September 2023 Saddle Up! Magazine

UP!

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47.27 ACRES!

Fowlerville, $689,900. Opportunity for hunting and having horses and/or livestock Outbuilding: insulated/heated, 220 electrical, LED lighting.

Spacious 3 bdrm., 2.1 bath home, 2,391 sq ft. Living room w/large windows, double-sided fireplace. Eat-in kitchen has Quartz counters and a 6 ft island. Great room features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and fireplace. Primary suite features walk-in closet, private bathroom, and an extra closet. Two more well-proportioned bedrooms share a full bath. Expansive lower level, offering abundant space, including a half bathroom, laundry room. Geothermal heat and A/C systems ensure that utility bills remain efficient, making this property both comfortable and eco-friendly Property is splittable.

517-404-6511 Email:

HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

See you at the September Fall Camp Out! For additional information go to our website: https://www.fchfa.org/ or call Nancy at 269-967-3613.

See you on the trails!

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.

FORT CUSTER HORSE FRIENDS

Hello Trail Riders! Is everyone gearing up to come to Fort Custer for the Annual Fall Equestrian Camp Out? Well get ready and show up for the best event offered for fall riding and fellowship with riding buddies! This event will be held September 14-17, 4 days and 3 nights at the beautiful Whitford Lake Event Area in the Fort Custer Recreation Area. The grassy, tree lined staging area for the event has picket poles and trees for high lines and corrals are permissible. This event is our fundraiser for the year with any funds made, after the Saturday supper potluck, at the auction of donated items. Please bring anything you wish to help with the fundraising You would not believe the bidding wars over jars of homemade peach jam! Creeks beckon, prairie grasses sway in the wind and the woods with lake vistas await you and your horse. What are you waiting for? This is a member's only event as per our insurance regulations, BUT!! wait – you can bring friends and family on Saturday at no cost to enjoy with you, because we are paying for a special rider premium to cover one day so no one is left out! We can't wait to see all of our old friends and hopefully new friends!

For all you campers and day riders – are you enjoying the new corrals with covers at the trailhead and campsites? These are the improvements being done with membership monies and camp out monies. We also purchased and installed a storage garage at the DNR headquarters to use to store all of our club equipment. This was made possible through a matching grant fund with the DNR Thank you so much to all who helped with this, as it was a dream for several years. Anyone that wishes to do trail work can access tools, mowers, etc. may do so at anytime during office hours. There are instructions with most items that need gasoline to help volunteers.

IONIA HORSE TRAILS ASSOCIATION

Our biggest event of the year is coming up! If you don't have your reservations, you'll want to get them made! Come share your best chili, or just taste and judge the other chilies. We'll see you there!

Chili Cook Off – Saturday, October 7th.

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.

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

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, Ionia Horse Trails - IHTA.

Visit our website at: https://www.ionia horsetrailsassociation.org/

MAYBURY STATE PARK TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION (MSPTRA)

Hi, trail riders! Please be aware that we are still having some technical issues on our website, www mayburytrailriders org. We have been unable to update information on the website, so please follow Facebook for the most recent information. 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!

Remember to mark your calendars for our fall ride which will take place on Sunday, October 22, 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

Deadline: 16th for following months issue.

HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

gelding lived a long and happy life without laminitis pain.

MI FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSOC.

The Great Lakes National Trail Ride that we hosted July 7-9 was a success – one rider even hauled her horse from the Illinois/Wisconsin border to ride at Waterloo in Chelsea, MI to earn her point toward an MFTHBA award!

Two Missouri Fox Trotters (MFTs) with juvenile riders completed the July 29th 100 Mile Tevis Cup Race in California.

Kinley Thunehorst and Danny Joe’s Prime Time Lady of Spring Creek, Nevada finished, as did JayaMae Gregory and Shadow’s Stormy April of Paradise, CA Congratulations to both on finishing this grueling race! It is becoming more common to see gaited breeds competing in this race. They are hardy, easy on the rider and sure-footed.

Fox Trotters are usually easy keepers, so be aware of Fall laminitis affecting your horse by limiting their time on grass (use a muzzle if needed) and observing for unexplained weight loss or loss of topline muscling. Your farrier may find evidence of a laminitic episode when she/he trims your horse's feet.

My first Missouri Fox Trotter lost his topline and I did not know why I finally discovered the website, https://ecir horse.com/ (Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group Inc.), which made me suspicious that he might have Pituitary Pars Intermedia (PPID) also known as Cushing's disease I asked my vet to check his fasting glucose and ACTH levels. The testing also revealed that he was insulin resistant (IR). PPID and IR are commonly found together and should be managed right away! The helpful and knowledgeable people on the Ecir website steered me toward the needed dietary changes to prevent a future laminitis episode and counseled me that my horse should start taking pergolide to control the PPID. My vet agreed. Through careful feed and medication monitoring by my vet, my

The 65th Annual MFTHBA Show and Celebration is taking place at the Ava, Missouri showgrounds on September 3-9 this year Michigander Naomi Haas with her Missouri Fox Trotter, Dexter, is showing there for their first time. She is planning to compete in certain select versatility classes. We wish her good luck and will report on her experience in next month’s article.

The Journal is being revived and will be included in the MFTHBA Celebration and Show catalog this year All MFTHBA members will receive a printed version in the mail. Look for our affiliate’s article and advertisement included in there.

Our Versatility Program is at the half-way point. A number of participating members are successfully making progress training their young stock in the Not Under Saddle Division Those in the Under Saddle division are accumulating trail miles and camping, participating in clinics, and more. The Ultimate Horseman division participants are performing many activities to prove that they can promote Fox Trotters effectively

If you would like to find out more about this breed and associated activities, go to our website https://www.michigan foxtrottinghorse.com/ and mfthba.com. We invite you to join both. 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 Trotting 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!

PROUD LAKE TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC.

Hello Everyone – Happy Summer!

Our Annual Circle Ride with Kensington Trail Riders will be Saturday, September 23rd with camping from September 22nd24th. This ride starts 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.

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, 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, email me at: efrusy@yahoo.com and also remember to like us on Facebook. Stay safe and keep riding!

HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

World Championship show on September 26–30, 2023 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie Oklahoma. I know you will all have a great time. Travel safely! Members who are not going can still enjoy the show by watching it live online at: https://totalhorse channel.com/

WESTERN DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN

Summer is almost over and fall is just around the corner with her majestic colors, cool weather and wonderful aromas. I hope everyone had a wonderful, successful summer with your equine partner on your Western Dressage journey

I would like to congratulate the winners of the Boss Show and everyone who supported the WDAMI online shows this summer It was great to watch everyone improve. I hope you had fun participating If you have any suggestions for next year, please feel free to email me: eaglehorse1 @hotmail.com or you can text or call me at 906-440-0215.

WDAMI would like to wish good luck to all our members who are going to the WDAA

The WDAMI board is working on a spring and fall clinic for next year and is also planning some online educational events for the colder months in 2024. If you have any suggestions or requests, please let us know. More next month.

WDAMI is looking for sponsors to help with our Year-end Awards Program. We would like to say thank you to The Lazy S Ranch Equine Learning Center LLC and Sunrise Equestrian Sports for their generous donations this year

Our quote of the month is by Charlotte Dujardin, one of my favorites.

“Your corner and short sides are what make your movements, nine times out of ten you have to do something out of the corner. If you ride a bad corner, you ride a bad movement.”

Thank you for supporting one of the fastest growing equestrian sports. Be safe, have fun, enjoy your equine partner, and exercise acts 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. Online Only Event Ads

One full page, full color – $30

Two full pages, full color – $50 Includes free ad design!

Thriving or Surviving:

Are we thriving or simply surviving while trail riding or camping with our horses?

The differences between thriving and just surviving, whether on the trail or in camp, often boil down to two very different approaches or mindsets, which can significantly affect you and your friends and families overall safety, and enjoyment of the adventure.

In a world where popular television programs often glamorize survival, I have a very different goal. When I’m enjoying the backcountry with my mules, my yearning is not to endure but to embrace every moment and thrive. Thriving and pursuing readiness and preparedness, although not a flashy spectacle for prime time, helps ensure that the memories of our journeys are ones of joy and delight.

Thriving: Thriving refers to surpassing merely meeting the bare necessities for survival and actively seeking ways to enhance the experience and well-being of everyone during the trip. When you’re thriving, you’re not solely focused on surviving day-today challenges but also aiming to make the most out of your time, whether in a backcountry wilderness area or a front country camp.

Here’s how thriving might manifest itself in the context of preparing for a trail ride or horse camping trip:

Preparation: Thriving involves thorough planning and research. Trail riding and horse camping trips begin long before the trailer rolls out of the driveway. Thrivers carefully consider factors like trail routes, weather conditions, terrain, and horse care, in addition to being ready to ride and control their animal(s). Thrivers gather maps, trail guides, and weather forecasts to ensure they’re well-informed before setting out.

Skill Development: Thriving individuals invest time in learning and honing essential outdoor skills. They make the time and effort to learn the skills of navigation, horse handling, and first aid (both human and equine). Thrivers build their skills steadily. By equipping themselves with diverse skill sets, they are much better prepared to navigate challenges and unexpected situations.

Equipment and Supplies: Thrivers prioritize the quality of their gear and equipment. They carefully select well-fitting tack and quality equipment. They invest in weather-appropriate clothing that works as opposed to looks good in a western-themed store. Thrivers understand that the right tools will enhance their comfort and safety and that having good equipment isn’t enough. Thrivers also know how to use their gear appropriately and how to improvise when necessary.

Exploration: Thriving goes beyond the beaten path. Thrivers take the time to appreciate and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the outdoors. They seek out new trails, scenic viewpoints, and hidden gems. By embracing exploration, they deepen their connection with nature and their surroundings.

Camaraderie: Thriving individuals understand the value of connections. They build bonds with fellow travelers and their

horses. Sharing experiences, stories, and laughter fosters a sense of camaraderie that enriches the journey and creates lasting memories.

Adaptability: Challenges are an inevitable part of any wilderness trip. Thriving means approaching these challenges with a positive attitude and a problem-solving mindset. Thrivers draw on their skills and resources to adapt and overcome obstacles, turning potential setbacks into valuable learning experiences.

Just Surviving: On the other hand, just surviving implies a more minimalistic approach, focusing primarily on meeting basic needs without actively seeking personal growth or enrichment.

While this approach might be appropriate in emergency situations, it can lead to a less fulfilling and potentially more challenging experience during an outdoor wilderness horse trip.

Minimal Planning: Just surviving may involve less comprehensive planning and research. Survivors may take considerations such as trail length and estimated time might be taken into account, but factors like weather variability and terrain challenges could be overlooked.

Limited Skill Set: Those focused on surviving might rely on a basic understanding of outdoor skills and horse care. While they may have the essentials, they might miss out on the benefits of more advanced skills that could enhance their trip.

Inadequate Equipment: Individuals just surviving might opt for budget-friendly gear or supplies, or worse gadgets promising “quick fixes.” While this approach saves money, it could result in discomfort, reduced safety, or difficulties in managing unexpected situations.

Limited Exploration: Just surviving might involve sticking to well-known and well-trodden paths. While this approach ensures a certain level of safety, it can also mean missing out on the opportunity to discover lesser-known, picturesque spots.

Isolation: A focus on survival might lead to limited social interactions. While interactions with fellow travelers may still occur, they may not be as meaningful or fulfilling, potentially resulting in a more isolated experience.

Stress and Struggle: Without the tools and mindset to handle challenges effectively, those focused on surviving might experience more stress and difficulties. Lack of preparation can lead to unnecessary struggles when facing unexpected obstacles.

Thriving

The distinction between thriving and surviving during a trail ride or horse camping trip hinges on one’s approach. Thriving encompasses proactive preparation, skill cultivation, and a willingness to fully embrace the journey Those who thrive go beyond the essentials and invest time in mastering outdoor skills, fostering a deep connection with their horses and the wilderness. This approach not only enhances safety but also results in a richer and more fulfilling experience. Thriving individuals find themselves immersed in the natural beauty of the surroundings, forging meaningful connections with fellow outdoors people, creating lasting memories that endure long after the journey ends.

Despite what some popular television programs may suggest, surviving isn’t enough. When I’m with my mules in the backcountry, I don’t want to “survive” I want to thrive and have the very best time possible. Being prepared may not make for a prime-time “reality” show, but it ensures that the memories we’ll look back on will be pleasant.

https://www.trailmeister.com/

For more functional information about trail riding and camping with horses and the world’s largest and most comprehensive guide to horse trails and camps, visit us at www.TrailMeister.com. Check out my best-selling book, “The ABCs of Trail Riding and Camping with Horses” on Amazon.

Horse & Rider receive points on how well they work together to navigate the obstacles.

• Lunch Provided

• Gi Raffle

• Hosted Bonfire

• 50/50 Raffle

• Campout

586-255-8972 Dawn Cope, OREA President dawnmariecope@gmail.com

Judged Trail Ride

September 9, 2023

Ride the beauful trails of Hadley Hills at the Ortonville Equestrian Campground 5054 Fox Lake Rd., Ortonville, MI 48462

• 9am Registraon

• 10am First Rider Out

• 12:30 Last Rider Out

Adults $30 – 12 & under $5

hps://www.hadleyhills.com/

two books based on Hadley Hills

OREA - Ortonville Recreaon Equestrian Associaon

How to Improve Your Horseback Riding Posture

When you’re just learning to horseback ride, you’ll hear over and over again how important your posture is while in the saddle! Even as you advance in riding, this is one aspect that will always be stressed in just about every riding discipline.

How can you improve your horseback riding posture?

Here are some easy exercises you can use to improve your posture as you ride:

• Play the I Spy game to practice keeping your eyes forward.

• Carry a riding crop between your elbows and across your back to practice keeping your shoulders back.

• Carry a riding crop between your thumbs to practice keeping your thumbs up.

• Stretch your thighs away from the saddle as far as you can to practice keeping your knees loose.

• Tie your stirrups to your girth using yarn to practice stabilizing your lower leg.

These exercises are great for creating muscle memory in your body to develop the correct posture as you ride. I’ve personally tried all of these exercises at some point in my riding career and have found them very effective. To learn more about each exercise, keep reading!

Horseback Riding Posture Solution #1: Eyes Forward

One of the hardest posture aspects to stay aware of is keeping your eyes forward! It’s so easy to suddenly start looking at the ground or at your horse’s mane, or shoulder or a jump that may be in the way. When you look down, your posture immediately suffers; your balance pitches forward and your shoulders can become hunched. It also communicates to your horse that you’re unsure; which in turn will make them feel the same. There’s a little game I like to play to help me keep my eyes up as I ride: it’s called I Spy The way I play is as I ride, especially with jumping, I find an object in the distance to look at and focus on. From there, I will start to describe the object out loud to someone else in the arena with me.

You can also do this as you ride down the straight side of an arena; find an object in the distance on the side of the arena you’re traveling to and start describing it. This will help you to keep your eyes forward as well as keeping your ride straight.

Looking down is just one of the common riding mistakes most riders make at some point in their riding careers.

Horseback Riding Posture Solution #2: Shoulders Back

The placement of your shoulders as you ride determines your balance. If you keep your shoulders back and over your hips, your balance will remain securely over your horse’s back. If you hunch your shoulders forward, your balance is now over your horse’s withers. If your horse trips, you’re more likely to fall off.

To get correct shoulder posture as you ride, think about rolling your shoulders back and down. An easy exercise you can do to secure this position is to take a riding crop and thread it through your elbows so the crop rests horizontally across your back. Not only will this exercise help you to keep your shoulders back, but it will also help you to keep your elbows bent and at your side. Lastly, it will help you to keep your hands still. While this exercise has many benefits, it can also feel a bit restricting in the beginning, so you can practice this on a lunge line until you feel more comfortable.

Horseback Riding Posture Solution #3: Thumbs Up

The direction your thumbs are pointing as you hold the rein can determine how well you communicate with your horse. If your thumbs are turned to the side as you hold the reins, you can lose control of the steadiness of your hands, which can lead to unwanted pulling on the horse’s mouth. Believe it or not, but also pointing your thumbs correctly upward can help you keep your shoulders back and your back straight.

To practice keeping your thumbs up, take a riding crop and hold it between your thumbs and your reins. By holding the crop like this, it should cross your horse’s withers. With the crop in between your thumbs, you won’t be able to turn them to the side. Your reins are just one aid you have when riding your horse; what are other ways you can communicate?

Horseback Riding Posture Solution #4: Thigh Stretch

Gripping the saddle with your thighs and knees can make you unbalanced and unstable. If you’re pinching with your knees, you have no control of your lower leg, leaving your leg to swing at your horse’s side. Pinching with your thighs and knees does not allow you to move your hips with the horse, so if the horse were to buck or trip, you will be shot out of the saddle. Correct riding posture requires a loose thigh and knee that will enable your hips to move with the horse as well as give you control of your lower leg.

This exercise is going to make you FEEL THE BURN. Start at a standstill with your horse. As you sit in the saddle with your feet still in the stirrups, pull your thighs out and away from your horse as far as you can and hold the position. You can start by setting a realistic time goal; initially hold this stretch for 30 seconds and gradually increase from there.

This stretch is going to help you stay relaxed through your thighs and knees to where you will feel more and more comfortable with not gripping the saddle. As you get more comfortable with this exercise, you can also practice it in motion, as you walk, trot, and canter. Take time to notice how well your bottom stays in the saddle when you do this exercise.

Horseback Riding Posture Solution #5: Stable Lower Leg

Your legs play a crucial role in properly communicating with your horse. A swinging lower leg can lead to mis-communication with your horse. Apart from that, it just doesn’t look good! While a swinging lower leg is usually an effect of a pinching knee, you also have to build lower leg muscles and muscle memory to have a truly stable leg.

How to Improve Your Horseback Riding Posture, cont.

This exercise may be a bit old school, but I find it very effective every time I use it to stabilize my lower leg In this exercise, I tie yarn to the girth and then to my stirrups. The yarn will hold my stirrups and keep them from swinging, which will steady a swinging lower leg

The first time you try this, you may feel the muscles of your lower leg burn. This exercise can also help to keep riders from pointing their toes too far out. If you try this exercise, just be sure to use YARN instead of baling twine or wire. Yarn will easily break if you find yourself in a bind, but twine or wire will not.

SAFETY FIRST!

One way to develop better control of your seat and legs when riding is to focus on using those aids over an emphasis on using your reins. Leg and seat aids can be much more effective in communicating with your horse than reins can be.

Hi, I’m Carmella. My husband and I started Equine Helper to share what we’ve learned about owning and caring for horses. I’ve spent my whole life around horses, and I currently own a POA named Tucker Visit: https://equinehelper.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@EquineHelper

https://www.pinterest.com/equinehelper/

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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

Judges: Jeff Moody & Brian Craig

JULY 7-9

Judges: Tim Abler & Kara Gerard

SEPTEMBER 22-24 MSU Agriculture Pavilion, East Lansing, MI

Judges: Keith Carey & Kathy Motycka

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

• 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

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**

5) Stock Horse Color Breed/Other Halter

6)

Conformation (Ineligible for Grand/Reserve)

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

38) Sweepstakes Western Horsemanship OPEN - $100 ADDED

NOHSA Horsemanship Medal Class (tentative) %

39) Western Horsemanship 13 & Under

40) Western Horsemanship 14-18

41) Western Horsemanship 19-34

42) Western Horsemanship 35 & Over

43) Western Horsemanship 50 & Over

44) Sweepstakes Peewee and 12 & Over W/T Pleasure - $100 ADDED

45) Sweepstakes Walk/Trot Pleasure OPEN - $100 ADDED

46) Sweepstakes JR Western Pleasure 5 & Under OPEN - $100 ADDED

47) Walk/Trot Western Pleasure 12 & Over **

48) Western Pleasure 13 & Under

49) Western Pleasure 14-18

50) Western Pleasure 19-34

51) Western Pleasure 35 & Over

52) Western Pleasure 50 & Over

53) Ranch Horse Rail OPEN @

54) Sweepstakes SR Western Pleasure 6 & Over – $100 ADDED

55) NOVICE HORSE (no lope at any show) Walk/Trot Pleasure OPEN**

56) Ranch Horse Riding OPEN @ 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.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Equine Sports Massage

Introduction

Equine sports massage, a specialized form of massage therapy tailored for horses, has gained popularity in recent years as a valuable tool in enhancing equine performance, promoting overall well-being, and accelerating recovery Just as human athletes benefit from regular massages, horses can also experience numerous advantages from this non-invasive and natural approach to maintaining their health. In this article, we will explore the benefits of equine sports massage and how it contributes to the welfare and performance of our four-legged companions.

Enhanced Performance

One of the primary benefits of equine sports massage is its ability to enhance a horse's performance. By targeting specific muscle groups, joints, and soft tissues, the massage therapist can help improve the horse's flexibility, range of motion, and overall physical condition. Increased flexibility and range of motion translate to more fluid movements, allowing the horse to perform at its best in various disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, racing, or eventing

Stress Relief and Relaxation

Like humans, horses can experience stress, anxiety, and muscle tension. Equine sports massage helps release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing stress levels in the horse. This state of relaxation is vital for both physical and mental wellbeing, as it can positively impact the horse's temperament and cooperation with handlers and riders.

Injury Prevention

Equine sports massage can play a crucial role in injury prevention. By identifying areas of muscle tightness, inflammation, or asymmetry, the massage therapist can address potential issues before they escalate into more severe injuries. Regular massage sessions can aid in maintaining the horse's muscular and skeletal balance, reducing the risk of strain or overuse injuries that are common in highly active and athletic animals.

Accelerated Recovery

When injuries or strenuous activities do occur, equine sports massage can speed up the recovery process. Massage helps increase blood circulation to affected areas, promoting faster healing and reducing inflammation. Often, horses may need additional groundwork and biomechanical correction, along with the hands on bodywork. Additionally, massage aids in breaking down scar tissue, facilitating a smoother recovery and minimizing the chances of future complications.

Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Function

Equine sports massage stimulates blood flow and lymphatic circulation, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune

system and removing toxins from the body. Enhanced circulation ensures that muscles receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, improving overall muscle health and function.

Bonding and Trust

Regular massage sessions can strengthen the bond between the horse and its handler or rider. The soothing and comforting touch during the massage helps build trust and confidence, leading to a more cooperative and willing horse during training and competitions.

Conclusion

Equine sports massage offers a myriad of benefits, making it an indispensable tool in the care and well-being of horses involved in sports and high-performance activities. Whether used as a preventive measure to maintain muscular health and flexibility or as part of a rehabilitation program, equine sports massage can significantly impact a horse's overall athletic performance and quality of life.

As with any form of therapy, it is essential to seek the services of a qualified and experienced equine sports massage therapist. By integrating this therapeutic practice into a horse's routine, owners, trainers, and riders can ensure their equine partners remain healthy, happy, and ready to excel in their respective disciplines. Remember, a content and physically sound horse is more likely to perform at its best for you.

About the author: Bridgette was trained in Equine Sports Massage at Midwest Natural Healing for Animals, https://www.mnhaequine massage.com/. Bridgette is also a Licensed Massage Therapist for humans, studying at the Flint School of Therapeutic Massage, https://fstm.com/. She is the owner of many holistic healing businesses, including Accelerated Equine, Black Lotus Women's Wellness, and The Mind Body Collective.

Bridgette Becker | Accelerated Equine | 248.882.2015

https://www.facebook.com/AcceleratedEquine/

“If you have gained the trust of a horse, you have won a friend for life.”

Equine-Assisted Services & Equines in Academics Surveys Released

As the American Horse Council (AHC) continues to collect responses from the 2023 Equine Economic Impact Survey, two more of the more industry-specific surveys are being released to shine a spotlight on impacts horses make within their communities.

The equine-assisted services, known also as equine-assisted therapy or interventions, involves incorporating horses into therapeutic and developmental activities These activities support individuals with various physical, emotional, cognitive or psychological challenges. These services are conducted by trained professionals such as therapists, counselors or educators, in collaboration with horses. It is a sector of the industry that has a large individual impact, while its cumulative economic impact has yet to be measured…until this year

“Equine-assisted services is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the equine industry,” says Julie Broadway, president of the AHC. “It goes almost without saying that horses improve the body, mind and spirit of those they are around.”

The Equine-Assisted Services survey will be distributed via the AHC through partner organizations like PATH Intl., EAGLA, Horses for Mental Health, Certified Horsemanship Association, American Hippotherapy Association, and many more. Plus, we will be sharing this on social media and through press releases to hopefully invite individual practitioners to contribute.

Find the EAS survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AHC_EAS_Survey

The impact of horses as part of the world of academia is mostly measured in terms of graduates with degrees in equine science on their path towards veterinary school. However, equines in academia have an impact on more industries outside of the veterinarian and professional trainer industry – including researchers, and other niche aspects of the industry Horses have been a part of college programs for many years and are seeing an increase as part of high school and even grade school programs. Because of this growth, the AHC will be distributing economic impact surveys to schools of all levels with horses as part of their academia.

“We are so excited to learn about the leaders of tomorrow’s equine industry, and there’s no better way than to get statistics on the faculty and students in schools studying equine-related programs, ” says Broadway. “We believe there are 200+ schools with equine-related programs, and we hope to quantify the impacts those schools and their students could make on the future of our industry.”

These surveys are being circulated by Equine Science Society, IHSA, NEAAA, and others. But feel free to contact AHC via email at info@horsecouncil.org if you’d like to receive the survey

Responses for the general economic impact survey have climbed to over 13,000 since its launch in April. The 2023 Equine Economic Impact Survey is live until September 29, with more specific groups being reported than ever before. Also, for the first time, responders are automatically given a coupon for 15%

off their purchase of any books, courtesy of Trafalgar Square Books, and they are eligible to win one of many prizes, including a year of free grain from Purina or Nutrena, a John Deere Z545R ZTrak Mower and online courses with Texas A&M University.

The Horse Owner Survey and Horse Industry Supplier Survey are both available on the AHC website, found here: https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

To be included in mailings for the more specific surveys, email Julie Broadway: jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

https://horsecouncil.org/

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 August 2023 Contest Winner

Scarlet D., Age 9, East Jordan, MI

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

Taking Things Personally

Most likely you have heard that you aren’t supposed to take things personally Most likely you believe this. Also pretty likely it proves to be a challenge for you. I think not taking things personally is a big work in progress.

It’s also one of those things that we can hear a lot, but it’s not as common to hear exactly how we’re supposed to do that. Because, of course, when we hear that comment directed toward us it’s most likely an instance when we won’t be able to think clearly

That is because of how our brains work. When emotions are high, thinking is low When thinking is high, emotions are low It has to do with blood flow to different areas of our brains, not incompetence.

There is also an inference when we are “taking things personally” that we are “too emotional.” If you’re wired anything like me, you’ve heard that like a million times! There are some things that we can do to make it easier to navigate and protect our heart as we journey with horses and through life.

Remembering that we are human, and dropping self-judgment will help tremendously If we are sensitive and intuitive, we will feel things often before we think them.

We are going to find ourselves in big emotions. It’s not a matter of not feeling, it’s a matter of managing those emotions. Regulating them. Judging them is not managing them. Judging ourselves greatly reduces our effectiveness with our horses and our experience of life.

Without being perpetuated by a thought, an emotion will last 90 seconds. If we can just breathe and bring our focus to the present moment, we can ride that wave and pick up our thoughts on the other side.

Our thoughts create our perspective. Holding a perspective of curiosity will allow us to ask questions about what we see transpiring before us rather than getting wrapped up in our feelings, otherwise known as taking it personally. Yep, most of the time when we’re accused of taking things personally, it really is just that we’re feeling what we witnessed.

Focusing on our purpose will help frame our perspective. Our mindset is the foundation from which our thoughts will sprout.

An example with horses is to root into the purpose of building trust. In order to do that, we want to be open to what our horses are communicating about their experience. If we have a feeling come up when they communicate, we can ground back into the idea of wanting to understand them better and give them the message that their opinion matters. This will help us if we have a bit of disappointment about what they are communicating. It’s about the situation, not about us. It’s about our horse. Keeping our cup of worry as empty as we can will help us be able to stay in the moment and respond to what transpires rather than react. The more we practice stress reduction and feeling calm and peaceful the easier it will be to slip into that state when we work with our horses. Navigating situations will become easier and allow for more mental clarity.

Remember to give yourself credit and know that you are doing the best that you can. Take away the expectation to be perfect or any version close to that. Give yourself the time and space to experiment. Your horse will absolutely thank you!

Kimberly Cardeccia MA, LPC started Hidden Promise because of what she was witnessing in her counseling clients and riding students. Riding students started disclosing information in conversations much deeper, much quicker than her counseling clients. Interestingly, the riding students were also reporting changes in their lives outside of the riding arena as a result of their interaction with the horses. In addition, Kim noticed how many riders were facing some type of apprehension, fear or even traumatic reaction around the horses. She made it her mission to help with lack of confidence and all of its fallout. Read more online at: https://confidencethroughconnection.com/

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

Are you a current or former 4-H’er attending MSU this fall? On September 7, join MSU Extension for the sixth annual Welcome Back MSU 4-H Alumni Reception. From 5:30 to 7pm, stop by the grassy area north of the Justin S Morrill Hall of Agriculture for networking opportunities and free dinner Come to meet fellow 4-H’ers, network with staff and students and have fun! In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the atrium of Justin S Morrill Hall of Agriculture. For more information, please contact Jamie Wilson, email jmwilson@ msu.edu or phone 517-884-7088.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation Annual Membership Meeting will take place on September 29 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. Registration will open at 9:30am, the meeting will be from 10am until 11:30am, and the (optional) lunch will be from 12pm until 1pm. Donors are encouraged to attend and vote on all items at the meeting. All MSU Extension staff with 4-H responsibilities are also invited to attend; each county receives one vote. Register online before Sept. 15.

MSU Extension's Adulting 101 virtual programs help teenagers and young adults demystify the obscure reality of being an “adult” through free, educational, monthly sessions. Upcoming sessions include: How to Tell Principals & Politicians They Are Full of Poop While Being Polite on Sept. 18 at 5pm, Wealth Building on Oct. 18 at 6pm, and Workplace Professionalism on Nov 8 at 6pm. For more details, please email Katherine Jamieson at jamies13@msu.edu.

The Michigan 4-H Legacy Celebration will be on September 30 from 1pm until 4pm at the Molecular Plant Sciences Atrium

(1066 Bogue St.) on the campus of MSU. Honorees will include: the Michigan 4-H Citation Award winners, the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2023, the Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners, the Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award winners and more. Reserve online by Sept. 15.

For more information about Michigan 4H, please contact Taylor Fabus, 4-H Horse and Pony Extension Educator, by email at tenlenta@msu.edu.

OHIO 4-H

https://www.ohio4h.org/

Important reminder for 4-Hers that have registered for the 2023 State 4-H Horse Competitive Trail Ride. The Competition will take place on September 9-10 at the Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, OH. Junior Trail Ride participants must be 10-13 years old (4-H age) or may be 1418 years old, if it is the first time they have participated in the ride. Those riders 14 years or older must advance to the senior ride after riding the junior ride one time. Senior Trail participants must be at least 14 years old (4-H age) as of January 1 of year of participation. Shadow riders are allowed for ten and eleven year olds or for youth with disabilities on the junior ride. Junior riders ride one half of the senior ride. All other senior rules apply to the junior ride. All trail ride competitors must be currently enrolled in or have previously taken the Trail Riding Project. For more info., visit: https://ohio4h.org/events/ state-4-h-horse-competitive-trail-ride-0

The 2023 4-H Celebration of Youth event will be held on September 14 at Leeds Farm in Ostrander, OH. All proceeds are used to provide support for Ohio 4-H Youth Development programming across the state that helps youth build lifelong

skills. Adults 21+ are invited to join for an evening of fall fun on the farm to support Ohio 4-H youth. Before dinner, guests will have the opportunity to participate in our annual silent auction, as well as a number of farm activities, including hayrides, zip line, pumpkin jump, pedal carts, and more! Please register before Sept. 7, visit https://ohio4h.org/foundation/foundation -events/celebration-youth

Any questions, please email: ohio4hfoundation@osu.edu.

The Ohio 4-H Horse Show Judges Clinic will be on December 2 from 9am-4:30pm. The Clinic will be at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center (2201 Fred Taylor Drive) and the cost to register will be $50 per person. Registration will not open until the first week of November

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

INDIANA 4-H

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

It looks like a full fall for 4-Hers in Elkhart County! Head to the Elkhart Co. 4-H Fairgrounds on the following dates for these meetings: 4-H Saddle Club Junior Leaders, Oct. 1 and Nov. 5 from 7-9pm, 4-H Saddle Club Advisory Board Meeting, Oct. 2 and Nov. 6 from 8-9pm. Contact Ashley Holdeman 574.354.7403, email: ashleyholdeman4h@yahoo.com.

In DeKalb, save the date for a Mini 4-H Judging meeting on September 16 from 10am-1pm. This meeting will be a project check-in and evaluation. Bring completed projects and manuals to the check-in at the Exhibit Hall Fairgrounds. For more details, call Effie Campbell 260.925.2562.

September 19, come and help the DeKalb

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

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

County 4-H Extension Homemakers make baby blankets for the hospital. From 9am until 3pm, there are 5 sewing machines you can use, so you don't have to bring your own. You don't have to be a seamstress to participate; there's cutting, pressing, and hand stitching to help with. Bring a dish to share and come have a fun time at the DeKalb County Office Building (215 East 9th Street).

Calling all 4-H students in Washington County! Come and get the scoop on what being a Junior Leader is like! All students in grades 7-12 are invited to a Junior Leader call out ice cream social on Tuesday, September 19, 5:30-7:30 pm.

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

Summer Contest DRAWING Kid’s

ChildrenandteensinthreedifferentagegroupsenteredourSummerDRAWINGContestforachanceto winamonetarygiftcard.TheownersofSaddleUp!Magazinechosethreewinnersfromeachagegroup.All 1st,2ndand3rdplaceDRAWINGSareprintedinthiseditionofSaddleUp!Magazine.

Welovedseeingallofthedrawingsthatwereentered,thankyou~Bill&CindyCouturier,owners

AGE GROUP: 6-8

Rainer

Howell, MI | Age 7

Rainer has won $30 and a Saddle Up! Magazine Drawing Contest Winner commemorative t-shirt.

AustinJ. NaanielL.

Howell, MI | Age 8

Austin has won $20 and a Saddle Up! Magazine Drawing Contest Winner commemorative t-shirt.

Laingsburg, MI | Age 7

Nathaniel has won $10 and a Saddle Up! Magazine Drawing Contest Winner commemorative t-shirt.

Summer Contest DRAWING

Summer Contest DRAWING

Saddle Up! Magazine Saddle Up! Magazine

M

DRIVE

Saddle Up! Magazine proudly offers horse associations and trail riding groups special advertising rates in our Annual Membership Drive that’s featured in our January 2024 printed edition. All ads will be printed in black and white, but will appear online in full color on our website at: www.saddleupmag.com for 12 months. We will post the Membership Drive section on both of our Facebook pages numerous times throughout the year as well, to help remind people to join your group.

Utilize your space for your membership form, your 2024 event schedule or anything you wish, it’s your choice! PLUS: Your association will receive a free one year banner ad (a $120 value) on our website.

CLASSIFIED ADS

ANIMAL RESCUES

CANTER Thoroughbreds Now Available!

Visit us online: www.canterusa.org/Michigan, Horses For Sale. Visit “CANTER Michigan” on Facebook. Celebrating over 20 yrs of successfully transitioning more than 25,000 Thoroughbreds. Janet Salisbury, President.

CANTER Michigan (S-08/24)

Email: cantermichigan@canterusa.org www.canterusa.org/michigan

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

Fastrack Animal Supplements – Keep your horses healthier. Healthier hooves, shinier hair coats, and more. With 16 of the top 17 horses in the National Barrel Race finals using Fastrack, why aren’t you using it? (PS-12/23)

FASTRACK ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

To get started, call Ray at 989.550.1999 or message: 888.266.0014, ext. 8778

AUTOMATIC WATERERS

Nelson Automatic Waterers – Nelson preferred contractor! Installed from start to finish. Many units to choose from. Maintenance free, time saving, energy efficient. Repairs and directional boring available. Horse fence installation.

R. BARNES CO., INC. – Rick Barnes Howell, MI (Livingston) (PS-12/23) 313.407.7373 cell.

Nelson Automatic Waterers – Nelson preferred provider for repair and maintenance of your Nelson Automatic Waterers Excellent response time. Most parts in stock. Honest, ethical and reliable. Will travel. Serving Michigan and Northern Ohio.

WATERFIX COMPANY – John Guthrie

Dexter, MI (Washtenaw) (S-01/24) 313.418.5676 or 734.475.8898

https://www.waterfixllc.com/

ONE CLASSIFIED AD FOR 12 MONTHS ONLY $60!

Description: up to 30 words. Contact Info.: up to 4 lines. Deadline: 18th of month

Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com

Mail: 8415 Hogan Rd., Fenton, MI 48430

BOARDING BOARDING, CONT.

Boarding in Hastings, MI (South East Grand Rapids area). Quiet, country with 165 acres of trails. Inside and outside board, large pastures w/shelters. 60x160 indoor riding arena. Lessons available. Horses for sale.

EVERVIEW FARM – 269.948.9570 Hastings, MI (Barry) (S-04/24)

Email: lee@everviewfarm.net

Online: http://www.everviewfarm.net/

Boarding: Milford, MI Across from Kensington Metro Park. 10.5 acres completely fenced. Stall or pasture board. Round pen, lean-tos. 40 years of horse experience. Owner onsite.

CMS RANCH – Bob Harris 248.787.1453 566 S. Garner Rd., Milford, MI (M-10/23)

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. Call Sandra Tuthill.

TUTHILL FARMS – 248.207.6201

South Lyon, MI (Livingston) (S-12/23)

Email: sandra@tuthillfarms.com

Online: https://www.tuthillfarms.com/

WANTED: Quality box stall boarding for 6 horses in Charlevoix/Harbor Spring, MI area. Complete care. Will pay up to $650/horse/mo. Call Judy – 858.922.7885 (M-09/23)

email: jwsj1942@gmail.com

EQUINE DENTISTRY

Offering Full Service Boarding, Training and Dressage lessons. Relax and enjoy your horse in a quiet, adult atmosphere. Please visit our website at www.EleventhHourFarm.com, or find us on Facebook.com/11th Hour Farm

ELEVENTH HOUR FARM – 248.755-2083

Holly, MI (Oakland) (PS-11/23)

Email: info@eleventhhourfarm.com

OPEN 24/7 – Quality Boarding: Tack locker, heated rooms, 12% pellet grain, hay, large pastures, 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-12/23)

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.

LAROSE EQUINE DENTISTRY (PS-09/23) 989.430.8595 or 989.285.5557

www.LaRoseEquineDentistry.com

www.facebook.com/LaRoseEquineDentistry

SPRING

EQUINE SERVICES

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

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

Email: springequineservices@gmail.com

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

Thank

EQUINE MASSAGE

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

HORSES IN HARMONY – 810.923.5003

Howell, MI (Livingston) (M-10/23)

Email: horsesinharmony@att.net

horsesinharmony0.wixsite.com/horsesinharmony

FARRIER SERVICE

Hoof Care Matters! Over 30 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-08/24)

FARRIER WRITTEN BOOK

EVERYDAY PROBLEMS OF EQUINE LAMENESS: Causes, Solutions & Facts by Orthopedic Farrier, Brian D Gnegy, CMF Topics such as: Proper alignment of trailers in relation to equine anatomy Complete index on Amazon. M-09/23

Email: brian.gnegy.personal@gmail.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKR8PD3X

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

Bill Tressler – 517.927.8089

Webberville, MI (Ingham) (S-08/24)

Email: bill@radiant-energy.com

HORSE BLANKET WASH

FIBER LUXE Horse Blanket Cleaning and Repair Free Pick-up and delivery

FIBER LUXE – 800.334.1994

Email: flblankets@comcast.net

GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS – Horse blanket wash and repair service. 10 years experience.

GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS – 517.404.6336

2711 E. Grand River, Howell, MI 48843

Email: goodasnewblankets@gmail.com

Online: https://www.goodasnewblankets.com/

Tri-State Horse Shows

CLASSIFIED ADS

HORSES FOR SALE

2 FLASHY LEOPARD KNABSTRUPPER’S: Yearling filly and a weanling colt with fabulous temperaments Outstanding movement with talent for multiple high level rings of sport. Also, an exceptional flashy warmblood colt available upon weaning to a great home.

ON THE DOT FARM – 734.323.3884

Email: horseangels2@yahoo.com

Manchester, MI (Washtenaw) (M-10/23)

Facebook: On The Dot Farm LLC

MINI LEOPARD APPALOOSA YEARLING

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

DANSYN ARABIANS & MINIS

Donna Rogers – 989.667.4028

Bay City, MI (Tuscola) (M-09/23)

HORSE-THEMED BOOKS

HE REIGNS CHAPTER BOOKS: Christian horse-themed chapter books for elementaryaged children by Laurie Salisbury Reviews include: “Couldn’t put them down”, “loved them”, “inspiring and engaging”! Available on Amazon, or contact the author.

Email: lauriezkidz@yahoo.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088NFW3MD https://lauriezkidz.wixsite.com/mysite

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!

SPARTA CHEVROLET & TRAILER SALES

Call Jim Kelly – 616.887.3456

8955 Sparta Ave. NW, Sparta, MI (M-12/23)

Email: spartatrailers@gmail.com

Online: www.spartachevytrailers.com

52 yr. old manufacturing company expanding. We are 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)

INCOME OPPORTUNITY LIVESTOCK

Fall 2023: Registered Icelandic Sheep Breeding Stock. Brown eggs & Lamb. Call for availability and pricing Millington, MI (Tuscola) (M-10/23)

989.302.0191, email: jd070409@gmail.com

PET & FARM SITTING

K & J HORSE AND FARM SITTING: Need to get away, call K & J – 248.667.2185! Also HORSE ART, Books and Journals (links below): www.zazzle.com/store/thistlebrook/products https://www amazon com/stores/kimberlykingstad/author/B0BZSMTH7P?

K & J HORSE AND FARM SITTING

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

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

BIG BUCK SADDLERY

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. M-F 9am-6pm, Sat. 9:30-5pm.

JIM'S QUALITY SADDLE CO

Jim Moule – 248.887.4829

Milford, MI (Oakland) (S-08/24)

12 MONTH CLASSIFIED AD WITH LOGO – ONLY $120!

Description: up to 30 words.

Contact Information: up to 4 lines.

Logo or Photo: height: .85” x width: 2.25”

Deadline: 18th of month for next issue

Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com

Mail: 8415 Hogan Rd., Fenton, MI 48430

HTTPS://SADDLEUPMAG.COM/ (31)

CLASSIFIED ADS

SHOW CLOTHING TRUCK FOR SALE

Equestrian Wear Sewing Patterns: Western and English show clothing patterns: jackets, shirts, vests, chaps, hunt seat and saddle seat. Child through plus sizes. Printed or PDF format.

SHOW CLOTHES UNLIMITED (S-02/24)

Pegg Johnson – 810.346.2305

Email: showclothes01@hotmail.com

https://www.showclothesunlimited.com/

TACK & APPAREL

All Your Equestrian Needs! Used Western, English, Dressage, Saddleseat, Harness Equipment. Consignments welcome! Tuesday-Friday noon-6pm, Sat. 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 between Lansing & Flint, MI

TRAINING & LESSONS

Beautiful boarding and training facility for all breeds/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-10/23)

Email: ironwoodfarmdressage@yahoo.com

Online: Ironwood Farm Equestrian LLC

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: #thehappyhorse house, or: http://www.thetravelingtrainer.net/ THE TRAVELING TRAINER LLC

Ann-Marie Lavallee – 810.796.3510

Dryden, MI (Lapeer) (S-08/24)

Email: thetravelingtrainer3@gmail.com

2001 Chevy 2500 Duramax Diesel: Crew cab, dark green, 223,000 miles with gooseneck ball hitch. Very clean interior, new doors, and tailgate. New fuel injectors, new glow plugs, new fuel lines and fuel tank. Starts right up, runs great. Wonderful truck, just a bit rusty

THE TRAVELING TRAINER LLC

Ann-Marie – 810.796.3510, 810.542.3858 Dryden, MI (Lapeer) (S-10/23)

Email: thetravelingtrainer3@gmail.com

Proudly serving equestrians in Michigan, Ohio & Indiana since 1996. 810.714.9000 (M-F 10am-3pm)

Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com

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SHOWS

PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING™

BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR HORSE

Natural Balance: Lope, English Trot, Jog

What is Natural Balance?

Natural Balance is when your horse attains proper self-carriage according to his conformation. When the horse is balanced, the horse is straight. Straight means that the hind legs track on top of the footprints of the front steps, whether on a straight line or a curving line. When a horse is in Natural Balance and selfcarriage, his movements will be relaxed and fluid. When a horse is strong and has a correct Natural Balance, he will be fit, has had play time, and is willing to do what you ask.

Natural Balance is the first foundation training that I want to get solid with my young horse, before I go on to more advanced training I will spend considerable time for the horse to develop his Natural Balance. When I take that time, I am building the best solid foundation on my horse that he can achieve, and one that will last forever

What do I look for? For true Natural Balance, I first want to see if the horse has Natural Balance at liberty with NO line or lead attachments. At each gait of walk, trot and canter, I study the horse’s self-carriage; that tells me what I want to achieve under saddle. I next want to observe the gaits by longeing the horse on circles of different sizes, and on a straight line. Does the horse keep himself relaxed? Does his movement get more defined with a steady tempo? What I see with my eyes, I want to achieve under saddle. This early training may take a year or more, depending on the horse. I wait to get this balance in all three gaits, especially the canter or lope, which takes the longest to achieve.

What is Lope?

Lope is a Western term for the canter. It should have a definite three-beat to each stride. The horse should be relaxed in his overall look, especially in the neck. A horse that has a tight neck will have a tight back, thus shortening the en-gagement of the horse’s hind legs for energy or balance. The horses poll should always be level with or above the wither or top line; this helps with correct balance and to create three-beat strides. For the horse to be naturally balanced, he should display the same strides at liberty as with the saddled rider.

What is Working Trot?

English Trot should be a “Working Trot”. This means a trot that has energy and is really covering ground. The trot should not be slow or sluggish. A trot that covers ground is what you want in a Hunter in order to have powerful strides for jumping. It is required for the horse to be in a Working Trot in all Dressage levels from Intro, Training, and First Level. The trot is active, the rider is in charge of the pace, and the horse is truly covering ground. This trot will get the highest marks in Dressage and is necessary for the horse to be “in gear” for any work over fences.

What is Jog?

Jog is a Western term for trot. The jog is a slower gait, with two definite beats to one stride. The jog is a relaxed, smooth trot, and can cover ground with smaller strides than an English trot. The jog is best known in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Trail, and Western Riding. The jog gait should be smooth and comfortable to ride. The jog should be ridden in a correct balance, with the horse’s poll level with or above the wither or top line.

Understanding Natural Balance May Save a Horse

Natural Balance, or Natural Self Carriage is something all horse owners should understand, especially with Western Riders and horses. Natural Balance allows your horse to be balanced, move correctly, and be willing in performance. Especially in the Western world, this is not appreciated and understood enough. Horses are being destroyed and disposed of because they are not staying sound in the mind or body, and they just don’t like the show ring anymore...why? What you may be doing with your horse is not in the horse’s best interest. They will challenge you, they will break down mentally or physically and be a short-term horse, if not allowed to learn Natural Balance/Self Carriage and encouraged to move correctly.

I will always strive for longevity for my horses whether I own them or not. The horse always comes first. Remember, horses only want to graze all day and night long They don’t care about our goals in any way. Horses will participate with our goals if we understand them, treat them with respect, and always care about the horse’s wellness first. This is why I love to share my knowledge. Horses are magical. If you don’t know that, search for it! Start recognizing their language! They are always there for us, if we just understand them!

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.

4-H Youth Becomes Lifelong Volunteer

Fifty-four years ago, 10-year-old Jodi Kellogg joined a 4-H horse club and entered her first show at the Branch County Fair in Coldwater, Michigan. Thereafter, she was a regular participant in this annual event. Jodi said, “I rode Western and English at the fair. I came from a horse family and have had horses my entire life. My first memory of horses was riding in front of my dad when I was just 6 months old.”

Although loving her 4-H experience, once Jodi reached 18 years old, she aged out of 4-H and moved on to become a volunteer Since then, she has held every 4-H fair position involving horses ranging from general “go-fer” to superintendent to judge to horse show organizer.

“I began volunteering even when I was still in 4-H helping with the pony hitches and serving as ring steward for open shows on Saturdays,” she said.

Jodi said, “I judged shows for around 10 years. I focused on the horse's movement, the rider's performance, and how the horse's tack fit that particular horse. The Pleasure Classes were judged on how the horse moved, and the Showmanship Classes on how the horse was handled.”

When serving as Fair Superintendent, Jodi was responsible for securing show judges, attending all horse-related meetings, determining that the chosen standards were safe and fair for every kid who wanted to participate, and supervising pre-fair vet checks. Although not common, she said, “It's not fun to tell a kid he must take his horse home because he did not pass the vet check.” She feels strongly about nutrition explaining that some horses did not pass inspection due to low weight.

Jodi not only stayed involved with 4-H, she also worked for the State of Michigan in the unemployment sector, retiring after 35 years of service.

Reflecting back on her volunteer career, Jodi commented, “I have probably worked with over 100 kids and am now in the third generation of my original kids.”

Jodi trains her own horses and also leases them to kids to use at the fair. One of her favorite horses “William” (who is now retired

JOIN 4-H TODAY IN YOUR STATE!

4-H began over 100 years ago, and has since grown into the largest youth development program in the nation. 4-H prepares young people to be leaders in their community and around the world through hands-on experiences alongside their peers and caring adults. Backed by a network of more than 6 million youth, 540,000 adult volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni; 4-H delivers research-based programming around positive youth development. 4-H is delivered through America's 109 landgrant universities and the Cooperative Extension Service reaching every corner of our nation.

Learn more about 4-H online at: https://4-h.org/

at 33), has taken over 20 kids to the fair over the years.

Currently, she is leasing 5 horses to kids which means 6-7 days a week there are between 6-8 kids at her barn every day taking care of their leased horses and perfecting their riding skills under her supervision.

Jodi is a firm believer that kids need to start with an experienced, trained horse to have the right start and to be safe. As they progress and find out if they are really committed to the work it takes, they can move to more challenging horses as their skills develop.

She said, “There are kids out there who want to show horses. They need someone who knows horses and riders to guide them. Parents need to find out if their kid wants to do the work, and if the parents are going to able to afford the expense and time necessary for the care of the horse and the costs of showing The saddest thing I see is a parent buying their kid a young horse who has never been trained. This is a recipe for disaster with an untrained rider and horse.”

Jodi's pack did well this year. She said, “I'm so proud of them. They've been at the top of their classes, all of them qualifying as either Grand or Reserved. It makes me feel good that what I've taught them, they've been able to take and accomplish so much for themselves.”

One of her students qualified for State competition and will compete in a further elimination show prior to going to State.

While this year's fair involved 110 horses and 90 kids, the numbers are down from when Jodi was a participant. She said,

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/michigan_4_h_enrollment

“When I showed, there were 35 plus kids in an individual class. It was harder to get recognition with so many, and the same kids seemed to be picked in every class. Today, with the smaller class sizes averaging around 10 per class, the judging is considerably more equal.”

She is concerned about the future of 4-H horse participation. She explained, “The next generation is so busy… their kids are in sports and other activities. It's hard to find volunteers and even kids who want to be involved.” This year, the majority of the kids are aged 15-18. This is about 75% of those participants. The younger age categories need more members.

After 4-H, some kids do go on to college and join equestrian teams and, they do very well. However, some riding and showing careers end after their 4-H tenure is complete.

It takes many volunteers and countless hours to put on a horse show Computers have helped but there are so many things that involve human hours beginning with the club leaders. Currently, there are 7 active clubs and 14 leaders who work year-round to prepare for this one week of activity.

Jodi said, “I will probably volunteer for a few more years. I do it for the kids. It's a way of helping.” Her sister also volunteers and is mostly responsible for technical entries and record-keeping

For the future of 4-H to continue, more volunteer involvement will be crucial.

About the author: Cindy Johnson has been a horse owner since she was 13 years old. She is also a freelance writer If you wish to have an article written about your equine pursuits, please email her at: cjquimby@gmail.com

https://4-h.org/clover/about/ CLOVER creates impactful learning experiences in partnership with 100+ top-tier universities.

The Benefits of a Track System for Horses

Last month we talked about different steps to take to keep pastures in good health going into the late summer and fall. One concept that was touched on was utilizing an alternative system to traditional pastures and rotational grazing by implementing a track system. While the concept is not as familiar in the United States, it is something that has been seen in Europe for years and it is gaining in popularity This month we are going to expand on the idea of track systems and the benefits they can have for your horses and property

Why think about a track system over traditional turnout?

When horses are turned out in traditional pastures and paddocks, they tend to pick areas where they prefer to be in. This can lead to over grazing in certain areas and spaces, typically near the gate, where the ground becomes muddy and compacted. Horses also don't move around in turnout as much as we might expect other than the burst of energy when they first get out into the field. Similarly, horses put on pasture require close monitoring when it comes to grazing especially for those that might have metabolic issues that require limitation of grass. When left to their own devices, horses typically underutilize the pasture spaces they are turned out in.

What exactly is a Track System for Horses?

With a track system, an interior track is created by adding a second interior fence on the inside of a parameter fence. This fence is typically an electric fence and should be constructed with horse safe fencing like electric braided rope. The width of the track depends on the number of horses and how they function as a herd. A narrow track encourages more forward movement while a wider track allows the horses to move around each other. The width of the track should always allow a horse to be able to turn around safely, but the track can narrow and widen at different areas along the track space. The concept is to keep the horses moving through the track while they are turned out which mimics how horses would be in a natural environment in the wild.

How do I get my horse to move around the Track System?

Track systems can be as simple or as elaborate as your imagination allows, but there are certain elements that will make the track system work for your horses. Along the track, you create different stations for the horses to motivate them to keep moving. One area can be set up with slow feed hay nets or feeders where they can grab a bite to eat, further down can be a loafing shed or shelter area, water should be at a different station, and mineral blocks and even herb boxes can be added in yet another space. Breaking up the areas of where a horse needs to go for their essentials will encourage them to keep moving from one spot to another.

What Else Can I Add to My Track System?

While a basic system is a great starting point, by adding different features to the track, you can work on introducing your horse

to new things in a natural way, increasing their fitness and encouraging desensitization. For example, you can add logs or trot poles in a narrower part of the track that will require a horse to navigate the obstacle. You can add different texture under foot, like a dry spot that encourages horses to roll or a water feature that allows horses to navigate through. Different elevations can be utilized or added so horses have to go up and down, increasing fitness. There is really no limit to what obstacles and features you can add to the track.

While horses will spend most of their time on the exterior of the track moving around from station to station, there is a place for grazing on the system as well. On the interior of the track, there will still be areas for grazing. Depending on the size of the interior pasture, this is where implementing rotational grazing comes into play. Rotational strips of grass can be made available to allow horses to graze on the inside of the track. Horses can be moved from section to section allowing areas to grow back and maximize grazing opportunities. This also adds another element for horses to navigate, keeping them moving

What are the Benefits of a Track System?

By implementing a track system, horses experience a more natural way of living. This is a benefit to the health of the horse because it increases the amount of movement a horse is getting in their day-to-day life rather than being stuck in a stall or standing at the gate of a paddock, the whole system is created with movement in mind. The increased movement is beneficial for joints. Horses are essentially warmed up and ready to work, so there is less chance of injury when you take them from a track to the arena or trail. Horses have less of a risk of some common metabolic and gut issues that are associated with being stalled or overgrazing Track systems also provide continual enrichment which can be great for horses that get bored easily, the track can help channel that energy for overall calmer, happier horses.

What about maintenance?

It can seem like a big project up front, but once the basic track has been created, improvements and additions can be done over time. Electric braided rope is easy to install and can be a simple weekend project and the maintenance is very low Depending on what type of ground you have in the area of the track, you may want to improve certain areas, especially to prevent or fix mud. Paddock Slabs and Mud Grid are great solutions to helping with those problem areas. Areas where horses hang out like the hay

The Benefits of a Track System for Horses, cont.

feeding area or loafing shed need to be cleaned to help prevent manure from piling up, usually a couple times a week is sufficient. For ease of feeding hay, there are several great slow feeding options and covered feeders that will help keep hay from being wasted.

Thinking about giving a track system a try?

Contact Cashmans Horse Equipment, they have everything you need to help get you started and can help work through the logistics of setting up a track system that will work for you and your herd.

(740) 363-6073

https://www.cashmans.com/

About the author: Lisa Kiley is a horse enthusiast and a proud member of the Cashman’s Horse Equipment Team in Delaware, OH.

~ Unknown

“No matter how big or small you are, your horse is always there for you when you need your spirit lifted.”

Proceed Carefully: Feeding Neglected Horses

For many horsemen and horsewomen, nothing proves more heartbreaking and maddening than seeing horses in neglectful situations, especially when there’s little to eat or drink. Those that dedicate their time and resources to rehabilitating these horses know well the need to refeed horses carefully, almost exactingly

“Feeding a severely underweight horse can be complicated and is best done under the guidance of a veterinarian, particularly if the horse has a body condition score of less than 3 on the standard scale of 1 to 9,” said Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research.

If the horse has been completely starved and has not eaten in days, the process of refeeding begins slowly and progresses gradually, and is counterintuitive to any nurturing personality. Most horse owners want to throw forage and feed at starved horses, but a more precise feeding schedule has been outlined and adopted by many vets and caretakers.

According to Crandell, the feeding schedule would be:

On the first three days, the horse will receive about 50% of its digestible energy requirement spread over six meals per day (1–1.25 lb or 0.4-0.6 kg per meal for a horse that would weigh 1,000 lb or 450 kg as a desired weight) of either alfalfa, mixed alfalfa/grass, or high-quality grass hay with free-choice access to water.

On the fourth and fifth days, the amount can increase to 75% of the horse’s energy requirement in six meals per day (1.75-2.0 lb or 0.8-0.9 kg/meal) of the same forage.

From the sixth to tenth days, the horse can get 100% of the digestible energy requirement reduced to three meals per day (up to 5 lb or 2.3 kg/meal) of the same forage.

The horse should remain on high-quality forage for at least a month and then some concentrate can be gradually added to the diet. Do not, however, add any concentrate feeds into the diet until the horses body condition improves to a score of at least 3.5.

To support the healthy rebuilding of the ravaged body and digestive tract, a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement should be fed, as it is likely necessary to balance the nutrients that may be low or missing in the forage. A vitamin and mineral supplement with a recommended serving size of an ounce or two can supply the desired nutrients without added starch or sugar, which should be avoided at the beginning of refeeding.

“Return to normal weight may take three to six months to achieve, depending on the body condition of the horse at the time refeeding begins,” she said, “but slow, steady progress often yields the best results.”

This measured approach is the safest method of refeeding Crandell understands, however, the lure of wanting to feed “fast and furious.”

“Too much feed or the wrong feed can have severe consequences. Even too much feed spread out into several meals a day will not benefit a severely underweight horse. This can cause a metabolic crisis that can result in death,” Crandell warned.

Sudden consumption of too much concentrate, whether it’s a straight cereal grain or a commercial feed, causes a rise in glucose in the blood and a subsequent elevation in insulin, which is the body’s cue to push glucose into cells. Unfortunately, in the case of starvation, the insulin will also drive electrolytes, such as phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, into the cell with the glucose. This causes instability between intra- and extracellular electrolyte balance.

When phosphorus is pushed out of the blood and into cells, researchers believe hypophosphatemia, or low blood phosphorus, results. Hypophosphatemia disturbs red blood cell metabolism and causes impaired oxygen delivery to the cells in the body The heart and lungs, starved of oxygen, begin to fail. Called “refeeding syndrome,” in human medicine, this occurred in Word War II when prisoners were rescued from concentration camps and then given food, according to Crandell.

Horses in neglectful situations are usually in need of dental and hoof care, vaccinations, and deworming. As the horse gains strength through refeeding, seek advice from a veterinarian about when to best implement these basic health care practices. Some may be more important than others. If the teeth are characterized by points, malocclusions, or other problems, for instance, it will be hard for the horse to chew forage properly, thus precluding weight gain. In this case, getting the teeth tended to as soon as safely possible would be the best bet.

Stull, C.L 2011. Refeeding the starved horse. In. Wilson, D.A (ed.) Clinical Veterinary Advisor: The Horse. Saunders. p. 788-790.

About the author: Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D received an M.S in equine nutrition and exercise physiology from Virginia Tech under the direction of Dr Tom Meacham and a Ph.D equine nutrition and reproduction under the direction of Dr David Kronfeld.

Dr Crandell is one of the Kentucky Equine Research technical staff and provides support for feed manufacturing partners and their customers through formulation, product development, and technical field service.

Learn more at: https://ker.com/

Henneke Horse Body Condition Scoring System

The Henneke horse body condition scoring system is a numerical scale used to evaluate the amount of fat on a horse's body It was developed in the early 1980s by Don Henneke at Texas A&M University with the goal of creating a universal scale to assess horses' bodyweight, and was first published in 1983. It is a standardized system that can be used across all breeds without specialized equipment; condition is assessed visually and by palpation. Scores range from 1 to 9 with 1 being poor and 9 being extremely fat; the ideal range for most horses is from 4 to 6. The system is based on both visual appraisal and palpable fat cover of the six major points of the horse. The system is used by law-enforcement agencies as an objective method of scoring a horse's body condition in horse cruelty cases. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henneke_horse_body_condition_scoring_system

Extremely emaciated; no fatty tissue; vertebrae, ribs, tail head, and bones of withers, shoulder, and neck are visible

Emaciated; slight tissue cover over bones; vertebrae, ribs, tail head, and bones of withers, shoulder, and neck are visible

Slight fat cover over body; individual vertebrae and ribs no longer visibly discernible; withers, shoulders, and neck do not appear overly thin

Spine and ribs cannot be seen however ribs can be felt; tail head is spongy; withers, shoulders, and neck are rounded and smooth

Crease down spine; ribs have fat filling between them; tail head spongy; fat deposits along withers and neck and behind shoulders

Ridge of spine/outline of ribs are visible; tail head may or may not be visible depending on the breed; withers, shoulders, and neck do not appear overly thin

Obvious crease down spine; patchy fat on ribs; bulging fat on tail head, withers, behind shoulders, and on neck; fat fills in flank and on inner thighs

Slight crease down spine; ribs and tail head feel spongy; fat deposits along withers and neck and behind shoulders

Apparent crease down spine; ribs difficult to feel; soft fat surrounding tail head; fat deposits along withers, behind shoulders, and on inner thighs; neck is large

Ideal Scores: The average horse is healthiest with a body condition score between 4 and 5 (breed dependent), which indicates that the horse has a proper balance of feed to exercise. An easy keeper or hard keeper should be watched closely as it is prone to either being overweight or underweight, respectively.

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.

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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/

Deworming Myths

For decades, horse owners have been regularly deworming horses – with an almost messianic zeal – under the general rationale that all parasites are terrible and horse owners must do everything that they can to make sure that horses are completely parasite free at all times. Interestingly (to me, anyway), while regular deworming has been recommended for horses for many decades, the first safe, modern anthelmintic, thiabendazole, was only developed in 1960.

QUICK ASIDE: Anthelmintic means “To destroy parasitic worms.” We pay a lot of money to learn words like that in veterinary school.

Regardless, this rather spurious goal – pushed by a combination of good intentions, a lack of information, and profit motive – has resulted in a lot of myths about dewormers, not to mention a whole new batch of parasites that are resistant to modern dewormers. But it’s the myths that I want to write about today, with the help of my friend, Dr. Martin Nielsen, Professor at the Gluck Research Center at the University of Kentucky, Co-editor in Chief for the journal Veterinary Parasitology, one of the world’s foremost equine parasitologists, and a really great guy. Maybe if you know some more about some of the common myths, It will help you make more intelligent decisions about deworming: for your horse’s health, for the health of your bank account, and for your own mental health, as well. One can always hope.

So, without further ado:

PARASITE FREE

With rare exception (horses that never get to be around other horses, that have no access to pasture, and/or that live in hot, dry conditions), most horses will never reach a stage of being completely parasite-free. Nevertheless, this illusion still seems to be the declared goal of many people. Unfortunately, achieving the goal of getting a horse to be parasite free, in the absence of special circumstances, is pretty much impossible, for at least three reasons.

1) No anthelmintic is 100% effective. That is, even under the best of circumstances, some of the parasites in a horse will not be killed after the horse is dewormed. Otherwise stated, nothing’s perfect.

2) The drugs themselves are becoming less effective, in part due to the constant over-administration of anthelmintics that’s been going on over the past many decades. Otherwise stated, parasites are becoming resistant to all of the drugs currently used to control equine internal parasites.

3) Lastly, even after deworming a horse, and even if the medication was 100% effective (which it’s not) horses can then become infected again almost immediately That is, once the parasites are killed, the horse can immediately start getting infected with new ones. Anthelmintics offer no residual protection to the horse.

DEWORMING AFTER THE FIRST FROST

It’s been rather commonly recommended to deworm a horse 30 days after the first “killing first frost.”

COMMON EQUINE INTERNAL PARASITES

There are usually two main reasons given:

1) If intestinal worms were the worry, the winter would kill the parasite eggs or larvae.

2) If the worry was bots in the stomach, the frost would kill the adult flies, you’d kill the bots in the stomach, and the horse would be free!!!

Thus, it was said, if you dewormed your horse thirty days after the first frost, you could kill all of the adult parasites in the horse, and he’d go into the winter parasite-free. Well, whatever truth their might have been to those ideas (not much, actually), the “after the killing frost” rational doesn’t hold up anymore.

Here’s yet another list:

1) You can’t kill all parasites, for the reasons stated previously

2) Bots control shouldn’t be the driving factor in a parasite control program. They are just not an important enough parasite and they usually don’t hurt the horse (there are rare exceptions). Thus, bot control needs to be moved down the list of priorities.

3) Adult botflies disappear long before the first frost anyway.

4) Depending on the climate, there may be lower or no transmission of strongyles and tapeworms over winter, but it is not really related to the incidence of frost; it’s because there’s not a lot of fresh grass for horses to eat and because larval stages are slower to develop in the winter

5) Free-living parasite stages generally do well in freezing conditions. This emphasis on the first frost has led too many people down the rabbit hole of believing that frost actually kills parasites on pasture. In fact, that only happens to a limited degree.

The “deworm after the first frost” thing has led too many people to believe that one goal of horse ownership should be to eradicate all the parasites: a sort of anti-parasitic Holy Grail, as it were. But just like the Grail, the goal is a bit of an illusion. The message that parasitologists are trying to communicate today is that parasites cannot and maybe even should not be avoided. The goal shouldn’t be to kill all of the parasites, it should be to minimize the risk of parasitic disease.

KEEP THE HORSE IN THE STALL OR PADDOCK FOR A FEW DAYS AFTER DEWORMING

The idea here was that if you killed the worms inside the horse, and the horse then shed them in his feces, keeping the horse in the stall would keep other horses from getting infected from eating the worm-laden poop. However, from a parasitology point of view, this idea doesn’t really mean anything. It turns out that the worms that are excreted and killed as a result of deworming can’t infect other horses anyway.

That said, even after deworming, horses may remain egg count positive for a few days following. However, that fact isn’t significant. Horses that shed a few eggs in their manure after deworming have also been shedding parasite eggs into the environment for weeks or months prior to deworming Those few additional days are not going to make any difference: it’s only a very few extra eggs. Bottom line: if you’re going to deworm your horse, you can let him out of the stall when done.

DEWORM WITH A HALF DOSE IF YOU THINK YOUR HORSE HAS A BIG BUNCH OF WORMS

This one’s a little silly. Some people have advised giving horses with a big load of parasites a half dose, under the rationale that half a dose wouldn’t kill all of the worms, making it “easier” on the horse. If you did kill all of the worms, the story goes, it would block up the intestines.

However, this is silly because:

1) A half dose of a dewormer does not result in killing only half the worms.

2) A half – or even a quarter dose – most often would result in eliminating roughly the same proportion of worms present in the horse’s gut as would a “full” dose.

Bottom line: there is absolutely zero evidence that reducing the dose of a deworming product protects the horse in any way

DOSE ACCORDING TO THE LABEL

Seriously, you’d think there would be something to that concept. However, the fact is that drug label claims don’t mean much anymore. The information on most of the labels is at least 25 years old! Otherwise stated, current products used to deworm horses are advertised based on the performance of the drug when it was first introduced. The doses under current (parasite resistant) circumstances doesn’t really match up with current performance: the doses on the labels are a charming bit of history, but that’s about it. At this point, the label doses are more about safety than effectiveness and dewormers are one of the safer medicines out there.

ROTATE, ROTATE, ROTATE

For many years, horses owners were advised to “rotate” between classes of dewormers, under the general rationale that if one dewormer didn’t get the parasites, another one would. Unfortunately, rotating dewormers doesn’t make any sense, at least not from a pharmacology perspective. Rotation between anthelmintic classes does not prevent anthelmintic resistance, and never did. In fact, because of the current resistance profiles of parasites, there often are no viable classes to rotate between anyway.

If real medications aren’t going to get all of the parasites, what about the many feed supplements are marketed as “natural” dewormers? In a word, “No.” Whether it’s diatomaceous earth, plugs of tobacco, or some proprietary mix of herb, there’s absolutely no evidence – zero – that these sorts of products have any effect at all on horse parasites. Plus, if you’re going to split hairs, it’s “natural” for horses in the wild to have parasites. If you’re going to try to kill your horse’s internal parasites, save your money for products that have proper documentation of claimed effects.

SO NOW WHAT? So, given that so much of what horse owners have been told turns out to be untrue, what’s a concerned horse owner to do? Well, for one, accept reality – no matter how many times you deworm your horse, and no matter what product you use, it’s not going to make a horse completely parasite free. The most important thing for you to do is to test your horses and monitor them. Horse owners need to develop effective parasite control programs – not just deworm willy-nilly. Dr. Nielsen has also developed a YouTube channel with lots of great information about equine parasites – you can find it by visiting: https:// www.youtube.com/channel/UC_pDqB6sRvi1XJ8AHUapPCw

Myths are fun to remember, but we really shouldn’t live by them.

DAVID RAMEY, DVM: Dr Ramey began his 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/

Fecal Egg Count (FEC): When you have a fecal egg count test done on your horse, a small sample of manure is sent to a lab for analysis. The results will indicate a number, such as 100 or even 300 or more, even up to 1000. The unit of measure is the eggs per gram (EPG). This tells how many strongyles and ascarid eggs are passing per gram of manure.

To learn more visit: https://aaep.org/guidelines/internal-parasitecontrol-guidelines

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