May 17, 2011
Contact: Christi Lightcap, (303) 239-4190, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us
LAKEWOOD, Colo. - The Colorado Department of Agriculture has implemented new travel requirements for horses entering the state due to the spread of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1).
"We are considering all of our options for protecting Colorado's horse industry. At this point, we do not believe it's necessary to stop horses from entering the state but we need to be able to know where those horses are coming from and where they are going; traceback is a vital part of disease control," said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.
New Travel Requirements for Horses Entering Colorado
Standard requirements for horses entering Colorado include a health issued certificate within 30 days of their arrival and a negative Coggins test within 12 months. The new requirement consists of a permit to enter the state. Horse owners who wish to bring their horse into Colorado must first call their veterinarian. That veterinarian can then contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture's State Veterinarian's Office at (303) 239-4161 and request a permit number. That number would then be included on the health certificate.
Additional Travel Tips for Horse Owners Traveling To or From Colorado
1. Consider the disease risk before transporting horses.
2. Contact the State Veterinarian's Office of the destination state to find out if travel requirements have changed for that state.
3. Call organizers of the event to see if they have new health requirements or if it has been cancelled.
4. If traveling, practice appropriate biosecurity measures. Biosecurity tips may be found at www.colorado.gov/ag.
5. Isolate any new animals and those returning to the home premises for three weeks when possible.
6. Use separate water, feed supplies and equipment.
7. Continue to monitor the CDA webpage at www.colorado.gov/ag for further information to aid in the decision making for transporting horses.
If your horse attended the Ogden, Utah event:
CDA encourages all horse owners who attended the Ogden, UT, event should notify their veterinarian and isolate and monitor their horses for clinical signs of the disease. These horses should have their temperature taken twice a day. Horses with elevated temperature can be sampled by a veterinarian to analyze whether their horse is shedding EHV-1. Individual horse and barn bio-security is very important. Some horses may not show signs of the disease but may still be a carrier. Those owners are also encouraged to restrict movement of their horses.
General Disease Information
EHV-1 is not transmissible to people; it can be a serious equine disease that can cause respiratory, neurologic disease and death. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. It can also be spread by contaminated tack, equipment, and people's clothing. In addition, the virus can be spread through aerosols (airborne) for a limited distance.
Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise. While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable.
Horse owners should isolate any sick horses and immediately contact their veterinarian. Any individual horse with clinical signs consistent with neurological EHV-1 infection should be removed immediately from the area and placed in a separate enclosure for isolation.
Questions?
The Department has received numerous calls from veterinarians, horse owners and media. To help facilitate a timely response, please see the following list.
1. If you want to get your horse tested: contact your local veterinarian.
2. If you are a horse owner and have questions about the disease, testing, or other aspects of the investigation:
a. Contact your local veterinarian
b. Dr. Kate Anderson, 303-239-4161, Kate.anderson@ag.state.co.us
c. Dr. Carl Heckendorf, 303-239-4161, Carl.Heckendorf@ag.state.co.us
3. If you are a media outlet and would like an interview: contact Christi Lightcap, 303-239-4190, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
EHV-1 Outbreak: URGENT RESPONSE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
May 16 2011
Currently, there are numerous reports of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) affecting horses and farms across the U.S. and Canada. This outbreak appears related to initial cases at a cutting horse show in Ogden Utah, which was held from April 29 - May 8. Horses at that event may have been exposed to this virus and subsequently spread the infection to other horses. While the true extent of this disease outbreak is uncertain, there is clearly a very significant elevated risk of EHM cases at this time.
At this time control of the outbreak is critically dependent on biosecurity. Laboratory submission of nasal swabs and whole blood samples collected from the exposed horse can be utilized for virus detection and isolation. Please consider testing any suspected cases. The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse but typically only causes neurological disease sporadically. However, in an outbreak of EHV-1 neurologic such as we are experiencing now, the disease can reach high morbidity and case fatality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 infection is typically 1-2-days, with clinical signs of fever then occurring, often in a biphasic fever, over the following 10 days. When neurological disease occurs it is typically 8-12 days after the primary infection, starting often after the second fever spike. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs may include: nasal discharge, incoordination, hind end weakness, recumbency, lethargy, urine dribbling and diminished tail tone. Prognosis depends on severity of signs and the period of recumbency.
There is no specific treatment for EHV-1, although antiviral drugs (i.e. valacyclovire) may have some value before neurological signs occur. Non-specific treatment may include intravenous fluids, and other appropriate supportive therapy; the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is strongly recommended. Currently, there is no equine vaccine that has a label claim for protection against the neurological strain of the virus. Horse-to-horse contact, aerosol transmission, and contaminated hands, equipment, tack, and feed all play a role in disease spread.
However, horses with severe clinical signs of neurological EHV-1 infection are thought to have large viral loads in their blood and nasal secretions and therefore, present the greatest danger for spreading the disease. Immediate separation and isolation of identified suspect cases and implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures are key elements for disease control. In order to assist you and your clients further, visit online here
Sincerely,
William Moyer, DVM
2011 AAEP President
Raising the Standard in Horse Health
American Association of Equine Practitioners
4075 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington , KY 40511
859-233-0147 · 859-233-1968 Fax
Currently, there are numerous reports of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) affecting horses and farms across the U.S. and Canada. This outbreak appears related to initial cases at a cutting horse show in Ogden Utah, which was held from April 29 - May 8. Horses at that event may have been exposed to this virus and subsequently spread the infection to other horses. While the true extent of this disease outbreak is uncertain, there is clearly a very significant elevated risk of EHM cases at this time.
At this time control of the outbreak is critically dependent on biosecurity. Laboratory submission of nasal swabs and whole blood samples collected from the exposed horse can be utilized for virus detection and isolation. Please consider testing any suspected cases. The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse but typically only causes neurological disease sporadically. However, in an outbreak of EHV-1 neurologic such as we are experiencing now, the disease can reach high morbidity and case fatality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 infection is typically 1-2-days, with clinical signs of fever then occurring, often in a biphasic fever, over the following 10 days. When neurological disease occurs it is typically 8-12 days after the primary infection, starting often after the second fever spike. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs may include: nasal discharge, incoordination, hind end weakness, recumbency, lethargy, urine dribbling and diminished tail tone. Prognosis depends on severity of signs and the period of recumbency.
There is no specific treatment for EHV-1, although antiviral drugs (i.e. valacyclovire) may have some value before neurological signs occur. Non-specific treatment may include intravenous fluids, and other appropriate supportive therapy; the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is strongly recommended. Currently, there is no equine vaccine that has a label claim for protection against the neurological strain of the virus. Horse-to-horse contact, aerosol transmission, and contaminated hands, equipment, tack, and feed all play a role in disease spread.
However, horses with severe clinical signs of neurological EHV-1 infection are thought to have large viral loads in their blood and nasal secretions and therefore, present the greatest danger for spreading the disease. Immediate separation and isolation of identified suspect cases and implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures are key elements for disease control. In order to assist you and your clients further, visit online here
Sincerely,
William Moyer, DVM
2011 AAEP President
Raising the Standard in Horse Health
American Association of Equine Practitioners
4075 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington , KY 40511
859-233-0147 · 859-233-1968 Fax
Monday, May 16, 2011
5/16/11 Update on local southern Idaho EHV-1 outbreak
Idahoequinehospital.com/blog
May 16th, 2011
As of today, May 16th we do not have any new clinical cases of EHV-1 that we are aware of in our area. We are closely monitoring horses on the farms that had clinical cases and as of 3 pm no horses on those farms have developed fevers or any associated clinical signs.
The state is not imposing any quarantines at this time and horse travel to and from the state has not been restricted. Any quarantined farms have done so at their own discresion.
Herpes virus is not particularly resistant in the environment. It may live up to 30 days in ideal conditions but likely does not live more than a week in most field situations. It is readily killed by most disinfectants including alcohol (including commercial hand sanitizers), chlorhexidine, betadine, and bleach (diluted 1:10 with water). Bleach is inactivated by organic material (dirt, manure, etc) so anything being disinfected should be washed first to remove organic matter. Phenolic disinfectants work better in the presence of organic material but can be toxic to cats so they should be rinsed after allowing a 10 minute contact time, and they work best when applied at >60 degrees F.
Please contact event coordinators to see if any changes have been made for events that may be occurring this weekend-it is at their discretion whether events will be held or rescheduled.
We will continue to update you on this situation as it develops.
For now we are continuing to recommend segregation of potentially exposed horses and monitoring of their temperatures twice a day to monitor for development of the disease.
Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
208-466-4613
May 16th, 2011
As of today, May 16th we do not have any new clinical cases of EHV-1 that we are aware of in our area. We are closely monitoring horses on the farms that had clinical cases and as of 3 pm no horses on those farms have developed fevers or any associated clinical signs.
The state is not imposing any quarantines at this time and horse travel to and from the state has not been restricted. Any quarantined farms have done so at their own discresion.
Herpes virus is not particularly resistant in the environment. It may live up to 30 days in ideal conditions but likely does not live more than a week in most field situations. It is readily killed by most disinfectants including alcohol (including commercial hand sanitizers), chlorhexidine, betadine, and bleach (diluted 1:10 with water). Bleach is inactivated by organic material (dirt, manure, etc) so anything being disinfected should be washed first to remove organic matter. Phenolic disinfectants work better in the presence of organic material but can be toxic to cats so they should be rinsed after allowing a 10 minute contact time, and they work best when applied at >60 degrees F.
Please contact event coordinators to see if any changes have been made for events that may be occurring this weekend-it is at their discretion whether events will be held or rescheduled.
We will continue to update you on this situation as it develops.
For now we are continuing to recommend segregation of potentially exposed horses and monitoring of their temperatures twice a day to monitor for development of the disease.
Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
208-466-4613
Nebraska State Authorities Quarantine Five Horse Farms as Precautionary Move Against Equine Herpes Virus
Equisearch.com - Full Article
May 16, 2011
A day that began with show cancellations and a vet school hospital closing is ending with a state government quarantining horse farms even though there are no signs of disease. The unfolding saga of the possible cutting horse dispersal EHV outbreak is challenging everyone from horse owners to farriers and all the way up to state government officials.
This evening, the State of Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced a precautionary move that is the most dramatic since Colorado announced the first definite diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) on Friday afternoon. Two horses in Colorado’s Weld County had been at a National Cutting Horse Association event in Ogden, Utah over Mother’s Day weekend, where they and other horses are believed to have been infected with the neurologic form of EHV.
After evaluating the situation, Nebraska State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes has placed five horse premises in his state under quarantine.
“The horse premises that are quarantined in Nebraska may have come into contact with infected horses during the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah,” said Dr. Hughes. “We are acting quickly to take appropriate measures to protect our horse industry. Our staff is working with the quarantined horse premise owners to monitor for signs associated with the disease.”...
More at
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/2011/05/16/nebraska-quarantine-equine-herpes-virus-ehv/
May 16, 2011
A day that began with show cancellations and a vet school hospital closing is ending with a state government quarantining horse farms even though there are no signs of disease. The unfolding saga of the possible cutting horse dispersal EHV outbreak is challenging everyone from horse owners to farriers and all the way up to state government officials.
This evening, the State of Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced a precautionary move that is the most dramatic since Colorado announced the first definite diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) on Friday afternoon. Two horses in Colorado’s Weld County had been at a National Cutting Horse Association event in Ogden, Utah over Mother’s Day weekend, where they and other horses are believed to have been infected with the neurologic form of EHV.
After evaluating the situation, Nebraska State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes has placed five horse premises in his state under quarantine.
“The horse premises that are quarantined in Nebraska may have come into contact with infected horses during the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah,” said Dr. Hughes. “We are acting quickly to take appropriate measures to protect our horse industry. Our staff is working with the quarantined horse premise owners to monitor for signs associated with the disease.”...
More at
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/2011/05/16/nebraska-quarantine-equine-herpes-virus-ehv/
Colorado State University Closes Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Response to Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak
Equisearch.com - Full Article
May 16, 2011
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado issued a statement on May 16 regarding a university decision to restrict access to the hospital. The text of the statement reads:
“CSU Veterinary Hospital leadership has made a decision based on best practices to restrict equine and camelid client movement to the VTH for appointments. At this time, all non-emergency cases are being rescheduled as a precaution. This precaution is designed to prevent horses from multiple locations from coming into contact with each other, based on concerns about the current widespread outbreak.
“The VTH’s main equine service area in the veterinary hospital is not housing any equine cases suspected to have been exposed to equine herpesvirus and this is merely a precaution to protect the facility and client horses. Any horses that may have been exposed to the virus will be observed and treated in a separate isolation unit that is not connected to the main hospital, and veterinarians are screening all emergency cases carefully.
“Any horse with evidence of any contagious disease is routinely cared for in a separate isolation facility. As an added precaution, the main equine service area also has implemented high levels of biosafety practices to protect the grounds and client horses...
More at:
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/2011/05/16/colorado-state-university-vet-hospital-closed-virus-disease-outbreak/
May 16, 2011
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado issued a statement on May 16 regarding a university decision to restrict access to the hospital. The text of the statement reads:
“CSU Veterinary Hospital leadership has made a decision based on best practices to restrict equine and camelid client movement to the VTH for appointments. At this time, all non-emergency cases are being rescheduled as a precaution. This precaution is designed to prevent horses from multiple locations from coming into contact with each other, based on concerns about the current widespread outbreak.
“The VTH’s main equine service area in the veterinary hospital is not housing any equine cases suspected to have been exposed to equine herpesvirus and this is merely a precaution to protect the facility and client horses. Any horses that may have been exposed to the virus will be observed and treated in a separate isolation unit that is not connected to the main hospital, and veterinarians are screening all emergency cases carefully.
“Any horse with evidence of any contagious disease is routinely cared for in a separate isolation facility. As an added precaution, the main equine service area also has implemented high levels of biosafety practices to protect the grounds and client horses...
More at:
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/2011/05/16/colorado-state-university-vet-hospital-closed-virus-disease-outbreak/
EHV-1 Outbreak
Equisearch.com - Full Article
May 15, 2011
Over the weekend, The Jurga Report was busy gathering reports from the western United States, after a warning was issued for horses that had competed at a cutting horse event in Ogden, Utah over Mother’s Day weekend. Two horses in Colorado returned from the show and became sick, and Colorado State University issued a diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus, Type 1, also known as the “neurologic” mutation of the common Equine Herpes Virus. One of the horses was euthanized.
But by then, cutting horses from the Utah show had dispersed all over the western United States and Canada. Saturday we reported on this blog about sick horses in California, one of whom was euthanized; no diagnosis of EHV-1 has been issued by the state, but the sick horses had been at the Utah show.
Tonight we learned of additional sickness among horses that had been at the Utah event.
The Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Pullman, Washington, in the eastern part of that state. They are now one of the centers of interest as this cutting horse disease story is tracked through the West.
The following information has been released to the public:
“The Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital is entering a period of voluntary isolation for equine and camelid patients. This is in response to a patient that was confirmed to be shedding Equine Herpes Virus type 1 (EHV-1).
“In the past week there have been two confirmed cases of EHV-1 in Colorado in horses that competed at the National Cutting Horse Association Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah. A horse admitted to the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) for evaluation of unrelated problems was found to have competed at the show. Subsequent diagnostic testing confirmed that the horse was positive for EHV-1.
“Due to the potential for spread of the virus, access to the VTH is currently restricted. During this time, no new equine or camelid patients may be admitted to the hospital except for critical emergencies. It is expected that the period of isolation will last at least 2 weeks. There are currently no horses exhibiting signs of EHV-1 at WSU.
“Equine Herpes Virus does not affect cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or birds, and the remainder of the VTH remains open. There is no risk of transmission to people.
“We are taking every precaution to ensure the health and well-being of animals. ”
Elsewhere in the Northwest, Idaho Equine Hospital in Nampa, Idaho reported on their blog, “Idaho Equine Hospital has seen 2 horses from the Ogden (Utah) show with signs of EHV 1.” (Signs of the disease are not the same as a confirmed diagnosis; at this time only Colorado and Washington have confirmed diagnoses.)...
More at
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/?utm_source=eqs&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=eqs
May 15, 2011
Over the weekend, The Jurga Report was busy gathering reports from the western United States, after a warning was issued for horses that had competed at a cutting horse event in Ogden, Utah over Mother’s Day weekend. Two horses in Colorado returned from the show and became sick, and Colorado State University issued a diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus, Type 1, also known as the “neurologic” mutation of the common Equine Herpes Virus. One of the horses was euthanized.
But by then, cutting horses from the Utah show had dispersed all over the western United States and Canada. Saturday we reported on this blog about sick horses in California, one of whom was euthanized; no diagnosis of EHV-1 has been issued by the state, but the sick horses had been at the Utah show.
Tonight we learned of additional sickness among horses that had been at the Utah event.
The Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Pullman, Washington, in the eastern part of that state. They are now one of the centers of interest as this cutting horse disease story is tracked through the West.
The following information has been released to the public:
“The Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital is entering a period of voluntary isolation for equine and camelid patients. This is in response to a patient that was confirmed to be shedding Equine Herpes Virus type 1 (EHV-1).
“In the past week there have been two confirmed cases of EHV-1 in Colorado in horses that competed at the National Cutting Horse Association Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah. A horse admitted to the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) for evaluation of unrelated problems was found to have competed at the show. Subsequent diagnostic testing confirmed that the horse was positive for EHV-1.
“Due to the potential for spread of the virus, access to the VTH is currently restricted. During this time, no new equine or camelid patients may be admitted to the hospital except for critical emergencies. It is expected that the period of isolation will last at least 2 weeks. There are currently no horses exhibiting signs of EHV-1 at WSU.
“Equine Herpes Virus does not affect cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or birds, and the remainder of the VTH remains open. There is no risk of transmission to people.
“We are taking every precaution to ensure the health and well-being of animals. ”
Elsewhere in the Northwest, Idaho Equine Hospital in Nampa, Idaho reported on their blog, “Idaho Equine Hospital has seen 2 horses from the Ogden (Utah) show with signs of EHV 1.” (Signs of the disease are not the same as a confirmed diagnosis; at this time only Colorado and Washington have confirmed diagnoses.)...
More at
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/?utm_source=eqs&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=eqs
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Ask the Vet Live Q & A: Conditioning Horses
Hooray for warmer weather, and more riding and training days! Before we hit the trails and training rings, though, let's not forget that if our horses have been in "winter storage," their bodies (and ours!) will need some conditioning before they're ready for a heavy work schedule. How does your horse's body adapt to exercise, and how can you tailor your conditioning program to maximize his fitness and soundness? How do you know when he is (or isn't) ready for more work? Find out during our free Ask the Vet LIVE online Q&A chat about Conditioning Horses on Thursday, May 26, from 8-9 p.m. Eastern U.S. time!
When you register for this event, you'll be able to send in your questions ahead of time. You can also ask questions during the live event on May 26. This free live chat is brought to you by Farnam: http://www.farnamhorse.com.
Our on-call panelists for this event will include the following:
* Meg Sleeper, VMD, Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and the school's cardiology section chief.
* Todd Holbrook, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, associate Professor of Equine Medicine at Oklahoma State University and the Equine Section Chief.
To register for this Webinar, go to:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/653263904
When you register for this event, you'll be able to send in your questions ahead of time. You can also ask questions during the live event on May 26. This free live chat is brought to you by Farnam: http://www.farnamhorse.com.
Our on-call panelists for this event will include the following:
* Meg Sleeper, VMD, Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and the school's cardiology section chief.
* Todd Holbrook, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, associate Professor of Equine Medicine at Oklahoma State University and the Equine Section Chief.
To register for this Webinar, go to:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/653263904
May 16 Deadline to Comment on USFS Access to Trails
May 14, 2011
Endurance riders are slowly but steadily losing access to trails due to new Forest Service and BLM rulings. Please support access to US Forest Service trails by commenting on the USFS Planning Rule before the Monday May 16 deadline. We are a vital part of this process, and can make a real difference in the future of our sport.
AERC has made it easy by publishing the following guidelines and recommendations for commenting:
The U.S. Forest Service is required to develop a Planning Rule by the National Forest Management Act of 1976. The USFS began accepting public comments/input last year. AERC representatives have attended many of these public meetings/hearings. The purpose of the rule is to set requirements for land and resource management by the USFS. In general, these requirements regulate logging, mining, lease pasture and recreational use of USFS resources. AERC believes it is important to maintain a presence in this planning process. Members are encouraged to support equestrian access to USFS trails and lands as described below. Thank you for doing your part!
Recommendations for comments on the United States Forest Service Planning Rule
Address comments to:
Forest Service Planning DEIS
C/o Bear West Company
132 E 500 S
Bountiful, Utah 84010
Or by facsimile to 801-397-1605
Or through the public participation portal at http://www.govcomments.com/
Or through the internet website http://www.regulations.gov
Please identify your written comments by including “Planning Rule” on the cover sheet or first page. You may wish to include a note that you are an endurance rider and a member of the American Endurance Ride Conference. You can add that endurance riding is a competitive sport that emphasizes safety for horse and rider, and the AERC motto is “to finish is to win.”
The following is a list of talking points to assist AERC members in composing their comments to the USFS. A letter or comment of your own composition will be more effective than form letters. AERC encourages all members to exercise their rights as good citizens by commenting on the USFS Planning Rule.
Talking Points developed by the AERC Trails and Land Management Committee:
1. Provide a brief description of yourself including the fact that you are an endurance rider.
2. Note that the Planning Rule does not specifically address equine recreational trail use. We encourage the FS to include equine trail use.
3. We recommend that the rule specify that local equestrian trail users be notified of local plans or changes in plans for the use of forest trails and riding areas by the responsible authority.
4. Remind the FS that endurance riders are responsible stewards of our public lands and desire to be involved in efforts to plan and develop sustainable multi-use trails.
5. Point out exactly which forests you ride and how important they are to you.
Endurance riders are slowly but steadily losing access to trails due to new Forest Service and BLM rulings. Please support access to US Forest Service trails by commenting on the USFS Planning Rule before the Monday May 16 deadline. We are a vital part of this process, and can make a real difference in the future of our sport.
AERC has made it easy by publishing the following guidelines and recommendations for commenting:
The U.S. Forest Service is required to develop a Planning Rule by the National Forest Management Act of 1976. The USFS began accepting public comments/input last year. AERC representatives have attended many of these public meetings/hearings. The purpose of the rule is to set requirements for land and resource management by the USFS. In general, these requirements regulate logging, mining, lease pasture and recreational use of USFS resources. AERC believes it is important to maintain a presence in this planning process. Members are encouraged to support equestrian access to USFS trails and lands as described below. Thank you for doing your part!
Recommendations for comments on the United States Forest Service Planning Rule
Address comments to:
Forest Service Planning DEIS
C/o Bear West Company
132 E 500 S
Bountiful, Utah 84010
Or by facsimile to 801-397-1605
Or through the public participation portal at http://www.govcomments.com/
Or through the internet website http://www.regulations.gov
Please identify your written comments by including “Planning Rule” on the cover sheet or first page. You may wish to include a note that you are an endurance rider and a member of the American Endurance Ride Conference. You can add that endurance riding is a competitive sport that emphasizes safety for horse and rider, and the AERC motto is “to finish is to win.”
The following is a list of talking points to assist AERC members in composing their comments to the USFS. A letter or comment of your own composition will be more effective than form letters. AERC encourages all members to exercise their rights as good citizens by commenting on the USFS Planning Rule.
Talking Points developed by the AERC Trails and Land Management Committee:
1. Provide a brief description of yourself including the fact that you are an endurance rider.
2. Note that the Planning Rule does not specifically address equine recreational trail use. We encourage the FS to include equine trail use.
3. We recommend that the rule specify that local equestrian trail users be notified of local plans or changes in plans for the use of forest trails and riding areas by the responsible authority.
4. Remind the FS that endurance riders are responsible stewards of our public lands and desire to be involved in efforts to plan and develop sustainable multi-use trails.
5. Point out exactly which forests you ride and how important they are to you.
Friday, May 13, 2011
USEF Equestrians in Action
USEF.org
USEF Equestrians in Action tracks youth volunteer hours that are aimed at improving the welfare of the horse or positively promoting equestrian sport. Sponsored by the EQUUS Foundation, the program encourages youth to give back to equine sport – at horse shows, equine promotional events, equine businesses or organizations, trade fairs, therapeutic riding centers, horse rescue and 4-H events.
Who:
Participants must be 21 years of age or younger at the start of the award year and need current USEF membership.
Program Award Year:
Participants can begin recording hours December 1, 2010 through November 31, 2011. Hours worked prior to the award year cannot be counted.
Volunteer Hours:
Approved volunteer hours will include hours volunteered at any USEF recognized competition, schooling show, 4-H function or club event, service at an equine clinic, equestrian or horse-related charity such as a therapeutic riding center or horse rescue, any event that is working to improve the welfare of horses, or any event that is promoting equestrian sport in a positive manner (i.e. equine affaire). To ensure a level playing field, volunteer hours must be given freely, without payment or other compensation.
Levels:
Bronze—completed a minimum of 50 cumulative hours per year
Silver—completed a minimum of 100 cumulative hours per year
Gold—completed a minimum of 150 cumulative hours per year
Awards:
The participant with the most volunteer hours in the award year (minimum of 150 hours) will earn a $1,500 grant payable to the educational program of choice. All youth have the opportunity to earn one of three certificates depending on their participation level. Those who volunteer at least 50 hours will be awarded a Bronze level certificate while youth who volunteer at least 100 hours will receive a Silver level certificate. The highest level, the Gold certificate, will go to those who volunteer 150 or more hours. In addition, the top 10 participants will receive special “Top Ten” certificates.
How to sign up and keep track of hours:
Participants will create an account, which will track their volunteer hours. Individuals will record their hours in the online portal where they will identify their area of service (USEF competition/Event, Therapeutic riding center, etc.) number of hours, date of service, and organizations name, city, state, phone number, and email. A description of the volunteer work such as groomed horses, handed out ribbons, etc. is required. To log in to USEF Equestrians in Action or create a USEF account, click the login link below. Once you are logged in then you can add or view your hours in the volunteer log.
A top ten listing of participants for the current year and overall appear below. You can see how you compare to other participants and who is leading with the highest number of hours.
More:
http://usef.org/_IFrames/Youth/EquestriansInAction.aspx
USEF Equestrians in Action tracks youth volunteer hours that are aimed at improving the welfare of the horse or positively promoting equestrian sport. Sponsored by the EQUUS Foundation, the program encourages youth to give back to equine sport – at horse shows, equine promotional events, equine businesses or organizations, trade fairs, therapeutic riding centers, horse rescue and 4-H events.
Who:
Participants must be 21 years of age or younger at the start of the award year and need current USEF membership.
Program Award Year:
Participants can begin recording hours December 1, 2010 through November 31, 2011. Hours worked prior to the award year cannot be counted.
Volunteer Hours:
Approved volunteer hours will include hours volunteered at any USEF recognized competition, schooling show, 4-H function or club event, service at an equine clinic, equestrian or horse-related charity such as a therapeutic riding center or horse rescue, any event that is working to improve the welfare of horses, or any event that is promoting equestrian sport in a positive manner (i.e. equine affaire). To ensure a level playing field, volunteer hours must be given freely, without payment or other compensation.
Levels:
Bronze—completed a minimum of 50 cumulative hours per year
Silver—completed a minimum of 100 cumulative hours per year
Gold—completed a minimum of 150 cumulative hours per year
Awards:
The participant with the most volunteer hours in the award year (minimum of 150 hours) will earn a $1,500 grant payable to the educational program of choice. All youth have the opportunity to earn one of three certificates depending on their participation level. Those who volunteer at least 50 hours will be awarded a Bronze level certificate while youth who volunteer at least 100 hours will receive a Silver level certificate. The highest level, the Gold certificate, will go to those who volunteer 150 or more hours. In addition, the top 10 participants will receive special “Top Ten” certificates.
How to sign up and keep track of hours:
Participants will create an account, which will track their volunteer hours. Individuals will record their hours in the online portal where they will identify their area of service (USEF competition/Event, Therapeutic riding center, etc.) number of hours, date of service, and organizations name, city, state, phone number, and email. A description of the volunteer work such as groomed horses, handed out ribbons, etc. is required. To log in to USEF Equestrians in Action or create a USEF account, click the login link below. Once you are logged in then you can add or view your hours in the volunteer log.
A top ten listing of participants for the current year and overall appear below. You can see how you compare to other participants and who is leading with the highest number of hours.
More:
http://usef.org/_IFrames/Youth/EquestriansInAction.aspx
Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride CEI/CEIY
USEF.org
Release: May 11 2011
Author: Joanie Morris
Endurance
The Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride CEI/CEIY was held on the historic grounds of George Vanderbilt’s picturesque estate in Asheville, NC. The event boasted over 150 entries in both the Open and FEI divisions. Hot Desert Knight was the first horse across the finish line in the CEI3* 160km. Farzard Faryadi rode the Arabian gelding to the win in 10:19:12. Meg Sleeper and Syrocco Cadence took second in 10:38:44, barely edging out Ceci Butler-Stasiuk and DJB KD Fantasia who finished in 10:38:46. In the CEIY3* 160km, Kyle Gibbon was the only rider to finish, taking the win in 12:55:47.
In the CEI2* 120km, Valarie Kanavy and Reach for the Gold set the pace and won handily in a time of 7:14:56. Natalie Muzzio and Laconic were second in a time of 8:19:22 and Lithuanian rider Alisija Zabavska-Granger rounded out the top three. Kelsey Russell and My Wild Irish Gold came in for the win in the CEIY2* 120km in a time of 7:14:54, and hot on their heels was Cassandra Roberts with Destiny Gold, taking second in a time of 7:14:55. Coming in third was Steven Hay on Khalil Asam in 8:19:24.
TJ Vore rode BHF Flash Back to the win in the CEI1* 80km in a time of 6:01:48. Frank Murphy and Tumultuous were second, with Amy Atkins and SA Zacks Comet finishing third. In the CEIY1* 80km, Meghan Delp blazed home for the win in 5:09:37 aboard Layla Z Gold. Sophia Bashir and DJB Cyton Kon JMF were second, and Amos Cader and Blaze Star were third.
For more information, please visit http://www.biltmoreendurance.com/index.html
Release: May 11 2011
Author: Joanie Morris
Endurance
The Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride CEI/CEIY was held on the historic grounds of George Vanderbilt’s picturesque estate in Asheville, NC. The event boasted over 150 entries in both the Open and FEI divisions. Hot Desert Knight was the first horse across the finish line in the CEI3* 160km. Farzard Faryadi rode the Arabian gelding to the win in 10:19:12. Meg Sleeper and Syrocco Cadence took second in 10:38:44, barely edging out Ceci Butler-Stasiuk and DJB KD Fantasia who finished in 10:38:46. In the CEIY3* 160km, Kyle Gibbon was the only rider to finish, taking the win in 12:55:47.
In the CEI2* 120km, Valarie Kanavy and Reach for the Gold set the pace and won handily in a time of 7:14:56. Natalie Muzzio and Laconic were second in a time of 8:19:22 and Lithuanian rider Alisija Zabavska-Granger rounded out the top three. Kelsey Russell and My Wild Irish Gold came in for the win in the CEIY2* 120km in a time of 7:14:54, and hot on their heels was Cassandra Roberts with Destiny Gold, taking second in a time of 7:14:55. Coming in third was Steven Hay on Khalil Asam in 8:19:24.
TJ Vore rode BHF Flash Back to the win in the CEI1* 80km in a time of 6:01:48. Frank Murphy and Tumultuous were second, with Amy Atkins and SA Zacks Comet finishing third. In the CEIY1* 80km, Meghan Delp blazed home for the win in 5:09:37 aboard Layla Z Gold. Sophia Bashir and DJB Cyton Kon JMF were second, and Amos Cader and Blaze Star were third.
For more information, please visit http://www.biltmoreendurance.com/index.html
Sunday, May 08, 2011
"Hoof care options for the competitive endurance horse" Clinic
Global Endurance Training Center presents:
“Hoof care options for the competitive endurance horse”
Presentation, Discussion & Demonstration
When: Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
9 am – 5 pm
Where: ONCE UPON A HORSE ARENA
2880 N Eagle Rd
Eagle, Id 83616
(Eagle Exit on I-84, 2 miles north of Eagle at corner of Eagle Rd and Beacon Light Rd)
Tel: 208 939 0785
Participation Fee: $ 200.00 if paid before May 18th ( $ 225.00 after deadline)
Program:
9 am – 10 am: Functional Anatomy of the Equine limb
10 am -11 am: Limb and Hoof Biomechanics
11 am – 12 am: Conformation and Hoof capsule distortion
12 am – 1 pm: Lunch ( lunch will be provided) During lunch, opportunity for Q&A
1 pm – 3 pm: Practical session with live horses: Conformation analysis, hoof care and trimming
3 pm – 5 pm: Choices of hoof protection and application
Clinicians:
Christoph Schork, Hoof Care Provider, Farrier and rider; Global Endurance Training Center, Moab Utah
-20 year experience as farrier, hoof care specialist, bare foot trimmer
-10 year experience as clinician in hoof care and horse training in the Americas, Australia and Europe (1st place in 2007 Quilty Gold Cup winner)
-25 year experience as horse trainer, endurance rider, national and international competitor(1st place in 2007 Quilty Gold Cup winner, PANAM, WEG rider)
-With partner Dian Woodward: combined completion mileage of over 35,000 miles and combined 1st place finishes of over 230
Olin Balch, DVM, MS, PhD, North Fork Veterinary Service, Cascade, Idaho
-Participant in endurance riding (vetting/judging, riding) and ride-in-tie events since 1980
-Resident farrier for the Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 1976 to 1980 and from 1986 –1991
-Ph.D. Degree in Equine Locomotion and Biomechanics; Ph.D. Dissertation: Effects of alterations in hoof angle, mediolateral balance, and toe length on kinetic and temporal parameters of horses walking, trotting, and cantering on a high-speed treadmill
-One of 38 veterinarians selected world-wide since 1997 to the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame that recognizes veterinarians who have contributed to the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care for horses
-51 national and international presentations and 34 refereed scientific papers and proceedings on shoeing, hoof balance, and lameness issues
Sign up at:
Global Endurance Training Center
4381 Heather Lane
Moab, Ut. 84532
Tel: 435 719 4033
Cell: 435 260 1494
Email: info@globalendurance.com
www.globalendurance.com
“Hoof care options for the competitive endurance horse”
Presentation, Discussion & Demonstration
When: Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
9 am – 5 pm
Where: ONCE UPON A HORSE ARENA
2880 N Eagle Rd
Eagle, Id 83616
(Eagle Exit on I-84, 2 miles north of Eagle at corner of Eagle Rd and Beacon Light Rd)
Tel: 208 939 0785
Participation Fee: $ 200.00 if paid before May 18th ( $ 225.00 after deadline)
Program:
9 am – 10 am: Functional Anatomy of the Equine limb
10 am -11 am: Limb and Hoof Biomechanics
11 am – 12 am: Conformation and Hoof capsule distortion
12 am – 1 pm: Lunch ( lunch will be provided) During lunch, opportunity for Q&A
1 pm – 3 pm: Practical session with live horses: Conformation analysis, hoof care and trimming
3 pm – 5 pm: Choices of hoof protection and application
Clinicians:
Christoph Schork, Hoof Care Provider, Farrier and rider; Global Endurance Training Center, Moab Utah
-20 year experience as farrier, hoof care specialist, bare foot trimmer
-10 year experience as clinician in hoof care and horse training in the Americas, Australia and Europe (1st place in 2007 Quilty Gold Cup winner)
-25 year experience as horse trainer, endurance rider, national and international competitor(1st place in 2007 Quilty Gold Cup winner, PANAM, WEG rider)
-With partner Dian Woodward: combined completion mileage of over 35,000 miles and combined 1st place finishes of over 230
Olin Balch, DVM, MS, PhD, North Fork Veterinary Service, Cascade, Idaho
-Participant in endurance riding (vetting/judging, riding) and ride-in-tie events since 1980
-Resident farrier for the Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 1976 to 1980 and from 1986 –1991
-Ph.D. Degree in Equine Locomotion and Biomechanics; Ph.D. Dissertation: Effects of alterations in hoof angle, mediolateral balance, and toe length on kinetic and temporal parameters of horses walking, trotting, and cantering on a high-speed treadmill
-One of 38 veterinarians selected world-wide since 1997 to the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame that recognizes veterinarians who have contributed to the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care for horses
-51 national and international presentations and 34 refereed scientific papers and proceedings on shoeing, hoof balance, and lameness issues
Sign up at:
Global Endurance Training Center
4381 Heather Lane
Moab, Ut. 84532
Tel: 435 719 4033
Cell: 435 260 1494
Email: info@globalendurance.com
www.globalendurance.com
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Six Endurance Riders Still Competing for America's Favorite Equestrian
Garrett Ford, Becky Hart, Dave Rabe, Robert Ribley, Julie Suhr, Bill Wilson - six popular AERC endurance riders - are still in the running to become America's Favorite Equestrian, a fundraiser for USEF's Equus Foundation.
They are competing against 6 equestrians from each of the eight disciplines that participated in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Having survived Round 1, the 48 equestrians have now moved on to Round 2.
For a compete list of America's Favorite Equestrians Round 2, see USEF.org.
One more equestrian with the lowest number of votes in each discipline will drop off the list at the end of Round 2 on May 31, 2011. Don't let it be your favorite! All it takes is a $5 gift to The EQUUS Foundation to keep your favorite in the competition.
How to Vote:
Visit the link at http://www.equusfoundation.org/vote
For a $5 contribution, you can select your favorite equestrian (listed by discipline) and follow the instructions provided to use mobile texting to vote. After texting your vote, you must reply YES to confirm your vote and $5 donation.
You can also vote using an online form or vote by mail.
All donations received by the EQUUS Foundation will be used in support of horse-related charitable causes.
How it Works:
Round 2 - Voting ends May 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the five equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 3.
Round 3 - Voting ends on July 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the four equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 4.
Round 4 - Voting ends on September 30, 2011. In each featured discipline, the three equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 5, the final round.
Round 5 - Voting ends on October 31, 2011. America's Favorite Equestrian will be selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes recorded in each of the eight disciplines.
Winner Selections:
The athlete from each discipline with the most votes will join the ranks of America's Favorite Equestrian. These winners will be announced in November 2011 at the National Horse Show, taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.
About America's Favorite Equestrian:
The EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) jointly launched the charitable mobile texting competition in celebration of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the eight international disciplines represented on the field of play.
The objective is for America's Favorite Equestrian to be an ongoing program with all equestrian disciplines/breeds represented and the winners recognized in a permanent "Hall of Fame". For this inaugural program, the disciplines competing in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games were selected for the program, with the many of the equestrians selected by the respective Recognized Affiliates of USEF.
The EQUUS Foundation has pledged to award a minimum of $10,000 in grants in support of USEF programs within these eight international equestrian disciplines. The discipline generating the greatest number of votes will receive an additional $5,000 grant award for its USEF-affiliated association subject to raising sufficient funds. Donations raised over $15,000 will be used to support horse-related charitable causes.
For additional information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at telephone (203) 259-1550, email to equus@equusfoundation.org.
They are competing against 6 equestrians from each of the eight disciplines that participated in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Having survived Round 1, the 48 equestrians have now moved on to Round 2.
For a compete list of America's Favorite Equestrians Round 2, see USEF.org.
One more equestrian with the lowest number of votes in each discipline will drop off the list at the end of Round 2 on May 31, 2011. Don't let it be your favorite! All it takes is a $5 gift to The EQUUS Foundation to keep your favorite in the competition.
How to Vote:
Visit the link at http://www.equusfoundation.org/vote
For a $5 contribution, you can select your favorite equestrian (listed by discipline) and follow the instructions provided to use mobile texting to vote. After texting your vote, you must reply YES to confirm your vote and $5 donation.
You can also vote using an online form or vote by mail.
All donations received by the EQUUS Foundation will be used in support of horse-related charitable causes.
How it Works:
Round 2 - Voting ends May 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the five equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 3.
Round 3 - Voting ends on July 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the four equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 4.
Round 4 - Voting ends on September 30, 2011. In each featured discipline, the three equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 5, the final round.
Round 5 - Voting ends on October 31, 2011. America's Favorite Equestrian will be selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes recorded in each of the eight disciplines.
Winner Selections:
The athlete from each discipline with the most votes will join the ranks of America's Favorite Equestrian. These winners will be announced in November 2011 at the National Horse Show, taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.
About America's Favorite Equestrian:
The EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) jointly launched the charitable mobile texting competition in celebration of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the eight international disciplines represented on the field of play.
The objective is for America's Favorite Equestrian to be an ongoing program with all equestrian disciplines/breeds represented and the winners recognized in a permanent "Hall of Fame". For this inaugural program, the disciplines competing in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games were selected for the program, with the many of the equestrians selected by the respective Recognized Affiliates of USEF.
The EQUUS Foundation has pledged to award a minimum of $10,000 in grants in support of USEF programs within these eight international equestrian disciplines. The discipline generating the greatest number of votes will receive an additional $5,000 grant award for its USEF-affiliated association subject to raising sufficient funds. Donations raised over $15,000 will be used to support horse-related charitable causes.
For additional information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at telephone (203) 259-1550, email to equus@equusfoundation.org.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Whiskeytown Trail Work Day Scheduled Saturday
Anewscafe.com
By Paul Shigley May 3, 2011
A major volunteer trail work day is scheduled for this Saturday, May 7, at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. You might call it Don’t Tread on the Salmon Day.
Let me explain.
The Clear Creek Canal Trail runs for more than four miles roughly parallel to Paige Bar Road from just below Clair Hill Whiskeytown Dam to Horse Camp. Because the trail mostly follows an old water ditch, it has a very slight, imperceptible grade – with one major exception. At Orofino Gulch, the trail plunges sharply downhill to Orofino Creek and then back up.
This short section is known not-so-fondly as The Ditch of Death and has eroded badly. In the 15 years that I’ve been a regular user, I’ve seen the combination of use and rain carve the trail two to four feet into the hillsides. All of that soil washed into Orofino Creek, which flows into Clear Creek. Numerous agencies have poured a ton of money and effort into reviving Clear Creek’s salmon and steelhead fishery, and the fish have returned. However, fine sediment can choke a stream and harm spawning grounds.
So Whiskeytown park officials with major assistance from you, dear hiker-mountain biker-trail runner-horseback rider-nature lover, intend to reroute Clear Creek Canal Trail around the Ditch of Death in order to decrease erosion and let the old trail heal.
The new route will be roughly 400 yards long and will snake down to the creek more gently. Bob Boecking, who heads the Redding Mountain Bike club and works on the Whiskeytown crew, has heard from fellow mountain bikers who don’t want to see the trail moved. Advanced riders enjoy the challenge presented by the Ditch of Death’s steep slope, ruts, rocks and roots.
However, Boecking noted, most mountain bikers (including yours truly) have to dismount, as do many horse riders, because the trail is simply too treacherous. Yet the trail is part of the courses for the Lemurian and Whiskeytown Classic mountain bike races, the Whiskeytown Off-Road Duathlon, and the Whiskeytown Chaser endurance horse ride.
“The planned route is going to be a lot more fun to ride than the trail is now,” Boecking said. He likens the project to the one a few years ago that rerouted the Rich Gulch Trail at the infamous “chimney” above Upper Brandy Creek Trail. Mountain bikers called that ride The Chimney (they still do) because shooting down that steep section that had eroded deeply into the hillside was just like dropping down a chimney. However, just about everyone loves the rerouted trail because it’s more fun to traverse and much prettier.
The park’s crew has already cleared the poison oak and other brush at the location of the Clear Creek Canal Trail’s new route. Now, the park is looking for about 100 volunteers to put in the actual trail tread.
Volunteers should plan to arrive at the NEED camp on Paige Bar Road by 8 a.m. on Saturday for coffee, doughnut and a quick training session before heading out for about a half day’s worth of work. Barbecued burgers and dogs will be waiting afterward. You don’t need to register in advance, and you don’t need any special equipment other than work gloves and sturdy shoes. Sunscreen, bug juice and a full water bottle are good ideas. To learn more, call the park headquarters at (530) 242-3400.
By Paul Shigley May 3, 2011
A major volunteer trail work day is scheduled for this Saturday, May 7, at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. You might call it Don’t Tread on the Salmon Day.
Let me explain.
The Clear Creek Canal Trail runs for more than four miles roughly parallel to Paige Bar Road from just below Clair Hill Whiskeytown Dam to Horse Camp. Because the trail mostly follows an old water ditch, it has a very slight, imperceptible grade – with one major exception. At Orofino Gulch, the trail plunges sharply downhill to Orofino Creek and then back up.
This short section is known not-so-fondly as The Ditch of Death and has eroded badly. In the 15 years that I’ve been a regular user, I’ve seen the combination of use and rain carve the trail two to four feet into the hillsides. All of that soil washed into Orofino Creek, which flows into Clear Creek. Numerous agencies have poured a ton of money and effort into reviving Clear Creek’s salmon and steelhead fishery, and the fish have returned. However, fine sediment can choke a stream and harm spawning grounds.
So Whiskeytown park officials with major assistance from you, dear hiker-mountain biker-trail runner-horseback rider-nature lover, intend to reroute Clear Creek Canal Trail around the Ditch of Death in order to decrease erosion and let the old trail heal.
The new route will be roughly 400 yards long and will snake down to the creek more gently. Bob Boecking, who heads the Redding Mountain Bike club and works on the Whiskeytown crew, has heard from fellow mountain bikers who don’t want to see the trail moved. Advanced riders enjoy the challenge presented by the Ditch of Death’s steep slope, ruts, rocks and roots.
However, Boecking noted, most mountain bikers (including yours truly) have to dismount, as do many horse riders, because the trail is simply too treacherous. Yet the trail is part of the courses for the Lemurian and Whiskeytown Classic mountain bike races, the Whiskeytown Off-Road Duathlon, and the Whiskeytown Chaser endurance horse ride.
“The planned route is going to be a lot more fun to ride than the trail is now,” Boecking said. He likens the project to the one a few years ago that rerouted the Rich Gulch Trail at the infamous “chimney” above Upper Brandy Creek Trail. Mountain bikers called that ride The Chimney (they still do) because shooting down that steep section that had eroded deeply into the hillside was just like dropping down a chimney. However, just about everyone loves the rerouted trail because it’s more fun to traverse and much prettier.
The park’s crew has already cleared the poison oak and other brush at the location of the Clear Creek Canal Trail’s new route. Now, the park is looking for about 100 volunteers to put in the actual trail tread.
Volunteers should plan to arrive at the NEED camp on Paige Bar Road by 8 a.m. on Saturday for coffee, doughnut and a quick training session before heading out for about a half day’s worth of work. Barbecued burgers and dogs will be waiting afterward. You don’t need to register in advance, and you don’t need any special equipment other than work gloves and sturdy shoes. Sunscreen, bug juice and a full water bottle are good ideas. To learn more, call the park headquarters at (530) 242-3400.
USTA to present Standardbred Endurance Award
USTRotting.com
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach
Columbus, OH --- The USTA’s Standardbred Equine Program has teamed up with the American Endurance Ride Conference to present the “Standardbred Endurance Award” for 2011. The award will be given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the season (Dec. 1, 2010–Nov. 30, 2011).
All rides will be considered, including the limited distance 25-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles).
Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. New membership is $63.75 and includes one horse registration; additional horse registration is $15 each. For more information about AERC, visit Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach
Columbus, OH --- The USTA’s Standardbred Equine Program has teamed up with the American Endurance Ride Conference to present the “Standardbred Endurance Award” for 2011. The award will be given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the season (Dec. 1, 2010–Nov. 30, 2011).
All rides will be considered, including the limited distance 25-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles).
Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. New membership is $63.75 and includes one horse registration; additional horse registration is $15 each. For more information about AERC, visit www.aerc.org.
Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public on the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.
.
Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public on the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach
Columbus, OH --- The USTA’s Standardbred Equine Program has teamed up with the American Endurance Ride Conference to present the “Standardbred Endurance Award” for 2011. The award will be given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the season (Dec. 1, 2010–Nov. 30, 2011).
All rides will be considered, including the limited distance 25-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles).
Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. New membership is $63.75 and includes one horse registration; additional horse registration is $15 each. For more information about AERC, visit Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach
Columbus, OH --- The USTA’s Standardbred Equine Program has teamed up with the American Endurance Ride Conference to present the “Standardbred Endurance Award” for 2011. The award will be given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the season (Dec. 1, 2010–Nov. 30, 2011).
All rides will be considered, including the limited distance 25-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles).
Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. New membership is $63.75 and includes one horse registration; additional horse registration is $15 each. For more information about AERC, visit www.aerc.org.
Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public on the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.
.
Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public on the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Horse Health Clinic with Regan Golob
Horse Health Clinic with Regan Golob
Saturday, June 4 · 8:30am - 11:30am
High Star Ranch
970 N State Rd. 32, Kamas, UT 84036
What is your horse trying to tell you?
Have you found yourself wondering who can help solve your challenges with horses? The answer can be found in this informative two day seminar. This class takes the guesswork and practice out of what to feed, teaches you to locate the lameness, and assists you to pinpoint the solutions for optimum health and performance!
AT THIS SEMINAR YOU WILL LEARN:
• Nutritional Reflex Points -- how to test your horse for any supplement, feed or deficiency!
• A Parasite Reflex Point -- does your horse need deworming, how often and with what?
• Why your horse probably has a rib out of place -- what common practice displaces it, and
how to fix it, regaining full performance!
• How acupuncture meridians in your horse’s feet affect performance, and ways to stimulate
these meridians for optimum performance!
• How to eliminate energy blocks that create musculo-skeletal and nervous system problems!
• Common Feeding Mistakes that hinder top performance!
You are guaranteed to come away from this seminar with major breakthrough information that will enable you to have a whole new relationship with your horses
Time: 8:30 registration, 9:00 am -4:30 pm Friday 9:00am-12 noon Sat.
$79 if paid before May 4. $89 after. Horse evaluations-Additional $60 during seminar as demo horse ( limit 5 )
Private horse/human evaluations that weekend $65
RSVP: for flyer and additional information
Marlo@vivenziodressage.com
801-801-918-9715
Seminar with Regan Golob
and Judy Sinner
Saturday, June 4 · 8:30am - 11:30am
High Star Ranch
970 N State Rd. 32, Kamas, UT 84036
What is your horse trying to tell you?
Have you found yourself wondering who can help solve your challenges with horses? The answer can be found in this informative two day seminar. This class takes the guesswork and practice out of what to feed, teaches you to locate the lameness, and assists you to pinpoint the solutions for optimum health and performance!
AT THIS SEMINAR YOU WILL LEARN:
• Nutritional Reflex Points -- how to test your horse for any supplement, feed or deficiency!
• A Parasite Reflex Point -- does your horse need deworming, how often and with what?
• Why your horse probably has a rib out of place -- what common practice displaces it, and
how to fix it, regaining full performance!
• How acupuncture meridians in your horse’s feet affect performance, and ways to stimulate
these meridians for optimum performance!
• How to eliminate energy blocks that create musculo-skeletal and nervous system problems!
• Common Feeding Mistakes that hinder top performance!
You are guaranteed to come away from this seminar with major breakthrough information that will enable you to have a whole new relationship with your horses
Time: 8:30 registration, 9:00 am -4:30 pm Friday 9:00am-12 noon Sat.
$79 if paid before May 4. $89 after. Horse evaluations-Additional $60 during seminar as demo horse ( limit 5 )
Private horse/human evaluations that weekend $65
RSVP: for flyer and additional information
Marlo@vivenziodressage.com
801-801-918-9715
Seminar with Regan Golob
and Judy Sinner
Louisiana’s Zydeco Trail
photo:The Pineywoods Trail Ride, held in Beaver, La., last Labor Day weekend, is one of a circuit of zydeco trail rides that take place in Cajun country around Lafayette, La., and in parts of Texas.
New York Times
By SHAILA DEWAN
Published: April 22, 2011
I HAD never noticed how closely the syncopated rhythm of zydeco music echoes the rollicking stumble of horses on rough terrain. But on a September afternoon in the piney woods of Evangeline Parish, in Louisiana’s Cajun country, with hundreds of dusty horseback riders moving down a narrow trail, the kinship was impossible to miss. As the horses followed a tractor towing a D.J. and a zydeco-blaring sound system, they bucked and swayed in a cadence fit for the barroom floors of Lafayette, 70 miles away.
Eventually the riders — young and old, encumbered by cold beers or small children — reached a large clearing in the middle of the woods, which quickly filled with horses, flatbeds, wagons and buggies as the music continued to throb. People sold barbecue sandwiches and turkey legs from the backs of pick-up trucks. A group of women piled out of a wagon and serenely performed a line dance in the dust. Young people sang and flirted and held up their beers with a “Wooo!”
The clearing was the halfway point of the Pineywoods Trail Ride, one of a circuit of zydeco trail rides that take place in the countryside around Lafayette and in many parts of Texas from Mardi Gras through early December. Exuberant, untouched by corporate sponsors and run by a close-knit network of people who price their beer at $2 a can, the rides are a traditional way to celebrate the cowboy culture of rural blacks or Creoles (commonly understood as a mixture of black with French, Spanish and/or Native American ancestry).
Originally small affairs among relatives and neighbors, the rides have evolved over decades into organized events with a dedicated following, though they have remained largely unknown to outsiders. In recent years, trail rides have surged in popularity among rural youth, as zydeco musicians have incorporated strains of R&B and hip-hop, attracting a new generation for whom Creole is suddenly cool.
The Pineywoods ride, for which more than 2,000 people gathered over the course of three days, started and ended on a farm with an open-sided pavilion that, by the end, would be in a sorry shambles — its benches broken from the weight of people climbing up to get a look at the musicians, an industrial-size Dumpster outside overflowing with the detritus of revelry. It would be a huge, weird, miles-from-nowhere party, one that I had fantasized about for nearly five years.
IN July 2006, when my friend Lisa D’Amour and I embarked on a long, music-seeking weekend with Lafayette as our base, all we knew about zydeco trail rides had been gleaned from an endearingly amateurish Louisiana music fan site: they existed, they took place regularly on Sundays somewhere in the area and to find one, you might try listening to the local Cajun radio program. There was no mention of the fact that the program was in French.
Neither a more extensive Internet search nor the local newspapers got us any further. But the more elusive zydeco trail rides seemed, the more important it became to find one, even if it meant wasting an entire day.
We began our search with an inquiry at Prejean’s, a Cajun restaurant in Lafayette with a stuffed alligator in the entryway and a Webcam that provides worldwide access to views of tourists enjoying shrimp sassafras. Stupid questions are not a rarity at Prejean’s, but our waiter was stumped. Finally, he suggested we take a half-hour drive to Lawtell, the home of iconic zydeco clubs like the Offshore Lounge.
Lafayette is a small city, and you don’t have to go far in any direction before things turn very country, as in gas-station boudin and music venues that are open only on Saturday mornings. Travel south or east, and you will soon see signs for swamp tours; go north, toward Lawtell and Opelousas, and it’s scrub, forest and farms. We knew we had arrived when we saw a hand-painted sign: “Welcome to Lawtell, Home of the Town and Country Riders.” We found an old store that sold bait and rusty key chains, but when we mentioned trail rides, the white man behind the counter gave us a blank look.
At another gas station, a black cashier was more helpful, pointing us to an inebriated man buying a Sunday morning case of beer, who kindly led us to a large shade tree where a man was shoeing a horse. Several other men were hanging around, one of whom wore a rodeo championship belt buckle as big as a chicken-fried steak. Lisa and I looked at each other and grinned.
These men, we soon learned, were not the Lawtell Town and Country Riders, now defunct, but a different club, the Lawtell Low Riders. And yes, they could take us to a trail ride.
The riding clubs, we came to understand, are a fixture of life in Acadiana, the part of southern Louisiana named for the exiled French Canadians who settled it. Here, even Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on horseback; the riders are masked. The clubs are a formalization of the loose confederacies that developed among rural African-Americans out of kinship, friendship or necessity. The rides themselves have their roots in country traditions like boucheries, or hog butcherings.
Nowadays the clubs form the organizational core of the zydeco trail rides, competing to attract the most riders and hire the best bands and D.J.’s. Die-hard riders will bring their horses out every weekend, even if it means towing them across state lines, but most rides remain obscure to outsiders. Even a popular one like the Step-N-Strut, held in St. Landry Parish in early November, which has evolved into a multiday music festival that attracts thousands of people, is still not well known outside the circuit.The clubs strive to set their rides apart — Pineywoods, for example, is known for using an actual trail instead of backcountry roads. But they do have certain things in common: each begins and ends at a church, community center or private parcel of land, sometimes with a pavilion built for dancing.
Our new friend the horseshoe man, whose name was Paul Young, disappeared for a good while and returned with his family (son Paul and daughter Paula) and a trailer full of horses. First we followed him in one direction, seeing nothing but farmland and fishing holes. Then he turned around and went the other direction for an even longer ride. Later it was explained that he had changed plans after learning that the first ride had been canceled, but the detour gave Lisa and me ample time to consider what we were doing: following a bunch of men we had just met across two parishes to the middle of nowhere. Just as a sense of doom was sinking in, we pulled off onto a dirt road, passed a chicken coop and saw three runaway horses with men in pursuit. A guy stationed at the gate collected $5 a head as we passed.
The trail ride had already begun, so there was a scramble to saddle up the horses. Soon, we were headed down a country road at a fast clip. It was hot, and someone reached into a saddlebag and handed me a Coors Light, which bubbled over and spattered on the ground as I tried to drink and ride one-handed. (Note: saddles are not equipped with cup holders.)
Soon we caught up to the other riders: at least a couple hundred people on horseback; a horse-drawn buggy with red wheels and black tufted upholstery; and a wagon or two loaded up with coolers and people. (One flatbed trailer carried a portable toilet.) In the middle of it all was an old, slowly coasting yellow and white truck with a rabbit painted on the side, outfitted front and back with speakers, out of which issued the familiar canter of zydeco. Lisa and I were as awed as if we had unwittingly stumbled across Burning Man while trekking in the Black Rock Desert.
We had spent the previous two days hearing music in the area, and had begun to grasp the differences between the two kinds of music that are essential to the identity of Acadiana. Cajun music, a mournful back porch music of waltzes and fiddles, is still largely the province of white musicians. Zydeco, a more upbeat, catchy genre, is played mostly by blacks. It uses the accordion and washboard, more often called a scrub-board, and went mainstream in the mid-1980s with the help of the hit song “My Toot Toot” and the Dennis Quaid movie “The Big Easy.”
Perhaps because of the movie, many people associate zydeco with New Orleans. But zydeco is country music, created by Creole cowboys. The zydeco rides in Texas are a direct result of pollination by Louisiana Creoles, who went there to do seasonal farm work and brought the music along.
Much later, as my interest in trail rides grew keener, I called the owner of the yellow truck, Frank Malbrough Jr., at his home in Church Point, La. (he was watching a home video of a trail ride when the phone rang). Mr. Malbrough, 79, is known as the Breadman because of his truck’s former service at a Bunny Bread bakery. He claims to have attended a ride every weekend of the season since 1985.
“Trail rides used to be a neighbor thing,” he said. “I got a horse, you got a horse — these guys worked on horseback in the rice harvesting. They started mixing with that horse on Sundays, then they would meet and ride in the woods and have a good time. Trail riding became a family affair.”
There is no telling, according to this history, when the first zydeco trail ride officially occurred. But the rides ended, as they do now, in music and dancing, at a church or on someone’s porch. The Breadman takes credit for the innovation of bringing the music along on the ride itself, first with a borrowed boombox and later with the Bread Truck, purchased in the mid-1980s.
After several hours of following the Bread Truck, we all returned to the farm where we started. Under the shelter of what seemed like a picnic pavilion at a public park, a zydeco band played through a late afternoon rainstorm, and everybody danced. The ride, and all that went with it, encapsulated everything we loved about Louisiana, whose most inviolable traditions are built around enjoyment and leisure; where proud strangers will lend you a horse and hand you a cold beer not because they have a reputation of hospitality to uphold but because it would be a blot on their honor if you did not have fun; and where things coalesce not because of anything you or I might recognize as organization, but according to their own internal logic. With a little luck we had been welcomed into an afternoon of unmediated Creole culture. This was the side of Louisiana that anthropologists love to study, but I love to visit.
JOE FONTENOT, 65, was famous in his youth for riding a pet bull. He can remember capturing wild horses by dropping from a tree onto their backs. On his farm, he raises horses, naked-neck chickens and the guinea hens he says make for better gumbo.
Driving from Lafayette late on a Friday evening last September, I found the Fontenot farm by following cardboard signs that pointed the way. Ever since that first ride, I had wanted to attend another, but had not really known where to start. When I Googled “zydeco trail ride,” I found a forum whose most recent post was two years old, some YouTube videos of trail rides past and a 1989 album by Boozoo Chavis, the zydeco star. Frustrating as it may be to interested outsiders, riding clubs still rely primarily on a tried-and-true advertising method: distributing fliers to trail riders at trail rides.
I made some calls and finally got in touch with Torry Lemelle, who runs the Step-N-Strut and whose husband, Dave, is the president of Border2Border, one of two main Louisiana riding club associations. She told me that the Pineywoods ride, held in Beaver, La., on Labor Day weekend, had been run by the Fontenot family for 25 years, and gave me a number to call. Ultimately this led me to the farm’s gate, where I leaned out my car window and paid $20 for a weekend pass.
I had been delayed by a hurricane on the East Coast, so spent part of the evening nursing my disappointment that I had missed the free supper of cochon de lait — marinated suckling pig that had roasted all day in a metal box, or a “Cajun microwave,” as the Fontenots call it.
At first, the feel was a lot like that of the 2006 ride — the farm, the dance pavilion (where at least seven varieties of Boone’s Farm wine were on offer), the RVs and horse trailers lining the grounds in a vast encampment. There would be live bands all three nights, and I watched as the serious dancers took advantage of the one night when the floor would not be overcrowded. A determined young woman chomped her gum in time to JoJo Reed and the Happy Hill Band as she and her partner covered great swaths of dance floor, never pausing for breath.
On Saturday morning, adults hunched over domino games or tended to the ribs, gumbo or backbone stew they were cooking at their campsites, while children played and rode bareback. But as cars and campers steadily poured into the grounds, an influx that would continue right up to the start of the main trail ride on Sunday, the place took on a different feel. At my first ride, I had noticed a lot of old-timers — “originals,” they call themselves — wearing, as Joe Fontenot did, pressed Western shirts and string ties.
But at the Pineywoods ride, as more and more young people crowded the grounds, I noticed cargo shorts and rubber-soled boots with brightly colored uppers, some with an accumulation of paper wristbands from previous rides threaded through the pull straps in a display of trail ride status.
Virtually everyone wore T-shirts proclaiming their allegiance to a particular riding club: the No Limit Riders of Mamou, La., the Spare Time Riders of New Roads, the Hip Hop Ghetto Riders of Breaux Bridge. Some clubs, like the Exclusive Steppers, showed loyalty to a particular kind of mount, the high-stepping Tennessee walker, considered the Cadillac of trail riding (“If you ain’t steppin’, you ain’t reppin’ ”). Others, like the Wild Bird Riders, honored their favorite whiskey, while the Suga Riders were named in memory of “one of the realest cowboys you would ever get to know,” a Lafayette man who rode his horse to nightclubs. The Mixed Breed Riders, a youthful posse in short-shorts and tank tops, gave a nod to the racial mélange so common in Acadiana. I counted upward of 50 riding clubs, though a few of them didn’t seem to bother with actual horses.
I also heard, between bands, the D.J.’s play something I hadn’t heard at the earlier ride: the occasional hip-hop track (Lil Boosie, a Baton Rouge rapper, was a favorite). In fact, several attendees credited the surge in popularity of the rides to zydeco musicians like Brian Jack and Chris Ardoin, who have given the music a more contemporary feel. On Saturday night, Brian Jack would pack the pavilion, getting a loud cheer when he asked, “How many cowgirls you got out there?”
I met Arloe Fontenot, a 32-year-old member of the extended Fontenot clan, whose members, many of whom have green eyes, range in appearance from fair to dark. “When we were young, we fell into a middle ground in terms of race,” Arloe said. He added, good-naturedly, “Now everyone wants to be Creole, meaning everyone wants to have some freaking boots on and play zydeco in their car and go to one trail ride and call themselves Creole.” This yearning apparently applies to whites as well — I noticed a more racially diverse crowd than I had in 2006, when Lisa and I were the only nonblacks in attendance.
Daphne Rideaux, a 22-year-old member of the Mixed Breed Riders, told me that all any newcomer needs is “the boots, the belt, the spurs and the trail rider shirt,” adding, “They can make their own.” (Park Slope Steppers, are you reppin’?)
From a food truck, I bought a dozen tamales, made by Mr. Fontenot’s sister-in-law and served with saltine crackers and hot sauce, for $8. As I strolled the grounds, I met mail carriers and pipe fitters, a man called Mule who made extra money shoeing horses, and a bank teller named Angela Deculus, who patiently taught me the basic zydeco dance step. Zydeco dancers swear this step is all you need to know, but I have learned it countless times, only to be boot-scooted right off the floor. Figuring out what people are doing with their feet when they zydeco is like trying to determine whether all of a horse’s hooves leave the ground as it gallops.
But I still love to watch, especially the people who grew up dancing in this music-steeped culture. The older couples meld as if they had been specially machined to perform in unison; the younger couples clasp hands as they move one way, only to drop them on the return with inimitable insouciance. You can almost see the church halls, the linoleum floors, the lessons from grandpa, the generations that precede each particular dance — see the music moving through the blood. These dancers zydeco the way they sit a horse.
On Saturday afternoon, there was a “mini-ride,” or what Mr. Fontenot called a “vice-versa ride” because it follows the route of the big Sunday ride in reverse.
It was quieter than the Sunday ride would be, and together several hundred of us passed through woods filled with bright purple beautyberries. The temperature hovered at an amazingly cool 80 degrees. Mr. Fontenot no longer rides, but his grandson Casey, then 9, took the lead position, slung across his horse at a jaunty tilt, just as if he had been born up there and it had never occurred to him to get down.
SADDLE UP AND PASS THE BOUDIN
FINDING A TRAIL RIDE
Zydeco trail rides take place primarily in Louisiana and Texas.
Two of the biggest zydeco trail ride associations in Louisiana, which serve as umbrella groups for the clubs, are the Border2Border Trail Ride Association and the Rainbow Trail Ride Association, both of which include Texas rides on their calendars.
Their 2011 schedules are posted at billpickettrailriders.com and marcsobers.com. There are a lot of T.B.A.’s on those schedules, but I found updated information for rides in the next couple of months at zydecoevents.com/trailriders.
In Louisiana, the ride itself is held on Sunday; in Texas, it is often on Saturday with a rodeo on Sunday (and Louisiana folk will tell you that the food is not as good). If you do not have a horse, you can ride on a wagon; often at least one of these belongs to the ride organizers. Let them know you are a first-timer.
SLEEPING AND EATING
To camp at a trail ride, you will likely need a camper or RV — there are generally no facilities for tent camping. Otherwise, you can find a hotel close to your chosen ride’s location; there are accommodations in Opelousas, Eunice, Ville Platte and Breaux Bridge (where the Café des Amis is known for its zydeco brunch on Saturdays). Lafayette is a good base from which to explore the trail riding scene, but expect to drive an hour or more to get to one from there.
In Lafayette the Blue Moon Saloon (215 East Convent Street; 877-766-2583; bluemoonpresents.com), has a guest house catering to music lovers. Rooms start at $70; “dorm” rooms that sleep up to eight are $18 a person.
Prejean’s (3480 Northeast Evangeline Thruway; 337-896-3247; prejeans.com), is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
Ask the locals which gas station has the best boudin.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Desperado V turns 25
April 21 2011
Join Varian Arabians for the celebration of the 25th birthday of
Desperado V (Huckleberry Bey++ x Daraska) and the annual Spring Fling, on April 30-May 1, 2011.
Desperado V is a living legend in the Arabian world. Sired by legendary Huckleberry Bey++, Desperado has proudly carried on the incredible style and traditions that have made Varian Arabians so successful. Desperado V, foaled 2/26/1986, is tall (15.1 1/2 hands), dark and extremely handsome and he sires it! His exotic head is well known, but most of all, he has proven his ability to sire National Champions in both Halter and Performance. He carries a high set tail, beautiful eyes and emotes Arabian charisma. His disposition and trainability are transmitted to his offspring and are easily verified by contacting any trainer working with a Desperado V youngster. "Show quality" and "marketability" of Desperado V foals are well documented. Desperado V has been the leading sire on five of the AHRA stud books and he is a Sire of Significance.
Sire: Desperado V's sire line is four generations strong of Varian breeding. All, including Desperado V himself, have been Sires of Significance. Huckleberry Bey++, Desperado V's sire, has been a leading sire for years and now his sons have taken over the leading sire spot. Desperado V's sire line brings to him both beauty and athletic ability. Most notable is his ability to "breed on" his own unique look. Dam Desperado V's dam, Daraska, is a most exotic granddaughter of both *Bask and Comet, with a tail female line containing the legendary Mekeel mares to the aristocrat "Ghazna".
For a schedule of events or to register online, see http://www.varianarabians.com/events.asp
Monday, April 18, 2011
Western States Trail April 30th Work Day Reminder
April 18 2010
New Federal Agency Volunteer Form Requirement!
Please follow the link below
With the storms of March behind us, it's time to hit the trail to clear fallen trees and improve sections eroded from heavy rain and low snow. With the run and ride quickly approaching, there is plenty of work to do!
Our work now takes us to sections of the trail located on U.S. government land. The United States Forest Service has instituted a new policy requiring every volunteer to fill out a form and send it to the agency for approval. As time is running short, please go to http://ws100.com/projects.htm#fedform to access the form, follow the instructions and send immediately. We've tried to make this as painless and efficient as possible. It is very important that you send this form before you volunteer!
We can still use more help, so join us if you can. If you haven't responded, please do so at trails@ws100.com. As we'll be meeting 18 miles east of Auburn in Foresthill, please note the 8:30 am start time to give you a little extra time to arrive. The meeting place is Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop (directions below.)
It's too soon to predict the weather but come prepared for variable temps. Please remember to bring water, snacks and gloves. Tools will be available but bring your own loppers or handsaw if you'd like.
We'll wrap up at about 1:30 PM and regroup for lunch.
This will be the final update unless a cancellation is necessary due to weather. We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, April 30.
Donn Zea
WS Trail Manager
Mike Shackelford
Tevis Trail Manager
New Federal Agency Volunteer Form Requirement!
Please follow the link below
With the storms of March behind us, it's time to hit the trail to clear fallen trees and improve sections eroded from heavy rain and low snow. With the run and ride quickly approaching, there is plenty of work to do!
Our work now takes us to sections of the trail located on U.S. government land. The United States Forest Service has instituted a new policy requiring every volunteer to fill out a form and send it to the agency for approval. As time is running short, please go to http://ws100.com/projects.htm#fedform to access the form, follow the instructions and send immediately. We've tried to make this as painless and efficient as possible. It is very important that you send this form before you volunteer!
We can still use more help, so join us if you can. If you haven't responded, please do so at trails@ws100.com. As we'll be meeting 18 miles east of Auburn in Foresthill, please note the 8:30 am start time to give you a little extra time to arrive. The meeting place is Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop (directions below.)
It's too soon to predict the weather but come prepared for variable temps. Please remember to bring water, snacks and gloves. Tools will be available but bring your own loppers or handsaw if you'd like.
We'll wrap up at about 1:30 PM and regroup for lunch.
This will be the final update unless a cancellation is necessary due to weather. We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, April 30.
Donn Zea
WS Trail Manager
Mike Shackelford
Tevis Trail Manager
Friday, April 15, 2011
She’s in it for the long haul
Agweek.com - Full Article
April 15 2011
By: Patrick Springer, INFORUM
Wadena, Minn. - You could say that Angie Mikkelson loves to ride horses. But it would be more precise to say she loves to ride horses for hours and hours, miles and miles.
As a child, a congenital heart defect meant she couldn’t be as active in sports as she would have liked.
But her godparents introduced her to the joy of riding horses. “I’ve been riding,” she says, “ever since I remember.”
Later, a neighbor initiated her into the stay-in-the-saddle world of endurance riding.
In the 20 years since, she’s ridden more than 3,000 miles in endurance riding competitions. Distances vary from 25 miles to 50 miles on up to 100 miles.
Some might regard those marathon rides as a recipe for acute saddle soreness, but Mikkelson, 36, finds them a pleasurable way to experience the great outdoors from the back of a good horse...
Read more here:
http://www.agweek.com/event/article/id/315942/publisher_ID/1/
April 15 2011
By: Patrick Springer, INFORUM
Wadena, Minn. - You could say that Angie Mikkelson loves to ride horses. But it would be more precise to say she loves to ride horses for hours and hours, miles and miles.
As a child, a congenital heart defect meant she couldn’t be as active in sports as she would have liked.
But her godparents introduced her to the joy of riding horses. “I’ve been riding,” she says, “ever since I remember.”
Later, a neighbor initiated her into the stay-in-the-saddle world of endurance riding.
In the 20 years since, she’s ridden more than 3,000 miles in endurance riding competitions. Distances vary from 25 miles to 50 miles on up to 100 miles.
Some might regard those marathon rides as a recipe for acute saddle soreness, but Mikkelson, 36, finds them a pleasurable way to experience the great outdoors from the back of a good horse...
Read more here:
http://www.agweek.com/event/article/id/315942/publisher_ID/1/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Houston to host major national equestrian event
Bixbybulletin.com - Full article
Tue Apr 12, 2011
Staff Reports Bixby Bulletin
HOUSTON, (GHHC) - Endurance riders from across the nation will bring their mounts to George Bush Intercontinental Airport May 14-15 for six rides to benefit St. Jude's Research Hospital. As an introductory for endurance rider wanabes, a 10 mile Fun Ride is for those that would like to find out more about the sport of Endurance or just get out and enjoy the beautiful airport trails, or explore becoming an AIRPORT RANGER, and be part of the "SADDLE UP" FOR ST. JUDE!.
Serious competitors will experience the thrill of daily 25 and 50 mile rides around the busy airport as passengers on jumbo jets from around the globe get a firsthand taste of Texas horsemanship as they land.
Houston has become a benchmark for distance running with the Houston Marathon which attracts runners from across the globe. Because of the setting at a major international airport, the Houston equine event could become another major sports venue for the Bayou City.
Endurance riding is an athletic event for both horse and rider. The goal is to complete the marked trail within the time given with a horse that is fit to continue. Rain or shine the ride goes on. All horses must pass a complete vet check before, during and after the ride. Because of the demands made on horse and rider, to finish is to win.
The general public will enjoy observation areas at the airport administration building on JFK, the Houston Fire Department Airport Substation at Will Clayton Parkway and Lee Road, Aircraft Viewing Area, on Lee Road, and the North Trailhead on FM 1060 East (watch for the signs) where the start/finish line is located.
Sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference
FOR ENTRY FORM OR MORE INFORMATION: http://aerc.org/Calendar/2011AirportExpress.pdf
Sponsors: Greater Houston Horse Council, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, City of Houston, Horseback Magazine, Texas Endurance Ride Association
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
April Update: 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships
USEF.org
April Update: What's Happening at the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North?
Release: April 11 2011
Author: Joanie Morris
rider
Lexington, KY - Less than four months before the Opening Ceremonies for the 2011 Championships and planning is already well underway. With the addition of Endurance, we will be utilizing a new part of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Endurance Base Camp will set up on Walt Robertson Way, across from the Secretariat Center. The rest of the venue is looking really good, having benefited from the overhaul which corresponded with last fall's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Schedule:
The Tentative Competition Schedule for competitors is available here: http://www.youngriders.org/Schedule.aspx and as soon as the Draft Schedules get approved by the FEI they will be posted.
Resources/FAQ:
There is also a Chef's Manual and other useful information posted on the website, please reference the Team Resources page for more information: http://www.youngriders.org/FAQ.aspx.
Qualifying is of course well underway for most disciplines, it's a good time to make sure all your FEI numbers are up-to-date and your passport is valid, the Chef's Manual has some guidelines and information regarding these things.
Discipline Directors here at the USEF will be able to answer technical questions you may have regarding in selection and qualifying:
Dressage: Jenny van Wieren or Jeannie Putney jvanwieren@usef.org or jputney@usef.org.
Eventing: Shealagh Costello scostello@usef.org.
Jumping: Jennifer Haydon is on maternity leave so please contact Kate Black at kblack@usef.org in the interim with your questions.
Reining and Endurance: Vonita Bowers at vbowers@usef.org.
Hospitality:
If you would like a private table in the Kentucky Club, reserve one early! This means you will have a shady, dry spot to watch all the action in Rolex Stadium. The order form is on this page, and Helen Murray can help answer questions. She can be reached at Helen Murray hmurray@usef.org.
Hotels, Camping, etc:
The Marriott Griffin Gate is the Official Hotel of NAJYRC, book with them and you will have a lovely place to stay right near the Kentucky Horse Park, they will be happy to hear from you: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lexky-griffin-gate-marriott-resort-and-spa/ there is also a spa in case you have a long trip! Of course, there is always camping available here at the Kentucky Horse Park, contact Christy at the Campground Store, they can book your space for you, and they're holding some for this event so book early! Phone: 859-259-4857 Website: http://www.kyhorsepark.com/camping-in-the-park
Sponsors:
We are thrilled to have our title and presenting sponsors: Adequan and Gotham North returning with their unwavering support for the program.
Divisional sponsors remain unchanged too (we are still working on a sponsor for our newest discipline, Endurance):
Dressage: Platinum Performance/USDF
Eventing: US Eventing Association
Jumping: US Hunter Jumper Association
Reining: Smart Pak
The Canadian Federation continues to pledge their support, along with numerous sponsors and donors who continue to help make this incredible program possible. Opportunities to get involved are available; please contact Scott Carling at scarling@usef.org for more information.
Vendors:
We have moved the stabling across the road from the Rolex Stadium so the vicinity to the vendors will be much better. We know that convenience rules, so with the new location of the stables, our vendors have the best accessibility on the venue. Our vendors will be steps away from the stabling, directly across from the Kentucky Club Hospitality Tent. Don't miss an opportunity to bring your products to a young, dynamic consumer group. Vendor information is available on the website: http://www.youngriders.org/documents/forms/NAJYRC_Vendor_Form.pdf
Program:
If you would like to advertise in the program, please contact Kim Russell (krussell@usef.org) - good luck ads, thank you's as well as standard advertisements are all welcome - this is a great souvenir from the event, and every rider, along with spectators, sponsors, officials and staff get one and most hang on to them for a long time. More than just a one-week shot at exposure - these programs are kept for years as everyone involved with the event holds on to them.
Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook, we love friends and the more people that know about this program, the better. We're on Twitter too, so you can follow us there.
April Update: What's Happening at the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North?
Release: April 11 2011
Author: Joanie Morris
rider
Lexington, KY - Less than four months before the Opening Ceremonies for the 2011 Championships and planning is already well underway. With the addition of Endurance, we will be utilizing a new part of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Endurance Base Camp will set up on Walt Robertson Way, across from the Secretariat Center. The rest of the venue is looking really good, having benefited from the overhaul which corresponded with last fall's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Schedule:
The Tentative Competition Schedule for competitors is available here: http://www.youngriders.org/Schedule.aspx and as soon as the Draft Schedules get approved by the FEI they will be posted.
Resources/FAQ:
There is also a Chef's Manual and other useful information posted on the website, please reference the Team Resources page for more information: http://www.youngriders.org/FAQ.aspx.
Qualifying is of course well underway for most disciplines, it's a good time to make sure all your FEI numbers are up-to-date and your passport is valid, the Chef's Manual has some guidelines and information regarding these things.
Discipline Directors here at the USEF will be able to answer technical questions you may have regarding in selection and qualifying:
Dressage: Jenny van Wieren or Jeannie Putney jvanwieren@usef.org or jputney@usef.org.
Eventing: Shealagh Costello scostello@usef.org.
Jumping: Jennifer Haydon is on maternity leave so please contact Kate Black at kblack@usef.org in the interim with your questions.
Reining and Endurance: Vonita Bowers at vbowers@usef.org.
Hospitality:
If you would like a private table in the Kentucky Club, reserve one early! This means you will have a shady, dry spot to watch all the action in Rolex Stadium. The order form is on this page, and Helen Murray can help answer questions. She can be reached at Helen Murray hmurray@usef.org.
Hotels, Camping, etc:
The Marriott Griffin Gate is the Official Hotel of NAJYRC, book with them and you will have a lovely place to stay right near the Kentucky Horse Park, they will be happy to hear from you: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lexky-griffin-gate-marriott-resort-and-spa/ there is also a spa in case you have a long trip! Of course, there is always camping available here at the Kentucky Horse Park, contact Christy at the Campground Store, they can book your space for you, and they're holding some for this event so book early! Phone: 859-259-4857 Website: http://www.kyhorsepark.com/camping-in-the-park
Sponsors:
We are thrilled to have our title and presenting sponsors: Adequan and Gotham North returning with their unwavering support for the program.
Divisional sponsors remain unchanged too (we are still working on a sponsor for our newest discipline, Endurance):
Dressage: Platinum Performance/USDF
Eventing: US Eventing Association
Jumping: US Hunter Jumper Association
Reining: Smart Pak
The Canadian Federation continues to pledge their support, along with numerous sponsors and donors who continue to help make this incredible program possible. Opportunities to get involved are available; please contact Scott Carling at scarling@usef.org for more information.
Vendors:
We have moved the stabling across the road from the Rolex Stadium so the vicinity to the vendors will be much better. We know that convenience rules, so with the new location of the stables, our vendors have the best accessibility on the venue. Our vendors will be steps away from the stabling, directly across from the Kentucky Club Hospitality Tent. Don't miss an opportunity to bring your products to a young, dynamic consumer group. Vendor information is available on the website: http://www.youngriders.org/documents/forms/NAJYRC_Vendor_Form.pdf
Program:
If you would like to advertise in the program, please contact Kim Russell (krussell@usef.org) - good luck ads, thank you's as well as standard advertisements are all welcome - this is a great souvenir from the event, and every rider, along with spectators, sponsors, officials and staff get one and most hang on to them for a long time. More than just a one-week shot at exposure - these programs are kept for years as everyone involved with the event holds on to them.
Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook, we love friends and the more people that know about this program, the better. We're on Twitter too, so you can follow us there.
Friday, April 08, 2011
Saddlebreds Continue to Excel in Distance Riding Competitions
USEF.org
Release: April 08 2011
Author: ASHA news
Lexington, KY - Two American Saddlebreds, All The Money (affectionately known as Cash) and Far Field Hustle Time, continue to beat out their Arabian competitors in 25-mile Limited Distance (LD) competitions.
Most recently, at the Bar H/True Grit ride in Perris, CA, Cash took first place, with Hustle Time taking second. The ride was 25 miles, and both horses came in approximately 10 minutes ahead of the third place finisher. Both horses have been competing in LD for the past year, and nearly always come in the top 10; both have come in first, and Cash has two “Best Condition” honors under his saddle.
How did they begin their careers? All The Money was the 1998 World’s Champion weanling who went on to be the Western States Horse Expo Breed Ambassador. Carlos and Lisa Siderman purchased him from Barbara Molland in 2005, to ride trails, and got him into the Parelli program, in which he is a Level 3.
Far Field Hustle Time was trained in saddleseat but never took to it. The Sidermans purchased him in 2004, also as a trail horse. Lisa Siderman was interested in competing, so after reading about Wing Tempo, the American Saddlebred that held the record for the most North American Trail Riding Conference (NATRC) Competitive Trail (CT) miles, she entered the “boys” in their first competition, the Bonelli Park Ride.
The two did well, both placing in the top 4. Cash placed first on their second ride (which was sponsored by the Arabian Horse Association!). A CT ride is either 25 or 35 miles long, and is a pace, not a race. Competitors may not finish the 25-mile ride before 5.5 hours, or later than 6 hours, without incurring a penalty. Lisa and Carlos found they were holding their horses back, so they entered them in their first American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) 25-mile LD race. LD is an endurance race of less than 50 miles. The two placed 34 and 35 out of 101 riders, and Cash took Best Condition over all other competitors – with a perfect vet card.
They finished in a little over 4 hours. Carlos was holding Hustle Time back the whole time and decided that in the next race, to let him go. The result was a first place finish for Hustle Time, with Cash finishing just two spots behind, in third, and once again earning Best Condition. Both finished in under 3.5 hours.
Saddlebreds are well suited for distance riding, with their long strides, large hearts, thin skin and lean muscles. To condition for a 25-mile CT or LD, it is important that a horse is ridden several times a week at long, slow trots. Once they are in shape, it is important that they not be overtrained. Some hill work is also beneficial, but the main goal is to get their muscles stretched and lean, and their aerobic capacity up. Using a heart rate monitor is very useful for training.
Lisa Siderman is happy to answer any questions about how to get your Saddlebred into CT or LD riding (saddllp@gmail.com). And don't forget, the American Saddlebred Horse Association is offering two new programs to reward sport horses, the year-end High Points program and the Sporthorse awards program, in which both NATRC and AERC rides are included.
Release: April 08 2011
Author: ASHA news
Lexington, KY - Two American Saddlebreds, All The Money (affectionately known as Cash) and Far Field Hustle Time, continue to beat out their Arabian competitors in 25-mile Limited Distance (LD) competitions.
Most recently, at the Bar H/True Grit ride in Perris, CA, Cash took first place, with Hustle Time taking second. The ride was 25 miles, and both horses came in approximately 10 minutes ahead of the third place finisher. Both horses have been competing in LD for the past year, and nearly always come in the top 10; both have come in first, and Cash has two “Best Condition” honors under his saddle.
How did they begin their careers? All The Money was the 1998 World’s Champion weanling who went on to be the Western States Horse Expo Breed Ambassador. Carlos and Lisa Siderman purchased him from Barbara Molland in 2005, to ride trails, and got him into the Parelli program, in which he is a Level 3.
Far Field Hustle Time was trained in saddleseat but never took to it. The Sidermans purchased him in 2004, also as a trail horse. Lisa Siderman was interested in competing, so after reading about Wing Tempo, the American Saddlebred that held the record for the most North American Trail Riding Conference (NATRC) Competitive Trail (CT) miles, she entered the “boys” in their first competition, the Bonelli Park Ride.
The two did well, both placing in the top 4. Cash placed first on their second ride (which was sponsored by the Arabian Horse Association!). A CT ride is either 25 or 35 miles long, and is a pace, not a race. Competitors may not finish the 25-mile ride before 5.5 hours, or later than 6 hours, without incurring a penalty. Lisa and Carlos found they were holding their horses back, so they entered them in their first American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) 25-mile LD race. LD is an endurance race of less than 50 miles. The two placed 34 and 35 out of 101 riders, and Cash took Best Condition over all other competitors – with a perfect vet card.
They finished in a little over 4 hours. Carlos was holding Hustle Time back the whole time and decided that in the next race, to let him go. The result was a first place finish for Hustle Time, with Cash finishing just two spots behind, in third, and once again earning Best Condition. Both finished in under 3.5 hours.
Saddlebreds are well suited for distance riding, with their long strides, large hearts, thin skin and lean muscles. To condition for a 25-mile CT or LD, it is important that a horse is ridden several times a week at long, slow trots. Once they are in shape, it is important that they not be overtrained. Some hill work is also beneficial, but the main goal is to get their muscles stretched and lean, and their aerobic capacity up. Using a heart rate monitor is very useful for training.
Lisa Siderman is happy to answer any questions about how to get your Saddlebred into CT or LD riding (saddllp@gmail.com). And don't forget, the American Saddlebred Horse Association is offering two new programs to reward sport horses, the year-end High Points program and the Sporthorse awards program, in which both NATRC and AERC rides are included.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
One Hour that will Change How You Deworm Forever
Do you know if your deworming program is effective? Tune in to RFD-TV on Monday, April 11, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time for "The Deworming Revolution: What You Need to Know Now," a one-hour show that discusses the increasing problem of parasite resistance and how you may need to change your deworming program. Topics include a parasite overview, the importance of fecal egg counts and how to deworm with a strategy.
The show is sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and includes equine veterinarians, Wendy Vaala, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM and Laird Laurence DVM, to answer your LIVE call-in questions.
Watch "The Deworming Revolution: What You Need to Know Now" LIVE on RFD-TV.
The show is sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and includes equine veterinarians, Wendy Vaala, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM and Laird Laurence DVM, to answer your LIVE call-in questions.
Watch "The Deworming Revolution: What You Need to Know Now" LIVE on RFD-TV.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Equine Dynamics Clinic
April 4 2011
The first ever Equine Dynamics Clinic was held April 2 & 3, 2011 near Parma, ID., featuring Naomi Preston and myself, Karen Bumgarner. It was the result of, "Hey Naomi, you do the TTeam and I do the horse massage, I know they are different but yet they complement one another. What do you think of us doing a clinic?" She loved the idea, and it grew from there with an added day of "Connected Riding" techniques which she had learned from Peggy Cummings.
I had studied Equine Sports Massage from Equissage and Mary Schrieber, following Jack Meaghers proven methods. Along with techniques I had learned as a kid around racehorses and attending other clinics.
Naomi Preston has studied the Linda Tellington Jones' Tellington Touch, which stimulates sensory and helps the horse to accept training, become more focused and also aids healing. Naomi has many success stories she shared with us.
In my mind "dynamics" was a perfect part of the title of the clinic. The definition of dynamics is "pertaining to or characterized by energy or effective action". And by the end of the weekend all could see it truly fit. The many ideas rolled together were truly enlightening and energizing. Our riding will be more in harmony to the horse, and his body will be better prepared for competition. I cannot begin to put it all into a blog. So much information! This is just a morsel of what was presented...
Read more here:
http://karenshorsetales.blogspot.com/2011/04/equine-dynamics-clinic.html
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Bellvue women enjoy endurance riding, competition
image by Paschal Karl
By Marty Metzger
North Forty News
Endurance is defined as the ability to withstand hardship or stress and synonymous with courage, persistence and fortitude. The sport of competitive endurance riding adds speed and strategy.
Popular worldwide, the equestrian racing activity might trace its roots to the Pony Express of the 1860s or even back thousands of years to Arabian desert survival matches. But nowadays, necessity is supplanted by athletic competition and just plain fun.
Northern Colorado enthusiasts of the spirited sport include Jan Bright, DVM, and Suzie Barbour, RN, both of Bellvue. Though dedicated competitors, they also train together.
Fifty-three-year-old Barbour, who's ridden since age 6, ran in marathons after her children were born. When they were grown, she again bought a horse and tried dressage. But the trails called loudly – ring riding just wasn't for her.
Fifteen years ago, she switched to endurance riding and hasn't looked back since ...
Read more here:
http://www.northfortynews.com/News/201104photo_HA_19_enduranceRidingBellvue.htm
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Local riders and their mounts earn trail honors
Delta County Independent - full article
March 30,2011
photo: Juleen Feazell and Sixes Peppy Lady![]()
At the North American Trail Ride Conference, NATRC 2010 National convention in Nashville Tenn., Brandy Ferganchick of Eckert and her Norwegian fjord Fawn Creek Thor (aka: Dodger) received the high average horse-grand champion award.
This award is the total of the average scores of the horse compared with the winner's score at each of nine rides for the whole year.
It is one of the top awards for the nation and was an amazing win as Norwegian fjords are not normally considered distance riding animals.
photo: Judy Mason and Cedar Mesa Rushai![]()
Norwegian fjords are small horses from the mountainous regions of Norway where they are used as a light draft and farm work horse. Dodger also received a national championship (accumulation of necessary points and wins in a region).
Brandy was second in the nation for open lightweight horsemanship, and Dodger was second in the nation for open lightweight horse. Brandy and Dodger also received the high point, open, lightweight regional team, horse and rider award.
Juleen Feazell of Cedaredge and her horse Sixes Peppy Lady (aka: Cookie) a lovely paint mare, won the novice, lightweight, regional team award for this region which includes Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Judy Mason of Cedar Mesa also received a national championship and third place light weight regional open team awards on her home bred and raised Cedar Mesa Rushai, a charming grey Arabian.
photo: Brandy Ferganchick and Fawn Creek Thor![]()
Judy was also honored at the 50th anniversary walk of fame for many previous years competing in NATRC, including 10,000 miles of competition, and for the "wonder horse" Woody who is in the NATRC Hall of Fame for his many achievements.
At the regional convention in Pueblo, Brandy and Dodger also won the region's high average horsemanship award, as well as first place open lightweight horse and first place open rider in the region.
Juleen won the high point novice horse and high point novice lightweight horsemanship awards, as well as the regional novice team award.
NATRC encourages the selection, training, riding and care of horses for long distance trail riding. The competitions are typically two days long over well marked and beautiful trails.
Novice riders cover a total distance of about 40 miles in two days at about four mph. Open riders travel 50 to 60 miles at 5 to six mph. The riders are in camp each evening for judging and map briefing for the next day's ride. Horses are judged in camp and on the trail by a veterinarian judge for condition, soundness, and manners. Riders are judged by approved horsemanship judges on balance, position, care of horse on trail, and in camp and safety.
There is a clinic for competitive trail riding on April 30. Brandy, Juleen, Judy, and others will be coaching. For information and reservations contact Mason at 856-7022 or masonranch@aol.com.
March 30,2011
photo: Juleen Feazell and Sixes Peppy LadyAt the North American Trail Ride Conference, NATRC 2010 National convention in Nashville Tenn., Brandy Ferganchick of Eckert and her Norwegian fjord Fawn Creek Thor (aka: Dodger) received the high average horse-grand champion award.
This award is the total of the average scores of the horse compared with the winner's score at each of nine rides for the whole year.
It is one of the top awards for the nation and was an amazing win as Norwegian fjords are not normally considered distance riding animals.
photo: Judy Mason and Cedar Mesa RushaiNorwegian fjords are small horses from the mountainous regions of Norway where they are used as a light draft and farm work horse. Dodger also received a national championship (accumulation of necessary points and wins in a region).
Brandy was second in the nation for open lightweight horsemanship, and Dodger was second in the nation for open lightweight horse. Brandy and Dodger also received the high point, open, lightweight regional team, horse and rider award.
Juleen Feazell of Cedaredge and her horse Sixes Peppy Lady (aka: Cookie) a lovely paint mare, won the novice, lightweight, regional team award for this region which includes Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Judy Mason of Cedar Mesa also received a national championship and third place light weight regional open team awards on her home bred and raised Cedar Mesa Rushai, a charming grey Arabian.
photo: Brandy Ferganchick and Fawn Creek ThorAt the regional convention in Pueblo, Brandy and Dodger also won the region's high average horsemanship award, as well as first place open lightweight horse and first place open rider in the region.
Juleen won the high point novice horse and high point novice lightweight horsemanship awards, as well as the regional novice team award.
NATRC encourages the selection, training, riding and care of horses for long distance trail riding. The competitions are typically two days long over well marked and beautiful trails.
Novice riders cover a total distance of about 40 miles in two days at about four mph. Open riders travel 50 to 60 miles at 5 to six mph. The riders are in camp each evening for judging and map briefing for the next day's ride. Horses are judged in camp and on the trail by a veterinarian judge for condition, soundness, and manners. Riders are judged by approved horsemanship judges on balance, position, care of horse on trail, and in camp and safety.
There is a clinic for competitive trail riding on April 30. Brandy, Juleen, Judy, and others will be coaching. For information and reservations contact Mason at 856-7022 or masonranch@aol.com.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Color Country Endurance Ride
Ride manager Marian Parker and her family would like to invite riders to join them at their upcoming Color Country Endurance Ride that will be held April 7, 8, 9, and 10, 2011, in Toquerville, Utah.
Dave Nicholson is the head vet, and Stacie Devereaux is the trail master.
"Stacie and her crew work very hard to give the 50 milers, and the 25 milers a variety of trails each day," Parker says. "Since she knows endurance she knows how to mark trail and hopefully they are enjoyable for everyone. Just remember it is your responsibility to take care of yourself and best friend, your horse. We are high desert, with hills, washes, climbs, sand, cactus, beautiful scenery, and dinosaur tracks, and she will have water on the trail."
For ride entry forms or more information, send inquiries to mparker_931@msn.com
Dave Nicholson is the head vet, and Stacie Devereaux is the trail master.
"Stacie and her crew work very hard to give the 50 milers, and the 25 milers a variety of trails each day," Parker says. "Since she knows endurance she knows how to mark trail and hopefully they are enjoyable for everyone. Just remember it is your responsibility to take care of yourself and best friend, your horse. We are high desert, with hills, washes, climbs, sand, cactus, beautiful scenery, and dinosaur tracks, and she will have water on the trail."
For ride entry forms or more information, send inquiries to mparker_931@msn.com
Friday, March 25, 2011
Whiting: He's Such a Horse's Brain
BY DAVID WHITING
COLUMNIST
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
dwhiting@ocregister.com
Windy runs under me as we jet up rocky, rutted hills so steep no 600-pound animal should be able to walk them, let alone fly.
The sweat on the horse's red-brown coat glistens like dew in the sun. Her massive lungs work in conjunction with her powerful legs. Hooves find footing where – seemingly – there is no solid ground.
We crest the hill. Massive boulders narrow the trail to a foot. On two legs, it would take all my concentration to avoid a stumble. With four legs churning, Windy twists one way and the other. At the same time.
She clears the passage.
I'm in the middle of a race called "Ride and Tie." Teams of two people and one horse make their way through rugged backcountry, the humans tying horses to bushes or trees and trading off on riding and running.
My only goal is not to kill anyone, including Windy and myself.
Only four weeks ago, riding like this was sheer terror. On this day, it is a harmonic convergence of human and horse...
See photos and read more here:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/-293507--.html
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Endurance Horse Ride Returns to Whiskeytown
Anewscafe.com - Full Article
By Paul Shigley March 24, 2011
The Whiskeytown Chaser endurance ride is scheduled to return on April 9 with new event organizers and courses.
The long-distance equestrian event has evolved a great deal over the past two decades. It has earned a reputation as a great early season training ride for the prestigious Tevis Cup 100-mile ride over the Sierra Nevada, and as a difficult ride in its own right.
After the Chaser was canceled last year, longtime participants Jennifer Powell and Kris Wright took over as organizers from Bonnie Sterling, who successfully managed the event for years. Powell and Wright are trying to pump new enthusiasm into the 50- and 25-mile rides, and they have modified the courses considerably with the inclusion of 11 miles of trail in the Bureau of Land Management’s Swasey recreation area, which lies adjacent to Whiskeytown...
Read more here:
http://anewscafe.com/2011/03/24/endurance-horse-ride-returns-to-whiskeytown/
By Paul Shigley March 24, 2011
The Whiskeytown Chaser endurance ride is scheduled to return on April 9 with new event organizers and courses.
The long-distance equestrian event has evolved a great deal over the past two decades. It has earned a reputation as a great early season training ride for the prestigious Tevis Cup 100-mile ride over the Sierra Nevada, and as a difficult ride in its own right.
After the Chaser was canceled last year, longtime participants Jennifer Powell and Kris Wright took over as organizers from Bonnie Sterling, who successfully managed the event for years. Powell and Wright are trying to pump new enthusiasm into the 50- and 25-mile rides, and they have modified the courses considerably with the inclusion of 11 miles of trail in the Bureau of Land Management’s Swasey recreation area, which lies adjacent to Whiskeytown...
Read more here:
http://anewscafe.com/2011/03/24/endurance-horse-ride-returns-to-whiskeytown/
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
ACTH Announces New Reality Series With HRTV
13 One-Hour Shows Allows America to Vote for Their Favorite Trail Horse
Dateline -- The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) announced today an agreement reached with HRTV® to air a new reality series -- "America’s Favorite Trail Horse." HRTV, The Network for Horse Sports, will air the series beginning in mid-summer of 2011 and complete it with final votes in and awards made before year's end.
Karen VanGetson, co-founder of ACTHA stated, "We couldn’t be more thrilled. To have HRTV viewers everywhere enjoy these great unsung heroes is what it’s all about for us. As more and more see the fun we have on trail, more and more horses will get adopted from the rescue holding areas. We hope to give all horses back their rightful jobs and value…this is a great start!"
"This is a natural for us at HRTV, where our commitment to ‘horse sports’ is unparalleled," said Jim Bates, Executive Vice President and General Manager, for HRTV. "We have seen ACTHA’s explosive growth and when we learned about this opportunity we quickly pursued it. We hope we can use our platform to bring recognition and enjoyment of the Great American Trail Horse."
About the series…"America’s Favorite Trail Horse" will feature 100 finalists after more than 1,000 audition throughout the USA from April 9-23. At the auditions, horse and rider will be asked to complete four basic trail maneuvers and have the elective of a fifth element to freestyle any particular skill set of their horse as it relates to trail.
Conducted in Texas, the 100 finalists will be showing off for the cameras and waiting for America to vote. Over the 13 weeks, $100,000 will be awarded to America’s Favorite Trail Horses.
For further information, please go to www.actha.us for full details.
About HRTV
HRTV is a 24-hour, television-based multimedia network dedicated to horseracing which features racing action from the world’s greatest racetracks. HRTV also features other forms of equestrian competition, as well as original programming and award-winning documentaries covering a variety of racing and general equestrian topics. The live stream of HRTV is available on a subscription basis to high-speed Internet users worldwide at www.hrtvlive.com. The HRTV television network is presently available via cable, telco video and satellite in approximately 19 million U.S. homes through distribution partners including DISH Network (ch. 404), AT&T U-verse (ch.672), Verizon FiOS (ch.316) and a variety of cable outlets.
ACTHA thanks its many sponsors and thousands of members and affiliates for making this possible and for believing in ACTHA and the Cause. Our special thanks to Cavallo Horse and Rider for co-sponsoring the show with ACTHA.
Our mission...
To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
To create and enable humane treatment options for horses in need.
Dateline -- The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) announced today an agreement reached with HRTV® to air a new reality series -- "America’s Favorite Trail Horse." HRTV, The Network for Horse Sports, will air the series beginning in mid-summer of 2011 and complete it with final votes in and awards made before year's end.
Karen VanGetson, co-founder of ACTHA stated, "We couldn’t be more thrilled. To have HRTV viewers everywhere enjoy these great unsung heroes is what it’s all about for us. As more and more see the fun we have on trail, more and more horses will get adopted from the rescue holding areas. We hope to give all horses back their rightful jobs and value…this is a great start!"
"This is a natural for us at HRTV, where our commitment to ‘horse sports’ is unparalleled," said Jim Bates, Executive Vice President and General Manager, for HRTV. "We have seen ACTHA’s explosive growth and when we learned about this opportunity we quickly pursued it. We hope we can use our platform to bring recognition and enjoyment of the Great American Trail Horse."
About the series…"America’s Favorite Trail Horse" will feature 100 finalists after more than 1,000 audition throughout the USA from April 9-23. At the auditions, horse and rider will be asked to complete four basic trail maneuvers and have the elective of a fifth element to freestyle any particular skill set of their horse as it relates to trail.
Conducted in Texas, the 100 finalists will be showing off for the cameras and waiting for America to vote. Over the 13 weeks, $100,000 will be awarded to America’s Favorite Trail Horses.
For further information, please go to www.actha.us for full details.
About HRTV
HRTV is a 24-hour, television-based multimedia network dedicated to horseracing which features racing action from the world’s greatest racetracks. HRTV also features other forms of equestrian competition, as well as original programming and award-winning documentaries covering a variety of racing and general equestrian topics. The live stream of HRTV is available on a subscription basis to high-speed Internet users worldwide at www.hrtvlive.com. The HRTV television network is presently available via cable, telco video and satellite in approximately 19 million U.S. homes through distribution partners including DISH Network (ch. 404), AT&T U-verse (ch.672), Verizon FiOS (ch.316) and a variety of cable outlets.
ACTHA thanks its many sponsors and thousands of members and affiliates for making this possible and for believing in ACTHA and the Cause. Our special thanks to Cavallo Horse and Rider for co-sponsoring the show with ACTHA.
Our mission...
To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
To create and enable humane treatment options for horses in need.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Endurance Riders Hold Equine Dynamics Clinic in Idaho
March 20 2011
An Equine Dynamics Clinic will be held on the Zapped Ranch in Parma, Idaho on Saturday April 2 from 8:30 - 5 PM, to educate riders on maintaining the balanced athlete.
Featured clinicians are Naomi Preston, TTeam Practitioner, and Karen Bumgarner, Certified ESMT. Both are experienced endurance riders, with Naomi having logged over 9700 miles, many of those with her 2001 AERC Hall of Fame horse, Mustang Lady, and Karen Bumgarner, with over 21,000 endurance miles.
"The program includes painted horse for 'muscle in motion' visual aid - you will never look at a horse the same again. Lots of hands on practice will be available," says Karen Bumgarner. "We also have added a second day of Connected Riding by Naomi Preston (www.tteamforendurance.com), limited to 10 riders."
Naomi Preston, a TTEAM Practioner since 1990, says the non-invasive techniques she will be teaching can keep your horse at the top of his game. TTEAM, The Tellington-Ttouch Method, is a horse training approach that encourages optimum performance and health, as well as offering solutions to common physical and behavioral problems.
A few benefits of massage:
*Enhance muscle tone and range of motion.
*Reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints, thereby alleviating pain.
*Promote the healing process by increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles, and aiding in carrying away excessive fluids and toxins.
*Creates a positive effect on the contractual and release process of the muscles...releasing tension...relaxing muscles.
*Helps to maintain the whole body in better physical condition.
Why TTEAM for your Endurance/Performance Horse?
*TTEAM is useful in all aspects of working with your endurance horse, from training to competition.
*Improve your horse's self-carriage & hindquarter engagement
*Increase range of motion & stride length
*Improve coordination & balance
*Discover sore or sensitive areas
*Speed recovery from injuries
*Overcome fear or resistance
On Day 2, Naomi will teach an Introduction to Connected Riding, developed by Peggy Cummings. "I will teach the balanced seat, as well as techniques for engaging the horse's hindquarters," says Naomi, "and the 'power leg,' which helps to provide a more stable seat."
Register by March 26 - $75/day or $125 total for both days, by email with Karen at zap6000@gmail.com or with Naomi at mustanglady80@gmail.com . Send payment to Karen Bumgarner, 26111 Doi Lane, Parma, ID 83660
If you are from out of the area and need overnight facilities please let Naomi or Karen know.
For more information on this clinic, or if you are interested in holding a clinic in your area, contact Karen at zap6000@gmail.com or with Naomi at mustanglady80@gmail.com
An Equine Dynamics Clinic will be held on the Zapped Ranch in Parma, Idaho on Saturday April 2 from 8:30 - 5 PM, to educate riders on maintaining the balanced athlete.
Featured clinicians are Naomi Preston, TTeam Practitioner, and Karen Bumgarner, Certified ESMT. Both are experienced endurance riders, with Naomi having logged over 9700 miles, many of those with her 2001 AERC Hall of Fame horse, Mustang Lady, and Karen Bumgarner, with over 21,000 endurance miles.
"The program includes painted horse for 'muscle in motion' visual aid - you will never look at a horse the same again. Lots of hands on practice will be available," says Karen Bumgarner. "We also have added a second day of Connected Riding by Naomi Preston (www.tteamforendurance.com), limited to 10 riders."
Naomi Preston, a TTEAM Practioner since 1990, says the non-invasive techniques she will be teaching can keep your horse at the top of his game. TTEAM, The Tellington-Ttouch Method, is a horse training approach that encourages optimum performance and health, as well as offering solutions to common physical and behavioral problems.
A few benefits of massage:
*Enhance muscle tone and range of motion.
*Reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints, thereby alleviating pain.
*Promote the healing process by increasing the flow of nutrients to the muscles, and aiding in carrying away excessive fluids and toxins.
*Creates a positive effect on the contractual and release process of the muscles...releasing tension...relaxing muscles.
*Helps to maintain the whole body in better physical condition.
Why TTEAM for your Endurance/Performance Horse?
*TTEAM is useful in all aspects of working with your endurance horse, from training to competition.
*Improve your horse's self-carriage & hindquarter engagement
*Increase range of motion & stride length
*Improve coordination & balance
*Discover sore or sensitive areas
*Speed recovery from injuries
*Overcome fear or resistance
On Day 2, Naomi will teach an Introduction to Connected Riding, developed by Peggy Cummings. "I will teach the balanced seat, as well as techniques for engaging the horse's hindquarters," says Naomi, "and the 'power leg,' which helps to provide a more stable seat."
Register by March 26 - $75/day or $125 total for both days, by email with Karen at zap6000@gmail.com or with Naomi at mustanglady80@gmail.com . Send payment to Karen Bumgarner, 26111 Doi Lane, Parma, ID 83660
If you are from out of the area and need overnight facilities please let Naomi or Karen know.
For more information on this clinic, or if you are interested in holding a clinic in your area, contact Karen at zap6000@gmail.com or with Naomi at mustanglady80@gmail.com
2011 Foxcatcher Endurance Ride and Ride N Tie
The 2011 Foxcatcher 25 and 50 mile Endurance Rides will be held April 16 at Fair Hill Natural Resources Center in Elkton, Maryland.
The ride is AERC, ECTRA, and AHA sanctioned. Entries may be limited to 100 riders, so enter early. The ride is held on state property. Terrain is rolling hills, gravel/dirt roads, and numerous water crossings.
In conjunction with the 25 and 50 mile endurance rides, a 25 mile and 10 mile Ride and Tie will be held.
Entries and more information can be found at
http://www.fairhillinternational.com/foxcatcher/, or contact Ride Manager Barbara Bateman at bbbbateman@comcast.net , or secretary Louisa Emerick at LouisaEm@comcast.net .
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tevis Trail March 19 Work Day Cancelled
Friday March 18 2011
Western States Trail Joint Management Team
Due to the past week's rains and predicted storms for tomorrow and the weekend, we have reluctantly decided to cancel Saturday's WS trail work day. The trails and access roads in the Foresthill area are already saturated and muddy and creeks will be running very high, with predicted localized flooding.
Please look for an upcoming e-mail announcing a rescheduled trail day in April. Also, don't forget our next scheduled work day on April 30.
Event #4
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Project: Deadwood to Michigan Bluff
Meet: 8:30 am - Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop. Main Street at Gold Street (near Subway Sandwich Shop) off Foresthill Road
in Foresthill.
Directions: From I-80, take the Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road - 18 miles to Foresthill. Continue past Mosquito Ridge Road. Coffee Shop is on right.
Please RSVP by April 23 to trails@ws100.com
This is the final event that can be applied to 2011 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #5
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Project: Dusty Corners to Devil's Thumb
Meet: 8:30 am - Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop. Main Street at Gold Street (near Subway Sandwich Shop) off Foresthill Road in Foresthill.
Directions: From I-80, take Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road - 18 miles to Foresthill. Continue past Mosquito Ridge Road. Coffee Shop is on the right.
Please RSVP by May 7 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2012 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #6
Friday and Saturday, June 17-18, 2011
Project: High Country
Weekend Campout, Robinson Flat Campground
Meet: Friday afternoon arrival
Directions: From I-80, take the Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road - 38 miles to the Robinson Flat Campground
Bring: Camping gear
Please RSVP by June 10 to trails@ws100.com
Thank you,
Donn Zea
WS Trail Manager
Mike Shackelford
Tevis Trail Manager
Western States Trail Joint Management Team
Due to the past week's rains and predicted storms for tomorrow and the weekend, we have reluctantly decided to cancel Saturday's WS trail work day. The trails and access roads in the Foresthill area are already saturated and muddy and creeks will be running very high, with predicted localized flooding.
Please look for an upcoming e-mail announcing a rescheduled trail day in April. Also, don't forget our next scheduled work day on April 30.
Event #4
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Project: Deadwood to Michigan Bluff
Meet: 8:30 am - Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop. Main Street at Gold Street (near Subway Sandwich Shop) off Foresthill Road
in Foresthill.
Directions: From I-80, take the Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road - 18 miles to Foresthill. Continue past Mosquito Ridge Road. Coffee Shop is on right.
Please RSVP by April 23 to trails@ws100.com
This is the final event that can be applied to 2011 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #5
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Project: Dusty Corners to Devil's Thumb
Meet: 8:30 am - Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop. Main Street at Gold Street (near Subway Sandwich Shop) off Foresthill Road in Foresthill.
Directions: From I-80, take Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road - 18 miles to Foresthill. Continue past Mosquito Ridge Road. Coffee Shop is on the right.
Please RSVP by May 7 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2012 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #6
Friday and Saturday, June 17-18, 2011
Project: High Country
Weekend Campout, Robinson Flat Campground
Meet: Friday afternoon arrival
Directions: From I-80, take the Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road - 38 miles to the Robinson Flat Campground
Bring: Camping gear
Please RSVP by June 10 to trails@ws100.com
Thank you,
Donn Zea
WS Trail Manager
Mike Shackelford
Tevis Trail Manager
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Emerging Issues in Equine Land Protection
Discoverhorses.com - Full Article
By: Deb Balliet, CEO Equestrian Land Conservation Resource
Just outside of Boston (MA), neighbors challenged a property owner’s plans to build a private, 22-stall training stable with an indoor arena and paddocks. They alleged the plans would jeopardize the public water supply, adjacent conservation land, and present a significant fire hazard to the neighborhood. The neighbors were vocal, well-funded and “lawyered up.”
The property owner spent in excess of $70,000 to defend their plans. At this writing, the facility was approved by the Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Board of Health but with over 76 special conditions to be met, including a sprinkler system with an estimated cost of $100,000 for the barn. Many of the conditions are onerous and costly; some are conflicting.
This situation is not as rare as you would expect.
An Increasingly Urban Citizenry
Increasingly, the roots of our fellow citizens are urban or suburban, not rural. People are fearful of horses because of their size, a lack of information, and unfamiliarity with the animal. These fears include the spread of disease and physical harm. However, in some cases, they are not actually afraid; they are exploiting and exaggerating isolated negative events in typical “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) behavior. NIMBY is often simple reluctance to accept change and an attempt to maintain the status quo in a community by manipulating individuals through fear. NIMBY is usually encountered in planning for projects such as hazardous waste facilities or “halfway” houses. However, we are finding that equestrian facilities fall in the same category as these other projects as horses and their environment is more distant and less familiar to most people.
Education is part of the solution...
Read more here:
http://www.discoverhorses.com/emerging-issues-equine-land-protection.html
By: Deb Balliet, CEO Equestrian Land Conservation Resource
Just outside of Boston (MA), neighbors challenged a property owner’s plans to build a private, 22-stall training stable with an indoor arena and paddocks. They alleged the plans would jeopardize the public water supply, adjacent conservation land, and present a significant fire hazard to the neighborhood. The neighbors were vocal, well-funded and “lawyered up.”
The property owner spent in excess of $70,000 to defend their plans. At this writing, the facility was approved by the Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Board of Health but with over 76 special conditions to be met, including a sprinkler system with an estimated cost of $100,000 for the barn. Many of the conditions are onerous and costly; some are conflicting.
This situation is not as rare as you would expect.
An Increasingly Urban Citizenry
Increasingly, the roots of our fellow citizens are urban or suburban, not rural. People are fearful of horses because of their size, a lack of information, and unfamiliarity with the animal. These fears include the spread of disease and physical harm. However, in some cases, they are not actually afraid; they are exploiting and exaggerating isolated negative events in typical “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) behavior. NIMBY is often simple reluctance to accept change and an attempt to maintain the status quo in a community by manipulating individuals through fear. NIMBY is usually encountered in planning for projects such as hazardous waste facilities or “halfway” houses. However, we are finding that equestrian facilities fall in the same category as these other projects as horses and their environment is more distant and less familiar to most people.
Education is part of the solution...
Read more here:
http://www.discoverhorses.com/emerging-issues-equine-land-protection.html
Friday, March 11, 2011
Salt Squares - Skode's Horse Treats. Press release.
The premiere of the world’s first equine “Salt Square” now ensures that horses can receive their daily doses of salt in the form of highly palatable, no-fuss treat.
Created by the specialty low sugar/starch company, Skode’s Horse Treats, a serving size of these whole-food based nutrition bars delivers a full tablespoon of the critical electrolyte, sodium chloride.
When exercised intensely in hot, humid weather, a horse may lose up to four gallons of sweat per hour, according to recent research. In those four gallons, a total of 30 teaspoons of body salts may be lost.
“Many horse care providers struggle with making sure their horses – especially hard working horses -- consume enough salt,” says Lori Yearwood, president of Skode’s. “Now there is a healthy, easy way to do just that.”
Formulated in conjunction with Equine Naturopath and Master Herbalist Cassie Schuster of Texas, Skode’s “Salt Squares” are made from a guaranteed low sugar and starch combination of 100 percent natural, human-grade whole foods and Certified Organic herbs. They are then topped with a salt crust made of ancient, mineral-rich sea salt.
“I took the “Salt Squares” to the barn to feed Elvis,” says horse owner Betsy Novotny of Maryland. “He says they’re ‘Lip smackin’ good!’ ”
To learn more, visit Skode’s website at: www.skodeshorsetreats.com
Contact: Lori Teresa Yearwood For Immediate Release
Company Phone: 951 572-0709
Cell Phone: 951-722-0508
Created by the specialty low sugar/starch company, Skode’s Horse Treats, a serving size of these whole-food based nutrition bars delivers a full tablespoon of the critical electrolyte, sodium chloride.
When exercised intensely in hot, humid weather, a horse may lose up to four gallons of sweat per hour, according to recent research. In those four gallons, a total of 30 teaspoons of body salts may be lost.
“Many horse care providers struggle with making sure their horses – especially hard working horses -- consume enough salt,” says Lori Yearwood, president of Skode’s. “Now there is a healthy, easy way to do just that.”
Formulated in conjunction with Equine Naturopath and Master Herbalist Cassie Schuster of Texas, Skode’s “Salt Squares” are made from a guaranteed low sugar and starch combination of 100 percent natural, human-grade whole foods and Certified Organic herbs. They are then topped with a salt crust made of ancient, mineral-rich sea salt.
“I took the “Salt Squares” to the barn to feed Elvis,” says horse owner Betsy Novotny of Maryland. “He says they’re ‘Lip smackin’ good!’ ”
To learn more, visit Skode’s website at: www.skodeshorsetreats.com
Contact: Lori Teresa Yearwood For Immediate Release
Company Phone: 951 572-0709
Cell Phone: 951-722-0508
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