HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
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Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Barn Bullies
2) Recommended products and services: Mice Cube
3) Rally and rating tips: Unfair points?
4) Questions and answers: bits, half chaps, and record books
5) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Trickonometry by Carole Fletcher
6) Fun and educational websites: art and Australia
7) Featured rule: Jewelry
8) Horsey Humor: Horse ad errors
9) Free item exchange

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Feature: Barn Bullies
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by Anastasia Burke

Barn Bullies: How to Handle Them ‹ and Make Sure You Arenıt One Yourself!

³Mean Girls² may be a movie, but for many of us ‹ okay, most of us ‹ dealing
with gossipy girls, nasty rumors, and pettiness is a lot more than a
Hollywood tale; itıs just an unfortunate part of growing up. In fact,
sometimes, itıs a part of many adultsı lives, as well.

Many of us go to the barn in hopes of escaping all that. We just want to
hang out with our horses and our other horse-loving friends. We assume
everyone will get along great, because, after all, we all have one thing in
common: we all love horses! Right?

The sad truth is that barn bullies are as much a part of stable life as they
are of school life. Consider the experience of Hailey (not her real name),
whose feelings were sliced when a fellow rider attacked her over the
Internet.

³My barn bully used words to try to make me feel less than her. She told me
that none of my friends really liked me, and also that they all talked badly
behind my back. I knew it wasn't true, and I think lying is a pretty bad
thing to do to a kid,² Hailey wrote me. ³The worst part is, she attacked me
on Instant Messenger. She didn't even have the courage to say it to my
face.²

Most barn bullies are so worried about how they are being perceived that
they rarely stop to consider how their victims feel. Hailey, who considers
herself to be a good friend to all, says, ³Her actions made me feel awful.
When she first said everything, I cried my eyes out. I didn't know what I
did wrong, why she would hate me so much. I was just really confused. No one
ever wants to be hated, especially by someone who you thought was your
friend!²

One of the most important steps in dealing with barn bullies is to get help.
In Haileyıs case, she sought the advice of her mom. Hailey said it was hard
to enlist her momıs help, because she didnıt want to be a ³tattle tale.²

Still, it proved to be the right move. Armed with a copy of the bullyıs
instant message, Hailey and her mom approached the manager of the barn. With
evidence in hand, the barn manager then had a serious talk with the bully.

How to Cope with the Bully in Your Barn

Barn bullies can ruin everything ‹ for everyone. Here are some tips for
turning a mean girl back into a horse-loving friend:

€ Take the high road. This is a great phrase to memorize, recite
often, and practice always, whether youıre in the barn, at school, or
having an argument with your little brother, Igor. Taking the high
road simply means that you should, first and foremost, make sure
you never sink to the bullyıs level. Donıt get angry. Donıt retaliate.
Donıt engage in gossip or any of the other bad behavior the barn
bully is displaying. Walk away from any potentially explosive
situation and then start looking for a solution.

€ Find out why. Whether youıre an adult or a kid, there is usually
only one real reason that a person becomes a bully ‹ she is afraid
of being rejected by her friends. Bullies are worried that they arenıt
good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, rich enough, nice
enough the list is endless. So one of the best ways to turn a barn
bully into a fabulous friend is to take the time to find out what
makes her tick. Ask yourself what the barn bully might be scared of.
Is she new in the barn and doesnıt really have any friends yet? Is
her horse lame and sheıs worried about not keeping up with the
group? Does she worry that sheıs not good enough because she
doesnıt have the nicest horse in the barn? Does she have a sick
parent at home, or are her mom and dad splitting up? See if you
can figure out why a girl might be bullying you or your friends.

€ Talk it out. If you have, in fact, figured out that something is really
going wrong in the bullyısı life, take some time to quietly ask her if
you can help. You could start by saying, ³Hey, Jill, I noticed that
youıve been kind of sad lately, and I just wanted to say Iım sorry
and that I hope everything is okay with you. If you ever want to talk,
Iım here for you.² Just giving her that opening, without being angry
or judgmental, might give the bully courage to be straight with you.

€ Be a good friend. If your barn bully does confide in you, be a
good friend and keep your conversation to yourself. Nothing is
worse than telling someone all your deepest thoughts, fears, and
hopes ‹ and having that person blab it to the entire world.

€ Bring the barn bully into your group. There is an old saying that
goes, ³Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.² Itıs my
hope that you can turn the bully in your barn into your pal, but some
situations just canıt be repaired. In that case, be aware of what the
barn bully is doing and saying, and when the opportunity presents
itself, quietly confront her by saying, ³Oh, Sally, you know thatıs not
true. Letıs not talk behind peopleıs backs at this barn anymore.
Letıs be different than other barns.²

€ Get help from the adults in your life. Like Hailey, you probably
donıt want to be known as a ³tattle tale,² but sometimes the
situation calls for adult help. Hailey actually handled it perfectly; she
got proof, enlisted her momıs support, and then went to the barn
manager. Believe me, your barn manager wants to know if
someone is causing problems in her barn. She doesnıt need a barn
bully stirring up trouble. But she might not be aware that there is a
problem unless you tell her.

Are You a Barn Bully?

Maybe the problem in your barn isnıt another girl; maybe itıs you! Use this
quick check list to find out.

€ Can you barely wait to get home so that you can call or Instant Message
your friends about what happened at the ban today?

€ Do you talk about other girls at the barn when they arenıt there to defend
themselves?

€ Do you say things about other people behind their backs that youıd never
say to their faces?

€ Have you ever lied about another girl or said something really cruel in
order to get your friends to exclude her from your riding group?

€ Do you say mean things about other girlsı horses?

€ Do you tend to focus on a personıs worst traits and talk about these
traits with your friends?

€ Do you tend to share your friendsı secrets and personal information with
the world?

€ If you were to be really objective, do you treat your pony with more
kindness and understanding than you do the people in your barn and in
your life?

If you answered ³yes² to even one of the above questions, itıs time to take
a hard look at your behavior and ask yourself what kind of a person you are
‹ and how youıd like the world to see you.

You have probably heard the old saying known as ³the Golden Rule.² It
says, ³Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.² In plain English,
this simply means that you should always treat people the way you would like
to be treated yourself. But for horse crazy kids, the Golden Rule takes on a
new twist: ³Do unto others as you would do unto your pony.²

³If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If YOU want to be
happy, practice compassion.²
-The Dalai Lama

Anastasia Burke, author of ³HOOFPRINTS: A Goal Setting Journal for Young
Riders,² has 20 years experience in teaching horsemanship. In the last five
years, she has worked as a motivational coach, helping riders of all ages
and all skill levels achieve their riding goals. She also works with
trainers, teaching them how to add goal setting to their riding programs.
Her work has been endorsed by top trainers across the country, including
2-time Olympian Lendon Gray and top hunter/jumper trainer Karen Healey. A
regular contributor to such magazines as Practical Horseman, she is
currently at work on a goal setting book and journal designed specifically
for adults.

Anastasia also has a free monthly e-newsletter that is dedicated to helping
both young and adult riders achieve their riding goals and develop
excellence both in and out of the saddle. You can subscribe by sending an
email to: info@... .

Pilot Hill Publishing
4460-16 Redwood Highway, Suite F
San Rafael, CA 949403
415/897-1545
Email: info@...
www.pilothillpublishing.com

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Recommended products and services: Mice Cube
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I never could stomach animal traps that leave a person with dead animal
bodies, or worse, suffering animals. When I discovered some mouse droppings
in my kitchen, I remembered that my dad had a live mouse trap when I was
growing up. While I couldn't find the same style, I ended up finding
something much cheaper, simpler and more effective. Mice Cube!

I didn't have much hope for the product, it looked too simple, but it only
cost $1.50 at WalMart so I bought two. With a little peanut butter and
saltine cracker bait, I had caught the culprit within an hour of setting the
trap under the kitchen sink. I figured I might as well set it out again in
case there were more. To make a long story short, after catching over 20
mice, I stopped counting! On the second day, by the time we had emptied one
of the traps (into the berry bushes at the back of the property) we would
come back to another mouse in the other trap. After about two weeks the
mouse count slowed down but we still keep the traps out for any new
pioneers.

My only caution is to leave the trap in a place where you will check it
every day. In my house it is under the sink behind the garbage can (where I
can hear if there's a mouse scrabbling in it). In a barn I'd put it in
front of grain cans or by frequently used grooming equipment. I personally
think mice are cute, but if you are scared of them, you may prefer to have
someone else empty the trap though you never have to actually touch the
mouse.

Read more about and see the Mice Cube here:

http://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&St
ore_Code=WDC001&Product_Code=WDCMC01&Category_Code=WDCRT01

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Rally and rating tips: Unfair points?
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Have you gone to rallies and not understood why your team got horse
management penalty points? Penalty points are a way for the horse
management judges to help competitors learn safe, effective, workmanlike,
and good time management practices around horses. By using a point system,
at the end of the rally the judges can determine which teams followed the
rules the best and where teams could improve their work.

As each set of horse management scores are posted, the team (or just the
team captain) should be able to look at the score sheets and see where they
may have gotten penalty points. This is especially important during multi
day rallies when the team can see what needs improving and make changes for
the following day(s).

Penalty points should only be given for not following rules that are printed
in the latest Horse Management Handbook (currently the 2002 Horse Management
Handbook with all addenda). For example, if you see that your teammate got
penalty points for not tying a horse with twine to the horse trailer, you
could look up that rule in the Handbook and see what it says. You might
notice that nowhere does it require that a horse be tied to a trailer with
twine (although it does require that the horse have a halter with leather
breakaway capability).

If you find that someone on your team got penalty points for something not
in the handbook, you can inquire to the Chief Horse Management Judge and
follow the inquiry and protest process outlined in the book. It might mean
the difference between first and last place in Horse Management! Some of
the rules can be widely defined, such as "good sportsmanship". Penalty
points for this might range from something like refusing to help your
teammate hang a heavy water bucket, to messing up another team's tack room.
If the Chief feels that a rule like this has been broken it can be a serious
offence.

In my experience as a Chief Horse Management Judge here are the following 10
things that cost teams the most points.

* Being late for formals (being late Requires a penalty of 5 points plus 1
point for every minute late (up to 40 points!)

* Leaving stall or trailer doors unsecured (they need to be secured either
open or closed unless you're in the stall with a mount, in which case the
door needs to be unlatched)

* Forgotten/expired/dirty/broken things on the Required Equipment Checklist

* Messy tack rooms or feed rooms

* Halters or other equipment left on the ground in stalls or aisleways while
riding

* Jewelry other than stud earrings, medic alert bracelet or necklace, or
wedding bands

* Girths not being tight enough to ride at formal inspections or safety
checks

* Helmet straps needing adjustment (read the manufacturer's guide, and never
hold or hang your helmet by the straps, this will make most of them lose
their adjustment!)

* Horses not clean enough for turnbacks (this means sweat-free and feet
picked unless you're a D1 or D2!)

* Ducking under stall guards or not having a lead rope on your horse when
working in the stall

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Questions and answers
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Hey Stormy,

I just wanted to start by saying I really learned a lot from your current
articles. My question is what is the best bit to replace a hackamore? My
16 year old son is borrowing a 7 yr old trail riding champion quarter horse
from my aunt to learn how to ride. She has only ever used a hackamore. Our
4-H program will not allow them for competition. He plans to learn how to
ride and compete at our local fair next August. I have been told she has a
very sensitive mouth. My best guess would be to continue with the hackamore
until he learns the horse and then switch, but I donıt know what to switch
to. I have been told that only horses under 5 can use snaffles in
competition.

Tracy Christensen via the Internet

Hi Tracy,

Since your son is just learning to ride, I suggest that he uses the
hackamore until his hands are sufficiently independent from his seat.
Competition should come after he has developed a good feel. There are many
different types of hackamores. The most common Western ones are the bosal,
sidepull, and mechanical hackamores. They all have very different actions
and ways that they should be used. The mechanical hackamore and bosal need
to be used with a horse that already knows how to neck rein and the sidepull
can be used with neck reining or direct reining. Do you know which type the
horse uses? If thereıs a place you could direct me that shows which bits
are allowable for 4H competition I could tell you which would be the best
crossover from your particular hackamore. The other term that might cause
some confusion is ³snaffle². Technically, snaffle means any bit that has
direct pressure from the reins to the mouthpiece (no leverage). It doesnıt
make any difference what the mouthpiece looks like. The problem arises when
in Western disciplines, a snaffle is any bit that has a single jointed
mouthpiece, regardless of whether it has leverage or not. So, thatıs why
Iıd need to see a diagram of which bits are acceptable. The mildest bit you
can get will be something called a rubber snaffle, or a dogbone snaffle.
This is usually made of a relatively soft black rubber that has no joints in
the mouthpiece but is flexible throughout the length of the mouth.

You can see a picture of one here:
http://www.statelinetack.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8
45524441774231&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302028834&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id
=2534374302024174&bmUID=1159374655844&itemNo=3&In=English&N=2028834&Ne=15669
5

If the horse chews on this bit it will get rough and uncomfortable, in which
case Iıd suggest the same bit but in metal (called a mullen mouth snaffle).
When teaching the horse to go in a bit Iıd prefer to have an experienced
rider make sure the horse is comfortable with it before handing it over to a
beginner. The way I prefer to make the transition is to have the hackamore
and headstall with the bit on the horse at the same time with two sets of
reins. This way the horse can be warmed up with the hackamore, and as
everything progresses smoothly, the rider can choose to use the bit more and
more for cues. Of course make sure the bit fits well. Most bits are sold
with 5² mouthpieces and in my experience, usually itıs only ponies up to
about 13.2 hands that fit in those, most other horses need at least 5 1/2²
mouthpieces...but thatıs a topic for another article.

Keep it soft,
Stormy

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Stormy,

Can you point me in the right direction for rules regarding allowable bits
for pony club? I understand the restrictions for dressage, and eventing
doesn't seem to have problems with just about anything as long as it is
humane.

However, I remember you guiding us that D's couldn't use a pelham unless
they had double reins and I can't seem to find that info. I've looked in
the D manual and the C manual and online at USPC in the rule books. I'm
sure something addresses that and it may be by level but I can't seem to
find it.

Please enlighten me.

Sandy Campbell, Sierra Gold PC parent

Hi Sandy,

You may have misunderstood me. Pelhams can be used by Ds with a single rein
as long as it has a converter which hooks to both the snaffle and curb rings
on each side, or the single rein is on the snaffle ring. I asked Wayne
Quarles (USPC Activities Director) specifically about using a pelham with
only a curb rein and he replied that it falls under the multiple attachment
rule, stated below:

Multiple attachment bits: All bits with more than one point of attachment
(i.e. gag, Pessoa, elevators) must have one rein attached so that the
snaffle action of the bit is in effect. If other bit actions are to be
used, two reins will be required. At the D level, converters will be
allowed on pelham bits. If the Pessoa type bit is used, a single rein may
be attached to the first or second ring. If a third or lower ring is used,
a second rein must be attached higher so that the snaffle action can be in
effect.

For future reference, this is located in the 2002 HM handbook (with 2005
addenda) and I believe on the USPC website under "forms" and then
"Activities - FAQ or FAQ - Activities".

Keep it legal,
Stormy

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Hi Stormy,

I have been getting asked by our local tack store what type of half chaps
are allowed in Pony Club. The answer seems to be smooth leather, but is that
the only distinction? They recently ordered some smooth leather half-chaps
with Velcro flaps on the outside. The look exactly like the suede ones, just
smooth leather. For some reason I thought that Pony Club allowed only the
ones with the zipper up the back that look like tall boots because they are
allowed in dressage competitions. I'm confused and so is the tack store. If
the issue is safety, what difference does it make if they are leather or
suede? And is there a specific style that is allowed?
Help!

Marilyn Warter, Santa Cruz PC parent

Hi Marilyn,

The following is the latest from the USPC Activities Services Director on
the use of half chaps in Pony Club.

³Half Chaps: Regarding the use of half chaps, in competition. Paddock boots
with a matching smooth leather leg piece are acceptable for competition at
all levels, including qualifying rallies and Championships, as well as for
C-3 and above ratings.

At D rallies, ratings and lessons as well as C-1 & C-2 ratings and lessons,
any style, type of smooth or rough leather, material or color of Half Chap
is acceptable.

...As with all equipment, half chaps should be in good repair and safe. A
worn and stretched piece of elastic on a half chap is as unsafe as worn
stitching on a stirrup leather.²

I think the intention for the smooth leather wording was to accept the half
chaps which zipper up the back and look like tall boots when paired with
matching paddock boots. However, the way it is worded (which is probably
the same way it is worded in the new USEF dressage competition rules) leaves
it open for smooth leather half chaps that have velcro tabs on the outside.
The issue isnıt safety, itıs consistency with the rules of the larger
governing competition bodies such as USEF and USEA.

I'll let you know if I hear anything further on the subject.

Stick with it,
Stormy

********************************************

Hi Stormy,

I am delighted to share that my daughter Bryn and five Mid Cal candidates
passed their C3 rating at Woodside.

Bryn achieved an Exceeds Standard on the record book requirement thanks
to YOUR Excellent Record Book Checklist.

Thank you for providing the information that contributed to her success.

Heidi Byer, Marin County PC parent

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for the update. I have to add that in addition, all of our 6 Sierra
Pacific C3 candidates at the October test passed their rating, several had
exceeds standards on their record books.

For the Excellent Record Book Checklist, see the December 2004 issue of the
Horse Management Newsletter at:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/22

Congratulations all!
Stormy

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Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
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Want to have more fun with your horse? Learn how to teach your horse tricks
safely and effectively. Here's the guidebook: Trickonometry by Carole
Fletcher.

A reviewer from Amazon.com writes:

"After years of trying to teach tricks on my own, my Clydesdale horse
performed like he was on a Trick Training Diet. Trickonmetry was just the
program we needed to develop a full, fun, well-rounded repertoire.

In Trickonometry, twenty-five tricks are laid out in a progressive, building
block fashion. Easy beginning tricks lay a solid foundation, on which more
demanding, more complex movements can later be built. Among the many things
I learned myself was that no one should begin their trick training career
with the rear!

Trickonometry is a virtual cookbook for the aspiring trick trainer. Carole
Fletcher's detailed program provides concise, easy to understand recipes for
a variety of tricks. The question of What to do next? has been answered in
one easy-to-use reference.

After following the Trickonometry program, my Clydesdale and myself are now
performing heavyweights, much in demand as the entertainment main course at
local functions. Full credit goes to Carole Fletcher for helping me
transform my beer-bellied equine best-bud into an American neighborhood
idol.

Gina Allison and Belvedere, the Performing Clydesdale"

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Fun and educational websites
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The Equine Art Guild is a group of Equine Artists who have banded together
to support and promote their art. Some cool stuff!

http://www.equineartguild.com

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Are you fascinated with all things Australian? Here's a great Australian
horse site. Everything from agistments (look it up on this site!) to what
you can and can't do with a dead horse in Australia (not to be morbid, but
it is part of horse ownership).

http://cbrhorse.potts.net.au/contents.htm

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Featured rule: Jewelry
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2002 Horse Management Handbook page 33 section 21E:

The following jewelry is allowed at USPC rallies:

* Medic alert bracelets or necklaces

* Watches

* Wedding rings

* Stud earrings in the ear ONLY

Any other type of jewelry is inappropriate and will be penalized with
points. The following jewelry is NOT permitted at rallies

* Hoops of any size (including ear cuffs) or jewelry that dangles

* Anything on the face or in the airway

Competitors wearing jewelry that is not permitted will be assessed points
and the jewelry must be removed. If the competitor elects not to remove
jewelry that is not permitted, s/he will be disqualified from the entire
competition and must leave the grounds, if possible. (See Section 39, page
40).

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Horsey humor: Horse ad errors
********************************************************************

Countdown to the best error in a horse ad.

21. Appleloosa for sale.

20. Willingly piaffes & massages.

19. Bay 3-yr-old, lightly started, lounges well.

18. Cooked semen available.

17. Welsh filly, pretty head & eye. Just
stared over fences.

16. 3-yr-old TB mare, recently startled under
saddle.

15. Aged race gelding, has four clean kegs.

14. Rider must sell: horse going to college.

13. Gray pony, very athletic, broke to dive.

12. Small horse farm for sale, 33 acres, large
fenced pastures plus three small haddocks.

11. Attractive gelding for Combined Training,
ready to brake in the spring.

10. Aged Warmblood mare, no lices. Reasonably
priced to good home.

9. Registered Hockey Club mare.

8. Super mover-gloats over the ground!

7. Always in the ribbons over fences & thunder
saddle.

6. Select young stock for sale, top scores at
insurrection.

5. 1899 filly offered for sale.

4. Oldenburg colt, will manure to 17 hands.

3. Young Hanoverian, started u/s, bumping over
small courses.

2. Many sport horses for sale, all apes and sizes.

1. LFG-Live Floral Guarantee.

The countdown above is courtesy of Hunter & Sport Horse Magazine
Subscriptions: 800-554-7470

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Free item exchange
********************************************************************

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Submit your free horse-related items or services here. If you or your club
has items they are willing to pass along to a new family, this is a great
place to list them. Listings can come from any part of the country, or even
overseas!

Free items may include but are not limited to:

riding clothes
rally equipment
horse-related games and toys
tack and training equipment
blankets, wraps, halters
books or magazines
horse-related artwork
and of course...horses and ponies!

The recipient may be expected to handle any shipping costs.

Please provide a phone and/or email contact with each listing. Items will
be listed in the next HM Newsletter and will not be renewed unless an
additional email is sent asking for the listing to be continued.

So...clean out your tackroom and make room for more stuff!

To submit your items, simply reply to this email or write to:
stormy@... .

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Call for submissions
********************************************************************

Help make this newsletter the best it can be. Do you have any issues you'd
like to see addressed here? How about ideas for recommended products, books,
or videos? Want to submit your own article, or a question for the questions
and answers section? Send them to: stormy@... and I'll keep a log
of topics and articles for upcoming issues.