Most of you who subscribe to this newsletter have followed the news I've
shared over the years and probably knew that I've been busy working on a
documentary called "The Path of the Horse".  This is the reason the
newsletter has been so quiet these past couple of months.  I'll get it
started up again now that the documentary has been released...but first I
want to share the good news with everyone here.

The Path of the Horse documentary has exceeded my wildest expectations
(well, perhaps short of an Oscar, hey what American wouldn't want
that?)...but here's a list of what it's done so far:

-First printing sold out in less than three months with the only advertising
being a trailer on YouTube

-Distributors now in the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and Norway

-Articles set to be published in the next couple of months in several
magazines including Horses For Life and Natural Horse

-Accepted into the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival in Nevada
City, California

-Canadian Premier taking place in Rawdon, Canada on Halloween

-Animal Talk Naturally Radio interview scheduled for next month

This documentary is something that is affecting people more than I ever
would have believed.  Here are some of the emails I've gotten:

Brilliant!
-Debbee Sharpe

Just received it.  Just watched it.  Wow!  Have to take time to digest what
I saw.  I really "got" this last year, but I think I have wandered off my
chosen path more recently.  Your video has brought me back to where I want
to be. Things happen for a reason and I know the reason this arrived in my
mailbox today......

Many thanks!
- cheryl

The DVD arrived today and I have had my first viewing--I love it and I thank
you for putting together such a wonderful piece.  I have read, watched,
admired etc. all of the amazing people you documented.  I smiled, laughed,
cried and dreamed.
-Carol Powell

I wish to thank you from the depths of my heart for this DVD!  I cried with
shame at the treatment we have given these and ALL non-humans.  I laughed
and felt deeply the joy of interaction, unimpeded, between non-human and
human.  I have the impulse to ask what I can do to help the education of
people about all of this.
love, Sonja (Australia)

I am so impressed with The Path of the Horse ... it is brilliant and SUCH
important work!! CONGRATULATIONS--You are a true trailblazer and incredibly
brave. I actually did not know your personal story or how it was woven
through all of this and it touches me so deeply that I just bawled and
smiled and cheered through the entire thing---it is so incredibly humbling
and takes me to a new level of both understanding and not knowing and
seeking and surrendering.
-Constance Funk, author of Beauty from Brokenness

When it was over, I just sat in stunned silence for 5 minutes, then watched
it through again.  What you have shown, is (to me) the essence of how I want
to be, notjust with my horses, but in my life, in my relationships.  I
sometimes miss the mark, and I am learning to be grateful for these
experiences, just as I am grateful for the 'small and wonderful'
experiences....  Thank you so much for your work, the message these people
are sending is life affirming, your work in bringing this message to us is
priceless.

Thank you sincerely,
Marion Snowdon, Australia

I was speechless! I cried for the longest time. Sometimes it's hard to look
at what you're doing with your horses and be totally honest. It's a journey
of a lifetime. It challenges us to be better people. Horses keep us honest
when we listen.

I've followed the work of several of the featured horse people in your video
and it was wonderful to see them speak in this venue. I wanted to send a
copy to every horse person I know. I long for them to "see". Could they
"see"?

"The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend" Henri L.
Bergson.

You are truly a blessing and I can't thank you enough for producing such a
beautiful piece of work. Thank you for your sacrifice to make this wonderful
film. I believe that your impact on the horse world will be monumental.

Well done!
-Courtney http://www.msredshorsecookies.com/

I laughed I wept I then laughed and wept again.  You have so beautifully
illustrated the path we should have with horses, and unfortunately the
hideous one many of us still pursue.  Thank you so much for this wonderful
film that could change the lives of so many horses, it's a masterpiece, I do
hope you are very proud of yourself and that you have in this film, given a
voice to all the horses still in there silent suffering.

This film is also a healing for humans as well as horses, as we both know
any cruelty to animals comes from a human race in the state of confusion. 
This is the reason that most humans still interact with horses like they
do,  they are lost, the direction can come from animals and nature, and
ultimately inside ourselves, but an awful lot of self healing has to happen
on a personal level for that to ever happen.....this is the path the horses
are trying to show us, always willing to offer us that outstretched arm,
only some of us see it's being offered.
-Anne Beckett, UK

it is the most beautiful DVD on horses that I've seen!
-Natascha Smargiassi,Switzerland

I was blown away by your honesty and the way you honored your own path with
the horses, it is very inspiring.
-Nelli Yavanna Sansom(Gaebler), Australia

You have done something very much like a miracle... Your documentary is
heartfelt, touching, thought-provoking and an opening to another world
(as it was meant to be!) of being with horses.  By presenting this as
the evolution of your own path with horses, you have made it very real,
free of condemnation and filled with hope.  This evolutionary message,
presented through your voice, is sure to pierce the hearts and minds of
even the most skeptical horsemen.
-Lynne Gerard, Canada  http://www.ravenseyrie.blogspot.com/

I've now watched your marvelous dvd 3 times.  I plan to watch it
again and again and share it with as many friends as possible.
-Ginny Elliott

...there are no words.  I'm quite sure you've received all kinds of glowing,
positive feedback by now.  What can I add?  Simply put, I love your story -
the entire video.  LOVE IT !  Your voice, telling your story; the "masters"
you chose to include and selected clips of their words of
horse-human-relationship wisdom... all elements are well thought-out and
woven into a wonderful telling of your story, your journey with horses, and
all the while, gently promoting our evolving (and perhaps returning)
relationship with one of God's greatest gifts - the horse.   The message of
your documentary is so important - and only the beginning, really, towards
reshaping our relationship with horses.

Thank you . . . in many ways, as I watched your video for the first time, I
felt my mare's deep, contented sigh ... like I'd finally returned home.
Thank you.
-Beth

I can't thank you enough for taking this journey and producing this truly
amazing video.  It should be watched by EVERY horse owner on the face of
this earth!
THANK YOU THANK YOU!
-Barb Fenwick http://www.barbfenwick.blogspot.com

I just finished watching POTH for the second time.  I'm sure I'll be
watching it again.  I was so impressed with what you were willing  to
give up, to let go of, to sacrifice in order to follow this path -
the outcome of which was so unknown and unfamiliar.  You are living
proof of what love actually can accomplish - moving proverbial
mountains.
-Molly

  I watched the movie last night and I even dreamed about it. I just had to
let you know that I am utterly blown away by it. I can't stop thinking about
all I watched.

I don't even have horses and I want to be a part of the dance! I felt a
burden lift from me.
-Dr. Kim Bloomer http://www.AnimalTalkNaturally.com

The Path Of The Horse is the most moving, heartfelt and brilliant video I
have ever seen about horses. I loved everything you did from the story line
to the photography to the music (I loved the end clip with you being
photographed and your wonderful expression of genuine joy!) Thank you from
me and the horses all over the world who will benefit from your love and
concern -why do people do anything else when they have witnessed that vision
of pure harmony and respect?
-Liz Mitten Ryan, author of ³One with the herd² www.onewiththeherd.com

Oh my godŠ.I got the Path of the Horse in the mail today and just watched
itŠ..that was so FABULOUS!  Thank you so much for putting all that
together!!!   I LOVED the Hempfling part where he is telling the woman to be
her six year old self again and can¹t wait to go out to be with my horse
tomorrowŠ.
-Catherine

I got a call from the UK yesterday to see your wonderful DVD immediately and
I would like to get the DVD ASAP
-David in California

I am speechless. Perhaps when I have had a chance to process it in my mind I
will think of something to say.
-Janet Malone, South Africa

I just want to sincerely thank you for making this documentary of enormous
amount of inspiration and courage to search the truth. I cried more than
once, because it is so touching and true, thus at the same time so
devastating that so few actually are capable and interested in leaning from
their horses.
-Katrine Buur, Denmark

I LOVE your film!
-Doris Harren

Along the lines of Cavalia, this film documentary is ground breaking and
utterly inspiring.  I believe it is another definitive step in the evolution
of our journey (which for all of you has and probably still does include the
horse) into the deeper awareness of our inner creative power.  If you love
horses and know we have a chance at greater intimacy with these amazing
beings, you will love this video and want to watch it over and over.
-Christine Cole Full House Farm www.fullhousefarm.com

Your DVD arrived yesterday, and last night I watched it straight through
twice. THANKYOU. The camera-work is beautiful, the message so profound. It
MUST be seen.
-Rhona Jones, UK

wonderful DVD. I am showing it at a special night for all our boarders at
the barn where I am. Hoping the very traditional ones will come...most of us
are natural horsemanship followers...but even there you get domination.
THANKYOU
-Polly, UK

I sobbed with joy  and relief upon seeing snippets of the video.  I have
avoided going near horses, even though I love them, most of my life.  I
finally realized it was because most horses weren't respected or treated in
such a way,  or appreciated so that their natural intelligence and spirit
could find expression. When I heard people in the video speak of them, and
saw them videoed, with such love and appreciation, I was so moved. Thank
you.
-Jackie Howell

"Stormy May has created an inspirational documentary that has touched my
heart in a way no other video has...  It felt like she had read my mind knew
of my inner journey for the last ten years as I have struggled to find what
I was looking for, a way of being in relationship with horses that truly
felt congruent with my heart.  As I watched, my eyes filled with the tears
of awareness and truth along with the hope that we are opening to a more
humane world, both with the animals we love and our lives with each other."
-Barbara Alexander

Articles about the documentary have been popping up all over the internet,
here's a sampling:

http://www.eponaridge.com/linksandbooks.htm

Newsletter article from hoofprints.com .  Either go to www.hoofprints.com
and click on "Hoofprints Newsletter archive" and then on the August 20, 2008
issue, or the direct link is below:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs009/1101533203510/archive/1102209715741
.html

http://www.ravenseyrie.blogspot.com/  (scroll down to the entry on October
17, 2008, Meaningful Elements to Further the Journey)



The second printing is still available until it sells out...get your own
copy now at www.stormymay.com and then we'll have plenty to talk about on
this newsletter.

Next month, the regular Horse Management Newsletter will resume.

Hug your horses!
Stormy

This is a special update to let everyone who subscribes to the Horse
Management Newsletter know that The Path of the Horse documentary has been
completed and it's at the printer's right now.  It will be ready to ship in
less than two weeks!

If you'd like to place an advance order you can do so through my website at
www.stormymay.com and it will be shipped out as soon as they come in.

Finally, you'll get to see what all the hub-bub is about.  This first run is
only 1,000 DVDs which look like they might sell out quickly so an advance
order is recommended.

Many thanks and hope everyone's summer is full of fun and relaxation,
Stormy

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: The truth about backs, language, and who we really are
2) Correction
3) Questions and answers: How do horses train each other, the new direction
4) Fun and educational websites: back article
5) Horsey Humor: Equestrian Definitions
6) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: The truth about backs, language, and who we really are
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

With all the talk in ³natural horsemanship² circles about learning the
horse¹s language, this aim can never be achieved when it begins and ends
with a faulty premise, that a horse enjoys being ridden.  In my studies, I
have come to the conclusion that horses have learned our language far better
and more honestly than we can imagine.  This is why all the ³new agey² books
and teachers are talking about how horses are our mirrors. I¹m not talking
about horses understanding our spoken language to any great extent, but they
are masters at understanding the language that we seem to have forgotten,
the language of our actions.

As a veteran horse trainer, one of the things that most surprised me to
learn was the science of what goes on in a horse's back when it is subjected
to a saddle and rider. Sure, I knew that horses occasionally got sore backs
and needed treatment or a better fitting saddle, but I certainly didn't
understand what goes on each and every time a horse takes someone for a
ride.

One of the reasons that some of this information might seem to be "new" is
that it wasn't until around 1992 that the "Saddletech" saddle pressure
testing pad was developed.  These pads, and other similar devices more
recently developed, include sensitive sensors that can measure the amount of
pressure between horse and saddle.  These pressure-sensing technologies lead
to a flurry of interesting scientific studies in the equine world.  When
this information was combined with other studies of mammalian muscle tissue
it all suddenly pointed to a huge dilemma.  In the Journal of Veterinary
Science Volume 14 No. 11, 1994, well known veterinarian and saddle fit
expert Dr. Joyce Harman reported the results of a study using the Saddletech
pad.  She wrote:

"For the purposes of this study, saddles with pressures of up to 1.93 psi
were graded an excellent fit, between 2.0 and 3.38 psi without persistent
pressure points were graded fair and saddles that exceeded 3.4 psi or had
persistent pressure points throughout the session were graded poor.  These
numbers were derived from preliminary data indicating that it was difficult
to find an English saddle with pressures below 0.75 psi, which is the
highest pressure found in the capillary bed. Pressures that exceed 0.75 psi
will close down the blood flow in the arterial capillary bed."

So what does it mean if the blood flow is shut down?  This is what happens
on a small scale when we press on our skin and it turns white, or if we sit
in an awkward position for a longer amount of time, and we experience our
leg or arm "going to sleep".  The author, Mary Wanless, writes in her book
"For the Good of the Horse", "Perhaps one of the horse's saving graces is
that squeezing the blood out of his tissues causes pain for the first ten to
fifteen minutes of a ride, and then his back goes numb."

So, until we learn how to levitate saddles, even a saddle with an excellent
fit, the best air/foam/wool stuffed panels and an average weight rider, will
have pressures which are more than twice what it takes to shut down the
blood flow within the muscles.  Dr. Harman goes on to state that in studies
of canine and human muscles, sustained pressure of only 0.68 psi for over
two hours causes significant tissue damage.

It is important to note that the Saddletech sensor pad used in these first
studies used sensors developed to evaluate the risks of pressure sores in
bedridden humans, and only measured pressures of up to 4 psi.  More modern
sensor pads, such as the FSA (Force Sensing Array) system developed by
Vision Engineering Research Group (VERG Inc.) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
can record much higher pressures.  In one test involving Western saddles
with high priced pads, average peak pressures measured between 8.25 and 14
psi. (Wesley, E.D.; McCullough, E.; Eckels, S.; Davis, E.; Article #9329;
2007; "The Horse" magazine).

Pressure sensing pads also have the limitation of only recording pressures
at the level of the skin.  Saddle pressure is transferred through the
muscles to the bony structures underneath (the vertebrae and ribs) and if we
could measure the pressure there, it would be significantly greater.  Dr.
Harman writes that, "There is surgical evidence in human medicine that
subcutaneous necrosis [the death of cells] begins closer to the bone before
cutaneous redness and ulceration is seen."  This means that if we've been
around horses long enough to notice white spots or tender swellings in the
saddle area, we are only witnessing the end results of a long process of
tissue destruction.  The longissimus dorsi and trapezius muscles that a
rider sits on have been developing since the dawn of the horse, when
Eohippus first used them to facilitate movement.  Their structure was never
created to bear weight in the form of vertical pressure from above, and this
remains true even after centuries of selective breeding for ³riding² horses.

Other effects of weight on the horse¹s back include extension (hollowing) of
the back, which ³may contribute to soft tissue injuries and kissing spines
syndrome.²  (DeCocq, P. et al; Effects of girth, saddle and weight on
movements of the horse.  Equine Veterinary Journal 36; 2004; 758-763.)
Briefly, kissing spines syndrome is when the spinous processes of the
vertebrae (the long bony protrusions of the vertebrae which form the
structure of the withers and the topline of the back) start to touch each
other and will eventually remodel themselves and fuse together in severe
cases.  ³This condition is clinically significant in jumpers but occurs in
all types of horses.² (Marks, D.; Medical Management of Back Pain; Vet
Clinics of N. America: Equine Practice Vol. 15, No. 1; 1999) ³ ŒKissing
spines,¹ or impingement of the dorsal spinous processes, occur due to
repetitive undulations in jumping horses - basculing, or rounding over a
vertical fence, overextending upon landing or stretching out and hollowing
the back over a wide oxer can cause this problem. The result is that the
individual spinous projections are pushed together tightly. This generally
occurs from the end of the withers to the beginning of the loin (10th - 18th
thoracic vertebrae). (Nadeau, J.; Preventing Back Pain in Horses; University
of Connecticut Dept. of Animal Science Fact Sheet 2006)

There are a plethora of similarly significant traumas to the back which are
either a direct result of the rider on the back, or the indirect result of
what the rider asks the horse to do (sliding stops, jumps, etc.)  Some
examples are: spondylosis, jumpers bump (a prominent tuber sacrale),
sacroiliac joint injury, supraspinous ligament injury, dorsal ligament
tears, stress fractures of the ilium, and lumbosacral joint injury to name a
few.  I hope that the reader is starting to get a sense of the risks we
subject the horse to with what we consider to be ³a normal use of the horse²
so that I don¹t need to go into detail with each injury.

Let¹s go back now to the first trauma that happens when the horse is
saddled, compromised blood flow (ischemia) in the muscles.  It is true that
muscles have wonderful regenerative properties, and many times pressure
sores can heal if infection is avoided and the horse is receiving proper
nutrition and time off from more pressure...but what about the pain that was
involved in the process?  We are all familiar with the sharp pains
associated with sensation coming back into a limb that has "fallen asleep"
or "gone numb" due to compromised blood supply, but who has experienced the
pain of developing pressure sores, even mild ones which itch and hurt even
before there are any outwardly visible signs?  It is exactly this discomfort
that causes us to shift position every few minutes when we are sitting or
standing.  If we didn¹t, we would develop pressure sores (also called
bedsores) just from the weight of our own bodies on a soft chair or bed.  In
researching for this article, I was surprised to find that actor Christopher
Reeve, originally injured in a riding accident, ultimately died at age 52 as
a result of complications from a pressure sore.

A horse, when saddled, has no chance to shift this weight to relieve the
discomfort. He probably tries to tell us in other ways, like fidgeting,
exhibiting a shortened gait, ears back, swishing tail, trying to rub on the
rail, or bucking.  These should all be considered signs of a perfectly
honest horse trying to relieve pain.  The horse who is more dangerous to
herself is one who quietly goes on with her work, knowing that the
consequences of showing any signs of back pain will be a stronger pain in
the mouth, head, ribs, or flanks, probably combined with a longer session
under saddle. Horses are masters at learning how to ³get along² and most
will quickly discover exactly what it takes to survive.  A numb back is
probably much easier to tolerate than the other ways humans have devised to
control horses.

When we subject our horses to these pains for our own pleasures we are
breaching something fundamental in our relationship.  The fact that many
horses tolerate these traumas speaks more about their innate grace and
understanding than any proof of our "right" to sit on a horse's back or
their enjoyment of this process.

I hope the above already makes it clear that any time we sit on a horse for
more than a moment without understanding what¹s going on underneath us, we
are compromising the horse's well being.  There are two ways we can be sure
that we do not injure a horse.  The first is to turn the horse out in a
large field and wish her well in a natural herd, and the second is to study
the horse¹s systems so minutely that we can say with authority that what we
are doing is not harmful.

Now that the problem with riding has been detailed, let¹s look at possible
solutions. First, we must understand why we want to ride a horse.  If the
answers include, ³it¹s fun² ³I want to compete² or ³it¹s good exercise² then
the discussion above will have little or no impact on what you do and the
current horse world will give you plenty of support in pursuing your goals.
If your answers sound more like, ³I love horses² ³I want to learn how to
have a good relationship with my horse² or even ³I think horses might have
something to teach me² then it¹s likely you¹ve already started to look for
alternatives to the traditional horse world.

The solution has to begin with the premise that the horse knows her own
mind, and in any matter regarding her behavior, she is the authority.
Horses don¹t have a spoken language that we can understand but they do have
a language that we can learn.  It is a language of physiology and movement.
Once we spend enough time letting go of what we think we know about horses,
we leave space for ³what is² to reveal itself.  For example, if a horse
starts bucking under saddle, we might think (or have been taught) that it
was due to him being ³naughty² as if the bucking were comparable to a young
boy beating up on a schoolmate, or maybe we think he¹s getting too much
grain, alfalfa, it¹s too cold, too windy or any number of countless guesses.
On the other hand, if we start with the premise that the horse has a
perfectly good reason for bucking and it¹s our job to determine what that
is, he will begin leading us on a path.  It¹s a bit like seeing the horse as
a living language course.  Of course the horse is the master of this
language and we are the pupils learning to decipher his movements and
attitudes.

Horses see us for who we truly are behind our masks of words and hidden
meanings. They become privy to what we try to hide from ourselves and other
humans: our frustrations, irritations, dissatisfaction, aggravations, and at
the base of it, our fears. In what other area is it socially acceptable to
beat an animal, where it is even televised and the sport¹s greatest heroes
are ones who carry whips in their hands and strap spurs to their heels,
showing their ³mastery² by how invisible they can make these ³aids²?  The
horse learns this language of ours and our capabilities for causing her pain
so well that in the hands of an ³expert², the threat of these devices is
sufficient and the devices themselves no longer need to be used.

In order to start to understand the horse¹s language and in the process to
relearn our own natural language, we must begin with a horse that we are not
inflicting any pain on, otherwise all we are learning is about the actions
of a horse in pain and then other humans teach us how we can control that
through more pain.  Truthfully, this makes up the bulk of information that¹s
been studied for the thousands of years that we¹ve been riding horses.  It
is hard for the typical rider to understand that a real relationship with a
horse must begin on the ground with no halters, ropes, or small confined
spaces.  J. Allen Boone¹s sentiment about dogs in ³A Kinship with all Life²
applies equally to horses, ³There¹s facts about dogs, and there¹s opinions
about them.  The dogs have the facts, and the humans have the opinions.  If
you want facts about a dog, always get them straight from the dog.  If you
want opinions, get them from the human.²

As a person progresses in their understanding of horse language, with its
syntax of anatomy, physiology, and psychology, there may come a time when it
is appropriate to get on a horse¹s back.  Just as signposts point the way to
a destination, I can give a hint about some of the elements that will need
to be understood by the person who has endeavored to learn enough of the
horse¹s language to get to a point where riding might be a helpful step in
their lessons.

As a human endeavors to learn the way a horse¹s body is designed, the way
certain muscles, tendons, and ligaments work in concert with the skeletal
structure, and the capacities and limits of these physiological elements, he
will learn ways to ³play² with the horse which lead to more freedom and
balance for the horse.  In the same way that yoga can help balance our own
bodies and spirits, the person will learn the yoga which balances and frees
a horse to enable her to greater expression.

The next signpost is when the person learns how to work with the horse with
greater discipline, where both human and horse apply themselves to specific
elements which develop the physiology of the horse and the mental focus and
concentration of both horse and human.  By this time, another signpost is
that the personal desire of the human to ride the horse will have naturally
dropped away.  A person at this level of understanding would have no more
wish to bridle and saddle her equine teacher than she would to bridle and
saddle her best human friend and prod her along a nice ³trail ride².

If you are at the beginning of this journey and can¹t quite understand yet
how a person could have a fulfilling relationship with a horse without
riding, maybe it would be helpful to have a little carrot hung out to tempt
you.  When a human has learned the horse¹s language well enough that she
begins to dance with her equine partner, she collects and balances him not
as the end result of pulling, tugging, and restraining, but as a result of
speaking a common language, never causing pain at any point along the path.
She simply learns how to direct his movements as a conductor leads an
orchestra; only then will the horse¹s anatomy reveal that he can indeed
carry a rider, on a strengthened spine that has not been weakened by hours
of a rider pounding on the saddle, with muscles that are free from painful
pressure sores, carried in a flexed and contracted state which leads to
higher blood pressure within the muscle and the ability of this muscle to
endure the pressure from a rider for a few minutes at a time.

In the final analysis, when we follow this path we will experience the gift
that the horses have been holding for us.  They can help us relearn our own
ancient language and to live harmoniously with ourselves and the other
residents of this planet.  I hope in the following articles to be able to
find the right words to express the fullness of what I¹m starting to
experience, but perhaps I¹ll have to be content with pointing out signposts.

*******************************************************************
Correction
*******************************************************************

Thanks to an astute reader who caught a transcription error in the last
issue detailing operant conditioning.

  Positive reinforcement (abbreviated as R+) adding something desirable to
make the behavior more likely to happen again
  Negative reinforcement (abbreviated as R-) taking away something
undesirable in order to make the behavior more likely to happen again
  Positive punishment (abbreviated as P+) adding something undesirable in
order to make the behavior more likely to happen again (should state less
likely)
  Negative punishment (abbreviated as P-) taking away something desirable in
order to make the behavior more likely to happen again (should state less
likely)

For a more in-depth view of operant conditioning, please refer to the
Wikipedia article at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy;
        I liked your article and you did a great job of explaining operant
conditioning.  Yes the horse industry has much of the mindset which is heavy
in the positive punishment. Positive reinforcement ultimately is just the
"lack" of positive punishment.

     I have a question or actually two.  Seems you have some expertise in
this area and I honestly wonder.  What operant conditioning is predominant
in natural horse to horse behavior?  Over the centuries how have they
learned to communicate and behave towards each other?  I honestly don't
know.  I do know observing my horses there is a lot of positive punishment
going on in the pasture.  I'm appalled at times, but they seem to have it
worked out between themselves.

     The other question I have is I know horses are smart however given that
horses brains don't have some of the higher functions that humans do
(probably a good thing) how do we continually take their brain anatomy into
consideration when having this partnership?

      Thanks,
         Toni

Hi Toni,

Those are fantastic questions!

You asked:
What operant conditioning is predominant in natural horse to horse behavior?

I¹ll start this answer with a quote from Myrna Milani, an author,
veterinarian, and veterinary ethologist:

³...the mark of a true leader is the ability to control without force.  And,
in fact, wild animals who rely on brute force to maintain their status
typically get eliminated from the gene pool because this approach requires
so much energy.²

There¹s an interesting story about how I came across that quote.  I had
spent some time watching the Dog Whisperer show which airs on the National
Geographic channel.  I heard many good things about the show and wanted to
see what it was all about.  Beginning with the first show I saw, the trainer
was using positive punishment almost exclusively to correct the dogs¹
behaviors.  I thought I must be missing some understanding, maybe things
were different with dogs than with horses.  I kept watching with curiosity
but I couldn¹t get it out of my mind that there had to be a better way.
Then through some Internet surfing I came across a fantastic article on the
4Paws University Dog Training website about the controversy surrounding the
show.  The above quote is from that article as well as some of the following
ones. I encourage everyone to read the full article at:
http://4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm .

The article states that, ³Leaders in all animals control assets more often
than they control individuals through the use of force... Power struggles
with dogs communicate no more leadership than an adult human in a physical
struggle with a small child or an armed bank robber and his hostages.²  It
goes on to discuss how dominance-based training methods, (e.g. those using
primarily positive punishment, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning for more information) are
not how true leaders behave, rather, it is how insecure individuals behave.
This hit home.  In my small herd of 4 horses, the one most prone to
aggressive behavior towards humans is the lowest ranked horse in the herd,
while the leader has a very different character.

"A major problem with using punishment is that it suppresses behavior
temporarily but does not necessarily modify the underlying cause of the
behavior," said Dr. John Ciribassi, president American Veterinary Society of
Animal Behavior (AVSAB).

My own expertise with horses comes from many hours spent watching herds and
horse to horse behavior in domestic situations as well as studying videos
and books about wild horse behavior.  Mark Rashid and Carolyn Resnick are
people in my documentary who have spent much of their lives watching horse
behavior.  Carolyn Resnick has experience with wild herds (actually, feral
would be a more accurate term) and Mark Rashid with large domestic herds.
Many times what is seen in domestic horse situations will stem from living
in close quarters, which is very unnatural for a plains animal like the
horse.  I believe because of this, we see much more positive punishment in
the horse to horse interactions than what we would see when they are in
natural herds without the anxieties that we add to their lives.  This is
especially true if horses can¹t truly work it out together, for example if
they are only meeting each other over a fence or on a leadrope with a person
on the other end.

What I have observed is that in the initial stages of horses being together
in a human-established herd, positive punishment is a form that they use to
determine their ranking.  This will look like a horse kicking or biting
another one...although it isn¹t necessarily the lead horse who does this, it
does indeed seem to be more typically the insecure horse who feels like they
need to defend themselves.  A horse who is a natural leader is not the one
engaging in that behavior, why would other horses want to be around a leader
who threatens them with physical violence unless they are forced to by a
small living area?  The natural leader is one who usually stays out of the
squabbles.... in a domestic herd situation, there might not be a horse who
is a natural leader, so what we see is horses who are insecure (usually in
areas that are significantly smaller than what they would claim as a natural
territory) and put together in groups depending on the human¹s ideas.  I
have been lucky enough to have for the past 5 years, a horse who is a
natural leader.  Watching him with different groupings of horses has given
me a lot of insight about the difference between a true lead horse and one
who looks like they¹re dominating through positive punishment.

A horse who is a natural leader gains that position mostly through the use
of positive reinforcement, adding something desirable in order to make a
behavior more likely to happen again.  This might look like leading the herd
to the best grazing area, knowing the right time to lead them to the water
hole, or to keep them safe from a predator.  Horses choose to follow those
who seem to make the best decisions for the welfare of the herd, typically
this is an older ³lead mare².  Stallions come and go in feral herds,
fighting each other for breeding rights.  This is where it does seem to come
down to the strongest (or most persistent) horse winning, and in this way,
each herd will usually end up with a strong protector, but he isn¹t going to
fight with the other horses in the herd, his job is to protect them.

You also asked:
I know horses are smart however given that horses brains don't have some of
the higher functions that humans do (probably a good thing) how do we
continually take their brain anatomy into consideration when having this
partnership?

Horses do have surprisingly small brains for their size, an average horse¹s
brain has a diameter of about 3 inches.  The more I learn about horses
though, the harder it is to make this into a limiting factor.  It has been
proven that they don¹t have the extent of ³problem solving² abilities that
humans have but I think that perhaps as a consequence of this (and they fact
that they are a prey animal), they have much more highly attuned sensing
systems than we do.  These sensing systems reside not only in the brain but
throughout the entire body.

Because we humans are animals who have this ³gift² of a problem-solving
brain, we have to ask ourselves what are we doing with it.  Personally, I am
saddened by all the brain power, energy and money we as the human race put
into ways to destroy other people and the relatively insignificant amount
that we put into finding peaceful solutions to our problems.  Yet this same
thing is mirrored in the horse world, perhaps even in the same proportion.
Are we using our problem solving abilities to develop more devices such as
bits, spurs, whips, shock collars, and all manner of straps and gadgets to
restrain a horse and keep a horse controlled by pain?  Or are we using it to
come up with non-violent solutions to working together with horses?  What if
we set our brains to the task of figuring out how to come into partnership
with a horse without having to use any pain-inducing device, working solely
with their natural tendencies?  What if we asked our vet schools to do
studies like determining what amount of pressure it takes before pain and
damage begins in a horse¹s back?  How much force is exerted in a horse¹s
mouth by a bit with typical rein contact in English riding?  There is so
much we take for granted that deserves a second look.

Keep asking,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

Enjoyed reading your latest newsletter and chuckled over the letters - they
relate an all too familiar story.  My daughter is going through a rather
similar process since she has gotten into the natural hoof care realm.
(check out Pete Ramey sometime on internet, I think you'll like what he says
- http://www.hoofrehab.com/  He is to hooves, what your mentors are to
training.)

It's tough -- on the one hand, you've been brought up with Pony Club and its
teachings and you've spent a lot of years teaching those very precepts and
rules, and now because you're exploring a "one step further" process, people
get upset about it because it's a little different than what methods we've
all been using up until now.  And it seems a little revolutionary.......  at
first.  But all I can say is that so did Pat Parelli, Monty Roberts, John
Lyons and Tom Dorrance and all the other Natural Horsemanship guys seem
strange and radical when they first came out with their training methods,
and now they're all the rage with their multitude of advocates and a long
list of trainers espousing their principles and their legions of fans
worldwide.

Now everyone is totally accepting and accustomed to their methods, more
often than not fighting over which one is best, or who thought of something
first, or whose gimmick is better than the other, etc. but that movement
didn't actually occur overnight, either, nor without some painful
beginnings.  Sometimes it seems like it, because it took off so fast and
spread so quickly, so universally, but I do recall a time when most of those
people were looked at as odd balls too.  So take heart, it may take a while,
but eventually when people start seeing results that make them take notice,
the time will come for this method to become less "out there" and more
accepted and understood, too.

In the meantime, I think people are just telling you that they miss those
neat little "tidbits" on horse care, grooming, all the other aspects of HM
that you had in the newsletter that could still continue to be in it, which
have nothing to do with training or your particular choice of training
methods.  All of that stuff you used to have in your newsletter is just
"taking care of your horse" which doesn't need to be defined in any
particular way as belonging to a type of trainer or training method, it's
just horse health education in general.  That's what makes Pony Club what it
is; it's the attention and time that is spent on Horse Management, not just
on riding.  And Horse Management isn't limited to one's type or style of
trainer.  That's the point -- we take them all, whatever their type of
training, and enfold them into the Pony Club ideal of a happy kid on a happy
horse, because the horse is being taken care of in the best and safest way
that one can accomplish with as much knowledge about how to do it as
possible - - including various training methods.  Horse Management is what
makes Pony Club unique.... the education in feeding, grooming, veterinary...
all those things that are universal to all horse owners and not related to a
particular trainer or type of teaching.  Just safety and for the good of the
horse and his wellbeing.

So please don't just say "bye bye I don't need you" to people and let them
go needlessly off your list, just save some room in the newsletter for some
more of those little "teaching moments" when you talk about horse skin care,
what to do for rain rot, practical things to have in your first aid kit and
how to use them, or why alfalfa might not be the best single food for your
horse, or things like that, which we all flocked to your newsletter for in
the first place.  Bandaging and nutrition still are of interest, not just to
pony clubbers, but to all horse people.  All of those things are still
relevant and not in opposition to your enthusiasm for a new way to look at
training or helping understand a horse's behavior.  You've got so much
knowledge stuffed up there in that brain of yours that you can still share
with us, as well as sharing your new direction in training.  Just keep the
HM in the HM Newsletter ok?  We still need to keep learning about what to do
to prevent thrush or mud fever, or colic (for that you can just post the UC
Davis January Horse Report article, it's totally encompassing and the best
and most thorough thing I've ever read on colic - everyone who is a horse
owner should have it as item number one in their horse care notebook. It
covers it all.) http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CEH/pubs-HR26-1-bkm-sec.pdf

Anyway, I just wanted to make sure that you understand that not everyone is
disapproving of your research or theories if they write a letter like "name
withheld" did.  She just wants more of the other educational stuff in the HM
Newsletter as well, because that's why she signed on to get it in the first
place.  If it isn't going to have little bits about things like what to do
for dandruff, and how to wrap a hock injury or other Horse Management
things, then yes, she and others will look elsewhere, because that's what
they thought they were getting and what they previously enjoyed getting.
Isn't there room enough in the HM Newsletter for both?  I hope so..........
Marilynn.

Hi Marilynn,

I was going to edit your response for length but it is all so relevant and
well thought out that I left it as-is.  You are right, there is room for
both.  What I realized is that the reason the other information (helpful
tips about bandaging, wound care, nutrition etc...) was so prevalent in the
past is because that¹s what my world was full of, teaching Pony Club and all
the aspects related to that.  Now, my world is full of research into how we
can change our relationships with horses and how that relates to the bigger
picture of a paradigm shift from dominance to leadership.  Arguably the
current direction of the newsletter is ultimately more relevant than what
color hunt coat is considered formal but there¹s still a lot of other stuff
rattling around in my brain.  I think it will take either questions from you
readers or experiences going on in my life to bring them out...so, thanks
for sharing those links and don¹t be afraid to bring up some new topics!

Thanks for all the time and thought you put into your email,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Fun and Educational Websites
*******************************************************************

Just one website article to report in this newsletter but it¹s a great one.
Following, is a link to an article about the horse¹s back on the
equine-behavior website.

http://www.equine-behavior.com/The_Horse's_Back.htm

*******************************************************************
Horsey Humor
*******************************************************************

Equestrian Definitions (author unknown)

If you're fairly new to the horse scene, you've probably heard more
experienced equestrians throwing around words you don't understand. For your
education and amusement, here are some definitions of common equestrian
terms.

Auction
     A popular, social gathering where you can change a horse from a
financial liability into a liquid asset.
Azoturia (Monday Morning Disease)
     a condition brought on by showing horses all weekend. Symptoms include
the feeling of dread at having to get out of bed on Mondays and go to work.
Barn Sour
     An affliction common to horse people in northern climates during the
winter months. Trudging through deep snow, pushing wheelbarrows through snow
and beating out frozen water buckets tend to bring on this condition
rapidly.
Big Name Trainer
     Cult Leader: Horse owners follow them blindly, will gladly sell their
homes, spend their children's college funds and their IRA's to support them-
as they have a direct link to "The Most High Ones" (Judges).
Bog Spavin
     The feeling of panic when riding through marshy area. Also used to refer
to horses who throw a fit at having to go through water puddles.
Bolt
     to gulp feed usually occurs with sandwiches at half-hour holds.
Bran
     A wheat by-product occasionally fed moistened to horses, most usually
applied as spackel or stucco on owner.
Colic
     The gastrointestinal result of eating at the food stands at horse shows.
Colt
     What your mare always gives you when you want a filly.
Contracted foot
     The involuntary/instant reflex of curling one's toes up - right before a
horse steps on your foot.
Corn
     small callus growths formed from the continual wearing of cowboy boots.
Cribbing
     The vice of chewing your pencils while worrying as you figuring cost of
next year¹s hay.
Drench
     Term used to describe the condition an owner is in after he administers
mineral oil to his horse.
Endurance ride
     The end result when your horse spooks and runs away with you in the
woods.
Equitation
     The ability to keep a smile on your face and proper posture while your
horse tries to crowhop, shy and buck his way around a show ring.
Feed
     Expensive substance utilized in the manufacture of large quantities of
manure
Fences
     Decorative perimeter structures built to give a horse something to chew
on, scratch against and jump over (see inbreeding).
Flea-bitten
     A condition of the lower extremities in horse owners who also own dogs
and cats.
Flies
     The excuse of choice a horse uses so he can kick you, buck you off or
knock you over - he cannot be punished.
Founder
     1.) The discovery of your loose mare-some miles from your farm, usually
in a flower bed or cornfield. Used like-"Hey, honey, I found'er." 2.) A
condition that happens to most people after Thanksgiving dinner
Frog
     Small amphibious animal that emits a high-pitched squeal when stepped
on.
Gallop
     The customary gait a horse chooses when returning to the barn
Gates
     Wooden or metal structures built to amuse horses.
Girth Sores
     Painful swelling and abrasion made at the point of mid-section by
fashionable large western belt buckles.
Green Broke
     The color of the face of the person who has just gotten the training
bill from the Big Name Trainer...
Grooming
     The fine art of brushing the dirt from one's horse and applying it to
your own body.
Grooms
     Heavy, stationary objects used at horse shows to hold down lawn chairs
and show bills. (see pit crews)
Hay
     A green itchy material that collects between layers of clothing,
especially in unmentionable places.
Head Shy
     A reluctance to use the public restrooms at any horse event. Always
applies to pit toilets.
Head Tosser
     A blonde-haired woman who wears fashion boots while working in the barn.
Heaves
     The act of unloading a truckful of hay.
Hobbles
     Describes the walking gait of a horse owner after his/her foot has been
stepped on by his/her horse.
Hock
     The financial condition that a horse owner goes into.
Hoof Pick
     Useful, curbed metal tool utilized to remove hardened dog doo from the
treads of your tennis shoes.
Horse Trailer
     Expensive movable urinal for horses. (and occasionally riders)
Horse shoes
     Expensive semi-circular projectiles that horses like to throw.
Inbreeding
     The breeding results of broken/inadequate pasture fencing.
Jumping
     The characteristic movement that an equine makes when given a vaccine or
has his hooves trimmed.
Lameness
     The condition of most riders after the first few rides each year; can be
a chronic condition in weekend riders.
Lead Rope
     A long apparatus instrumental in the administration of rope burns. Also
used by excited horses to take a handler for a drag.
Longeing
     A training method a horse uses on its owner with the purpose making the
owner spin in circles-rendering the owner dizzy and light-headed so that
they get sick and pass out, so the horse can go back to grazing.
Manure spreader
     Horse traders
Mosquitoes
     Radar equipped blood sucking insects that typically reach the size of
small birds.
Mustang
     The type of horse your husband would gladly trade your favorite one
for...preferably in a red convertible and V-8.
Overreaching
     A descriptive term used to explain the condition your credit cards are
in by the end of endurance/show season.
Parasites
     Small children (no flames please) that get in your way when you work in
the barn. Many gather in swarms at horse shows.
Pinto
     A colorful (usually green) coat pattern found on a freshly washed and
sparkling clean grey horse that was left unattended in his stall for ten
minutes.
Pit Crews
     Absolutely indispensable people occasionally noted for their ability to
get lost, be in the way, eat all the food, or be sleeping in the camper when
you finish a 100 mile ride.
Pony
     The true size of the stallion that you bred your mare to via transported
semen-that was advertised as 15 hands tall.
Proud Flesh
     The external reproductive organs flaunted by a stallion when a horse of
any gender is present. Often displayed in halter classes.
Quarter Cracks
     The comments that most Arabian owners make about the people who own
Quarter Horses.
Quittor
     A term trainers have commonly used to refer to their clients who come to
their senses and pull horses out of their barns.
Race
     What your heart does when you see the vet bill.
Rasp
     An abrasive, long, flat metal tool used to remove excess skin from the
knuckles.
Reins
     Break-away leather device used to tie horses with.
Ringworms
     Spectators who block your view and gather around the rail sides at horse
shows.
Sacking out
     A condition caused by Sleeping Sickness (see below). The state of deep
sleep a mare owner will be in at the time a mare actually goes into labor
and foals.
Saddle
     An expensive leather contraption manufactured to give the rider a false
sense of security. Comes in many styles, all feature built-in ejector seats.
Saddle Sore
     The way the rider's bottom feels the morning after an endurance ride
weekend.
Sleeping Sickness
     A disease peculiar to mare owners while waiting for their mares to foal.
Caused by nights of lost sleep, symptoms include irritability, red baggy
eyes and a zombie-like waking state. Can last several weeks.
Splint
     An apparatus that can be applied to various body parts of a rider due to
the parting of the ways of a horse and his passenger.
Stall
     What your truck does on the way to am endurance ride, 150 miles from the
closest town.
Tack Room
     A room where every item necessary to work with or train your horse has
been put, in a place which it cannot be found in less than 30 minutes.
Twisted Gut
     The feeling deep inside that most riders get before the endurance ride.
Versatility
     an owners ability to shovel manure, fix fences and chase down a loose
horse in one afternoon.
Vet Catalog
     An illustrated brochure provided to stable owners that features a wide
array of products that are currently out of stock or have been dropped from
a company's inventory.
Weaving
     The movement a horse trailer makes while going down the road with a
rambunctious horse in it.
Whip Marks
     The tell-tale raised welts on the face of a rider-caused by the trail
rider directly in front of you letting a low hanging ranch go. (Also caused
by a wet or dry horse tail across the face while cleaning hooves)
Windpuffs
     Stallion owners. Also applied to used car salesmen.
Withers
     The reason you'll seldom see a man riding bareback.
Yearling
     the age at which all horses completely forget the things you taught them
previously.
Youngstock
     A general term used for all equines old enough to bite, kick or run you
over, but not yet old enough to dump you on the ground.
Zoo
     The typical atmosphere around most horse owner¹s houses before a weekend
excursion.

*******************************************************************
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!

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@... .


*******************************************************************
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.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Training systems
2) Questions and answers
3) Fun and educational websites: equine behavior
4) Horsey Humor: How to take a photo of your foal
5) Free item exchange: breeches

*******************************************************************
Documentary update
*******************************************************************

It¹s nearly complete!  The Path of the Horse is a 60 minute documentary
exploring the future of horse-human relationships.  In the past year I have
gone around the world to interview people working on the leading edge with
horses.  Interviewees include Mark Rashid, Carolyn Resnick, Linda Kohanov,
Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, and Alexander Nevzorov.

The documentary should be available sometime in June and while I¹m looking
for the right marketing and distribution plan, I want to make special
pre-release copies available to the readers of this newsletter.  I need to
know how many copies I will need to make though so if you would email and
let me know if you¹d like a copy I can get a head start on that.  These
pre-release versions will be $25 for the first copy and $20 for additional
copies with $5 flat rate shipping but please do not send money yet, I just
need a count of how many to get made.  You can reply directly to this
newsletter or send it to my email at: stormy@... .

*******************************************************************
Feature: Training systems
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

Last month I began a series of articles with one entitled "Primum non nocere
- Do no harm".  The aim of this series is to re-evaluate what we're doing
with horses.  This way each person can have the information they need to
decide whether or not they want to continue in a traditional way with
horses, or to make the leap to a way which doesn't compromise the body or
spirit of a horse.

This month's focus is on training systems. For whatever reason, for over 20
years, my horse-training livelihood had been based on starting young horses
for competition and pleasure careers.  In the beginning, I learned how to
start horses from other trainers, books, and plenty of experimentation.

Even though it seems that there are hundreds of trainers and training
"systems" out there, their fundamentals are the same in nearly all cases.
Each might employ different exercises and tools to achieve the goals, but in
order to truly know a system we must first strip it down and ask, "What is
the horse's motivation?"

To proceed, it will help to know what ³operant conditioning² is.  Even if
you¹ve never heard the term before, if you¹ve trained anything in your life
including a horse, child, dog, or dolphin, you probably used a form of
operant conditioning.  Operant conditioning is defined as, ³the use of
consequences to modify the occurrence and form of behavior². In operant
conditioning, there are only 3 terms to consider, these are: reinforcement,
punishment, and extinction.

Reinforcement is a consequence to an action that results in the action being
performed with greater frequency, punishment is a consequence to an action
that results in the action being performed with less frequency, and
extinction refers to when there is no response to a behavior, which will
ultimately lead to the behavior occurring with less frequency.  The terms
³positive² and ³negative² are added clarify the procedures.  In this context
³positive² only refers to something being added, while ³negative² refers to
something being taken away.

So, the four main possibilities in operant conditioning are:

Positive reinforcement (abbreviated as R+) adding something desirable to
make the behavior more likely to happen again
Negative reinforcement (abbreviated as R-) taking away something undesirable
in order to make the behavior more likely to happen again
Positive punishment (abbreviated as P+) adding something undesirable in
order to make the behavior more likely to happen again
Negative punishment (abbreviated as P-) taking away something desirable in
order to make the behavior more likely to happen again

Now to simplify it, I need only to give examples.

Positive reinforcement: giving a child a treat after he has cleaned his room
Negative reinforcement: ³grounding² a child without privileges until he has
cleaned his room
Positive punishment: hitting a child when he has spilled his milk
Negative punishment: taking away a child¹s toy if he¹s not sharing it nicely
with others

In the horse world, these examples might look like this:

R+: giving a horse a carrot after she has come to the gate
R-: pulling on the right rein until the horse turns her head right
P+: whipping a horse when she refuses a jump
P-: not giving a horse grain after she was naughty during a ride

Now that we¹re familiar with operant conditioning we can return to the
question, ³What is the horse¹s motivation?²  If we extrapolate from these
examples, we can see that, stripped to their essentials, the horse¹s
motivation in most equine training systems is the avoidance or minimization
of pain.  These systems rely heavily on negative reinforcement and positive
punishment to motivate a horse to perform the behaviors we desire.  The one
exception I can think of is ³clicker training² which focuses on positive
reinforcement to create the desired behaviors.

Think of your favorite trainer.  If you want your horse to go forward,
what¹s the first thing you¹re taught to do?  Probably squeeze with your
legs.  If that doesn¹t work?  Kick.  If that doesn¹t work?  Kick harder.  If
that doesn¹t work? Whip or spur the horse.  And what are these examples of?
Negative reinforcement.  The horse¹s ³reward² is that the discomfort or pain
caused by the rider will (hopefully) stop when she goes forward. And what
have you been taught to do when your horse refuses to go in a stall, in a
trailer, or across a stream? Probably some combination of pulling on the
halter or bridle, kicking, hitting, whipping, or spurring. All of these are
examples ofŠ? Positive punishment.

Now, if you¹re a rider who has never trained your own horse and you have
been blessed with a horse who seems to ³get with the program² and to
cheerfully do what you request, then with all likelihood you haven¹t gone
into any deep questioning of your methods.  You found something that works
and you stick with it.  The difference between a horse who is considered
³trained² and one who is ³green² or ³difficult² is that the first horse, is
at a stage where the rider¹s cues can be refined and very subtle, perhaps a
simple nudge or shift of weight is all it takes to make the horse stop, go,
or turn.  The ³green² or ³difficult² horses are ones who are either still
unsure of what response will bring the least amount of pain, or they are in
a greater physical pain or state of fear that makes it easier to deal with
the blows from a whip or bit than with the pain of their own movements or
the fear of what they¹re being asked to do.

Over the years I was sent many horses who needed to be ³tuned up².  These
were horses that were typically great for the new owner for the first month
or so, and then they started to have ³problems².  In the past I would
explain it to the owner using gentle phrases like, ³the horse has learned
that he can get away with that² or ³ yes, you can¹t expect the horse to
maintain his level of training without some professional help².  Sounds
logical right?  What did that mean in plain English?  ³Either your timing is
off or your cues have become too soft and the horse needs to be reminded
about what the painful consequences are if he doesn¹t respond to a light
signal².  Some trainers are better than others at telling it like it is and
they have no qualms about drawing blood with their corrections if the horse
isn¹t ³getting it².  Others, like me, would half-heartedly make corrections,
constantly questioning themselves as to if it had to be this way,
particularly with the horses who seemed to need a heavy hand.  It¹s hard to
be successful in the business with this type of questioning always going on,
always stopping the whip or tug on the rein before it reaches its full
force.  This is what got me the reputation of being a ³gentle² horse
trainer.

During my most intensive period of questioning over the past year and a half
I had to question my own motivation.  Why did I want to be with horses?  The
most fundamental answer always has been that I want to experience a true
partnership with horses.  Looking back from my current perspective, it seems
distorted that I could consider that I would have a true partnership if I
could only control a horse through pain or threats of pain.  To be honest,
that was all I knew how to do with them.  True, I was good enough that the
cues could be refined down to mere nudges and shifts of weight, and even
bitless and bridleless riding, but the consequences of the horse disobeying
would always be to escalate the pain again until they decided it was better
to respond to a light cue.

Secondary and tertiary motivations crept in over the years.  I wanted to
make a living with horses; I wanted to win at competitions.  Somehow I
figured these would all fit together nicely with my primary motivation of
experiencing a true partnership with horses.  That assumption couldn¹t have
been farther from the truth.  During the time I spent working on the Path of
the Horse documentary, I gave up all of my motivations except the most
fundamental one, which is what initially drew me to horses.  I could no
longer fool myself; I didn¹t have the partnership I wanted so I set out to
find people who did and to learn from them.

The person I found who seemed to have it all was Alexander Nevzorov.  But it
wasn¹t good enough for me to simply see his videos and read his articles, I
needed to meet him, to watch his students in Russia and to find out for
myself if this was just a more subtle form of physical control, or if he did
indeed have a true connection with his horses without it being a result of
pain-inducing methods.

It felt like an initiation rite to be asked to give up bits, competitions,
and ultimately all forms of controlling the horse¹s head and the styles and
pleasures of riding that I had known in order to work with Alexander.  At
the time I couldn¹t conceive of why a horse would want to do anything with
me if I was stripped of all my tricks of manipulation.  But there he stood,
Alexander Nevzorov, with his horses leaping around him like overjoyed
puppies.

What sort of training system is this, where there is no common spoken
language and yet there is also no force, pain, or threats of pain?  Where
did it fit in the operant conditioning model?  It seemed to go beyond even
positive reinforcement and clicker training.  It actually seemed like the
horses had learned to do movements that made them bigger, more free, and
proud of their own accord.  What ways had this man found to bring all that
out in a horse?

His method is deceptively simple.  A person is never allowed to harm a
horse, especially for their own pleasures, and a person must study the
systems of a horse minutely so that she can be sure that she is never
harming a horse.  After that, it¹s a matter of spending time together, first
developing games and ultimately a communication system between horse and
human that is much stronger than any pain-induced training.

As I started to study the horse¹s anatomical, physiological, and myological
systems, I was startled to find that commonly accepted practices such as the
use of bits, shoes, and even the pressure of a rider all have negative
effects on a horse¹s well-being. The results of some of these studies will
be detailed in future articles.

I had found the way to develop a true partnership with a horse, and it
wasn¹t a training system at all, it¹s a way to develop two-way
communication.  The human steps into the role of educator; it is the human
who learns how to develop and bring out the horse¹s innate talents. What is
the horse¹s motivation?  To play, run, leap, rear, have fun, as well as to
work on more disciplined elements to build strength and flexibility, and to
do it all with a human who understands her and will protect her, having only
her best interests in mind.  Truly this is the future of horse-human
relationships for those of us who can recognize the spirit of a horse.

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************
Hi Stormy May,

Your newsletter used to be full of good info and training tips, in the past
couple of newsletters you are getting a bit ³out there²  Why don¹t we just
turn the horses back out on the range where they came from and then they
wouldn¹t have to have those oh so mean bits and saddles, ah yes that is
right,
the wolves and coyotes would eat them, or they would suffer and possibly
even
starve from having to fend for themselves, or injured from a wound not being
not tended and gangrene setting in.

Or why don¹t we just spend a bunch of money to pamper this horse as our
³hobby² as they are put on this planet for us to care for but not shudder
ride
or train.

If a person has a love of horses, wants to learn to train him so she is safe
on his back, and puts the best saddle she can afford on his back, a
specially
designed moisture wicking pad under it, soft protective boots on his fetlock
joints and an oh so gentle kk ultra French link snaffle bit in his mouth to
steer him with, what is the problem!  That horse is better cared for with
chiropractic, dental, massage therapist, routine vet exams, daily brushing,
vitamin and mineral supplements, glucoasamine supplements, hooves picked and
conditioned than most household pets, children or husbands.

I am not sure what medieval training methods you employed before this new
found soul searching, but my horses nicker to me on sight, leave off eating
their hay and put their nose right into the halter in my hands to be tacked
up
and ridden daily.

Your articles go out to many pony club families and with that comes
responsibility.  If you could tone down the propaganda in the future that
would be great, otherwise please take me off your email list.

Sincerely,
name withheld

Hi,

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, I know you speak for many
others as well.   I knew that being honest about this unexpected turn my
life has taken would alienate a lot of people.  We all sincerely try our
best in each moment to do what is right.  There is a saying in Pony Club
that ³Pony Club isn¹t for everybody².  There are some kids and families that
thrive on the discipline, high expectations and standards and there are
those who don¹t.  I think what I¹m doing now could have the same credo, it
isn¹t for everybody.

Sometimes our biggest gifts come from the most difficult situations.  As a
trainer, I was in the position to see more of the "problem" horses than the
average rider might come across.  It's true that some horses seem to get
with the program and very quickly and can give us a lifetime of pleasure.
Others make us question everything we're doing.  I had plenty of the second
type.

I started this newsletter to spread information to help what I was most
involved in at the time I started it in 2003, and that was Pony Club and
horse training.  Now, in 2008 my life is centered around a documentary that
led me around the world to find answers to some nagging questions.  The
newsletter has to follow my life, perhaps the Pony Club subscribers will
dwindle and people who want a different relationship with their horses will
grow, I don¹t know.  What I do know is that I can only write about what is
important to me in the moment.  The number of subscribers isn¹t as important
as being able to express what I¹m learning.  It sounds like you are happy
with your relationship with your horses so I will wish you happy trails and
remove you from the mailing list.

To unsubscribe you can just send a blank email to:

HorseManagementNewsletter-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

or click on the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the newsletter.

For those of you still reading this newsletter I feel a responsibility to
share the direction I see it going to give each person a better idea of
whether they want to remain subscribed or not.  I've gained many things in
this past year of following my dream to meet and interview the people I most
respect in the horse world.  One of the things I've gained is an inner
strength to follow my own guidance without worrying about whether it's
popular, going to get me a big paycheck, or win me friends.

One of the things that people respected me for in Pony Club was that I was
kind, thoughtful, fair, knowledgeable, and an inspiration.  None of those
qualities have gone away.  If anything, they have grown stronger and more
clear.  I see a bigger picture now, and I see how it is hurtful to each of
us to continue deluding ourselves about our relationships with our horses.
This is certainly not a popular opinion, and the person I was in 2003 would
shudder to think that I would say such things and alienate so many people.

I understand that the current readership of this newsletter mostly comes
from my Pony Club background.  You are horse owners and lovers who truly try
your best, believe me, I understand that.  It is now my responsibility to
you to share what I have learned.  My greatest wish is that people will be
able to hear the information...it might be gritty, it might be
uncomfortable, it might feel too "out there"...I have no way of gauging how
it will be received.  As a teacher of mine says, "Take what you can and
leave the rest".

As for the actual direction the newsletter will take in the next few months,
I plan to share some of the scientific findings that I've come across
regarding the common practices that we do with our horses.  I also will
detail some of the theories we use in working with horses that deserve a
second look.

My intention will never be to put anybody down or become mean or nasty about
anything.  I am here to shine a light on what is happening and to inspire
people to take a closer look into their own relationships with their horses,
and to find another level that is possible.  I couldn't be so sure about
this path if I hadn't walked it myself and seen the places it leads.  As
always, use your own judgment, your own feelings, your own research, your
own experiences to test it all out.  If it doesn't ring true for you,
continue with what works for you.  There are thousands of horse trainers out
there who can help.

If you can hear what I'm saying with an attitude of "Hmmm, that's
interesting, I wonder if it's true or if it might help me with my horse?"
rather than "Stormy's lost it, she thinks we're all abusing our horses."
then you have already taken the first step, let's continue this exploration!

Thanks for being real,
Stormy

***************************************
Dearest Stormy,

I hesitate in giving you my thoughts. Your horse management emails must be
like fishes and loaves... multiplying...in a good way that many put to good
use and feel empowered by.

I was distressed by the Derby. My farrier, a good ol boy of 58 years who
carves wood as well as trims hoofs, said we race way too early for these
young
fillies and colts to contend with. I see it in humans. Kids blow out their
knees in 9th grade playing sports. My farrier tells me in Europe that they
don't race until they are 5 years old. What can we do to change things...to
enlighten
everyone?  It's really a difficult task because the public at large sees
horses in a benign setting and have no idea that a 1,000 lb animal is just
as
dangerous...scared...as a 1,000 lb prey animal on the prowl.

I know you are doing incredible work in the video world to enlighten us.
One
light lights another. What can you inspire in me to do...what can I inspire
an
already enlightened person to do?

Julie

Hi Julie,

Thank you so much for your thoughts and concern.  In a sad way I am glad
about what happened in the Derby, it will help shine a light on what is
really going on.  There are websites that track the statistics of racehorse
breakdowns and it is truly frightening to see.   One of the arguments that
was being used to justify horse racing is that horses love to run.  Well in
that case, we can justify using pain to force a 9 year old child to be an
Olympic gymnast because as we all know, children love to run and jump.

The first step is not to point a finger at someone else, it is to point it
at ourselves and to see where in our own lives we do the same things.  Where
do we compromise our own well being in exchange for money?  Where do we make
it more important to win or achieve something rather than to allow ourselves
to develop naturally and find the sweetness in the little moments of our
lives?  Through understanding ourselves in each moment (a lifetime task)
what rests at the end of that journey is an ability to see other peoples¹
struggles and feel compassion for them.  It is by rooting out all of our own
obstacles that we will finally be able to see what is needed in any
situation to truly help another being.  Until this happens, it is like one
drowning person trying to save another.  Yet what I¹m talking about is also
the hardest task at all.  It is infinitely easier to write letters to
senators, petition governing bodies, even to organize a protest and get
coverage on the evening news.  But who has the strength to see the seeds of
all violence within themselves?  Stay tuned for the documentary and it will
help make sense of this all.

Do take care,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************
The following is an interesting equine behavior site.  Be sure to look at
the free articles link.

www.equine-behavior.com

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: How to Take a Photo of Your Foal
********************************************************************
from Beth Glass

1. Remove film from box and load camera.
2. Remove film box from foal's mouth and throw in corner of lot.
3. Remove foal from corner and brush dirt from muzzle.
4. Choose a suitable background for photo.
5. Mount camera on tripod and focus.
6. Coax foal into pre-focused spot and return to camera.
7. Find foal again.
8. Forget about pre-focused spot and remove camera from tripod.
9. Chase around after foal, trying to look nonchalant.
10.Focus with one hand and fend off foal with the other hand.
11.Get tissue and clean nose print from camera lens.
12.Find foal again.
13.Unfold tripod from scrambled mess in dirt.
14.Find foal again.
15.Put cat in tack room and put peroxide on scratch on foal's nose.
16.Find foal again.
17.Try to get foal's attention by squeaking a toy over your head.
18.Replace your glasses and check camera for damage.
19.Fix a drink.
20.Sit back, relax and drink and resolve to teach foal "whoa" and "stand"
first thing in the morning.

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

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

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

I have quite a few pairs of breeches looking for a good home.  They are
mostly size 28 with some 30 and one a bit larger, perhaps 34.  They are
various colors, brands and styles ranging from schooling sweats to name
brands like Pikeur and Euro-Star.  I¹d prefer to send all of them to one
home and then they can be distributed as needed.  Send an email to
stormy@... if you¹d like to be the lucky recipient!

Also, once I get a chance to go through my things I¹ll have lots of training
equipment to give away so stay tuned to this segment in the coming months.

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

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!

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Primum non nocere
2) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Hoof care DVD
3) Fun and educational websites: Deb Bennett article, trimming advice
4) Horsey Humor: Horse 1.0
5) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: Primum non nocere
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

If riders took the Hippocratic oath required of physicians, the horse world
as we know it today would immediately cease to exist.  Primum non nocere -
do no harm.

The best fitting saddle can only achieve one thing, it can evenly distribute
the pressure of the rider and saddle on the horse's back.  Horse magazines,
veterinary journals and texts are filled with articles detailing how to
rehabilitate horses from back injuries but the best they can offer in
regards to preventing the injuries is to suggest proper saddle fit and
proper conditioning of the back muscles.  The bigger problem is the amount
pressure itself, no matter how well it is distributed, or how well the
muscles are conditioned.

There is nothing benevolent about a bit.  Even the best fitted, "mildest"
bit has only one function, to cause pain.  This might seem to be a shocking
statement at first glance but that's only because we're used to operating
under a collective illusion.  Society tells us that we're doing the best for
our horses.  We give them the best hay, supplements, foot care, veterinary
care, we spend thousands of dollars on the best fitted saddles, perfectly
designed bits, spurs of just the right length, and even whips with cute
little hands on them, to give the horse a gentle "love pat" when it's time
to get going.

It's like having an ergonomically correct electric chair or spiked high
heels with a tiny toe cushion.  It looks absolutely absurd when we see the
larger picture.

When we are causing pain to another being for our own pleasure, we can never
have the sort of relationship that we're fantasizing about.  We have horses
who go where we say, when we say, at the gait we specify.  We consider them
"safe" and "bombproof", or perhaps they "need an advanced rider" or "are a
little resistant".  We think our horses love it when we spend hours on their
backs, jumping obstacles, running around barrels, venturing out to the wide
open spaces.

All our training has done is turned the horses into puppets, when we pull
the right rein, the head turns right, when we squeeze the barrel, the hind
leg steps over.  Is there any room to consider the horse's well-being in
this scenario?  "Of course," we tell ourselves, "if the horse is injured or
sick I will get him the best care, I would never push him past his limits, I
love him!"

Now let's take a look at this from the larger perspective, if you knew
without a doubt that you were causing compromised circulation, leading to
pain, numbness, and the destruction of muscle tissue in the horse's back,
would you continue to do it?  If you knew that the use of bits and all
traditional horse training methods (including the popular "natural
horsemanship") is based on negative reinforcement, and positive punishment,
would you be so sure that your horse enjoys doing what he's told?

What is your ultimate goal?  Is it to win at a horse show, to "have fun" by
going out on a trail ride with friends?  There is no doubt a thrill
associated with achieving these goals.  History has shown us the best way to
achieve these goals, it's called training.  Training for these goals creates
a victim, that victim is the horse.

If a "horse lover" is able to uncover what is at the root of her love for
the horse, she might be surprised.  She might discover that all the ribbons,
the accolades, and the hours spent doing "fun" activities that compromise
the well-being of the horse were not what originally drew her to horses.  It
is perhaps the most basic human desire that we want to experience love.  Do
you want to experience yourself as a kind and loving person, respectful of
all life, a person who has true partnership with another being?  Training
will not get you these.

To break through this illusion that we are doing the best for our horses, we
must be willing to reevaluate everything that we currently take for granted.
We must be willing to see things as they are and to call abuse, abuse and
torture, torture rather than cloaking it in euphemisms such as schooling and
correction.

In future issues of this newsletter we will take a closer look at areas that
we must re-evaluate if we humans are going to evolve in consciousness.  We
have the potential to evolve from beings who need to control every element
of their external environment in order to feel safe, to ones who feel the
connection between things and who can feel safety even in the midst of
turmoil because they see a larger perspective.

The first step is Primum non nocere - do no harm.

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: The Chosen Road video series
*******************************************************************

The Chosen Road is a video series by farrier KC La Pierre that gives
fantastic depth in understanding the equine foot.  The production value is
not very high but it is more than made up for by the information it
contains.  The video series contains four segments including: theory, horse
handling for hoof care providers, performance hoof care, and an actual
dissection of a horse's foot.

Read more about it here:

http://www.equinepodiatry.net/books.html

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

The following is a link to an article written by Dr. Deb Bennett and Dr.
Robert Hoffmann in 1999.  It traces the origin of the species Equus Caballus
around the globe as it branches into the subspecies responsible for the
variety of horses we see today from drafts to miniatures.  It also includes
valuable explanations and diagrams of the horse's locomotive system,
explanation of genetics, behavior, and reproduction.  It's more exhaustive
than any encyclopedia reference I've seen about horses.

http://www.equinestudies.org/knowledge_base/mammalian.html

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

Find out more about farrier KC La Pierre and his hoof trimming methods here:

www.equinepodiatry.net

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Horse 1.0
********************************************************************

Dear Tech Support:

Recently I purchased and installed Horse 1.0. I soon noticed that  this
program appears to have numerous glitches. For instance, every  time my
computer boots up, I have to run Feed 5.3 and Water 7.1. Many times I've
been in the middle of writing an important document, and a window will flash
telling me to run Clean Stall 2.0. This program also contained applications
I did not wish to install, such as Manure 8.5, however they auto-installed
with Horse 1.0.

Applications such as Vacation 2.7 and Free Time 10.1 can no longer run,
crashing whenever selected. Possibly the worst is that Horse 1.0 has
attached itself to programs like Finance Manager and MS Money, with folders
added such as "Monthly Shoeing" and "Winter Blanket". Periodically, I'll get
a reminder telling me to send a check to the manufacturer of Horse 1.0 for
the aforementioned items.

I have tried to uninstall Horse 1.0 numerous times, but when I try to run
the uninstall program, I get warning messages telling me that a deadly virus
known as "Withdrawal" will infect my system. Please Help!!!!!


Dear User,

Your complaint is not unusual. A common misconception among users is that
Horse 1.0 is a mere "utilities and entertainment program." It is not- it is
an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its' creator to run everything! A
warning will soon be imprinted on the box.

Since you have already installed Horse 1.0, here are a few tips on how to
make it run better. If you are annoyed by the applications Feed 5.3 and
Water 7.1, you may run C:\HIRE HELP, however this will cause another folder
to be added to financial applications, labeled "Staff". Failure to send
payment to "Staff" will result in Feed 5.3 and Water 7.1 being run again on
startup.

A note of caution: NOT booting up your computer for several days isn't the
solution to avoiding Feed 5.3 and Water 7.1. You will find that, when you
boot up your computer again, a nasty virus called "Colic 4.2" will have
attached itself to important documents and the only way to rid your computer
of Colic 4.2 is by purchasing and installing "Vet 10.1", which we admit is
extremely expensive, but crucial. Otherwise, Colic 4.2 will cause
irreversible damage to the operating system.

Finally, it is important that you run C:\Carrots and C:\Scratch Ears on a
fairly regular basis to keep the application running smoothly. If you have
any more questions, please call our toll free number.

Sincerely,

Tech Support

Author unknown
********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: A parent's frustration
2) Questions and answers: bitless ratings?
3) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: The Equus Illustrated Handbook of
Equine Anatomy
4) Fun and educational websites: Horses for Life online magazine
5) Horsey Humor: 33 Truths About Horses
6) Free item exchange

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

This month's feature is going to focus on a question I got from a parent
looking for advice.  What she told me was so timeless that I thought a lot
of readers of this newsletter could relate to her situation.  I'm in the
final stages of editing the Path of the Horse documentary now and that will
explain more clearly what my answer to her here is trying to convey.

*******************************************************************
Feature: A parent's frustration
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

My daughter was involved in a Pony Club that you came and visited.

We bought her a horse that we are having trouble with and I am sad to say, I
think needs a new home.

He's a 6 year TB that is physically very well put together (very compact and
stout) and is healthy but seems to have a pretty bad attitude that we cannot
seem to work with.  Both this winter and last, he went through a very
unhappy, grumpy phase, clearly at being penned up in a stall during the
muddy months but then it comes out in biting, kicking and even rearing.  The
last behavior is the one I can't really work with!  We put him with a
trainer last year  who has a "natural horsemanship" orientation who
essentially restarted the horse.  We had a good summer with him last year,
took him to many schooling shows and my daughter won several blue ribbons on
him.  He was great with the horse but it became clear that he didn't really
like the horse and was encouraging us to sell him.  I maintained that this
horse was the one we owned (and had paid $10,000 for the previous year) and
that I wanted to see the trainer take the horse and my daughter as far as
they could go together.  After 8 months with this trainer, we moved the
horse closer to home, hoping to find a situation that would work as well,
thinking we had worked through the "trouble spots".

Ah, it was not to be.  The horse was fine for the first few months but took
a turn back to the old behavior recently and the trainer we are now with is
not interested in working with rearing.  I am devastated since we have put a
lot of time and energy not to mention money into this horse and now are in a
position to find a new home for him.  If I had a big enough pot of money,
I'd keep this one and find another safer one for my daughter to ride.  I
can't really have a horse that intimidates everyone at the barn (although
not my daughter!).  It's unrealistic for me to move him to get the situation
where he would be more content (a pasture) with a patient educator and to
keep my daughter riding at the same time.

I have a friend riding the horse right now and I do so wish he was looking
for another horse - he is not afraid of the rearing and rides this horse
beautifully.  I intend to video tape them today.

What I need is to find a person who will give this horse a chance and work
through the behavior as I believe that this horse has great potential.

I would love your input and any ideas that you may have - I truly want to do
the best thing for this horse and don't really have the funds to do that
myself - nor am I interested in riding a horse that rears - I've gotten
beyond that kind of riding in my old age!

-A frustrated parent


Hi frustrated,

Unfortunately, your story is one I hear over and over again.  It was a
situation that ultimately drove me to stop being a horse trainer and riding
instructor and to go off and really find what was at the root of problems
like yours.  The silver lining to all of this is that I found the answer
although it¹s not something that most people are ready to hear.

Your horse has given you a gift.  It took me 11 years of fighting with one
particular mare in order to start to receive this gift.  Hopefully you and
others can learn from my experience and not have to take the same amount of
time.  The mare I had gotten as a 6 month old filly, she was going to be my
Grand Prix dressage horse.  She moved more like a deer than a horse and I
was in love.  As she grew up, she proved herself to be a very sweet if
somewhat insecure horse.  My first times on her back were with no tack, I
just jumped on from the rail of her corral.  She was completely relaxed with
all of it.  From there it went downhill.  When I started formal training
sessions with the saddle and bit it all seemed to overwhelm her.  I seemed
to forever be starting from ground zero, often literally after she threw me
off.  Being the extremely stubborn and persistent person that I am, I
figured that if I just kept with it for long enough, she would give in and
see that my way was right.  Well, I had finally met my match.  I knew she
was trying to tell me something but I couldn¹t reconcile it with what I knew
up until that point.  I tried everything I could think of from the most
gentle to the most harsh techniques, I tried animal communicators,
acupuncture, herbs, a double bridle, spurs, different saddles, shoes,
different places, even different people riding her.  Most new techniques
would give me a small window of better results, but then it always reverted
back to the struggle.  I even thought seriously about what a friend had done
with her bucking Trakehner, she sold her to a rodeo string.

Einstein once said, ³A problem¹s solution can not come from the same level
where the problem originated.²  All of my fixes had one thing in common,
they were meant to change her.  The only thing that needed to change was me.
She was perfectly equipped to be a horse but I had forgotten what it means
to be a human.

We love horses so much yet there are some hidden things that we love even
more than our horses.  We love getting our way.  We love feeling in control.
We love when society tells us we¹re winners.  We love it when someone else
bends over backwards so that we can feel more comfortable.  We love it when
other people tell us how to solve our problems.

If we want a horse to truly open to us, we must have his best interests in
mind.  If we don¹t, we will do things that breach his trust.  A horse will
start to close to a person the moment he senses or feels that he is not
being treated in a fair way.  It is so difficult to explain this since it
all happens in a realm without words, but perhaps if I find some close words
and a person has had a similar experience they can put the two together.
This closing can happen between all living creatures as far as I can tell.
An example would be that if you catch your spouse in a lie, there is
something that is broken in that moment that probably will never be fully
repaired.  If a horse experiences pain by something we do knowingly, or even
unknowingly, he will relate that to being with us, especially if it happens
over and over again.

When a person is at the stage where they are willing to be completely honest
with themselves, then all of their relations must be reevaluated.  What I
have come to see in my own reevaluation was the amount of confusion, pain,
and lies I was responsible for both towards myself and the horses.  When I
look back at it I can¹t judge myself too harshly, I was following what I had
been taught, as most others are doing.  People typically don¹t knowingly go
out and cause harm to others, it¹s just an unfortunate byproduct of this
society.  But the clean-up doesn¹t start by going out and righting wrongs
that we see others are doing, it starts by righting them within ourselves,
the only thing we truly have control of, and even that is questionable at
times.  When a person sees within herself the countless wounds, she can only
have compassion for the wounds of others that cause people and animals to
act out in the ways that they do.

The more we are able to stand in the role of both educator and student in
relation to other beings (four legged, two legged, many or no-legged), the
more practice we get in living from love. The paradigm of training lives in
the realm of Ego which feeds on fear and control. It ultimately isn't for
the horse's good that we must re-examine who we are in relation to other
beings, it is for ourselves, and in being more fully ourselves, we will be
able to save each other.

So, by your letter I doubt that you are ready to seriously consider what it
would mean to keep this horse but that¹s ok too.  The best step to take in
any moment is to try to see yourself as clearly and objectively as possible.
If it¹s more important to you that your daughter have a horse that she can
continue her riding and showing career on I¹m sure you¹ll be able to find
one.  If you¹re not satisfied with giving up on this lesson and moving on to
the next, then there is a whole new world that is available but at this
point in time there will not be the same level of external support for what
you¹re doing.  The internal shifts though will be life-changing.

See clearly,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

I hope all is going well with you and your Path of the Horse.  We are very
much looking forward to it.  We are having so much fun with the bitless
bridle and cannot thank you enough.  You have truly changed our horse life
here.  All of our horses, including our boarders, are bitless now and I have
a friend at a big stable that is now bitless and drawing interest there.
One thing became clear quite some time ago..and that there is no turning
back, and that meant some major changes.  It makes it a hard sell in Pony
Club because it means the end of competition unless you only want to jump!!
My daughter Sarah talked to someone on the Dressage committee for USPC
nationals and found out that a girl did get permission from them last year
to go bitless.  We are wondering if you know any more about CDS (California
Dressage Society) or USDF (United States Dressage Federation) have any
thoughts about allowing bitless any time soon..because Pony Club will then
follow.  Sarah rode bitless in a Christmas musical freestyle fundraiser for
our local club...and one of the kids also rode Sarah's horse bitless in her
own kur.  We figure that the more people who see it as a "safe" way to ride
the more the idea will take hold.  I think most people are afraid to try and
want to know where the "control" is.  And interested Pony Clubbers get
discouraged because they can't compete bitless in dressage.  We are trying
to find out if there are loopholes that will allow bitless longeing at
ratings.  We have two horses that do best if longed first and it is amazing
that they come get on their circle and wait for voice commands...with no
tack at all..no longe line...they seem to just plain like the
"conversation."  They love to come up to us in the open and get a quick
massage.  I wish we didn't live so far away because both Sarah and I would
love to spend some time to see what all you're doing and discovering.  We
know that we are leap years behind where you are in changing our
relationships with our horses, but just the little way we have come is so
very exciting to us.

Take care,
Carolyn McCarthy, HMO Southern California region USPC

Hi Carolyn,

It is so gratifying to hear that you have all gone bitless.  I think that's
what it will really take, people to just jump in and try it and become
advocates themselves.  You're right, it's hard to go back once you see what
is possible.

Regarding your questions:

It is a little known fact that at any rating, if a rider has a valid reason
for needing to ride bitless, the examiners have the power to allow that in
all phases.  This was one of the arguments that the NE's used when deciding
to not change the rules was that this exception was already in place.  The
Pony Clubber might need to do some research to find an acceptable reason to
be going bitless but the information is out there.  For example, horse
skulls in museums were studied and it was found that 75% of them had bone
spurs on the bones of their lower jaws from the use of a bit.  The ones that
didn't have bone spurs may or may not have been subjected to bits.

Here's a link to a very interesting article about how to remove bone spurs
so the horse can go back to wearing a bit!!!

http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/aaep/2002/910102000458.pdf

CDS and USDF are educational organizations and don't have any say about the
rules of dressage, those are filtered down from the FEI.  Dr. Cook has been
petitioning the FEI for over 10 years now to get bitless bridles allowed but
they don't show any signs of changing.  That's why I think Pony Club is in a
better position to start the move since they already have exceptions that
allow things like pelhams, grass reins, etc... in dressage so why not also
allow bitless bridles for the sake of the horses, especially since we're
talking about kids here, and not the skilled hands of master horsemen.

Regarding longeing at ratings, of course there's the loophole I already
mentioned (I would suggest for the kids to make sure and check with their
examiner ahead of time and if there's a problem to talk to the head of the
NE committee) but there's also a way to hook up the longe line which is
perfectly acceptable and even preferable to some examiners where the horse
is wearing a snaffle bit, but the longe line pressure is completely on the
noseband.  It is illustrated on page 163 of the B/HA/A manual.  The line
goes through the bit ring on the side closest to the longer, then around the
noseband on the same side and hooks back to itself.  Even though the bit is
in the loop, since the noseband is also included the pressure is only on the
noseband.

Keep educating,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
*******************************************************************

The Equus Illustrated Handbook of Equine Anatomy, Volume 1, the
musculoskeletal system: the anatomy of movement and locomotion

This is a very handy reference book for anyone who wants to understand the
mechanics of what is going on under a horse's skin.  It's easy to forget
that those are flesh and blood animals who have limitations and pains just
like we do.  This book is a good start towards educating yourself.

Here's a link to take a look at it including some excerpts from the book
itself:

http://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Handbook-Equine-Anatomy-Musculoskeletal/dp
/1929164335/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Horses for Life is an online magazine that is based on a perspective that we
need to re-examine our relationships with horses.  There are many thought
provoking articles to read without a subscription and even more available
with a subscription.

Take a look here:

www.horsesforlife.com

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Subject: 33 Truths About Horses
********************************************************************

1. People who don't take care of their own horses will be the first ones to
tell you how to care for yours.

2. You should never buy a cheap girth!

3. A handsome horse who's badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in
about 15 min.

4. People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding, hit the
ground the hardest.

5. Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical
dispositions.

6. The richest horse people often look the poorest.

7. The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.

8. A solitary ride through the bush is more beneficial then six months with
the best psychiatrist.

9. The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on
the horse.

10. The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is
that horses don't care how you look.

11. If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he's asking he's usually
worth half that much.

12. The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their
horse.

13. I can recognize another horse person no matter what town, city, state,
county or country I visit.

14. You can never have too many hoof picks.

15. It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you by 1,000
pounds.

16. I'd rather have a horse with a perfect mind then a perfect head.

17.  Miniature horses don¹t count as real horses so you can have as many as
you want.

18. If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have, if you
think you have closed the pasture gate you haven't.

19. When someone asks you if you like their horse always say yes.

20. The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one
deranged goat.

21. If you're looking for the perfect horse you will never own one.

22. Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it.

23. I'd rather lose my Chap Stick than my mane comb

24. A horse person wants to talk about their own horse more than to hear
about  yours.

25. If someone says that horse has a little buck, it has a BIG buck.

26. If we need rain, schedule a show.

27. I've never warmed up to someone that didn't want to walk down to the
stables.

28. A clean stable and a sparkling horse are among life's great pleasures.

29. Even given away horses can be too expensive. Especially give away
horses.

30. No matter how badly behaved you are, your horse always gives you a
second chance.

31. A more expensive horse doesn't make a better one.

32. I can't stand to have an empty stable.

33. Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.

Author unknown

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Training versus Educating
2) Recommended products and services: Free teen horse novel by Anastasia
Burke
3) Questions and answers: bit noise
4) Fun and educational websites: operant conditioning, horses in the stars
5) Horsey Humor: Living with O.C.E.A.N. Syndrome
6) Free item exchange: 4 free appys

*******************************************************************
Feature: Training versus Educating
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

I've been thinking, researching, and testing a lot lately in regards to
educating, training, riding, and life.  The Path of the Horse documentary
I'm currently editing has created more questions than answers that I think
it's good for each of us to ask in our own lives.

The main issues that seem to recur are the difference between training and
educating, the different behaviors needed to achieve each, and the different
results each will give.  I hope this article will spark enough interest to
look at the questions and see how they apply to your own situation.

I don't know that there is any concrete difference in the English language
made between the words training and educating other than in general the
former is used to refer to modifying animal behavior and the latter is more
often used in regards to modifying human behavior.

If I were to venture to differentiate between the two, I would define
training as a set method of modifying a being's physical behavior to one
that is acceptable to the trainer.  Educating, I would say, must be a way to
inspire the mental capacities of a being so that he or she is more flexible
and better adapted to change and flow with the surrounding circumstances.

Almost all horsemanship methods that I have run across are designed to train
the horse, not educate.  The end result people are looking for whether they
realize it or not is something similar to a reliable motorcycle that can
take them out on the trails or around the competition arena safely.  When
the rider/trainer runs into a problem, they are usually quick to consult a
book, friend, tack store employee or other expert in order to get a method
or device they can apply to quickly make the "problem" go away whether it's
bucking, biting, ring sour, barn sour, kicking, running through the bit, or
any one of thousands of possible undesirable behaviors.

What would it look like to educate a horse?  The closest history has shown
us are a handful of horses like Clever Hans or Beautiful Jim Key, horses who
seemed to be able to use their intellect to do clever tricks people admired
like counting, adding, and in Jim Key's case, even spelling, making change
and having political opinions regarding the matters of the day.

While those tricks might be impressive and lead some people to think that
horses might have more going on in their brains than we give them credit
for, I think we might be missing something important.  Horses are creatures
who have successfully evolved over millions of years, not because they could
count or spell or build houses, but because they are so innately attuned to
nature that they are infinitely more capable of surviving in the wild than
we are.  They understand the importance of fitting into a cohesive herd,
they can sense the danger of predators lurking unseen, and they can raise
their young to be able to fit harmoniously into the herd and carry on
generation after generation.  Horses in the wild don't create problems like
addictions, stress, antisocial behavior, lying, or pollution.

One of the basic premises of educating has to be that the teacher regards
the student as a being who is capable of having her own opinions.  The
teacher must be respectful of those opinions even when they differ from the
teacher's.  The teacher, in contrast to the trainer, must see that the being
she is working with has intelligence.  It doesn't necessarily have to be the
same intelligence tested in IQ tests.  The examples I gave above about areas
where horses are more intelligent than we are should be sufficient to see
that even the most average horse does indeed possess intelligence.

Once the paradigm is shifted from training to educating, a person might well
ask, "If horses are more intelligent than we are in these areas then why
would we think we could educate them, shouldn't they be educating us?"  The
answer might be surprising.  How many times have we heard parents comment on
how much they learn from their children?  Those little beings seem to spring
forth just to remind us of how much we've forgotten about the wonder of
life, the joy of play, and simple things like mud pies and playing dress-up.
Of course in the same vein, there are countless things horses can educate us
about if we are willing to give up some of our busy schedules and just hang
out in the pasture with them.

In any horse herd, there is constantly a shaping of behavior going on
between herd members.  A new member quickly learns who he can buddy with,
who to avoid, who gets to eat first, who gets to stand in the best shade
spot and other practicalities like that.  When a horse comes into contact
with a human, that shaping continues whether we're aware of it or not.  A
horse pushing or kicking is simply acting out the way he best knows to sort
out the order so that harmony can be restored in the herd.  How many times
have we seen these behaviors go on between people and horses for years and
years, not the few minutes that they would take to be resolved in a healthy
horse herd?

There is a lot of talk, especially in "Natural Horsemanship" circles about
doing things to make us seen as the alpha horse.  This argument has been
used to justify things that would be undeniably classified as torture if
they were done to a fellow human being.  Just listen to any documentary
about slavery or the extermination of the Native Americans and you will see
that the only difference between what we used to do to people (who we didn't
classify as human beings at that time) and what we do to horses today is
that we say we love our horses.

I can't except myself from this either.  I've realized that most of us who
were born as horse lovers and set out to find how to be with horses stumbled
across different people who showed us what they had been taught by someone
who taught them who learned it from someone before that and on and on back
to the beginning of people being with horses.  It's a huge, largely
unexamined system that probably had its renaissance during medieval times.
I know that I was taught that a certain amount of positive punishment
(adding something undesirable, like hitting or pulling on the bit in order
to make a behavior less likely to happen in the future) is a necessary part
of horse training.  I looked around me and everyone was doing it and it even
seemed to work.  The horse would go through some intense pain for a period
of time and then eventually he would usually stop doing the undesirable
behavior.  It seemed that the ends justified the means.

But I began to question what it really got me.  It got me a being who would
do what I said when I said it and with a certain amount of competence.  It
got me ribbons at horse shows, it got me riding students to teach and it got
me a pasture full of horses to train.  Most people would look at that and
call me successful.  It also gave me a thick wall between myself and the
horse.

By some miracle, I woke up out of the collective dream of what success with
horses looks like and realized that the daily punishment I doled out to
those I said I loved was no longer acceptable.  It didn't happen overnight,
it was the end result of many steps I took away from the traditional horse
world.  When I finally got far enough away to be able to have some
perspective I could not believe the things that I had accepted previously.

I realized that what that little horse lover inside of me originally wanted
was a true heart connection with a horse.  I wanted a connection where we
just enjoyed spending time together playing or doing things that we both
discovered for ourselves.   I wanted to speak horse language and converse as
clearly as if with my best human friend.  Not only did I want this
connection with horses, but I wanted it with all life.  I wanted to live in
a world maybe a little like the hobbit land of Tolkein or C.S. Lewis'
Narnia.  How far had I gone off course?

It seemed that if I could step out of the role of trainer and into being an
educator, being respectful of the other beings I was in contact with it
would be a good place to start.  Of course, just as the best educators learn
as much from their students as they hope to teach, I saw myself also as a
student of the horse.  I set out to learn from the horses themselves rather
than all the so-called "horse experts" who only walked on two legs.

I can honestly say that I'm not sure where the education of horses will take
me but at this point it has made me into a person that I am happy to live
with, with 4 horses who are getting closer every day.  It is a path I choose
to walk whether or not others around me can even see the difference.
Interestingly enough, it's been the people around the barn who aren't "horse
people" who most often have the most insightful comments on the differences
they see between what I do with horses and what others are doing.

If you haven't seen the trailer for the Path of the Horse documentary yet,
it's posted at www.stormymay.com .  The documentary should be out this
spring, you can sign up for updates on its progress on the same website.

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Free teen novel
*******************************************************************

Anastasia Burke is a fellow writer, Horse Management Newsletter subscriber,
and author of a free online novel written especially for teens.  You might
remember her as the author of the Barn Bullies article in this newsletter
last year.  She has been posting a chapter a week in a new blog novel since
the middle of January so there is plenty already on the site to read.

Here's what Anastasia wrote:

Last year I wrote a Y/A novel about a young three-day rider. I finished it
in December, but quite frankly, I need to get back to my paying job of
copywriting and freelancing. I just don't have time to market it to an agent
or publisher.

Since my primary goal was to challenge myself to write the book--and since
I've had 14 young riders from across the country reading it along the way,
to ensure I'm getting it right--I thought, "I really just want to put it out
there for people to enjoy."

Check out the story at:

http://boxofstarsanastasiaburke.blogspot.com/

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************
Notice from Stormy: I've had this question and answer section for nearly 5
years now and I'm noticing how in that time I've changed so much.  The
question below I wrote an answer to over a month ago and even now, rereading
it I can see how it might be an answer that the person can use but it's not
in the best interest of the horse.  After this issue I will do my best to
answer in the best interest of the horse from what I know now.

Hi!

I so hope you can help me.  I purchased a gorgeous Paint to show western
pleasure.  The only problem is the NOISE, it is deafening!!  She chewed it a
little bit when I saw her at the barn she came from, but now it¹s horrible.
Any time you ask her to WORK, ie...put her head down, go into the lope she
does this most annoying chomp on the bit.  She is too old to use the bitless
bridles at the show.

She does have respiratory issues, allergies, but since I bought her and have
kept her outside she is about 100% better in the fact of no coughing.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

Thanks!
Cyndi via the Internet

Hi Cyndi,

Thanks for listening to your horse, she¹s trying to tell you something.
Most likely there is some sort of pain in the mouth.  Often it can¹t be seen
but horses frequently develop bone spurs on their bars in which case you
would never find a bit that is comfortable for her.  I would suggest trying
a couple of things.  First of all, even though it might not be legal for
showing (check the rules) I¹d put her in a gentle sidepull type bridle (or
even a halter, or best yet, the Bitless Bridle) while you retrain her to
respond solely to your seat and weight cues.  Basically you might need
someone to teach you how to train a horse to go bridleless though you¹ll
still have the sidepull on for safety.  Once she has no trouble with that,
then go ahead and use the sidepull along with a bridle that has a mullen
mouth snaffle bit on it.  The mullen mouth is the most quiet bit since it
has no joints that can move or make noise.  Don¹t put the bit back in until
she is completely going without rein aids though.  It will probably take at
least a few months.  This will give her mouth a chance to heal if indeed it
did have an injury that could be healed by time.  Once your horse is
reliably moving off your seat and weight cues, use the mullen mouth snaffle
bridle over the sidepull but without without reins attached to the snaffle
(just attach them to the sidepull).  If she¹s still not quiet with the bit
at this point I would say you¹ve done all you can do and she has some
underlying injury and needs to be a hackamore horse.  If she does stay quiet
with the mullen mouth without reins attached then you can gradually go back
to ³using² the bit although by this time you shouldn¹t need it at all.  If
you find you are using the reins to control her, go back to the sidepull.

Keep it quiet,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Do you really know how training works?  Do you know the differences between
positive punishment, negative punishment, positive reinforcement and
negative reinforcement?

The online encyclopedia Wikipedia has a great page dedicated to "operant
conditioning" which explains very clearly the basis of most training
systems.  It's interesting to read it and try and figure out how your
current horse training system measures up.  Read all about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning

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

Part of the Path of the Horse documentary explores the connection between
horses and myths.  Here is a webpage that talks about connections between
horses, the Celts, and even the Pleiades star system!

http://users.skynet.be/lotus/doleur/stater0-en.htm

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Living with O.C.E.A.N. Syndrome
********************************************************************
Thanks to Christie Janis for sending this along, author unknown

Just recently, after years of research, I have finally been able to give
a name to what my wife and I have been living with for years. It's an
affliction, for sure, which when undiagnosed and misunderstood can
devastate and literally tear a family apart.

Obsessive Compulsive Equine Attachment Neurosis Syndrome (O.C.E.A.N.S)
is usually found in the female and can manifest itself anytime from
birth to the golden years. Symptoms may appear any time and may even go
dormant in the late teens, but the syndrome frequently re-emerges in
later years.

Symptoms vary widely in both number and degree of severity. Allow me to
share some examples which are most prominent in our home. The afflicted
individual:

1. Can smell moldy hay at ten paces, but can't tell whether milk has
gone bad until it turns chunky.

2. Finds the occasional "Buck and Toot" session hugely entertaining, but
severely chastises her husband for similar antics.

3. Will spend hours cleaning and conditioning her tack, but wants to eat
on paper plates so there are no dishes.

4. Considers equine gaseous excretions a fragrance.

5. Enjoys mucking out four stalls twice a day, but insists on having a
housekeeper mop the kitchen floor once a week.

6. Will spend an hour combing and trimming an equine mane, but wears a
baseball cap so she doesn't waste time brushing her own hair.

7. Will dig through manure piles daily looking for worms, but does not
fish.

8. Will not hesitate to administer a rectal exam up to her shoulder, but
finds cleaning out the Thanksgiving turkey cavity for dressing quite
repulsive.

9. By memory can mix eight different supplements in the correct
proportions, but can't make macaroni and cheese that isn't soupy.

10. Twice a week will spend an hour scrubbing algae from the water
tanks, but has a problem cleaning lasagna out of the casserole dish.

11. Will pick a horse's nose, and call it cleaning, but becomes verbally
violent when her husband picks his.

12. Can sit through a four-hour session of a ground work clinic, but
unable to make it through a half-hour episode of Cops.

The spouse of an afflicted victim:

1. Must come to terms with the fact there is no cure, and only slightly
effective treatments. The syndrome may be genetic or caused by the inhaling
of manure particles which, I propose, have an adverse effect on female
hormones.

2. Must adjust the family budget to include equine items - hay, veterinarian
services, farrier services, riding boots and clothes, supplements, tack,
equine masseuse and acupuncturist- as well as the (mandatory) equine
spiritual guide, etc. Once you have identified a monthly figure, never look
at it again. Doing so will cause tightness in your chest, nausea and
occasional diarrhea.

3. Must realize that your spouse has no control over this affliction.  More
often than not, she will deny a problem even exists as denial is common.

4. Must form a support group. You need to know you're not alone- and
there's no shame in admitting your wife has a problem. My support group,
for instance, involves men who truly enjoy Harley Davidson's, four-day
weekends and lots of scotch. Most times, she is unaware that I am even gone,
until the precise moment she needs help getting a 50-pound bag of grain out
of the truck.

Now you can better see how O.C.E.A.N.S. affects countless households in this
country and abroad.  It knows no racial, ethnic or religious boundaries. It
is a syndrome that will be difficult to treat because those most affected
are in denial and therefore, not interested in a cure.  So, I am taking it
upon myself to be constantly diligent in my research in order to pass along
information to make it easier for caretakers to cope on a day to day basis.

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

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

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

I have a friend who is offering her 4 lovely Appaloosas for free to good
homes.  The only requirement is that they be continued to be worked with
according to Alexander Nevzorov's school (www.hauteecole.ru/en) which does
not allow bits, shoes, competition, or punishment of any kind.  They are
located in Northern California.  2 are 6 year old mares and 2 are 3 year old
colts.

Contact me (stormy@...) and I will send you contact information.

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

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!

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Filming in Arizona with Linda Kohanov
2) Recommended products and services: Equine nutritional advice from Dr.
Thunes
3) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Robert Vavra's musical CD, Horses
of the Wind
4) Fun and educational websites: support wild horses while searching the
internet, ready for a vacation?
5) Horsey Humor: My life as a Ralph Lauren model
6) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: Filming in Arizona with Linda Kohanov
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

Linda Kohanov is the author of two groundbreaking books about communication
with horses.  When I read her first book, The Tao of Equus, in 2000 or 2001
it was hard for me to imagine first of all that someone could step so far
into the horses' world, and secondly that they would be brave enough to
share it in a published book.  When her young Arabian mare, Tabula Rasa,
developed a serious stifle injury and couldn't be ridden, Linda started
spending hours with her on the ground and developed what I can only call a
true partnership based on really knowing the animal for herself.

Shortly after reading that book, and Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling's book,
Dancing with Horses, the idea for The Path of the Horse documentary was
generated in my mind.  I had spent my life learning from various trainers.
They all had their own methods but in most cases, the students weren't able
to achieve the same level of synergy with horses that the teachers had.  I
figured that there must be something behind the methods that was the key.
Possibly even the teachers didn't realize the true secret to their success.
I suspected that it was more about a way of being rather than what they were
doing or teaching.

I began searching for other people like Linda and Klaus whose methods
contained hints of the true secret to relationship with horses.  In the
following years I found much more than what I imagined.  I started out
thinking that this was a safe path but upon walking it, I now realize how
much has been demanded of me to progress every single step.  More on that in
the next newsletter!

To film in Arizona, I brought a crew that consisted of my cameraman Phil, a
former Pony Club student, Sam, his mother Jeanne, and my dad, Dean.  Sam,
Jeanne, Dean, and I were going to participate in a mock clinic so we could
get a deeper experience of Linda's work while being able to catch it on
film.  We started out with a slide presentation of different emotions and
the messages behind them.  Linda has found that for example, if we are
feeling anger, it is a message from our emotional system telling us that
some boundary has been breached.  If we listen to the messages and act
appropriately, the emotion then has done its job and goes away.  Next, we
progressed to working with the horses.  Linda showed us how to sense the
areas where we can most effectively connect with horses...sort of like their
personal space.  It made me realize how many liberties we take with horses,
invading their space just like how uncomfortable it would be if we walk up
too closely to another person without first being invited.  We went through
other exercises that got us sensing more of our own bodies and how they are
influenced by proximity to other people and horses.  I was excited when
Linda suggested that I do a session with her mare Tabula Rasa.  What
happened with her was so subtle and beautiful that it brought tears to my
eyes.  But you'll have to wait for the documentary to see.

Here are some quotes from Linda's interview:

"It took me a long time to be able to explain this to other people, or even
to have the nerve to share it with them, so I actually spent years exploring
emotion as a language and how horses dealt with it and how my own body could
pick up feelings from others at distances.  And it actually was quite a lot
of trouble for me when I went back into the human world, because I could
sense when somebody was afraid even though they said they were fine and I
could sense when somebody was angry even though they said that everything
was ok and that they were happy.  So I began to have a whole lot of trouble
with people who were incongruent in the same way a horse does.  I actually
had trouble going to normal social occasions and parties for years because I
just felt like everybody was lying and all of a sudden I could tell.  So it
took me a long time to be able to tell people what was going on, or why I
was becoming such a recluse.  And they were all asking me what I was doing
with my horses and had to say that I was just hanging out with them and
learning I guess non verbal communication or how to be one with them and one
with nature, I could only talk about it in the vaguest of terms like that.
And then over the years, I began to find ways to turn my experiences into
words but there were about five years where I was absolutely speechless
while I was experiencing these things."

"I believe that all animals have a certain wisdom to teach us, and I believe
that horses have a lot to teach us in this stage of our development that
some animals maybe wouldn¹t be as good at conveying to us in such an
efficient and yet heart warming and spirit expanding manner.  Horses, unlike
cats and dogs and even dolphins, are completely non-predatory, so they have
a whole other psychology and way of being in the world that¹s something I
really believe we need to develop in ourselves to balance the over predatory
nature of our culture.  So horses can teach us to be strong and powerful and
fast, and yet extremely sensitive and non-predatory.  And I think that¹s
what we need right now, that¹s what we need to learn. Horses also are a
marvelous bridge between humanity and nature in a way that other animals
can¹t quite get us to because we literally sit on their backs and they carry
us and they move our bodies.  There¹s a lot that horses have to teach us
right now that really no other animal on the face of the earth can do."

For more information about the Path of the Horse documentary go to:
www.stormymay.com .

For those people interested in being part of a discussion group about the
Path of the Horse documentary and putting these principles into action in
your own life, send a blank email to:

pathofthehorse-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Equine nutritional advice
*******************************************************************
from Peggy Holcomb

If you are the guardian of an equine friend, I am sending you this link in
case you might find it useful.

Dr. Clair (formerly "Spackman") Thunes is a researcher at UC Davis and holds
a doctorate in animal science/nutrition.  (Some of you know her as a Pony
Club graduate and/or Pony Club instructor.)

Recently, we enlisted her services on behalf of my daughter's equine friend,
Sebastian.  Dr. Thunes is very thorough and I'd recommend her to anyone who
is concerned about their equine partner's overall health and well-being.

http://equilibrateequine.com

Stormy's note:  Clair is a wealth of information and a great resource for
equine nutrition, I highly recommend her!  Be sure to subscribe to her free
nutritional newsletter at the bottom of her webpage.

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
*******************************************************************

Robert Vavra's Horses of the Wind audio CD

This is the first audio CD that I've recommended in this newsletter.
Something perhaps for the holidays, or to listen to any time you want to
immerse yourself in horse-land even if you are far away from the sounds of
the barn.  The CD contains music that sounds like a mix between classical
and soundtrack music overlayed with nature sounds and plenty of beautiful
horse sounds ranging from galloping hoofbeats to courting stallions and
whinnying babies.  It's very cool when listened to with headphones.  We
played it while driving to and from Linda Kohanov's and the cameraman Phil
thought we were all pretty nuts. My one warning is don¹t play this around
your horse, he will be very distracted trying to figure out where the other
horses are!

Hear samples and order here:

http://www.equivision.net/music/page2.html

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Now it's possible to support a good cause every time you do an internet
search, how cool is that?  Try it out now, type in: www.goodsearch.com and
then in the box that says, "Who do you Goodsearch for?" type in "Return to
Freedom" (without the quotes) and then click "verify".  Return to Freedom is
a non-profit wild horse sanctuary in Lompoc, California.  It's home to over
200 wild horses who would otherwise have gone to slaughter.  It's that easy,
every time you do a search through Goodsearch, Return to Freedom benefits!
You can also easily add the Goodsearch search engine to your internet
toolbar, there are instructions right on the page.

To further support Return to Freedom you can do your regular internet
shopping either through Goodsearch (click on the shopping tab from the main
page) or through iGive.com .  When you go to iGive.com and register Return
to Freedom as your chosen charity, they immediately get a $5.00 donation as
well as a portion of whatever you spend while shopping.

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

Ready for a vacation from your vacation?  Here are several companies that
offer equine based holiday trips ranging from dude ranches to palace to
palace rides in India:

www.ridingworld.com

www.bchorsevacations.com

www.horse-riding-guide.com

horseworlddata.com/vacat.html

www.DestinationEquus.com

www.DaufuskieIslandResort.com

www.equiberia.es

www.hondoo.com

www.infohorse.com/vacations.asp

www.horsevacations.net

www.naturalhorsetraining.com/HorseVacations.html

a quick internet search on goodsearch.com will yield many more places
offering trips!

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: My life as a Ralph Lauren model
********************************************************************
as found at: http://jmatt.net/ElecEq/ralphlauren.html

Ralph Lauren and the Glamorous Equestrian Lifestyle

So. I was in the mall the other day, and was noticing a display of Ralph
Lauren clothing that was accented by some well-placed English saddles, polo
mallets, and even a few photogenic straw bales (you have never seen such
glowingly clean straw in your entire life). There were some posters on the
walls between the racks that showed impeccably dressed ladies and gentleman,
lounging in a palatial and equally spotless stable, or leading a perfectly
groomed mount through the tall grass. There were mock hunt coats, mock
breeches, and even mock boots. Depicting and selling the life and times of
the horsey set isn't exactly new territory for Ralph Lauren, but the
sentiment here is clear: "Ah the life and times of the horsey set. Country
life, palatial estates, glowing, well-groomed mounts-glamour, personified."

Excuse me one second.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Phew! OK, I feel better now. While I will admit that there is a certain
amount of money involved in horses, what most people fail to realize is that
we nutty horse people spend whatever we have, on the horses, and that
country life is far more dirt, sweat, bug, and hard labor intensive than is
ever seen in the Ralph Lauren catalog. Take the Ralph Lauren catalog, drag
it through the mud, and leave it out the elements for a few days, and then
you'll have a closer idea to what most horse people's lifestyle is truly
like. Rather than the spotless country frocks, and (horrors) white pants of
Ralph's world, most horse folk are usually found in "barn clothes". This is
the euphemism that we use for "clothes most people would be embarrassed to
give away to the Good Will." In the summertime, barn clothes are usually
some kind of cut-off shorts, usually stained, usually with holes, and
usually of a style and color that could kindly be referred to as "out." The
t-shirt or tank top usually has a matching set of stains and rips, and often
carries the logo from some long forgotten competition or adventure.

In the wintertime, we often look like stained abominable snowman. You know
those days when non-horse folk sit inside their houses, watching the snow
fall and wind howl, and say, "t'aint fit for man nor beast." Well, those are
the days we still have to go out and feed and muck and look after our
horses. If you really are a fashionista of the barn set, your preferred
winter outfit doubtless includes some item manufactured by the Carhart
company (I have the overalls), which keep you warm and dry in the worst
weather, but are as attractive and fashionable as industrial tarp. On days
when the Carharts seem too heavy, jeans (with long underwear visible under
the rips),sweatshirts, ski hat, gloves-basically think "suburban hobo" and
you have the look we are going for.

And as far as the glamorous activities of country life, well, they are too
numerous to mention. There's nothing more glamorous than spending a day knee
deep in the manure pile (because it needs to be shifted), sweating it out
for several hours on horseback in the blazing sun (because that left lead
canter needs to be better), and then having your arms lengthened because the
yearling had his first good look at the neighbors dog while you were walking
him down to the field.

Or there is the mowing and weed eating which tends to stain your shins an
especially attractive tint of green that makes it look like you've massacred
an alien horde. Or how about the "healthy glow" you get from dragging the
ring-the resultant dust gives you a nice "tan" without the use of messy
creams or lotions!

At the end of a given Saturday, rather than martinis with the beautiful
people down at the hunt club, I usually only have the strength to ring up
for pizza and watch Trading Spaces (trying to get ideas of ways to make my
neglected house look better without actually putting any money into it).

But what about showing? That must be glamorous right? All the hunt coats and
polished boots and braided manes. Indeed, what could be more glamorous than
that? Well, after getting up at 4:00am, bathing the horse (which of course
transfers all the dirt and loose hair on to you),cleaning all the tack and
equipment (which gets you covered in polish, soap, and Brasso), braiding,
loading horse and all equipment in to the trailer, driving several hours to
the middle of nowhere, unloading, wiping off, tacking up, and getting on,
well, by 9:00am you look like something the cat ate, threw up, and then
dragged in.

Funny, of all the equestrian archetypes I've seen in old Ralphie boy's
catalogs, I don't remember the Girl With Black Shoe Polish on Her Nose, Dirt
On Her Legs, A Stain of Unknown Origin on Her T-Shirt, and Hair Crusted Out
In Several Directions By Sweat and Helmet Head. If they did feature that
doyenne in a photo shoot, instead of the usual sultry expression, her face
might register mild nausea from having just swallowed a braiding band. Or
possibly a bug.

Without question, the most glamorous week of my life took place early in
1995. I was living with a roommate on a farm of 15 horses in small town, on
a dirt road, in what is pretty much the middle of nowhere Virginia. For
those of you who didn't live on the eastern seaboard in 1996, you may have
forgotten we had a significant blizzard here. Our house, barn, road,
driveway, everything was covered with feet, and feet, and feet of snow. We
had drifts that were 8-10 feet high, and we were trapped on our farm for 9
days before the National Guard was able to get the blowers in to free us.
Now, we were hardly the only ones trapped by the storm, yet when everyone
else was lounging by the fire, or playing in the snow, my roommate and I
were slogging through hip-deep snow back and forth from the barn several
times a day, to bring hay, chip ice off the water buckets, and hand walk the
horses up and down the aisle to help keep their guts moving as the drifts
had trapped them in the barn. We were cold and wet for 9 days. But our
horses all came through the experience healthy and happy, and to us that was
all that mattered.

So Ralph, I'm waiting for the call-my horses and I are ready for your next
snapshot of country life.

Maryland, USA

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Watch the Path of the Horse trailer on YouTube!
2) Feature: Filming in Russia with Alexander Nevzorov
3) Recommended products and services: More on the riding simulator
3) Rally and rating tips:
4) Questions and answers:
5) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs:
6) Fun and educational websites: Nevzorov, and Interview with a horse
8) Horsey Humor: Small hints for the horseman
9) Free item exchange: Free horse

*******************************************************************
Special Announcement
*******************************************************************

It may seem a little odd to get an October newsletter in November but things
have been busy enough that I needed to extend October by a few days.  We
just completed filming for the Path of the Horse documentary a couple of
weeks ago and the footage is looking amazing.  I've put together a trailer
(preview) of the project that is available to see on my website via the
miracle of YouTube.  If you have a connection faster than dial-up you should
be able to see it easily at:

http://www.stormymay.com

If you have dial-up (like I do) you can still watch it but it will take much
longer to load.

Please help spread the word by forwarding the link to any and all people or
groups that you think might be interested in following the progress of this
project.

*******************************************************************
Feature: Filming in Russia with Alexander Nevzorov
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

This was my second trip to Russia this year.  My suitcase was beginning to
feel more familiar than the drawers at home.  Russia, to me, has the feeling
of being somewhere that at first glance I might think I understand what's
going on, but then I realize that everything is built on different
assumptions.  For example there might be street musicians, grandmothers
selling flowers, or just a person begging on the street.  It seemed that in
Russia they were valued, many people would walk up and give money.  I was
told that each of them, even the "beggars" have a special permit from the
government to do what they do.  It all left me with a bigger appreciation
for how much we make up stories to tell ourselves that we know what's going
on, when the reality might be something completely different.

The gift of experiencing different cultures is that I've gained a larger
perspective.  It's a bit like putting my mind to the side for a while and
letting "what is" be just that, without trying to categorize it so quickly.
This leaves a little space for something new to come in.

It was in Russia that this concept really came to life with the horses.  I
saw that we think we know what we're doing with horses but what if our
assumptions are wrong?  Are we ready to reexamine what we've been doing?

I filmed some of Alexander Nevzorov's students working with their horses and
what I saw was joy.  I felt the feeling that many of us say that we get when
we're with our horses.  In contrast, we also filmed at a Russian
competition.  It was a schooling show, they called it "Western" although
nobody had a Western saddle on.  It was an attempt to navigate a trail
course with gates, backing poles, and other various tests of communication
between horse and rider.  The misunderstandings between horse and rider were
so acutely obvious in contrast to what I had just seen with Alexander's
students that it was difficult to watch and we left at the lunch break.

What struck me most about Alexander was how passionate he is about ending
abuse and cruelty to horses.  At one point he said (via a translator), "If I
were just a little more shy, if I was politically correct, then society
would be able to hide this very uncomfortable information about what is
actually being done with horses.  Don¹t forget, I¹m not allowing a lot of
people to do their typical pleasures. We know and believe that the horse is
absolutely conscious, that she has amazing intelligence and others don¹t
believe it, and that¹s [why people are using bits and martingales]... and
having a relationship with a horse like it's a scary, mysterious living
piece of meat which you can use for your own pleasures.  We know really well
that every horse is an amazing personality, that she has intellectual,
psychological gifts, that they are clever.  And what I do with horses, it¹s
not something I do.  You¹ve got to understand one simple thing, it¹s not I
who am doing it, it¹s the horses, they¹re responsible for it.  As soon as
you treat them as conscious creatures, they respond right away.  You don¹t
need any talent or special abilities or magic, it¹s so simple."

For more information about the Path of the Horse documentary go to:
www.stormymay.com . Next month: Filming with Linda Kohanov in Arizona

For those people interested in being part of a discussion group about the
Path of the Horse documentary and putting these principles into action in
your own life, send a blank email to:

pathofthehorse-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: More on the riding simulator
*******************************************************************

Last month I wrote about a riding simulator and I got a response from Lisa
Dobeck, whose daughter Helen had gotten lessons on one.  Here's what she
wrote:

Helen took 3 lessons on the simulator then started bringing her own horse to
lessons at Colleen's Equine Sports Complex in Sacramento.  The simulator was
a great way to get a start on dressage (she had no lessons at that point).
Helen said it wasn't like riding her horse at all, but he is green still.
It was a great start on her riding position and learning to time half halts
correctly.

Thanks for the report Lisa!

See for yourself:

http://racewood.com/

http://www.ridingsimulator.co.uk/simulator.html

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Alexander Nevzorov has an extensive website and online school.  If you
haven't already seen it, it's worth the trip:

http://www.hauteecole.ru/en/

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

This is a link to a sweet little internet movie with some big wisdom called,
"Interview with a horse".

http://www.superstarsofhorsetraining.com/horse-interview/screensaver.html

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Small hints for the horseman
********************************************************************

Don't ever buy a horse expecting it to be your last one.

Don't buy a horse from anyone who keeps telling you how honest they are.

An honest horse trader is one who says: "He's cheap, but he's worth it."

No matter how much you love a car or boat, it will never love you back.

The most valuable horse in your barn isn't the one that cost the most, but
the one you love the most

You may never find a horse that has everything you want, but you'll find a
lot that don't have everything you don't.

When you go to look for a horse for sale, don't drive your Mercedes.

It's almost impossible to visit a tack shop without buying something.

There are many horses who are loved more by the heart then by the eye.

People who have horses often live a long time without getting old.

Treat all of your horses as if they all cost $100,000.

When someone asks you if you think their new horse is wonderful just reply
yes.

When you ALMOST fall off, get kicked or have a piece of your tack break, its
often better than all the advice in the world.

You'll learn more about riding by getting on different horses than from
reading all the "how to" books in existence.

A dime is still good for something - you can tighten the latch on your
trailer with one.

Telling a child how wonderfully they ride might make them feel good, but it
will never teach them anything.

Your true test of patience will come when everyone has gone home and your
horse won't load the trailer.

Nothing brings a prayer to your lips more quickly than racing down a steep
hill with a wide ditch at the bottom.

If you keep searching for the perfect horse, you will be searching for a
long time.

A good test of your character is how you treat your horse when no one is
around.

Not even the finest instructor in the world can guarantee you'll know
everything about riding after a year's worth of lessons. Or 10 years. Or 100
years.

It's grand to be a better rider than other people - just don't keep telling
them.

Author ~ Unknown

From: http://www.walking-horse.com/humor.html

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

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

From Deborah Sackman, located in the Sacramento, CA area

dsackman@...

I¹m trying to find a home for Oliver. I¹ve had him about 3 months. He was
formerly an Intermediate level Eventer. Oliver is 12, a registered
Thoroughbred, very well trained, super cute and a pleasure to be around.
Unfortunately he has arthritis. We are looking for a beginner, someone who
would give him the respect he deserves. In return he will show them how it¹s
done.

Oliver has had his hocks and coffin joints injected and would benefit from
glucosamine and possibly Adequan. He needs a long warm-up and prefers to go
with light contact. He is a little claustrophobic and can get ³light² up
front if asked to go to work too soon. That¹s his only downside. Oliver has
wonderful lateral movement, is very rhythmic, and comfortable at all gaits.

I am looking for a home by Nov. 15th. I have 4 horses and a husband who is
starting to get grumpy. Please let me know if you know of anyone and feel
free to send this around to all your contacts. I¹d be happy to answer any
other questions you may have.

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

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Filming in Denmark with Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling
2) Recommended products and services: Riding simulator
3) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Beautiful Jim Key
4) Horsey Humor: Fifty Ways to..
5) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: Filming in Denmark with Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

It's been many years since I first read Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling's book
"Dancing with Horses".  The seductive pictures of man and horse in perfect
step with each other on the ground and in the saddle opened my eyes to doing
things in new ways.  The book wasn't an instruction manual as much as a
different perspective.

When I started planning the Path of the Horse documentary in 2003, Klaus was
on the top of my list of people to interview.  When I tried to contact him I
was met with polite refusals.  As the years went by I continued with my
vision and early this year, when it looked like the documentary was going to
happen for sure, Klaus invited me to audit a clinic of his in Belgium.  In
May I went to Belgium and saw yet another level of working with horses that
Klaus has tapped into.  We arranged to meet up at a clinic at his home on
the Danish island of Lyø in September to film for the documentary.

As the date got closer I was madly arranging flights, passports, equipment
and other travel plans for myself and two camera operators to take the trip
to Denmark.  The day before we were scheduled to leave, my main cameraman,
Phil, who I've been working with since 2003, threw his back out and was
unable to move.  Too late to make other plans, Adele, my second camera
operator and I left with two cameras.  Up until then I hadn't bothered to
learn how to use the camera, but on the long flight to Denmark I read the
manual over and over with the camera on my lap.

Upon arrival in Copenhagen we quickly figured out how to get the train to
the city center and then a short walk to the hotel where we would catch up
on sleep until the journey by bus, train, ferry, (and nearly a tractor!) to
get to Klaus's began.  Amazingly enough, it all went by without a hitch and
shortly we found ourselves on the windy little island of Lyø, known for its
druid burial mounds, small size (6km across), and friendly people.

We were treated as guests as we tried our best to blend in with the rest of
the clinic (despite the fact that we had two big video cameras and were the
only Americans, from California, the land of Hollywood no less!).  Klaus was
very supportive of the project and gave us two great interviews in addition
to the filming of the clinic itself.

One of Klaus's main topics was about finding 100% and being 100%.  When a
person is 100%, they are "inside of themselves" which means that they are
being fully authentic in that moment.  What Klaus sees is that horses can
very quickly judge whether a person is 100% or not.  If a person is 20%, 50%
or even 99%, as he says, the horse will not connect in a positive way with
the person.  The horse doesn't distinguish gray areas, he just shows if the
person is 100% or not in any moment.

Of course everybody will have to wait until the documentary comes out to see
what went on but the following are a few excerpts from the interviews.
Klaus speaks very understandable English but I have edited his word choices
for clarity in the written medium.

"What is the job of the horse, this is something which is very important and
this is something which is according to my perspective tremendously
misjudged.  The horse has the job to distinguish between black and white and
not half, or gray, but black and white.  Since the horse has this job, he
will necessarily, automatically give information to everybody who is acting
at 20%, 50% or 99% 'you are failing at the moment, you are not reaching the
point, you are not breaking through right now'.  He will be giving this
information all the time.  If you are opening the door of the stable, the
horse is coming, the horse is pushing, the horse is not there, the horse is
pulling, the horse wants to go to the left, you want to go to the right
means that the horse is always giving this person the idea, 'you¹re not
enough'.  What is the picture for the person?  Finally after weeks, months,
or years of hearing, 'I am not enough' there is a big danger.

"The horse¹s role in the togetherness with human beings is not to train
them, the position of the horses is to mirror them for a moment and say
'this is where you are, this is how I see you without any compromise because
I'm always honest, I¹m always reacting the way I have to react out of my
natural roots'.

"So the difficult point has been to understand how vulnerable in reality the
relationship between people and horses is in the normal horse world because
they are being confronted with this absolutely strict judge which a horse
is.  It means that they are receiving all the time the signals and the signs
and the comments from the horse, 'you are not where I am, you are not in my
world, I am not with you'.  And this means that being with the horses for
somebody who is not in a sufficient way experienced is somehow to be hurt
from the horse, often physically, beating, kicking, biting, but spiritually,
mentally being hurt all the time by somebody who is there saying 'you are
not enough'.  So this means coming to the horse world for me was a world
which was full of wounds, full of frustration, full of sadness, for sure on
the side of the horses, but also very much on the side of the human beings.

"We have to realize that in former times, it was not allowed for everybody
to be with horses, it was only allowed for very special people to be with
horses, according to their wisdom.  Looking back into these former times,
people needed a lot beforehand to be with a horse.  If these kinds of self
knowledge, self awareness, awareness of your body, awareness of your energy,
and more things, if these kinds of structures were not established inside of
a person in the right way, they would not suggest to bring this person
together with a horse because the horse in this moment has the job to
explain very clearly, 'you¹re not succeeding, you're not doing enough,
you¹re not reaching the point, and I have to show you this, I have to show
this by being aggressive, being away, not reacting to you, running over you,
not recognizing you'.  How to show this to a person is the most difficult
point you can imagine, it¹s not a question of one day to another day, it¹s
not a question of one year, it¹s a question of a big part of a human being¹s
life.

"If you start to learn to play the guitar, the first day you will learn two
or three notes and they sound nice, and the next week you can play a short
song and after one year, you¹re starting to play some nice songs at a party
with friends, it means under normal circumstances we have to take care that
what we¹re doing is increasing energy, is increasing trust and is increasing
self knowledge in a positive way.  In the world of horses this is not the
case, in the world of the horses you will realize frustration and negative
feelings are the daily bread people are going to eat.  So what I¹m doing is
parallel with the wisdom of our forefathers.  Be with the horse when you¹re
controlled, either you have a big package of life experience beforehand so
you can recognize 'this is why I'm doing what I¹m doing' or be led by
somebody who can push you over the borderline who can give you the feeling
of 'now you¹re breaking though', 'now you can do it', 'come back, say what¹s
happened, feel what happened try it again', 'try it on your own', but being
controlled in this way, being protected against this judgment of the horse.
The horse is the judge, not the trainer.  The horse is the partner if you
have been breaking through (to 100%). The horse is not a toy, the horse is
not a companion if you aren't breaking through yet, at least if you¹re alone
with the horse.

"The joy of the horses is this joy of life, joy of energy.  How do we get
it?  According to my perspective, joy for the animal can only be harvested
if you are able to recognize the horse¹s path.  It means according to my
philosophy looking back to the old Europeans, occidental meditation
structures, each being has it¹s own destiny path, life path.  And the next
step is quite difficult to find out with human beings, but with horses, the
next step is very easy to recognize and to see, at least for me it looks
like it¹s easy and simple.  So this is very important to come towards the
horse and find out what is the next step on the journey, on the path of
destiny for this particular horse.  And then when you are going to lead the
horse towards himself, towards his original next step, pouf, then he¹s
grounded, he¹s inside of his world, and he¹s realizing that you are
understanding him, you can read inside of him like in a book.  Then he can
connect, communication is possible, the horse is opening and together with
you as a person, as a partner, you¹re following the track of the horse, and
this means to increase all the energy which is already inside of the horse.
I can¹t bring energy to the horse, I only can demonstrate my joy of life, I
can demonstrate my energy, and can recognize and can bring some memories to
the horse of how it has been when you have been in your energy."

For more information about the Path of the Horse documentary go to:
www.stormymay.com . Next month: Filming with Alexander Nevzorov in Russia

For those people interested in being part of a discussion group about the
Path of the Horse documentary and putting these principles into action in
your own life, send a blank email to:

pathofthehorse-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Riding simulator
*******************************************************************

So how do we learn to ride or stay in shape if we don't want to spend hours
pounding on the backs of our friends?  How about a riding simulator?
Definitely take a look at this, you might not believe it.

http://racewood.com/

http://www.ridingsimulator.co.uk/simulator.html

This simulator does walk, trot and canter.  It seems like the only drawback
is that you have to kick it to make it go and pull the reins to make it
stop, not good habits to learn!  If you're in Northern California, I hear
that Colleen Reid has one at her Equine Sports Complex in the Sacramento
area and offers lessons on it.  Check it out and let me know how your ride
goes.

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs! Beautiful Jim Key
*******************************************************************

Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of the World's Smartest Horse by Mim
Rivas

Beautiful Jim Key was a horse who lived in the early 1900s and made a name
for himself as an "educated" horse trained with patience and kindness.
Although the book in my opinion gets bogged down with too many details about
the time period, the parts about Jim Key himself and his "trainer" Dr.
William Key give lots of good fodder for discovering what all of our horses
may be capable of.

Could you imagine a horse who spells, calculates, and even has his own
political opinions?  Read the book and decide for yourself.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Fifty Ways to..
********************************************************************
annoy your pasture-mates and slaves

These gems of wisdom contributed by Rudy, with some assistance from his
slave, Christina Clark.

    1. A stick with a few dead leaves on it can make very scary noises. Take
advantage of this fact.
    2. Plastic bags can also be quite scary to other horses.
    3. So can large pieces of rubber.
    4. Well, Ok, pretty much anything can appear frightful when held in the
mouth and shaken. It is very fun to chase around other horses using this
knowledge.
    5. Other horses also seem to be quite scared of loud noises. A hoof
against metal works quite well.
    6. Coughing loudly behind an unsuspecting horse can also be quite
effective.
    7. Most horses do not know what to think when you stand on your hind legs
for more than 5 seconds at a time.
    8. Most horses also do not know what to think when you climb into the
salt feeder.
    9. Or the grain feeder.
   10. Neither do most people.
   11. Any open object is meant to be climbed into. Never mind the size of
the object in comparison to your size.
   12. Also never mind that the object may be harder to exit than it was to
enter.
   13. Trailers are more fun to get into than they are to get out of. Do not
consider this fact when entering the trailer; but strongly consider it when
asked to get out.
   14. Horse hair bears a striking resemblance to grass.
   15. So does people hair.
   16. All objects have the potential to be edible. Much taste-testing and
chewing is required to discover this potential.
   17. Other horses make interesting noises when you nip them.
   18. especially when you nip them on the butt.
   19. esepecially when the horse you are nipping is a female.
   20. People make interesting noises when your place your foot on theirs
   21. People also make interesting noises when you buck while they are
sitting on your back.
   22. The higher the buck, the louder the noise.
   23. If you possess a large, hangy down thing, then you *are* a stallion,
no matter what the vet did to you.
   24. Be sure everyone *knows* that you are a stallion.
   25. Mares find stallions very attractive. Remind them of this as often as
possible. Ignore any rude remarks, or respond with one of the above
techniques for regaining control of the herd.
   26. Food was meant to be eaten and water was meant to be drunk.
   27. Nothing can change this fact. The more barriers in the way, the more
number 26 applies.
   28. Water is also meant to be splashed in.
   29. and rolled in.
   30. These acts are more fun when someone is sitting on your back.
   31. If something is fun without an audience, it is twice as fun with an
audience.
   32. the larger the audience, the greater the fun.
   33. one word: flatulence.
   34. bits were made to be chewed on. They were *not* made as a device to
control you.
   35. Ditto with halters.
   36. and leadropes.
   37. "Good boy!" should be music to the ears. Respond to this phrase with
pricked ears and a happy face. This phrase always applies to you.
   38. Come to think of it, "good boy" is the *only* phrase that always
applies to you.
   39. "No" does not apply to you. Ever. Neither does "naughty" or any
similarly negative phrase.
   40. Be sure your slave knows that these phrases do not apply to you and
you do not appreciate any negative attitudes.
   41. "Whoa" applies to you when you are tired of moving.
   42. "Giddyup" applies when you are tired of standing.
   43. Under opposite circumstances, each can easily be misinterpretted as
the other.
   44. In fact, most phrases can easily be misinterpretted to you liking.
   45. Rules were meant to be broken.
   46. Unless they are rules that you wrote.
   47. Then they should be applied as often as possible.
   48. In as many different circumstances as possible.
   49. As long as possible
   50. Possibilities are endless.

Rudy (Pondering why he is the herd outcast)

From: http://jmatt.net/ElecEq/humor.html

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Filming with Carolyn Resnick
2) Free item exchange

This month¹s newsletter is abbreviated since I am leaving in a few days for
filming in Denmark and Russia.  More information in the September
newsletter!

*******************************************************************
Feature: Filming with Carolyn Resnick
*******************************************************************

It was a warm summer day, just a few miles from the San Diego Wild Animal
Park, when we pulled up to Carolyn Resnick's ranch.  Preparations were
underway for a day-long clinic where Carolyn would present her methods
working with a 5 year old Andalusian stallion, Panadero.  As the crowd was
seated, Carolyn set the stage by saying,

"The reason that I am with horses is the relationship I¹ve experienced. The
joy the horse gives me and the joy that I bring to the horse.  Every moment
that we experience with our horse is a complete joy, it¹s a joy to have the
training, there is no end to the journey.  When I show you what Panadero is
doing with me now, I don¹t hold him to any lines, nor will I ever.  With any
of my training I don¹t really expect the horse to be there for me every
single minute.  I work with what he can be.  If we work with each other that
way we find out that our relationships in life are just better."

As the handsome steel gray stallion came down and was set free in the arena,
tossing his wavy gray mane, he immediately focused on Carolyn and they began
a dance together at liberty.  What struck me most strongly was the
excitement he had about playing this way.  There was none of the
mechanicalness that is so often seen in various forms of "natural
horsemanship".  Panadero didn't know that this was a lesson, he was there to
show off, to dance with this diminutive 65 year old woman.

The next day we got to film an interview with Carolyn.  We spoke for hours
about where this journey can take us.  The following are some snippets from
the conversation.

"In the big picture of community, horses teach us to enjoy community and
that community can be our greatest reward.  And that connection can be our
greatest reward.  If we do not feel the connection, honor the connection or
want the connection, we¹re missing out on how wonderful life is and how
exciting it is.  It makes it big when we can really really walk to
connection and know that that is the best part of our life.  That if we do
that, then it makes a community player out of us and that¹s when we care
about the community and we want to serve the community.  And if we can want
to serve community more than anything else, even ourselves, if we want to
serve community above anything else in our lives, we can¹t be anything but
full of joy and happiness.

"What you¹re wanting to do is to make a connection and then understand what
it means to stay within the connection.  It¹s ok to have disagreements with
your horse and it¹s ok to tell your horse what he needs to do for you.  The
part that is not ok is making your horse do something for you.  So, the
connection doesn¹t always look like peace, harmony and love, sometimes it
looks like a whole host of emotional expressions but emotions and connection
and disconnection is perfectly fine to have with your horse if it¹s done in
a free environment where everybody gets to speak their truth.  The horse
gets to speak its truth and you get to speak your truth.  When everybody is
allowed to speak their truth in freedom, it is ok for there not to be
harmony because once truth is spoken with your horse and yourself, harmony
is always the result but you don¹t know that until you¹ve experienced it.
So if you ask your horse to do something and he turns around kicks up in the
air and runs around and leaps and squeals and leaps and squeals, you just
let him leap and squeal all he wants, it¹s just that he¹s to do it on his
turf rather than yours, so that means you would just keep him away from you,
and allow him his expression and after he¹s said everything he wants, he¹ll
come back and just fit in your pocket.  But you won¹t know that unless you
try it so that¹s very good to understand.  We want to keep our horses in
boxes so much that we don¹t really know what that horse is going to behave
like when he has his freedom to go ahead and do what he wants to do, and
then that¹s when the magic really begins to happen and I hope that more
people will take their horses and look at them as an experiment in
connection and just try it out and find out what you will have with your
horse and you will always find that it¹s more than what you thought.

³We think that when we ride a horse and we have a little piece of steel in
his mouth and we think that that¹s what controls his power and his mind.  It
doesn¹t.  Go put a bit in a wild horse¹s mouth, jump on it and see how it
connects and how you can control.  You¹ll be dumped on the ground fast as
lightening.  So it isn¹t about that, it¹s about something else, and that¹s
where we want to try to really experience horses.  When we¹re on the back of
a horse, we¹re in the horse¹s home.  We must, when we¹re in the horse¹s home
be really respectful.²

For more information about the Path of the Horse documentary go to:
www.stormymay.com . Next month: Filming with Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling

For those people interested in being part of a discussion group about the
Path of the Horse documentary and putting these principles into action in
your own life, send a blank email to:

pathofthehorse-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

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

As people hear about the direction I've gone they seem to know of certain
horses who would blossom with this sort of treatment and are willing to
donate them to this cause.  If you are serious about pursuing this path drop
me a line and I can probably find you a free horse.

If you aren't sure what this direction is that I¹m talking about, read up in
past newsletters here:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/51
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/52

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

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Filming with Mark Rashid
2) Recommended products and services: Worcester noseband
3) Questions and answers: Horse in college?
4) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Robert Vavra's new DVD
5) Horsey Humor:
6) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: Filming with Mark Rashid
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

Our filming for the Path of the Horse documentary kicked off inauspiciously
on the first day of summer under the gently rising sun in Campion, Colorado.
Barn chores were starting as the students attending Mark Rashid's clinic
mindfully raked paddocks, filled waters, and tossed hay to the expectant
herd of black angus cattle.  Each person seemed to be fully absorbed in
their activity, no chatter or small talk was to be heard.  A quad pulling a
utility trailer drove up, flanked by dogs anxiously awaiting to be assigned
a job.  Mark stepped off the quad and grabbed a rake as his students
gathered around the newly formed manure pile and everyone began tossing
manure into the trailer.  This was the last day of a week-long clinic and
everyone seemed to have formed a team despite being from areas as diverse as
Arizona, Colorado, California, and England.

As the day progressed, things seemed to flow easily from cleaning, to
planning the day, to lessons, lunch, and then more lessons.  Each person had
their own tasks and Mark would move from one to the next offering
suggestions, usually in the form of parables or observations aimed at
getting the person to see what was going on from a new perspective; the
horse's perspective.

If someone had just dropped in, they probably wouldn't have realized that
what was going on was important enough for people from all over the world to
want to come and be a part of.  It was all very subtle, very understated,
and ultimately very enriching.  There was no showing off, no daredevil acts,
just quiet, content horses and riders.

Afterwards, we had some time to sit down and interview Mark.  Following is
some of what he said.

³I think it used to be at one time about what I can do with the horse, but
it¹s not that way for me anymore.  For me, there¹s a certain way I¹m trying
to go through my life and over the years, there¹s been a shift for me in
that it isn¹t about me and the horse, it¹s about what the horse is bringing
to to the table that can help me get to where I need to go.

"What do I still need to learn?  Everything.  I want to do better, not just
with the horses, I want to do better in my life.  I don¹t really consider
this horse work, I consider this your life¹s work.  I feel like the horses
help me get to where I want to go, not the other way around.  They¹re
already there.  I can¹t show them anything that would help them get farther
down the road that they¹re already on.  I want part of that.  I don¹t feel
it¹s about me so much as what they¹re bringing and I¹m trying to get a piece
of that.²

For more information about the Path of the Horse documentary go to:
www.stormymay.com .  Next month: Filming with Carolyn Resnick

For those people interested in being part of a discussion group about the
Path of the Horse documentary and putting these principles into action in
your own life, send a blank email to:

pathofthehorse-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Worcester noseband
*******************************************************************

Finally, a truly innovative piece of tack!  I generally have an aversion to
nosebands, especially ones designed to clamp a horse's mouth closed, but
this is one that can actually do some good if you're still riding with a
bit.

The Worcester noseband looks like a crank cavesson with a flash, but instead
of a flash strap going below the bit, the straps from the front of the
cavesson fasten to the top of the bit rings.  This way, when a rider pulls
on the reins, there is some bit pressure but most of the force is
transferred to the horse's nose.  It's a better design than some of the
"combination bits" that are sold as a bit/hackamore combination because most
of those work with a lot of mechanical leverage and make both the bit and
nose actions more severe.

Take a look here:

http://www.stallions-uk.co.uk/products/detail460.htm

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Dear Stormy,

My college-aged daughter is thinking of taking a friend's horse with her to
school.  The horse just sits around in a paddock all day, nearing 10 years
old, waiting for someone to ride him. (Tho no one has really asked him, I
suppose!)  He has issues with being herd bound and he needs lots of
experience with various situations but hey, your take on this might change
our minds!  He moves very well and is a smaller sized horse that seems he¹d
do well in both English and gymkhana events.

From, A pondering parent...

Dear Pondering parent,

I have no doubt that many horses take their jobs seriously, whether it¹s
teaching kids to ride, running cross country courses, or pulling carriages
in the city.  It¹s probably similar to how people tend to take their jobs
seriously whether it¹s building houses, driving trucks, or fixing computers.
There are a lot of similarities between how we treat our horses and how we
treat ourselves.  Now, what if we treated ourselves like we were entrusted
with carrying out the most important task imaginable?  How do you think
Gandhi or Mother Teresa looked at themselves, the people and animals around
them, and their place on this earth? How would our lives be different if we
could be attentive to this larger calling?  Would we still spend our time
building houses, driving trucks, fixing computers, or is there a larger task
we could be carrying out?

What if we could start by giving the horse the best life possible, one that
they might choose for themselves if they had that right in this world.  I
honestly don¹t think that many horses would choose to live in the wild, just
like most humans don¹t choose to live as cave people anymore.  There are
benefits to civilization, we are more or less protected, we know where our
meals are coming from, we have dependable companions and a variety of
entertainments to choose from.  Most people have given up something very
valuable for this civilization though, they have given up their greatest
dreams and joys.  They have traded their time doing jobs that give them a
paycheck but don¹t fulfill their souls.  Horses have followed us along this
same path.  They have gained a certain security in exchange for giving up
the right to make their own choices and to decide what they want to do at
any particular time, but unlike us, they didn¹t get to choose for
themselves.

In this society we treat horses as we feel that we are treated.  This is a
recent revelation I have had.  We feel that we must fit into society and
earn a living even though it steals precious moments of our lives to do so.
We make the horse earn his living too.  We must know on some level that all
the pushing and restricting that takes place during traditional training and
competition isn¹t in the horse¹s best interest.  They do what they need to
do to get along, but it¹s not a great joy for them to fit into our idea of
what a horse needs to do in order to earn their keep.  We do what we feel we
have to do to get along and somewhere along this path our dreams fall by the
wayside.  What if we learned how to listen so closely to the horses that we
could hear their dreams?  What if our goals with them became to enable them
to live their dreams, just as we might want to enable the dreams of our
children?  What if in enabling the dreams of others, we give ourselves
permission to live our own dreams?

What if we could turn this paradigm on its ear?  What if we didn¹t settle
for exchanging our time on earth for a paycheck, for survival?  What if we
lived our dreams first and figured out the details later?  If we can¹t do
this for ourselves yet, what about doing it with our horses?  What if we
could give them permission to choose what they want to do (or not do) and
started to listen to them so closely that the best part of their day was
when we came out and played with them?  What if by giving our horses this
life, we could begin to give permission for us to choose it also for
ourselves?

I¹ve been a bit secluded in my new ways of being with horses, trying to
minimize my exposure to ³traditional² methods so that I can really learn to
listen to the horses for myself.  I had an interesting experience today when
the vet came out to float my horses¹ teeth.  I had the vet¹s assistant hold
my pony Sofi for a few minutes while I was searching for an extension cord.
Now, Sofi admittedly has some tendencies towards aggression.  This was a big
issue that made me realize I had to change the way I was doing things about
a year ago.  Normally, when a pony lays her ears back and starts lunging at
you with her teeth bared, a trainer will quickly lash back and either hit
the pony with the leadrope, a whip, a belly kick, or whatever is handy.
This will temporarily show your ³dominance² and curb the behavior but it
does nothing to get to the root of the cause, which in Sofi¹s case is a
feeling of insecurity and mistrust.  The assistant was snapping the leadrope
and telling Sofi what a bad, opinionated pony she was.  I could see myself
just a year ago in this same position.  It was amazing to see it through new
eyes now.  I actually felt sorry for the assistant that that¹s the only
thing she could see and respond with when faced with Sofi¹s scowls.  It was
not patience or compassion that came out, it was harshness and fight.

This progression was something I started as a grand experiment and was a big
reason that I wanted to work with Sofi on a permanent basis, not just as a
client¹s horse that I was hired to train and sell.  Her flashes of anger and
aggression were somewhat stronger than I¹d had to deal with in other horses,
but in a 13.2 hand package they didn¹t worry me enough to be intimidating.
Once I joined Alexander Nevzorov¹s school I made the promise never to punish
or abuse the horse.  In the case of an aggressive horse, most trainers
wouldn¹t consider hitting her punishment or abuse, they would call it
³correction² or ³shaping her behavior².  ³After all,² they justify, ³that¹s
what horses do to each other in the wild.²  Now I don¹t know about other
peoples¹ experiences but I¹ve never seen one horse leading another horse
into a place that made them uncomfortable and then beating them up while
holding them on the end of a leadrope when they protested.

I didn¹t know if it would actually work to accept her aggression and meet it
only with understanding, patience, and love but I thought it was worth a
try, it certainly hadn¹t been getting any better with punishment.  I
honestly had to go back and start at the point where I could only stroke her
with a whip from the other side of the gate.  She would walk by and kick out
at me with the nastiest expression on her face.  It took probably a good
month before I could even feel safe in the same arena with her without a
halter or bridle on her head.  Her aggression now is only a shadow of what
it once was although it does sometimes come up such as in the situation with
the vet¹s assistant.  I can absolutely say that the patience and
understanding paid off and it will be the only way I meet such things in the
future.  When interviewing Mark Rashid for the documentary he said, ³The way
I see it, whether it¹s with people or with horses, that the way to develop
trust is through consistency.  If you¹re consistent with a horse, you¹ll
become dependable, if you¹re dependable you¹ll become trustworthy, if you¹re
trustworthy the horse will be at peace with you and if they¹re at peace with
you they can become soft.²  I want Sofi to trust that there will be no more
pain from me, for her to eventually become at peace and soft with me
although I have some time that I need to spend proving to her that I can be
trusted.

How can we know a horse wants to be ridden?  Will he stand there to be
mounted with nothing on his head?  Will he work for you without a whip or
spurs to goad him on?  Without a bit to tell him which way you want to turn?
This sort of choice must only be made once your relationship with your horse
is beyond question, when the horse and human have become dance partners who
flow together first on the ground before the one starts lifting the other.

So, bringing this back to your situation, what will the horse get out of the
interaction?  Will he be supported and nurtured and encouraged to express
his joy?  Will he be listened to and guided in a way that helps him know his
own power and pride?  Will your daughter learn how to listen to and make her
own goals secondary to the horse's dreams?  Will your daughter learn that in
being of service she is in fact giving herself permission to live a
fulfilled life?

Horses have so much to show us.  The first step is to let go of our own
agenda with them and listen to their wisdom.  We need to learn how to play
and support each other in the way that the other would like to be supported.
This is the gift that horses have been waiting to give us.  Are we ready to
accept it?

Keep pondering,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs! Such is the real nature of horses
*******************************************************************

Famed equine photographer Robert Vavra has recently released a beautiful DVD
called "Such is the real nature of horses".  It focuses on observing the
natural behavior of wild horses in the Camargue region of France.  This
video shows everything from grazing and sleeping behaviors to breeding,
foaling, and dominance squabbles.  It is a valuable reference for those of
us who are striving to bring out the horse's innate wisdom and talents.

http://www.equivision.net/nature/nature.htm

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Funny horse pics
********************************************************************

Here's some funny horse pics, be sure to click through and see all the
pages.

http://www.funnysnaps.com/horsefunny4.html

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Special Announcement: The new direction
2) Feature: The Path of the Horse documentary
3) Recommended products and services: Identification tag fundraiser
4) Questions and answers: controlling a pony, longeing in Pony Club, missing
issues, record books, and braiding
5) Fun and educational websites: Ride Badminton, horse search engine
6) Featured Rule: Longeing
7) Horsey Humor: You know you are a horse person when...
8) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Special Announcement: The new direction
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

I hope this summer finds everybody healthy, happy, and doing what you enjoy
most.  That¹s exactly what I¹m doing right now.  This newsletter has been a
reflection of a certain part of my life for over 4 years now and with some
big life changes, the newsletter format will also be changing.  Since 1989 I
have been blessed to be a part of the Pony Club organization, first as a
member and then for the past 13 years serving in various capacities ranging
from instructor, to clinician, to Chief Horse Management Judge to most
recently being designated as a National Examiner and a member of the Horse
Management Committee.  Pony Club has seen me through significant growth and
has helped me develop as a trainer, leader, and judge, able to help the
development of many young people along the way.

For the coming year, the focus of my life is on producing a documentary
about the future of horse-human relationships, tentatively titled, ³The Path
of the Horse².  In many ways this documentary is about my own path of
finding ways to become a better human being through my work with horses.
The journey for me started taking shape at the beginning of the century when
I read books by Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, Linda Kohanov, and Mark Rashid.
These people wrote about the wisdom they learned from horses.  Their words
struck a chord in me and I began to search for a more authentic connection
with horses that began and ended with my own feelings and intuitions, not
from what other people told me I should or shouldn¹t be doing with horses.

In 2003 I produced the educational video, ³Understanding Bits². Bits were
one piece of horse tack that had always fascinated me.  There were so many
different variations on how to control a horse, I wanted to try and make
sense of it all and help others to do the same.  Near the end of the video,
I jump a course of small fences on a horse with no tack other than a neck
rope.  I wanted to illustrate the point that a bit shouldn¹t be used to
control the horse but it might be useful to refine control. I get more
comments on that part of the video than any other.  Through my study of
bits, and after completion of the video, I came to the conclusion that a
horse¹s life would be much better if the rider could learn to control the
horse without a bit.

For the ³Path of the Horse² documentary, I put together a list of the top
people that I saw working with horses today.  Most of the people I found
through reading their books and the others through references from people I
crossed paths with.  In the past several months I have made trips to visit
each of these people to make sure they were indeed who they seemed to be and
to talk about the possibility of filming them for the documentary.

On these trips, I got much more than I had expected.  I experienced a new
feeling of what is possible in the relationship between horses and humans.
I felt that I need to pursue this path not only with my own horses but in
all facets of my life for my development as a human. Most of my students
realized over the years that my training and teaching methods tended to be
more gentle, with more consideration of the horse than other trainers but
what I found is that there is a whole new level to this that I probably only
imagined when I was very young.

Unfortunately, the new direction can no longer be supported with my energies
divided between traditional work with horses and this new direction. For a
long time I stood between these worlds, doing what I could to bring them
together, but the time has come when I need to completely step into this
unknown territory in order to continue my development and do the most good.
As a result, I am stepping away from giving traditional lessons and my
involvement in Pony Club.

There are many places a person can stand along this path.  Someone might
still be involved in the horse world that is displayed in competition
results and shiny magazine ads for seductive studs but making sure to only
ride her horse in the most gentle bit possible.  Others might be ready to
give up riding for the rest of their lives in order to give the horse the
best possible life.  The point where I¹m willing to begin working with
people is much farther down the path than what most will be ready for.  If
you¹re not ready or you feel that this isn¹t the right path for you and your
horse, you¹re welcome to stay subscribed to this newsletter and to simply
consider these ideas.

Those people who wish to explore this paradigm on a deeper level are invited
to continue reading this newsletter, discussing the ideas, and adding your
own experiences and views and questions to the forum.  For people who want
to take it to the next level and work in these ways with their own horses
I¹m still available to give presentations and clinics based on what I¹ve
experienced.

I don¹t want anybody to think that I will look down on them if they choose
to continue they way they have been working with horses.  It took me 24
years of being with horses to come to this place.  For me, it was a mixture
of cultural conditioning, upbringing, the role models I saw, and history
that served to lull me into a path that was ³acceptable² in this society.
It depended on my lack of awareness to keep up the illusion that it might be
in the horse¹s best interest to do all the things that I did with him.  This
type of social conditioning is so effective that most of us end up willingly
giving ourselves up in exchange for the approval of society rather than a
true connection with other beings and with our own internal guidance.  I
need to now be the person I wish I had found when I was 10 years old and
just starting with my first horse.

The point where I¹m at, where I¹m willing to work with people is as follows.
First, and probably most important rule to follow is to cause no harm to the
horse.  I¹ve had to reevaluate what this means in the light of what current
research shows.  There is much that we do with horses that has become so
culturally acceptable that it seems we forgot to ask the horse¹s opinion.
For example, the use of bits.  No matter what flowery terminology a person
uses, all bits cause pain either by just being in the mouth or at the point
when a rider pulls on the reins.  If a person argues that the bit should
just lie in the horse¹s mouth when properly used then why would it need to
be there at all?  We take advantage of this pain to coerce the horse to give
us control. Those of us who have been bucked off or run away while using a
bit know that it¹s not perfect control, but it does give some illusion of
partnership.  Even riding itself is under scrutiny.  The horse¹s back was
designed to carry his own internal organs, not a rider, just like our own
shoulders were designed to carry our arms, not heavy backpacks.  That said,
research shows that a healthy back can carry a proportionately sized rider
for up to 15 minutes without causing muscle or bone damage, just like we can
carry a backpack for a certain period of time before our muscles start to go
numb and get knotted.

Competition is the other big sacrifice on this path.  It seems that
competition may be a normal and healthy part of human development.  At some
point we want to know where we stand in relation to other people.  There are
countless opportunities for a person to compete using her own two legs and
arms.  Only the competitor can feel her own body and truly know how far to
push herself.  If she pushes too far and there is a breakdown, she will have
to live with the consequences.  If we push a horse too far, we have
compromised the life of another being who didn¹t have a choice.  This month,
June 2007, there have already been 95 equine breakdowns and 8 confirmed
deaths on American racetracks. (Source: Racehorse Breakdowns;
http://www.equuseditorial.com/equus/unknownsoldier.html)

Personally, I have boxes of blue ribbons and trophies galore, but I¹ve
noticed that showing is always a passing high (or low), not anything that
really made me feel strong inside. For the past six months that I¹ve been
working on this new path exclusively with my own horse partners, I have
gained a new level of cooperation and that I had no idea was possible
without the inevitable use of force.  Since visiting the trainer Alexander
Nevzorov in Russia, no longer is this just an intellectual ideal I¹m
reaching for, it is a very real experience that I feel every day that I work
with my horses.

This path also requires a very large time commitment.  Horses are social
creatures who are best when they feel comfortable within a herd.  When
horses willingly choose us as members of their herd that they can rely on to
be there for them, only then might they choose us to lead.

Probably the biggest sacrifice a person has to make in order to walk this
path is to be willing to completely let go of external goals.  After six
months I am still not ready to ride my horses, I can occasionally ask them
to do silly tasks like pick up a ball or lift their feet, but it¹s only when
they choose to do it, and I still struggle with leading them past grass
without having them dive for it.  Internally, it¹s completely different.  My
pony Sofi has become more willing to be with me, and her previous aggression
has seemed to slowly melt away.  My Hanoverian Patrik has a new sparkle in
his eye as he runs around me with an arched neck, always trying to guess
what he can do next to impress me.  More importantly though, I feel a new
kinship with these animals that is no longer clouded by my own personal
strivings for external approval.

Part of my path has been to always look for ways to make the horse¹s life
more enjoyable but it wasn¹t until very recently that I have begun to
actually feel the gift that comes with letting go of my own agenda and fully
dedicating myself to the horses¹ well being.  In this path of service I have
found joys much greater than the temporary excitement of fulfilling my own
ego-centered goals such as winning at a horse show or successfully selling a
horse for a client.

I¹d like to develop a teaching and support system around this but the form
that it will take is still developing.  The person whose work I¹m most
closely patterning my own after is Alexander Nevzorov.  His method is called
NHE (Nevzorov Haute Ecole, or New Haute Ecole) but I have no illusions that
I am anywhere near good enough to be able to teach his method.  However, I
will urge anybody interested to visit his website and eventually join his
online school where there is access to valuable lessons and discussions.
You can visit his website at:

http://www.hauteecole.ru/en

Direct links to articles about NHE if you¹re interested in learning more:

http://www.hauteecole.ru/en/press.php?sid=0&id=395
http://www.hauteecole.ru/en/press.php?sid=0&id=426
http://www.hauteecole.ru/en/press.php?sid=0&id=449
http://www.hauteecole.ru/en/press.php?sid=0&id=343

Meanwhile, I think it¹s important to form some sort of community of people
who are interested in sharing their thoughts.  This would need to go beyond
the scope of this newsletter and be more of an open forum for discussion.  I
have formed a new group for this purpose.  Postings will still be moderated
but they will be posted for all of the group members to see and comment on.
I also see the value in discussing different books and videos as a group and
especially discussing how this work with horses can extend into other areas
of a person¹s life.  To subscribe to this group, send a blank email to:

pathofthehorse-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Honestly, this whole direction isn¹t much about training horses, it¹s about
developing relationship with other beings.  In this case, horses.  Horses
are creatures with seemingly infinite patience and tolerance, who enjoy
their interactions with humans for the most part.  It seems that they have
been waiting for us to recognize their true value as partners to show us how
to live in community, how to be in balance, how to trust, and how to love.

Enjoy your journey,
Stormy

Next month: A report on the filming with Mark Rashid and visiting the Rocky
Mountain national park in Colorado.

*******************************************************************
Feature: The Path of the Horse documentary
*******************************************************************

Synopsis:

Imagine that you could travel the world to meet some of the greatest
communicators of our times. These are not politicians, diplomats,
philosophers, or teachers in a traditional sense; they call themselves horse
trainers. A former war-scarred Russian soldier would teach you how to coax
the extraordinary out of a horse without use of bridles or bits, an Aikido
master in the Colorado Rockies would guide you in breath and body
disciplines that a horse can understand. You would follow a woman in
California into a herd of wild horses and learn to be accepted. You'd watch
as a woman in the Arizona desert helps people find healing solace from their
equine partners, and you'd join a man in Denmark as he roamed the
countryside in complete harmony with his surroundings. What could you learn
that would change the way you live your daily life?

This inspirational documentary explores the future of horse-human
relationships and ultimately all human relationships. As our culture evolves
from domination over nature into a partnership, we see this change being
reflected in the work that people are doing with horses. This is a story of
visionaries, of men and women who have made it their life's work to develop
and reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings through achievement of a
synergistic balance with the horse's own elegant naturalness. Horses have a
gift to share; teaching us how to develop community, balance, trust, and
love within our own families through a connection that goes beyond words.

Horses continue to be an enduring favorite subject for filmgoers and
television audiences alike. The Path of the Horse shows the progress toward
true partnership between horses and humans. Through the development of
qualities such as respect, humility, and an inner stillness, these people
have learned to relate to horses in ways that, in many cases, bring to life
the myths and fantasies that have long surrounded the equine species.

The program will focus on several individuals from around the world who are
considered "pathfinders". They are a select group of men and women, each
with a unique and extraordinary vision, all of whom are dramatically
changing the way we interact with horses. This documentary will take these
lessons and then apply them to ways we can change our own human interactions
to build community, develop strong relationships, and help raise our
children.

Including;


Alexander Nevzorov
Producer: The Horse Encyclopedia, Nevzorov Haute Ecole Priciples
Base: St. Petersburg, Russia
Website: http://www.hauteecole.ru/en

As a battle-scarred and wounded soldier of several military operations and
wars, Mr. Nevzorov came to hate the cruelty, injustice, and senseless
violence of mankind. His own sensitivities repelled him from what he saw as
traditionally violent methods of training horses. Over years of work he
would work within the art of Haute Ecole, teaching horses piaffe, passage,
capriole and other exercises training horses without the use of bits,
bridles, spurs, or any other form of coercion. While most trainers say this
is not possible, Alexander's results are irrefutable and he has created a
school of believers.


Mark Rashid
Author: Considering the Horse and Horses Never Lie
Base: Estes Park, Colorado
Website: http://www.markrashid.com

Horsemanship can, in the end, be more about a way to be than a set of things
to do. This is Mark Rashid's credo. He strives to work with horses in a way
that preserves those essential parts of their nature: their power, their
sensitivity, their subtlety and their desire to get along. Rashid uses his
experience in the martial art of Aikido to see horses as "energy", and much
of his work centers around the ideas of redirecting and influencing energy.

To the surprise of his students, Rashid says the best place to practice
horsemanship is outside the arena, while driving or at work or with one's
children. "Practice being soft, breathing, awareness and patience anywhere,
and then simply bring the practice to our horsemanship." A technique can
have a "Here, horse, let me help you" feel behind it. Or it can have a, "You
better do this or else" feel behind it. The feel behind the technique can be
the factor that decides whether the technique is effective or not.


Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling
Author:Dancing with Horses, What Horses Reveal
Base: Akedah School, Faaborg, Denmark
Website: http://www.hempfling.com

After teaching, traveling, and studying mythology, Klaus, at the age of 29
decided to study more deeply the most significant symbol of our culture, the
horse. He took off for the Spanish Pyrenees to be with the untamed herds in
their natural environment. What he came back with was a new understanding of
how horses can lead to the recognition of ones own self, through awareness
of the self of each horse. Rather than seeing the horse and our fellow
humans through a cloud of our own concepts and images, he teaches people to
recognize others in their essence, which leads to communication and healing.


Linda Kohanov
Author: The Tao of Equus and Riding Between the Worlds
Base: Epona equine program, Arizona, USA
Website: http://www.taoofequus.com

"The equine system is like a huge receiver and amplifier for emotional
vibrations. No matter how good you are at hiding things from yourself and
others, your nervous system still involuntarily broadcasts what you're
really feeling, at a frequency horses are especially good at tuning into."

This horse to human biofeedback is the basis of Linda's Epona program in
which she helps equestrians who have reached an impasse with their mounts.
She reveals how many of so-called "problem horses" are simply mirroring
feelings and intentions their owners had no idea they were projecting.


Carolyn Resnick
Author: Naked Liberty
Base: Escondido, California
Website: http://www.dancewithhorses.com

Known as "the girl who talked to horses" while growing up in the 1940s and
50s, Carolyn put these qualities to the test as she sought to gain
acceptance into a band of wild horses. Progressing up the pecking order with
nothing but her own two feet and a desire for acceptance, she ultimately
unlocked the secrets of the herd and was invited to ride the lead mare in
complete liberty.

Carolyn possesses a gift not only for communicating with horses, but for
teaching these processes for everyone to use not only with horses but within
their families and communities.


Program Structure:

The horse-human relationship has evolved differently throughout the world,
each culture bringing a fresh approach to horsemanship and each individual
trainer uniquely discovering their own path towards working with horses.

The Path of the Horse is a feature length documentary that introduces the
viewer to some of the world's greatest horse trainers, and accompanies them
as they ply their trade, developing extraordinary hands-on relationships
with their horses. Sometimes the viewpoint is from that of the trainer,
sometimes from that of the horse and often it will come from that of people
who have sought out these trainers to help them improve their own skills in
communicating with the equine world.

Each trainer will in turn share their experiences, their approach and their
stories will reveal a new understanding of human-horse relationships, yet
their methods soon lead to other unanswered questions that involve different
lines of research and yet another interview/point of view.  Music and sound
effects will help segue elements of the story, and be used to evoke specific
emotional response from the viewer. Dramatizations may be used to recreate
defining moments in the lives of the trainers, horses and students. Animated
sequences may assist in discussion of difficult conceptual ideas. Using High
Definition digital video medium, many subtleties will be able to be captured
that would otherwise be lost to the casual observer.


Projected timeline:

Initial contact with all participants has been made.  Filming was begun in
June 2007 with principal photography being completed by September 2007.
Editing will continue into the fall with a projected release date of late
winter 2008.

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Pony Club identification tag fundraiser
*******************************************************************

The Mossy Creek Pony Club in Georgia has come up with a neat fundraiser for
their club.  They are selling tack identification tags with an embossed Pony
Club logo.  They are available in copper, gold, and silver colors.  They are
still working on getting pricing to have the name of the club and region
engraved on the back, and hope to have it at a reasonable price.

Take a look at them here:

http://mossycreekponyclub.com/fundrasing.aspx

Prices are as follows:

Copper colored tag $1.25 each
Silver colored tag $1.50 each
Gold colored tag $2.00 each

Bulk Rates Copper Colored Tags:

20 for $11.00
50 for $20.00
100 for$ 30.00

Bulk Rates Nickel Colored Tags:

20 for $12.00
50 for $25.00
100 for $40.00

Bulk Rates Brass Tags

20 for $15.00
50 for $33.00
100 for $55.00

For more information please contact:

Katrina Gowen
Fundraising Coordinator, Mossy Creek Pony Club

kat@... or 478-825-7124

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

We are experiencing difficulty keeping strong/fast pony under control in the
jumping arena.  Tried him in dutch gag on lowest ring plus flash but he
becomes extremely excitable and very fast to the point of appearing 'out of
control'.  We have a kk jumping bit and don't know how to use it, or do you
think that a straight metal pelham with curbed chain would give more
restraint?

Regards
Julia via the Internet

Dear Julia,

A horse will never rush and get out of control because a bit isn¹t strong
enough.  He will rush because he is afraid, unbalanced, or in pain.  A
strong bit might temporarily make the pain in his mouth more unbearable than
whatever he was running from in the first place, but I must stress that it
is a very temporary fix that doesn¹t address the cause of the behavior.
It¹s true that some horses might run and get fast just for the sheer joy of
it, but those horses can be distinguished from the others because they will
easily come to a stop or turn with a very mild bit or bitless form of
control when the rider asks.

Your best bet for the long term enjoyment of both horse and rider would be
to get the horse checked by a vet, chiropractor, and/or saddle fitter to
rule out or treat pain.  After you¹re sure that riding and jumping isn¹t
causing the horse pain then it¹s best to go back to where the horse is
comfortable.  It might just be trot poles on the ground or more dressage
schooling to build balance and strength.  When you find a place that the
pony is comfortable with the mildest control possible, only then is it time
to try jumping higher fences again.  If the pony gets uncontrollable, that¹s
his only way of telling you that something is wrong.

Keep him comfortable,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy! I love your monthly news digest; I have been learning a lot by
reading it! I am a new DC and I¹m confused about the longing requirements
for Pony Club. Could you please feature the longing rule in your next
digest? Are there any exceptions to this rule? If a member¹s horse is frisky
before a lesson or rally event, and the horse needs to be longed for safety
of the rider, then who exactly is allowed to longe the horse? I am confused
by the rule, it says the member must be a C3 or above, but also states that
it can be the owner or a person designated by the owner. What if the owner
is a D2 or D3 and she wants to longe her horse? Then is it left to the DC or
instructor¹s discretion (at lessons) or the HM judge at Rallies?

Thank you,
New DC

Dear New DC,

Great question!  You¹re correct that at rallies, horses may be longed by C3s
or above or the owner or a person designated by the owner.  You brought up a
good point that if the owner is rated below a C3, the rules make it sound
like that would make it OK.  I¹ve been suggesting that they change that to
³adult owner or other adult designated by the owner² because this was the
intention behind the rule. I don¹t think they realized that most kids think
that they own their horses.  I¹m pretty sure that technically, kids don¹t
³own² things until they are considered independent adults at age 18.  Think
of all the child actors who don¹t even own the money they make until they
are 18.  So, at rallies longeing needs to be done by a C3 or higher rated
member or an adult owner or an adult designated by the owner.

The reason C3 was chosen is because that is the level that we know the child
has been tested and shown to be competent at longeing.  Rallies are usually
unfamiliar, stressful situations so USPC wanted to make sure the longer has
good skills or at least could make good decisions.  Longeing is first tested
at C2 so even C1¹s should be practicing their longeing skills in safe
situations in preparation for their C2 test.  In lesson situations, you as
the DC can take more of a role in deciding who is safe and competent to
longe their horse or if you have a good instructor you can ask him/her to
make the judgment.  It may be best to take it on a case-by-case basis.  If
you think someone is unsafe while longeing her horse, try to set up a lesson
on longeing.  I even teach D¹s to longe, usually starting with just how to
handle the line and whip, and then they have fun longeing each other!  If
the child is too small, uncoordinated, or has a horse who is particularly
difficult to longe then it would be good to find someone else in the club
who can longe the horse as needed before lessons.

Keep it safe,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy --

I'm missing some issues of your newsletter and cannot figure out how to
download them; I tried to find out on 'Yahoo' but to no avail.  Do you
happen to know how I can download those missing issues?

Thanks -- B. Sullivan via the Internet

Hi B.

Just go to the group webpage at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter

All the messages are available there.  If you're looking for a specific
issue you can either search for the title (the month and year) or you can
search for any keywords as well.

Happy searching,
Stormy

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

Hello Stormy-

This is Kaitlin Spak, from Northern Mines Pony Club.  I am going for my H
this July, and I know that they appreciate a unique record system, rather
than the usual pc record book that suffices for the lower levels.  Until
now, I have used the Pony Club record book (with some additions), but I
would like to step it up for my H.

I have been scouring my bookshelves, trailer, and tack room for a sheet that
I vaguely remember getting from you at some point- I think it was two or
three pages, and it had a list of everything a pony clubber needed to make a
great record book.  I was wondering if you might be able to save me some
time and send me another copy if you still have it- I am sorry I can't be
more specific, but anything you have on this topic would probably help.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Kaitlin Spak, C3, Northern Mines Pony Club

Hi Kaitlin,

Sure, it's available in the December 2004 issue of the Horse Management
Newsletter here:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/22

I think the latest trend is to not include feed samples so disregard that
bit.

Best of luck!
Stormy

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

Hello Stormy,
 
I hope all is well with you.  I have a quick question about braiding.  In
the H/H-A Standards of Proficiency, it states nothing about mandatory
braiding for the rating and in the Manual, it says you can braid to show off
certain breed's neck but not required.  However, on the H/H-A Test Sheet,
under station 1, it states braiding.  Now is it required at the rating that
we will have to trim and pull a horse's mane and then braid it?  If so, is
there a specific Pony Club braid that we must use on the entire neck?  If
you could clarify this for me that would be great! Thanks!

Merisa Moy, C3, Deer Creek Pony Club

Hi Merisa,

You never know what horse you will be assigned to turn out for your H or HA
test.  I've heard of everything from miniature horses to top Arabian show
horses and everything in between.  Mostly the ratings are held at Pony Club
barns so there tend to be a lot of horses who could be presented as good
all-around Pony Club mounts.  Once you get your horse you should also get a
set of instructions about what you can and can't do with this particular
horse.  For example, an Arabian show horse you probably won't be allowed to
do anything with the mane, a draft horse you wouldn't be allowed to clip the
fetlocks.  If you get a horse who would be best presented as a dressage
horse, eventer, Pony Club mount, or hunter, then you'll want to pull the
mane to an appropriate length and braid the entire mane in a typical hunter
or dressage braid.  You won't have to do the tail unless it's a hunter and
you're good at it.  If you get a horse that isn't appropriate to braid (for
example, the miniature horse with a huge mane or a Western pleasure horse)
then you will show a few braids on somebody else's horse so the examiners
know that you can correctly pull and braid a mane.

Don't forget that you'll be required to clean that sheath or udder too!

Happy practicing,
Stormy 


*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

"Ride" the XC Course at Badminton

Take a look at this fence-by-fence 'virtual' ride around the Badminton
cross-country course.  Follow this link and then select the 'course' button
on the top of the page.

http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/

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

Hey Stormy,

Check this out!  This computer worker mom has done a really cool thing here.
She's set this up so you can search for horse topics and not get the
"extraneous" items that show up from google searches.  It rocks :0

Krista Powers

You are invited to check out the customized  Misty Mountain Pony Club
Google search.  Use this search to find articles on horse management
topics.   Created to supplement the materials in Misty Mountain Pony
Club library, I have set up this customized Google search to search
only selected sites that have a variety of current horse management
articles.

Here is the link:
http://mistymountain.ponyclub.org/Library/library.htm

And if you know of a site with trustworthy horse management content,
please send the link to:

Trish Camozzi-Ekberg
Misty Mountain Pony Club - Northwest Region
DC / Club Librarian & Webmaster
http://mistymountain.ponyclub.org/


********************************************************************
Featured rule: Longeing
********************************************************************

2007 Horse Management Handbook page 19 section 11b:

Longeing must follow USPC standards and safety procedures and may only be
done with the consent of, and in the area designated by, the CHMJ.

Proper longeing attire:

Approved helmet
Proper mounted/unmounted footwear
Gloves

Individuals authorized to longe:

Any competitor C3 and higher, regardless of age
The adult owner of the mount or,
An adult designated by the owner

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: You know you are a horse person when...
********************************************************************

You drive your truck to work and the mirrors occupy the parking spaces on
both sides of the truck

You walk into a 'ritzy restaurant' with your friends after a full day of
showing horses wearing dirty tee shirts, jeans, boots, and spurs and you
really don't care

The car you drive to work everyday hasn't been washed in a year, but the
truck and trailer you use on week-ends is washed before and after every
horse show

Someone wants to borrow your horse trailer to haul cows and you emphatically
say "NO"

You cannot imagine why anyone would think it is kinky to own whips

The non-horsy guy/gal you just started dating gives you a funny look after
glancing into the back seat of your car, and you realize your whips and
spurs have been noticed

You often sneak furtively into Laundromats and pretend that you really
didn't just put that stinky, filthy horse blanket into the comforter-sized
machine

You buy business suits that will double as a showmanship jackets

You see the vet more than you see your child's pediatrician

You have more pictures of your horses in your office than you have of your
family

You pull a $17,000 horse trailer with a $1,700 pickup truck

You're seriously considering an even trade of your 2000 Buick for a 1986
Diesel crew cab dually pickup truck

You dress like a lawyer on weekdays, and someone who needs a lawyer on your
days off

You hate posing for pictures unless you're on your horse

The only picture you have of your spouse just happens to have been taken the
one (and only) time you let him/her ride your horse

You plan your pregnancy around the show season so you can send your horse to
the trainer during the eighth and ninth months

You buy duct tape by the case, and carry a roll in your pocketbook, your
briefcase, and the console of your car

You realize that finding a horse shoe truly is lucky because you've saved
ten bucks

You get your income tax refund and the first thing you do is head for the
tack shop

You have saved five old left mud boots "just in case", and another right one
has sprung a leak

You'll drive an hour in a snowstorm to ride your horse, but God forbid you
have to drive 5 minutes to the store to buy groceries

When your six year old tells everyone that he's going to be the "ring
steward" at your aunt's wedding!

Your friends no longer ask to get together with you on a weekend afternoon
because they know you'll say -- "I can't, I have a show/penning/rodeo/trail
ride."

You consider a pristine golf course as a waste of good pasture land.

Every time you drive past a construction site, you think how you could use
all that lumber at the barn!

After arriving at the barn and finding the sprinklers on in the indoor
arena, you go ahead and ride in it anyway. What's a little indoor "rain"?

Your horse gets new shoes more often than you

Your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse complains that you love your horse more
then you love him/her and you answer: "And your point is?"

Your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse does something nice for you, and you say
"good boy/girl" and pat him/her on the neck

You're trying to pass someone in a crowded hallway and instead of saying
"excuse me" to him/her, you cluck at them instead

You meet a business associate for a breakfast meeting and they reach over
the breakfast table to pick alfalfa out of your hair

No one wants to ride in your car because they'll get sweet feed and hay all
over their clothes...But hey, that's OK!!   You'd have to rearrange all the
tack to make room for them anyway!

You are totally grossed out by human hair in the sink or tub, but don't mind
horse hair in your washer, on your clothes, in your food...

You don't mind throwing the frozen manure balls for the barn dog to fetch!

The first bills you pay each month are all horse related

You choose your new dog by which breed is best with horses

You always have new foal pictures in your wallet

Courtesy Show Horse Promotions:
http://www.showhorsepromotions.com/jff.htm

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Watching a lesson
2) Recommended products and services: Tallyho Equestrian
3) Rally and ratings tips: Wikipedia entry about horse conformation
4) Questions and answers: headshaking, bit pulling, polos, bitless, and
flowcharts
5) Odds and Ends: Documentary interview, Cushings, Rolex pony, fans at
champs, foreign exchange, thehorse.com, Shawna Karrasch interview
7) Featured rule: Bandaging
8) Horsey Humor: Animal diaries
9) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: Watching a lesson
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

Watching a lesson can be a valuable time to learn new techniques to try with
your own horse, make sure your child feels your support, or to learn how to
help your friend or child who is taking the lesson after they get back home.

It's also a perfect time to observe your own habits or tendencies.  Here are
a few questions to ask yourself during and after a lesson.

During a lesson do you frequently second-guess the instructor?

I had a great learning experience while auditing a clinic given by a Western
trainer whom I really respect.  His student was riding English and wanted to
do some jumping.  As the rider started over the first jump I had at least 10
exercises that I thought they should be working on instead of what they were
doing.  My mind very quickly went into critical judgment mode and it was all
I could do to stay quiet and let them work together.  In the end, as the
lesson unfolded, I realized that what they were able to achieve was
something totally different than what I would have done but it was perfect
for the situation, and I learned some new ideas for teaching a jumping
lesson.

Often the instructor will seem to ignore obvious riding flaws.  Usually it
isn't that they don't notice them, it's because there is something more
important that they need to address first.  For example, I might have a
student who is on the wrong diagonal but her hands are raising up and
pulling on the bit.  I'm going to address the hands first before I even
mention the diagonal.  A rider does best when focusing on only one or two
things at a time.

During a lesson do you offer comments to the rider?

Most people who offer comments during a lesson rarely realize they are doing
it.  It usually is something that slips out such as, "you're on the wrong
diagonal" or "kick him!"  Coaching from the sidelines is extremely
disruptive to the rapport between the student and instructor.  If you find
yourself unable to refrain from slipping those words in, consider giving
yourself another task during the lesson such as cleaning out the trailer or
organizing the tack room.  You might need to enlist the help of another
auditor to tell you if you're overstepping your bounds as an observer.

During a lesson do you make negative comments about the instructor to other
auditors?

If there really is a serious problem with the instructor, the best thing is
to simply stop watching and/or remove your child from the lesson.
Discussing something the instructor did with other auditors may help you see
the issue from a different perspective but remember to keep an attitude of
inquiry, not of condemnation.  If it is a serious problem, you can probably
find a different instructor.

After a lesson do you remind your child/friend of what the instructor said?

There is nothing inherently wrong with helping the rider remember what the
instructor said but before you do so, ask yourself these questions:

Did the rider ask you to remind him?
Would it be more helpful if the rider remembered (or forgot) on her own?

I've often witnessed parents incessantly reminding their children of what
the instructor said between lessons.  Part of this might be because the
parent realizes that their child is much more likely to respect and listen
to their instructor's comments than to their own.  Parents, you probably do
have some valuable advice you can give your kids while riding but if it's
unsolicited it probably won't be taken well.  There's an old adage that says
a horse only has so many jumps in him, so it's wise not to jump
unnecessarily.  I think a variation on that is that kids will only take so
many comments from parents.  It's wise to use those sparingly.

Probably a parent's best plan of action is to ask the child if he would like
help remembering what he worked on during a lesson.  If the answer is "no",
it's a good idea to respect that unless it's a dangerous situation for the
horse or child.

Would the rider like you to take notes?

Clear, concise notes are invaluable to keep the rider progressing between
lessons.  Notes are most valuable for riders who are teens or adults.  Ask
your friend or child you're watching if they would like you to take notes.
After the lesson you may want to compare the notes with what the rider
remembered.  Notes are most valuable when they are written so that the rider
will understand them.  I suggest keeping a page of notes in your grooming
box so you can go over them before each ride.

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Tallyho Equestrian Outfitters
*******************************************************************
by Janet Sally

I found a boot (and saddlemaker) called Tallyho Equestrian Outfitters
(gotallyho.com).  Thomas Wrath makes custom boots in different styles.  I
just wanted to say that I used him, and his boots are very nice quality.
The quality and softness of the leather is really nice and the zippered
boots have a brass zipper.  He also makes saddles, but I have not seen any
of them.  He will give you tons of time over the phone, and measures 15
places on the foot and leg.  The boots are excellent quality leather,   He
lives in San Jose, California area and is at Rolex this week.  He is a
dressage rider and horse enthusiast as well as having this family business
for 3 generations.

When I measured my daughter for the boots, I ended up measuring wrong but he
worked with me and we were able to resolve it.

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Fantastic Wikipedia entry on equine conformation
*******************************************************************

Wikipedia has a fantastic section on horse conformation with many entries
that go beyond even my own knowledge.  There are also lots of great pictures
to help you understand.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_conformation

If you don't know what Wikipedia is, it's a free online encyclopedia that
has entries that can be created and edited by anyone.  The person (people)
who did this conformation section obviously put a lot of time into it and
everything is currently correct as far as I can tell.  Just keep in mind
that any person can come along and change the information so always double
check things before relying on them as fact.  If you notice entries in
Wikipedia that are not true, you can report them and see about getting it
changed.

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

I have a bitting question.

My new mare Dana has her canine teeth coming in right now.  She has become
really bad about flipping her head when we do dressage (I've even tried the
bitless for 2 weeks straight and she still wouldn't stop).  Since I have an
event coming up next weekend, do you have any suggestions on what type of
bit I should use??  (I am currently using a loose ring french link).

Thank you so much,
Allyson Moreno, C3, Liberty Oaks Pony Club

Hi Allyson,

If I recall correctly, Dana is over 5 years old.  Canine teeth are rare in
mares but if they have them, they are usually in by age 5.  What you might
be seeing is that they were filed down in her last floating and they seem to
be growing larger again.  With a properly adjusted bit, it shouldn¹t touch
the canine teeth, you may need to put it up a hole or two if it does seem to
be interfering with them.  I suspect that the head flipping isn¹t due to the
canine teeth but it may be due to some other cause that probably won¹t be
affected much by which bit you use.  I¹m going to send you to do some
research about headshaking syndrome in horses.

http://www.headshaking.com/syndrome.htm
http://www.wholehorse.com/articles/headShake.htm
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/7/9580.html

Let me know what you think after you read these articles.

Hi Stormy,

I read the articles (thank you)  but I do not think that she has a head
shaking syndrome.  She tends the flip her head when I ask for down
transitions, more connection, or more engagement from behind.  But as long
as I have a looser contact (still have a feel of the bit) she goes just
fine.

So do you think I should just keep her in the same bit and just try to work
through it??

Thank you,
Allyson Moreno, C3, Liberty Oaks Pony Club

Hi Allyson,

The only other bit that might work a little better is a mullen mouth snaffle
(no joint).  I think you should be able to work through it with the French
link though.  The key is to not use the bit while asking for down
transitions, collection, or engagement!  (No problem right?)  If you think
of the bit as an emergency brake (to be used only when everything goes
wrong) rather than an aid for these it will get you headed in the right
direction.  I¹d suggest as a beginning to have your trainer give you a longe
lesson without reins where you can practice getting Dana more tuned in to
your seat and weight shifts rather than relying on the reins for cues.  It¹s
not going to be a quick fix, but in the end, it will be the key that allows
you to pass your B and A ratings (and your horse to stop flipping her head).
Any time she flips her head (as long as you¹re sure it¹s not head shaking
syndrome) use it as a reminder that you just did something with your reins
and the bit that you should have been doing with your seat and legs.

Stay soft,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I have just bought a lovely mare she has been mistreated by abandonment yet
is still loving and caring. Under saddle she is almost oblivious to the bit.
She almost fixes her jaw. She is very stiff and not fit. She does not pull
but on a half halt or halt she will lean on the bit. I have light hands and
don¹t want to have to use over exaggerated movements. She is in a Mullen
mouth snaffle. I was tempted to allow her to have a jointed snaffle due to
the movement of the bit but I do not like the nut cracker action. Maybe a
rubber jointed snaffle.  Your advice would be much appreciated. She is 15.3
thoroughbred, 9 years old and has been used to being galloped and jumped and
chopped around by a teenager. I would like to aid our communication so we
may do dressage or 3 day eventing with no trauma to her. We are going to be
flat schooling for a long while yet to build our respect and get to know
each other.

Proud new owner, name withheld

Hi Proud,

Thanks for asking, that¹s a great question.  First of all, I appreciate that
you understand how working on the flat and building respect until you get to
know each other is going to be very important.  You¹ll want to take a look
inside the mare¹s mouth before you begin to see if you notice any bruises,
scars, or sharp teeth.  Better yet, have your vet take a look.  If that
checks out then it will just be a matter of re-sensitizing her to the bit,
or a bitless method of control such as the bitless bridle.  The mullen mouth
snaffle is your best bet if you want to keep a bit in her for exactly the
reason you describe, it doesn¹t have the nutcracker action that a jointed
bit has and it doesn¹t have the leverage that a curb bit has.

As long as injuries aren¹t an issue and the bit isn¹t pinching in the mouth,
the main reason a trained horse will not seem to respond to the bit is
because they have been unintentionally taught by a rider that they get a
release when they pull on the bit, as opposed to how we would like them to
respond by giving to pressure on the bit.  It¹s our responsibility to teach
them that we get soft when they get soft, not that we get soft when they
resist.

With your bit (or bitless bridle) you¹ll want to work on teaching her that
she gets a reward (a softening of your hands) when she gives to pressure.
This is done the same way as if she had never worn a bit in the first place,
by gentle work from the ground, flexing her head left, right, and in with
enough pressure that she responds, and a quick release of pressure the
moment she moves in the desired direction.  I¹ve taught this to countless
horses and riders and I¹ve found that the most difficult part when teaching
the rider is to get them to feel how much pressure they need in the first
place and then how to feel the correct moment to release.  Most people who
haven¹t learned how to do this yet either will not hold long or strongly
enough at first and/or then they won¹t release quickly enough.  It¹s
something that a person who starts horses can help you with in just one
lesson, that lesson will be much more valuable than thinking you can
understand what I¹m saying from just reading this.

By taking the time to go back to the basics of giving to the bit in an area
where she feels safe and relaxed, you will find that she becomes much more
willing and cooperative in the long run.

Proud new owner replies:

Hi Stormy sorry to be a pain but I haven¹t told anyone that the mare I have
bought is acting scary. I am being brave but I need to calm her before we
both get scared. I was going to get someone in to do Parelli with us, I
don¹t want them to see how unnerved I am by her change of behavior.  Sorry
to confess this to you. I darnt tell anyone incase they insist I sell her.
I know she is a star and lovely but she is so naughty from the ground.

Proud new owner, name withheld

Hi Proud,

I can imagine how difficult it must be to maintain your privacy when it
involves a horse.  Any really good instructor will need you to tell them how
scared you are so they can help you with that.  If you try to act brave they
won¹t be able to help you with what you need the most.  Personally, I love
it when someone admits to how scared they are because then we can start to
work together as a team.  Humans have good reason to be scared of horses,
they are huge and quick.  We need to respect them for this.  The nice thing
is that if we can learn to work with the horse, it can really build our
self-esteem and leadership qualities.  When you¹re interviewing for a
trainer make sure you tell them up front that you aren't interested in
selling her her and that you¹re willing to do whatever it takes to learn to
be a good leader for her.

In the meantime, spend as much time as possible just being around her.  Try
reading a book in her paddock, or if you don¹t feel safe there, sit and read
outside of her enclosure.  Talk to her, tell her what you¹re concerned about
and ask if she¹ll help you overcome it.  Start building the relationship
here.  The other thing that will help is to try and view her ³naughty²
behavior not as naughty, but that she¹s learned how to do certain things
because they worked.  For example, a horse might drag her owner at the end
of a lead rope because she found they could get grass that way.  A horse
might pin her ears and kick and stomp at feeding time because she found that
she got fed more quickly and with less bother that way.  Horses don¹t
innately do ³naughty² things, they do things that work.  Our job is to be
very aware of what they are teaching US, so that we only reward them when
they do things that we consider acceptable.

Enjoy your new mare,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

We are looking forward to having you at our Poway rally again this year.

I have a question: I would like to offer rally dress in polo shirt attire
all day.  Many clubs have new kids and I don't want attire to be an obstacle
in their attending- also we usually go to polos after first ride.

In Horse Management Rules, it looks like the C-1 and over ride in formal or
informal dress for first ride and the D's may ride in polos.  The Show
Jumping rules seem to state a first ride dress code.  I'm referencing Show
Jumping page 25 article 67 and Horse Management page 6.

Our HMO stated she was fine with only polos but wanted your opinion.

Thanks, Donna Smyth, Southern California region

Hi Donna,

D¹s can always wear polo shirts in any rally situation.  The first ride
dress code applies only to C¹s and above.  Since this will be a qualifying
rally we should stick to the first ride formal/informal attire rule so we
make sure that the teams who go to Kentucky know how to be turned out
properly.  It won't be any cooler there!

See you soon,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I have been asked by a D2 in the Southwest region to find out about the use
of the bitless bridle in Pony Club.  I know there are a couple of things
they are not allowed in but I can't remember which.  I know you wrote a
piece on their use on a newsletter but rules seem to change quite a lot and
PC seems to aligned itself with USEF for most disciplines now so I wasn't
sure if the rule had changed since that post.

Thanks for your help.
Clair Thunes (on behalf of Annie Turcotte D2 Diamondback PC)

Hi Clair,

The only things in PC that they aren¹t allowed for is a dressage rally and
the dressage phase of eventing.  Technically they wouldn¹t be allowed for
the dressage part of C and above ratings but if there¹s a special
circumstance the examiner may allow it.

Bitless bridles are great for D's or any rider who hasn't developed an
independent seat and hands.  They allow control of the horse's head without
the pain of unsteady hands hitting the bit.

Stay cool there in Arizona,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I am a little concerned that I haven¹t seen a couple of kids who want to
rate soon ride recently.  Do you think I should have their regular
instructors fill out a flowchart?  Being a new DC, I am having difficulty
saying no to some of these pushy parents.   I also would really like to get
a regular instructor installed for Pony Club.  There is a split club right
now over two trainers.  The animals are easy, it is the people that make it
difficult!

New DC, name withheld

Dear New DC,

Flow charts are a tool that are there for you (as the DC) to choose whether
you use them or not and if so, who gets to sign off, how far ahead of the
rating do they need to be signed off, etc....  If you can¹t regularly watch
the members ride, or aren¹t knowledgeable about the different requirements,
flowcharts are a handy way to make the families more responsible for making
sure their child is ready to rate.

Some clubs allow sign offs only by ³approved² people (usually instructors
familiar with PC), some clubs never allow sign offs with the person¹s
regular instructor, others encourage it.  Some clubs allow their upper rated
members to check off the knowledge portions for younger members, others
forbid it.  The bottom line is that flow charts allow you as the DC to be
assured that the member has at least gone over the material a little and
that the person who signed off thinks they should pass that section or at
least be allowed to try.  You need to decide who you feel comfortable
trusting in this situation without making the process overly difficult for
the families involved.  You might bring this up at a parent meeting and
explain that the more knowledgeable about PC and ratings that the sign off
person is, the more likely their child will have gotten a good prep and be
ready to rate.

We're all learning,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Odds and Ends
*******************************************************************

Many of you know that I'm working on a documentary about the future of
horse-human relationships called "The Path of the Horse".  You can watch a
TV interview I did about this project here:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6495296810761342388

Make sure you have an internet connection faster than dial-up!  The video is
26 minutes long.  Feel free to forward the link along to friends, internet
groups, or anybody you think might be interested in the documentary.  I'm
leaving the country next month for a short visit to Alexander Nevzorov in
Russia and Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling in Belgium, wish me luck!

Stay tuned to my website for the latest information: www.stormymay.com .

Many thanks,
Stormy

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

CUSHINGS DISEASE:  Many people do not know that the drug Pergolide (Permax)
is being withdrawn from the market due to some heart valve problems that
have turned up with some people who were taking the medication.  Since most
of this drug is ordered through compounding pharmacies, it turns out the
drug manufacturers actually did not know about the equine market for the
drug. In an effort to keep this life-saving drug available for Cushings
horses, a petition has been started to demonstrate to the manufacturer the
need and demand for Pergolide.  If you have, or have ever had, a horse with
Cushings, you know of the need.  Here is a link to the information from the
FDA website :

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01596.html
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savepergolide/

This information came from the Horsin' Around calendar

Horsin’ Around! Calendar is posted on the web at:
http://www.horseNpony.com/horsinaround
http://results.bayequest.info/events.php#club

Thanks Marilynn!

************************************************
from Clair Thunes (formerly Clair Spackman), Southwest Region

I just had to share this piece of amazing news.  Maybe everyone knows
already but I haven't seen much made of the fact that  at this years Rolex
Kentucky 3-day Karen O'Conner is riding a 14.1hh pony.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/SPORTS080
1/704260511/1002/SPORTS

The last time someone rode a pony at Rolex was in 1978 so this little guy
must be something special.

For those who didn't get to go in person and who want to watch more than the
networks will show you can watch the whole thing online thanks to NBC. The
cost is $7.99 and you can download the entire 4 days and watch literally
every ride. Check it out here http://www.rk3de.org/index.php and click on
the large NBC link.

Enjoy, and go pony go!

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

Thu Apr 12, 2007

From Wayne Quarles, USPC Activities Director

Please share these with your members coming to Festival
Championships or Education this year.

NEW KENTUCKY HORSE PARK REGULATIONS

1. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
In compliance with the State of Kentucky Fire Code, the Kentucky
Horse Park will no longer allow any of the following in stalls, barns or
tents:
a) any 2 prong plug appliances (fans, etc.)
b) any 2 prong plug extension cords
c) light duty cords for indoor use
d) any 3-way adaptors unless specifically for outdoor use
e) any adaptors without 3 prong connections

Any equipment not in compliance is subject to confiscation.

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

Hello to all! My name is Susan Straub. I work with an organization that is
called Cultural Homestay International. The reason that I am writing this to
you is that we need your help... Currently I have 2 international students
that need homes for the 2007/2008 school year. These 2 deserving young
students are asking to be placed in California with horse families.

There  is one boy from Germany and one girl from Germany. Both have a resume
for  their horse experience.... English style riding, use to riding in
halls,  countryside, trails, both are use to riding dressage and jumps, use
to  caring for there own horse, willing to train or help train a horse,
clean out horse stall, care for a horse/horses too. The girl has ridden for
12yrs. and had her own horse for 8 yrs. The boy has 4 very intense yrs of
riding experience. This is a WONDERFUL opportunity for a family!!! We bring
in 900 students per school year... the students have their own health
insurance, monthly spending money, attend the high school of the host
families district, are able to go on trips with CHI, a monthly report is
done with the host family and student, and most but not least build life
time relationships with families....I am asking that if anyone is interested
to please contact me ... WE NEED YOU! Please take a moment to consider if
your family could host a student... we have a 23 page application that these
students have filled out that I would like to present to you and your
family.... for more information please phone me at 530-913-2394 or 477-0346
Susan Straub/ Cultural Homestay International. We also have a web site to
few a little info about us... www.chinet.org <http://www.chinet.org>
Thank you in advance for any help that you can give these two students!

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

The Horse.com (www.thehorse.com) is a website that has thousands of great
articles about horse care and training.  Formerly a person had to pay to
read most of the articles but now, they are all free!  You still do have to
sign up as a registered user but it is free and you will have access to over
9,000 articles.  What a deal!

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

The Talking Equine Network did a great internet podcast of an interview with
Shawna Karrasch.  Shawna was a marine mammal trainer at Marine World in
California before she realized the values of using positive reinforcement to
train horses.  You can hear the interview at:

www.talkingequine.com scroll down to episode #14

Shawna's website is:

www.on-target-training.com

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Bandaging
********************************************************************

2007 Horse Management Handbook page 18 section 10g: Bandaging

Competitors, Unrated through C2, must have a HMJ check any bandages to
determine if they are properly applied.

Regardless of rating level, safety is paramount.  Improper bandaging may be
harmful and a competitor may be asked to redo any bandage considered
improperly or poorly applied (refer to The USPC Guide to Bandaging Your
Horse).

Additionally:
-Bandages may be applied by the following individuals:
   - Competitor
   - Owner of the mount, or
   - An individual designated by the owner.
-HM staff may not apply bandages.
-Bandages may not be left on for more than 12 hours at a time.
-Competitors may go to Turn Back with bandages applied.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Animal diaries
********************************************************************

The Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite  thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My  favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00  pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite  thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt  me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are
fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the
rations perfectly clear,  I nevertheless must eat something in order to
keep up my  strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I
had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly
demonstrates my capabilities.

However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good
little hunter" I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was
placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However,
I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard  that my
confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn  what this
means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try
this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and
snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and
seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the
guards regularly. I am  certain that he reports my every move. My captors
have arranged  protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is
safe. For now.....


The Horse's Diary

Now- Munching hay, munching hay, munching hay
Now- Sipping water
Now- Here comes the human with the halter
Now- Here comes the saddle, pinching my back, now the bridle squeezing my
jaw.
Now- Human off balance, pulling and kicking, saying something about how I
should already know this, slapping, says I should know better...patience,
remember patience, one foot in front of the other.
Now- Human confused, more kicking and pulling.  Stay steady, maybe the human
will understand, just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Now- Human dragging me back to the corral, stop for a bite of grass, more
pulling and slapping.  One day the human will get it.
Now- Munching hay, munching hay, munching hay
Now- Sipping water

********************************************************************
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 tack room and make room for more stuff!

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

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: How to perform a basic physical exam
2) Report on the USPC Annual Meeting
2) Recommended products and services: Casco protective vests
3) Rally and rating tips: New HM website
4) Questions and answers: C1 rating information, feed charts at one day
rallies
5) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Understanding Bits is re-released
6) Fun and educational websites: Stacy Westfall interview, Painting Horses,
Tapestry Institute
7) Featured rule: Notable new rules
8) Horsey Humor: Glossary of Horse Terms
9) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: How to perform a basic physical exam
*******************************************************************

The following article is compiled from various ehow.com articles with
additional information added for clarity.

Your horse should look bright and alert. If he or she looks dull or
depressed but you don¹t immediately notice a cause, you can try to determine
why by performing a physical exam.

Instructions

* STEP 1: Observe general body condition for cuts, abrasions, swelling or
asymmetry (for example, one hip higher than the other, or a bump on one
shoulder but not the other).

* STEP 2: Look into the eyes for cloudiness, foreign objects, tearing,
abrasions or ulcers (breaks in the tissue), and around the eyes for cuts and
abrasions.

* STEP 3: Check breath odor - it shouldn't smell bad - and observe attitude
and appetite. If the horse isn't eating, or is dropping feed from the mouth,
suspect a problem.

* STEP 4: Look at stool consistency. Note if soft (diarrhea), dry or normal.

* STEP 5: Take your horse's temperature using a thermometer specially made
for large animals. Average range is 99.0 to 101.5 degrees F.

> Take your horse's temperature when she is healthy so that you'll recognize
> when her temperature is above normal in the future.
>
> Instructions for taking a horse's temperature:
>>
>> * A: Use a mercury rectal thermometer. These are available at many feed and
>> tack stores and in catalogs.  Alternatively, you may use a digital
>> thermometer designed for human use.  If you're using a mercury thermometer
>> make sure you have a string tied to the end and a clip to clip to the horse's
>> tail.  It's rare that the thermometer will get sucked in to the rectum but
>> frequently it will be pooped out.  A digital thermometer doesn¹t require a
>> string and clip because it must be held until it beeps that it's done.
>> * B: Sterilize the thermometer by dipping it in rubbing alcohol.
>> * C: Shake the thermometer until it reads below 97 degrees F or reset the
>> digital thermometer then apply petroleum jelly or a similar lubricant to the
>> tip (spit also works well).
>> * D: Stand to the side of the horse and reach around petting the hindquarters
>> and the tail.  If the horse seems agitated about this, have an adult who is
>> experienced with horses help you.
>> * E: Insert the thermometer at least 3/4 of the way into the rectum, making
>> sure that it slides in easily and doesn't get obstructed by feces.  Allow it
>> to stay in for 3 minutes or in the case of a digital thermometer, until it
>> beeps.
>> * F: Take the thermometer out, wiping it off with a towel or the tail, and
>> read it.  Make sure you've already practiced reading a mercury thermometer.
>> * G: Wipe or rinse the thermometer after use, and then sterilize it by
>> dipping it in rubbing alcohol.

* STEP 6: Listen to gut sounds (abdominal auscultation) for abnormalities.

>> This procedure evaluates the condition of the large intestine (colon) but not
>> the small intestine or stomach.
>>
>> * A: Practice listening to gut sounds (abdominal auscultation) when your
>> horse is healthy to determine and get used to what sounds normal for your
>> horse.
>> * B: Place a stethoscope on the upper right quadrant of the abdomen (upper
>> right side of the flank).
>> * C: Listen 3 to 5 minutes for a complete cycle of sounds.
>> * D: Repeat for each of the lower right, upper left and lower left quadrants.
>> * E: Listen for a decrease or increase in frequency and intensity of gut
>> sounds; this may indicate a problem.
>> * F: Call your veterinarian if changes in gut sounds accompany other signs of
>> a physical ailment, such as distress, pain, diarrhea, fever or loss of
>> appetite.

* STEP 7: Check hydration and capillary refill time (CRT) by blanching gums,
and determine digital pulse strength and heart rate.
>>
> You can check the hydration of your horse in several ways: by measuring
> capillary refill time (CRT), checking skin turgor, and assessing eyes and
> gums.
>
> Measure Capillary Refill Time
>>
>> * A: Use both hands to part the horse's lips and expose the gums.
>> * B: Press gently and briefly on the gum of the upper jaw with the index
>> finger or thumb of one hand. This will force the blood from the capillaries,
>> "blanching" the gum (making it temporarily white).
>> * C: Watch and count how long it takes for the gum to return to its natural
>> pink color after removing your finger. If the count is longer than 2 seconds,
>> your horse may be dehydrated or have a circulatory problem.
>> * D: Take this measurement regularly to get an idea of what's normal for your
>> horse.

> Assess Eyes and Gums
>>
>> * A: Learn what your horse's eyes and gums normally look like. They should
>> appear moist and shiny, not dry.
>> * B: Inspect your horse's gums and eyes frequently.

>> Tips & Warnings:
>>>>
>> * If your horse¹s gums are abnormally yellow or cool and bluish you may have
>> a veterinary emergency.

> Check Skin Turgor
>>
>> * A: Pinch the skin on the horse's neck in front of the shoulder, using your
>> thumb and forefinger.
>> * B: Note whether the skin snaps back to its normal position quickly or
>> responds slowly and remains "tented up." A slow response can indicate
>> dehydration.
>> * C: Check skin turgor regularly to get an idea of what's normal for your
>> horse. Individuals can show variation in this test.
>>
>> Tips & Warnings
>>
>> * An older horse may have less-elastic skin that returns slowly to its normal
>> position even if the horse is well hydrated.

> Checking the digital pulse helps evaluate pain and inflammation in foot and
> hoof. Finding the pulse at your horse's foot takes experience and expertise,
> but most people can learn the basics with some practice.
>
>> * A: Ask your veterinarian or an experienced horseperson to locate and point
>> out your horse's digital arteries, which are on the inside and outside of
>> each leg at the level of the fetlock and pastern.
>> * B: Palpate on the inside and outside of each leg, toward the back of the
>> midpastern or fetlock at the level of the sesamoid bones.
>> * C: Note how strong the pulse is. A normal horse should have a pulse that is
>> very slight or difficult to feel.
>> * D: Compare findings among all four feet to judge if one foot in particular
>> is abnormal.
>> * E: Know that if the pulses of more than one foot are increased, it could
>> indicate a systemic and not a localized problem.
>> * F: Contact your veterinarian if you detect a strong digital pulse.
>>
>> Tips & Warnings
>>
>> * Check the digital pulse when your horse is healthy to determine what's
>> normal for her; you'll then be able to recognize abnormalities.
>> * The case for foals (young horses) is the opposite of that for adult horses
>> - the digital pulse of a foal should be easily palpable and a weak pulse
>> should be of concern.
>> * A strong digital pulse can indicate pain associated with a foot abscess,
>> bruise, laminitis or lameness.

> Check heart rate to evaluate your horse's physical condition. An increase in
> heart rate can be associated with pain, dehydration, fever and other problems.

>> * A: Place a stethoscope against your horse's chest, behind the elbow (the
>> topmost joint in your horse's foreleg).  Usually you can hear the heart the
>> best on the horse¹s left side but you might check both sides.
>> * B: Listen until you hear a strong, steady heartbeat.  Remember, each beat
>> has two parts (lub-dub).
>> * C: Grab a stopwatch or a watch with a second hand or have a friend time
>> you.
>> * D: Count the number of heartbeats you hear for 15 seconds.
>> * E: Multiply that number by 4 to obtain the horse's heartbeats per minute.
>> * F: Know that a normal resting heart rate for an adult horse is about 30 to
>> 40 heartbeats per minute.
>> * G: Contact your veterinarian if you determine a problem.
>>
>> Tips & Warnings
>>
>> * Some athletic horses may have resting heart rates as low as 24 beats per
>> minute; get to know your horse.

*STEP 8: Determine respiration rate to evaluate pain or respiratory disease.
While you're at it, listen for coughing.

> Measure your horse¹s respiration

>> * A: Stand beside the horse and watch the rise and fall of the flank.  Each
>> in and out cycle counts as one breath.  Alternatively you may watch the
>> horse¹s nostrils.  Be sure nobody has their hands near the horse¹s nose, as
>> the horse may start ³sniffing² and give you a false reading.
>> * B: Count the breaths for 15 seconds (use a stopwatch or have somebody else
>> with a watch tell you when to start and stop counting).
>> * C: Multiply by 4 to get the number of breaths per minute.
>> * D: A normal resting respiration rate for a horse is 8 to 16 breaths per
>> minute but it can vary.  Be sure to take your horse¹s respiration rate
>> several times when she¹s healthy in order to determine her normal range.

* STEP 9: Determine approximate weight with a "weight tape" that can be
purchased at a feed store or from a farm supply catalog.  If you use an
english girth, you may notice one day that it goes up higher than normal,
indicating that the horse may have lost some weight, or is more difficult to
get to the normal holes, indicating that the horse has gained weight.

Tips & Warnings

* Have your results ready before you contact your veterinarian; if you're
not sure how to perform these tests, ask your vet to go over these
techniques with you.

*******************************************************************
Report on the USPC Annual Meeting
*******************************************************************
by Carolyn McCarthy

I am the Horse Management Organizer (HMO) of the Southern California region
and have recently attended the annual national meeting of the United States
Pony Clubs.  This was my fourth time and I have learned so much from each
one. The workshops were wonderful and educational, and I was pleased to see
so many active pony clubbers at the meeting.  The workshops included
training the eye to see Basic Balanced Position (or lack of),  new
information on feeds,  understanding the specialty ratings, a hands on
anatomy lab (with a horse heart, intestine, fetus, skeleton, teeth, etc.),
How to use  a balance ball or a balance board to warm up and/or detect and
correct rider assymetries and weaknesses,  saddle fitting,  dressage test
helpful hints,  conditioning for eventing, self carriage of the horse,
equine sports psychology, fundraising ideas, quadrille, polo, tetrathalon,
games, and numerous other workshops.

    It is wonderful to know that those of us involved with United States Pony
Clubs  are a part of an organization that has the flexibility to make
changes when they are needed.  It is  a joy to see in writing that primary
purpose of  Horse Management is to teach at rallies (and everywhere else!).
Teaching is always predominant over judging.  The new HM handbook is short,
sweet, and to the point... and more user friendly for sure.  The first
section is only 8 pages and simply states the rules.  The second section
explains and "amplifies" those rules. Part 3 deals with administering the HM
program at rallies, and the final portion contains the appendices.  C-3's at
rallies may now given more responsibility at rallies and may be even excused
from official turnbacks since it is assumed that by having achieved the
rating of C-3 they are clearly competent in this area.

     The specialty ratings, another sign of USPC's growing adaptability to
modern times and changing needs of our pony clubbers, show hours and hours
of careful planning.  Many pony clubbers who wish to specialize in either
dressage or jumping will benefit from these changes.  These changes may seem
confusing at first, but in another year or two they will not be at all as
everyone will be used to them.  Any change is often at first stressful, but
these are positive changes designed to meet more needs.

     Hopefully many more parents and pony clubbers will attend the next
annual meeting and take advantage of the wonderful workshops and outstanding
professionals that teach them.

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Casco Protective Vests
*******************************************************************

This year's eventing season is fast approaching.  Has your child outgrown
her cross country vest?  Have you changed your colors?

Casco's West Coast representative, Krista Powers is a Pony Club mom and a
tireless Assistant Horse Management Judge in the Pacific Northwest region.
You may have met her at last year's Western Championships in Sacramento or
earlier this year at the USPC Annual Meeting when she brought these vests to
sell.

You can check out the vests online at:

http://www.cascosolutions.com/riding-vest.htm

You'll definitely want to talk to her before you order, she can get vests
made in virtually any color and at prices better than on the website.  Here
are some additional words she wrote about the vests:

The kids really like wearing them, they say "they make me feel secure," and
"they move with you, not like the turtle shells."  Also with their cut they
don't hit you in the back of the neck and they don't bump on your saddle.
They weigh from 3-5 pounds, depending on the size.  This weight distributes
very evenly, I can attest for that myself as I've worn one too.  They meet
ASTM for shock and impact, I don't know of any others that meet ASTM for
both, maybe for one or the other, but not both.  Also, as your child grows,
you can replace just the front or the back as needed, you do not have to
purchase an entire new vest, and you can buy new covers in different colors
if your child changes colors from season to season or with a new horse.
Very versatile!  You can even remove the covers and have them embroidered.

Krista's email and phone is:

powerfulequestrian@...
206-391-3668

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Ask The Chief on the Horse Management website
*******************************************************************

How many of you Pony Club families have checked out the new Horse Management
page on the Pony Club website?  It is brand new this year and is a great
resource for all aspects of Horse Management in Pony Club and beyond.  A
particularly valuable part of it is the "Ask the Chief" section which is
similar to the question and answer format used in this newsletter (in fact,
some of the questions and answers are from this newsletter!).

Get simple, definitive answers to commonly asked questions such as:

Are pre-tied stock ties acceptable?
Are suede half chaps acceptable?
Do D's have to wear garters or elastic straps with their jodhpurs?
Is the Bitless Bridle allowed in games?
Why is hay allowed to be fed in flakes now?
What bandaging materials are OK'd by USPC for ratings and rallies?
Would a heavy duty retractable X-acto knife be acceptable in place of a jack
knife in the Required Equipment Utility Kit?

The webpage can be found at: http://hm.ponyclub.org (click on the Ask The
Chief link for answers to the questions above) or you can find it from the
main Pony Club webpage (www.ponyclub.org) click on the "Instruction/HM" link
at the top of the page and then on "Horse Management".

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hey Stormy. I was just looking through my C-1 flowchart and I had a few
questions.  It says to know all the USPC sports but it doesn't say them in
the book.  Do you know how many there are altogether and what they are? And
also it says to "describe conditions which foster internal and external
parasites, procedure for parasite control, in pasture and stall management,
ways to control flies, bot eggs" so for that do I need to know some of the
types of external and internal parasites? And it says to know the health
care schedule for your own horse. Does that mean that I have to know the
exact dates she gets them on or just how many times a year? Thank you for
helping me...I was just a little confused.

Sara Cortopassi, D3, Deer Creek Pony Club, Sierra Pacific Region

Hi Sara,

Great question.  The USPC sports that we have rallies for are:

dressage, games, eventing, polocrosse, tetrathalon, showjumping, quiz
(though not really a horse sport), and vaulting.  Vaulting has a rulebook
but I don't know of any vaulting rallies being held in the past several
years.  Foxhunting, distance riding, and driving may be horse sports but
there are no rulebooks or rallies for them.  Certainly foxhunting should be
mentioned though since it's why Pony Club started!

For the parasite question at C1 you don't need to know any real specifics
about parasites, such as ascarids, large and small strongyles etc... but you
should know general things such as "flies like to lay their eggs in manure
so it's important to keep manure cleaned up", and "internal parasites are
shed in a horse's manure and can contaminate feed or grass with their eggs".
Also be sure to know that most parasites thrive in warm, wet conditions.

The health care schedule for your own horse at C1 can be fairly general
although you'll have to start learning some specifics.  In your Record Book
you should have the exact dates of when your horse was last immunized and
dewormed and what products were used but don't worry about memorizing the
exact dates.  If you can remember that your horse got a 5 way shot in the
spring (do try to memorize what's in a 5-way, 4-way, or 3-way shot) and that
he's due to get that again next spring (or fall) then you should have no
trouble.

I have a list of good C1 prep type questions in the February 2004 issue of
the Horse Management Newsletter.  You can read it here:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/11

Good luck on your rating!
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

In the HM handbook it says that if a horse is fed at a rally it needs to be
on the feed chart, but there is no feed chart required for one day rallies.
How is this resolved?

Carolyn McCarthy, HMO, Southern California Region

Hi Carolyn,

From a practical standpoint here¹s what I¹ve advised in the past:
theoretically at a one-day rally the horse would be fed before he comes and
after he leaves, thus a feed chart would not be necessary.  From a practical
standpoint though, competitors will often want to give their horses
something to chomp on (other than the trailer) to keep them occupied and
relaxed.  Since at a one-day rally there aren¹t feed rooms or feed charts
required I would employ a little CSAL (common sense and logic) here and
maybe minimally ask that the competitor state on their stall card that the
horse can have ³x² amount (free choice, 1 flake, 8 lbs, etc...) of a certain
type of hay during the day at a rally or competition.  If this wasn¹t done,
I would just talk to the competitor and ask him why he chose to feed his
horse, how much the horse should get, and what type of hay it is (and if it
is the type that is normally fed).  I¹m more interested to know that this
competitor has a sound knowledge of why he¹s doing what he¹s doing rather
than splitting hairs over how it¹s noted.

Stay tuned to the HM website for any further clarifications on this topic.

Thanks for asking,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs! Understanding Bits DVD is
re-released
*******************************************************************

The video I produced about bits was distributed for the past two years by
Trafalgar Square and now the rights have reverted back to me.  I¹m
re-releasing the title in order to keep it available as a valuable resource
for anybody who wants to learn about bits.  It can be ordered from the USPC
bookstore or from my website (www.stormymay.com).  Here¹s what one viewer
sent me:

Hi Stormy!
I wanted to share with your readers that I bought Understanding Bits with
Stormy May for my Daughter who is a D2 for Christmas.  I could not believe
how much we learned in viewing your video!

As we are new to riding, we really never considered bits, we just used
whatever bit that was given to us by the horse we leased, never considering
the impact on the horse, or why certain bits were used.

Now that we are looking for our own horse, we have learned a lot about the
horses we look at by the bit they use, often ruling out horses by the bit in
the photo.

While we will have much to learn, my daughter and I want to put our horses
well -being first, and we now know that using the right bit (or the bitless
bridle) is vital for the care of the horse we will get.

Thank you so much for this much overlooked and often confusing part of horse
care!  I think it is a great instructional video, and recommend it highly!

Katie and Christie Allen, 49'er Pony Club, Sierra Pacific Region

For those of you in the Grass Valley, California area, I will be giving a
talk about bits at the Nevada County Horseman¹s Association on April 18th at
7pm.  Videos will be available to purchase there.  Please email me at
stormy@... if you would like further information.

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Stacy Westfall is an amazing western trainer who won the 2003 National
Reining Horse Association Futurity and six other key reining events without
a bridle.  Imagine that, reining without reins!

The Talking Equine Internet Radio show interviewed her and you can listen to
it here:  www.talkingequine.com (scroll down to episode 10) or visit her
website: www.westfallhorsemanship.com .  Be sure to watch the YouTube video
of her winning bridleless ride.

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

Horses who paint?  Yep, it's true!  Read about how Cheryl Ward developed the
urge and ability to paint in her two Paso Fino horses, Romeo and Juliet.
Watch videos of her horses painting, dancing, and having fun.  Truly a nice
site for the whole family.  I especially loved the "DaVinci Diaries" where
Cheryl chronicles her work with a severely abused draft cross gelding as he
transforms from a fearful victim into a beautiful dance partner.

http://www.paintinghorse.com/

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

The Tapestry Institute website states:

We teach people to recognize, use, and integrate intellectual, experiential,
spiritual, and mythic ways of knowing and learning.  Participants in
programs based on this system forge deep connections to others and to the
world around them.  Preserving ways of learning that establish connection,
and re-establishing connections in human lives shattered by modern stressors
is vitally, desperately essential to the future we all share.

Tapestry carries out original research on how people learn through ways
traditional to Indigenous cultures worldwide but new to Western culture.  We
apply these ways to innovative education programs ranging from the
Horse-Human Relationship Program and Digital Library of Indigenous Science
Resources to unique conferences.  We have been awarded four prestigious
grants by the National Science Foundation, and partner with such influential
institutions as Tribal College Journal and SnowChange (Finland).

The Tapestry Institute is sponsoring the Voice of the Horse conference which
will be held June 30 and July 1st at Iowa State University.  The conference
features speakers such as renowned dressage rider and author Jane Savoie,
filmmaker Ginger Katherens, Nuno Olivera's son Joao Oliveira, artist Kim
McElroy and more.  This conference will also be available as a live telecast
to watch anywhere in the world.

www.tapestryinstitute.org
www.thevoiceofthehorse.com

********************************************************************
Featured rule: A few notable new rules
********************************************************************

The 2007 Horse Management Handbook and Rules for Rallies is full of new
surprises.  I wanted to point out a few key changes here:

Hairnets are now no longer required.  Your hair must still be neat and not
obstruct your number but now you may do that in other ways such as fastening
it up under your helmet, braiding it, or any number of other techniques.  Of
course you may still want to use a hairnet if you¹ve gotten used to it, it
will always look nice.

Showbows are now allowed.  Due to the lack of any reports of injuries from
the metal barrette that¹s part of the showbow, you may now choose to use the
showbow, which is a barrette with a black ribbon on it and a hairnet that
hangs as a little bag below it.

Hay may now be fed in flakes although concentrates will still need to be fed
by weight.  Be sure to read up on pages 21 and 22 of the HM handbook and in
the Spring HM Newsletter for clarifications.

Halters must now have some form of identification on it at all times.  The
identification must enable the horse to be returned to the correct rider
and/or stall at a competition.  The label may include any or all of the
following:

* Rider¹s name
* Rider¹s number
* Barn name/number
* Stall number

********************************************************************
Horsey Humor: Glossary of Horse Terms
********************************************************************

Stall:  What your rig does at rush hour in an unfamiliar city on the way to
a big trail ride.

A Bit:  What you have left in your pocket after you've been to your favorite
tack shop.

Fence:  Decorative structure built to provide your horse with something to
chew on.

Horse Auction:  What you think of having after your horse bucks you off.

Pinto:  Green coat pattern found on freshly washed light-colored horses left
unattended for 2 minutes.

Well Mannered:  Hasn't stepped on, bitten, or kicked anyone for a week.

Rasp:  Abrasive metal tool used to remove excess skin from ones knuckles.

Longeing:  Popular training method in which a horse exercises their owner by
spinning them in circles until dizzy.

Gallop:  Customary gait a horse chooses when returning back to the barn.

Nicely Started:  Longes, but not enough health insurance to even think about
riding him.

Colic:  Gastro-intestinal result of eating at horse fair food stands.

Colt:  What your mare gives you when you want a filly.

Easy to Load:  Only takes 3 hours, 4 men, a 50-lb bag of oats, and a tractor
with loader.

Easy to Catch:  In a 10x10 stall.

Easy Rider:  Rides good in a trailer; not to be confused with "ride-able".

Endurance Ride:  End result when your horse spooks and runs away with you.

Hives:  What you get when you receive the vet bill for your 6 horses, 3
dogs, 4 cats, and 1 donkey.

Hobbles:  Walking gait of a horse owner after their foot has been stepped on
by their horse.

Feed:  Expensive substance used to manufacture manure.

Dog House:  What you are in when you spend too much money on grooming
supplies and pretty halters.

Light Cribber:  We can't afford to build anymore fencing or box stalls for
this buzz saw on four legs.

Three-Gaited Horse:  A horse that: 1) trips, 2) stumbles, 3) falls.

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) A Special Request: The Path of the Horse Documentary
2) Feature: Horseshoeing from A to Zeta
3) Recommended products and services: Amazing breech sale continues!
4) A note about DSLD (degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis)
5) Questions and answers: throwing shoes, recordbooks
6) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Naked Liberty by Carolyn Resnick
7) Fun and educational websites: veterinary podcast, Connemara site
8) Featured rule: Halter identification
9) Horsey Humor: Only horse people...
10) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
A Special Request: The Path of the Horse Documentary
*******************************************************************

Who wants to join me on a trip around the world to meet the greatest living
horse trainers?  We'll start out in California and then progress to Colorado
and Arizona.  Then we'll take a hop overseas and check out some people in
Denmark, France and even Russia!  Worried about the passports, airport
security, and the fact that you can't speak Russian?  Don¹t be, you can all
take this trip with me right from the comfort of your own couch by watching
"The Path of the Horse" documentary.  The trip won't happen without some
effort on your part though.  I've got the crew, the contacts, and the
questions.  What I need from you is some moral and financial support.

This project is big, I've been working on bringing it together for three
years now and this year is the time to start filming and make it happen.
These people aren't your average trainers, as the people who have seen my
preliminary doc presentations can attest.  I like to think of them more as
horse communicators.  They have the most amazing ways that they have
developed for working with horses.  However, the way they work with horses
is just one fascinating part of the mystery.  The bigger part is the lesson
that we can learn from them about how to live our own lives, relate to our
own horses, our spouses, our children, our bosses, our employees, and all of
life.

Sound like fun?  The first easy step to take is just visit my website and
read the proposal which outlines the project and describes the trainers who
will be featured.  The second step will be to help with fundraising.  As a
trainer myself, unfortunately I don't possess the means to fund this
endeavor on my own, but I truly believe that this idea is big enough and
there are enough wonderful people out there who would like to see it made
that the funds will make themselves available.  Please feel free to forward
this idea and my site along to anybody else you think might be interested.
I'm looking for people who would like to make an investment with the
possibility of a huge return on it.  On a smaller scale though, donations of
any size would be gladly welcomed.  If you just think this is a worthy idea
and would like to see it made, please vote with your dollars.

www.stormymay.com

Let's get going!

Spasibo (Thank you in Russian)
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Feature: Horseshoeing Methods from A to Zeta
*******************************************************************
by Tom Stovall, CJF © copyright 1997

There are only three valid reasons that horses are shod: protection,
traction or to effect a therapeutic change in the way a horse moves. All
else is vanity.

Protection is the most obvious reason: Simply put, if a horse's rate of foot
wear exceeds his rate of foot growth, his foot must be protected in some
way. If not protected, continuing the same routine, in the same environment,
will cause soreness. Once sore, the owner can either lay him up while he
grows out enough to protect himself with hoof wall and exfoliating sole, or
shoe him and accomplish almost the same thing artificially.

The most obvious form of protection is a horseshoe. But, what kind of
horseshoe? Horseshoes are made from rubber, plastic, steel, aluminum,
titanium and occasionally from other materials ranging from brass to
rawhide.

The most common type is steel. Steel horseshoes are readily available and
easiest to use. They can be easily modified or forged from barstock with
only minimal forging skills. Steel is easily welded or brazed for specialty
applications. Steel comes in a variety of widths, thickness and
configurations. Many farriers die of old age without ever nailing on
anything but steel shoes. Occasionally though, horses need other kinds of
shoes.

Aluminum has found widespread acceptance in flat and harness racing, and on
the fronts of speed event (e.g., barrel horses) where weight of the shoe is
an important factor. Aluminum is also very popular on the fronts of hunters
as many trainers feel it enhances a hunter's way of going. It is also the
first choice of many veterinary farriers as its greater width and thickness
(relative to steel) can be used for protection of sensitive structures
without adding weight. Aluminum is not quite as easy to forge or weld as
steel.

Solid rubber and plastic shoes have very limited specialty applications
(e.g., horses used for drayage on hard surfaces, pathological conditions).
Full (covering the sole) synthetic shoes trap moisture and create ideal
conditions for Thrush; rim-type synthetic shoes simply don't stay where they
are put: they have an embarrassing tendency to shift and extrude. Open,
(sole not covered) rubber and plastic covered steel, often with factory-made
clips, are the best choice of this lot.

Titanium is sometimes used on horses that need a light, very strong shoe in
front. Usually, either big race horses which routinely bend aluminum
(usually the near fore) or jumpers and barrel horses which must make sharp
turns at speed. Titanium is easily forged or swedged into specialty
configurations, but must be TIG welded. As this once very costly metal
becomes cheaper, it is gaining popularity for routine use in speed horse
farriery.

Historically, brass shoes were nailed on with brass nails and used in
explosive atmospheres (e.g., mines).

Horseshoes have two basic configurations, open-heeled shoes and bar shoes.
These basic types have an infinite number of variations which may be
tailored to the individual animal. To further complicate things, a shoe may
have various accouterments: clips, calks, jar-calks, screw-ins, bubbles,
grabs, etc. Hopefully, these serve some purpose and enhance a particular
aspect of the shoeing job.

Also under the heading of protective devices, are the various types of
metal, leather and plastic pads and the many substances which are packed
between pad and sole for various cushioning and medicinal purposes.

Pads come in two basic types: full or rim. These, in turn, come in two
configurations: flat or wedged.

A full pad covers the entire sole; rim pads usually just the area
immediately beneath the shoe. A special kind of rim pad, called a bar wedge
pad, covers most of the frog area, but is open toward the toe.

Most flat pads may be from one-eighth to one-half inch thick. Wedge pads are
sold in one to four degree elevations (thick at the heel, tapering to toe)
which increase angulation. Pads are made from leather or synthetic (rubber
or plastic) and may be soft or hard. Since leather is sensitive to moisture,
it is seldom used in horses which are routinely turned out.

Most pads are placed between the shoe and foot although some special
veterinary applications (i.e., a "hospital plate") are fabricated from metal
and bolted to the ground surface of the shoe.

Multi-pad applications (stacks) are used in long-footed horses (Saddlebreds,
Morgans, Tennessee Walkers, etc.) primarily to enhance a particular way of
going and only incidentally for protection.

The substance placed between a full pad and sole is called "packing".
Packing takes many forms and usually consists of a two-part application.
First, some kind of medication is painted on the ground surface of the foot.
This may be a proprietary preparation (e.g., Durasole, Reducine) or a
"secret" mix preferred by an individual farrier. Most are iodine-based and
antifungal and/or antibacterial in nature and aimed at retarding the growth
of pathogens in the sole and frog. Next, the packing is placed between pad
and sole, and the shoe nailed on. The basic types of packing are: oakum,
sponge or foam, uncured rubber, silicone and various types of catalytic
hardening soft acrylics.In addition, packing may consist of a mud-like
medicated poultice.

A traction device is anything added to a shoe to enhance or increase
traction. These take innumerable forms: special nails, heel calks, toe
calks, grabs, jar calks, swedges, Memphis bars, etc.

Several special types of horseshoe nails are used for traction. Most are
large-headed nails which protrude below the ground surface of the shoe. Mud
and ice nails are two of the better-known configurations; however, an
emergency traction device might consist of something as simple as a regular
head nail used in a shoe punched for city heads.

Heel calks consist of downward projections of the shoe, located behind the
heel nails. Their design is limited only by the farrier's imagination and
the rule book for a particular breed. They are either forged (a part of the
shoe), built up with foreign material (e.g., Kutrite [tm], borium),
"screw-ins" or "drive-ins". Calks are usually applied singly (to the outside
heels) or in pairs.

Toe calks are protuberances placed ahead of the toe nails. They are attached
in the same way as heel calks with the exception that few are forged. A grab
may be either forged or welded/brazed to the toe of the shoe. it usually
consists of a relatively thin projection placed lengthwise, between the
toenails. Technically, a grab is considered a kind of toe calk.

Jar calks are usually placed across the web (width of the ground surface) of
the horseshoe. They are usually used more to send the foot in a certain
direction than as a pure traction device. They are often used singly at the
toe; in pairs at the heel. However, the most common usage is the familiar
"mud calk" or "sticker" hind race plate which consists of a single, outside
heel jar calk.

Swedge refers to a lengthwise indentation in the web of the shoe. In theory,
the swedge fills with dirt which gives more traction than the parent
material of the shoe alone. The ridges formed by the swedge may be the same
height (rim shoes), higher outside (barrel racing shoes, Levelgrip [tm] race
plates) or higher inside (polo shoes, "Argentine" race plates). The swedge
is used to increase traction; the relative surface heights created by the
swedge, to determine breakover.

A Memphis bar is a narrow piece of metal welded/brazed (usually, not always)
across the quarters of the shoe. They are usually used singly, across the
toe quarter, and on hinds. Their main purpose is traction/ breakover on
long-footed horses.

Each traction device may be used in conjunction with others; thus, the usage
may be customized for an individual animal to suit a specific set of
circumstances. For example: a flat racer running on a sloppy track might be
shod with a grab and sticker behind, and a grab and jar calks in front. The
same horse, on a dry track, might run with only a grab behind and rims in
front.

The final reason to shoe a horse is to effect a therapeutic change in a
horse's way of going, most often to stop the horse from hitting (interfering
in some way).  In reality, most attempts to modify a horse's way of going
are not therapeutic; rather, they are an attempt to modify a particular gait
to better meet an arbitrary (subjective) standard, usually related to a
particular breed. (Non-therapeutic considerations are an important portion
of pragmatic farriery.)

The specifics of this particular aspect of farriery require particular
expertise and are beyond the scope of this overview. In general terms, a
gait may be modified by changing the way a foot leaves the ground
(breakover) or its behavior off the ground (flight path). These factors are
changed by the removal/application/utilization of weight and length. A gait
may also be modified by changing the timing relative to opposite members;
e.g., fronts to hinds.

A horse will do whatever he does most efficiently if he is balanced, both
fronts and hinds, in the two basic planes (anterior-posterior;
medial-lateral) from the fetlock to the ground. Recognition, analysis and
treatment of gait aberrations are some of the most difficult tasks facing
the farrier.

Tom Stovall has been an AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier since 1983 and is a
Texas Professional Farrier's Association life member.  You can read this and
many other very informative articles by Tom at:
http://www.katyforge.com/farrier.htm

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Breech deal of the decade held over
*******************************************************************

If you didn't get around to ordering breeches in January, there are still
some left.  The sizes, colors and styles are limited, so email early if you
want to get your size.

Here's what one newsletter reader had to say:

Stormy,

I saw the information in your last issue about the breeches for sale.  I
ordered two pair because the price was so great.  After I received my order
I bought two more pair because I was so impressed with the quality of the
breeches.  Thank you for letting us know about this great deal!!

Laurie Weaver
Casper, Wyoming

Here's all you need to know:

I'm helping out a former Pony Club parent who was going to get into the
business of selling breeches on the internet but is now moving on to other
things. There is a stock of nearly 400 new breeches that need to find homes.

I have tried them and can vouch that they are of excellent quality and
workmanship. The cheapest you would ever find these in a catalog like Dover
is $40 (on sale) plus shipping for the knee patch breeches, up to about $70
for the clarino full seat style.

So what would you expect to pay here...maybe $30-$50 plus shipping? How
about between $12.95 and $24.95 plus shipping! I've never seen a deal like
this on first quality, new in the package breeches. They are very
comfortable, sturdy cotton with 7% lycra for just the right amount of
stretch, a nice zippered pocket that's the perfect size for a cell phone,
front zipper, belt loops, standard waist, and velcro closures at the bottom
of the legs.

1) Child sizes: 6,8,10,12,14
2) Adult sizes: 24,26,28,30,32,34
3) Colors: Beige, Khaki, Gray, White and Black
4) Styles: self knee patch (extra layer of fabric at the knees), clarino
knee patch, clarino full seat (clarino feels like suede but is washable)

Prices:

1) Child's self knee patch $12.95, Adult $13.95
2) Child's Knee patch $16.95, Adult $17.95
3) Child's full seat $23.95, Adult $24.95

All shipped via priority mail, first pair $7.95 each additional pair $3.95.
All payments via PayPal if possible.

I've put up a webpage with pictures here:

http://www.stormymay.com/breeches.html

If you're interested in selling these yourself, either on Ebay or as a
fundraiser for your Pony Club or other organization, you can also email
about a special bulk purchase price.

To buy, please email: thepetp@...

*******************************************************************
A note about DSLD - ESPA
*******************************************************************

This came to me via the Internet, I have no further information other than
what is written here and am just passing it along as requested.

Dear Horse Owner

We would like to familiarize you with DSLD - ESPA (Degenerative Suspensory
Ligament Desmitis / Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation).  DSLD, more
recently renamed as ESPA, is a systemic connective tissue disease that was
once thought to affect only the legs.  The current research, which is
focused on the biochemical and genetic aspects of this disease, has found
ESPA not only in the leg tendons and ligaments, but also in the nuchal
ligament, patella, eyes, aorta, and other organs.   ESPA has been found in
many breeds including Arabians, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Morgans,
Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, Saddlebreds, Warmbloods, Appaloosas, Friesians,
Missouri Foxtrotter, Tennessee Walker, Paints, National Show Horse, Mustang,
crossbreds, mules and more.

Many horse owners and veterinarians are not acquainted with ESPA or the
current research by the Dr. J. Halper (UGA) and Dr Gus Cothran (TX A&M).
Further complicating recognition/diagnosis of ESPA is the fact that that
some horses are misdiagnosed as having EPM, WNV, or other neurological
diseases.  This is due in part because ESPA is systemic and mimics various
diseases and/or conditions.   Also, ESPA is sometimes recognized/diagnosed
with different names in various breeds; for example, in TBs it may be called
"broodmare syndrome," and in QH's it may be called "down in fetlocks"
disease, in Pasos it may be called DSLD.   Thanks to recently published
diagnostic protocols, ESPA is beginning to be correctly identified and
diagnosed in various breeds.

Below is a list of some of the more common ESPA symptoms owners have noted
in their horses (ESPA diagnosed horses typically have more than one
symptom):

* enlarged suspensories, pain upon palpation of suspensories, dropped
fetlocks,
* unexplained lameness, stumbling or tripping,
* frequently laying down and trouble getting up or dog sitting before
standing, reluctance to move once up or stiff robot-like movement,
* back pain/soreness or soreness/stiffness in hips, digging holes to stand
in with toes pointing toward hole, sitting on fences/buckets/rocks,
* change in attitude, broken crest, sudden onset of severe allergies to fly
spray, bug bites, body hives, sensitivity to touch, false colics,
* walking wide in rear legs is often seen when rear legs are affected first,
shifting weight from foot to foot with toe stabbed into ground,
* sudden weight loss and premature aging,  very loose skin along with
premature aging, refusal to walk downhill,
* change in horses' normal gait, short striding, an unusual hopping gait,
refusal to canter, landing toe first when moving, stabbing toe into ground
while moving,
* fetlocks knuckling over (forward), extreme rope walking/braiding,
* refusal or difficult to pick up feet for farrier, pulling away, falling
over when farrier picks up feet,
* falling over or falling into stall walls, leaning on walls or fences for
support,
* change in conformation to coon-footed post-legged stance.

We ask that if your horse (or a friend's horse) has any/some of these
symptoms, that you please visit the DSLD - ESPA website at

http://dsldequine.info/

and/or

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DSLD-equine/

for further information regarding diagnosis and treatment.

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

I have a question for you:  Our mare has thrown 3 shoes in the last 2 weeks.
Is this normal?  I'm hearing not so good things from one who is not a fan of
our shoer so I don't know if that is where it's coming from or if there's
truth to the fact that a "better shoer" wouldn't have this happen so often.

Shoeless in California

Hi Shoeless,

Even though I do know your horse and daughter I can't give you a definitive
answer.  What I can do is lay out the points to consider.

1) With your horse being out in mud this time of year it is more likely that
she will throw shoes no matter who shoes her.

2) Shoeing is one of the most hotly opinionated aspects of horses.  In my
experience it has been rare that anybody likes somebody else¹s shoer, and
almost all shoers think other shoers work is bad.

3) Your shoer should be putting the shoes back on for free unless the shoe
isn¹t found and he has to make a new one (though most will even do this for
free if it¹s been less than 6 weeks.)

4) You may want to try her without shoes or with just front shoes.  For the
work that your daughter is doing she would probably be fine without them
although she may be a little sore at first since she¹s been used to them.
None of my horses have shoes. I had one horse who needed front shoes about
twice during the summer months in the past 20 years.

5) If you decide to try someone else, you probably won¹t be able to go back
to your old shoer, sometimes they will take it personally and not find time
to take you back if you decide that he was fine.

6) Some horses just lose shoes easily.  Your mare doesn¹t strike me as being
one of these but again, it¹s very muddy!

7) Your best bet is to ask the shoer's other clients.  If everyone
(including experienced horse owners) says that his shoes come off more
easily than other shoers, then it¹s probably worth trying someone else
although shoers can be notoriously difficult to contact.  Asking someone who
doesn¹t like him doesn¹t count, of course they¹ll say bad things.

Save the shoe throwing for the horseshoe court,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I am preparing to take my H-B C-3 and B this year, on a borrowed horse. How
detailed should my records be for that horse and what costs should I
include? I have a very complete record book for my own horse.

Cathy and Tobin, Mid Cal region

Hi Cathy,

As long as you have the year¹s worth of detailed records for your own horse
that is all you¹ll need.  Don¹t worry about records for the borrowed horse
though you might want to know some basic stall-card type info, especially
allergies, feed and insurance information.

Best of luck!
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs! Naked Liberty by Carolyn Resnick
*******************************************************************

Carolyn Resnick is one of the people who will be featured in "The Path of
the Horse" documentary.  Her first book, "Naked Liberty" chronicles her life
growing up with horses in Indio California in the 1940s and 50s.

This book is a true inspiration for those of us who really want to
understand what makes horses tick on a level much deeper than words.  It is
the closest I've come to finding another book like my all time favorite,
"Kinship with All Life" by J. Allen Boone.  In many respects this book is
even better though since the author is still living and working with horses!

Take a moment to join Carolyn as she dances with a herd of wild horses and
ultimately gains an invitation to ride on their backs.

My favorite quote from the book is, "Horses speak in silence, never
forgetting to listen."

A reviewer from amazon.com writes:

This autobiographic reflection of Carolyn Resnick's observations and
experiences with horses in the wild, as well as the domesticated horses
she's partnered with throughout her life, offers the reader an entertaining
view into the world of equine psychology that is sure to manifest a deeper
understanding between humans and horses.

With genuine humility and earnest love, Ms. Resnick shares her journey,
replete with personal anecdotes every horse lover can relate to, those
showing her follies as well as her successes. Her successes are built on
personal learning experiences coupled with an unerring positive attitude and
a willingness to change things within herself that need changing.

Honing her capacity to observe Nature and all its inhabitants allowed Ms.
Resnick to be accepted into the realm of the wild things and it is within
the lessons learned through these diligent studies that the author
discovered a world of non-human communication that she could not only see
was effective for horses and other creatures, but that she, too, could
emulate and participate in.

That Ms. Resnick has been able to put her experiences and insights into well
worded vignettes is remarkable. It is very difficult to take non-verbal
communication between species, (which becomes nothing short of a spirit to
spirit understanding) and define it in human language without losing the
essence of things. Ms. Resnick not only succeeds in making her experiences
comprehensible, but inspires the reader to pursue this type of relationship
with his/her own horses.

We owe Carolyn Resnick high accolades for pursuing her unique studies with
horses and then offering us the benefit of her experiences and insights.
NAKED LIBERTY surely leaves readers wanting to read more from this author.

You can order the book through amazon.com or her website:
www.dancewithhorses.com .  (Note: if you're on her website, hold off on
ordering her video, she is due to have much better ones out later this year)

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy...Thought I'd let you know about a great website...a local (here
in Arroyo Grande, CA) veterinarian has done some podcasts about horse
health, especially the herpes dilemma in Florida, and now in a few other
places.

The website is equineu.podbean.com .

Janet Sally

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

Here's the nice new site of some of my students and Connemara breeders, the
Freemans.  Learn more about Connemaras here.

http://www.freeraynhill.com/

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Halter identification
********************************************************************

I hope by now all you members of the USPC have had a chance to look over the
brand new Horse Management Handbook.  If not, you can download it from the
USPC website (www.ponyclub.org).  Click on the Rulebooks link and scroll
down to the HM handbook.  In the following months this newsletter section
will feature rules that are new or have been significantly reworded.

2007 Horse Management Handbook rule 10c, pgs 4&18:

The mount's halter must have some form of identification on it at all times.

Reason: The  halter must be labeled in such a way as to easily find the
mount's rider and/or stall assignment.  Competitors must be aware that at
multiple discipline rallies, the same competitor number may be used in more
than one discipline.  In those cases, the competitor name may be the better
form of identification to use.  The label on the halter may include any or
all of the following:

-Rider's name
-Rider's number
-Barn name/number
-Stall number

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Only Horse People.....
********************************************************************

* Believe in the 11th Commandment: Inside leg to outside rein.

* Know that all topical medications come in either indelible blue or neon
yellow.

* Think nothing of eating a sandwich after mucking out stables.

* Know why a thermometer has a yard of yarn attached to one end of it.

* Are banned from Laundromats.

* Fail to associate whips, chains and leather with sexual deviancy.

* Can magically lower their voices five octaves to bellow at a pawing horse.

* Have a language all their own ("If he pops his shoulder, I have to close

that hand and keep pushing with my seat in case he sucks back".)

* Will end relationships over their hobby.

* Cluck to their cars to help them up hills.

* Insure their horses for more than their cars.

* Will give you 20 names and reasons for that bump on your horse.

* Know more about their horse's nutrition than their own.

* Have neatsfoot oil stains on the carpet right next to the TV.

* Have a vocabulary that can make a sailor blush.

* Have less wardrobe than their horse.

* Engage in a hobby that is more work than their day job.

* Mucking stalls is better then Zoloft any day (mucking stalls with Zoloft
is heaven)

via the Internet, author unknown

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Poll: What's your favorite horse-related internet site?
2) Feature: Care of the horse's back
3) Recommended products and services: Amazing breech sale!
4) Rally and rating tips: Quiz prep resource
5) Questions and answers: Mystery lameness?
6) Fun and educational websites: Lorenzo and Talking Horses
7) New USPC test sheets for 2007
8) Horsey Humor: Basic rules for horses who have a barn to protect
9) Free item exchange: Horse Clinic in Northern California

*******************************************************************
Poll: Horse-related internet sites
*******************************************************************

I'm researching what the most popular horse-related internet sites are.
Where do horse people go for information or just to have fun on the
computer?

Just reply to this email and tell me what your favorite horse sites are or
which sites you visit most.

*******************************************************************
Feature: Care of the horse's back
*******************************************************************
by Dr. Christine King

Horses are not designed to be ridden. Does that seem a scandalous comment
coming from an equine vet? Well, think about it: the horse¹s back is
designed to support the weight of the rib cage and the internal organs in
the chest and abdomen, and in mares the unborn foal. That¹s all.
Biomechanically, the horse¹s spine is not well equipped to support vertical
load from above. The fact that it can is remarkable.

After all this time, it still amazes me that a horse can learn to ably carry
a rider, and even perform some impressive athletic feats under saddle. I¹m
even more impressed, with both horse and rider, when I find a riding horse
who does not have at least some degree of discomfort and dysfunction in his
back, because in my experience back problems are very common in riding
horses.

In most cases the discomfort and dysfunction (stiffening or bracing of the
back, reduced flexibility, etc.) are mild and don¹t appear to affect the
horse¹s health and well-being too greatly. But why should any horse have to
put up with even mild discomfort when something can be done to make her more
comfortable? Besides, horses perform better when they are comfortable than
when they are uncomfortable. They also stay sounder longer.

The more that is required of a horse in the way of power, stamina, or
precision, the greater the impact even small problems have on the horse¹s
performance and, over the long haul, on his soundness. For example, merely
bracing the back under an uncomfortable saddle or a heavy or unbalanced
rider alters the biomechanics of the hindlimbs, and over time it can lead to
wear-and-tear on the joints, especially the sacroiliac joints and the hocks.

I could go on and on about the ³downstream² effects of chronic back problems
in horses, but as space is limited I¹ll just dive right in to the key
elements of back care for the riding horse:

1. weight of the rider

2. position, balance, and stability of the rider

3. saddle fit and position

4. training of the horse

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

1. Weight of the rider.

When I was a kid growing up in Australia and going through Pony Club,
attention was given to the various aspects of horse­rider matching. Such
terms as overmounted and undermounted were commonly used. If a rider was
undermounted, it meant that the horse was too small for the size (height
and/or weight) of the rider; overmounted is the opposite mismatch. Of the
two, being undermounted was the greater sin, as it meant that the rider was
too big for the horse.

There hasn¹t been a lot of research done on how much weight a horse¹s back
can carry without the load causing damage to the horse¹s back. No doubt it
varies somewhat with the individual horse and with the type of activity
being required of the horse. For example, a horse may be able to manage a
much greater load when used as a pack horse than as a jumping horse.

For riding horses in most sports or disciplines, the general consensus on
weight carried seems to be an upper limit of 25% of the horse¹s body weight.
For a 1000-lb horse, that means a combined weight of 250 lbs (rider, saddle,
pad, boots, belt buckle, etc.). Note that that¹s the upper limit. Not to
hurt anyone¹s feelings, but if you¹re hovering close to that upper limit,
then do your horse a favor and either trim down (lose some weight, find a
lighter saddle) or find a bigger horse.

And no doubling! Not even if the combined weight of the two riders is only
100 lbs. The horse¹s lower back should never be required to carry any extra
load.

2. Position, balance, and stability of the rider.

The horse¹s back is best able to support the weight of a rider about halfway
between the back of the shoulder blade and the last rib. (To be precise, in
the general vicinity of the 12th thoracic vertebra.) If your saddle does not
concentrate your weight in this area of the horse¹s back, then it needs to
be repositioned, repacked, or replaced. More on saddle fit in the next
section.

As for balance and stability, no matter how experienced a rider you are, you
will likely not be perfectly even and symmetrical in the way you use your
body. That¹s because none of us are, unless we¹ve made it our life¹s work to
be perfectly even.

Almost all of us have one ³bracing² side and one ³doing² side. For me, my
left side is my bracing side and my right side is my doing side, so
functionally my left side is longer and stiffer and my right side is
stronger but shorter. If you¹re very right-handed like me, you probably have
the same basic pattern, although you¹ll also have specific patterns of
posture and movement that are uniquely yours.

The way we sit, stand, walk, and perform pretty much all activities‹i.e. the
patterns of posture and movement we unconsciously practice throughout the
day‹we invariably bring with us into the saddle. That means your horse not
only has to contend with your weight on his back, but also with the uneven
distribution of that weight. In order for him to maintain his balance and
move forward with any semblance of straightness and evenness, not to mention
ease and efficiency, he has to make adjustments for whatever unevenness you
bring with you into the saddle.

If you really want to do your horse a favor and optimize his comfort and
performance at the same time, then start getting some regular body work
yourself or take some dance or movement classes. Two of my favorite body
re-education tools for riders are the Alexander Technique and the
Feldenkrais Method. But even a regular massage will bring your attention to
your unique areas of tension and unevenness, and sometime just being aware
of a problem is enough for you to begin to make positive changes.

And just one more comment on stability: the less you shift around up there,
the easier it is for your horse to carry you and do what you require of him.
Stillness, not stiffness, is the goal, though. So, whether you just trail
ride on the weekends, you¹re a competitive barrel racer, or you¹re a
dedicated dressage rider, you will be doing your horse a good turn if you
regularly have lessons with a riding instructor who is skilled at working on
the rider¹s position, rather than just on making the horse do what you want.

3. Saddle fit and position.

Good saddle fit is essential for good performance. A poorly fitted saddle is
uncomfortable for the horse, and at the very least it causes a protective
bracing response in the muscles along the back which extends forward into
the lower part of the neck and all the way back to the pelvis and sacrum.
This bracing alters the horse¹s gait, balance, evenness, efficiency, and
ability. Over time, poor saddle fit can even contribute to lameness and
persistent behavioral problems. Furthermore, it makes it difficult for you
to be comfortable, balanced, relaxed, and effective up there.

Saddle fit is such an important topic that it is discussed in a separate
article: www.animavet.com/SaddleFit.pdf

4. Training of the horse.

And finally, and alas all too briefly, the horse¹s training is an essential
component of back care. The horse must have good self carriage before he¹ll
be able to comfortably and efficiently carry a rider. ³Self carriage² means
that the horse has learned to stand and move with balance, poise, ease, and
efficiency. (Think of the most naturally elegant horse you¹ve ever seen, and
you now have a great visual idea of good self carriage.)

Good self carriage and subsequently the ability to carry a rider well
doesn¹t happen automatically in many horses; it must be carefully encouraged
and nurtured with good training. It can easily be undone by careless or
inappropriate training or riding; and as with many things, bad habits of
posture and movement, learned early in life, can be very hard to undo.

In addition to good self carriage, the horse must be physically fit for the
activities required of her. That includes good general fitness (aerobic
fitness or stamina) and task-specific training. But that, too, is a topic
which deserves much more space.

............................................................................

Copyright ©2006 Christine King BVSc, MACVSc, MVetClinStud

This article was first published in Northwest Horse Source
(www.nwhorsesource.com)

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Breech deal of the decade
*******************************************************************

Here's an offer you won't want to miss.  I'm helping out a former Pony Club
parent who was going to get into the business of selling breeches on the
internet but is now moving on to other things.  There is a stock of nearly
400 new breeches that need to find homes.

I have tried them and can vouch that they are of excellent quality and
workmanship.  The cheapest you would ever find these in a catalog like Dover
is $40 (on sale) plus shipping for the knee patch breeches, up to about $70
for the clarino full seat style.

So what would you expect to pay here...maybe $30-$50 plus shipping?  How
about between $12.95 and $24.95 plus shipping!  I've never seen a deal like
this on first quality, new in the package breeches.  They are very
comfortable, sturdy cotton with 7% lycra for just the right amount of
stretch, a nice zippered pocket that's the perfect size for a cell phone,
front zipper, belt loops, standard waist, and velcro closures at the bottom
of the legs.

This deal only lasts until the line is sold out.  Be sure to email quickly
if you want to stock up on the right sizes and colors for you and the
family.

1) Child sizes: 6,8,10,12,14
2) Adult sizes: 24,26,28,30,32,34
3) Colors: Beige, Khaki, Gray, White and Black
4) Styles: self knee patch (extra layer of fabric at the knees), clarino
knee patch, clarino full seat (clarino feels like suede but is washable)

Prices:

1) Child's self knee patch $12.95, Adult $13.95
2) Child's Knee patch $16.95, Adult $17.95
3) Child's full seat $23.95, Adult $24.95

All shipped via priority mail, first pair $7.95 each additional pair $3.95.
All payments via PayPal if possible.

I've put up a webpage with pictures here:

http://www.stormymay.com/breeches.html

If you're interested in selling these yourself, either on Ebay or as a
fundraiser for your Pony Club or other organization, you can also email
about a special bulk purchase price.

To buy, please email: thepetp@...

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Get ready for Quiz!
*******************************************************************

I found a fantastic site with THOUSANDS of Quiz-type questions.  This is for
the 4H organization, but the questions are very similar to Pony Club Quiz
questions that you might get.  Start now to prepare for Kentucky 2007!

Here's a main page where you can find many sorts of questions:

http://www.geocities.com/epchorseprojects/hb_homework.htm

Here's a link to some "Senior" questions, 6,935 of them!:
web.extension.uiuc.edu/dekalb/downloads/4720.pdf

Here's a link to some "Junior" questions:
www.geocities.com/epchorseprojects/HorseBowl/Junior_Horse_Bowl_Questions.pdf

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

I have a strange problem and I was hoping you could help!  The other day, I
put my horse in the round pen to free lunge and after about   20 minutes he
came up "lame".  I gave him a day off and put him on stall rest.  Then I
took him out and lunged him in the arena for 5 minutes and he wasn't "lame".
Today I put him back in the roundpen and did more free lunge work and after
20 minutes I noticed he was "bobbing" his head but his footfalls were even,
they had the same arc through the air and he didn't look stressed or in
pain.  I continued work to see if the "lameness" continued.  The "lameness"
only seemed to show in two places in the roundpen, the slightly up portion
and the slightly down portion.  Also these areas are slightly chewed up
because the roundpen is our emergency paddock.  Do you think I'm seeing a
lame horse or an unbalanced trot?

Thank you,
Christina Brennan, C3 English Hills PC

Hi Christina,

Obviously a vet is the best to consult here, but I'll give my advice as if I
was just standing beside you offering suggestions.  It may be that the more
uneven footing in the round pen is just showing where he is not yet balanced
over rough ground but to further look into this issue I would suggest the
following.

First, feel his tendons to make sure there isn't any heat, swelling, or
tenderness from the top of the tendons (under the knee/hock) to the bottom,
at the fetlock joint.  I find this easiest when I'm holding the horse's foot
up and the digital flexor tendons are slack.  Also check the temperature of
his hooves by placing your hands on them and seeing if any hoof feels hotter
than the rest.  Then check his digital pulses in each leg to see if they
feel strong or any one is stronger than the others.  If this all seems
normal (compare all 4 legs) then try longeing him on the flat in an arena
again and then on a little bit of a slope where the ground isn't so chewed
up.  Don¹t longe longer than your horse is conditioned for, otherwise you
Will have a lame horse!  A general guideline is no longer than 20 minutes
total.

It could indeed just be an unbalanced trot, or it could be the very
beginnings of a strained muscle, tendon, ligament, or even an abscess.  It
might be something that only shows up going uphill or downhill, or on hard
ground or soft ground, so try and longe over a variety of footings.  It also
might show more when he's going to the left or to the right.  All of these
little tests will help you determine just what is going on.  This
preliminary work will help you save time if you need to call the vet because
then you can report your findings and help the vet find the right diagnosis.

My fingers are crossed that it's nothing,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

If you haven't seen Lorenzo, the Flying Frenchman yet, go right now.  You
won't be disappointed!

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xqvvn_lorenzo

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

Here's a neat concept, The Talking Equine Network is home to the first
Internet radio show for horse enthusiasts. Their shows are in a talk radio
format and they bring you interviews with all the top riders, veterinarians,
show organizers and other horsey big wigs from around the country. Their
emphasis is on English riding but much of what they cover is entertaining
and interesting for all types of riders.

http://www.talkingequine.com/

Their current show features an interview with Olympian David O'Conner who
talks about many things from his days as a rider all the way to the future
of equestrian sport in America.

********************************************************************
USPC test sheet updates
********************************************************************

The USPC national office has just sent word that the D standards have been
changed slightly for 2007.  There is now a new section on Land Conservation.
This section will also be added to the C standards in 2007 and to the HB and
up in 2008.  These should now be available on the USPC website
(www.ponyclub.org) click on "forms".  The new standards and test sheets will
be dated January 1st, 2007 at the bottom.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Basic Rules For Horses Who Have A Barn To Protect
********************************************************************

THE ART OF SNORTING: Humans like to be snorted on. Everywhere. It is your
duty, as the family horse, to accommodate them.

NEIGHING: Because you are a horse, you are expected to neigh. So neigh - a
lot. Your owners will be very happy to hear you protecting the barn and
communicating with other horses. Especially late at night while they are
sleeping safely in their beds. There is no more secure feeling for a human
than to keep waking up in the middle of the night and hearing you, "Neigh,
neigh, neigh..."

STOMPING CATS: When standing on cross ties, make sure you never --- quite
--- stomp on the barn cat's tail. It spoils all the fun.

CHEWING: Make a contribution to the architectural industry.... chew on your
stall wall, the fence or any other wooden item.

FRESH BEDDING: It is perfectly permissible to urinate in the middle of your
freshly bedded stall to let your humans know how much you appreciate their
hard work.

DINING ETIQUETTE: Always pull all of your hay out of the hay rack,
especially right after your stall has been cleaned, so you can mix the hay
with your fresh bedding. This challenges your human, the next time they're
cleaning your stall - and we all know how humans love a challenge (that's
what they said when they bought you as a two year old, right?).

DOORS: Any door, even partially open, is always an invitation for you and
your human to exercise. Bolt out of the door and trot around, just out of
reach of your human, who will frantically run after and chase you. The
longer it goes on, the more fun it is for all involved.

GOING FOR TRAIL RIDES: Rules of the road: When out for a trail ride with
your owner, never go to the bathroom on your own lawn.

HOLES: Rather than pawing and digging a BIG hole in the middle of the
paddock or stall and upsetting your human, dig a lot of smaller holes all
over so they won't notice. If you arrange a little pile of dirt on one side
of each hole, maybe they'll think it's gophers. There are never enough holes
in the ground. Strive daily to do your part to help correct this problem.

GROUND MANNERS: Ground manners are very important to humans; break as much
of the ground in and around the barn as possible. This lets the ground know
who's boss and impresses your human.

NUZZLING: Always take a BIG drink from your water trough immediately before
nuzzling your human. Humans prefer clean muzzles. Be ready to rub your head
on the area of your human that you just nuzzled to dry it off, too.

PLAYING: If you lose your footing while frolicking in the paddock, use one
of the other horses to absorb your fall so you don't injure yourself. Then
the other horse will get a visit from the mean ol' vet, not you!

VISITORS: Quickly determine which guest is afraid of horses. Rock back and
forth on the cross-ties, neighing loudly and pawing playfully at this
person. If the human backs away and starts crying, swoosh your tail, stamp
your feet and nicker gently to show your concern.

From http://www.nchorsenews.com/humor.htm

********************************************************************
Free item exchange: Free Horse Clinic
********************************************************************

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

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

This is something that came to me via email.  I don't know anything about
it, other than it looked interesting and I thought I'd pass it along.

Heart of the Redwoods Horse Rescue offers Free Horse Riding Clinic!
 
Heart of the Redwoods is offering a free riding clinic on January 20, 2007
at Redwood Acres in Eureka, California.  Participants will learn the basics
of riding, balance and communication with their horse.   HRHR's Community
Education Series teaches techniques in groundwork and riding to increase
horse owners knowledge of horse communication and to prevent and/or correct
problems with their relationship with their horse.

There will also be demonstrations by Dr. Koopman (Equine Chiropractor) and
Pete Kriger (Back Country Horseman).  The clinic is limited to 20 riders -
so register early to reserve a space.  Spectators welcome!  For more
information contact:
 
Heart of the Redwoods Horse Rescue
PO Box 226
Cutten, Ca 95534
(707) 476-0362 Phone/ Fax
Redwoodrescue@...

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

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Bareback Benefits
2) Recommended products and services: Bit of Britain
3) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Photographing and Videoing Horses
4) Fun and educational websites: YouTube fun and a holiday card
5) Featured rule: postponed
6) Horsey Humor: Thinking of dating a horsewoman?
7) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Horse Management Newsletter goes international
*******************************************************************

I can proudly say that this very Horse Management Newsletter has subscribers
from all over the United States, as well as subscribers from the United
Kingdom and Canada.  Welcome all; feel free to submit articles or ideas for
articles that are relevant to where you and your horses live.

*******************************************************************
Feature: Bareback Benefits
*******************************************************************
by Michael Gonzalez

I like to do this exercise in my clinics.  Next time you are with your
partner, try this yourself.

I have one person sit on their horse bareback, drop the reins and just sit
there. I like for them to breathe deeply and let it out slowly and soften
their eyes. Just slump, let the legs hang and allow their center of gravity
to settle deep into their crotch. In other words, just MELT into the horse.

I ask that everyone else at the clinics stand perfectly still and just watch
the horse's ears and eyes.

When the horse is fully relaxed I quietly ask the rider to look at something
far away and stare at it with complete focus. I ask them to will all their
concentration on that one spot.

Then we all watch.  What happens is that the horse will begin to turn their
ear back toward the rider, listening and asking what it is they the human
wants from them. They are already "hearing" the rider and the rider did
nothing but focus on something.

I then ask that the rider just b-a-r-e-l-y twitch one of their butt cheeks.
Just one cheek. We watch as both of the horse's ears begin to turn back
toward the rider. Forward and back, forward and back the ears turn.

I then ask that the rider be careful not to squeeze with the legs or touch
with the heels but rather use mental concentration to almost "will" their
pelvis (their center) to that very spot they are focusing on.  Almost
immediately there is a quick flick of the ears and the horse will begin to
nervously take a few slow tentative steps forward. The horse isn't sure if
that is what he is supposed to do, but the human's seat is saying to do it
so he is responding. He is now waiting for the human to respond.

Once the human has understood the sensitivity and communication of the seat,
I ask them to saddle their horse. We then repeat the entire exercise....and
VIOLA....the rider begins to understand how they are constantly
communicating with their seat and how important it is in their overall
relationship and partnership...EVEN THROUGH ALL THAT LEATHER AND PADDING!

AND WE HAVE YET TO PICK UP THE REINS AND USE THAT FORM OF COMMUNICATION!

Now think about this a minute.....

What if we are unstable in our seat, what if we brace against the stirrups
and hold our center off of the horse, what if our seat constantly bangs the
horse, what if we have uneducated hands, what if we are heavy on the reins
and constantly are making contact with the bit, what if our spurs are
bumping the horse, what if our legs are intermittently squeezing the horse,
what if our focus is here and there and everywhere?!!!

This results in what I can only explain as YELLING to our horse, and we are
yelling in jibber jabber, making complete nonsense in our communication, in
human English terms we might be saying this to our horse;

"walk on, whoa, side pass, wigga wigga wigga, speed up, not that way, back
up, , gitche gitche, go get a jelly doughnut, I want to watch Grey's
Anatomy, trot, canter, whoa, LaLaLaLa, side pass, goo goo gaa gaa...yadda
yadda yadda, blah blah blah..."

and for the two hours that you are riding with your horse, your horse is
saying, "WHAT?!" "HUH?!" "PLEASE SPEAK HORSE AND TELL ME WHAT THE HECK YOU
WANT!"

It has been taught, and I used to teach it as well, that the reins are for
communication.  Well, in part, that is correct. It is only one form of
communication, but because of bad education, it is a misused form of
communication.

Sometimes when we meet someone who doesn't speak our language we tend to
think that if we speak very loudly, somehow the other person will understand
us. As if volume helps clarity and understanding. Well we all know that that
isn't true, is it? If it were true, then good positive results would come
from arguing and fighting.

Well the same goes for communicating with our horses....when we mask our
first line of communication (our seat) with an improper saddle and poor
education of the seat, we then pick up the reins to YELL at our horses. Even
with the softest hands, we sometimes YELL at our horses.

Other than the old method of longing a new rider on a long line so they may
learn balance and how to sit, we have forgotten the true importance of
bareback riding.

The whole idea about being bareback is about refining your balance and your
seat and perfecting your communication. It is to find 'holes' in your
horsemanship and fill in those holes.  Once you are adept at bareback riding
and have a wonderful independent seat, you will find that you will ride more
easily and with an independent seat while using a saddle.


Michael Gonzalez is a very interesting horseman who came to horses as an
adult.  Read more about his philosophy and journey at:
http://www.lessismorehorse.com/  Michael lives in Delphi, Indiana with his
wife Beth.

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Bit of Britain
*******************************************************************

www.bitofbritain.com

For those of you who aren't familiar with it, Bit of Britain is a tack store
that has a very good website that's easy to shop from.

The best thing about shopping from Bit of Britain right now is that shipping
is absolutely free!  No minimum order!  I bought a set of very cool
glow-in-the-dark horse stickers for $2.95 and didn't have to pay a penny
extra.  Go to their front page and there is also a quick and easy "Christmas
Gifts" link.

Just think, you could have all your Christmas shopping done by tonight.  If
you need some non-horsey items, try clicking on the "Tack of the Day" link
and see what their non-horsey item is.  Currently it's a New HP All in One
Printer/Scanner/Copier for $99.50.

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs! Photographing and Videoing Horses by
Charles Mann (and Stormy May)
*******************************************************************

Need a great Christmas present for that shutterbug in your life...or do you
know someone who needs a little help to video your shows without spending
half the time with the camera focused on the ground or waving around like a
flag?  Here's a brand new book that's sure to inspire them!

Photographing and ³Videoing² Horses Explained ‹ Digital and Film:
The Horse Owner¹s Manual for Improved Portraits, Schooling Tools, Sales and
Promotions

Ok, so I'm a little partial to this book since I had the honor of writing
the video section.  Yeah!  I'm now a published author!!!

The best thing about this book is that since it's just released, all the
latest information on cameras (digital and film), camcorders, and editing
software is right there in black and white (and colors!)  It also includes
many Internet links to keep you up to date.

The Amazon.com website still lists it as not released (though you can
preorder there) but if you want it in time for Christmas, just go to the
Trafalgar Square website (www.horseandriderbooks.com) and click on the
book's title, right on the first page.

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

More fun from YouTube!  This one is entitled "Men doing dressage".  Maybe
it's how dressage should be!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0vL53EDgU

And another one: Patches the Coolest Horse (well, pony actually...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teHfyby_veU

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

Super cute holiday card...thanks for sending it along Laurie!

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1059503969341

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

And from the last newsletter:

Hi Stormy,

Wow, I loved the video clip of the London Mounted Police from the Olympia
Horse show.  It brought back fond memories, I got to watch them in person
at Olympia in December 2004.  They were awesome and very fun to see.

Heidi Ball, Panache Pony Club DC

If you missed it, here's the link again:

http://www.olympiahorseshow.co.uk/show/metvideo.htm

********************************************************************
Featured rule:
********************************************************************

Postponed until the release of the new Horse Management Handbook...next
month!

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Thinking of dating a horsewoman?
********************************************************************
If you're already a married horsewoman, try reading this to your husband to
show you really understand what he goes through.  Better yet, read it at a
horsey holiday party where many non-horsey husbands have been dragged.

Thinking of dating a horsewoman? Please read the following carefully:

Easy to Locate - She's either off on the  horse or out in the barn.

Upholds the double standard - Smooches with the most bewhiskered beast, but
recoils when a man needs a shave.

Owns one vacuum cleaner - and operates it exclusively in the barn.

A social butterfly - providing the party is given by another horsey woman.
Falls asleep in her soup at all other functions.

Economy minded - Won't waste money on permanents, facials, or manicures.

A culinary perfectionist - Checks every section of hay for mold but doesn't
blink when she petrifies dinner in the microwave.

Occasionally amorous - but never leaves lipstick on your collar, at worst,
slight trace of chapstick.

Easy to outfit - No need for embarrassing visits to uncomfortable little
boutiques. She can find all she wears at the local tack store.

Features a selective sense of smell - Bitterly complains about the
sticky-sweet cigar smoke of others while remaining totally oblivious
to the almost visible aroma of her barn boots drying next to the heater.

Unmistakable in a bathing suit - She's the one whose tan starts at the nose,
ends at the neck, and picks up again at the wrists.

A dedicated club woman - as long as the  words "horse" or "riding" appear in
its name.

Has your leisure at heart - Eliminates grass cutting by turning every square
inch of lawn into pasture which, in turn, converts itself into mud.

A master at multiplication - She starts with one horse, adds a companion,
and if it's a mare, she breeds it.

Keeps an eagle eye on the budget - Easily justifies spending six hundred
dollars, but croaks when you blow ten on bowling.

An Engaging conversationalist - Can rattle on endlessly about training or
breeding.

Socially aware - Knows that formal occasions call for clean boots.

A moving force in the family - House by house, she'll get you to move closer
to horse country (and farther away from your job.)

Easy to please - A new wheelbarrow, custom boots, or even a folding hoof
pick will win her heart forever.

Sentimental fool - Displays a minimum of six 8x10 color photos of the horse
in the house and carries a crumpled snapshot of you (taken before you were
married) somewhere in the bottom of her purse.

Shows her affection in unusual ways - If she pats you on the neck and says
"you're a good boy," believe it or not, she loves you.

From: http://www.nchorsenews.com/humor.htm

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: The use of nosebands
2) Recommended products and services: Kerrits Sit Tight breeches
3) Questions and answers: Jumping fear
4) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: 2 books about school exercises
5) Fun and educational websites: quadrille and rescue videos
6) Featured rule: postponed
7) Horsey Humor: Camping complaints
8) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: The use of nosebands
*******************************************************************

There are many people in this world who make me feel absolutely humble.
These are people whose knowledge extends in ways that I never even imagined.
The Swedish rider Theresa Sandin is one of those people.  She has a website
called "Sustainable Dressage" which has very interesting discussions about
topics such as true vs. false collection, lateral work, rollkeur (a.k.a.
riding the horse "deep"), and an extensive section about tack and auxillary
equipment.  A person may or may not agree with her, but she definitely makes
a good case for her opinions.  The webpages also contain extremely helpful
graphics to illustrate her points.  I'd highly recommend the website for any
trainers or dressage riders who ride second level or higher.

The following is an excerpt from her article about the use of nosebands.

by Theresa Sandin

In old engravings of manege [a school where people are taught to ride and
horses trained] riding you hardly see any nosebands. That is because they
were not needed, and thus not used.  That's because the true purpose of the
noseband is safety in war and velocity sports.  Old style manege mounts
hardly ever went out on the battlefield, nor did they ever reach any high
speeds. They did not even ride the extended trots or canters at that time.
But nowadays...

Imagine that a horse and rider come galloping across a field. In the middle
of the field there is a huge log tied between two trees. They are to jump
this natural obstacle. The horse slips on take-off and does not manage to
get the forelegs over the log, so he and the rider flips over and down on
the other side. Now, the horse has a noseband on, and even though his rider
has lost all control, and is pulling on the reins with his whole weight to
keep his balance, the horse cannot gape open. Such luck! Because on impact,
the nose is first and it takes a real blow, but then the neck bends to the
side and the horse rolls over on the side. The rider is somewhere in orbit.
The lower jaw digs into the dirt like a shovel.

If the noseband had not been there, the horse might have hit the ground with
its mouth wide open, and dug the dirt like a shovel. The risk is high that
the weakest part may have given in, and the horse have broken its jaw,
instead of just jarred his whole head before rolling over to the side. This
was actually not uncommon in the times of Udu Bürger, as he relates in his
book "The Way to Perfect Horsemanship".

In dressage, there's very little risk of nose-diving, at least actually
diving into the dirt. So the noseband is used for other purposes. Well, the
same purpose, of course, shutting the mouth, but for a different reason.

The rider has no other means to position the head and neck than to guide it
with the reins. When a certain neck position is needed to work the horse in
a certain way, the horse might find it easier to just resist by opening the
mouth, than to hold his neck in that certain way, because it loads the hind
legs or relaxes the back. He'd rather gape than work. Many exercises are
heavy and demanding for the horse, and so the temptation for the horse to
just open his mouth instead, is great.

When the young horse seeks the bit, he might do it rather crudely at times.
He might seek support in the bit, so to say. When he does so, a lot of
weight rests on the jaw joint at the temple of the horse via the lower jaw
which is supporting the horse's head on the bit. This joint is NOT made to
take this kind of force while the jaw is wide open. So the horse will shut
his jaw to avoid pain by tensing his jaw muscle, which is the one we are
trying to relax, anyway, so we're back to square one. But in this young
horse, a noseband can support the relative closedness of the jaw and let the
masseter muscle relax, which relaxes the poll, which stops the horse from
leaning on the bit altogether, and the problem is solved. Unless...

The noseband can also be used to shut the mouth of a horse that is ridden
with too much contact, in unnatural and uncomfortable positions, by a
tactless rider. This is, I would say, the norm. The young horse can only be
correctly trained, if, when he relaxes the backwards traction on the reins
is light. Less hand 1/2 pound. If you pull harder than that on the reins
(constantly, in the name of contact) you will cause the horse pain in the
mouth, jaw and poll. This will generate tension, and the horse will try to
escape the tension and pain by opening up his mouth, pulling the tongue up,
sticking it out one side, tilting his head or crossing his jaws.

These kinds of resistances can be concealed by a snug noseband. Especially
one which can be tightened by roller action to really "plaster cast" the
horse's head. This is not only bad because it conceals resistances - it also
creates other resistances. It blocks the horse from arching forwards out of
the withers. This arching movement relies completely upon the ability to
open the jaw 1/4 inch or so and letting the jaw and the tongue drop down
slightly in relaxation.

The article goes on to describe the specific actions of the drop noseband,
flash noseband, crank noseband, grackle noseband, combination lever
noseband, serreta noseband and kineton noseband...to view the entire article
with illustrations go here:

http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle.php

And for the whole website go here:

http://www.sustainabledressage.net

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Kerrits Sit Tight breeches
*******************************************************************

The key to riding is balance.  If you're a rider who hasn't quite mastered
perfect balance in all riding situations, you might find that Kerrits brand
"Sit Tight" breeches give you an extra measure of security to help you relax
and find your balance.  The "tacky material" clings even better than
deerskin and is grippy even when wet.  It also washes well.

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
******************************************************************

Hello Stormy,

I need advice for what to do with my daughter.  She is 9 years old, D1, and
rides a 15.1 half Arabian half paint, 17 year gelding who is normally very
well mannered and kid safe. She is doing walk trot dressage and 18"
crossrails.  Lately he has started tossing his head a bit when she either
asks him to canter or when she is jumping.  This has shaken her confidence
drastically.  She has gotten to where she cries when asked to jump and
refuses to jump any verticals even 15" or so.  So my question is what to
do...

Do I forget jumping for awhile

Have her jump on a different mount - maybe a pony packer

Have someone experienced ride the horse and see if they can
get him to quit it

She can correct him and when she finally gets mad at him make him mind, but
by this time she is sobbing and I am afraid that in that state she will get
hurt.

Please let me know if you have any advice.

Allison Deaton, parent, Long Run Pony Club

Hi Allison,

That¹s a great question.  I¹ll preface my answer by saying that without
seeing the situation directly, there may be key elements that would change
my answer, but I¹ll go ahead and give you my best answer based on similar
situations that I¹ve run into.

In my opinion, 9 is very young to be jumping 18².  I know there are those
kids who can do that and more by age 9, but they are the exception,
certainly not the rule.  In my perfect world, all riders would receive
enough longe lessons on school master horses that by the time they were
allowed to pick up the reins and ride off the longe, their hands and seat
would be independent, their legs would be strong, balance would be good, and
they would have a great feel of how to correctly communicate with the horse.
Of course if we did it that way, we¹d have a lot less riders who stuck with
it as well.

I¹m assuming your daughter hasn¹t had the benefit of all this training, and
the result is that she probably isn¹t ready to be safely jumping
independently.   When an experienced rider looks at a safe horse doing
something like flipping his head, the experienced rider wants to tell the
inexperienced rider to just keep going and that all will be fine, but the
inexperienced rider¹s internal warning system (that same system that tells
her not to jump off a cliff) is telling her that there is danger.  Her
warning system gets so loud that it incapacitates her by crying.  At this
point, the parents and trainer need to seriously evaluate whether there is
an actual danger or is the rider¹s mind just getting in the way.  From what
you¹ve described, it sounds like your daughter just isn¹t ready.  On the
other end of the spectrum, I¹ve worked with 14 to 50 year olds who have very
solid seats, and totally reliable mounts but their warning system has gotten
so out of control, that it won¹t let them canter over a pole 4 inches off
the ground.  Again, that doesn¹t seem to be the case here.

Assuming that your daughter wants to go for her D2 rating in the next year
or two, she will probably find her own motivation for getting back over 18²
when she feels more ready.  After the D2 rating, it will typically take 3 or
more years to get to D3, so there isn¹t any rush.  If I were her trainer I¹d
ask her what her goals were and if they include anything that has to do with
cantering or jumping, I¹d work that into the lessons so that she feels like
she¹s choosing it herself, not being forced to do it.

So, that¹s the theory.  The short answer would be: forget jumping for now,
if she really wants to jump later but the particular horse is still scaring
her have her try on more of a packer horse, and in the meantime, have
someone keep the current horse tuned up (maybe riding once a week?) which is
generally a good idea for any kids¹ horse.

Stay safe,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs! School Exercises for Flatwork and
Jumping by Elanor Ross and Progressive School Exercises for Dressage and
Jumping by Islay Auty
*******************************************************************

This month I'm featuring 2 books that are both on the enrichment reading
list for USPC upper level ratings.  You can choose which one seems better
for you, or buy them both!

School Exercises for Flatwork and Jumping by Elanor Ross

A reviewer from Amazon.com writes:

I have owned this book for 5 years and think it is one of the better,
simplified handbooks for riders and instructors alike. It has clear, concise
diagrams, explanations and ways to problem solve for each exercise, so that
even a novice rider or beginning instructor could easily understand the
exercises and the reasons for them. We were members of US Pony Club growing
up and one of our primary focuses around horses was and is always safety.
The author offers very helpful ways to deal with possible problems/outcomes
during the exercises so that not just the "how" is covered, but the "why" as
well. When instructing novice riders or children, this approach is
particularly helpful. For someone schooling horses on their own, these ideas
are most helpful in creating a positive experience for both horse and rider.
I would recommend this book to any equestrian.

Progressive School Exercises for Dressage and Jumping by Islay Auty

A reviewer from Amazon.com writes:

Many of these exercises are not new to the horse world, however I think this
is a publication every teacher and trainer should have on hand. Sometimes
when teaching I find it difficult to come up with a new exercise to have my
students perform. Even though I have done and taught thousands of them in my
lifetime somehow they never come to mind when I need them. Now I can just
open to any page of this book and have an excellent exercise. The best part
is that they are listed progressively so I know just where to flip for my
beginners, intermediate students and advanced jumping students!

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Here's a video of some extreme quadrille riding!

http://www.olympiahorseshow.co.uk/show/metvideo.htm

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

This is an inspiring video of the rescue of over 100 horses stranded during
a flood in the Netherlands.

http://video.google.nl/videoplay?docid=-4584913278289860160

********************************************************************
Featured rule:
********************************************************************

This section is going to be postponed until the new Horse Management
Handbook is out early next year...stay tuned for the new rulebook!

********************************************************************
(not quite) Horsey humor: Camping complaints
********************************************************************
This isn't horsey humor, but is sure is funny, I couldn't resist adding it.

These are actual comments left on Forest Service registration sheets and
comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:  (You can
draw your own conclusions.)

     * "A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there
a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."
     * "Escalators would help on steep uphill sections."
     * "Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands."
     * "Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are
more likely to chase animals."
     * "All the mile markers are missing this year."
     * "Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse."
     * "Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go
uphill."
     * "Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray
the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."
     * "Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter."
     * "Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful
views without having to hike to them."
     * "The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please
eradicate these annoying animals."
     * "Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can
hike at night with flashlights."
     * "Need more signs to keep area pristine."
     * "A McDonald's would be nice at the trail head."
     * "The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."
     * "Too many rocks in the mountains."

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
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

*******************************************************************
Feature: Barn Bullies
*******************************************************************
by Anastasia Burke

Barn Bullies: How to Handle Them ‹ and Make Sure You Aren¹t 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; it¹s just an unfortunate part of growing up. In fact,
sometimes, it¹s a part of many adults¹ 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 Hailey¹s case, she sought the advice of her mom. Hailey said it was hard
to enlist her mom¹s help, because she didn¹t want to be a ³tattle tale.²

Still, it proved to be the right move. Armed with a copy of the bully¹s
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 you¹re 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 bully¹s level. Don¹t get angry. Don¹t retaliate.
Don¹t 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 you¹re 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 aren¹t
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 doesn¹t really have any friends yet? Is
her horse lame and she¹s worried about not keeping up with the
group? Does she worry that she¹s not good enough because she
doesn¹t 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 bully¹s¹ life, take some time to quietly ask her if
you can help. You could start by saying, ³Hey, Jill, I noticed that
you¹ve been kind of sad lately, and I just wanted to say I¹m sorry
and that I hope everything is okay with you. If you ever want to talk,
I¹m 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 It¹s my
hope that you can turn the bully in your barn into your pal, but some
situations just can¹t 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 that¹s not
true. Let¹s not talk behind people¹s backs at this barn anymore.
Let¹s be different than other barns.²

€ Get help from the adults in your life. Like Hailey, you probably
don¹t 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 mom¹s 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 doesn¹t 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 isn¹t another girl; maybe it¹s 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 aren¹t there to defend
themselves?

€ Do you say things about other people behind their backs that you¹d 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 girls¹ horses?

€ Do you tend to focus on a person¹s worst traits and talk about these
traits with your friends?

€ Do you tend to share your friends¹ 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, it¹s time to take
a hard look at your behavior and ask yourself what kind of a person you are
‹ and how you¹d 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

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Mice Cube
*******************************************************************

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

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Unfair points?
*******************************************************************

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

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

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 don¹t 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 there¹s 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 doesn¹t
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, that¹s why
I¹d 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 I¹d suggest the same bit but in metal (called a mullen mouth snaffle).
When teaching the horse to go in a bit I¹d 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 it¹s only ponies up to
about 13.2 hands that fit in those, most other horses need at least 5 1/2²
mouthpieces...but that¹s a topic for another article.

Keep it soft,
Stormy

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

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

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

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 isn¹t safety, it¹s 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

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
*******************************************************************

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"

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

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

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

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

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Jewelry
********************************************************************

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).

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

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Saddle balance
2) Recommended products and services: Cheaper cooling vests
3) Rally and rating tips: old toothbrushes
4) Questions and answers: emergency dismounts, bucket straps, bits for
greenies, and some links
5) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Animals in Translation by Temple
Grandin
6) Fun and educational websites: horses in government, NFRA
7) Featured rule: Methods of horse/mount presentation
8) Horsey Humor: A letter from your horse
9) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: Saddle balance
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

The core of good riding comes from a secure basic balanced position on
horseback.  Once a rider's body has been trained to maintain basic balanced
position, she will be able to maintain it regardless of how the saddle is
balanced.  When a rider is just learning to maintain basic balanced
position, the way her saddle is balanced can make all the difference between
easily training her body and years of struggle.

In the simplest terms, basic balanced position for work on the flat
(dressage) means that viewed from the side, the rider's ears, shoulders,
hips, and heels all stack up in one line perpendicular to the ground.  The
most common fault of beginner riders (and many advanced ones too) is that
their legs are too far ahead of them, in what is called a "chair seat".
This is especially common with riders who use jumping or all purpose saddles
for learning flatwork.  In my experience, the two main causes of the chair
seat are; the rider's overuse of the stirrups and incorrect saddle balance.
Too much weight in the stirrup irons will cause the rider's leg to swing
forward like a pendulum.  To see if this might be a cause, have the rider
lighten their feet in the stirrups until they are barely touching the
stirrup pads.  If the leg then comes back to the proper place underneath the
hips at a trot, have the rider spend more time working without stirrups.
The second cause occurs when the saddle's stirrup bars and seat are
positioned incorrectly for that particular horse's back and rider's
conformation.

To check a saddle for proper balance, put it on the horse and note where the
deepest part of the seat is.  If you're having trouble visualizing it, roll
a pen or a pencil between the pommel and the cantle until it comes to rest
at the lowest point of the seat as viewed from the side.  From that point,
draw an imaginary line perpendicular to the ground.  Next, check where the
stirrups naturally hang from the stirrup bar.  Measure or estimate the
number of inches between the line that the stirrup leathers make and the
line that you visualized running down from the deepest part of the saddle's
seat.  If this distance is significantly longer than the distance between
the ball of the rider's foot and the middle of their heel, then the saddle
is not well balanced for flatwork.  Larger riders can get away with more of
a variation because they have the strength to bring their legs underneath
them regardless of where the stirrups hang.  The smaller and younger a rider
is, the more difficult it will be for her to properly bring her legs into a
basic balanced position with an improperly balanced saddle.

If the saddle is just slightly out of balance to the rear (the distance from
the lowest part of the seat to the stirrup leathers is too long), sometimes
adding a riser pad to the back of the saddle will move the deepest part of
the seat forward in better alignment with the stirrups.  If you're going to
try this, make sure the saddle isn't already too tight on the horse's
withers, because it will only make it more so.  If the distance between the
stirrups and the deepest part of the seat is shorter than the distance
between the ball of the rider's foot and the middle of their heel, then the
saddle is balanced too far to the front.  Sometimes adding a wither pad will
help achieve better balance.  Again, make sure that the saddle is still
comfortable to the horse after making these changes.

For jumping, since a rider is mostly in a light seat or 2-point position,
the stirrup bars will need to be further forward in relation to the deepest
part of the saddle.  The amount of difference will depend on the rider's
level.  The most advanced riders tend to prefer saddles with very forward
stirrup bars and knee rolls so they can ride in balance with short stirrups.

I hope this helps demystify saddle balance and how it relates to achieving
the basic balanced position.

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Cheaper cooling vests
*******************************************************************

Those of you who see me over the summer know that I rely on my cooling vest
when the temperatures soar.  They work extremely well in climates with dry
heat.  Up until now, their only drawback was the initial expense.  Now I
found a way around it and wanted to share it with everyone.  They sell what
appears to be the exact same vest to motorcycle riders for only $29.95!!!
Even though it's cooling off now, I'd suggest stocking up on at least two of
these to get you through the next few years.  Why two?  Because if you lend
one to a family member or friend, you probably won't get it back.

Here's the link:

http://store.mm411.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=178&
id=848

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: old toothbrushes
*******************************************************************

Ever get the comment during formal inspections that you missed the dust in
the cracks of your saddle stitching?  An easy way to make sure you get every
last crevice is to enlist the help of an old toothbrush.  Older toothbrushes
actually will work better than new ones because their splayed bristles will
reach in all directions and be soft enough to not scratch the leather.  You
can use them with just plain water, or rubbed in a little bit of saddle soap
for a deeper clean.  Make sure to follow with a light brushing of plain
water to get the residue out.

I haven't tried the following myself, but I bet old electric toothbrushes
might be an easy way to remove tough jockeys (those greasy dark blobs that
seem to accumulate on the saddle flap under the stirrup leathers).  Just
don't go crazy with it and remove your leather's finish.

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

At our mounted meeting my girls were in a group of mixed ability.  They were
the only D3's with a strong D2 and a low, questionable D2.  The instructor
spent over 1/2 an hour practicing emergency dismounts.  She made them
dismount from one side....then the other side....then mount from one
side....then mount from the other side.  I question and the girls questioned
whether or not it was being taught correctly.  I know my girls know the
correct way because they were checked off on it for their ratings.  They
were taught that if there is a horse in the arena that is acting up and they
need to dismount, that they should take the reins over the horses head to
make sure they have control of their horse in case it starts acting up.
They've been taught that if they need to do an emergency dismount because
their horse is acting up they should grab the reins by the bit until they
have control.  Then they can either remount or take the reins over.  This
instructor was telling them they are supposed to grab the reins on each side
of the horses neck so they can control the horse.  Well that works fine if
you have a small pony, but if you have a full size horse that's not always
possible.  If the horse throws his neck up the kid could get hurt.

Via the internet from a Pony Club mom

Hi,

The way Pony Club teaches the emergency dismount is to take both feet out of
the stirrups, put both hands on the withers, lean forward and swing your
legs over and off, landing so that you are facing the same direction as the
horse, with your knees bent and holding the reins in one hand (the one
closer to the horse).  Eventually you need to be able to do it at the trot
and canter, so it's a good idea to practice landing in a walk or run to keep
your balance.  Even though it's taught as an "emergency dismount" this is
the same way they teach the regular dismount, with the exception being that
a regular dismount is done at a halt and after dismounting the reins are
taken over the head to lead the pony.  One should never dismount with the
left foot still in the stirrup in case the horse spooks during the dismount.
The exception would be if you have physical problems that prevent you from
dismounting with both feet out of the stirrups, in which case make sure you
have a very quiet horse and perhaps dismount to a solid object a few feet
off the ground if possible.

The way your girls were taught to dismount and take the reins over the head
in case of a loose horse or other disturbance isn't really an emergency
dismount because they have control of their horse.  Yes, it's a good idea
for them to take the reins over the horse's head for better control while
they're waiting to get back on in that situation.  When they themselves are
getting run away with, or start falling off and decide to do an emergency
dismount, the horse will usually have his own agenda and I'd strongly
suggest not to try taking the reins over the head.  If the rider falls or
otherwise lets go after the dismount and she had taken the reins over the
head, now the horse will be running loose with his reins dragging around his
front feet.  If the reins are still over the head, at least they are
somewhat out of harm's way.  I feel it is better to try to hold the near
rein in the right hand after a true emergency dismount.  If there is any
chance of holding on to the horse, it will be done by bending the horse's
neck and getting him to turn around the rider so he will have to slow down
and balance himself, not by holding both reins and trying to pull back from
the ground.

There is some value in teaching the rider to mount and dismount (emergency
or otherwise) from both sides.  It is a requirement to demonstrate this in
the C3 test.  A practical application is if by chance you are trail riding
and the terrain makes it unsafe to mount from the near side.  I also know a
mother and daughter who ride the same horse and the mother always mounts
from the near side while the daughter mounts from the off side.  They
explained to me that it helps to keep their stirrup leathers evenly
stretched.

See you on the off side,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I have a question about bucket straps - I saw several people at
Championships West using the new Bucket Straps with snaps on the end - they
have a loop that you run through the bar's (or wire, or over a rail) then
pull the snap through the loop and hang your bucket - these are made out of
nylon - I would love to use these if they are legal for Pony Club
activities.  Since I saw them at Championships I am thinking they are
legal.  If they are legal for stall use - could they be used on the trailer
to hang buckets & hay nets?? They are short straps and I don't see how a
horse could get in trouble with it.  What's your take on these??

Happy Trails

Joan Starrett, DC Hoofbeats Pony Club

Hi Joan,

The only written requirement for hanging buckets at Pony Club rallies is
that, ³Flat backed buckets require only one point of attachment (e.g., one
screw-eye) to wall with one snap-hook or hanger.  Round buckets require two
points of attachment (e.g., 2 screw-eyes/2 snaps) to the wall to secure
them.²  For hay nets, the rule reads, ³Hay nets, when used, must be securely
fastened, properly tied, and hung high enough so even when empty, they do
not hang below the mount¹s point of shoulder.  It is recommended that hay
nets be cotton.²   Surprisingly enough, there is nothing about the hanging
height of buckets or any requirement that buckets or hay nets have
³breakaway capability².   In my experience, I definitely want buckets to
have breakaway capability.  Not so weak that a horse¹s nosing will cause the
bucket to fall, but not so strong that if a horse rears and gets his leg on
it, it won¹t break.  I have found double ended snaps (or the equivalent) to
be the perfect balance of strength and breakability with horses.  A cheaper
alternative is a few rounds of hemp/jute twine although then it becomes
difficult to remove the bucket for cleaning.  Most of the bucket straps I¹ve
seen that you¹re describing, have nylon for attaching to the pipe or trailer
tie, and then some sort of breakable snap to hook the bucket to.  These I
have always happily approved of for safe use both in Pony Club and in the
real world.  Ones that I don¹t approve of personally, are ones that either
have tough bull snaps that are designed not to break, or ones that are
entirely nylon and tie like dog collars (or nylon halters) and don¹t have
enough breakability for my taste.  I¹ve found that even nylon hay nets will
break if a horse gets a foot caught in them so I¹m not as concerned about
making sure they have extra breakability.  Hay bags typically come with
small, breakable snaps to hang them by, so I consider them quite safe to
use.

So, the short answer is that yes, they are legal for Pony Club and there is
no breakability requirement for buckets or hay nets.

Break away!
Stormy

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

Dear Stormy,

I have just gotten a new horse, he is only four years old and already 16
hands.  He knows I'm only little and not strong enough to stop him.  He is
only in a  snaffle bit because he is being trained for dressage but he keeps
taking of with me. He also he runs on the forehand and take hold of the bit.
Would you have any alternatives of what bit to put him in or what to do?

Thanks Hollie, via the internet

Hi Hollie,

I have a couple of questions for you.  First of all, are you doing the
horse¹s training yourself and secondly, how much experience have you had
training green horses?  It sounds like your question is more of a training
one rather than a bitting one.  Young horses often seem like they have
³hard² mouths and need stronger bits, but actually it¹s just that they don¹t
yet understand what the cues mean.  I would suggest working with a trainer
who you feel comfortable working with.  If you are already working with a
trainer and are having trouble when you¹re on your own, just stick to a
small enclosed area (like a round pen) where you can help refine your
balance and aids and you won¹t have the danger of your horse being able to
bolt off.  If you need anything stronger than a mild snaffle bit with a
young horse, it means that some training has been skipped and needs to be
filled in.

Stay safe,
Stormy

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

Hey Stormy,

I was wondering if you could give me the measurements for making my own
shipping wraps.

Kelly Dorricott, C2, Deer Creek Pony Club

Hi Kelly,

Here¹s the link where I tell all about how to make shipping and standing
wraps: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/2

Happy shopping,
Stormy

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

Stormy,

I was unable to open the link for your C3 record book recommendations on the
Sierra Pacific website so I was wondering if you could e-mail me a copy.
Thanks a bundle.

Cassie Lewis, C2, Deer Creek Pony Club

Hi Cassie,

Here's a link to the newsletter with the updated record book checklist.  The
checklist is more thorough than is needed for most ratings, but for C3 and
higher ratings, it should pass or exceed standards.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/22

Take note,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs! Animals in Translation
*******************************************************************

Animals in Translation, by Temple Grandin

Temple was a person I'd been hearing about for years, an autistic lady who
designs humane cattle chutes for slaughterhouses.  I'd been told that she
was able to see things from the animals' perspective.  When I heard about
the book I was very interested to learn more about what she sees.

Temple relates the workings of an autistic person's brain to the way animals
perceive the world, backing it all up with hard science.  I was taking notes
on nearly every page.  The biggest insight I got from the book was how
humans and animals have evolved together and have learned to rely on each
other in order to fully experience life.  What animals excel in, such as
emotional perception, humans tend to be weak in, while animals lack more
frontal lobe brain activity which humans are strong in.  We each have gifts
to share with the other.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in deeper insight into the
workings of our minds and the minds of animals.

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Any budding activists out there?  The American Horse Council is the horse
community's voice in Washington D.C..

The Mission of the American Horse Council:
To promote and protect the equine industry by representing its interests in
Congress and in federal regulatory agencies on national issues of
importance; To unify the equine industry by informing industry members of
regulations and pending legislation, and by serving as a forum for all
member organizations and individuals; and To advise and inform government
and the industry itself of the equine industry¹s important role in the
United States economy.

Might be an interesting place to start some school government reports!

http://www.horsecouncil.org/

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

http://www.geocities.com/cirrus_kid/NFRA.html

Need a good laugh?  Check out this National Fjord Racing Association
website.

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Methods of Horse/Mount Presentation
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 55 section E: Methods of Horse/Mount
Presentation (for jog-outs)

The reins should be held with the bight (slack) in the left hand with the
right hand about one foot below the bit allowing full freedom of the mount's
head.  The mount should be walked to the Inspection Panel and halted until
told to trot forward.  The mount should be trotted freely forward in a
straight line as designated by the Inspection Panel.  The mount should be
turned away from the handler.  Appropriate, safe and neat attire (no jeans)
is recommended and must include ASTM/SEI riding helmet and proper footwear.
Mounts should be kept moving in the holding area if a second inspection is
required.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: A letter from your horse
********************************************************************

A letter from your horse (original version):

When you are tense, let me teach you to relax.
When you are short tempered, let me teach you to be patient.
When you are short sighted, let me teach you to see.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you to be.
When you are angry, let me teach you to be serene.
When you feel superior, let me teach you to be respectful.
When you are self absorbed, let me teach you to think of greater things.
When you are arrogant, let me teach you humility.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion.
When you are tired, let me carry the load.
When you need to learn, let me teach you.
After all, I am your horse.

And now, the REAL DEAL.....

When you are tense, let me teach you that there are lions in them thar woods
and we need to leave NOW!
When you are short tempered, let me teach you to slog around the pasture for
an hour before you can catch me.
When you are short sighted, let me teach you to figure out where, exactly,
in the 40 acres I am hiding.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you that herbivores kick much
faster & harder than omnivores.
When you are angry, let me teach you how well I can stand on my hind feet
because I don't feel like cantering on my right lead today.
When you are worried, let me entertain you with my mystery lameness.
When you feel superior, let me teach you that, mostly, you are the maid
service.
When you are self absorbed, let me teach you to PAY ATTENTION. Remember? I
told you about those lions in them thar woods?
When you are arrogant, let me teach you what 1200 lbs. Of "YAHOO LETS GO!"
can do when suitably inspired.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion. Let's do lunch.. Also,
breakfast, snack and dinner.
When you are tired, don't forget the 600lbs.of grain that needs to be
unloaded.
When you are feeling financially secure, let me teach you the meaning of
"Veterinary Services".
When you want to learn, hang around, bud. I'll learn ya.
Sincerely,
Your Horse

From: http://www.qnet.com/~sixwranch/humor.htm

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: The life of a trainer
2) Questions and answers: conditioning, bitless, and bits!
3) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: The handbook of riding essentials
4) Fun and educational websites: dressage4kids
5) Featured rule: Inquiries and protests
6) Horsey Humor: What farriers (don't) love to hear!
7) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: The life of a trainer
*******************************************************************
The following was a questionnaire I got from one of my students.  I thought
it might have value for some other aspiring trainers out there.

Hi Stormy! I have a small favor to ask of you. Yesterday at my riding lesson
(which I had a blast at!) I forgot to ask you if I could interview you. My
class is doing what is called a Career I-Search paper.  We have to pick a
career and do some research on that particular career.  One of the things we
need to do is interview a person related or in that career.  Well, I am sure
you have already guessed what I choseŠ yep it is a horse trainer!  Would you
be willing to answer a few questions I have? Thank you so much!

Katherine Schuessler, D3, Northern Mines Pony Club

1. What do you like and dislike about your job?

I¹ll answer it as both a horse trainer and instructor.  The most important
thing I like is being able to help horses relax and enjoy their jobs and to
help riders achieve their goals.  There is a big satisfaction I get when I
am able to figure out ways to make horses more comfortable and trusting in
their riders and can show the riders how to more effectively connect with
their horses.  I also like being able to set my own schedule and take time
off when I need it rather than just when it¹s ³vacation time².  My main
dislike is that the work involved with having horses at home is constant.  I
don¹t mind feeding, cleaning, and keeping the barn stocked with hay but the
fact that I have to do it every day whether I feel like it or not is
sometimes a drag.  Also, it is a little difficult to travel as much as I¹d
like because I have to make sure everything here is taken care of, but I¹ve
been lucky enough to find a good situation where my partner will take care
of a lot of the duties while I¹m gone.

2. What is a typical day as a horse trainer like?

There are many different ways that I have worked out being a trainer, it¹s
very different for other trainers so I¹ll just share from my perspective.  I
keep my business rather small on purpose so that when opportunities to
travel or try new things come up, I can be free enough to do that.  A
typical day for me starts at around sun-up when I feed the horses breakfast,
then I feed myself.  After the horses have eaten I will work one or two
before lunch, then feed lunch, work another horse or two, or travel to teach
lessons depending on the day.  Dinner is fed at about sundown.  Often on
weekends, especially during the summer, I will travel to other parts of the
state or country to judge rallies or teach clinics.  During my down time I
like to answer people¹s horse-related questions and put them all together in
a Horse Management Newsletter that goes out around the country every month.

3. What got you interested in your career?

My career was never something that I imagined I would be doing as a full
time job.  I started out just taking care of my own horse as a 10 year old
horse crazy girl.  When I was 13 I got a yearling that I trained and showed
in dressage and jumping.  People saw how good I was with her and soon they
began asking me to take care of their horses while they were on vacation, or
to ride their horses on a regular basis.  By the time I was 16 and could
drive, I would ride up to 6 horses a day at different locations and I was
also giving $5.00 lessons to local people.  I went to college because I
wanted to be a vet but after less than a year I realized that I didn¹t want
that sort of pressure in my life.  While I was in college I was lucky enough
to bring my horse and soon more people started asking me to ride their
horses and take care of them so I just continued what I had already been
doing.  When I was about 18 and a ³B² level Pony Clubber, someone asked me
to be an assistant horse management judge at a Tetrathalon rally in
Petaluma.  I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, but I guess I did
a good job because people continued asking me to judge.  Eventually, when I
was old enough, I was encouraged to become a Chief Horse Management Judge so
I turned in all the paperwork and became an official judge.

4. How long have you been in your career?

I think I¹ve officially been getting paid for what I¹m doing since I was 13
or so...probably 20 years.

5. Do you want to be a trainer until you retire?

I think I¹ll probably always be doing a little training but as I get older I
see myself focusing more on teaching people rather than riding a lot of
horses myself.  I also want to focus on projects like educational videos,
documentaries and books so I can teach more people while doing less work.

6. If you could do it all over again, would you still be a trainer?

Absolutely.


7. What things do you want to accomplish in your future as a trainer?

I¹d like to produce more educational and inspirational videos and books
about horses.

8. What colleges would be good for me to go to, to be successful in this
job?

There are some colleges that have equine study programs, most of them are on
the East Coast.  Mount Holyoke is one that I know a few people have gone to
and progressed well in their equine careers.  Most importantly in the horse
world though, it¹s how talented you are with horses and what people you have
connections with.  If you were a great working student for a well known
trainer, that will end up getting you much further in the training world
than college will.  A lot of people go to college so they will have
something to fall back on in case they decide that later on they don¹t want
to work with horses as a full time job.  There are some very talented riders
who have ³regular jobs² that pay much better than a trainer¹s job does and
then they have enough money to support, train, and compete horses on a part
time basis.  It is sometimes nice to have a job where you¹re away from the
dust and flies and sitting in an air conditioned room.

9. How difficult is it to find a job in this field?

If you are reasonably talented with horses and willing to work hard it is
very easy to find jobs training horses.  If you are working for another
trainer or a demanding owner or barn manager you might find that you have to
go through a few different barns before you find a situation that you enjoy.
I lived at two other barns before buying my own place which I enjoy much
more than working at other people¹s places.

10. Do you have any advice for me?

You¹re on the right track with getting regular lessons and making sure you
have the right horses and ponies to ride.  While you¹re still living with
your parents and they¹re paying the bills, try to get as much showing and
lesson experience as you can (as long as you enjoy it).  Offer your services
of feeding, cleaning, grooming, riding, tack cleaning, or anything else you
can think of and then responsibly follow through with your commitments.
Don¹t charge a lot at first but if you see that people are starting to
depend on you more and more you will naturally be able to raise your rates.
If you try this for a while and find that you aren¹t getting much repeat
business, try to honestly evaluate what you might be able to do better and
always go the extra mile to give your customers more than they expect.

One creative example is to learn from an upper level pony clubber how to
clean tack and groom horses really well and then at a big show, you could go
around to the different barns and offer your services as a tack cleaner or
groom for the day.  If you get really good and fast at braiding you could
add that service too.  Business will probably be a little slow while you¹re
still young but if you get used to asking for business now, by the time
you¹re a teenager you will probably find that you are in high demand.

Best of luck to you!
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy-

I had a question about the written conditioning schedule on the C-2 rating
sheet. I was a little confused about what we had to do and I was wondering
if you could give me some pointers on how to do that. I wanted to know if it
was a week by week schedule or if it was just an in general thing. I also
wanted to know what they wanted for the stable management part. If you would
please help me out with this that would be good.

Vanessa Canfield, C1, Liberty Oaks PC

Hi Vanessa,

The purpose of the C2 level written conditioning schedule is so the
examiners can see that you are able to make educated decisions about
conditioning a horse for a certain use.  The example you write out could be
theoretical (a made-up horse and activity) or you can use a practical one,
such as conditioning your horse for the C2 rating.  In either case, you
should include the following:

1. The horse¹s specifics: age, breed, height, starting diet, any special
medical needs, is she an easy or hard keeper, etc...

2.  The horse¹s starting condition.  For example, has he been turned out for
the winter?  Is he just coming back from six months rest from a bowed
tendon?  Is she already being worked 1 hour 3 times per week?

3. The length of the conditioning schedule (in this case it should be
between 6 and 8 weeks)

4. The event or level of fitness that you are conditioning for.  For
example, a novice level event; the C2 test; a training level dressage show;
a 50 mile endurance ride, the ability to trot for 10 minutes without being
winded, etc....

5. The ³meat² of your plan will consist of the actual 6-8 week schedule.
This can either be in a calendar format (little boxes for each day) or just
written out day by day on several sheets of paper.  You need to list what
you are planning to do with the horse each day, including days off, trail
rides, lessons, and shows.  Examiners will also want to see any dietary
changes that you plan to make during the conditioning period.  Most common
changes include increasing grain rations to maintain the horse¹s energy
level during increased work.  Be sure to get very specific about your plan
including heights to jump, specific dressage exercises you will work on,
length of your rides etc....  Of course this is all theoretical and will be
subject to the actual circumstances as they occur.

An example for conditioning a 9 year old 14 hand pony who has been turned
out for the winter, had competed at Novice eventing last year and you want
to get him ready for a Novice event in 8 weeks:

Sample day from week one:
trail/conditioning ride 20 minutes total, including 5 minutes trot, no
dietary changes

Sample day from week 4:
Practice 2¹ courses, work on lengthening and shortening stride 50 minutes,
increase LMF by 1 pound

Sample day from week 8:
Dressage schooling, work on the Novice level test, 1 hour total ride time,
no dietary changes

For the stable management part of the C2 test, the bulk of it will just be
talking about efficient and economic ways to care for your horse both when
stabled and ³at grass², as well as how to safely prepare for a strenuous
workout and properly care for your horse afterwards.  In these sections
they¹re looking for common sense and logic.  For example, make sure the
horse has safe fencing in pasture (no cattle wire or barbed wire, broken
boards, etc.).

I¹m going to include a C2 study guide below that was originally in the
January 2004 issue of my newsletter.

The questions are ones that give a good indication of the
depth of knowledge needed at the C2. Only certain sections are
covered. The guide is not meant to be comprehensive, it is only
intended to get you studying on the right track. Many of the answers can be
found in the Pony Club manuals. Additional resources include veterinarians,
trainers, farriers, and graduate Pony Clubbers. Memorizing this knowledge
from books is a start but the examiners will also want to hear of practical
experiences and applications of this knowledge. This guide should be used
along with the standards.

**Most importantly, I hope there are never any answer keys made for
these questions. It isn't necessarily these questions or answers that are
the most important part. The studying and questioning that you have to do
to find the answers will be the biggest value.**

Good luck!

Is it more important to bathe a horse regularly if he is kept in a stall, or
out at pasture? Why?
Would you rather have your horse in a wet and mucky, or hard and dry
pasture? Why?
Can you demonstrate how to feel a horse's pulse when you're nervous?
Do you know how to read a mercury thermometer?
What does it mean if your horse is "roughed out"? How would you feed this
horse?
When should you not feed a sick horse?
What steps would you take to treat a minor cut on a horse's leg? What
products might you use?
What do you think is the safest fencing for horses and why?
What do you think is the most dangerous fencing for horses and why?
How does your horse get all the minerals she needs?
Name and describe 5 toxic plants and where you might find them.
Would you want a horse with a long back? Why or why not?
Would you rather have a horse with long or short cannon bones? Why?
Point to exactly where curb is on a live horse.
Point to exactly where sidebone is on a live horse.
Where exactly are the two places a horse can get spavins?
What is the difference between the two types of spavins?
How many splint bones does a horse have?
What is different between loading and unloading a horse in a straight load
versus a slant?
Do you know the name of every vaccination your horse gets and how often?
How can you prevent internal parasites besides deworming?
Which internal parasites might your horse get? Name at least five!
Can a horse get tetanus from another horse?
Which jaw of the horse is wider, upper or lower? How does this affect the
need for floating?
What things would you make sure a D is wearing in order to be safe to ride?
What things would you check on a D's horse before letting him ride?
Have you practiced longeing on a regular basis while observing Pony Club
safety rules?
How would you know if your shoer is doing a bad job?
Why would you use bell boots on a horse?
Why might you use a crupper?
Why might you use different tack for dressage and jumping?
How often do you deworm your horse? What brands do you use?
If you're thinking of turning your horse out in a new pasture, what things
would you check first?
How much shelter should a pastured horse have?
How much should a pastured horse be blanketed?
What is the average respiration for a resting horse?
Now, go back and answer all of these questions from memory!

For more great questions, see the ponyclub.org website in the forms section,
click on C study guide.
http://www.ponyclub.org/forms.php

Study well,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy

Do you know if it would be allowable to ride in a Bitless Bridle for Games
competition?  We found the types of bits, cavessons, hackamores but I
was unsure if the Bitless Bridle would be allowed.

Thanks
Lori Moreno, Deer Creek Pony Club mom

Hi Lori,

Yes, it is allowed for everything except dressage and the dressage phase of
eventing.

Keep it simple,
Stormy


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

Hi Stormy,

I just brought home a horse to do my B on and the jumping tack they use on
him is concerning me.  They are using a bubble bit with 2 reins and a flash
noseband.  Now I know in the Show Jumping Rules I can not use a flash
noseband on him as long as I use something with two reins.  But in the
Eventing Rulebook I can use a flash noseband.  I am confused as to which
rulebook I should follow for my rating.  Up until now I figured mostly the
ratings were under the Eventing rulebook but I really haven't needed to
check something like this until now.  So looking at it I guess the real
question is; are Traditional ratings held under the Eventing rulebook or the
rulebook for the phase of the rating?  Will I be asked to remove the flash
at my rating?

Thanks, Christina Brennan, C3 English Hills PC

Hi Christina,

Ratings are run as per the Eventing rulebook so you should be ok with the
bubble bit and flash.  The rule as it's stated in the Show Jumping rulebook
is that you cannot use a flash with anything other than a plain snaffle bit.
Definitely explain that it¹s a borrowed horse to the examiners too.

Keep your hands light!
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
*******************************************************************

The Handbook of Riding Essentials by Francois Lemaire de Ruffieu

Here are some reviews from the Amazon.com website:

Reviewer: "The Handbook of Riding Essentials" is a wonderful resource for
all riders of all disciplines. Written and diagramed in a clear and concise
format, the author covers the correct use of the hands, seat and legs and
then progresses to each individual movement. The diagrams are very clear and
depict the use of the natural aids for each movement. All aspects of each
movement are clearly covered and very helpful. For example, in the chapter
entitled: "The Natural Aids for the Haunches-In" he expertly covers; Goals
of the Exercise; Rider's Aids; Why Does the Rider Use the Natural Aids; How
Does the Rider Initiate Haunches-In; How Does the Rider Teach Haunches-In;
Mistakes to Avoid and Helpful suggestions. As a rider this book has helped
me to better understand, teach my horse and execute each movement. This is a
reference book for all levels of all riders and should be in every riders'
library.

Reviewer: This book is written so the beginner can understand it. Has
beautiful illustrations on seat,leg, and hand positions. It also tells you
what your horse should be doing after you apply the aids. Very helpful book.

Reviewer: OK, out of everything that you may have looked at, buy this book!
You will definitely not regret it. This book breaks riding down into
beginning, intermediate, and advanced; all in different bulleted sections on
the same page. That way you can read any level description and actually see
where it's going. I especially like the hand-drawn pictures on every page
which are clear and concise. Not only does he tell you what to do, but the
pictures show you how to do it: exact positions of hands and legs are drawn
on every page! The entire book is presented in a logical manner and is very
easy to follow. The author knows exactly what he's talking about and is sure
to help you too!

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Well known dressage rider, Lendon Gray has a neat site for young dressage
riders.  The mission statement is: To encourage riders under 21 to become
true horsemen with correct position, competitive skills, and knowledge of
all aspects of riding and horse care; to offer scholarships to enable
competitors to further their education; to have fun and develop good
sportsmanship throughout.  Hmmm, sounds like another organization I know.

www.dressage4kids.com

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Inquiries and protests
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 54 section C, 2-4:

Inquiries concerning Horse Management are to be directed to the Chief Horse
Management Judge.  In the event there is a disagreement with the decisions
of the CHMJ, a protest may be made to the Technical Delegate, with
subsequent appeals to the Ground Jury and then the Appeal Committee, whose
decision is final.  One half hour is allowed for inquiries/protests to be
initiated.

In team competitions, only the Team Captain may make an inquiry or protest.
The rider involved may accompany the Captain.  In individual competitions,
only the competitor involved may make an inquiry or protest.

Inquiries or protests may only be made concerning penalties imposed upon the
team or competitor making the inquiry or protest.  Inquiries or protests
against another team or competitor will under no circumstances be allowed.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Things farriers (don't) love to hear!
********************************************************************

© Tom Stovall, CJF

"Your shoe fell off..."

"He doesn't bite, he only nibbles..."

"He never kicked anyone else, you must have done something wrong..."

"You won't have any trouble catching them..."

"It's the bank's fault, run it back through..."

"Raise his heels..."

"Make his foot smaller..."

"Equus (or any other magazine) says..."

"Everyone in the barn says..."

"It's only been four weeks..." (after eight weeks)

"Why can't these be reset?..." (because you can read through the toe)

"He never did that before..."

"I haven't had time to pick up his feet..."

"I haven't had time to clean out his feet..."

"Can I feed him a carrot while you're shoeing him?..."

"He doesn't bite hard, he's only playing..."

"I forgot my checkbook..." (always, after the horse is shod)

This and more funny farrier stories at:
http://www.horseshoes.com/humor/frhmr.htm

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Finding success in failure
2) Recommended products and services: Cool Medics
3) Rally and rating tips: Dressage Freestyle music
4) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Teaching Safe Horsemanship by Jan
Dawson
5) Fun and educational websites: Equestrian Network Magazine
6) Featured rule: Tying at rallies
7) Horsey Humor: Horse-aholic
8) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: Finding success in failure
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

The following is a letter I wrote last fall to six Pony Clubbers who took
their C3 test in the Sierra Pacific Region.  Not passing a rating can be
very tough on everyone involved, from the examiners, to the candidates,
their parents, and even the horses.  At this rating I was the impartial
observer.  The impartial observer is the person who helps ensure that the
rating is conducted fairly and that there is clear communication between the
examiners, parents, and candidates.  Hopefully this can add a little
perspective to this whole process.

********

Some of you passed, others didn't.  I had the unique perspective of watching
all of you over the past few years as an examiner, judge, trainer, prep
clinician, and impartial observer.  For some, it was only a few hours
evaluation or teaching once a year, and others I had the pleasure of working
with on a more regular basis.

For every single candidate, from the time of the proficiency assessment in
August or last spring, to the time of the test this past weekend, I saw
tremendous improvements.  Even if you didn't pass the test this time, I want
you all to realize that if you hadn't been striving to achieve this rating,
your riding and horse management skills wouldn't have improved the way they
did.  I know it can be crushing to put in all that effort and still fall
short of your goal.  It's enough to end some people's Pony Club or even
their entire riding careers.  I personally have experienced failure not only
in Pony Club but also at job interviews, in school, while teaching, and in
competitions.  I've learned that most often, the difference between the
successful person and the unsuccessful one in the end doesn't come down to
talent or natural ability at all.  It is only that the successful person
persevered through failures while the unsuccessful one gave up and let
perceived blocks stop her.  Having big dreams and goals to work towards is
infinitely more important than whether or not they are ultimately achieved.
Goals and dreams are what motivates us to learn, grow, and expand our skills
and awareness; and you all demonstrated this beautifully at the test.

The way testing is set up in USPC, the examiners can only get a snapshot of
your riding and horse management skills on one particular weekend. Their job
is to fairly evaluate whether what they see is meeting the standard or not.
Their job isn't to "pass" or "fail" you, it's to give you a progress report
that you can take and use to further your equine career. "Meets Standard" or
"Does Not Meet Standard" is not a reflection of how hard you worked to get
to the test, how much progress you've made, how worthy you are as a person,
or any other such meaning that we might consciously or subconsciously attach
to it.  It merely means that on this particular weekend, you were or weren't
demonstrating the skills and knowledge required at the C3 level.  If the
testing was based on the amount of progress shown by everybody since I last
evaluated you, every single one of you would have exceeded standards.
Please keep this in mind.

For the parents who are reading this, I recall how my dad supported me as I
was growing up.  As he would watch me go out the door (to trailer myself and
my horse to a lesson, rating, camp, or clinic) he would say, "Have a good
experience."  He knew it wasn't about whether I was successful or
unsuccessful.  All that mattered was that I had a good experience, that I
learned the lesson I needed to learn.  It was only years later that I fully
realized that although everything is an "experience", I am the only person
in control of whether or not I perceive the experience as good.

One of my favorite quotes that I live with today is "Wisdom is meaningless
until our own experience has given it meaning." - Bergen Evans.  Even though
I am not a parent myself, I know that the best thing my parents gave me was
the chance and space to have my own experiences, make my own choices, live
with the consequences, and decide what kind of person I wanted to be.

For the candidates, now that you've been through the C3 test, I would
appreciate knowing how could we help you and others to follow be better
prepared for the next C3 test.  What message would you like future
candidates to have?  What do you wish you would have been told, or if you
were told, what did you not fully realize until you experienced the test?  I
look forward to hearing from you so we can improve the program for next year
and the years to come.

Many thanks and congratulations on lessons well learned!!!

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Cool Medics products
*******************************************************************

At the end of last summer there was a vendor at a horse show selling "Cool
Medics" vests.  The vests looked stylish enough, but I couldn't imagine how
wearing an extra layer in temperatures already over 100 degrees could keep
me cooler.  I had tried neck coolers with the little beads that expand with
water and end up looking like a sausage but just ended up with hot water
around my neck.  Dubiously, I tried on one of the vests that had been
briefly soaked in water and then squeezed out until it no longer dripped.  I
only wore it for a few minutes but did notice a pleasant cooling around my
torso.  I thought it might be nice, but certainly not worth the $90-120. it
cost.  I told my partner about it and next thing I knew, I was given one as
a present.

By the end of that summer, I was sold on the vest.  I still can't explain
exactly how it works (something about a special evaporative fabric) but I
can vouch wholeheartedly that it works extremely well.  I now consider it a
required piece of riding and teaching attire when temperatures rise above 90
degrees.  I'm not sure how well they would work in a very humid area when
it's hard to get anything to evaporate, but in dry California and the other
southwest states it performs beautifully.

To read more about the Cool Medics products or order them, you can visit
their website at: www.coolmedics.com .  We may even get a local vendor out
at Western Championships in Sacramento in July.  Don't miss the booth!

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Music for Musical Freestyles
*******************************************************************

http://www.horsedances.net

If you frequently find yourself spending hours trying to find the perfect
dressage freestyle music, you may want to invest in some CD's or individual
tracks from this website.

The rare and unpublished tracks are specially organized into walk, trot, and
canter categories and the website gives some good tips on how to edit
everything together right on your home computer.

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
*******************************************************************

Teaching Safe Horsemanship by Jan Dawson

Here's the write-up from the USPC website:

The author, President of the American Association for Horsemanship Safety,
attorney, and longtime trainer of riding instructors, helps to ³create and
maintain a safe riding environment.² She covers horse nature and responses,
how to decide when a student is safely ready to advance, and balance
problems that are responsible for 80% of falls. Sample lesson plans,
exercises, specific suggestions for dealing with troubles faced by students,
and a chapter on liability complete with sample forms, combine to make this
book infinitely valuable to instructors, DCs or anyone in a position of
leadership with horses. Compliments the USPC Manual of Horsemanship, Vol.
III (B/HA/A Manual).

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational website
*******************************************************************

www.equestmagazine.com

Equestrian Network Magazine is an offshoot of the Bay Area Equestrian
Network website.  It has some good articles and best of all, it's Free!
This month features include an article on equine ulcers, a very good "risk
assessment guide" for determining if you're up to an equine task, and an
article about working with wild horses, in addition to several other
interesting finds.

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Tying at rallies (and home!)
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 29 section 8:

Mounts stabled in standing stalls or in the open must be secured to an
immovable object or to a picket line by a tie rope with a quick-release
knot.  The tie rope should be attached at the mount's shoulder height or
higher and be of such length that the mount cannot entangle himself.  Mounts
must always be tied or stood with enough distance between them to avoid
injury to each other and to allow safe passage for people.

Stormy's note: We just had a tragedy next door when our neighbor tied her
horse to her portable round corral.  The horse pulled back slightly and then
when the pipe panel started moving with him, he panicked and ripped the
whole panel free and galloped around the yard dragging it until he got so
entangled that we had to cut him free.  He was so badly injured by the
ordeal that if all turns out for the best, he will only be sound enough to
walk around a pasture for the rest of his days.  Never tie to moveable
objects!  I've even seen a horse easily rip a fence board off and go
galloping down the road with it dragging.  Of course use a breakaway halter
as well.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Horse-aholic
********************************************************************

Good Afternoon. I AM a horse-aholic. I would like to welcome you to this
month's meeting of Horse-aholic Anonymous. Some of you are here tonight
because a friend or relative brought you. You may be sitting here thinking
that you are OK and don't really need any help. It is not easy to admit that
you are a horse-aholic and it is even harder to bring yourself to an HA
meeting for help.

HA is here to assist you. I have some questions to ask. If you can answer
YES to more than three of the following, you have come to the right place:

1. Can you say "sheath" in public without blushing?

2. Do you drive a big truck with a towing package when everyone else drives
a real car?

3. Do you have more than one vehicle? One for you and one for the horses?

4. Do you spend your holidays going to shows, clinics and seminars when
everyone else goes on a cruise?

5. If you do go overseas, is it to a riding vacation in Ireland or to Spruce
Meadows to watch the Grand Prix?

6. Do you discuss things at the dinner table that would make most doctors
leave in disgust?

7. Do you consider formal wear to be clean jeans and freshly scraped boots?

8. Is your interior decorator the local tack shop?

9. Was your furniture and carpeting chosen with your horses in mind?

10. Are your end tables really tack trunks with tablecloths thrown over
them?

11. Is your mail made up primarily of horse catalogs and horse magazines?

12. Do you get up before dawn to ride? Go to horse shows? Clinics? But do
you have trouble getting up for "work?"

13. If you do have dresses, do they all have pockets? Do those pockets often
contain bits of carrot, hay, or sweet feed?

14. When you meet a new person do you always ask them what kind of horse
they have and pity them if they don't have one?

15. Do you remember the name of their horse sooner than you remember their
name?

16. Do you find non-horse people boring?

If you answered YES to one of the above, there is still hope.

If you answered YES to two, you are in serious trouble.

My advice to all of you with three or more YES's is to sit back and smile,
turn to the smiling person next to you, and know that your life will always
be filled with good friends and good horses and it will never be boring.

--Author Unknown

from www.equisearch.com/humor

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Grooming for balance and coordination
2) Rally and rating tips: Bandage bag
3) Questions and answers: halter sores, and piercings
4) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Practical Guide to Lameness in
Horses by Ted S. Stashak & Cherry Hill
5) Fun and educational websites: Fundraising and Arabs
6) Featured rule: Polo wraps and bandages
7) Horsey Humor: Dressage Rider's Tack Room
8) Free item exchange: Horse available

*******************************************************************
Feature: Grooming for balance and coordination
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

When I was young and just learning how to groom I noticed that I would
naturally want to hold the curry comb and brushes in my left hand (I'm left
handed of course).  Since doing a thorough grooming requires lots of elbow
grease and is a great way to develop muscles, I figured that it would
behoove me to become more balanced in the way I approached grooming.  I
decided that if I only had one brush or curry in my hand, I'd hold it in the
hand that was closer to the horse's head, i.e. my right hand when grooming
the horse's right side, and left hand for the left side.  If I had two
grooming implements I'd hold the one I wanted to use first (for example the
curry) in the hand closer to the head, and the second one (for example the
dandy brush) in the hand closer to the tail, switching hands as I switched
sides.  When using a body brush, I'd hold the body brush in the hand closer
to the head and in my other hand I'd hold a metal or plastic curry comb to
swipe the brush clean after every stroke on the horse.

This grooming method became a habit for me and I didn't think much about it
until I started teaching others how to groom.  I noticed that as I insisted
that my students be able to groom with either hand, they developed not only
better muscle balance between their left and right sides, but also their
left and right side coordination improved.  This translates to better
communication via the reins while riding!

The next step was to be able to switch the way I'd hold the manure fork
while cleaning corrals.  Since I started later in life on that one it was a
lot more difficult to train my body, but I stuck with it and now have much
more equal muscle development in my shoulders which also translates to a
better balanced body while riding.

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Bandage bag
*******************************************************************

Here's a neat way to carry around all (or at least most) of your leg
wrapping material.  The next time you buy a bed comforter or horse blanket
that comes in a big clear plastic bag that has handles and zips up you've
got your bandage tote.  The plastic is heavy duty enough to last you several
years and because it's clear you can easily see right down to the bottom of
the bag.

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hello... I have a question...we were on vacation for a week..on our return,
we learned it had rained for 7 days straight.  The horses had rope halters
on...the man who was watching them didn't realize what was going on..we
think that after all the rain, the halters shrunk due to the moisture... any
special meds for good and quick relief for the horses ?

Thank you...from a concerned horse owner

Hi Concerned,

I hope your horses are starting to feel better with their halters off.  I'm
not a vet so I can't legally prescribe anything, but usually for soreness
that would be caused by halters that were too tight a vet would recommend a
gram of bute AM and PM for the average sized horse (it could be more or less
depending on the horse's size) until the area is not sensitive to the touch.
Bute is very effective at helping with swelling and pain.  If there are open
sores you could put on some topical ointment or sprays.  If they are oozing
sores, usually you'll want something to dry them out.  In that case I've had
good success with a purple spray called "Dr. Naylor's Blue Kote" or a yellow
spray called "Furazone".  If there are just small sores, there are different
types of aloe creams that help soothe any irritations and promote hair
growth.  A common one is "Aloe Heal" by Farnam or "Horseman's Dream
Veterinary Cream".  In my opinion, horses shouldn't be wearing halters when
they are unattended but if it is necessary in your situation, please make
sure that the halters have leather breakaway capabilities  (either entirely
leather, a leather crownpiece, or other leather element that would break
before the horse's neck does in case the horse gets his halter caught on
something.)  Rope halters can be a great training tool, but for tying or
leaving on horses in a pasture or stall, please consider something wider
that can distribute pressure and break!

Get well soon,
Stormy

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

Hello Stormy!
I have been debating about getting a lip piercing for the last year and have
been seriously considering it lately. I know that Pony Club has a rule about
facial piercings so I ran it by my DC and our HMO. I originally  thought it
was a safety hazard in terms of getting ripped or pulled through.  Because I
wanted to get a stud and not a ring, I thought I could put a band aid on it
to prevent that. However, my regional HMO informed me that the rule
indicates there shall be no obstruction to the airway. I am still a little
confused about the harm of the stud. Can you please clear this rule up for
me? And as of now, I will be holding off on the piercing until I am 100%
clear on the rule and how it will effect my participation in Pony Club.

Thanks so much! - an anonymous C2

Hi Anonymous,

Thanks for asking before piercing.  One word: WAIT!

You will not be able to participate legally in any Pony Club activities with
any piercing that is in an airway.  There are some good reasons that they
made this rule.  For a lip stud it could interfere with CPR should it need
to be performed, and there's also a good chance that if you were to be
thrown or knocked by a horse, human or inanimate object in the mouth, the
stud would probably do some serious damage to your dental work.  If you do
get the piercing, expect to wait to participate in Pony Club until it is
healed enough that you can remove it for Pony Club activities and then
replace it when you go home.

Stay hole,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
*******************************************************************

Practical Guide to Lameness in Horses by Ted S. Stashak & Cherry Hill

This book is on the enrichment reading list for B and HA candidates.

From the Amazon.com website: This is an updated, practical version of Dr.
Stashak's top selling book Adams' Lameness in Horses, 4th edition. The
material is heavily illustrated and provides a hands-on guide to common
clinical problems. The authors present important guidelines for decision
making and preventive measures. This is a hands-on, authoritative resource
that clearly differentiates between important and non-important clinical
situations.

A reviewer from the Amazon.com website writes:

I use this book all the time, not only through my university course work,
but also now that I am teaching Equine classes. It covers bits of everything
and has great diagrams and pictures. I would definitely recommend this book
to anyone who wants to know more about horse lameness.

Another reviewer writes:

From this book, readers can learn the details of skeletal and muscular
equine anatomy through written description and excellent illustrations. Any
imaginable lameness or unsoundness is covered here, with details of causes,
symptoms, treatments and prognosis. The book also includes photos and x-rays
to complete the picture.

The one downfall of this book is that it is rather technical. It is not
written in layman's terms nor does it waste page space with extraneous
words. As a reference to horse owners and riders this book is invaluable,
but it does require a certain amount of familiarity with anatomy terminology
in order for the user to reap the full benefits. However, for anyone who
owns or cares for horses, The Practical Guide to Lameness is a necessity.

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

http://www.FundRaisingServices.com/

The name says it all.  The services aren't necessarily horse related but
there are some very cute horsey items you can use for fundraising.

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

www.awhitehorse.com

A very informative site about Arabs and fundraising


********************************************************************
Featured rule: Polo wraps and bandages
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 35 section 23D:

Polo wraps are not allowed in cross country or in wet conditions.  Any
bandage used at a competition must be checked by a Horse Management Judge to
determine if it is properly applied.  (Refer to USPC Bandaging book.)  HMJs
inspecting bandages do not assume any responsibility for damage done or
injuries caused to the mount by said bandages or their application.  Horse
Management Judges shall not assume said responsibility by applying bandages
themselves on behalf of any competitor.  Polo bandages or boots are required
in Polocrosse.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: A Dressage Rider's Tack Room
********************************************************************

You Know You Have A Dressage Rider's Tack Room when...

1. You own dozens of snaffle bits and they're all exactly alike.
2. You have so many snaffle bridles that students look disgusted when you
say, "Go get the snaffle bridle."
3. You own every style of bootjack but still need help getting your boots
off.
4. You own every size, shape, and color spurs come in.
5. You own the gallon size container of horse treats.
6. Your last jumping saddle is getting dusty.
7. You own lots of dressage and lunging whips.
8. You let everyone borrow anything except your favorite dressage saddle.
9. You own every size, shape, and color dressage saddle pads come in.
10. Your favorite girth is the one from the saddleseat catalog.
11. You own every style of gel pad available.
12. Your favorite gloves are falling apart but you can't bear the thought of
throwing them out.
13. You found a mouse nest at the bottom of the pile of unrolled polo wraps.
14. Your favorite trophy is the plaster cast of your seat from the custom
saddle maker.
15. You favorite blue ribbon is from that show that no longer exists.

Contributed by Beth Collier
http://www.equerry.com/html/fun/eq_humor.htm

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

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

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

My son is graduating from university in Large Animal Sciences.  His horse
needs a new home because he is leaving for graduate studies in Washington
State.  Sci-Fi is 15.2H, about 19 years old, always sound, loves to jump, is
on the hot side.  He was showing first level dressage and schooling some
second level movements.  He was used for the B in jumping.  He has been out
of work for 3 months and needs some conditioning.  He is chestnut with a
stripe, a lovely horse.  He is a Trakener-Thoroughbred cross.  His sire was
Abdullah, the famous show jumper.  He clips, ties, lunges, and trailers with
excellent ground manners.  He is good for the farrier. He requires shoes.
He is forward.  To the right home, I would donate him.  He is a terrific,
much loved horse, but he needs a new rider to adore him.

See photos on the Horse Management Newsletter website by going to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/photos and then
clicking on the "Sci-Fi" album.  Or try this link:

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/photos/browse/f86
6

Please contact Linda Williams in Southern California at:
rlwillia@... .

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

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Messages from readers
2) Recommended products and services: Horse Management Judge's training
presentation
3) Rally and rating tips: Make your nylon halter safer and fix your stirrup
leathers
4) Questions and answers: boots, leathers, scrub, and wraps!
5) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: How Your Horse Wants You to Ride:
Starting Out, Starting Over by Gincy Self Bucklin
6) Fun and educational websites: Meredith Manor
7) Featured rule: USPC statement on the use of safety vests
8) Horsey Humor: Murphy's Horse and Mule Laws
9) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Messages from the readers
*******************************************************************

Gift wrapping is a great fundraising idea, our club tried it for the first
time in 2005 at a Barnes and Nobles.  We tried it over several days.  We
have plans to try it again this year, but only for one day and most likely
Christmas eve, as our club is very small since a lot of our older club
members are off to college this year. 
 
Other fundraising ideas are:
Concession stand at a horse show (or other event) selling doughnuts and
coffee, hot chocolate, etc.  Krispe Kreme and Dunkin' Doughnuts have
fundraising programs.

Putting on a horse show

Putting on a clinic

Putting on a tack sale (sell booth spaces as well as tack)

Yard sales

Car wash

Using www.cafepress.com to sell horse related t-shirts and other items that
they offer (you can even make your own designs to sell!)

from Katrina Gowen, graduate B, Sundance Pony Club, Cimarron Region

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

Hi Stormy!

I am leasing a 26-year-old horse, and last week he had a sore gum, and his
cheek was swollen.  Someone loaned me a bitless bridle, and I wanted to
share my experience, even though it was only for a short time.

The first thing I noticed was there was absolutely no time wasted fighting
to place the bit in his mouth‹we both appreciated that change!

Probably the most obvious change I noted was that he didn¹t pull as he
normally did with the bit.  I could tell he was more comfortable with the
bitless.

His nostrils flared less, so I think he was breathing more easily, and his
head was more flexible.  I was still able to control him as well as when I
used a bit.  I even think he seemed a bit happier jumping.

Unfortunately, I had to return the bridle, but I know now that I definitely
want to use a bitless bridle when I get my own horse!

Sincerely,
Christie Allen, D1, 49¹er Pony Club, Sierra Pacific Region

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Horse Management Judge's training
presentation
*******************************************************************

Carolyn McCarthy, the HMO (Horse Management Organizer) of the Southern
California region has put together a fantastic power point presentation
to help train horse management judges.  Of course she had some great help
from graduate HA Katy Barglow, HA Sarah Beal, and graduate B Nicole
Lagrange.

This presentation isn't just for Horse Management Judge wannabes either.
Anybody who rallies, or helps kids prepare for rallies should read it.

The entire 82 page presentation will be available in the files section of
the Horse Management Newsletter home page as soon as I can get it to upload,
but in the meantime, for your own copy email Katy Barglow at
kbarglow@... or myself, stormy@... .  Make sure you have
Power Point on your computer to play it.

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Make your own breakaway halter and fix those stirrup
leathers
*******************************************************************

Here's a surprisingly easy and inexpensive way to convert a nylon web halter
to a breakaway halter with a leather crownpiece.  These instructions are for
your standard halter that buckles on the left side.  If you have one that
buckles on both sides of the crown, you can skip the riveting step.

Start at your neighborhood thrift store, Salvation Army, or Goodwill.  While
you're there, obtain a few sturdy leather belts that are the same width and
length as your current nylon halter's crownpiece.  The reason you get a few
is because I bet you have more than one all-nylon halter in your arsenal.
Next stop is the hardware store for a small riveting kit with rivets that
can be set with the hand tools included in the kit.  Then it's out to the
stable to cut off the current crownpiece from your halter.  Next, cut the
buckle side of the belt off and trim it to the same size as the nylon
crownpiece you just cut off.  Fold about 2 inches of the belt around the
ring where you cut the nylon crownpiece off, with the extra tab facing out,
not in where it might cause rubs on the horse's cheek.  Follow the rivet
directions to punch holes and fasten about 2 rivets to secure the new
leather crownpiece.

That's it!  If the belt's current holes aren't big enough for your halter
buckle, just make them larger with your standard leather punch.

And....now that you have rivets and a rivet kit, guess how you can fix those
pesky stirrup leathers that keep getting loose, rotten stitching?  You
guessed it, you can rivet your stirrup leather!  Just be aware that if you
do this, the rivets will outlast the rest of your stirrup leather so keep
checking the leather and replace it when it starts to crack or stretch at
the stress points.

Thanks to Ann Fickert, Liberty Oaks Pony Club parent for the belt idea, and
my dad, about 20 years ago, for the riveted stirrup leather idea.

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

I have two questions for you this time.  What is the difference between the
different kinds of woof wear boots?  For example, single lock vs. double
lock is pretty straightforward.  But what is the difference between double
lock and woof all purpose?  There's so many different kinds I just don't
know how to evaluate them - all the descriptions read the same :-(.  Second
question: How can I tell if my 14.1 hh Morgan is a cob size or a pony size
for over the hock shipping boots?  He wears 8 in. in the front for non
cupping stable wraps, (I suspect 10 in for cupping stable wraps) and the
typical 2 in bigger in the back. I haven't been able to find any
measurements from places like Dover or Stateline.  Is the only option to
just order and see?  I know that shipping boots don't provide adequate
support and everything, but a couple years ago I had to clean out a veteran
horse's hocks because he panicked coming out of a trailer (broke two of my
fingers, a bone in my wrist, and got pea gravel lodged in his hocks- it was
not pretty) I've decided it's nice to have the extra protection over the top
of wraps.  Any ideas?

Thanks!
Jessie, C1, Carbon River Pony Club, Northwest Region

Hi Jessie,

Here¹s the rundown of my experience of Woof boots (which is pretty limited).
Woof boots are great, in general they wear well and seem to fit comfortably.
The ones with more velcro straps will take longer to put on/off but they
will distribute pressure more evenly.  The ones with ³lining² should
decrease the amount the horse¹s leg sweats underneath, thereby decreasing
possible slipping.  All versions are suitable for use on cross country (they
don¹t absorb water).  There are versions with a PVC ³strike pad² (the part
where the horse¹s legs might brush each other).   This is fairly soft and
flexible.  That means it will probably be a bit more comfortable to the
horse but not offer quite as much tough protection as the polyurethane shell
which is more rigid, thereby offering greater protection from hard blows yet
not offering as much suppleness to conform to the horse¹s leg.  Boots with
an entire polyurethane shell won¹t breathe as well as ones without it.  Both
versions are lined with neoprene so there is always some padding between the
shell and the leg.  That¹s about it for materials, now for the styles.  The
different styles of Woof boots that I see in the latest Dover catalog are as
follows:

Single lock brushing boots ­ general purpose design, 3-5 straps, single lock
velcro, PVC strike pad, nylon lined

Double lock brushing boots ­ general purpose design, 2-3 straps, double lock
velcro, PVC strike pad, nylon lined

All-purpose boots ­ same general purpose design, 2 straps (the straps come
in cool colors), single lock velcro, PVC strike pad, no lining

Pro ultra front tendon boots ­ has an open front design that people often
use on jumpers so that if they hit a pole, they will feel it more severely
than with all-purpose boots and hopefully pick up their legs better next
time (you may or may not agree with this philosophy), double lock velcro,
polyurethane shell for stronger protection but a stiffer fit, no lining

Sport club tendon boots ­ open front design, 2 straps, double lock velcro,
these have polyurethane ³batons² (basically, just strips of rigid
polyurethane sewn into the PVC, to add greater protection than just the PVC
but not be as rigid and unbreatheable as a full polyurethane shell), no
lining

Ultra front boots ­ designed with a higher cut-out at the bottom front to
not restrict the joint (think of pictures of a horse¹s fetlocks and pasterns
when landing from a jump), I can¹t tell exactly what type of fastening it
has, but it looks like one large piece of elastic and velcro, Kevlar fabric
outside (I don¹t know how this wears in comparison to the PVC or
polyurethane but should fit more comfortably than polyurethane), nylon lined

Cross country boots ­ designed with a lower, more supportive cup at the
bottom to help protect against overstraining of the tendons (similar to
sports medicine boots), 3 straps, single lock velcro, vents in the neoprene
to aid breatheability, no lining, foam/vinyl strike pad, this boot is
designed more to support tendons than protect against blows, although it
will perform both functions

Fetlock boots ­ smaller size to just protect the most vulnerable part of the
hind legs, the fetlocks, single strap, single lock, no lining

Now for the shipping boot question.  The only real way to tell on the sizes
of those sort of shipping boots before you buy them is to measure your horse
from the ground at the back of the hind leg up to the point of his hock.
The customer service people should be able to take that same measurement on
the boot and see if the number is similar.  I've never heard of anybody
putting shipping boots over the top of properly applied "Pony Club style"
shipping wraps but I would imagine that they wouldn't fit too well.  If you
are up to doing the proper shipping wraps, you might just want to add a hock
boot that will strap on separately above the wrap.  Shipping-style hock
boots are rather hard to find these days but a neoprene hock boot should do
the trick.

For future reference, cob size refers to a small horse/large pony, which is
just what your Morgan is, so cob sizes should fit him well.

Stay protected,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I just replaced my old boots with a new pair of Ariats and the calf is
really tight.  Not painfully so, but tight enough that they're really hard
to get on and off.  I know there are tricks to make it easier, but I haven't
had to use them so I don't know what exactly they involve.  Regional SJ is
coming up and I'd like to get it resolved before then so I don't give any of
my teammates a black eye trying to get them off.  Any suggestions you have
are helpful.

Thanks again!
Jessie, C1, Carbon River Pony Club, Northwest Region

Hi Jessie,

The first choice I would recommend to get your boot calves stretched is to
just drop them off at any shoe store and they will more than likely be able
to stretch them just enough to make them easy to get on and off.  Well,
maybe not a Payless Shoe Store or K-mart, but the old-fashioned shoe stores
that just sell shoes and have knowledgeable staff.  While you're there, you
might be able to get them to stretch the boots for free if you give them a
few stirrup leathers to repair the stitching on!

If you'd like the do-it-yourself method, they make boot/shoe stretch liquid
and aerosol spray that you spray on the leather (the inside I'd imagine)
that will soften the leather enough to let you stretch it more easily either
with a stretcher (similar to an expandable boot tree) or just by wearing the
boots.  The same full-service shoe store will probably sell the
liquid/aerosol.  Fiebings makes the boot stretch aerosol that is available
through Dover Saddlery.  The link for it is:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-3715&sid=SHOPNG&EID=X1832001&
CATALOG_CODE=1X832&bhcd2=1143525508

Stretch it out,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

My girls both ride in Wintec saddles and have the Wintec synthetic leathers.
I know they are supposed to be able demonstrate adjusting their stirrups
while mounted.  It is almost impossible to do that with the Wintec leathers.
The synthetic material just doesn't slide through the metal stirrup bar.  I
was planning to go buy them some leather leathers for the rating but my
concern is that the leather leathers seem to slip off the Wintec stirrup bar
really easily.  In fact when another club member had her Wintec with leather
leathers she had one slide off when she was going over a jump and she fell
off breaking her arm.  So I was down at Stateline tack today and almost
bought the least expensive leathers they had (almost $50 a pair) but
hesitated because of safety concerns.  Any suggestions??  I don't know if
they can explain how they would do it or if they actually have to
demonstrate it.  I probably have some old leathers around from my saddle I
can see if they will fit and maybe they could just put those on for that
part of the rating.  I just don't want to put them in an unsafe situation.

What do you think?
Laurie Pringle, Sierra Gold Pony Club parent, Sierra Pacific Region

Hi Laurie,

If they¹re riding with synthetic leathers then they should be able to adjust
those correctly while mounted.  I¹d suggest bringing the saddles into the
house and propping them on a sturdy box, couch arm, saddle stand, or
something like that so the girls can sit in them and practice adjusting the
synthetic leathers until they can do it easily.  It¹s more difficult with
the synthetic ones but it¹s certainly not impossible, it will just take a
few more hours or days worth of practice.  And think of the muscles and
dexterity they will develop!

Wintecs with undamaged stirrup bars shouldn¹t be any more prone to good
quality, thick stirrup leathers sliding off than a regular stirrup bar in an
³open² position.  In fact, if anything, they should be less prone to having
the stirrup leather slip out because of the curve of the bar as opposed to a
straight bar on other saddles.  The fact that the accident happened may have
had to do with the rider's leg slipping back into a position that should
have warranted the stirrup leather to come free as it was designed to do, or
that the stirrup bar was bent into a position that didn't hold the leather
as well, not that it was leather instead of synthetic.  I do know that
Wintecs probably won't hold up as well using leather stirrup leathers.
Supposedly the oils in the leather aren't good for the synthetic Wintec
materials.

Get practicing,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy

A question for the "Horse Management Goddess" - we are having problems
locating Betadine Scrub - antibiotic scrub.  We have the solution in the
rally kits, but were told that's the wrong product.  Another mom said that
she's having a very difficult time locating it and none of our local stores
seem to carry any antibiotic scrubs.  Is there another product we can use?

April Smith, DC, Northern Mines Pony Club, vice RS, Sierra Pacific Region

Hi April,

You could get some from the vet (make sure the label has a current
expiration date), or the team can make a scrub out of the solution you
already have (add enough dish soap to make it a bit sudsy) and then label it
as such.  It can be any sort of scrub that says ³antimicrobial scrub² or
³antibacterial scrub².  There is also a Novalsan scrub and Hibiclens that
work just as well.

Keep it clean,
Stormy

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

Stormy,

At Games Rally my daughter's team was marked down for not having the proper
material for stable wraps. Could you please tell me exactly what HM is
looking for? I figured you could use something like a polo wrap but smaller.
Can you tell me exactly what they are called and where I can get them.
My daughter is going to the Dressage Rally this weekend and I want to make
sure our equipment is up to date.

Thanks
Karie Hall, Sierra Gold Pony Club parent, Sierra Pacific Region

Hi Karie,

Horse management judges will be looking for proper padding and wrap material
for a stable/standing bandage (or multiple sets to fit all horses on the
team if the mounts are of varied sizes).  This would be the same padding and
material that was acceptable for D3 and C2-HA ratings.  The padding can be
appropriate sized ³pillow wraps², ³no bows², or sheet cotton with about 5-6
layers.  The wrap material can be flannel, ³standing wraps² (stretchy ponte
polyester), or track wraps (knit cotton material).  Polo wraps aren¹t
acceptable for this use.  Check your D manual for other ideas of what to use
for stable/standing wraps.  Also, you can read all about how to make the
wraps and what is acceptable in the May 2003 Horse Management Newsletter
available here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/2

Keep it wrapped,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs! How Your Horse Wants You to Ride:
Starting Out, Starting Over by Gincy Self Bucklin
*******************************************************************

How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Starting Out, Starting Over
by Gincy Self Bucklin

I was browsing Amazon.com's virtual book shelves and came across this very
highly rated book that looks to be a great find for adults who are just
starting out with horses, or who are starting over after some time out of
the saddle.

With 11 out of 11 reviewers giving it the highest marks, you probably won't
go wrong!

Here are a few of the reviews:

This book is one of the best "buys" I have made in that the information is
so minutely expressed in detail and the value page for page is incredible.
This is a reference book; not all are, some you read and say "Oh, OK, got
that" and put it on the shelf or pass it on..this book you know you will
keep to refer back to for that niggling little point about that annoying
thing you just can't figure out about the ride/ lesson. Not the best title,
though I am a big advocate of riding in harmony ( and I GET that this all
leads to that ), it misleads slightly in that what you are really getting is
much, much more than just what the horse wants; you are getting almost
overload information on yourself (not a one sit read). Just a few dated
personal references strewn about, could have more photos, but not a real
fault because if you can read ( ! ), and want a lot for the investment, this
book is loaded with text and all of it valuable info. I have slightly
better, lighter reads, easier to digest, but again, the info is so vast
here, details so good, it is just worth every penny if that is really what
you want. LOVE that it is hardbound as it WILL be around on my shelf a LONG
time. Not the only book you should get, but worth it for sure.

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

Rarely do "how to" books come along that not only tell a person what to do
but also why it works to do it that way. How Your Horse Wants You To Ride is
one of those rare books.

Bucklin not only provides step-by-step methods for developing and enhancing
riding and horsemanship skills, but clearly and engagingly explains why
those steps work. Her explanations and instructions are easy to read and
understand, and photos and illustrations provide detail. All that's needed
for success is a willingness to learn. If a rider cares to become more than
just a passenger on a horse's back, this is the book to have.

With over 400 illustrated pages, small font and pithy writing, this text
quality book is the gold standard for the student of horse/human
relationships. Recommended additional reading: Bucklin's companion book,
What Your Horse Wants You to Know.

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

There are some things that good professional trainers and riders do without
thinking, and sometimes these things get lost when they train the rest of us
to ride.

This book breaks down learning to ride into simple steps starting with the
very basic beginnings of introducing yourself to the horse and moving on to
learning to use and utilize all the basic aids for riding. (Actually, she
starts at the immediate beginning by telling us how to use the book, and
then goes on with specific horse-related exercises.)The illustrations are
clear and well placed. They are immediately useful with the text. There are
exercises to do at home as well as on the horse.

Somehow Gincy makes all of this entertaining as well as making you feel as
confident that you can do all of this if you are willing to take the time.
For more advanced riders, you can quickly move through the book to find the
details you need to work on for whatever problems in riding that are coming
up for you and your horse.

An excellent book for riders. Also an excellent book for trainers as Gincy
suggests a more useful progression to create a skilled and confident rider
and a relaxed and happy horse.

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

http://www.meredithmanor.com/

Meredith Manor is an accredited post-secondary school in West Virginia that
trains people for careers in the horse industry.  Their website has a
fantastic log of articles.  Click on "Features" and then "Feature Articles"
for some fantastic training and philosophical essays.  All posted on the web
for free!

********************************************************************
Featured rule: USPC Statement on the Use of Safety Vests
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 13 section 6: USPC Statement on the Use
of Safety Vests

The debate over the use of riding vests/body protectors continues throughout
the equestrian world and in Pony Club as well.  USPC RECOMMENDS the use of a
properly fitted riding body protector.

USPC expects regions and clubs to ALLOW Pony Club members to wear a riding
vest.  Currently, there is no conclusive medical evidence that riding vests
will necessarily prevent injuries.  We have received expert medical opinions
that riding vests will not prevent or abate many forms of spinal,
neurological, or orthopedic injuries.  Additionally, the use of riding vests
MAY contribute to heat exhaustion and distress in excessive temperatures.
It is also possible that an improperly worn or fitted riding vest may impair
a rider's mobility and/or vision.

USPC cautions its Regions and Clubs that they MAY NOT require or mandate the
use of a riding vest (except during a USEA-sanctioned Eventing competition
where they MUST be worn during the cross-country phase).

USPC believes that the decision of wearing a riding vest, and in what
situations it should be worn in order to achieve any benefit it may provide,
must be the decision of each individual rider and his/her parent or legal
guardian.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Murphy's Horse and Mule Laws
********************************************************************

1. If you do a thorough check of your trailer before hauling, your truck
will break down.

2. There is no such thing as a sterile barn cat.

3. No one ever notices how you ride until you fall off.

4. The least useful horse in your barn will eat the most, require shoes
every four weeks, and need the vet at least once a month.

5. A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of
people who are watching.

6. Tack you hate never wears out; blankets you hate cannot be destroyed;
horses you hate cannot be sold and will outlive you.

7. Clipper blades will become dull only when the horse is half finished.
Clipper motors will quit only when you have the horse's head left to trim.

8. If you're wondering if you left the water on in the barn, you did. If
you're wondering if you latched the pasture gate, you didn't.

9. One horse isn't enough; two is too many.

10. If you approach within 50 feet of the barn in your "street clothes," you
will get dirty.

11. You can't push a horse on a lunge line.

12. If a horse is advertised as "under $5000" you can bet he isn't $2500.

13. The number of horses you own increases according to the number of stalls
in your barn.

14. An uncomplicated horse can be ruined with enough schooling.

15. You can't run a barn without bailing twine.

16. Hoof picks migrate.

17. Wind velocity increases in proportion to how well your hat fits.

18. There is no such thing as the "right feed."

19. If you fall off, you will land on the site of your most recent injury.

20. If you're winning, quit.


Contributed by Carter Bass, Virginia
From: http://www.equerry.com/html/fun/eq_humor.htm

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

To my friends in the horse community,

Most of you already know that I have a passion for helping create greater
understanding between horses and humans.  Some of the ways I try to further
this cause are through individual lessons, horse training, retreats, camps,
the horse management newsletter and educational videos.  I¹ve set my sights
next to produce a feature length movie.

At this point, I¹m not asking for money, I¹m just throwing out this project
to see if it might be viable to fund it entirely with private donations.
After reading the following proposal, please indicate whether you might be
interested in donating to this project and in what amount.

Many thanks,
Stormy



The Path of the Horse
(working title)
A documentary
©2006 Stormy May Productions




Synopsis:
This inspirational, artistic-style documentary will explore the future of
horse-human relationships. As our culture evolves from domination over
nature into a partnership, we see this change being reflected in the work
that people are doing with horses.  The stories we show will come from some
of the worlds leading visionaries.  These people have made it their life¹s
work to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings through achievement of
a synergistic balance with the horse¹s own elegant naturalness.

This documentary will explore current roles of horses ranging from
therapists for physically and emotionally challenged people to dance
partners in a person¹s spiritual quest for harmony, understanding, and
oneness with nature. Using a primal level of communication, we may find that
horses have the ability to speak to a person¹s soul, beyond words, and can
help reconnect humans to the natural world.

The story will include stunning close ups and slow motion visuals of horses
working both at liberty and under saddle.  Through dialogue, music, art and
poetry, with humility and humor, we will show the direction to an evolving
relationship between horses and humans.

Format:
90-minutes, shot in 16:9 high definition digital video for possible transfer
to film

Audience:
The general teen to adult public.

Distribution: Film festival submissions will provide an avenue for potential
distributors to decide if they would like to buy rights to the movie.  I
also have a deal with Trafalgar Square Publishers who distributes the
³Understanding Bits¹ video.  They will likely be interested in marketing and
distributing this project and will be able to compete with other
distributors for the rights.  Additional markets include the horse owning
public as well as foreign theater and video distribution channels.

Discussion of interview options:
I would like to focus on five individuals currently working on the leading
edge with horses. My top four choices in this field are described below,
three of them have already been contacted and show interest.  The fifth spot
at this time is still open.  Ideas for the fifth spot are to highlight a
child who has shown very natural and precocious talents with horses, or a
person working in therapeutic riding.

       Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling:
Mr. Hempfling is the author of Dancing with Horses and What Horses Reveal.
He runs a riding school in Denmark that emphasizes the spiritual aspects of
horsemanship.

         Linda Kohanov:
Ms. Kohanov is the author of The Tao of Equus and Riding Between the Worlds.
She also runs Epona, in Tucson, Arizona.  Epona offers human development
programs that explore creativity, intuition, emotional fitness and authentic
community building skills through work with horses.

         Frédéric Pignon:
Mr. Pignon is a performer and trainer from France who currently performs
with his three Lusitanian stallions in the Canadian equine touring show,
Cavalia.  Through his special relationship with the horses, and in
particular, Templado, he has learned the meaning of true equality with
horses.

         Mark Rashid:
Mr. Rashid, is the author of several books including Considering the Horse
and Horses Never Lie.  He lives in Estes Park, Colorado where he also
teaches the martial art, Aikido. Mr. Rashid tours the country with his horse
showing people how the use of breath and body awareness can help them to
form a closer bond with their horses.

About the filmmaker:
In this project, filmmaker Stormy May brings her experience as a producer,
actress, and artist, together with more than twenty years working as a horse
trainer, riding instructor, and student of the horse.

Budget:
At this time, we are looking for investors or executive producers who would
like to see this project come to fruition.  The projected budget to complete
filming for this project is $25,000..

Incentives for investing:

*      The satisfaction of helping spread greater understanding, compassion
and inspiration in the horse world.

*      Listing in end credits for all contributors

*      Listing in front titles for the executive producer (s)

*      10 DVD copies for contributors of $100 or more (give them as gifts or
share with friends!)

*      If the movie makes money above the costs to produce, market and
duplicate it, contributors will share in the profits from the DVD sales or
the sale of the rights to the movie.  Although there is a possibility for a
huge return on a contribution, there is no way to know right now if the
project will make money.  Because of this, I don¹t want people to invest
with only the hopes of making a return.  Strict accounts will be kept and
will be made available for any investor to see.

I have looked into forming a non-profit organization for this project but
the paperwork is daunting.  If anybody has a non-profit organization that
they would like to umbrella this project under then contributions could be
made tax deductible to some extent.

Suggested contribution levels:
Executive Producer: $10,000
Major contributor: $1,000
Contributor: $500
Supporter: $100
Other

So, what do you think?  Would you be willing to invest in this project?

Please email or call with feedback!
stormy@...
(530) 742-7348



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Bitless bridles in the news, half chaps, and fundraising update
2) Feature: Evaluate your own jumping position
3) Recommended products and services: Equine Partnership Retreats
4) Rally and rating tips: Update your 2002 HM handbook
5) Questions and answers: More questions than you can shake a stick at,
welcome to rally season!
6) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Naty's Riding Games
7) Fun and educational websites: How to do (almost) anything
8) Featured rule: Communication Devices
9) Horsey Humor: Euphemisms to ease the pain of falling off
10) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Bitless bridles in the news!
*******************************************************************

Did anyone notice the cover story in the March 2006 issue of Practical
Horseman?  Trainer, technical delegate, and eventing judge Wendy Wergeles is
sporting a bitless bridle on her horse Marianne as she teaches the readers
how to school water and woodpiles on a cross country course.

Bitless bridles are legal for all jumping phases of eventing, show jumping,
games, tetrathalon, polocrosse, foxhunting, and lessons in Pony Club and
many other equestrian organizations.  It might just be me, but it looks like
Marianne is smiling for the cover photo.

*******************************************************************
Update on half chaps in USPC from Wayne Quarles
*******************************************************************
The following is the latest from the Activities Services Director on the use
of half chaps in USPC.

Half 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.

It should be noted that using half chaps with riding sneakers is not
appropriate, unless the riding sneaker has a clear depth of heel that
would ensure the half chap strap would stay in place. 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.

*******************************************************************
Fundraising report
*******************************************************************
By Clair Spackman

The gift wrapping fundraiser at Borders Books in Davis, CA was a huge
success, our club raised $190 over the 2 days they did it.  What was even
better was the bonding that went on between clubbers and parents and that
everyone had a lot of fun.  The reports I have heard were that it was a very
worthwhile event.  What I heard from a parent who was there was that the
days further from Christmas do not raise as much money.  Her other daughters
band did it and only raised $6!  We made collages of the kids and put them
on poster boards as advertisement and had kids manning the doors like a car
wash telling people there was gift wrap and soliciting business.

*******************************************************************
Feature: Evaluate your own jumping position
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

Here is a very easy way to evaluate the most crucial element of your own
jumping position from photographs or video.  For this project, you can use
still photographs from various stages of the jump (take-off, in flight,
landing) or a video that you can pause or play in slow motion.  Photographs
and video should be taken from the side so there is a clear view of your
entire body.  If you don't have any photographs or video of yourself readily
available, you can practice on photos from magazines.

The first step is to find the stirrup in the picture (or where the stirrup
would be if you are riding without stirrups).  From this point, draw a line
straight up, perpendicular to the ground.  You can draw the line on tracing
paper or just in your mind if you don't want to ruin the photo.  There
should be approximately equal amounts of your body on each side of this
line.  That's it!

It's amazing how just this one little trick will often reveal the main
instability in most riders' jumping positions.  If there is more of your
body in front of this line, you are doing what's called "jumping ahead".  If
more of your body is behind this line, you are "getting left behind".

If you can get someone to photograph or video you from the back while
jumping a jump on a straight line, you can also draw a line up the middle of
the horse to check your straightness to the left and right.  Be sure to pay
special attention to your shoulder and hip alignment.

For some good visuals to go along with this article and ideas to correct
these habits, refer to the USPC "C" manual pages 126-128.

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Equine Partnership Retreats
*******************************************************************

Here at Share-It Ranch, my partner Jim Runningwolf and I have created
something that has been my dream to facilitate; Equine Partnership Retreats.
We held our first full year of retreats last year.  After those successes,
and many requests for more, we're jumping in again starting with two
retreats over spring break.

Equine Partnership Retreats focus on teaching participants new ways to
relate to their horses.  We start each day with body awareness exercises as
taught in Pilates and yoga training.  After breakfast, we move out to the
picadero (a 36' square pen used extensively in Spain and Portugal) and try
out different ways of connecting with each horse.  After lunch and craft
time, it's back out for connecting under saddle (or continued ground work
for those not ready to ride).  The end of each day brings us time to come
back together and discuss insights from the day and to formulate goals for
the next day.  The toughest part of the camp is convincing the participants
that they need to go home at the end.  Not bad for a three day retreat!

The only thing I wasn't prepared for was the extent of lasting
transformations that I have been lucky enough to hear about and see for
myself.  Not only the participants but also their families, friends, and
instructors have been telling us about the amazing successes the
participants continue to experience in their daily lives with horses.  It
seems that whatever they got from the experience here, might have been the
missing piece that allowed all the other elements to fall into place.

Because each retreat is limited to 5 riders, we have scheduled several
coming up over this spring and into the fall.  If you would like to
experience the work we're doing but live far enough away that it's not
practical to bring your own horse, you are welcome to borrow one of ours.

Since I work with a lot of Pony Clubbers, the participants tend to be in
their teenage years, but don't be jealous, we have special retreats for
adults as well!  Also, for the first time this year we are going to offer a
special mother-daughter retreat.  Learn how to get along with your horse,
and your loved ones!

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

Here is what some of last years' participants are saying:

When I signed up to attend the retreat, my first thoughts were, "Here is my
chance to get away for the weekend and relax with friends".  WOW, this was
so far from the truth.....  What I got out of the retreat was supportive
friendship, sharing, understanding and a new outlook on approaching daily
experiences. Included in the mix, I was able to interact with my horse in a
way that I never thought was possible.  The bond that we left with is just
the beginning and I look forward to continuing to strengthen that bond.

-Diane Hoffmann, Adult Retreat attendee

At first I thought this was going to be a study of horse behavior, but the
experience transcended this level of interaction. As I see it, all creatures
on this planet possess behaviors that provide us a way of communicating or
"reading" their emotions through predictable patterns. (For example, pinned
ears, bared teeth or growling would be displeasure or aggression.) In
ADDITION to this form of "dialog" we used something that was a bit more
difficult to explain. In the orient it is called Chi, others may call it the
soul, some even telepathy. I have a science degree and need concrete
testable evidence for things to be accepted. Yet events happened during camp
that I cannot explain in such terms. I can report that events occurred
consistently enough to support the existence of a kind of "telepathic"
communication that was NOT a fluke in nature.  I learned my horse is not the
dumb disconnected behemoth I thought he was. He is actually very
intelligent, does not need a leader, because he is one, in his own right. I
just need to show him I can be a good leader and he will then follow.

-Margie Moy, Adult Retreat attendee

Stormy's camp really helped me improve my confidence on my horse Frankie.
It's the best camp I have ever been to, and I don't want to leave.  It's
tons of fun.

-Allyson Roth, C2, Deer Creek Pony Club

Stormy's camp was educational and very stress relieving.  The stretching
helped relieve the pain I have.  It was lots of fun, I want to go to another
one.

-Katie Brewer, D3, English Hills Pony Club

Stormy's camp helped me learn more about how I affect my horse, and what I
can do to change the reaction.  The food was good too.  I didn't want to
leave.

-Shauna Diller, C2, Pananche Pony Club

Stormy's camp helped me build a good relationship with my horse by
connecting with her.  Stormy and Jim also helped me with some big riding
problems that I had.  Her camp is very fun.  We also did stretching every
morning, it helped!  I can't wait to go back!

-Jessica Brennan, C1, English Hills Pony Club

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

Upcoming dates:

April 13-15 (2 spots open, kids only)
April 25-27 (tentative date, adults only)
May 5-7 (tentative date, adults only)
June 23-25 (tentative date, kids only)
June 26-28 (Mother-Daughter, 2 spots open)
July 1-3 (Mother-Daughter, 3 spots open)
October 7-9 (5 spots open)

The kid retreats are for ages 12-18 or other ages by special request.  If
you're interested in attending, please specify early which dates work best
so we can make sure everybody who is interested can attend.

For further information and to reserve your spot, please email me at:
stormy@... or call the ranch at (530) SHARE-IT.

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Updating your Horse Management Handbook
*******************************************************************
by Mandy Biles

Updated 2002 Horse Management Handbooks are required at all rallies and
should be an integral part of your club's horse management program.  Please
let me know if corrections to the following are needed.

REVISING YOUR USPC HORSE MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK, MARCH 2006

This will help to explain how to update your USPC Horse Management Handbook.
There will be a new USPC Horse Management Handbook in 2007.

First of all download the most currently posted USPC (2002) Horse Management
Handbook and follow only the highlighted sections or update yours using all
of the listed addendums.  You will still need to add some items and discard
others.  Please follow the checklist.

   The Newest 2002 USPC Horse Management Handbook
   http://www.ponyclub.org/pdfs/rulebooks/rules_hmgt.pdf

   Check the following:
   o     Add 2006 HM Newsletter. Make sure it is a two page newsletter.  If
it is only one page it is probably 2005's.
http://www.ponyclub.org/pdfs/hmnewsletter.pdf
   o     You may wish to handwrite the year on the Newsletters as all of them
do not indicate this.
   o     Page 14:  The updated page is not in the new download.  Make sure it
reads "revised 5/02" at the bottom of the page.  This is Addendum D.
http://www.ponyclub.org/pdfs/rulebooks/rules_hmgt_addendum_d.pdf
   o     Page 56:  This is in the new download.  Make sure it reads "Addendum
1/04".  If your copy does not have this you will need to print the page from
the new download.  I do not know how to update it with a link to anything.
   o     Page 58:  This is corrected in the newest download.  Make sure it
reads "revised January 2005".  This is Addendum F.  Do not need to do
anything if you downloaded the newest version of the USPC Handbook.
http://www.ponyclub.org/pdfs/rulebooks/rules_hmgt_addendum_f.pdf
   o     Page 59:  This is not corrected in the new download.  Make sure it
reads "revised 6/02".  This is Addendum E.
http://www.ponyclub.org/pdfs/rulebooks/rules_hmgt_addendum_e.pdf
   o     Pages 63-66:  This is in the newest download.  Make sure they read
"revised April 2005".  This is Addendum G.
http://www.ponyclub.org/pdfs/rulebooks/rules_hmgt_addendum_g.pdf
   o     Pages 81-82 need to be discarded completely.  In their place put the
new (2004) HM evaluation and Rally/Facilities evaluation.  There are not
page numbers on the new forms.  This is where they belong, however.
http://www.ponyclub.org/pdfs/2004evals.pdf
   o     Make sure you leave pages 83 through 89 (the CHMJ and Mentor CHMJ
evaluations).  Do not throw them away.
   o     Discard pages 90-95.  There are not any replacement pages for their
numbered places.  They will just be missing.  The new (2004) HM evaluation
and Rally/Facilities evaluation will take their place.
   o     Pages 101 and 102:  These are in the newest download.  Make sure
page 101 reads "revised March 2005" and page 102 reads "revised February
2005".  This is Addendum H.
http://www.ponyclub.org/pdfs/rulebooks/rules_hmgt_addendum_h.pdf

Mandy Biles - Rocky Mountain Region Horse Management Organizer Casper,
Wyoming

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hello Ms Stormy,

To my best recollection Pony Club has always wanted the kids to either to
use leather halters or break away halter for club activities and rallies.
Has there been any change in that requirement ?

Thanks,
Laurie Dillier, DC, Sierra Gold PC

Hi Ms. Laurie,

The requirement is the same.  Pony Clubbers need to be using halters with
some sort of leather breakaway capability, whether that be an entirely
leather halter, a halter with a leather crownpiece, or a halter with a small
leather tab connecting the buckle that will break under pressure.

It is very disheartening that probably 90% of the clubs that I do ratings or
lessons for do not enforce this rule except at rallies.  Remember, horse
management rules aren't just for rallies, they are for everyday safety with
kids and horses.  Maybe club organizers just aren't aware that they need to
be enforcing this rule at all mounted meetings just as stringently as they
make sure everyone is wearing an ASTM-SEI helmet to ride.

Thanks for pointing this out,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

My daughter recently had a lesson with an instructor who mentioned the
bitless bridle to us.  My daughter is riding a 5 year old Arab/Welsh and I
fear she will rip his lips off any day.  What are your thoughts?  Your name
was mentioned so I thought I¹d ask. Also, how does Pony Club feel about
using the  bitless bridle and must it be leather or is Beta acceptable?
Thanks for your time and input.

Sincerely,
Sheila Burres, Sierra Gold Pony Club parent

Hi Sheila,

I strongly recommend the ³Bitless Bridle² in most riding situations,
especially with children who haven¹t developed an independent seats and
hands.  It is not appropriate for all horse/rider combinations but it turns
out to be a very useful tool for most of the people who try it.  The bitless
bridle is legal for all Pony Club lessons (at the discretion of the
instructor) as well as legal for all Pony Club rallies and ratings with the
exception of dressage rallies and the dressage phase of eventing rallies.
It is legal for use in games, show jumping, polocrosse, hunting,
tetrathalon, etc....  I find that often instructors are leery of accepting
the bridle because they may not be familiar with it.  In that case, it will
help to either offer to let them get on the horse and try it, send them to
the bitless bridle website (www.bitlessbridle.com), or at least carry a
letter from a Pony Club official stating that it is legal for the situations
listed above.  If you can bear to part with your Bitless Bridle long enough
to let them take it home and try it, often they will become converts.  Beta
is an acceptable material.  It looks so much like leather that it is very
hard to tell apart except that it stays supple and is easily cleaned with
just soap and water.

The Bitless Bridle company offers a trial period where you can order the
bridle and send it back if it doesn¹t work in your particular situation.
The most important thing to remember when getting a horse used to the
bitless bridle is that you may need to have a trainer teach the horse how to
soften and give to the new pressure points in the same way that the horse
was initially taught to supple and give to a bit¹s pressure points.  Once
the horse is responding as well to the bitless bridle as he was to the bit
(or often he¹ll respond better) then go ahead and let your daughter try it
out.  She¹ll find that she can use the same rein cues as with a snaffle bit
but without the worry of unintentionally damaging the horse¹s mouth.

The other thing that people have expressed concern about is what happens if
a horse runs away with the bitless bridle.  Will they have stopping power?
In my experience starting horses and riding a wide variety of horses over
the past three years with the bitless bridle, the very few times I did get
run off with were all attributable to external causes (birds flying out of
bushes, etc.) and the horses stopped more quickly than they may have with a
bit because my turning or pulling back on the reins didn¹t add the
additional pain of a bit acting on their sensitive tongue, gums and lips.

Cause no harm,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I wanted to give you the name of the place we ordered our new saddle.
It is called adamshorsesupplies.com and for new saddles, none of the big
stores, or others, could beat their deals.  I bought a Collegiate Event with
interchangeable gullets for the same price of the two leading stores, but it
also included the gullet system ($90.00) and a free Bridle ($99.00), free
shipping, no sales tax and 5 day trial.  The people there were very friendly
and flexible.  For instance, I had to return a saddle that did not work out
for us, and the shipping cost to get it back within 7 days was too high.
They said it did not matter, as long as they heard from us what was
happening.  Also, we did not need a bridle, so they gave us the 99.00 credit
towards the adjustable girth we wanted.  Anyway, I just wanted to share this
with people, who may also find this was a good deal, when searching to save
on the internet.

Blessings,
Katie Allen, 49er Pony Club parent

Stormy's Note: Although saddle fitting is of utmost importance and I could
never recommend a saddle that will fit all horses, I have found the
Collegiate Event saddles to be a good combination of fit, balance, leather
quality, and price.  I got my Collegiate Event saddle when I was 16 and used
it for all of my Pony Club ratings.  I still use it almost every day for
starting horses and general riding when it fits the particular horse.

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

Hi Stormy,

I was meeting with one of our clubs and a HM question came up.  They want to
know if the personal tack of the competitor (saddle, bridle, pad, spurs,
boots) must be labeled.  One of the kids said that when she was in Kentucky
they didn't have to.  I said I would ask you.  In the HM Handbook on p. 45
it says all equipment needs competitor number.  On page 31 it says all
equipment needs team name and competitor number as specified on required
equipment list..... but personal tack isn't on the required equipment
list... hence the question.  Also found out that even though all our kids
feed at the one day rallies they don't have to have feed listed anywhere.
Could you let us know?

Thanks,
Carolyn McCarthy, Southern California Horse Management Organizer

Hi Carolyn,

Personal tack as far as I've ever heard doesn't need to be labeled although
the saddle and bridle racks do need to be correctly labeled as specified on
the Required Equipment Checklist.  Although the personal tack doesn't NEED
to be labeled, my general advice to parents is that if you want it to return
to you after the rally, label it with the child's name (discreetly, no
hanging garage sale tags!).  Competitors shouldn't lose points if the
individual tack items aren't labeled though.  What it talks about on pages
31 and 45 is that the extraneous personal equipment (horse boots, spurs,
etc.) if difficult to label, should be stored in a container with the team
name and competitor's number.

On to feeding.  In the HM handbook all it says specifically about feeding
during one day rallies is, "At one-day competitions, mounts are generally
fed before they arrive in the morning and after they return home at night.
If any mount is to be fed during a one-day rally (and at all overnight
rallies), the feed supply, whether kept in a trailer or in a stall, must not
be accessible to the mounts."

It doesn't specify that they will need a feed chart when feeding at a one
day rally (which is why I don't give penalty points for it) but it can be
interpreted, and considered good horse management if they follow the rule
that states, "A chart of the feeding schedule, listing types and amounts of
feed and supplements and time to feed, must be posted in the area where the
feed is prepared."  Assuming, if they bring feed to be fed during any rally,
it would be best to know who should get what and how much.  Especially in
the case of horses who have allergies, weight problems, or other such
concerns.  Often, at rallies is the only time kids get to feed their boarded
horses and given the very young ages of some of the kids, it's a good lesson
to get them thinking about what their horses should and shouldn't eat even
at one-day rallies.

By the book,
Stormy

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

Hey Ms. Stormy,

I was wondering about the shipping bandages for my C-2 rating.  Do they have
to be homemade?  I have heard that you don't have to but then I heard that
you have to so I'm confused.  Pleeeese help!!!!

Thanks,
Katie Brewer, C1, English Hills Pony Club

Hi Ms. Katie,

The shipping bandages don¹t have to be home made, the problem is, with a
horse Ali¹s size, it is almost impossible to find pre-made padding that is
long and thick enough for shipping wraps for him.  A few people have found
them but it¹s rare.  So, your best bet will be to fold the proper amount of
sheet cotton together and either practice just like that, or make it a
little more secure with cheesecloth over it.  The flannels you can buy are
usually too short but you can sew two together pretty easily.  You¹d like
the flannel to be at least 16 feet long, or better yet, 19 feet.  For more
on making your own wraps, look up the May 2003 issue of the Horse Management
Newsletter at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/message/2

Get wrapping!
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I have a horse management question.  I had a dad volunteer to do the
shopping to replenish rally kits!  How could I possibly say no to an offer
like that?  Anyway, instead of buying a cotton lead rope with a shank
attached, he bought a cotton lead rope and a stud chain.  If I put them
together, is that legal for the shanked lead rope?  Now the fun part is I
have to go through all the stuff he bought to see if any of it is even close
to what was needed.  We had to re-outfit three rally kits.  I can't believe
all the stuff!

April Smith, DC Northern Mines PC, vice RS Sierra Pacific Region

Hi April,

You are set for lead ropes and chain shanks.  It is acceptable to have the
chain shank be separate from the two spare lead ropes.  Also, Pony Club
people tend to prefer cotton ropes but nylon or leather leads are acceptable
as well (although one shouldn¹t tie with flat nylon or flat leather leads).

Happy replenishing!
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!: Naty's Riding Games by Nathalie
Guion
*******************************************************************

I would like to recommend a book not only for the teacher/leader, but also
for the upper level Pony Clubber and their teaching or just for the pony
clubbers to have fun by themselves: Naty's Riding Games.  You can find it
in the USPC bookstore or www.natguion.com .

I use it myself as a trainer to build confidence and balance in my riders. I
use the games as a tool to give techniques to the kids and keep their
interest.  I realize too that it's a great preparation for the pony games
because it gives extraordinary precision, dexterity and adroitness to the
rider.  At the same time, it trains the ponies and gets them ready for the
games (or other events).

The book is a good tool for any teacher, C and upper level Pony Clubbers for
teaching ideas and D level riders for the fun!

Nathalie Guion, Instructor for Redwoods Pony Club

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

www.ehow.com

Even though this website isn't specifically horsey, any family will find
their time here well spent.  It contains thousands of how-to instructions
and solutions.  Definitely check out the "pets" link and click on "horses"
first, then spend some time browsing their other categories.  I can
guarantee you'll be amazed.

I had to give you a sample of one of the listings, how to feed a horse
carrots (this article also contains pictures of how to do it!!!):

1.      Slice several carrots lengthwise, into "fingers." Carrots should
never be fed in chunks because they can lodge in a horse's throat and cause
suffocation.
 
2.      Ask the horse to have good manners. He should not rush you or crowd
you when he sees that you have carrots in your hand or pocket.
 
3.      Spread your hand out flat, palm up. Be careful not to let your
fingertips roll up. It is best if you arch your palm slightly backward, with
your fingertips bent toward the ground.
 
4.      Place one carrot finger in your palm.
 
5.      Put your hand a few feet away from the horse's mouth. The horse
should extend his neck to get to your palm. Never let the horse overpower
you with his head, shoulders and body when he eats the carrot.
 
6.      Let the horse finish the carrot. Don't put another carrot on the
palm of your hand until he has chewed the first piece. This will encourage
him to eat slowly. He'll be tempted to wolf down the first carrot if he
thinks he can hurry on to the second piece.

There are also very clear instructions on how to house train your horse, how
to make a pet door for your horse and teach your horse how to use it, how to
buy a horse, and about 100 other articles specifically about horses.  Come
on, admit it, this is a pretty cool find!

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Communication Devices
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 28 section 7: Communication Devices and
other things

The possession and use of pagers, cell phones, walkie talkies and other
communication devices is forbidden.  If any of these devices are found they
will be confiscated until the end of the competition; the use of such
devices may be unauthorized assistance and may be penalized as such.  In
addition, refrigerators, plug-in coolers, microwave ovens etc. are not
permitted because of possibly over-taxing the barn electrical system and
will also be confiscated until the end of the competition.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Euphemisms to ease the pain of falling off
********************************************************************

Some of the things we call "hitting the dirt":

1. Doing a turnip imitation
2. Taking a worm count
3. Unscheduled Dismount
4. Non-syncronated performance art
5. Turf-surfing
6. High-fiving a nightcrawler
7. Lunching at Ouch cafe
8. A quick trip to Dirtsville
9. Trolling for paramedics
10. Checking your girth...from the bottom
11. Pushing down daisies.
12. Dirt for dessert
13. Spending a little quality time with gravity
14. Joining Airborne Equitation International
15. Taking an impact nap

From the Kansas Horse Council: http://www.kansashorsecouncil.com/humor.html

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

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

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

Spike, 21 years young, 15.2 hand bay Pony Club gelding.  His owners don't
want to sell him, but he needs a job.  They would be willing to do a board
and care lease at your facility.  He can come back anytime, and can stay as
long as you'd like.  Spike still has a lot left in him.  He's in Wilton, CA
at this time at a H/J barn.  He's too much horse for a lesson horse...his
trainer would like to see him go to a dressage barn.  He loves to jump, but
gets quick.  He needs a confident rider with a light hand.

He requires no special shoeing, is an easy keeper on grass hay and LMF
senior.  He prefers a buddy, as he gets nervous when he's alone. He has been
the only horse at home for 5 months, but he had two pygmy goats as pals.  He
trailers, ties and stands as a gentleman for the farrier.

Please contact: Kathy Sanchez
kathy.sanchez@...
(530) 271-5870

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

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Fun learning games for all ages
2) Rally and rating tips: leather cleaner/conditioner mix
3) Questions and answers: Quiz studying, new pony, trailer door safety
4) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Two books by Jane Savoie
5) Horsey Humor: Gas alternatives
6) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: Fun learning games for all ages
*******************************************************************
by Katrina Gowen

When I was teaching regularly and doing a lot of book work with the kids, I
used several teaching aids that I thought would be helpful to share.

Flash Cards

What is needed:
3x5 index cards
An endless supply of tack catalogs
Scissors
Set of Standards
Tape or glue
3x5 card holder

For Quiz Flash Cards
Cut out different types of tack and horse items, tape or glue picture on one
side and the name of item and uses on the other side.

For Rating flash cards
Cut out book work parts in sections, (For example feed) tape or glue on to
cards
write, print off or type answer on back

This helps with the grab bag section of the quiz as well as helps with
future ratings when they need to talk about tack.

Horse Jeopardy

What is needed:
Different colored paper
Standards
Set of Pony Club Manuals
Computer or typewriter

For each color of paper assign a rating level For example tan D1-D3
Set of standards to form questions, as on Jeopardy the answer has to be
stated in the what is form.  Example what is a foxes tail called, they would
answer what is a brush.  Assign points for each level of questions.  For
example a d-1 question might be worth 5 pints, but they can ask for a d-3
level question and it might be worth 15 points.  This really helps them get
used to the idea of what the quiz is about.

Horse win lose or draw

What is needed:
3x5 index cards
An endless supply of tack catalogs
Scissors
Set of Standards
Tape or glue
3x5 card holder

Write or tape items for the kids to draw on 3x5 cards
Win lose or draw is where you have a chalk board or pad a paper, markers or
pen.  Competitors are then given a time limit to see how many questions the
team can get answered.  They have to draw which ever item is on the card,
they get the opportunity to pass or choose another team to draw the same
item.  For example the item may be a hoof pick they would have to draw both
a hoof and some sort of pick or the actual hoof pick.

Katrina Gowen received her B from Sundance Pony Club, part of the Cimarron
region.  She is currently fundraiser and membership chairperson for Mossy
Creek Pony Club which is part of the South Region.

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips:
*******************************************************************

I found a great recipe for a cheap saddle soap conditioner and I've been
using it on all my tack! It's made my saddles and bridles almost water proof
and it's a breeze to shine them up for an inspection.  What you do is take 1
cup of whole milk and mix it with 1/4 of a glycerin saddle soap bar cut into
small pieces (the smaller the better) heat it until it's melted then freeze
it.  It took about 5 minutes in-and-out of my microwave to get the bar to
melt and 1 hour to freeze it, but now my black saddles reflect light and
brown leather has become dark with rich colors.  My leather is 10 times more
supple and easier to work with and I don't have to condition as often.  I
just thought you might want to share this with everyone.

Christina Brennan, C3, English Hills Pony Club, Sierra Pacific Region

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

Do you know if a bank of study questions for Quiz exists?

Thanks,
Betsy Cameron, Assistant Horse Management Judge extraordinaire and mother of
a C3 Pony Clubber

Hi Betsy,

The actual question banks are guarded under lock and key and not to be used
for studying, but there are a few places where some good questions can be
found.  Of course studying from all the listed reference materials is your
best bet (especially for the foxhunting questions).

Here¹s another place to look: www.ponyclub.org from the ³forms² link click
on the appropriate level study guide (B Study Guide, C Study Guide, D Study
Guide).

The most useful all-in-one-place guide was a publication from Spokane Pony
Club.  It¹s a little out of date on the rulebook questions but it¹s
definitely worth checking out.  The guide is available on the Horse
Management Newsletter website at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HorseManagementNewsletter/files/ under the
"SPC Study Quest...Excel 12-01.xls" link

Happy studying,
Stormy

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

Stormy,

We have a pony on trial until Saturday who is making if very difficult for
my 8 year old daughter, she can't even get him to trot and ends up
exhausted. We know he will do it as the trainer can make him with little
work, he is testing my daughter because she is a beginner and she just isn't
strong enough so when he decides to go the other direction she is really
having to work at it. But he does not take off, buck, bite nothing so is
very safe just don't know if I want a horse that is making it so hard for
her to learn. The owners rode with whips & spurs so we were hoping not to.
Of course I have to decide this weekend.  I am taking her out of school
tomorrow to see another pony.

Thanks so much,
Arlene Mattioda, mother of a future Pony Clubber

Hi Arlene,

You're describing a very common occurrence.  Until the pony and rider form
the right partnership, the difficulty in getting the pony to go is usually
evident, especially with an 8 year old rider.  The way I work with it with
my own students is to keep them on the longe line where I can ask the pony
to trot with the longe whip and my voice while the rider asks with her cues
as well.  Gradually, I phase out my cues and the rider is doing it on her
own.  The next step is off the longe line, if the rider has enough control
of the reins* then I have her continue on a circle around me doing walk/trot
transitions, gradually making the circle bigger until she can reliably do
transitions in the whole arena.  The next few rides we usually will have to
repeat the procedure but eventually the rider and pony learn how to work
together.

The more your daughter ends up unsuccessful with the trot transitions, the
more she is training the pony to not respond to her cues.  Ponies are always
in training with whatever rider is on them.  Right now, your daughter is
training the pony to be unresponsive.  With the right work though, she can
learn how to train the pony to be responsive.  Ponies are extremely smart
and sensitive.  Often when I get on a student's pony to try to get them to
respond better, they act perfectly for me so I can't really school the pony
to improve him.  If the trainer can get the pony to respond, then it really
has to be your daughter who, with the trainer's help, teaches the pony to
respond to her cues.

In regards to the difficulty turning, that usually begins as an evasive
habit taught by a beginner where the pony learns that if he sets his neck
and insists on turning, the rider doesn't have enough strength or
perseverance to correct the problem right away.  It's usually started when
the pony gets to the end of what he considers tolerable.  In this case, I'd
start with the trainer schooling the pony to turn with more sensitive aids
and then with your daughter, keep her in a small enclosed area (like a round
pen) until she can reliably make correct turns even when the pony tests her
steering abilities.

*I almost never let a young rider ride with a bit, their hands aren't
independent enough to be messing around in a pony's mouth.  Often, habits
like not wanting to go forward, bolting, bucking, resistance to turning, and
an intense pulling on the bit are signs of pain and discomfort in the pony.
These are often developed or accentuated by the use of a bit by a rider
without independent hands.  The alternative that I most often use is called
the "bitless bridle" (you can read about it at www.bitlessbridle.com).  I've
found that once a pony is taught to respond to it, most of the time they can
be safely ridden by beginners without the danger of injury to the sensitive
tissues of the mouth.  Many people make the mistake of trying a stronger bit
to correct problems that are caused by a bit that is already too strong.
They figure that if a pony is difficult to turn or stop with his current
bit, it's because the bit isn't strong enough.  They might experience better
results in the short term, until the pony learns how to block out this new
level of pain.  Any piece of metal, rubber, or plastic in a pony's mouth is
extremely strong, it's just that the pony learns to block out the pain
typically by developing coping techniques that we consider to be "bad
habits".

So, if you've already found a pony who you're confident doesn't take off,
buck, bite and is very safe, he is probably worth his weight in gold and
well worth helping your daughter work through the common issues she's up
against.

Best of luck,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy,

I have a question about tying back the trailer doors - my girls got points
off because the doors weren't tied at the Everything But The Horse rally
(EBTH).  We use my 3 horse for rallies - I have plenty of tie rings on the
trailer but it seems it would be more of a danger tied as the horse would be
so close to the tied door.  Now I know we have PC rules and I want to get it
right - so how should I deal with this.  Do the doors have to be tied to the
trailer or could it be something else - like a paint can full of concrete???
Help!!

Thank You for Your Help.
Joan Starrett, DC  Hoofbeats PC

Hi Joan,

Thanks for asking for clarification about tying back the trailer doors.  The
printed rule is on page 28 of the 2002 HM handbook.  As it is written, it is
dealing more with stall doors, but trailer doors present the same problem.
The rule reads, "Doors must be securely fastened, whether open or closed
unless a person is in the stall with a mount.  In that case the door must be
shut (but unlocked) or tied open."  The safety concern with trailer and
stall doors that aren't secured is that a gust of wind, competitor, or
curious horse's nose could swing the door and either hit someone else in the
head, or in the case of a full door, hit a person's whole body.  Many
trailer doors have built-in ways to secure them which are fine to use as
long as they are operational.  In the case that the latches are no longer
operational or there aren't any ready-made ways to secure the doors, we
usually try to find some  sort of way to tie it open so that they are less
of a safety concern.  In the case of a full door, there are situations when
it can be secured by a heavy bucket, brick, rock, or other heavy object.
Occasionally, if no safe way can be found, we ask that the competitors keep
the door securely closed when not directly going in or out.

At the EBTH rally I tried to make sure all of my assistants first informed
the teams with free-swinging doors why they needed to find a safe way to
secure the door, and to help them secure it if needed.  If at a later time
during the rally, the same team was found to have their door unsecured, at
that point I gave some penalty points so the competitors would pay closer
attention to this safety concern at future rallies and shows.

Keep it safe,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
*******************************************************************

I received 2 books for Christmas that really helped me see where all of my
riding had gone wrong.  I wasn't having fun, I couldn't concentrate and I
tensed up before riding any horse.  The 2 books were "That Winning Feeling"
and "It's not just about the ribbons" by Jane Savoie.  After reading these
books I put together a plan to get back on to the right track in one week I
felt the turn around in my riding.  I had better rides I progressed faster
and I could finally laugh when something stressed me out.  I and my partner,
Pree, have made incredible improvements and when I tell her what we can do
vs. what we can't she tries a lot harder.

Christina Brennan, C3 English Hills Pony Club, Sierra Pacific Region

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Gas alternatives
********************************************************************

Alright folks, step right up! You don¹t want to pay $4.69 for gas? No
problem, I have the perfect vehicle for you! Needs no gas, no oil, or even a
battery, just a little grass and water will do these animals fine. Now
everyone has different needs, so choose from the following models:

1. Trail Horse - Your average run around town animal. Has the energy to get
where you are going, the brain to find the best way to go, big enough to
carry the normal sized American.

2. The Arabian- perfect for those who travel long distances in a day and try
to multi task while driving. Although the Arabian may not go to your home or
office with out specific instruction, it WILL go somewhere.

3. The Draft- Calling all soccer moms. This big guy can carry the whole
team, their gear and snacks. Just like the big machines, this guy will
require more fuel, and his shoes will be more expensive than the compact
model.

4. The Western Pleasure- The right car for the high end white collar
workers. This animal works harder and requires more special knowledge so
only the best can figure this out. Be sure to take your cell phone. You wont
be stuck in traffic, you just wont be getting anywhere fast.

5. The Parelli- Salesmen, stay at home moms, and high school kids will all
enjoy this dream. You can load him down with flapping wal- mart bags, ask
him to walk in places a horse wont fit, and you can dance with him as you
listen to the latest tunes.

6. The Ranch - The most dependable animal available. He will go where ever
you ask him to, at what ever speed is appropriate. You can tie him to the
stop sign and he will be there when you get back. Best of all, this model
has been specially engineered to be able to go without water for days and
stay fat and slick by eating sagebrush and dead prairie grass.

Of course all models are available in base colors (sorrel, bay, black)
Special order colors are available (dun, grey, palomino) and for an
additional fee, custom paint jobs are also available (overo, tobiano,
blanket, leopard).

No horse is sold with a warranty, however maintenance plans are available in
the event brakes, steering, or accelerator fail.

Excerpted from:
http://www.kansashorsecouncil.com/humor.html

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

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

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

Spike, 21 years young, 15.2 hand bay Pony Club gelding.  His owners don't
want to sell him, but he needs a job.  They would be willing to do a board
and care lease at your facility.  He can come back anytime, and can stay as
long as you'd like.  Spike still has a lot left in him.  He's in Wilton, CA
at this time at a H/J barn.  He's too much horse for a lesson horse...his
trainer would like to see him go to a dressage barn.  He loves to jump, but
gets quick.  He needs a confident rider with a light hand.

He requires no special shoeing, is an easy keeper on grass hay and LMF
senior.  He prefers a buddy, as he gets nervous when he's alone. He has been
the only horse at home for 5 months, but he had two pygmy goats as pals.  He
trailers, ties and stands as a gentleman for the farrier.

Please contact: Kathy Sanchez
kathy.sanchez@...
(530) 271-5870

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

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Special Alert
2) Comments from readers
3) Recommended products and services: Sore No More
4) Rally and rating tips: Creating a plan
5) Questions and answers: Deworming, phosphorus, rice bran, and grease
6) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Thinking Riding Volumes 1&2 by
Molly Sivewright
7) Fun and educational websites: Alliance Nutrition, Horse Journal
8) Featured rule: Saddlery
9) Horsey Humor: more Horse Dictionary terms
10) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Special Alert
*******************************************************************

Dear Stormy,

I wanted to alert you to a potentially national epidemic.  At first I
thought it was only a club-level condition but then I found it in our
region.  I hoped that this would be the extent of the spread but alas at the
neighboring region's rating I found several cases.  I am very concerned that
this may become a national problem and I'm hoping that your newsletter can
prevent further spread.

The condition can lead to considerable wear on saddle flaps and potentially
major repair bills.  It appears that the symptoms of this condition are
either absence of billet guards (buckle guards) on a saddle with short
billets or if they are present they appear to resist gravity and are
commonly seen well above the girth buckles, thereby negating their intended
use.  In some cases in their attempt to resist gravity they creep up above
saddle pad attachments so that the only cure is a major reorganization of
buckles and straps, usually during formal inspection while tensions are at
an all time high.  This is obviously a smart disease able to conspire with
other items of tack!

Please act now to stop this condition becoming more widely spread and
infecting a saddle near you.

Clair Spackman
DC Panache PC and D1-C2 examiner

Stormy's note: Yes, this is definitely a national epidemic.  Please make
sure that all your short-billeted saddles have a buckle guard on each side.
These buckle guards should be faithfully pulled down to cover the buckles of
your girth.  Any top pad straps must be fastened above the buckle guards,
not between the buckle guard and the buckles of your girth.  This will
protect your saddle flaps from premature wear.  A few saddles (most
Stübbens) have permanent buckle guards sewn in that are large enough to
cover the entire billet area without needing to be pulled down.  In this
case, the pad straps can be directly above the girth buckles.  In the event
that your saddle didn't come with buckle guards, or they got lost,
replacements can be found at tack stores or can be gotten and reused from
older "retired" saddles.

*******************************************************************
Comments from readers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

We've used your excellent article on calculating feed rations in this issue
of Sport Pony Magazine. Thanks for such a good article - when I was taking
my instructor's course with Equine Canada it was hard to find good resources
for feed weights and rations. I forwarded the article to Cathy Chalack, who
conducted the course and is head of the Equine program at Olds College.

Thanks again!

Christy  Weese, editor of Sport Pony Magazine
http://www.sportponycanada.com/magazine/

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

Hello Stormy,

Long time!  I have a little story to tell you.  You know how Pony Club
requires breakaway or all leather halters?  I know why (either that or they
shouldn't wear them at all in the stalls. :)

Last summer at our Eventing Rally, when the Stable Manager went in to my
daughter's pony's stall in the morning to get him out, she noticed he did
not have his halter on.  So she started to dig around in his stall to find
it and there it was on the stall floor; however, it was moving whenever Hawk
moved...

Sometime during the night, he needed to scratch his left ear with his left
hind foot.  He was wearing one of those very thick leather show halters.  He
got the left side buckle of the halter stuck between his shoe and hoof!  It
was jammed about 3" in there.  We cut the halter off, leaving the buckle in
place and contacted the rally farrier.  He came out and had to remove the
shoe to get the halter buckle off.  The buckle wasn't even bent.  I just
replaced the crown piece on the halter, that's it.

He had no lameness issues, no soreness.  We are very lucky he's agile and
very strong!

Happy 2006,
Krista Powers
Carbon River Pony Club, Northwest Region Vice Regional Supervisor

Stormy's note:  I'm glad you had a breakaway halter!  I was trying to think
of other ways this could have been prevented other than leaving the halter
off.  Maybe by having bell boots on all 4 feet (and of course, tightly
nailed shoes) the shoe might not have gotten caught on the halter.  I'm not
a big fan of leaving bell boots on horses (I've seen that they will
sometimes cause rubs, and in hot weather they can significantly increase the
temperature of and reduce airflow to the hooves and coronary bands.)  Since
you know your horse is quite athletic and able to scratch his ear with his
hind hoof, maybe it would be a wise choice to leave on some well-fitted bell
boots and a light-duty, well fitted breakaway halter when he has to spend
the night with his halter on.

*******************************************************************
Recommended products and services: Sore No More by Equilite
*******************************************************************

Voted Product of the Year by the Horse Journal (Read more about the Horse
Journal in the "Fun and educational websites" section below.)

Sore No More is an all natural Arnica based herbal liniment that no barn
should be without, according to the Horse Journal. It is a refreshing brace
that can be used under bandages, as a bath rinse, massage liniment, with ice
or heat packs.  Wonderful for those with sensitive skin.

*******************************************************************
Rally and rating tips: Now is the time...
*******************************************************************

I know it's January and the rallies and ratings might seem far away.
Believe it or not, now is the time to sit down with your calendar of
upcoming rallies, ratings, shows, clinics, and other events that you want to
do with your horse and come up with a week-by-week plan to make sure you're
both in shape so you can perform your best.

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy,

I was just wondering about the pros and cons of a daily pelleted dewormer
(such as Strongid-C) as opposed to a paste worming rotation.  Is one more
effective or "better" than the other?  I've heard things about paste wormers
only being effective for a couple days so one should use daily, likewise
I've heard that dailys are too much and cause the worms to become immune to
the dewormer.  What is the truth?  I read in one of your previous issues
that we may be overdoing it on the deworming program and it's possible that
(depending on where you live of course) you may only need to worm four times
per year.  I'm trying to decide what would be best for my horse and there
are so many options I would really appreciate any input you have.
Thanks!

Jessie
C-1, Carbon River PC, Northwest Region

Hi Jessie,

You're definitely asking the right questions.  I'll give you the pros and
cons as I understand them.

Reasons to use a daily pelleted dewormer (such as Strongid-C [pyrantel
tartrate])

>>> Your horse will have continuous protection against most internal parasites.
With only paste deworming, the horse's parasite load will start to build back up
within a few hours to a few days after deworming.  A study by Phizer (the maker
of Strongid-C) showed that mares treated with pyrantel tartrate had reduced
numbers of parasite eggs, while mares treated with bi-monthly paste dewormers
had increased parasitic egg counts at 6 weeks.

>>> Continuous protection will result in reduced internal inflammation due to
parasites resulting in greater efficiency of digestion.  One study suggests that
this efficiency can lead to the horse needing 10-15% less feed.

>>> It's usually easier to get the horse to eat the right amount of daily
dewormer than to make sure all the paste dewormer gets ingested each time.

>>> So far, I haven't heard of any cases of internal parasites building up
resistance to pyrantel tartrate.

Reasons to not use a daily pelleted dewormer

>>> Costs roughly twice as much as bimonthly paste dewormers ($15/month per
1,000 pound horse versus $10-15 every two months per 1,000 pound horse).

>>> Cost of extra time needed to make sure the horse gets the dewormer every
day.  If the horse doesn't get any other daily supplements, this can be a
significant drawback.

>>> Daily dewormers are not effective against bots and onchocerca (which cause
summer sores).  Phizer recommends paste deworming with Ivermectin twice a year
in addition to daily Strongid-C doses.

>>> I haven't seen any studies about this but it seems to me that if a horse is
on a daily dewormer for an extended period of time and then taken off of it (for
example, the horse gets sold) I would be concerned that the horse's immune
system would be significantly taxed with trying to cope with this "new" threat
of internal parasite migration.  Our own bodies are able to build up some level
of natural immunity and ways to cope with the ever-present levels of bacteria
and parasites in our environment by constant exposure.  Paste dewormers keep
parasites at bay but still allow the horse to develop their own natural defenses
against the invaders.

Good luck in your war on worms,
Stormy

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

Hi again Stormy,

I was working through the "balancing a ration" worksheet in the B manual and
ran into several questions.

1) My horse is a 14.1-14.2 hh Morgan.  Do I use pony values or horse values
when considering his nutritional needs?  He certainly isn't built like some
of the "real" ponies I've seen but also not like the other "horses" he
boards with.

2) How big of a gap between what's required and what your horse is likely
getting is big enough to be noticed?  For example, if my horse is .005 high
on his phosphorous, is that a big deal given that all the phosphorous
numbers began .0--?

3) I know that it's important that Calcium and Phosphorous be correctly
balanced, but what if the ratio is okay but they're both in excess of what
your horse requires?  How much "error" is acceptable to leave on either side
of correct?  Is it better to have the amount of the mineral close to what
the horse should need or the ratio close to what it should be?  Obviously,
both would be nice.

And finally, the ration worksheet doesn't address lipids at all.  I thought
I had read that lipids were pretty important to a horse's well being- how
does one account for those?  Loved the "bits and bitting" DVD! Thanks!

Jessie
C-1, Carbon River PC, Northwest Region

Hi Jessie,

For a Morgan of that size I'd tend to look at the horse values, Morgans have
evolved more as horses than ponies.  Your other option would be to take the
average between the horse and pony values.

The actual phosphorus number isn't a big deal as long as it's above the
minimum requirement.  The bigger issue with calcium and phosphorus is that
they are in proper ratio to each other.  Read back in that part of last
month's feature article to calculate the calcium phosphorus ratios.  I
haven't heard that there is an upper limit to what is safe for horses as
long as the ratio is between 1:1 and 3:1 (calcium:phosphorus).  If you can
find somewhere that specifies an upper limit, please let me know.

Lipids/fats are important, especially for certain conditions that horses can
get, such as EPSM.  There is definitely more research you can do on that
front.  The "Nutrient Requirements for Horses" would probably be your best
place to start but what they find is the absolute minimum, not the amount
for optimum health.  The other difficulty is finding places that list the
amounts of fats in different horse foods.  Processed foods will sometimes
have them listed on the feed tag so that's a start.

If you would do some research about fats I'd love to hear what you find and
post it in the newsletter!

Keep up the good research,
Stormy

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

Hi Stormy
I was wondering what rice bran was considered (concentrate, roughage,
supplement).

Thanks,
Allyson
C-2 Deer Creek PC, Sierra Pacific region

Hi Allyson,

That's a darned good question.

From the USPC D manual, "Roughage means bulky food, like grass, hay, and
some special feeds like beet pulp and range cubes [hay cubes]....
Concentrates have more food value [more energy per pound] concentrated in a
smaller amount [than roughages]... concentrates include grain, mixed feeds
and pellets, and supplements."  Pony Club considers "supplements" to be a
category of concentrate that includes "Vitamin and mineral supplements
(usually powder or pellets) [that] are sometimes added to the feed in small
amounts when a pony needs extra nutrition."

Wheat bran (commonly just called "bran") is made from ground up wheat hulls.
It is a bulky food, like roughages, but it contains a higher amount of
energy per pound than most roughages (average 1.25 Mcal energy per pound
versus an average .90 Mcal in hays.  Because of its high amount of
phosphorus, it should be fed with care, so it doesn't upset the horse's
calcium to phosphorus ratio.

Rice bran is made from ground up rice hulls.  It came into wide use as a
horse feed after the publication of the USPC manuals (1995) so the manuals
don't include any information on it.  One of the most popular rice bran
products is "Natural Glo" which is stabilized rice bran (that means it has a
much longer shelf life than unstabilized rice bran).  Natural Glo rice bran
contains 20% fat and 2.4 Mcal per pound of digestible energy along with
being a natural source of vitamin E and B-complex vitamins.  The other bonus
of Natural Glo is that Calcium Carbonate has been added to balance the
calcium:phosphorus ratio to 1:1.

Because the main reason to feed rice bran is to add fat to the horse's diet,
plus the fact that it has high digestible energy, I would list it as a
concentrate.  If you are by chance feeding it to add vitamin E (Natrual Glo
provides 1,000 IU/lb vitamin E) and B-complex vitamins, then it would be
listed as a supplement under the concentrate category.

Concentrating on my response...
Stormy

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

Hi again!
I'm sorry for all the mail, but I've had these questions chasing in my mind
and now there's someone knowledgeable I can ask :-D!  Thanks for your help
with the nutrition question.  We were pretty close on just about everything,
which is interesting since we hadn't specifically formulated anything.  I'm
working on how our program could be adjusted to perform just a bit better.
Anyway, I have another question I've been unable to find an answer to.
Right before I bought my current pony, he was "decorated" for a Halloween
party.  They used a grease pen on his bum (the kind they say you can write
your name and phone with in case of an emergency) in neon pink- it certainly
would work for an emergency because it's still stuck two months of yucky
weather later.  I haven't actively tried to get it off, but now I have a
rating coming up at the end of the month.  I've tried scrubbing, brushing,
using a shedding blade but I can't get it off!  Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks again!

Jessie
C-1, Carbon River PC, Northwest Region

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in
a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --- "WHEW! WHAT
A RIDE!!!"

Hi Jessie,

Well, I had you try peanut butter (the oil in the peanut butter is supposed
to help emulsify other greases) and mechanic's hand soap, and you also tried
citrus-y towelettes made for paint removal.  All of these ended up taking
the dirt off and making the grease pen more visible.

I was looking on an endurance riding site (http://www.endurance.net/).
Endurance horses get big numbers on their haunches to identify them during
the race.  I'm not sure if it's the same type of grease pen that was used on
your horse but here are the different removal techniques that they
mentioned:

1) Leave it on as a badge of honor until it wears off

2) Regular bar soap or shampoo and hot water

3) Rubbing alcohol or a zit pad and scraping with a bot knife

4) A product called "Goo Gone"

5) Crisco (probably similar properties as peanut butter)

Other than these I'm out of ideas...I'll ask the newsletter readers if
they've heard of anything that works on grease pen.  Does anybody know how
to get it out other than waiting for spring shedding?

Stumped,
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!: Thinking Riding Volumes 1&2
*******************************************************************

Thinking Riding Volumes 1&2 by Molly Sivewright

These books are the main texts used by riders preparing for the British
Horse Society Instructor Certification.  Volume 1 is also on the C3
recommended reading list.  Volumes 1&2 are on the B/H/H-A/and A enrichment
reading list.

The USPC bookstore writes that they are: "A detailed, systematic,
progressive training course for instructors and those who intend to become
teaching professionals."  Sounds like they are perfect for upper level
members who would like to take the next step towards being a great
instructor!

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Alliance Nutrition ® is a feed company in Illinois that makes feeds not only
for horses but also categories of animals ranging from game birds to cattle,
to swine, deer and more.  They have a very informational website at:

http://www.admani.com/AllianceEquine/

They also offer FREE nutrition seminars, see the information below.

Alliance Nutrition Equine Sales Specialists and Sales Representatives are
available across the country to conduct Free equine nutrition seminars for
your groups of horse people. 

Free Door Prizes & Coupons

Typical topics include:

Basic Horse Nutrition
Recent Advances in Equine Nutrition
Feeding for Maximum Reproductive Performance
Should Fats be Fed to Horses?
The Importance of Minerals
Are You Feeding Your Horse Like a Horse?
Fueling the Performance Horse
Feeding Older Horses
Preventing Colic and Founder
Questions and Answers

If you belong to a saddle club, breed association or any other horse-related
group, contact them at:

AN_EquineHelp@...

or call toll free 8 am - 4 pm
EQUINE NUTRITION HELPLINE
1-800-680-8254 Pacific Coast Time

Please Be Sure to Include Your Name, Location, and Phone Number with all
Correspondence.

ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc. 1000 North 30th Street P.O. Box C1 Quincy, IL
USA 62305-3155

Sounds like a great unmounted lesson to me!

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

The Horse Journal

www.horse-journal.com

The horse journal is a valuable resource for anyone who cares for and/or
rides horses and purchases horse supplies.  This unique magazine (available
both online and in print) accepts no advertisers (no bias towards any
companies) so they are able to objectively test, rate, and recommend
products and methods of riding and horse management.  At only $2.00 per
issue (with a one year's subscription) you will probably end up saving
yourself the full subscription price in the first month when you are able to
buy the best, independently tested blanket (or supplement, or saddle, or
dewormer, or stallion breeding, or half chap, or paddock boot, etc...)
instead of an item that is simply promoted by its maker or the tack store
that carries it.

I subscribed to the Horse Journal when it first came out and I had to stop
subscribing when I went into information-overload because there was simply
too much great information coming at me every month.  Now that it's all
organized online and you can search all the back issues, maybe it's time to
subscribe again!

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Saddlery
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 35 section 23 A:

Girths on English saddles must have at least two buckles at each end and
must be fitted so there are at least two spare holes at the top and one at
the bottom of the billets after they are tightened.  Buckle (billet) guards
are required and must be in proper place.  Stirrup bars are to be down
(open) for riding.  Wither, girth, and saddle pads are optional unless
required for proper fitting of the saddle.  Rubber stirrup pads are
discouraged but not penalized when the rider is wearing boots with rubber
soles.  Exception: Fillis irons must always have pads.  The stirrup iron
should be 1 inch wider than the riders' boots....  If a running martingale
is used, it must be properly adjusted with a stopper at the chest and have
rein stops on each rein, on the bit side of the martingale rings.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: more Horse Dictionary entries
********************************************************************

Horse Dictionary

> Bog Spavin - The feeling of panic when riding through a muddy area. Also used
to refer to horses who throw a fit at having to go through water puddles.
> Colt - What your mare always gives you when you want a filly.
> Contracted foot - The involuntary/instant reflex of curling one's toes up -
right before a horse steps on your foot.
> Drench - Term used to describe the condition an owner is in after he
administers electrolytes to his horse.
> Endurance ride - The end result when your horse spooks and runs away with you
in the bush.
> Equitation - The ability to keep a smile on your face and proper posture while
your horse tries to pigroot, shy and buck his way around the track.
> Feed - Expensive substance utilized in the manufacture of large quantities of
manure
> Fences - Decorative perimeter structures built to give a horse something to
chew on, scratch against and jump over (see inbreeding).
> Flies - The excuse of choice a horse uses so he can kick you, buck you off or
knock you over - he cannot be punished.
> Founder - 1.) The discovery of your loose mare-some miles from your farm,
usually in a flower bed or hayfield. Used like-"Hey, honey, I found'er."
2.)Founder: A condition that happens to most people after Christmas dinner
> Gallop- The customary gait a horse chooses when returning home
> Gates - Wooden or metal structures built to amuse horses.
> Grooming - The fine art of brushing the dirt from one's horse and applying it
to your own body.
> Hay - A green itchy material that collects between layers of clothing,
especially in unmentionable places.
> Head Tosser - A blonde-haired woman who wears fashion boots while working in
the yards.
> Heaves - The act of unloading a truck full of hay.
> Hobbles - Describes the walking gait of a horse owner after his/her foot has
been stepped on by his/her horse.
> Hoof Pick - Useful, curbed metal tool utilized to remove hardened dog doo from
the treads of your endurance shoes.
> Inbreeding - The breeding results of broken/inadequate paddock fencing.
> Jumping - The characteristic movement that an equine makes when given a
vaccine or has his hooves trimmed.
> Lameness - The condition of most riders after the first few rides each year;
can be a chronic condition in old or weak riders.
> Lead Rope - A long apparatus instrumental in the administration of rope burns.
Also used by excited horses to take a handler for a drag.
> Longeing - A training method a horse uses on its owner with the purpose of
making the owner spin in circles-rendering the owner dizzy and light-headed so
that they get sick and pass out, so the horse can go back to eating.
> Manure spreader - Horse dealers
> Mosquitoes - Radar equipped blood sucking insects that typically reach the
size of small birds.
> Parasites - Small children that get in your way at endurance rides.
> Pinto - A colorful (usually green) coat pattern found on a freshly washed and
sparkling clean gray horse that was left unattended in his paddock for ten
minutes.
> Pony - The true size of the stallion that you bred your mare to via AI - that
was advertised as 15 hands tall.
> Proud Flesh - The external reproductive organs flaunted by a stallion when a
horse of any gender is present. Often displayed at rides.
> Quarter Cracks - The comments that most Arabian owners make about the people
who own Quarter Horses.
> Race - What your heart does when you see the vet bill.
> Rasp - An abrasive, long, flat metal tool used to remove excess skin from the
knuckles.
> Reins - Break-away device used to tie horses with. [Don't try this in Pony
Club!!!]
> Ringworms - Spectators who block your view and gather around the ring sides at
BC workouts.
> Sacking out - A condition caused by Sleeping Sickness (see below). The state
of deep sleep a mare owner will be in at the time a mare actually goes into
labor and foals.
> Saddle - An expensive leather contraption manufactured to give the rider a
false sense of security. Comes in many styles, all feature built-in ejector
seats.
> Saddle Sore - The way the rider's bottom feels the morning after the weekend
at a ride.
> Sleeping Sickness - A disease peculiar to mare owners while waiting for their
mares to foal. Caused by nights of lost sleep, symptoms include irritability,
red baggy eyes and a zombie-like waking state. Can last several weeks.
> Splint - An apparatus that can be applied to various body parts of a rider due
to the parting of the ways of a horse and his passenger.
> Stall - What your truck does on the way to a ride, fifty kilometers from the
closest town.
> Strappers - Heavy, stationary objects used at endurance rides to hold down
chairs and eskies.
> Tack Room - A room where every item necessary to work with or train your horse
has been put, in a place which it cannot be found in less than 30 minutes.
> Twisted Gut - The feeling deep inside that most riders get before a ride
starts.
> Vet Catalog - An illustrated brochure provided to horse owners that features a
wide array of products that are currently out of stock or have been dropped from
a company's inventory.
> Withers - The reason you'll seldom see a man riding bareback.
> Yearling - The age at which all horses completely forget the things you taught
them previously.
> Young stock - A general term used for all equines old enough to bite, kick or
run you over, but not yet old enough to dump you on the ground.

From:
http://www.kansashorsecouncil.com/humor.html

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

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

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

Spike, 21 years young, 15.2 hand bay Pony Club gelding.  His owners don't
want to sell him, but he needs a job.  They would be willing to do a board
and care lease at your facility.  He can come back anytime, and can stay as
long as you'd like.  Spike still has a lot left in him.  He's in Wilton, CA
at this time at a H/J barn.  He's too much horse for a lesson horse...his
trainer would like to see him go to a dressage barn.  He loves to jump, but
gets quick.  He needs a confident rider with a light hand.

He requires no special shoeing, is an easy keeper on grass hay and LMF
senior.  He prefers a buddy, as he gets nervous when he's alone. He has been
the only horse at home for 5 months, but he had two pygmy goats as pals.  He
trailers, ties and stands as a gentleman for the farrier.

Please contact: Kathy Sanchez
kathy.sanchez@...
(530) 271-5870

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

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@... .

********************************************************************
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.

HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: How much do you know about your horse's diet?
2) Notes on the mineral selenium
3) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: Beyond the Hay Days
4) Fun and educational websites: books online, nutrition articles, and art
5) Featured rule: Hay at rallies
6) Horsey Humor: You know you're a real horseperson when...
7) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: How much do you know about your horse's diet?
*******************************************************************
by Stormy May

Most horse owners are mystified by trying to decide what their horse should
be eating.  Besides the debate over what hays are best, there are enough
equine grains and other supplements on the market to feed a small (or medium
sized!) country.  Analyzing your horse's ration scientifically might seem
like a smart choice but even then, it seems that the more you read about it
the less you know what to believe.

For those of you who have the USPC B/HA/A manual, there is a worksheet that
shows how to balance a ration.  Unless you're a math whiz it might take you
quite a while to figure out.  What is useful in the manual is the several
pages of nutritional value charts.  If you don't have the manual, I'll guide
you to some places where you can find these values online.

The BEST online resource I've seen for figuring out equine rations is on the
Purdue University Cooperative Extension website at:

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/AS/AS-429.html

I'm going to walk you through their method.  Please make sure you visit the
webpage above either before you finish reading this article or before you
sit down to calculate your own horse's ration.

Let's start with figuring out what your horse needs.  Please keep in mind
that for all these numbers to follow, they are averages.  This isn't rocket
science, use the numbers as guidelines not absolutes.  Even more important
than the numbers are the questions: is your horse currently a good weight?,
is s/he healthy?, is there at least a bit of shine to the coat?, does s/he
have enough energy to do the work asked?

So, on to our theoretical horse:

Salsa is a 12 year old, 1,000 lb TB/QH cross gelding in moderate work.  He
is in good condition on his current diet of orchard grass and rye grass hays
and is a relatively easy keeper.  He lives in a large corral with 4 other
horses (no grass growing) so the amounts he eats we'll calculate as one
fifth of what all 5 horses eat.

Right now, Salsa receives approximately 10 pounds of orchard grass hay in
the morning, 8 pounds of ryegrass hay for lunch, and 10 pounds of orchard
grass hay in the evening which totals out to:

20 lbs orchard grass hay per day
8 lbs ryegrass hay per day

A) Horse's daily requirements (from Tables 1 and 2 on the Purdue webpage)
(since they give amounts for 880lb and 1,100lb horses and Salsa is 1,000lbs,
I'm going to go back to what I learned in my junior high math class and use
ratios to figure out what the numbers should be for Salsa.  If you were
never very good in math, it will get you close enough to just take an
average between the 880lb numbers and the 1,100lb numbers.)

Salsa needs
Digestible Energy:  22.4 Mcal per day
Crude Protein: 1.97 pounds per day
Calcium: 27 grams per day
Phosphorus: 19 grams per day
Vitamin A 1000: 20.0 IU's (International Units) per day

B) List ration ingredients and pounds of each in the appropriate columns.

You can start out by using the numbers in their charts but if you'd like to
get even more precise, you can send your own feed in to get analyzed.
Here's a website that contains a list of labs that will test feed:

http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:3QAsZ4Wf7dkJ:www.cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_a/A-
327.pdf+nirs+testing&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

From the Purdue webpage table 4: Late bloom orchard grass
Digestible Energy: .78 Mcal/lb
Crude Protein: .076 lb/lb
Calcium: 1.09 g/lb
Phosphorus:  1.22 g/lb
Vitamin A: 3.29 IU/lb

Since there isn't a listing for ryegrass hay I had to do a lot of digging
and finally found what I was looking for on page 62 of the "Nutritional
Requirements for Horses" book available to read for free online at
www.nap.edu (from their main page, do a search on "horses" and then under
the "Nutritional Requirements for Horses" heading click on "READ Free
Online."

Ryegrass hay

Digestible energy: .71 - .83 Mcal per pound
Crude protein: 8.8 - 10.3 percent
Calcium: .53-.62 percent
Phosphorus: .29-.34 percent
Since there's a range, I'll take a middle average for each value.
Unfortunately it didn't contain a listing for Vitamin A.  Since I know that
Vitamin A is lost the longer the hay is stored, and Vitamin E values can
vary considerably I may consider adding a Vitamin A and E supplement to
Salsa's ration depending on what my totals end up being.

C) Make sure the weight of the ration ingredients do not exceed 2-2.5% of
body weight.  Salsa receives approximately 28 lbs of hay for 1,000 lbs of
body weight so he gets 2.8% of his body weight.  I'm not too concerned about
the number being high since right now Salsa doesn't get any additional
supplements, the number is an estimate between feeding 5 horses, and he's in
good condition and health.

D) To figure out the amount of nutrients Salsa is getting I do the
following:

Orchard Grass Hay
Digestible Energy: 20 lbs x (multiply by) .78 Mcal/lb = 15.6 Mcals
Crude Protein: 20 lbs x .076 lb/lb = 1.52 lbs
Calcium: 20 lbs x 1.09 g/lb = 21.8 grams
Phosphorus: 20 lbs x 1.22 g/lb = 24.4 grams
Vitamin A: 20 lbs x 3.29 IU/lb = 65.8 IU's

Ryegrass Hay
(since the many of the values for the ryegrass hay were in percentages
rather than grams or pounds, we'll have to take a couple of extra steps...)
Digestible Energy: 8 lbs x .77 Mcal/lb = 6.16 Mcals
Crude Protein: 8 lbs x 9.55% (remember 9.55% = .0955) = .764 lbs
Calcium: 8 lbs x .58% = .0464 lbs (if you remember that 16 oz = 1 pound and
1 oz = 28.35 grams then you can convert .0464 lbs to 21.0 grams)
Phosphorus: 8 lbs x .32% = .02 lbs (9.07 grams)

(If he were getting a grain ration, I would add it here after getting
information from the feed tag and calculate it out just like I am doing for
the hays.)

E) Total the amounts of nutrients for the two hays fed:

Digestible Energy: 15.6 Mcals + 6.16 Mcals = 21.76 Mcals
Crude Protein: 1.52 lbs + .764 lbs = 2.284 lbs
Calcium: 21.8 g + 21.0 g = 42.8 g
Phosphorus: 24.4 g + 9.07 g = 33.47 g
Vitamin A: 65.8 IU's + ?? = over 65.8 IU's

F) Compare what Salsa's getting (section E) with what his requirements are
(section A)

Digestible Energy:  Salsa needs 22.4 Mcal per day, he's getting
approximately 21.76 Mcal per day (.64 Mcal deficiency)

Crude Protein: Salsa needs 1.97 pounds per day, he's getting approximately
2.284 lbs per day (.314 pounds excess)

Calcium: Salsa needs 27 grams per day, he's getting 42.8 grams per day (15.8
grams excess)

Phosphorus: Salsa needs 19 grams per day, he's getting 33.47 grams per day
(14.47 grams excess)

Vitamin A: Salsa needs 20.0 IU's per day, he's getting over 65.8 IU's per
day (45.8 IU's excess)

I'm going to take this one step further and calculate the Calcium to
Phosphorus ratio (Ca:P).  Even though Salsa's Calcium and Phosphorus intake
is in excess of his requirements, I know that with these two specific
minerals the most important part is that they are in balance with each
other.  The CA:P ratio should be from 1:1 to 3:1.  If I were to feed it in a
ratio that had more phosphorus than calcium, or not meet the minimum
requirements of one or the other it could lead to diseases such as "big head
disease".  If I divide 42.8 grams by 33.47 grams I find that Salsa is
getting a 1.27:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus which is in an acceptable
range.  If your horse gets a lot of wheat bran (high in phosphorus) be
especially careful of maintaining a good ratio.

G) What this whole analysis tells me is that with the exception of
Digestible Energy, Salsa is getting plenty of what he needs, in the right
proportions.  If I feel like I need to add a little bit more Digestible
Energy (for example if he doesn't seem to have enough energy for the work he
does, if he's losing weight, or if I increase his work load) then I'm going
to look for a supplement that is high in Digestible Energy (Mcals) but
doesn't add much protein, calcium, phosphorus, or Vitamin A.  Also, since
he's already getting more than 2.5% of his body weight in hay, I might look
to reduce his hay as I add this supplement.  I'd have to do the whole feed
analysis over with the changes I'm thinking of making.

As an sample supplement, Purina's Equine Senior's nutrients are:

Digestible Energy: 1.225 Mcal/lb
Crude Protein: 14%
Calcium: .5 - .6%
Phosphorus: .4%
Vitamin A: 3,000 IU/lb

If I were to give Salsa just one pound of Equine Senior per day it would add
1.225 Mcals Digestible Energy (this would more than make up for his .64 Mcal
deficiency).  However, it would also add to the excesses that he has in all
the other areas, especially protein and Vitamin A.  There is probably
another, more cost effective supplement that can add Digestible Energy
without tipping the scales on protein, calcium, phosphorus, or other
vitamins and minerals.

This article is just meant to get you started on the path to balancing your
horse's ration.  What you may be most surprised at is the amount of excess
nutrition your horse is getting in the form of expensive supplements.  The
manufacturers are banking on the fact that most horse owners feed
supplements based on recommendations from friends or reading catalog
descriptions rather than sound nutritional analysis.

If you wish to go further, let the Internet be your playground.  You can
start calculating the approximate amounts of vitamins and minerals your
horse gets (horses should have free access to a trace mineral salt block
which makes the minerals a bit difficult to calculate).  Just remember, not
everything on the Internet should be taken as gospel, use your best
judgment.  See the webpage recommendations below for more great
feeding-related articles.

*******************************************************************
Notes on the mineral selenium
*******************************************************************

Selenium is a mineral that all horse owners should be aware of.  To
paraphrase some of the following excerpts, too little selenium (less than
.1ppm or .1 mg/kg) and a horse may exhibit signs of tying-up (azoturia) or
other symptoms such as anorexia, emaciation, generalized muscle weakness,
rapid heart rate, and diarrhea, all of which could ultimately lead to death.
Too much selenium (over 5ppm or 5 mg/kg) can lead to "blind staggers" or
"alkali disease" which also may result in death.  Following, are several
excerpts that I found while researching selenium.

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

From: http://horse.purinamills.com/bulletins/musthaveminerals.htm

How your horse uses it: The trace mineral selenium works in concert with
vitamin E to scavenge destructive free-radicals and aid in muscle
development.

Where it's found: Most forages contain selenium, but the amounts vary
greatly, depending on the area of the country where the forage was grown.
For example, the soils of Florida, northern California and western Oregon
are low in selenium and produce selenium-deficient crops. In contrast, the
soil in parts of Colorado, Montana, the Dakotas and Wyoming contain toxic
amounts of the mineral.

Dietary requirements: Horses require only about 0.1 parts per million (PPM)
of selenium in the diet. Since soil conditions affect selenium content, it's
wise to have your hay analyzed to see how much it supplies. Supplementation
in conjunction with vitamin E is useful in treating some cases of tying up.

If he doesn't get enough: A selenium-deficient diet results in reproductive
problems, immune deficiencies and, particularly in foals, white muscle
disease, where the muscles become weak and useless.

If he gets too much: Selenium poisoning usually occurs when horses graze on
plants that contain high levels of the mineral. Horses suffering from acute
selenium poisoning--with blood levels of more than 72 PPM--may exhibit
colic-like discomfort, increased heart and respiratory rates and
head-pressing or staggering behavior. Long-term grazing on plants that
contain between 5 and 50 PPM of selenium can lead to chronic toxicity and
associated anemia, lameness, a rough hair coat and brittle, malformed
hooves. Untreated chronic toxicity can be fatal.

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

From: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=181

Many different sources of selenium are available for supplementation, the
most important factor is selecting a source of the proper strength and
selenium content that is available for digestion. Only one consistent source
should be used. A free-choice salt/mineral mix containing selenium is the
safest form of supplementation.

The supplementation rate for selenium is generally 1 mg per horse per day.
Supplementation can go as high as 2 to 3 mg per day without any ill effects.
Doses of 5 mg per day can lead to problems with selenium toxicity.

Clinically, selenium deficient horses will often "tie-up," a degenerative
condition of the muscles also known as rhabdomyolysis. It can affect the
heart muscle, the muscles of respiration, as well as the large muscles of
the back and limbs. It can also cause a decrease in the efficiency of the
immune system, leading to opportunistic infections.

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

From:
http://www.neosoft.com/~iaep/pages/nutrition/toxicosis/seleniumtox.html

The condition was called "alkali disease" which in its chronic form resulted
in loss of hair from the tail and mane, abnormal hoof growth, lameness,
anemia, salivation, grinding of the teeth, paralysis and eventual death. An
acute form which can follow consumption of plants with very high levels of
selenium results in a condition know as blind staggers which is
characterized by elevated temperature, labored respiration, a bloody froth
in the mouth and nose, respiratory failure and death.

Most of the early interest in selenium was focused on its role as a toxic
element. However, in 1957 Schwarz and Foltz discovered that it was required
in the diet of animals and it has since been included in a list of twelve
essential trace elements along with chromium, nickel, vanadium, tin, zinc,
iron, copper, iodine, managnese, cobalt, and molybdenum. It is now known
that the areas where it is deficient far exceed those where selenium
toxicity is a problem. Early nutritional studies revealed a relationship
between vitamin E and selenium and for a time it was believed that the
vitamin could replace selenium in the diet. It was later shown that this was
not the case and that some selenium was required irrespective of the level
of vitamin E. Further studies have revealed a complex relationship between
selenium, vitamin E., lipids, sulfur and sulfur containing amino acids.

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

From: http://www.ruralheritage.com/vet_clinic/selenium.htm

"Alkali disease," is characterized by hair loss from the mane and tail,
sloughing of hooves, joint erosion, and lameness.

Excessive intake of selenium may result from consuming plant material raised
in areas where the soil contains a high level of selenium. The areas with
high selenium soils are west of the Mississippi River. Prior to the 1930s,
when alkali disease was first proven to be caused by selenium toxicity and
the high selenium areas were identified, many horses and cattle died of the
disease. Dr. Merl Raisbeck of the Department of Veterinary Science at the
University of Wyoming reported that each year before 1930 a vast number of
animal deaths in Wyoming were attributed to alkali disease.

Although the number of cases of selenium toxicosis has greatly decreased
since 1940, toxicity is still reported. During a recent three-year study in
Wyoming Dr. Raisbeck found four substantiated cases of selenium toxicity of
horses due to the ingestion of high selenium forage. A few recent cases have
also been reported in Colorado and Iowa.

Cases of toxicity due to selenium in the water, excessive use of
supplements, or environmental contamination are occasionally reported. The
dangers of excessive selenium cannot be ignored.

Requirement
Selenium was first shown to be a required nutrient for laboratory animals in
the 1950s. Shortly thereafter it was established as a help in preventing
muscular degeneration in farm animals. Prior to 1950 white muscle disease
was common in calves, lambs, and foals raised in areas where the soil is
lacking in selenium. Selenium supplementation and injections have saved the
lives of millions of animals.

Although severe selenium deficiency is usually much more common in young
animals, it may also occur in older animals. Selenium deficiency may impair
reproductive performance and decrease resistance to disease.

In the 1960s researchers discovered that selenium can help prevent tying-up
disease in horses, but does not prevent all cases. Since selenium has been
widely added to horse feeds, the number of tying-up cases that respond to
selenium has been greatly reduced, and tying-up continues to be a problem.

Identifying Deficiency
If you live in an area where the soil is known to be lacking in selenium and
you feed your horses only home grown feeds, you should use selenium
supplementation.

Select a supplement that provides 1 to 3 mg of selenium per day or use a
trace mineral salt that is fortified with selenium. Salt products designed
for horses contain 30 to 90 ppm selenium. You may add the salt to the feed
or offer it free choice.

Free choice feeding of selenized-salt has been widely used for sheep and
cattle because supplementing grazing animals is often difficult. Fewer
studies have been conducted with horses, but salt appears to be a reasonable
source of selenium, particularly for horses that graze. If you use a
commercial grain mixture fortified with selenium, you probably don't need a
supplement.

If you are not sure whether or not your horses are getting enough selenium,
and the horses have muscle problems, selenium may be involved. Your
veterinarian can take a blood sample and have it analyzed for selenium or
glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that requires selenium.

Selenium is needed for a horse's normal muscle function and health. Three
adages apply: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure‹selenium
supplementation need not be expensive, but if selenium is needed and not
provided, the cost can be great. Use moderation in all things, and good
things come in small packages. The horse needs 1 to 3 mg of selenium per
day, but 50 mg per day may cause toxicosis.

One mg is 0.0000022 lb. Thus you must exercise care when using selenium
supplements. The amount of supplement you add must of course be greater than
one mg, because the selenium in the supplement is diluted with carrier. Read
the label carefully and add adequate but not excessive amounts to keep your
horses healthy.

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

From: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/selenium/selenium.html

Alkali disease is more chronic than blind staggers, often taking years to
manifest itself. It is caused by feeding on plants and grain that have
protein-bound, insoluble selenium. This disease can affect all livestock,
but it is detected mostly in cattle and horses. General symptoms include:
lack of vitality, anemia, emaciation, stiffness of joints, lameness, rough
coat, loss of long hair, and hoof sloughing and deformities. Hoof
deformities are a classic sign of selenium and can cause lameness and severe
pain for the animal; food and water must be provided to the animal, for it
may be hesitant to walk.

The most effective way of preventing selenosis is to remove the animals from
the seleniferous area. Treating the soil with sulfates, thus changing the
S:Se ratio, can sometimes depress Se uptake by accumulator plants. Results
from studies have shown that feeding a higher protein diet may reduce the
toxicity of Se; animals fed the same amount of toxic selenium but fed a
higher protein diet lived for a few more days than those animals fed a low
protein diet. Dilution of high Se feeds with low Se feeds in a mixed ration
will help to prevent toxicity. Recognition of seleniferous plants, proper
land management, and grazing control are all necessary to completely prevent
selenosis.

Deficiency of Se is much more common in the eastern United States where the
soil content of Se is low. There are many different diseases that affect the
different species, all of which will be addressed in the species sections.
There is one disease that is consistent in all livestock species, and that
is Nutritional Muscular Dystrophy, or White Muscle Disease (WMD).
Nutritional muscular dystrophy is caused by the deficiency of Se and/or
vitamin E and S-containing amino acids. The disease is characterized by
degeneration of the skeletal muscles, causing stiff gaits, and other
problems.

The nutrient requirement for horses is 0.10 mg/kg. Nutritional muscular
dystrophy is the known disease that affects horses with Se deficiency.
Similar to sheep, there are three different patterns of NMD that can occur.
The first is acute, with death occurring within 24 hours. The foal's tongue
may be paralyzed, making in unable to suckle. The second case is more common
and is induced by exercise. Older foals are more susceptible to this form;
they show an unsteady gait and general muscle weakness, rapid heart rate
with arrhythmia, and labored breathing. After a few days, it is difficult to
make them stand and they salivate excessively. Mortality from this condition
is only about 30-45%. The third condition affects mostly older animals, and
is the result of chronic Se deficiency. Affected animals show anorexia,
emaciation, generalized muscle weakness, rapid heart rate, and diarrhea.

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

From: http://horse.purinamills.com/bulletins/poison/lamenessinducing.html

A number of detrimental effects occur if the diet contains less than 0.1 ppm
(or mg/kg) selenium. However, greater than 5 ppm in the total diet is
harmful and causes chronic selenium poisoning of livestock; greater than 25
to 50 ppm may cause acute selenium poisoning and sudden death due to
pulmonary congestion and edema.

Selenium-rich soils occur in areas of low rainfall, where minimal leaching
of selenium from the soil is likely to occur. In North America this occurs
primarily in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions. In a recent
survey, selenium excess attributable to native plants was reported in only
eight states (California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota,
Utah, and Wyoming). In contrast, in all 50 states except four (Delaware,
Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wyoming), selenium deficiency, was reported
to be a problem.

Acute selenium poisoning most commonly occurs as a result of the inadvertent
addition of excess selenium to the diet.

More common than the acute is a chronic selenium excess. Traditionally,
chronic selenium excess has been divided into two syndromes referred to as
blind staggers and as alkali disease. Both syndromes are associated with the
chronic ingestion of forage and crop plants that have accumulated 5 to 50
ppm selenium in their dry matter.

Excess selenium consumption results in the substitution of sulfur in keratin
by selenium. This results in defective formation of keratin, the principal
protein present in the hoof and hair. Initially, affected horses lose the
long hair from the mane and tail; it breaks off at the site where excess
selenium is incorporated in the hair shaft. This gives the horse a roached
mane and bobtailed appearance, and is the reason the syndrome has been
referred to as "bob-tail disease." Lameness develops as a result of
inflammation of the coronary band and abnormal hoof wall formation affecting
all feet. Initially, affected horses walk stiff-legged, with tenderness
followed by pronounced lameness. Horizontal rings or ridges that may
progress to full-thickness cracks through the hoof wall causing severe
lameness are characteristic. Some horses may slough the hoof wall entirely.
Chronic selenium excess has also been associated with anemia, liver
cirrhosis, emaciation, and degeneration of heart, bones, and joints in
horses and cattle.

A diagnosis of selenium poisoning is best confirmed by submitting samples of
feeds ingested for analysis and then determining the selenium concentration
in the total diet as described in Chapter 6. A selenium concentration in the
total diet dry matter greater than 5 ppm (5 mg/kg) should be considered
potentially toxic. A serum selenium concentration above the normal of 0.09
to 0.3 ppm is suggestive of chronic selenium excess, although 1 to 4 ppm is
typically present, whereas serum levels up to 25 ppm have been reported in
acute poisoning. Excess selenium in liver or kidney is also indicative of
selenium excess.

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!: Beyond the Hay Days by Rex A. Ewing
*******************************************************************

Beyond the Hay Days: Refreshingly Simple Horse Nutrition, Second edition
by Rex A. Ewing

A reviewer from the Amazon.com website writes:
This is an excellent book on horse nutrition. It makes nutrition easy to
understand and information is presented in an easy to read format. Nutrition
concepts (such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, ATP, enzymes, minerals,
vitamins, etc.) and how they are metabolized by the horse are explained.
Also included is a chapter dedicated to MSM, DMG, Chondroitin Sulfates,
Glucosamine, and Bromelain. The book details how much protein, fat,
vitamins, minerals, etc. your type of horse needs (broken down into
maintenance horse, pregnancy, lactating, growing, performance, or stallion)
and how your horse's health, care and general condition contribute to his
ability to absorb these nutrients. Each chapter includes charts highlighting
the information presented. Additionally, at the end of the book are charts
and formulas to help you determine exactly how much your horse needs of each
nutrient and how much he is currently receiving in his diet. They were very
easy to use, and this will allow you to see where his diet is deficient.
This is a great book for the horse owner who is interested in horse
nutrition, wants to optimize what he is feeding his horse, and is curious as
to the benefits (or not) of all those supplements on the market.

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

The National Academies Press, read more than 3,000 books online free
including the "Nutrient Requirements of Horses, Fifth Revised Edition"

http://www.nap.edu/ search from this page for "horses"  and then when you
find the "Nutrient Requirements of Horses, Fifth Revised Edition" click on
"READ Free Online".

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

http://horse.purinamills.com/bulletins/musthaveminerals.htm

A very simple, easy to understand article about the horse's "Must-Have"
minerals, reprinted from Equus magazine.  Includes calcium, iron,
phosphorus, selenium, sodium chloride (table salt), cobalt, copper, iodine,
magnesium, manganese, potassium, sulfur, and zinc.  This is HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED for anyone going for their C3, B, or HA ratings.

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

http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/horse/g1403.htm

Great webpage about reading feed tags

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

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/horse/406-473/406-473.html

Another webpage about balancing rations, from the Virginia Cooperative
Extension

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

http://www.galeriepleinaire.com/prints.html

Beautiful horse prints

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Hay rations at rallies
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 30 section 13:D :  Hay

Hay rations need to be formulated by weight.  The feed chart must indicate
what amount, by weight, of hay is fed each morning and evening.
Prepackaging of hay is not encouraged or recommended but is allowed.  The
feed chart must indicate the ration of hay and whether it is free choice or
not.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: You Know Your A Real Horse Person When...
********************************************************************

you change lanes while driving and your "inside" leg moves to apply
pressure.    

you click to your dog.  

you click to your friends.    

your daughter's birth announcement reads: "it's a filly!"    

you've taught your dog to longe.    

there is at least one saddle in your living room.    

you wonder if Hoofmaker doubles as a moisturizer. 

while jogging, your "inside" leg extends farther to help you balance.    

you think the 5th fairway would make a great galloping lane. 

while walking your dog, you hold the leash like a rein.

you post over speed bumbs.      

you half-halt your dog while out walking.      

you explain to your child's pediatrician that you knew the child was sick
because he was off his feed.   

you show up in city clothes dressed for appointments and when you get there
people reach over the breakfast table to pick alfalfa out of your hair.

you're trying to get by a co-worker in a restricted space and instead of
saying "excuse me" to him/her, you cluck at them instead.

no one wants to ride in your car because they'll get sweet feed and hay in
their socks and purses...but that's ok because then you'd have to rearrange
all the tack to make room for them, anyway!

your spouse does something nice for you and you say "good boy" or "atta
girl" and pat him/her on the neck.

your boyfriend complains that you love your horse more then you love him and
you answer: "And your point is?"

you are totally grossed out by human hair in the sink or tub, but don't mind
horse hair in your washer, on your clothes, in your food.

you consider a pristine golf course as a waste of good pasture land.

you buy duct tape by the case, and carry rolls in your pocketbook, your
briefcase, and the console of your car.

you plan your pregnancy around the show season so you can send your horse to
your dressage instructor for training during the eighth and ninth months.

you dress like a lawyer on weekdays and someone who needs a lawyer on your
days off.

you pull a $17,000 horse trailer with a $1,700 pickup truck.

you seriously consider trading your 1996 Buick for a 1988 Diesel crewcab
dually pickup truck, even swap.

you realize that finding a horse shoe truly is lucky because you've saved
ten bucks.

your trying to get by a co-worker in a restricted space and instead of
saying "excuse me" to him/her, you cluck at them instead.

you say "whoa" to the dog.

you say "whoa" to your kids.

you say "whoa" to your truck.

your spouse brings the new saddle to bed so it can be worked on it while
watching TV.

you see the vet more than you see your child's pediatrician.

your horse gets new shoes more often than you.

you put a gun rack in your pickup truck to carry dressage whips and riding
crops.

for once you have extra money to buy yourself something, and you get the
check out counter and decide that you don't really need that shirt anyway.
That $25 could be an entry fee!

the real estate agent asks what kind of house you are looking for, and you
say, "More than six acres."

you are unreasonably pleased to get a horse item, ANY horse item, as a gift.
"They really cared!!!"

you actually like all horse items, any horse items, regardless of execution.

you stop channel surfing at Budweiser Clydesdale commercials.

you actually get to a point where flies don't bother you so much.

your horse gets more compliments for grooming than you do.

you've considered moving into the barn, since it is cleaner than the house.

your spouse hangs around the barn hoping to get a massage when you've
finished on your horse.

you go to the museum with a non-horsy friend and, whilst wandering through
the ancient bronzes, suddenly realize he is asking exasperatedly, 'Well?
What about the conformation on this one?"

you run your tongue over your back molars and idly wonder if they need to be
floated.

you can find your boots in the dark by the aroma.

you leave work feeling stiff, tense, with a stomach- or headache, and all
those feelings disappear the minute you go through the first gate to the
ranch.

you hate posing for pictures unless you're on your horse.

you spend a lot of $ on a trip to Europe and end up spending most of your
time watching horses.

you chirp to, cluck to or spur your truck/car.

the concept of sleeping in on the weekends has long since faded from your
memory.

you know you're a hunter/jumper/ct person when:

...you count how many steps (strides) you take in between the cracks in the
sidewalk, the shadows of trees, etc.

...you count strides to the beat of the music in your car and pretend that
the telephone poles are the jumps.

you don't have to be asked by your non-horsy family what you want for
Christmas anymore...they now get their own horse catalogs.

you keep a spare stud chain in your purse for emergencies.

the family photos are in the bedroom; the horse photos in the den.

the board check is paid before any other bill.

your instructor and vet are the only non-family on your speed-dial.

you always have new foal pictures in your wallet.

the photo Christmas cards feature the horses.

you have memorized the addresses of your breed association and AHSA.

you've spent so much time at the boarding stable that people think you're
the maintenance man.

you wear NASCAR baseball caps to horse shows so people won't ask you
questions that you can't answer.

you coax your horse into the trailer with a carrot, give him a bite, and
walk out finishing it yourself. (family germ theory apparently extends to
horses).

You know you're a hunter/jumper/etc. when... 

every log / yard fence / flower garden / etc. looks like a good fence.    

your dog jumps something and you sigh, "her knees were uneven!"  

From: http://www.equerry.com/html/fun/eq_humor-hp.htm  

********************************************************************
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@... .

********************************************************************
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.