July 2023 Saddle Up! Magazine

The MI Harness Horsemen’s Association has been active since 1947 and strives to serve and support the Standardbred horse owners, breeders, trainers, and drivers of Michigan.

https://www.mhha.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/mi.harness.racing

HORSE BLANKET LAUNDRY

WASH, REPAIR, WATERPROOF

Pickup and Delivery Available

NEW SCHNEIDER’S BLANKETS & PRE-OWNED BLANKETS FOR SALE

LARGE COMMERCIAL FACILITY - COME SEE US! 169 W. Clarkston Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48362 NEW!

THE LAUNDRY BARN (248) 318-4646 (call/text)

OPEN ALL YEAR | Hours: 9am-7pm | 7 Days A Week

DROP OFF/PICK UP LOCATIONS: Brighton, Holly, Highland, MI

www.horseblanketlaundry.com

South Lyon, Michigan

SERVING MICHIGAN, OHIO AND INDIANA

ADULTS ONLY Beginners Always Welcome

EQUESTRIAN BOARDING & TRAINING FACILITY

FEATURES: 120x60 Indoor Arena • 150x70 Outdoor Arena

Heated Lounge, Tack Lockers & Restroom • Square Bale Hay Pasture Board with Run-Ins, Feeding Stalls – Hanging Nibble Nets Stalls, Paddocks, Pastures Cleaned Daily • Blankets/Sheets On/Off Turnout Sunup to Sundown • Open 365 Days, 8am-10pm

Pasture $450 Grain/Amenities Extra (Available) • Stall $900 (Wait List)

(313) 505-5920, (734) 564-4073, MiPonderosa.Barn@outlook.com South Lyon, MI • https://www.facebook.com/MIPonderosa

Entry Booth Opens 8:00 a.m.

2023 OPEN HORSE SHOWS

Shows Start 9:00 a.m. Sharp!

(unless otherwise noted) (unless otherwise noted)

July 14 | August 11 | September 1

Greater Thumb Area Silver Buckle Speed Series.

Start: 7pm. Entry booth opens 6pm. MIHA rules apply

September 1: Hosts N. Branch Equestrian Team. Contact Marie Curell (810) 614-9390

July 14 & August 11: Hosts Kingston Equestrian Team. Contact Amy Kotsch (989) 683-3271

Saturday, July 1st

Thumb Area Kids & Critters 4-H Club Open Show

Contact Jackie Garner (989) 302-0191 or email: jd070409@gmail.com

Tuesdays – July 11 & August 8th

Twilight Pleasure Shows

Start: 7pm. Entry booth opens 6pm. Call Amy Kotsch (989) 683-3271

142ND ANNUAL

JULY 23-29, 2023 CARO, MI

PAY ONE PRICE ADMISSION

All Events Are Included!

Welcome Local Entertainer

DAVE LAGNESS

Performing July 23, July 26 & 27

COMMERCIAL VENDORS WELCOME!

Commercial Vendor Space Rental available during the fair. For Midway Hall and Vendor Booth Specials, contact John Riley at: tuscolacountyfair@hotmail.com

Saturday & Sunday, August 12th & 13th

Ride For A Cure Benefit Open Show

Held at: HURON CO. FAIRGROUNDS, BAD AXE, MI

$5.00 per class. Saturday Speed Classes 9am start Sunday Pleasure Show 9am start. All proceeds to local cancer patients. Purchase t-shirts to be worn as show shirts! Contact Cameron or Peggy Lloyd, email: lloyd_peggy@yahoo.com

Find

HARNESS RACING

JULY 22 & 23

SAT & SUN 5:30PM

After no racing for 10 years – in 2022 we awarded Over $112,000 in racing purses and broke two track records! Music by Dave Lagness before the race Sunday

JULY 25TH

Carnival Opens at Noon. Kid’s Day: Free T-Shirts (Ltd. qty.) Reduced Admission ages 2-14. Thumb Truck & Tractor Pull.

JULY 26TH & 27TH

Super Kicker Rodeo Music by Dave Lagness

JULY 28TH

Midget Wrestling Warriors Longer Show! More Wrestlers!

JULY 29TH

Unique Motor Sports: Bump & Run, Off-Road Derby & Night of Destruction

All evening shows start at 7pm

TUSCOLA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Caro, MI(EntranceonM-81,nexttoPizzaHut)

www.tuscolacountyfair.org

HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

GREAT LAKES DRESSAGE CLUB

The Great Lakes Dressage Club (GLDC) will be having a potluck and picnic on July 10th at 6:30pm at the Harry Hughes Equestrian Center, 5563 WatervilleSwanton Rd. in Swanton, Ohio. Mason Konesky will be doing a presentation on Toxic and Poisonous Plants. People are asked to bring a salad or a dessert. There will be a “Best Dessert” contest. The main dish will be provided by the GLDC.

At our August meeting, we will be preparing for the show in September

We will be holding our Annual Dressage Schooling Show on September 17th. The location is the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon, Ohio. We will be offering dressage, western dressage, eventing and driven dressage classes. Championships are offered for open, amateur, youth and western. The show facility has a covered show arena, practice arena, box stalls, plenty of trailer parking and nearby hotels and restaurants.

For more information on Great Lakes Dressage Club, our schooling show, meetings and other events, please check out our website or follow us on Facebook.

www.greatlakesdressageclub.com

our poker ride. Both very generously donated their winnings back to the group. Thank you both!! Our new "Lost Zoo" game was a success with Donna McGill winning and Missy VanDyke taking second. Both found all the animals, as did a few other riders, so a drawing was used to determine winners.

We held our Annual Meeting after the Forbidden Trail Ride, and re-elected 5 incumbent board members. All current officers also agreed to maintain positions for the next year Thank you to members who stayed for our meeting! Since last month, our last open seat on the board has been filled by Arrianne Crandell. Welcome to the board Arianne!

We have plotted out the path for Phase 2 of the Ionia Confidence Course. Previous plans had been to build in 2023. We have decided to keep the path mowed this year so riders can travel it and pack the soil before we build obstacles. Riders are welcome to start using the path to go from day staging to the Phase 1 course. The path will pick up from the trail just across the road from day staging, then take the first right (presently it is marked by pink ribbons in sets of two - stay between the ribbons.) Trail staff will keep the trail brush hogged, so you can easily find the path next season.

Remember, when reserving online, your first click is on the "Equestrian" tab on the right side of the first page, then you can select our horse camp.

If you encounter a situation on the trails, please let the park staff know as soon as you can by calling 616-527-3750. Let us know if you think we can be of help. We all work together as best as we can to keep the trails clear. You can ask questions or report trail issues on our Facebook page at: Ionia Horse Trails - IHTA

IONIA HORSE TRAILS ASSOCIATION

Chili Cook Off - Saturday, October 7. www.ioniahorsetrailsassociation.org

The Forbidden Trail Ride was a great success again this year! Thank you to all you loyal Ionia trail riders for making this another great ride. Our event shirts are a bright turquoise tie-dye for high visibility and will be useful for our riders. Beth Stein won our 50/50 and Oleta Birkbeck won

THREE DAY PARKING AREAS: 1) Normal Day Staging; 2) Go past the day staging parking lot to the "Barn Lot" on the same side of the road; 3) There is also a new option to access the west end of the park more easily! It is still signed as the X Country Ski Trail, just before the beach entrance (on the opposite side of the road) when entering the park. Park staff enlarged the parking area to hold four or five horse size rigs, but this is not a parking area suitable for BIG rigs. The drive entry is not wide, and the turn around area is not huge. If your rig is more than 30 feet or you lack backing skills, this may not be a good option. Please park like you expect the lot to be full when you come back. Leave room for others and plan for all rigs to be able to exit safely.

Hi, trail riders! Hope everyone is loving the dry conditions lately I know my grass is not happy, but the trails sure are nice! Please be aware that we are still having some technical issues on our website, www.mayburytrailriders.org. If you have a question, please send it through our Facebook page and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience!

The Northville Fire Dept. conducted a live fire drill on April 13th on the old headquarters building off Beck Road. It was sad to see that sight, having had many productive meetings on the 2nd floor!

The Northville Township is working with SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Government) to film local assets that might attract visitors. They are looking for volunteers to participate and be filmed horseback riding in the park on Tuesday, June 27th at 9:00am (date left in for online readers). We hope to have a good turnout and show how Maybury State Park is the perfect place to ride your horse!

Remember to mark your calendars for our fall trail ride, which will take place on October 22nd, 2023. We look forward to a great turnout like last year!

Please remember that there is NO hunting at Maybury State Park.

Continue to follow us on Facebook for updates on the trails, events and general news going on in the park. Feel free to post pictures from your rides!

Happy Trails! Mary Nader

HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

the popular Saturday night potluck at the pavilion. We look forward to seeing you!

The June members-only Driving clinic with Judi Campbell in Ionia and next day Natural Trail and Obstacle Clinic in Holland with Susan Williams were both huge successes! Thanks to all participants!

METAMORA HUNT CLUB

The 95th Metamora Hunt is hosting two terrific events for the public in August. Be sure to put them on your calendar.

On Sunday, August 6th, the Metamora Hunt will host a trail benefit, The Prized Trail Ride! Come ride your own horse on miles of spectacular trails at the D-BAR-A Scout Ranch for one day only. Over $1000 in raffle prizes and lunch by the Punchy Pony $75 per rider Purchase your tickets at www.metamorahunt.com or take a picture with your smart phone of the QR code in the full size ad in this month's issue of Saddle Up! Magazine.

Organizer, Diane Kangas: 248-842-3094

On Sunday, August 13th, the very popular Annual Metamora Stable Tour is happening in the beautiful Metamora countryside, also known as “Horse Country.” Tour six private stables. Drive in your own vehicle with friends. Noon-4pm. $40 per person, 12 & under $5 with an adult. Cash or check (made out to Metamora Hunt). Purchase your tickets ahead of time at the White Horse Inn, in Metamora, or the day of, at the Metamora Hunt Kennels, located at 5614 Barber Road, Metamora, MI 48455. Your ticket is also your map to the stables.

Organizer, Joe Maday: 586-381-8834

Visit: http://www.metamorahunt.com/

Find us on Facebook: Metamora Hunt

Show & Event Dates

If your association or group has an event coming up, please submit it separately. We will add your shows/events to our online calendar and Facebook pages.

MI FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSOC. What makes Fox Trotters so special? They are a unique combination of squaretrotting and pacing bloodlines from New England, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and Missouri. The New England Morgan and Arab trotted, the Rhode Island Narragansett Pacer paced, the Kentucky and Tennessee Saddlebred trotted and gaited, the Tennessee Walking Horse exhibited the running walk or pace and the Standardbred trotted or paced. The combination of these genetic neurologic wirings and breed conformations produced the easy-gaited Fox Trotter who is sure-footed and comfortable to ride in the Ozark mountains and flatlands. The resulting unique fox trot gait is smooth with no bounce due to the fact that there is always one foot on the ground while in second gait. This happens because the horse is doing a trotting footfall with the hind feet and a walking footfall with the front feet. They were bred to chase cattle, pull buggies (or the plow) during the day then demonstrate their gait in the show ring on the weekends. More recently, they are being used for trail riding, Western Dressage, driving, jumping, parades, therapeutic riding, etc. – pretty much anything you want to use them for. They are so versatile.

Speaking of versatility, our association offers a unique Versatility program. You and your Fox Trotter can earn points toward year end prizes for a wide range of activities Visit https://www michigan foxtrottinghorse.com/ to read all about it and sign up.

The Great Lakes National Trail Ride will again be held at the Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan, July 7th-9th. Camping is available at the Horseman's Equestrian Campground. Reserve your spot via https://midnrreservations.com/ You may also trailer in for the day and park in the day use area. There is a $10 MFTHBA ride fee. Bring a dish to pass for

Last month our affiliate was featured in a webinar hosted by Amber Wilson of the Regional Fox Trotting Horse Foundation which is a 501c3 charity foundation dedicated to supporting the future of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse. Chuck Fanslow, Susan Williams and I answered questions about how we first got involved with this breed and discussed the different activities that our association offers.

A large contingent of Fox Trotters and their riders have been traversing the trails across Michigan and some beyond into other states exploring the mountains and other trails. They can ride for hours since the gait is so comfortable and the adventure is so inviting

If you would like to find out more about this breed and associated activities, visit our website at: https://www michigan foxtrottinghorse.com/ We invite you to join us. You will qualify for reduced fees for our clinics and can participate in the popular Versatility Challenge.

We are the Michigan affiliate of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Association (mfthba.com) based in Ava, MO Our mission is to promote MFTs and to encourage the breeding and training of them, as well as to help their owners learn to enjoy their horses more, through educational clinics, trail rides and discussion. Check out our Facebook page too!

HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

Michigan). The weather was great, only one rain day to ride in.

MI HORSE DRAWN VEHICLE ASSOC. Michigan Horse Drawn Vehicle Association (MHDVA) held a Pleasure Driving Show and Combined Test and Driven Dressage for the 4th year in a row at the Ionia Fairgrounds, Ionia, Michigan. Terry Pickett was Judge and Melissa Boyd was Technical Delegate. Partici-pants came from all over Michigan, as well as Indiana and Ohio. We are planning a 2024 show at the same venue.

A harnessing and hooking clinic was held on Mother's Day in Owosso, Michigan. It was hosted by Brian and Kathy Robertson at their home, with Brian as clinician. A group of over 20 people asked questions and learned alot!!

A gathering of MHDVA members with a potluck is planned at Sleepy Hollow State Park, Laingsburg, Michigan on Saturday, June 24th at 10:00 am. Individuals can bring their equine and drive at will. Potluck at noon.

A drive is planned at Lake City, Michigan the weekend of October 13 to 15. Contact Dorothy for more info., (517) 763-3729.

Visit us online at: http://www.mhdva.org/

If you haven't done a shore to shore, try it, you will be hooked! Our MTRA president filled in as bus driver and everyday entertained the riders with MTRA history Wish I had been riding the bus! 15 riders completed the ride using the blue dot trail and received their blue trail patch. Many more completed the ride but not exclusively on the marked trail.

June 25 was our board meeting at Goose Creek trail camp, where the ride takes a layover day. On the agenda is next years rides, plans for 2024 major workbee, and our annual banquet to name a few things. August brings the family ride. Any member who likes to stay at one camp, ride, have fun, kayak if you want, would enjoy this ride. September brings the last shore to shore ride and one of my favorite rides. Fall is in the air! October is the color ride and is on the west side of the state, which has excellent color This ride includes layover days and is more relaxed with campfires and music in the evenings.

Hope to see you on the trail!

Visit us online at: https://www.mtra.org/

As of right now, the green trail is fully separated from the bikers trails and a good portion off the orange trail. Please make sure to stay only on the equestrian trails. They are marked. Proud Lake Trail Riders has been working diligently with the DNR to separate our trails from the bikers. A huge hurdle was just accomplished in that the location of the new bike trails has been decided and agreed upon. The next step will be cutting out the trails. Once the trails are separated, there will be signs up stating what are horse trails and what are bike trails We have been working on this for the past several years and we are thrilled that the park is committed to making this happen. As of right now, the GPS maps have been approved and two of the trails are separated.

If you encounter bikers on the trails that are not giving the right of way to horses, please contact the DNR immediately If you are able to get photos, please try to.

If you would like to join our email list, please email me at efrusy@yahoo.com and also remember to like us on Facebook. Stay safe and keep riding!

https://proudlaketrailriders.org/

MI TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION

The second June ride has started shore to shore! This ride goes east from Oscoda at Lake Huron to the west shores of Lake Michigan at Empire.

Myself and 42 others completed the first June shore to shore using the north spur and ending at Oscoda, Lake Huron. This was the best ride I have done! We had so much fun. Riders were from Ohio, Canada, Missouri and Florida (and some from

We just finished up our Scrabble Ride and it was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who came out. We had one of our biggest turnouts for an event ride. We especially liked that we had a bunch of new faces and appreciate those who traveled quite a distance to get to us.

Our Circle Ride with Kensington will be Saturday, September 23rd with camping from September 22nd-24th. This ride consists of starting at either staging area and riding to the other one for lunch before heading back to your original staging area. We will have more information about this ride as we get closer.

It's time for the big annual virtual online horse show, WDAMI Battle of the Saddle!

WDAMI's biggest show of the year, BATTLE of the SADDLES, known as the BOSS Show, will open for entries from July 31 through August 20, with videos due by September 10, 2023. Our judge this year is Joyce Swanson, one of the WDAA 2023 World Championship show judges. We have many great door prizes and awards including high scoring junior, adult amateur, open, rookie, and the overall score high score, as well as harmony and versatility awards and the overall highest score for driving All participants will receive a free key chain

WESTERN DRESSAGE ASSOC. OF MI, CONTINUED

just for being part of the show So join the fun and be part of WDAMI's biggest online show And don't forget the Sunflower Show videos are due on July 9. Good luck to all the competitors.

WDAMI would like to acknowledge everyone who participated in the WDAMI Dressage at Waters Edge Horse Show and say thank you for your support, and congratulations to all the winners.

The Joann Williams Freestyle Clinic held in Harrisville, MI was a big success. We all learned a ton and had fun in the process. WDAMI would like to so say thank you to Mary and Jerry Linton of the Lucky Dog Ranch for hosting this wonderful learning opportunity

Ida Norris will be returning to Equinox Farm in Highland, Michigan, on September 9 and 10 for another great western dressage clinic. Ida is an amazing clinician and gets everyone involved in the learning process. So don't miss this great oppor-

tunity to learn by riding or auditing this fantastic clinic For more information, please contact Liz Snoblen 248-767-9502. WDAMI is looking for sponsors for our year-end awards and educational events. If you would be willing to help by sponsoring or by helping us to find sponsors, please email us: infowdami@gmail.com

Monthly Quote: Hug your horse every day!

Please remember to help and support one another and always keep in mind your horse's mental health. Please share your ideas and concerns with us. We always love to hear from our members. You may email me at eaglehorse1@hotmail.com.

Don't forgot to renew or join WDAMI and WDAA for 2023 and be part of the fastest growing equestrian sport. You can find us online at https://www.wdami.org/. Thank you for your support. Be safe, have fun, enjoy your equine partner and exercise an act of kindness to all.

Until next time...

HORSE ASSOCIATIONS & TRAIL RIDING GROUPS

1. Free Horse Association & Trail Riders News

2. Free Show & Event Dates

3. 15% Off Non-Profit Discount

4. $30 Online Only Event Flyer (one full page, full color)

$50 Online Only Event Flyers (two full pages, full color) Free event flyer design included.

Deadlines: 16th for the following issue. Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com

810.714.9000 (Mon-Fri 10am-3pm)

If questions, contact our show secretary Gina Al-Madan 248.469.7746 or email: justamereshows@gmail.com

MICHIGAN 4-H

https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/

Detroit youths 8-13 are invited to join an 8 week 4-H club to experience some of the many projects that 4-H has to offer! This free club will meet 5:30pm-6:30pm on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month from May-August. Contact Wayne Co. 4H Program Coordinator, Ashleigh Apel, 734-727-7408, apelashl@msu.edu.

MSU Extensions Adulting 101 virtual programs help teenagers and young adults demystify the obscure reality of being an “adult” through free, educational, monthly sessions. Upcoming sessions: Sew What: Clothing Care Saves Cash July 13 at 1pm, and Eating Healthy on a Budget on August 16 at 1pm. For more details, email Katherine at jamies13@msu.edu.

Upcoming events at the MI 4-H Children's Garden! Come cool off from the summer heat on July 20 and have fun in the garden during Water Day. For $5 per child, kids will play water games, do water art, and explore all things fun about water Join in on July 27 for an annual tribute to insects in the gardens, Bug Day. For $5 per child, kids will be collecting bugs, observing bugs, and even making bugs. Our friends from the MSU Bug House will be back this year with their amazing collections of insects from all over the world!

Finally, August 8 will be Bubble Day, for $5 per child, kids will explore the wonder-ful world of bubbles as they paint, eat and, even make music with bubbles. The 4-H Children's Garden is located at 1066 Bogue St., East Lansing, MI. All events are 10am-noon, and the parking lot is pay-byplate from 7am-10pm weekdays.

Mark your calendars, the Michigan State 4-H Horse Show will be from August 1820, 2023 at the MSU Pavilion. Over this three-day show, members selected by their county 4-H programs will compete in classes such as: dressage, English, wes-

tern, trail, jumping, and gymkhana. The MI State Miniature Horse Show will be taking place over the same weekend.

MI 4-H Horse & Pony Extension Educator Taylor Fabus, email tenlenta@msu.edu.

OHIO 4-H

https://www.ohio4h.org/

The 4-H Horse Judging Contest will be on July 17 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds Noon-4pm. Also on July 17, 4-H Horse Skillathon will take place at the Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine from 8amNoon. Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4H or FFA members ages 8 to 18.

The Ohio State Fair Junior Horse Show will be July 17-21 at the Ohio Exposition Center in Columbus, Ohio. Exhibitors who qualify must submit their entries, the nonrefundable $50 stall fee online by 1pm on July 1. The Classical and Western Dressage show will be held in conjunction with the Ohio State Fair Junior Horse Show on July 20 all day at the same location. Stall assignments for the Ohio State Fair Junior Horse Show will be posted on July 14 and horses will be allowed to move in beginning on July 16.

Looking ahead, the Ohio State Horse Groom and Clean Contest will be all day on August 26 at the Hartford Fairgrounds, 14028 Fairgrounds Road, Hartford, OH. The primary objective of the Groom & Clean Contest is to provide an opportunity for 4-H youth to demonstrate their knowledge of horses and equine related subject matter (written test), grooming and team work skills (grooming phase) and their showmanship skills in a competitive yet friendly and relaxed setting. Registration paperwork and the fee of $30 per team is due by August 18.

For more information about any Ohio 4-H Horse events, contact Dr. Kimberly Cole, Ohio State Extension Equine Specialist, by email at cole.436@osu.edu.

INDIANA 4-H

https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/

Aloha – All Harrison Co. youth in grades K2 are invited to a Mini 4-H Day Camp to Hawaii! Mini 4-H Day Camp will take place on July 12 from 9am-3pm at the Harrison Co. Extension Office. Camp size will be limited, please call the Extension Office at 812.738.4236.

Is your family new to 4-H? Stop by the DeKalb County 4-H Orientation Session on August 2, 6pm-7pm. This will be the last of four 4-H orientation sessions offered for families that are new to 4-H. This session focuses on what you need to know before Fall Fair, and getting your Fall Fair animals and projects entered in Fair Entry so that you do not miss the Sept. 8 deadline. All sessions will take place in the Exhibit Hall at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds, 708 S. Union St., Auburn, IN. Effie Campbell, 260.925.2562, campb314@purdue.edu.

Elkhart County 4-H'ers head to the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds for the following meetings: 4-H Saddle Club Jr Leaders July 2 & August 6, 7-9pm, 4-H Saddle Club Advisory Board August 7, 8-9pm, and 4-H Saddle Club Meeting, July 10, 7:30-9pm. Call Ashley Holdeman at 574-354-7403 or email ashleyholdeman4h@yahoo.com.

Summer Judging projects will be presented at the DeKalb Co. Fair from July 1720. Summer Judging is for static projects and the Summer: Goat, Horse & Pony, and Draft Animal shows. The Draft Animal Competition and Fun Show will be on July 15, the 4-H Horse & Pony Speed Show will be on July 21, and the 4-H Horse & Pony Halter & Pleasure Classes will be on July 22. Also in DeKalb, save the date for a Mini 4-H meeting August 14, 6pm. Please contact Effie Campbell at 260-925-2562.

For more information on Indiana 4-H news and events, contact Courtney Stierwalt, the 4-H Youth Development Extension Specialist at dickerso@purdue.edu.

4-H IS A COMMUNITY FOR ALL KIDS – In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people.

Wrien by Lisa Skylis, in collaboraon with Cindy Couturier, editor, Saddle Up! Magazine

Michigan State University Extension welcomes David Lindsay as the new Equine Educator for the Michigan 4-H Horse Program!

David will provide leadership and expertise in equine education and be housed with the Department of Animal Science at the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing.

In 2021, David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. As a Spartan, David was heavily involved with the Department of Animal Science’s equine courses and clubs. He was the President and Treasurer of the MSU Driving Club, as well as the Treasurer of the MSU Horseman’s Association. He also served as a Teaching Assistant for the Draft Horse Basics course under Dr. Cara Robison’s guidance for two years. After graduation, David was the Assistant Stables Manager for the world-renown Grand Hotel Stables on Mackinac Island where he guided VIP guests on carriage rides with the famed Grand Hotel Hackney horses. In 2022, he was the Assistant Farm Manager for Shining Stars Percheron Farm where he cared for, assisted with training, and showed Percheron Draft horses across multiple states.

Since joining MSU Extension, David has been working diligently in preparation for his first big event, the State 4-H Horse Show at the MSU Pavilion which will be held on August 18 – 20,2023. 4Hers selected as representatives by their counties from across Michigan will compete with their horse or pony project for state awards.

Throughout the year, Michigan 4-H Horse Programs hosts many fun and educational activities where 4-Hers can participate without owning a horse. State events including the Hippology Horse Contest and the Horse Judging Contest held in early Spring allow 4-Hers to showcase their knowledge and abilities related to the Equine Industry. Exploration Days is another funfilled summer event where 4-Hers can explore their future, try new things, and experience college life on the MSU Campus. Have a youth interested in joining a 4-H Club? That’s easy! Reach out to your local Michigan State University Extension office and find the club information you’re looking for Head online to https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/ and click on Join 4-H. You can fill out a short form that will be sent to your county Extension office, and they will reach out regarding your interest!

Putting Hoof Boots To The Test: Unveiling The Truth Behind Equine Footwear

Hoof boots? We've all heard of them, and it's a love-or-hate relationship for most. I tried boots from four manufacturers a few years ago and promptly returned to traditional steel shoes.

Steel has worked for me for years. Other than a few sprung shoes, failures have been minimal at worst.

So why try boots again? Technology is constantly improving, and hoof boots are no exception. Hoof boot manufacturers have added new models aimed at the trail riding and mule market and new materials that aim to resolve many of the issues I encountered when I last tried boots.

I like that boots provide better traction in slick rock areas and preserve hoof structure and integrity by forgoing the nail holes left after each re-shoe. I also like the idea that boots should better accommodate the dynamic structure of the equine hoof Unshod hooves are flexible, which give in response to their movement, and this flex influences the blood circulation in the horses hooves.

What does success with hoof boots look like?

Comfort Is Key: The older I get, the more I understand the importance of comfort, not just for myself but also for my critters. Hoof boots allow the hooves to flex and move freely This movement should result in less discomfort and soreness for our animals, making their rides more enjoyable. Since our animals don't get to choose when or where we're heading, their comfort should be a top priority.

Keeping Hooves Healthy: As experienced horse owners, we know the saying "no hoof, no horse." Plastic hoof boots should reduce damage to the hoof walls, and they don't require altering the hooves through nailing and should allow our horses to maintain their natural hoof integrity better.

Easy Application: I like easy Some of the previous boots we tried were a PITA. Boots shouldn't take an excessive amount of effort to put on and take off. With user-friendly features such as adjustable straps and closures, boots should be able to be easily adjusted quickly and removed. Hoof boots should save us time and effort and make our lives simpler.

Saving Some Money: From vet bills to equipment purchases, equine expenses rapidly add up. But plastic hoof boots offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional metal shoes. Not only are they durable and can withstand wear and tear, but they are also only used while riding, and this equals less frequent replacements and more money in our pockets. By opting for boots, we can save on long-term hoof care costs.

Non-Invasive Solution: At this stage in my life, I appreciate non-invasive options, and I'm beginning to feel the same for my mules. Preserving our horses' natural hoof structure without nail holes is a reasonable expectation, and plastic hoof boots fit the bill perfectly.

A Perfect Fit: Our horses come in different shapes and sizes, just like us. The good news is that hoof boots are available in

many more sizes than in previous years and have more features. This means a better chance of a good fit for our equine friends, ensuring maximum comfort and support. Proper fit is essential for hoof health and overall performance, and boots allow us to cater to our horses' needs.

So, fellow equestrians, those are my thoughts on revisiting hoof boots. Their promises of comfort, hoof health benefits, versatility, easy application, cost-effectiveness, and non-invasive nature are a no-brainer for our trusted companions. It's time to saddle up and embrace the modern solutions available. I'm hopeful that by choosing hoof boots, I can ensure the well-being and happiness of my animals for years to come. I'll let you know how the experiment goes!

For more of my musings on trail riding and camping with livestock, visit me at , where you can https://www.trailmeister.com/ also find the world’s largest guide to guide to horse trails and camps. Pick up a copy of my best-selling book “The ABCs of Trail Riding and Horse Camping” on Amazon.

Put Up Hay The Easy Way

While the first cutting of hay is already in the books, there is still plenty of time this season for a couple more cuttings and the hope that the weather will cooperate for good quality and yield. While it can become increasingly difficult to find small square bales, those who produce their hay for their own horses and/or to sell for horses are an important part of the equine industry. Making hay and putting it up is an extremely rewarding feeling, but it is also a lot of hard work. It makes sense to evaluate and make sure that you are utilizing some products that can streamline the process and get you out of the hayfield and back in the saddle. So, whether you are making the hay on your own or buying it and putting it up, here are a few things that can make the process a little bit easier:

Managing Moisture – Monitoring moisture before and during hay production is critical and there is more to it than just watching the weather The moisture level is indicative of how nutritious the hay will be and determine if there will be issues with the baled product such as dust or mold issues. There are a few ways to test moisture including a baler mounted tester or a portable moisture meter The hay should be tested before and after production for the best results. Improper moisture will be detrimental to production and the product which can make the hay unsafe for equine consumption. Additionally, there are products that can help manage moisture during the hay production process. Products like Hay Guard are made of natural ingredients and allow hay to be baled at a higher moisture level while yielding a superior product.

Move with Ease – When moving hay from the field to the barn, having a reliable hay wagon is an important part of the process. While commonly made of wood, overtime these units can wear and rot and need work and eventually replacement. Consider getting a wagon that will stand the test of time like a hot dipped galvanized model with expanded metal flooring. These units can be found in several different sizes for all different operations. Throughout the year these handy units can be used for more than just hay and will last much longer than the wooden ones.

Elevator Evolution – Maybe when you went to put up the first cutting this year, you realized that your hay elevator is just not going to make it through another season. Elevators can make the process of putting up hay so much easier and save a lot of time and money when moving hay and getting it into the barn. Being able to rely on the unit is essential, especially if you are only using it a few times a year So, if it is time for an upgrade, think about getting a model that will last for years to come. Typically, elevators come in 16 ft. base units, which can be a really functional size. From there if you need more length, you can add extensions in 4 ft. and 8 ft. increments. Usually, a ½ horsepower motor is sufficient for the base unit and some extension. You will only need to step up to a ¾ horsepower motor once your elevator has exceeded 24 feet in length.

Add-on Accessories – To make your elevator even more efficient, consider adding a few accessories. A bale chute is an easy attachment that helps to guide the bale onto the track of the hay elevator so there is less time tied up in properly setting the bale

on the bottom of the elevator. It is important to note that avoiding overloading the elevator and making sure that the angle up to the loft isn't too steep will streamline the process and be much more efficient. If you are putting up hay in several locations or different barns, adding a transport kit can make moving the elevator from one location to the next a much easier process. The transport kit keeps the unit on wheels and at the appropriate angle to put it right to work.

Stack Correctly – When stacking hay, it is very important to make sure that there is adequate airflow between the bales. Handling hay correctly is critical to keep the hay from spoiling and to resist fire risk. If possible, putting hay in a separate barn from where you keep horses is ideal for barn fire protection. If you are using a loft space above stalls in the barn, stack for optimal air flow and continually monitor stacks to ensure there is no heat buildup that could result in spontaneous combustion of the hay. Keep hot motors or other flammable materials away from haystacks and never allow smoking near your barn. When stacking hay, put hay on pallets, never stack it directly on the ground. Lay the first layer in one direction and the next layer in a different direction, crisscrossing as you go. Even with pallets, the bottom layer may still absorb moisture and become inedible for horses. Monitor each bale as you use it for mold/dust to make sure that you are feeding your horses the best possible hay

Make it Last – Protect your investment of hay whether you are making the hay yourself or buying it, you can make your investment last longer by preventing waste. This can be done several ways, including using feeders rather than feeding on the ground. While all feeders are not created equally, outdoor feeders for horses should be covered to protect the hay, encourage slow feeding and be free of sharp edges or materials that rust or break which can lead to injury Properly utilizing feeders will prevent hay that gets lost and trampled. If you want to take it one step further, making sure that outdoor feeding areas are set on a base that keeps the feeders and the area where horses stand around them out of the mud will also have a significant impact on preventing waste and making your hay last all year long

Whenever you are working with hay and the equipment used to process it, use caution to make sure that you are paying attention to safety guidelines. Read your owner's manual, require that those who will be helping with the process know how to properly use equipment and store equipment safely when the process is over. Hopefully, this hay season will be a good one!

“Natural” Balance

I am constantly amazed at people’s taste for “natural.” I mean, really, humans have spent most of their civilized life trying to get away from natural. Now it’s constantly being used as an advertising vehicle. I mean, seriously, who yearns for the good old “natural” days of sleeping in a cave trying to stay warm under a bear skin that you obtained at the cost of your best friend whose spear wasn’t sharp enough? Personally, I like heated rooms. Oh, and indoor plumbing rocks.

But I digress. Nevertheless, in the past couple of decades or so “Natural Balance” horse shoeing has become something of a rage, and certainly an industry There are other ways to describe the technique, such as “four-point” shoeing, extreme breakover, or setting the shoe back. Regardless, the premise is that horses in the wild wear their hooves a certain “natural” way, and that the “unnatural” circumstances of captivity – that is, free of predators, and with plenty of good food, which, come to think of it, doesn’t sound that bad, particularly if you like to eat like a horse, and aren’t wild about being eaten yourself – have resulted in them somehow being subjected to the slings and arrows of outrageous and unnatural hoof-shaping. Or something like that.

The operating premise in the “Natural Balance” approach is that horses in the wild are purported to have short toes, and fairly upright feet. Left to their own devices, horses will have the foot that they are “naturally” supposed to have: one that helps them breakover their toe more easily when they stride, reduces stress on the deep digital flexor tendon, and makes life a breeze for the navicular bone. Therefore, proponents say, all horses’ feet should be shaped like that mythical ideal wild horse (kind of a take on the old “noble savage” trope from literature). Furthermore, if you’re going to shoe the horse, proponents say, a shoe that encourages “natural” hoof movement should be attached to the bottom of the hoof. And, having seen to that, all will be good.

Well, um, no. At least not necessarily.

First of all, if we’re going to be absolutely strict about this “natural” thing, horses shouldn’t be running around in North America anyway. I mean, the indigenous North American horse (Equus occidentalis, if you must know) went extinct in something like 12,000 BC, which is way longer than anyone can remember But here they are, nonetheless, as a result of having run away from their caretakers after having had to endure a boat ride from Spain. Call it repopulation – I say it’s unnatural.

Regardless, no matter what the feet of wild horses in the American west look like, it’s been shown that the “natural” shape of the horse’s foot depends almost entirely on the “natural” conditions of the ground that it runs around on. So, whereas, in the west, the wild horses that evoke such strong emotions do tend to have upright feet and short toes, their eastern counterparts that live on wetter, softer ground tend to get more of a platter foot, their hoof walls don’t wear down in the same way (they tend to break off), and their hooves are more pliable. If you really want to go into a lot of detail on this, read a rather dense article by the famous equine pathologist, the late

Horse Hoof Anatomy

As it turns out, the shape of the horse’s foot in “natural” circumstances (no farriers) is influenced by three things.

1) Genetics

2) Friction

3) The quality of the hoof tissue itself

You can’t do anything about number one – genetics are what they are.

Friction, of course, is the resistance that one object encounters when it is moving over another object. In the case of the barefoot horse, one object is the hoof and the other object is the ground. When you’re a horse living in the American West, you’re running around on hard, abrasive ground. Your feet get worn and chipped. Your toes get short. Your heels get upright. That’s “natural,” at least for one location.

But if you’re a horse that’s NOT living on hard ground...your “natural” hooves could take on an entirely different appearance. If you’re slogging around in the mud and snow on soft ground, your feet are going to spread out, you’re going to get longer toes, and your feet will get soft. That’s all very “natural” given the circumstances, but it’s not good for marketing

The third thing – the quality of the hoof tissue – relates more to genetics than to anything else. Sure, there are myriad products out there that purport to help with hoof quality, but, much as with good fingernails, a horse either has a good quality hoof or he doesn’t. If a horse “naturally” has a hard hoof it will wear differently than a horse that “naturally” has a softer hoof. The end.

Now I’m not trying to say that the “Natural Balance” approach is necessarily wrong. In fact, I find that the shoes can sometimes be helpful, say, in working on a horse that tends to grow a lot of toe (once you nail on the shoe, you are sort of obliged to cut back the toe a bit – the shoe can actually be something of a template). But they’re not a panacea, and, well, they’re not even really all that natural: horses don’t come with nailed on shoes, you know

So, here are a few points to take home about “natural” balance.

1) Natural is usually fine, but it kind of depends on where you are. Running around in your “natural” birthday suit is a lot more comfortable in, say, the Bahamas than it is in Finland in December. You might want to consider your circumstances.

2) Horses should be shod as individuals – there’s no single system that works for all of them.

3) “Natural” is a great marketing tool.

4) Find a good veterinarian and a good farrier, get them working together, and let them do their jobs.

5) Don’t make things harder than they already are.

DAVID RAMEY, DVM: Dr. Ramey began veterinary practice in 1984 in southern California. He has been providing outstanding care to horses ever since. He specializes in the care and treatment of pleasure and performance horses. His clients particularly value his no nonsense approach, focused on providing services instead of selling products, his compassion for horses, and his ethical approach to the practice of veterinary medicine. https://www.doctorramey.com/

Find Ayla!

Ayla is a spotted Leopard Appaloosa mare. Can you find her within this issue of Saddle Up! Magazine?

Find Ayla & Win $30!

Each month, we hide a smaller image of Ayla within the pages of Saddle Up! Magazine. When you find her, mail us a letter or email us with the page that you “spotted” her on and you will be entered in our random drawing to win a prize of $30.00!

Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com

Address: 8415 Hogan Rd., Fenton, MI 48430 Deadline: The 20th of the current month

Contest for ages 14 & under only. Include your age and address so we may mail your winnings, if you win.

Our June 2023 Contest Winner

Lauren A., Age 9, Wooster, Ohio

Contest Rules: Ages 14 & under only. One entry per month, per person. All correct answers will be entered in our random drawing

PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING™ BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR HORSE

Slowing with the Seat

“Slowing with the Seat” is extremely important to accomplish balanced transitions. The Seat as an aid is also necessary for collective gaits and their transitions.

There are three aids that we use with our body to communicate with the horse when riding:

1.

3.

and in that order for any transitions, upward or downward.

It's important to understand how the seat works naturally with the horse. That action with the seat (your pelvis or hip joint) can give your horse a signal that the leg and rein aids will come next. It also helps the horse engage the hind leg more under his barrel, thus balancing more from the hind legs than the front. It also gives the horse more power when the legs have a big step under him. Weight from your seat will be the start of your downward transition, whether you are changing gaits or changing the speed within the same gait.

How do you put more weight in your seat? Sitting down! Sit more! How do you do this? First you must have movement in your hip joint to move forward and back, following the motion of the walk or canter (most movement). If you don't feel that movement, dropping your stirrups will help elongate your legs and cause you to sit deeper.

You must have your shoulders in perfect alignment with your hips in order to have them unlocked and be able to move. If you want more movement of your hip, bring your shoulders back, thus unlocking your joint and allowing it move. When our shoulders are forward or we lean back too far, it will lock the hip joint. When you follow the horse's motion, you will have a more comfortable ride, plus you will be able to use the seat as an effective aid.

We all are challenged with our upper body coming forward and in keeping the perfect balanced alignment of our shoulders to the middle of our hips. So, tell your shoulders to come back toward your horse's tail. Then you will stay in perfect alignment and can sit with more weight in the saddle. You will feel like you are leaning back behind your hips, but I promise you won't be! The weight in your seat gives the horse more power to engage the hind leg.

For a downward transition, I will first sit down and stay sitting down as the transition is happening. Second, I keep my legs touching the horse's sides with a very light contact to keep the hind legs moving forward. Third, I will close my fingers on the reins to get the response I want. If I do not get the correct response, I will do the first and second steps again, and then the third. I will open and close my fingers, not letting my hand hold firm. This is a “give and take” action with your fingers. If you hold your hand closed, and get no response, this allows your horse to pull against you and resist, or to be unsteady with his head. You may see some action in the horse's mouth during this transition.

Ask your horse to travel on a curving line, then do your transition. A curving line will naturally slow your horse; this helps teach your horse the seat aid. If you don't get a response, simply reorganize and start the transition over again. You can't do too many transitions in a lesson with your horse!

Here is a great exercise for slowing down with the seat. This is also great for your “aids coordination” and the suppleness of the horse's top line and flexibility of the hind legs:

Use 4 sets of cones on a circle at each quarter of the circle. Have the cones set 6 feet apart at each quarter of the circle. Place a cone in the middle, so when you change directions, you are turning through the middle and making an 'S' figure. You will meet the single cone in the middle before you start the new direction. On the circle, do a transition at each 3/4 of the circle, advance to 1/2 of a circle, then advance to each 1/4 of the circle. Do as many upward and downward transitions as you can so that your horse really knows how to accomplish them.

Do not advance until you can do an upward transition and get the downward transition at the exact 3/4 of the circle. When you start to get a lighter response from your aids and an immediate, smooth, and willing response from the horse, then you are ready to do them on a straight line. Use cones to do transition between cones or simply change the distance between each set of cones. Do the transitions first on the quarter line of the arena, then the center line and then the diagonal line.

When you accomplish this action of the seat aid, you will always use lighter leg and rein aids. That lighter “ask” is correct horse training! Horses love lightness, and for me if they respond with lightness, they are understanding and accepting the aids with confidence and athleticism.

So sit down, and move your hips more forward and back in the gait. This stimulates and energizes the hind legs by supporting with the leg aids. Quiet your horse with your rein aids for upward transitions.

Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad as well as online coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or their Palm Equestrian Academy European Journeys.

Figuring Things Out

Kim Cardeccia | https://confidencethroughconnection.com/

Recently, I was involved in a few different situations that resulted in conversations around the topic of figuring things out. This journey into logic can be beneficial, and it can also cause some hiccups in our quest to build trust with our horses. Many of us strive to understand. We want to increase our knowledge and strengthen our skills to be better We love learning Grasping and integrating concepts and techniques to improve our partnership with our horses is something we crave. We could consider these things figuring it out.

It can be a little different when we are trying to figure out how to address a challenge in real time with our horse (works in a similar fashion to challenges without horses, too, just in case you were wondering). Circumstances where this topic of figuring it out arose were around why a horse couldn’t. The horses were not able to accept many invitations.

Including being ridden. Humans were trying to figure out why. There weren’t really obvious answers to the challenge. Yet, the horses in front of us were doing the best they could. This is helpful to remember Our horses aren’t trying to upset us. How crazy would it be for a prey animal to provoke a predator? Seriously, they are not trying to pull one over on us.

Mostly, they are trying to survive. This might be all that we can really figure out about the situation. If we accept our horse’s truth and meet them where they are, the reason behind the behavior becomes less important. Moving forward is possible if we release the mental struggle.

It can be quite a balancing act to determine when to mentally grapple with something and when to let it go. It can be easier when we release the need to know. Deciding to direct our focus on the present moment guides our attention away from the past.

It can definitely be a bit much to sort out. To help us navigate the journey, we can look to our emotions. If we are calm as we ponder the situation, it’s probably ok to keep going. Maintaining a light internal feel and curiosity will allow us to determine our next best steps. However, if we are frustrated as we try to figure things out, this is probably a good time to pause and bring ourselves back to the present moment and drop the pressure of making things be different. If our horses aren’t accepting our invitations, there is something that is off in their world.

Either they are confused, afraid or in some amount of physical discomfort. Maybe all of the above. We have to meet them where they are and instill calm. If we haven’t claimed our own calm, it will be much more difficult to help our horses find theirs. Our brains operate in such a way that when our emotions are high, our thinking is low When thinking is high, emotions are low It’s about blood flow, not incapability Just as we work with our horse’s innate ways of being, we can help them even more by working with ours.

Be curious. Stay open. Build trust and partnership.

Kimberly Cardeccia is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 35 years of horse experience.

Online at: https://confidencethroughconnection.com/

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BOARDING

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BOARDING, CONT.

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TUTHILL FARMS, SOUTH LYON offers stalls and pasture board on over 20 acres. Miles of trail riding on the farm. Good location for trailering to nearby parks. Quality hay, outdoor arena, round pen, dry lot, heated tack room and restroom.

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EQUINE DENTISTRY

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OPEN 24/7 – Quality Boarding. Includes tack locker, heated rooms, 12% pellet grain, hay, large pastures and daily turnout. We have trails, two indoor arenas, and one outdoor arena with lights. HARDY FARMS – 313.363.2243 (call or text)

7215 N. Latson Rd., Howell, MI (M-08/23)

Email: info@hardysfarm.com

http://www.hardysfarm.com/ Find us on Facebook: Hardy Farms

LaRose Equine Dentistry, LLC: Specializing in equine dental care without the risk of sedation. Doug LaRose has 25 years of experience as an EqDT and has partnered with thousands of horse owners across Michigan to promote excellence in equine dental care. Find us on Facebook.

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PASTURE AND STALL BOARD: Lush green turnouts, quality horse care, reasonable rates. 24 hr access, 60x120 indoor arena. Easy access to multiple trail systems. Boutique boarding facility where you and your horse are treated like family

ROCKING J HORSE FARM (PS-05/24)

Steve Johnson 949.274.0338

Stockbridge, MI (Kane Rd. & M-36) Email: rockingjhorsefarm@gmail.com

Online at: https://saddleupmag.com/

FREE Exam & Evaluation. Equine Dentistry using hand tools. Offering Saddle Fitting, Equine Sports Massage Therapy, Gait Analysis, Trigger Point Manipulation, Red Light and Heat Therapy.

SPRING EQUINE SERVICES – 248.842.7821

Lauren Springstube, EqDT CESMT

Email: springequineservices@gmail.com

Facebook: Spring Equine Services (PS-01/23)

Post your showbills/flyers to:

Tri-State Horse Shows

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Horses In Harmony Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, since 2001. Offering massage, Reiki, Craniosacral Therapy and Red/Infrared Light Therapy Facebook: HorsesInHarmonyCESMT or Instagram: @horsesinharmony.cesmt

HORSES IN HARMONY: Candy 810.923.5003 Howell, MI (Livingston) (M-10/23)

Email: horsesinharmony@att.net

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FARRIER SERVICE

Hoof Care Matters! Over 25 years of experience in trimming, shoeing and corrective shoeing Ask about teeth floating too! Serving Oakland County and surrounding counties.

JOHN PETERSON FARRIER – 248.303.6498 Milford, MI (Oakland) (S-08/23)

FARRIER WRITTEN BOOK

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FLY & INSECT CONTROL

Shoo-Fly Insect Control – Automatically get rid of flies, mosquitoes, and spiders. Safe and inexpensive to use. Used throughout Michigan for over 30 years. We Install or Do-It-Yourself

SHOO-FLY INSECT CONTROL

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HORSE BLANKET WASH

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GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS – Horse blanket wash and repair service. New location now open in Howell, MI! 10 years experience.

GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS – 517.404.6336

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THE LAUNDRY BARN horse blanket laundry Offering blanket washing, repairs, waterproofing 25 plus years of commercial laundry experience. Professional products and equipment used.

THE LAUNDRY BARN 248.274.6070 (text ok)

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HORSES FOR SALE

MINI LEOPARD APPALOOSA YEARLING

COLT Very flashy, very correct. Miniature pintos; dark brown and white. All have excellent conformation. Will consider reasonable offers.

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Donna Rogers – 989.667.4028

Bay City, MI (Tuscola) (M-08/23)

HORSE TRAILERS

SPARTA CHEVROLET & TRAILER SALES –

We specialize in horse trailers: full living quarters with slideout, to smaller two horse bumper pulls. Cimarron, Lakota, Sundowner and Trails West. Great selection and even better prices!

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Call Jim Kelly 616.887.3456

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PET & FARM SITTING

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Call or text Kim Kingstad – 248.667.2185 Milford, MI (Oakland) (M-02/24)

INCOME OPPORTUNITY

52 yr. old manufacturing company expanding. Looking for individuals that have experience in agriculture and animal health, who are interested in building there own business using Christian principles.

Please leave background/contact info.: 888.266.0014, ext. 8778 (S-12/23)

SADDLE/LEATHER REPAIR

SADDLE, LEATHER & TACK REPAIR. Used saddles and tack bought and sold. Certified with 40 plus years of experience.

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Roger Burkowski – 830.285.2080

Flint, MI (Genesee) (S-06/24)

SADDLE REPAIR & LEATHER WORK. New and used saddles and tack bought and sold. Complete Leather Repair available. Many years of experience. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat. 9:30-5pm.

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Jim Moule – 248.887.4829

Milford, MI (Oakland) (S-08/23)

SHOW CLOTHING

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Email: showclothes01@hotmail.com

Online: www.showclothesunlimited.com

For All Your Equestrian Needs! Used Western, English, Dressage, Saddleseat and Harness. Consignments welcome! Tuesday-Friday noon6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm. Sun./eves by appt.

BRIGHTSIDE USED TACK & CONSIGNMENTS

Call 989.277.8917 or find us on Facebook: Brightside LLC Used Tack & Consignments 8555 Monroe Rd., Durand, MI (1/4 mile off I-69) Halfway between Lansing & Flint, MI

TACK & APPAREL TRAINING & LESSONS

Beautiful boarding and training facility for all breeds and disciplines. Green horses and firsttime riders welcome! Offering western dressage and short-term intensive training programs.

IRONWOOD FARM – Dorothy 313.215.1944

Leonard, MI (Oakland) (S-06/23)

Email: ironwoodfarmdressage@yahoo.com

www.ironwoodfarmequestrian.com

GRAND OAKES FARM TRAINING Facility

(includes board): Specializing in youth and nonpro all-around horses. Lessons and coaching at shows. Quality horse care, indoor and outdoor arenas, quiet atmosphere, private facility.

GRAND OAKES FARM

Paul Oakes – 248.421.1757 (text)

Email: grandoakesfarm@comcast.net

Holly, MI (Oakland) (S-06/24)

The Traveling Trainer offers training, lessons, consulting at your facility or mine. Over 30 years of experience. Bachelor’s degree in Equestrian Studies from the University of Findlay Also quality horses for sale. Find us on Facebook, or on Instagram: #thehappyhorsehouse, or visit our website at www.thetravelingtrainer.net

THE TRAVELING TRAINER LLC

Ann-Marie Lavallee – 810.796.3510

Dryden, MI (Lapeer) (S-08/23)

Email: thetravelingtrainer3@gmail.com

SHOWS

Equine Business Insurance Basics

Are you ready to turn your horse hobby into an equine small business? Do you have what it takes to turn your passion into a career? Whether your dream business is a tack shop, freelance photography, a boarding barn, or anything else, it's crucial to learn how to set your business up for success before launching and learn from those who've already made the leap. The goal of this Equine Small Business Series is to guide you through the process of becoming a small business, be a resource for growing and maintaining your small business, and give real-life advice from equine professionals with an established small business. Read on and let's get to business!

Planning for Success

In a previous installment of this equine small business series, you developed your business plan and calculated a rough estimate of your starter costs. As a refresher, a business plan is your roadmap to achievement and should summarize your business's past, current state, and future goals. A thorough business plan is the key to convincing yourself, your customers, and your future investors that you're serious about success! Another critical step to starting your business is to calculate your startup costs, as this will allow potential investors to estimate when you might turn a profit. Both of these key elements to success need to be in place before you or your future investors fund your equine business venture.

Once you know how much startup funding you need to get your new business up-and-running, it's time to figure out how you'll get it. There's no one-size-fits-all method for funding your business, but some types of funding will be better suited to your specific situation than others and sometimes the best answer might be a combination of several options. Essentially, there are four primary options to get funding for your equine small business: self-funding, crowdfunding, small business loans, and microloans. Whichever your loan options might be, it's a good idea to compare any loan offers in search for the best possible terms and lowest possible interest rates for your equine small business loan. As a general rule, a lender will always favor the low-risk, well-organized business with a higher credit score, because it'll be the most likely to yield a profit. Choosing a method of funding is one of the first and most important decisions you will make as an equine small business owner. Remember, the goal is to get your business off the ground and not to saddle you with debt from the start.

Although it may seem intimidating, building business credit is essential to convincing yourself, your customers, and your future investors that you mean business! As you may have guessed, business credit works similarly to personal credit; it's used as an indicator of how reliable and healthy both yourself and your business may be. When you establish business credit, you open the door to financing through loans, applying for credit cards, and building partnerships with vendors and other businesses. For monitoring your score, you can get a copy of your equine small business's report from Equifax, Dun & Bradstreet,

Experian, or similar reporting services. If you discover any outdated information or any suspicious activity, be sure to contact the business credit agency right away A good business credit score can make the difference between launching your dream equine photography studio and keeping that dream on the shelf for another decade.

Equine Insurance Basics

Regardless if you're just starting out or expanding your services, every equine business should have a solid insurance plan! General liability insurance is a must to protect yourself and your business from the inevitable risks that horses (yes, even your trusty lesson pony) pose to your clients. The safest bet for selecting the correct insurance coverage is to use either a licensed insurance broker or agent. A broker sells insurance from several different companies because they're not employed by a singular insurance firm. Conversely, an agent works for only one firm and will only offer insurance products from a single company

If you don't own the horses you're working with in your business, the best option would be a Care, Custody, or Control coverage plan. A CCC plan is based on the value of each horse and can also typically cover tack or equipment that you use but don't own. In the event of an accident or emergency, a CCC policy pays the legal amount that you're obligated to pay, on your behalf, if serious injury or death happens to a horse that is in your care, custody, or control. Although not included in most liability insurance policies, this plan would protect you and your business in the event that the horse's owner sues you after an accident.

Often, mortality insurance is bundled with medical and surgical insurance policies, which would translate to life and health insurance for humans. A sobering thought, mortality insurance reimburses a horse owner if their horse dies and premiums are based on the horse's breed, age, use, and bloodlines. Most insurance policies require a certificate of your horse's health from the vet and will cover nearly any cause of death including colic, fatal injuries, fire, and freak accidents. Medical and surgical policies typically cover diagnostics, medications, surgeries, and postoperative care. Similar to human health insurance, each horse has a deductible and an annual premium, and there's usually a $5,000 claim limit. Typically, it does not cover routine care such as vaccines, dental care, some alternative therapies, elective cosmetic surgeries, and treatments for congenital birth defects. Mortality, medical, surgical insurance policies could help you avoid every horse owner's nightmare: whether or not you can afford to save your horse's life.

Whether you are selecting your first plan or rethinking your current plan, these are some tips for choosing equine business insurance:

• Be sure that any and all of your horse-related activities are disclosed and covered in your plan

• Annually evaluate potential risks involved in your business, such as: your business' financial stability, the value of your horses and tack, your level of personal involvement, and more

• If possible, boarders at your operation should carry their own insurance for their horse to cover any major medical emergency that could happen at your barn

Straight from the Equine Businesswoman's Mouth

“Yes, absolutely [have] insurance!” When Carien Schippers was asked if equine small businesses should have insurance, she was adamant. Schippers is the founder and owner of the Equine Photographers Network, a global community and platform of equine photographers who promote and share their work as well as participate in members-only networking and career development events. “Liability insurance as well as equipment insurance. Equines are inherently dangerous,” Schippers explained, “and sometimes photographers may unknowingly cause an accident, or be blamed for one. This is why it is so important for us to understand horses and horse behavior!”

Given the potential for emotional and financial devastation, having a clear understanding of equine business insurance is critical to protect yourself and your business. There are as many different kinds of insurance policies as there are horse businesses and working with a licensed insurance seller to get the coverage you need could make the difference between bankruptcy & success.

Standing in Holly, MI

Bradfield Drum Horses

(248) 295-1548 | Email: BradfieldDrumHorses@gmail.com

URL: https://bradfielddrumhorses.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BradfieldDrums

BH Spectacular holds 22 titles and is proven in many disciplines. He holds multiple highpoint awards and has won END of year awards through the IDHA You can see him in the Hallmark movie Cupids Christmas and A Pumpkin Spice Holiday He will be the main character of a new movie filming soon called HeartBeat of a Drum Horse

Have A Great Cover Photo?

Saddle Up! Magazine is once again accepting photos from our readers for front cover consideration. Email us a low resolution of your photo and we’ll let you know if we can use it for an upcoming issue.

Helpful Guidelines When Submitting A Photo:

Great American Horse Drive Event 2007

https://www.equinephotographers.org/

Lisa Skylis graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Animal Science. She is a professional freelance writer Lisa’s work largely focuses on the equine industry. When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found doting on the horses at her local therapeutic riding barn or entertaining her mischievous Golden Retriever, Roy. Freelance inquiries can be sent to skylisli@msu.edu

Sources for this article include: 2019 article from Horses Exten-sion titled “Equine Business Resources-Insurance for Equine Bus-inesses”, an article from the U.S Equestrian Federation authored by Markel Insurance in 2020 titled “Commercial General Liability Horse Insurance: Who Needs It and Why?”, and a 2019 article from Horses Extension titled “Equine Business Resources-Liabilities and Waivers”. Extension Horses maintains a host of equine business-related articles online at: https://horses.extension.org/

BH Spectacular

DRUM HORSE STALLION

Sire: Chew Mill Guinness Grand Sire: Galway Warrior Premium Height of 16 H

Generation: F2 | Registry: IDHA Tobiano (Carries Red, Bay, Black) Homozygous Tobiano

2) Orientation should be vertical for best results.

3) Once a photo has been accepted, a high resolution copy is necessary for printing.

1) We need lots of background room for the magazine title and for our monthly cover sponsor. Email low resolution photo for consideration to: saddleupmag@gmail.com

URL: https://maneshot.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maneshotpix

AHC Annual Conference Inspires and Spurs Action in Denver

Days End Farm Horse Rescue were awarded the first United Horse Coalition Unity Award for their work in the Northeast.

The American Horse Council (AHC) wrapped a trip out West with its 2023 Annual Conference on June 6th. The enthusiasm for learning and combatting a growing list of missions filled a packed crowd of industry leaders and ardent enthusiasts.

Attendees heard updates on the actions of such committees as the United Horse Coalition, Equine Welfare, Health & Regulatory, Racing Advisory, Show and Competition and Recreation/ Trails/Land Use Committees that encompass the many facets of the AHC Presentations spurred conviction to look for change or action during engaging presentations at the annual National Issues Forum.

“The theme for the 2023 National Issues Forum is ‘The Measure of Tomorrow,’ and is intended to showcase four important focus areas for the future of equine and equestrian industry – Economics, Sustainability, Herd Health, and Strengthening the Community,” stated AHC President Julie Broadway in her open-ing remarks. “As you hear these presentations, I ask you to think about how the information shared will inform your actions to ‘shape’ tomorrow. We all strive to leave things ‘better than we found them’ so that’s my challenge to you – how does the content you hear today help you and us think as visionaries and leaders that have the opportunity to ‘shape’ tomorrow?”

Economics and how the industry is valued was the first focus of the forum Speakers included Dr Gregory Graff, professor of the Economics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at Colorado State University; Michael Vanaskie of The Innovation Group, one of the lead economists for the AHC Economic Impact Study and Julie Broadway of AHC on the 2023 AHC Study Broadway and Vanaskie highlighted how the differences between the current format of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) census and what the AHC hopes can become a more encom-passing horse census. This census has been spurred by the AHC’s (ongoing) Equine Economic Impact Survey and how more accurate numbers can help the industry get a fairer piece of the Farm Bill, which is currently in debate in Washington, DC.

The focus on sustainability took an eye-opening and nose-pinching turn when Colorado State University Capstone students Jessica Stock and Vanessa Roy shared their presentation on how horse manure is being repurposed to consumable electricity in Finland and how that could be used in the United States. Scott Evans shared his mission of helping horse show circuits and associations take a greener approach to their events with his initiative Green is the New Blue. It all started with trying to eliminate single-use water bottles

being left behind at shows to something that’s bigger than just your local show circuit. Finally, Megan Fellows shared her mission of Carbon Hoofprints – innovative solutions for stakeholders in the equestrian stakeholders.

Always a hot topic, the focus on Herd Health included Joe LaFollette of League of Ag & Equine Centers, Dr. Nat White of Equine Disease Comm. Center and Dr Angela Pelzel McCluskey of the USDA on biosecurity measures needed to mitigate disease at shows and events and at home. This was supported by a presentation by the University of Florida’s Dr. Sally DeNotta that shared how the changing climate is affecting equine infectious diseases and increasing vectors that might not have been thought of in years past.

Finally, the forum focused on strengthening the horse community with the AHC Marketing Alliance. Members Jen Grant of Zoetis and Christy Landwehr of National Reining Horse Association shared a new campaign to reach out to more than our own indus-try, but outside the horse industry with the “HereForHorses” campaign. The campaign is an evolution of two previous campaigns that included the Time To Ride campaign to introduce riding and horses to the general public. The “HereForHorses” campaign is in its infancy, with more details to come.

“This was one of the best issue forums I’ve attended,” said Dr. Josie Traub Dargatz, formerly of CSU, who was happy to attend the forum in her own back yard of Colorado. Her sentiments were echoed from many who attended.

AHC also honored five award winners and the recording of the award ceremony will be on the AHC website soon. Rep Jacki Walorski, Dr Jerry Black, Gary Carpenter, Dr Chelsie Huseman and Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

“The conference is one of the best ways to engage and be reinspired with our mission to bring together the horse industry – no matter the breed, discipline, background or location,” says Broadway. “We hope everyone left reinvigorated with new ideas and calls to action.”

The next AHC National Conference and National Issues Forum will be held in Washington, DC, June 9-11, 2024, with plans to build on the momentum created in Denver

About the American Horse Council: As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Online at: https://horsecouncil.org/

NSBA Dual Approved Classes!

1)

2)

3)

2023 ISHA Spring & Fall Open All Breed Horse Show

Hoosier Horse Park, Edinburgh, Indiana (rain or shine: covered arena)

Saturday/Sunday Classes Start Time: 8am | Sunday Jumping Classes Start Time: 8am

70% Paybacks

Spring Dates: May 20 & 21, 2023 – Judge: Kara Miller, LaGrange, KY

Fall Dates: August 19 & 20, 2023 – Judge: Duane Stutzman, Fresno, OH

Sport Horse In Hand Judges – SPRING: TBA

FALL: Cynthia Bellis-Jones, Paris, KY | Jumping Judge: Bobbi Milan, Greenwood, IN

$100 Added Money Payback Classes Saturday Night High Point Compeons

SATURDAY, MAY 20 & AUGUST 19, 2023

1 Sport Horse In Hand: All Breeds (open card) 8 AM-11 AM

2 English Type Halter: Geldings

3 Youth Stock Type Halter: Mares

4 Arabian Halter: Mares

5 Dra/Dra Cross Halter

6 Youth English Type Halter: Geldings

7 Thoroughbred Halter: Mares & Geldings

8 Half Arabian Halter: Mares

9 Color Horse-Pony Halter: All Breeds

10 Rescue Horse-Pony Halter: All Breeds

11 Stock Type Halter: Geldings

12 English Type Halter: Mares

13 *Youth Pony Halter: Mares & Geldings

14 Gaited Horse Model Halter: Mares

15 Youth English Type Halter: Mares

16 Hunt/Saddle Seat Type Showmanship: All Ages

17 Sck Horse (NO ENTRY FEE)

15 Minute Break

18 Roselyn A. Faut Memorial Class: W/T or W/J, 12 & Under Halter, Paern, Rail – no cross entry with class #19.

ISHA MEMBERS ONLY

19 Roselyn A. Faut Memorial Class: W/T/C or W/J/L, All Ages Halter, Paern, Rail – no cross entry with class #18.

ISHA MEMBERS ONLY

Lunch (45 Minutes)

Aernoon Classes not to begin before 11:00 AM

20 $100 Anything Goes Costume Class (in hand, riding or driving)

21 Beginner Hunt/Saddle Seat Pleasure: W/T/C, 13 Yrs & Up

22 Beginner Hunt/Saddle Seat Equitaon: W/T/C, 13 Yrs & Up

29 Beginner Hunt/Saddle Seat Equitaon Championship: W/T/C

All Ages, No Qualificaons

30 TWH Western Country Pleasure

31 KMH/RMH Western Pleasure

Questions or Stall Reservations: Donna Skatrud: 317-418-6381 or skatrudarabians@gmail.com

STALLS: Weekend Stalls $40 | Tie Outs $15 per day | ENTRY FEES: $8 Per Class | $10 for $100 Added Money Classes. OFFICE FEE: $10 Per Horse/Exhibitor Combination for Weekend

2023 ISHA Spring & Fall Open All Breed Horse Show

Hoosier Horse Park, Edinburgh, Indiana (rain or shine: covered arena)

Saturday/Sunday Classes Start Time: 8am | Sunday Jumping Classes Start Time: 8am

70% Paybacks

$100 Added

Money Payback

Spring Dates: May 20 & 21, 2023 – Judge: Kara Miller, LaGrange, KY

Fall Dates: August 19 & 20, 2023 – Judge: Duane Stutzman, Fresno, OH

Sport Horse In Hand Judges – SPRING: TBA

FALL: Cynthia Bellis-Jones, Paris, KY | Jumping Judge – Bobbi Milan, Greenwood, IN

Classes Saturday Night High Point Compeons

SUNDAY, MAY 21 & AUGUST 20, 2023

66 Youth Stock Type Halter: Geldings

67 *Pony Halter: All Breeds

68 Arabian Halter: Geldings & Stallions

69 Stallion Halter: All Breeds

70 Stock Type Halter: Mares

71 Half Arabian Halter: Geldings & Stallions

72 Gaited Horse Model: Geldings & Stallions

73 $100 Halter: All Breeds

74 Supreme All Breed Halter Championship: All First Place Halter Class Winners are eligible: NO ENTRY FEE

75 Western Showmanship: All Ages

76 Lead Line

77 **RESTRICTED 10 & Under Equitaon: Walk

HELPER REQUIRED

78 Dra/Dra Cross Pleasure Driving: W/T

79 Light Horse Pleasure Driving: W/Pleasure Trot/Road Trot

80 Pleasure Driving: All Breeds

81 Beginner Hunt/Saddle Seat Pleasure: 10 & Under W/T

HELPER REQUIRED

82 Beginner Hunt/Saddle Seat Equitaon: 10 & Under W/T

HELPER REQUIRED

97 Adults 19 & Over, Horse-Pony Pleasure: W/T/C or W/T/J

98 Hunt/Non-Gaited Saddle Seat Equitaon: W/T/C 15 Minute Break

99 **RESTRICTED Western Pleasure W/J

100 Stock Type Western Equitaon: W/J/L

101 Western Pleasure: W/J/L

102 TWH Open All Day Pleasure Youth – Oponal Tack (19 Yrs & Under as of 1/23)

103 **RESTRICTED Hunt/Saddle Seat Pleasure: W/T

104 KMH/RMH Trail Pleasure Youth – Oponal Tack (19 Yrs & Under as of 1/23)

105 **RESTRICTED Equitaon: W/T or W/J

106 Youth Hunt/Saddle Seat Equitaon: W/T/C 107 Open All Gaited Breeds Equitaon

108 Youth Pleasure: W/T or W/J

109 Youth Western Equitaon: W/J/L

110 Western Equitaon: W/J/L

111 Half Arabian Hunt Pleasure: W/T/C

112 KMH/RMH Youth Western Pleasure – Oponal Tack (19 Yrs & Under as of 1/23)

JUMPING CLASSES: SUNDAY 8 AM – ARENA 5

GROUND POLES DIVISION Classes 113, 114 & 115

113 Ground Poles US (W/T)

114 Ground Poles OP 115 Ground Poles OP

X-RAILS DIVISION Classes 116, 117 & 118

116 X-Rails US (W/T/C)

117 X-Rails OF (12-18" height)

118 X-Rails OF (12-18" height)

BEGINNER HUNTER DIVISION Classes 119, 120 &121

119 Beginner Hunter US (W/T/C)

120 Beginner Hunter OF (24" max height)

121 Beginner Hunter OF (24" max height)

HOPEFUL HUNTER DIVISION Classes 122, 123 & 124

94 Color Horse-Pony Western Pleasure: W/J/L

122 Hopeful Hunter US (W/T/C)

123 Hunter OF (2'3" – 2’6” height)

124 Hunter OF (2'3" – 2’6” height)

hps://www.indianasaddlehorse.org/

Facebook: Indiana Saddle Horse Associaon

Questions or Stall Reservations: Donna Skatrud: 317-418-6381 or skatrudarabians@gmail.com

STALLS: Weekend Stalls $40 | Tie Outs $15 per day | ENTRY FEES: $8 Per Class | $10 for $100 Added Money Classes. OFFICE FEE: $10 Per Horse/Exhibitor Combination for Weekend

Therearecurrentlyapproximately155,000horses inMichigan,basedonthe last Equine Survey (2007). While these numbers may have decreased somewhat based on the recession, the use of horses in the state has not decreased,andinfactmaybeincreasing(personalobservation).Eachofthese animalsisinneedofregularhoofcare,withtrimmingrequiredevery6-8weeks andshoes(forthosewhoareshod)requiredonasimilarschedule.

Theoldadage“nofoot,nohorse”holds,inthatahorsewithoutregularhoof carebyaknowledgeableprofessional,isunlikelytobeofusetoitshumancaretakers.Further,mosthorsemenandwomenwouldratherhiresomeoneknowledgeabletodothisworkthantodoitthemselves.Finally,well-trainedfarriershavethepotentialtomakea decent living, as evidenced by “An American Farriers Journal survey in 2012 found that the national average annual salary for full-time farriers in the U.S. was reported to be $92,623 per year and for parttimers, $21,153. This amount is an average and varies according to experience level, training, etc.” (TheFarriersGuide.com)

TheproblemcurrentlyfacingthehorseindustryintheMidwestisthatthereiscurrentlynoreputablemeans by which to consistently produce well-trained farriers. Michigan residents wishing to pursue this line of work,haveneededtoleavethestateforextendedperiodsoftime.Untilnow.

Michigan State University offers the MSU Farrier School: Thisisa12or24-weekprogram,housedon theMSUHorseTeachingandResearchCenter,andwillbeledbyMSUalum,DavidHallock,CJF,ASF Students in the program will receive both hands-on and classroom-based instruction in hoof and farrier science, equine anatomy and physiology, basic welding, and business. The class runs8hoursperday,withtheintentionofproducingindividualspoisedtobewell trained,professionalfarrierstoservetheequineindustry

Responses Pour In for 2023 Equine Economic Impact Survey

Just as the heat of summer is starting to increase, so are the numbers for responses during the 2023 American Horse Council Equine Economic Impact Survey. The survey launched in April and runs through September 29, and so far, more than 5,000 responses have been received.

Leading the way in state responses should be no surprise, with Texas, New York and California having the most (in that order), followed by Maryland and Ohio. The states with the least responses, so far, include Hawaii, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nevada.

“We’re really hoping to get a good variety of answers from all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.,” says Julie Broadway, president of the AHC. “This is going to be the biggest study the AHC has launched in more than 50 years, with different aspects of the industry covered, so we want to get the word out to everyone.”

The economic impact study is an anonymous survey that will examine the effect the horse industry has on the economy. The survey measures changes in business revenue, business profits, personal wages, and/or jobs. As a large, economically diverse industry, the United States horse industry contributes significantly to the American economy.

The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the value of the equine industry in the national and state economies by analyzing the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of horse ownership, recreation, and equine-related services. Broadway stressed to attendees of the 2023 AHC National Issues Forum that the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Census is not an accurate picture of the horse industry, thus handicapping the amount of support the industry is eligible to receive to the government. Having more accurate numbers, such as you can find in the AHC Equine Economic Impact Survey will help push for a unique sponsored Horse Census where “Every Horse Counts.”

The first two surveys are for owners of horses, ponies, donkeys, drafts, etc., as well as owners of businesses who supply the horse industry The latest survey is the Competition Organizer

Survey, which will be sent out to groups that host all types of equine-related competitions. Other surveys and data collection will include equine-assisted services facilities, racetracks, the Native American population, the Amish/Mennonite population, equine-related academia, veterinarian, mounted police, etc.

Members of the American Quarter Horse Association lead in terms of responses for the survey with 53% of the responses being Quarter Horses. The American Paint Horse Association makes up 22.5% of the responses and the United States Trotting Association rounds out the top three with 17.8% of the responses, so far

Data collected will inform public and private investments in equine-related businesses, equine health care, education, land use decisions, tax policy, tourism, employment incentives, etc.

New this year are sponsored incentives for individuals and groups who participate in the survey, including a John Deere Z545R ZTrak Mower valued at $7,500, one year of Nutrena feed for one horse (a $2,000 value); one year of Purina feed for one horse (a $500 value/horse); gift certificates from Trafalgar Square Books (total value $180); free enrollment in Texas A&M AgriLife Equine Reproductive Management Online Course valued at $300/enrollment; plus more.

“The Economic Impact Study is the most effective tool in our advocacy quiver,” says Julie Broadway, president of the AHC. “When the industry needs to take aim at an issue, this data is invaluable in helping us paint the picture of the contributions the industry makes and the breath & depth of its composition.”

The 2023 Economic Impact Study can be found on the AHC website: https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

If you have questions, contact American Horse Council President Julie Broadway at jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

About the American Horse Council: As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities.

Summer Contest DRAWING Kid’s 2023

ChildrenandteensinthreedifferentagegroupsarewelcometoenterourSummerDRAWINGContest forachancetowinamonetaryprize,plusacommemorativewinnerst-shirt.

TheownersofSaddleUp!Magazinewillchoosethreewinnersfromeachagegroup.All1st,2ndand3rd placeDRAWINGSwillbeprintedintheSeptember2023editionofSaddleUp!Magazine.Winnerswill benotifiedbyphoneoremailinadvance,andwillreceivetheirprizesviaprioritymail.

EntrydeadlineisJuly31st,2023.

In order for your drawing to be printed in Saddle Up! Magazine, please follow the instructions below for submitting your entry.

1) Large drawing on a 8.5”x11” piece of white paper

2) Use either black or blue ink (NO pencil drawings)

3) Do not fold your entry when mailing

4) Use a piece of cardboard to protect when mailing

5) If emailing, send a .jpg or PDF at 300 dpi

6) Make your drawing like a coloring page (see right)

7)Add as much detail as possible to your drawing

Any drawings including a horse welcome!

Sample Drawing

All winners will receive an “Official” Summer Drawing Contest T-Shirt.

DON’TFORGETTO INCLUDEYOURT-SHIRTSIZE WITHYOUR ENTRY!

ENTRY DEADLINE: JULY 31, 2023

Full Name

Age as of January 1st, 2023

Phone Number

Address City State Zip

EmailAddress T-Shirt Size

All entries must include the entry form above orALLof the information from the entry form. Mailed or emailed entries only. Children’s addresses/phone numbers will NOT be printed in Saddle Up! Magazine.

MailingAddress: 8415 Hogan Rd. Fenton, MI 48430

Saddle Up! Magazine

EmailAddress:

saddleupmag@gmail.com

Subject Line: Drawing Contest 810.714.9000 • www.saddleupmag.com

Saturday Night Pizza Party Added Money Sweepstakes Classes

MI Apple Blossom Prize Drawings

Daily & Year End High Point Awards

2023 MICHIGAN APPLE BLOSSOM CLASSIC OPEN SHOWSS

MAY 12-14 JULY 7-9

Judges: Jeff Moody & Brian Craig

Judges: Tim Abler & Kara Gerard

SEPTEMBER 22-24

Judges: Keith Carey & Kathy Motycka

Stalls Reservations: mabcstalls@gmail.com or 517-655-4712

MSU Agriculture Pavilion, East Lansing, MI

• Find Us On Facebook: Michigan Apple Blossom Classic

7 PM Friday Trail Classes 57-62 • 8 AM Saturday/Sunday Classes 1-56 • Arrival Starting Noon Friday – NO EARLY ARRIVALS

1)

5) Stock Horse Color Breed/Other Halter

6) Ranch Horse Conformation (Ineligible for Grand/Reserve) Grand and Reserve Champion Halter

Showmanship 12 & Over**

10) Sweepstakes Showmanship - $100 ADDED

33) Hunt Seat Pleasure 50 & Over

34) Sweepstakes SR Hunt Seat Pleasure & Over - $100 ADDED

35) Peewee Western Pleasure 11 & Under**

36) Peewee Western Horsemanship 11 & Under**

37) Walk/Trot Western Horsemanship 12 & Over**

38) Sweepstakes Western Horsemanship OPEN - $100 ADDED NOHSA Horsemanship Medal Class (tentative)

FRIDAY EVENING ONLY – TRAIL CLASSES 7:00 PM START

# May not show in any other classes.

** Walk/Trot rider or Novice horse may not show in any canter/lope classes.

@ May cross enter pleasure age group classes. % MUST be NOHSA member Trail Classes 57-62 run Friday Evening ONLY. Trail counts for Saturday High Pt.

Classes entered at the gate instead of the office will be subject to an entry fee of 1 ½ class fee.

MUST BE PRESENT to win random drawing awards.

Year End High Point eligibility requires min. of 4 shows & High Point Fees.

CLASS FEES

$7 All Ages ($10 if entered @ gate) All Stalls $50 (all horses must be stalled) $10 Sweepstakes ($15 if @ gate) Camping – $30/Night

Daily High Point Fee $5 Office Fee for EACH Horse/Rider $10

* Valid driver’s license MUST accompany ALL checks & credit cards *

Returned/NSF check or credit card will incur a $35 fee in addition to bill. Major credit cards accepted: 3.75% Convenience Fee • NO REFUNDS for dropped/missed classes or early pullouts – PLEASE plan accordingly

* NO SMOKING ALLOWED * ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED *

Show management reserves the right to cancel, combine, divide classes or shows, or refuse any entry, check, or tab. Fees are subject to change without notification. Judge’s decision is final. WARNING: Russell Training Center LLC and/or individuals assisting at these events shall not be individually or collectively responsible for any loss, damage, or injury to any person(s), horses (s) or property in connection with this event. Michigan Equine Activity Liability Act 1994 PA 351; An equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in an equine activity resulting from an inherent risk of the equine activity Completion of the Entry Forms for these events or entering the show grounds at the time of the event constitutes waiver of liability beyond the provisions of this act and such waiver shall be valid and binding.

BARN WITH INDOOR ARENA, DAVISON/LAPEER, MI – $285,000

13 ACRES: Buy your own private barn with indoor arena between Davison and Lapeer, near I-69. Currently 5 stalls (1 double stall, 1 foaling stall), ofce, tack room on one side of the arena. Other aisleway has large run in area and plenty of space to add additional stalls. Ample hay storage including loft areas on both sides of the arena. Indoor arena has new footing and is approx. 70x64 and has a deck next to tack room that could be a viewing area. 2019: NEW metal roof, NEW asphalt ooring in aisleway between stalls, NEW ooring in stalls. Barn was painted in 2020. Stall mats and fencing needed, otherwise turnkey for horses. Barn has water/electric. 13 acres has woods, crops and plenty of room to build a home in the future. Great hunting property!

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39+ ACRES – LAND CONTRACT TERMS! Happy

HOLLY, MI (ROSE TWP.): VACANT LAND! 39+ acres with frontage on two roads! Gently rolling, currently used for hay Build your own home and horse farm. Located on corner of Rose Center Rd., and Buckhorn Lake Rd., just west of Milford Rd. Mature trees on perimeter for privacy MLS# 20221033494.

Price Improvement $450,000!

HORSE FARM: SALEM TWP. PLYMOUTH/ANN ARBOR, MI

HOME, VETERINARY CLINIC AND INDOOR ARENA ALL ON 27 ACRES!

Beautiful Cape Cod home with remodeled custom kitchen and bathrooms

Veterinary clinic. 27 acres with some hayelds. Indoor arena, stalls, run-in sheds, pastures. Land Contract Terms. Offered at $1,400,000.

Contact KATHIE CROWLEY for details!

NEW – ONAWAY, MI: VACANT LAND! Cheboygan County, Waverly Twp. 20 acres of privacy not far from Black Lake. Call for details!

NEW – KALKASKA, MI: 10 great acres just off M-72. Nice 2200 sq. ft. ranch home, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. 30x56 garage with storage. 40x60 barn with 6 box stalls and 6 tie stalls. Offered at $379,900. Call Kathie for more details!

Independent

Phone:

Email:

Website: johnson-gail.bemergroup.com

Sales, Demos

Monly Equine Show

BRINGING AWARENESS & EDUCATION TO MICHIGAN'S EQUINE COMMUNITIES

BRINGING AWARENESS & EDUCATION TO MICHIGAN'S EQUINE COMMUNITIES

THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH @ 7PM

Join us for a fun and educational exploration of an equine topic every month.

Don’t miss out on our monthly prize giveaways!

Co-hostedby:BrandtClarkandTammyTyler

Sponsorship Opportunities

A show sponsorship is $300 each which includes a maximum one minute video ad. We will send the upload directions. Shows are produced monthly with four sponsor ads included. Advertising deadline is the second Monday of each month.

Prize Donation Acceptance

Audience Reach~ 20,000+

Our show attenders love to win prizes! Donating products and services from your equine related business is a great way to directly advertise to the equine community. Prizes can be awarded in one of three ways:

1. The winners name will be sent to you for follow up.

2. You can mail the items to Tammy at the address below

3. Drop off items or gift cards at Tom’s Western Store, Ovid, MI with a MIEN label.

Each monthly show will be presented live on the Michigan Equine Network Facebook page. All sponsors, product donators, speakers and hosts will be tagged in the show which will increase audience reach. Shows will be recorded and will be able to be watched at a later date via the Michigan Equine Network Facebook page. Links to all shows will be available on YouTube, Instagram and the Michigan Equine Network website. A monthly shows audience reach should likely be 20,000 people with the potential to reach more individuals directly in the equestrian, livestock and agricultural communities.

For more information or episode suggestions, contact:

Brandt Clark (989) 506-9643

Email: brandt@michiganequinenetwork.com

Tammy Tyler (989) 213-7817

Email: tammy@michiganequinenetwork.com

Please make checks payable to: Tammy Tyler (add MI Equine Network in the memo line)

Mailing address: 1004 Hollister Rd., Ovid, MI 48866 A receipt will be emailed to you.

https://www.michiganequinenetwork.com/