: Turning Nightmares into Dreams). At that time, Carole had told me about a grassroots program she was going to start for her journey to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. First, let me give you a little information on the games.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the games, try to imagine the modern Olympics with only equine events. The games have been held every four years since 1990. The event debuted in Stockholm, Sweden and since then has been held in Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy*. The 2010 games in Lexington, Kentucky mark the first time the World Equestrian Games are leaving Europe to finally give the United States a taste of this amazing event.

World Equestrian Games events include dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para dressage (for disabled riders), reining and vaulting.

From Eagle Point to Lexington
When I first talked to Carole, it was before Christmas. Typical of her selfless personality, she decided that the holidays were a bad time to ask for monetary help from the people following her journey to participate in the Equestrian Village entertainment at the games with her Morgan duo. She told me to wait until after the new year, so I respected her wishes and waited.

The new year has begun now, and the journey from Eagle Point, Oregon to Lexington, Kentucky is approximately 5,400 miles round trip. That definitely means Carole needs outside to allow her to follow through on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Carole’s idea is simple: $5 a mile. She feels that amount will be adequate for her to make her journey to Kentucky and back to the Pacific Northwest. For every person who donates $5—getting her and her Dancing Morgans a mile closer to their dream—Carole will send a small token of her appreciation, so for years to come everyone who was a part of her adventure will remember it.

I know that simply talking to Carole for 20 minutes on the phone was reason enough for me to skip my soda and chocolate bar for a day and send her the $5 instead. I hope both articles I have written about her now have done justice to what an amazing person she is and what an amazing story she has lived.

If you'd like to help, Carole has set up a PayPal account on her website, www.carts-carriages.com, for donations. It is so easy I just donated my $5 while writing this article. You can also send checks to:

Carole Mercer
2890 Alta Vista
Eagle Point, OR
97524

On behalf of Carole, thank you so much in advance for being part of something truly inspiring in the world of equine sports.

*The games held in Rome, Italy (1998) were originally supposed to be held in Dublin, Ireland, but at the last moment Dublin cancelled the event and Rome stepped in. Because of the late cancellation, the endurance part of the 1998 games were held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

www.alltechfeigames.com

The Time For Giving

by Brandon Enyeart

Time does fly by fast, doesn’t it? It seems like just yesterday I was writing about summer shows like The Event in Montana or taking pictures at the Northwest Washington Fair. Now here we are, smack dab in the holidays already. If you are like me, you might already have all your shopping done--or perhaps you are one of the brave ones and are waiting until the 24th to finish up. Either way, there is still time to give to those in need in the horse world. Here is a list of a few charities in the area who could use your help this holiday season, along with their wish lists. Whether it is a little or a lot, everything counts. Happy Holidays!


People Helping Horses, Arlington, WA
People helping horses makes giving easy for you. Just go to their website (www.peoplehelpinghorses.com) and follow their iGive.com and “Make a donation” buttons.

Forward Stride, Beaverton, OR
Forward Stride could use a few of the following items to make life easier, especially during the winter. For a complete list visit www.forwardstride.org.

• Gravel: especially during this time of the year, they can use truckloads of gravel, sand and road cloth.
• Gently used tack and tools: turnout blankets, wheelbarrows and hoses are at the top of the list.
• Fencing: any sort of quality fencing supplies help.
• Cabinetry: gently used or new cabinets help.
  
  

Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, Bend, OR
www.crystalpeaksyouthranch.org

• Kids-size boots, cowboy hats and lariats
• Individually packed fruit drinks and healthy snacks
• Art supplies such as beads, string and paint
• White T-shirts
• Plastic manure forks
• Vet wrap and other medical supplies
  
  

SAFE: Save a Forgotten Equine, Silverdale, WA
www.safehorses.org

• Hay: timothy and/or orchard
• Equine senior feed
• Rice bran, beat pulp and corn oil
• Supplements
• Paste and feed-through wormers
• Waterproof blankets of all sizes
• Fly masks
• Horse treats

Phoenix Horse Rescue, Idaho Falls, ID
www.phoenixhorserescue.com
Phoenix equine rescue is looking for any tack you no longer use, no matter what the condition.

Montana Horse Sanctuary
www.montanahorsesanctuary.org

• Hoof Jack (used to lessen fatigue on the horse while treating hooves)
• Rubber mats
  

Circle F Horse Rescue Society, Abbotsford, B.C. Canada
www.circlef.ca
Along with monetary donations, Circle F is always in need of:

• Vitamins
• Medical spray
• Ointments
• Wormer
• Fly masks
• Halters
• Leads
  
  

Alaska Equine Rescue, Eagle River, AK
www.alaskaequinerescue.com
Since it is harder to get non-monetary donations to Alaska, Alaska Equine Rescue has set up a donations page on their website.

If we've missed your favorite Northwest equine charity, please add it to the comments below and include the website address so others can find it and help out. Even if you can't afford to donate this year, someone else might be looking for just the right place to give.

Oregon Morgans: Turning Nightmares into Dreams

The Life of an Oregon Cowgirl
by Brandon Enyeart, photos courtesy Carole Mercer

Carole Mercer was only four years old when she was bitten by the horse bug. Unlike many people in the horse world, Carole didn’t have a family history of horsemen and horsewomen; in fact, her parents didn’t really even like horses. However, a big brown gelding named Fisher who lived behind her family’s house in Sheridan, Wyoming became the first step in an extraordinary career for Carole. There were winters when her mother could barely see Carole from the kitchen window as the little girl wandered out into blizzard to check up on Fisher and make sure he was all right. Even though Fisher wasn’t her own horse, she bonded with him in a way that most of us are very familiar with.

At the age of 14, Carole's life made a big change when her parents decided to retire to a one-acre lot south of San Francisco, California. Her life was missing something, and she mentally wasted away without the one thing that stimulated her dreams and goals…horses.

Thankfully, she discovered Canada Stables in Woodside, California. Still barely into her teens, she biked up hills to Woodside every day and cleaned stalls in exchange for riding lessons. It was just what she needed to ease the culture shock of moving. Once again Carole had regained the drive and determination she had left in Wyoming.

Carole’s adult life had its ups and downs. Horses came and went once she married, went to college and moved to Los Angeles. She had a daughter named Sarah, and then went through a divorce before moving back to the Bay Area.

The next significant horse to come into her life was a POA named Pepper that she bought for Sarah. Carole rode him everywhere with Sarah perched in front of her, along for the ride. Sarah knew how to ride, but didn’t like to; obviously, the horse gene skipped a generation.

The start of Carole’s love of Morgan horses was a registered mare named Chualar’s Valentine. Carole started to become very serious about driving with Valentine, and it was then that her life changed completely.

Another divorce meant Valentine had to be sold in order to buy a ranch in Eagle Point, Oregon for Carole and Sarah. Carole did most of the farming on the ranch with Morgan horses she purchased, using them for everything from gathering cattle to pulling a hay wagon. The ranch became the first real home of her adult life.

Years passed and Sarah moved away for college. Everyday ranch life continued to keep Carole busy until the day Sarah went jogging alongside the road and was struck by a car and killed.

“I was never able to find myself again, but I learned that you don’t find yourself; you create yourself,” said Carole.

After almost 12 years of reshaping her life Carole, finds herself the proud owner of a dream team: two Morgan mares (Bobbi and Valentine) with whom she performs a dressage musical kur. She rides Bobbi western sidesaddle while driving the other mare, Valentine (named after her first Morgan mare), in tandem using long lines.

At 65 years old, this Northwest horsewoman will be representing the United States at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, September 25 through October 10, 2010. Carole and her mares will perform October 7 through 10 in the Equine Village, which promises to be an entertaining and educational companion to the games. This is an honor that Carole likens to being an athlete at the Olympics.

“Whoever thought that this Oregon cowgirl and her lovely Dancing Morgans would dance off their home range of Eagle Point, Oregon to entertain worldwide spectators at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games?”

For Carole Mercer, her horses aren’t just a dream; they’re the reality that makes every day worth living. It’s no wonder she was selected to represent that tough but compassionate Northwest spirit in one of the biggest equine events of our time.

Find out more about Carole and her Dancing Morgans at www.carts-carriages.com.

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.

Wednesday News Links: May 13, 2009

Don't have time to keep up with all of the news posted to nwhorsesource.com? Here are a few select items you might want to be aware of, hand-picked by the NWHS staff:

Nationwide:

In response to the growing number of public policy challenges facing American horses, their owners, and horse-related organizations, a diverse group of horsemen and –women today unveiled a new umbrella group: United Organizations of the Horse...

Washington:

When the Stilliguamish Tribe, located in Washington State, heard of People Helping Horses’ need of open pasture for the coming summer, they graciously offered twelve acres of pristine land for the organization’s use...

Oregon:

Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center of Sherwood, Oregon has been chosen as the host site for the State Games of Oregon equestrian events...

Northern California:

RBB, Inc., a promoter of reining competition in the western region of the United States, is proud to announce their support of the Peninsula Humane Society (PHS)...

Montana:

2 time National Champion Endurance Rider and Saddle Fitting Clinician David Kaden will be offering a free lecture on Friday May 15, 2009...

Don't forget to check out our Events Calendar for upcoming equine events near you!

New at NWHS, Plus Northwest News

You may have noticed a bit of a new look here on The Cyber Saddle. This is something we're slowly implementing across the site to make it easier to find the articles, news, and other items you're here to find. Is it working? Let us know what you think, either in the comments below (click here for comment help) or by sending an email to info@nwhorsesource.com. Play around with the links at left and see if you can find what you're looking for. If not, let us know! After all, nwhorsesource.com is for you, the reader.

Also, don't forget to send us your reader stories for Fridays on The Cyber Saddle!

Now for a few Northwest news highlights from the past week:

Equine Assisted Team Building in Snohomish, WA

The Evolution of Horsemanship: International Horseman Chris Irwin Returns to Oregon

Showdown at Horse Slaughter Pass: Slaughter Issues Heat Up in Montana

Keep Informed for Healthier Horses

A little bit of Northwest News:

Horse owners in Washington should take advantage of the vaccines available to prevent West Nile virus, particularly as the state led the nation last year in the number of horses testing positive for the disease. Read the full article at The Horse...

If you're somewhere other than Washington State, check with your local vet to find out what the risk is in your area and whether or not you should vaccinate. Remember that keeping your horses healthy means keeping up with what's going on in your area, and the best resource you have is your vet. Get together with other local horse owners and come up with a list of questions to ask your vet, then share the information. Helping each other keep up to date helps everyone's horses, not just your own. 

Northwest News and Notes

What's Happening in Oregon?

Equine events for everyone! If you haven't been following our news or events sections of this site, you may have missed the fact that Oregon is absolutely FULL of horsey things to do this spring.

Check out the Oregon News link for clinics to build confidence or master the finer points of horsemanship. The LaPine Rodeo Association has announced dates for its July rodeo, and local feed company Equis Feeds provides organic nutrition for your horse.

If you're elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, don't forget to check out the news links for Washington, Idaho, Montana, Northern California, and British Columbia.

Don't forget to visit the events calendar regularly. New events are added daily, and there's likely to be one near you!

Let Your Story Out!

Remember, Fridays here at The Cyber Saddle are now open for YOUR stories! Send your horse stories - inspirational moments, funny anecdotes, or the ups and downs of horse ownership - to editor@nwhorsesource.com. Copyright remains with the writer; we ask only non-exclusive online rights and the ability to promote your story in the print magazine with an excerpt and your name.

Website Updates

If you're a frequent visitor to www.nwhorsesource.com, please note that we will be performing some website updates tomorrow (Thursday, April 16) to improve navigation and make the layout a little more user-friendly. Certain sections may be temporarily unavailable. If the page you are trying to reach is down, just try again in a few minutes. Thanks for your patience!

Wednesday Northwest News Links

Before getting to the news links, I wanted to thank our readers who have been sending in photos for the Reader Photo of the Week. It's great to see people having a wonderful time with their horses! We received several new photos after last Monday's picture went up, so look for them in the coming weeks; remember, we post a new reader photo every Monday. We're always open to reader photo submissions for the blog, so if you have any equine images you'd like to have us post, send them to editor@nwhorsesource.com.

Now for the news highlights:

It's not Northwest, but after the supportive response so many Washington and Oregon horse owners received during the weather troubles over the last two years, if you're thinking of returning the favor to others, there are plenty of people affected by flooding in North Dakota and Minnesota who need assistance. Read more here...

For something closer to home, if you're looking to give time instead of money, Bright Horizon Therapeutic Riding Center is having volunteer training dates this month. Read the details on BHTRC here...

And if you're planning ahead for a little Washington State recreation, Capital Forest opens to horses next month!

Two NWHS advertisers partner for an outstanding opportunity for all horse people!

Thanks to Joan Deutsch of the Seattle Times Northwest Horse Forum for helping spread the word about this great program.  Check out Joan’s forum at www.seattletimes.com/horseforum 

Horses for Clean Water's Demonstration Farm & Outdoor Arenas

Saturday, April 25

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

17717 252nd Ave SE

Maple Valley, WA

Barb Apple & Alayne Blickle team up to bring you hands-on help and information about creating a holistic approach to managing your horse and horse property.

Build confidence with your horse and strengthen your horsemanship by understanding horse behavior with the Northwest’s own Natural Horsemanship Clinician Barb Apple. The morning session with Barb will be groundwork with your horse that will develop your horse/human partnership and strengthen horsemanship skills.

For the afternoon, join Alayne Blickle to tour her eco-friendly farm. Get tips and ideas on ways to set up and manage horse properties that are good for you, your horses and the environment. Learn about mud-free paddocks, composting horse manure, pasture management with fewer chemicals, and more "green" horsekeeping!

TENTATIVE AGENDA:

CHECK IN (Beginning 7:00 a.m.) Coffee, hot drinks and light refreshments

provided

MORNING (9:00 a.m. - noon) Barb Apple Ground Clinic – Build confidence with your horse through understanding horse behavior

LUNCH (noon – 1:00 p.m.) Brown bag lunch (refrigerator and microwave available)

AFTERNOON (1:00 – 3:00 p.m.) Alayne Blickle – Farm Tour/Natural Horsekeeping Presentation

BREAK (3:00 – 3:30 p.m.) Light snacks and drinks provided

FINAL WRAP-UP (3:30 – 4:00 p.m.) Alayne and Barb -- Q&A and wrap-up

OPEN ARENA (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.) Participants are welcome to ride in the arena or round pen

COSTS:

Horse and rider participants -- $195, limited to 10 ($95 deposit, checks payable to "HCW" and mailed to the address below)

Auditors -- $35

Overnight stabling -- Rider accommodations and guest horses available

REGISTRATION:

Alayne@HorsesforCleanWater.com

425-432-6116

To Learn More:

Barb: www.BarbApple.com

Alayne: www.HorsesforCleanWater.com

Wednesday's News Links

Hi everyone,

Just in case you haven't been by the news pages lately, remember that we now have links to help you find Northwest news by state.  Check out a few of the latest news samplings from our Northwest region:

From Oregon:

Three Treasures Farms has a new pony program for 3- to 5-year-olds

From Idaho:

Custom Appaloosa license plates are available for Idaho residents, and part of the proceeds go to benefit youth.

From Montana:

Plan now for the Runamuk Benefit Trail Ride

From Washington State:

Washington State Animal Response Team had a busy month in January

We'd love to see even more local news from these areas and from British Columbia and Northern California. Check out our press release guidelines by clicking this link. 

Wednesday's Northwest News and Info Update

Are you living in Central Oregon and finding it a true struggle to keep hay in the manger for your horses?  Take a look at this article, which talks about help for struggling horse owners in Central Oregon. 

Did you know that the state horse of Idaho is the Appaloosa?  For more interesting facts on horse demographics in Idaho, visit the Idaho Horse Council.

For those of you importing a horse from the US into Canada, be aware that there are now additional regulations due to outbreaks of contagious equine metritis (CEM).  Click here for more information on CEM.

If you have interesting or important news from your area of the Northwest, please drop us a line at karyn@nwhorsesource.com and we’ll consider it for our Wednesday "Northwest News and Information" here on The Cyber Saddle.

In the meantime, get out and ride!