The National Equine Resource Network’s (NERN) low-cost gelding clinic program launched earlier this year in California has already reduced the future equine population in the state by as many as 395

horses. To date, NERN has held seven low cost gelding clinics in partnership with local veterinarians and other non profit equine welfare organizations, in the horse-rich communities of Salinas, Cottonwood, and Oakdale, among others.

Shirley Puga, NERN Founder, said her organization initiated the gelding program as an effective and proactive tool to reduce the neglect, abandonment and sale for slaughter of horses across the country who are suffering from the economy, right along with their owners.

Since the average privately owned stallion will sire approximately 5 foals in its lifetime, the 79 horses gelded by the low cost NERN clinics has potentially reduced the burden of 395 new horses on the market.

NERN has several more clinics planned for the Fall in horse communities such as Ramona and Norco. By year-end, NERN should exceed its 2011 goal of creating 100 new geldings and reducing future population by 500 new horses.

“We are creating a template that can be used by local equine veterinarians, equine rescuers and other advocates,” Puga said. She commented that the program in California is designed as a model that can easily be used anywhere in the country. NERN wants to make the low cost gelding clinic model available to all interested parties, along with the necessary seed money to implement local programs.

A leading equine sanctuary in Washington state has already committed to holding one of the first out of state clinics next year, and it is hoped that many more will follow suit as the final model becomes available.

“Although the so-called ‘backyard breeders’ contribute only a small part to our country’s excess horses, it is hoped by showing a major reduction in this area, commercial breeders will also take more responsibility for the over population by practicing more responsible breeding and not depending upon equine slaughter to deal with their living by-product,” Puga said.

An interesting additional benefit of these clinics is that they have provided valuable hands-on experience for numerous vet students and interns.  Shirley extends her gratitude to the veterinary community for contributing their expert services at greatly reduced rates, to responsible, yet financially challenged horse owners.

NERN brings horse owners, equine welfare organizations, and veterinary professionals together to make them all part of the solution to the excess horse problem.

To help NERN continue to expand the gelding clinics and other proactive programs, please visit the website at nationalequine.org to make a tax deductible donation.

Contact: Shirley Puga, Executive Director, 760-419-2462 nationalequine@gmail.com

For the second time in her career, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has selected Rochelle “Shelly” Temple and her Morgan, LR Ami B-Line, to represent the United States at the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Lipica, Slovenia, September 21-25, 2011.

Making the United States team has been a year-long process for “Cooper,” Shelly, and her navigator/husband, Fran Doto. They and other members of the long listed drivers have been competing and training under the tutelage of U.S. driving coach, Michael Freund. For the past couple of months, several long listed drivers have trained and competed in Europe. In August, Shelly was fifth at the German National Championship in Minden, Germany, where she won the dressage and cones classes for single ponies.

Shelly acknowledges the team aspect of combined driving: “I am thankful for the USEF’s support and the training and instruction from Michael Freund over the past year,” she said. “Michael’s coaching has been instrumental at improving all aspects of my driving. I also appreciate the support of the individual donors and corporate sponsors whose products keep Cooper health, fit, and in top form: Kentucky Equine Research, Kombat Boots, Purina Feeds, Omega Fields, ThinLine, Leather Therapy, and Charles Owens. This is truly a team sport and I couldn’t be competing next week in the World Championships without the generosity of sponsors and all the great people who have donated to Team Catalyst.”

Other members of the USEF World Pony Driving Team are Miranda Cadwell, Jennifer Matheson, Wendy O’Brien, Laurie Astegiano, and Allison Stroud. Suzy Stafford will compete as an individual.

Chester Weber will serve as the Chef d’Equipe and Michael Freund will serve as coach.

U.S. coverage will be available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/coverage/archives.aspx

To follow Shelly and Team Catalyst World Championship efforts visit: http://catalystdriving.blogspot.com.

by: Pat Raia
September 08 2011, Article # 18787

Thanks to record summer temperatures and persistent drought, several wildfires have flared in Texas this year, according to information contained on the Texas Forest Service website. Since Sept. 1 the Texas Forest Service has responded to 181 fires covering a total of 118,413 acres. On Sept. 5 the agency responded to 22 new fires affecting 7,544 acres, including 10 new large fires, according to the website. As of Sept. 6, firefighters continued the struggle to control the blazes.

Throughout the Labor Day weekend, Texas horse owners used Facebook and other Internet avenues to share news about available resources including transportation, feed, and shelter beyond the fire zone. But veteran firefighter Gina Gonzales, of the Loveland Fire Rescue in Loveland, Colo., and an assistant instructor for The Large Animal Emergency Rescue Inc. (TLAER), said evacuation is not an option for some owners. When that’s the case, owners should take these “shelter in place” steps before the fire advances:

• Stock water: Fill every available bucket, trough, and other container with enough water to accommodate animals for between five and seven days.
• Stock feed: Horses sheltered in place should have enough feed to accommodate them for between five and seven days.
• Gather hand tools: Have metal shovels and heavy-duty metal rakes on hand to extinguish cinders that might fall onto your property. “Wind can carry cinders as far as a quarter mile,” Gonzales said. “Hand tools are the best way to extinguish them.”
• Gather equine identification information: Owners will need definitive identification to reclaim animals displaced during a wildfire event or other disaster from animal control or welfare authorities.
• Mark your animals: Animals should also be marked with the owner’s name and contact information. Gonzales recommends owners use indelible markers to write this information on horses’ hooves, or on duct tape placed on the horses’ neck or buttocks.
• Mark your property: Place placards on property fence gates informing firefighters that animals are being sheltered in place there. Owners should also include their names and contact information.
• Remove horses from barns: Horses should be relocated from barns even if those structures are equipped with sprinkler systems. Paddocks or metal-construction areas provide safer shelter. Close up the barn to prevent scared horses from running back inside and becoming trapped.
• Be alert to signs of smoke inhalation: Along with risk of lacerations and other injuries, horses sheltered in place run the risk of smoke inhalation. Owners should be able to recognize signs that their horses have inhaled smoke. “If you see soot around your horse’s eyes or coming out of its nose, that horse has been breathing smoke,” Gonzales said.

Keith Taraba, DVM, of the Northeast Texas Equine Services in Pittsburg, said risk of smoke inhalation could last up to 30 days after fires have been extinguished. Left untreated, smoke inhalation can have long-term consequences including lung cancer in horses. Veterinarians treat smoke inhalation with antibiotics, as well as drugs that dilate airways and steroid drugs that reduce tissue inflammation.

“If owners find their horses coughing, sneezing, or breathing more heavily than usual, they should seek treatment as soon as possible,” Taraba said.

Finally, Gonzales recommends that owners residing in wildfire-prone areas reduce fire-damage risks by creating so-called “defensible spaces” around their properties.

Defensible spaces are 100-foot perimeters that surround barns, paddocks, homes, and other structures. These spaces are devoid of overgrown brush, flammable chemicals, or trees that could fuel cinders emanating from wildfires.

“If you have a defensible space, be sure your horses are placed within it if you have to shelter in place,” Gonzales said.

The American Horse Council reports that the Senate Committee on Appropriations approved its version of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2012.  This bill provides funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 2012 fiscal year (October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012) and contains several provisions of interest to the horse industry.

The Senate bill authorized different levels of funding for various USDA programs than the House bill (H.R. 2112) passed on June 1, 2011.  The AHC reported on the House Appropriations Committee approval of the USDA funding bill for 2012 fiscal year.

USDA Funding

The Senate bill sets overall funding for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inpsection Service (APHIS) at $820.1 million.  APHIS is the agency responsible for responding to disease outbreaks.  This is approximately $36 million more than the House-approved funding level of $783.4 million.

The Senate bill is $43 million less than FY2011 levels and $12 million less than the President’s FY2012 budget request.  By comparison, the House bill was $80 million less than FY2011 levels and $49 million below the President’s request for FY2012.  However, the Senate bill maintained funding for equine, cervid, and small ruminant health at $22 million in accordance with the President’s request and the House bill.

The Senate bill funds the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at $1.01 billion.  ARS is USDA’s chief scientific research agency and has played a critical role in mitigating the health and economic impacts equine infectious diseases, such as Equine Piroplasmosis, have had on the horse industry.  The Senate bill is approximately $100 million more than the House bill authorized.

The Senate bill is $40 million less than FY2011 levels and the President’s FY2012 budget request; however, the House bill was $146 million less than FY2011 levels and $150 million below the President’s FY2012 request.

The Senate also provided $7 million for the new animal disease traceability system, which USDA published a proposed rule on in August 2011.  You can view the AHC’s information on the new animal disease traceability program.

Horse Protection Act

The Senate bill approved funding for enforcement of the Horse Protection Act at $891,000 which is the same amount as the President’s FY2012 budget request and $400,000 more than the House bill authorized.

Equine Transport

The Senate bill also included committee report language expressing concern with the lack of progress on USDA’s 2007 proposed rule changes under the Commercial Transportation of Equines to Slaughter Act.  The Senate Committee directed USDA to finalize the rule before October 1, 2011.  USDA published the final rule yesterday, September 7, 2011.

Status

This bill must now be approved by the full Senate, and go through a conference committee with representatives from both the Senate and the House to resolve any differences between the two bills.

If you have any questions regarding this bill please call the AHC.

Saturday, October 1,2011 – Start at 8:00 am
Royse/Redlands Arena, El Reno, Oklahoma – 9304 N. Hwy 81
Judge: John Abrams

Okla. Appaloosa Horse Club Fun Fall & Open Horse Show

Current Negative Coggins must accompany all horses bought on show grounds and be shown at office. No Exceptions..State Law

No tennis shoes or bare feet or sandals for those exhibiting horses, please.

ApHC rules apply to all ApHC classes.
For more information
Charlie Hall 405-787-9870

Class Fee (No ApHC point fees)        $8 each
Office Fee (per horse)                        $10
Day Stall-Sat. only (first come basis) $30 each

August 25, 2011

by The American Quarter Horse Journal

The world’s largest, single-breed world championship horse show, open exclusively to amateur exhibitors age 50 and older, kicks off August 28 at the  Amarillo National Center in Amarillo, Texas. The show is free and open to the public.

The 2011 Adequan Select World will host 1,290 riders from the United States, Canada and – for the first time ever – Argentina, who have come to compete for more than $520,000 in prize money in addition to custom-designed trophies, Montana Silversmiths champion belt buckles, logoed Cripple Creek jackets and the honor of being crowned an American Quarter Horse Association world champion.

The select division is only for amateur AQHA members who are 50 years of age or older on or before August 1 of the qualifying year. Amateur exhibitors are American Quarter Horse owners who do not join the professional ranks. The Adequan Select World is open to those exhibitors who have qualified for the event by earning a predetermined number of points throughout the year to secure a spot in each of the classes.

The show features 41 classes, representing English, western and halter disciplines. The Amarillo economy will get an expected $7.1 million boost during the show’s eight-day run.

AQHA initiated a new program this year in which the top three Intermediate exhibitors in each class will be recognized at all four world championship shows. An Intermediate exhibitor is an exhibitor who has never placed in the top 10 at an AQHA world show in the particular class in which they are competing.

Just as with the championship titles, three Intermediate awards will be given – champion, reserve champion and third place. The Intermediate awards program allows more exhibitors to be recognized during AQHA world championship competition.

The American Quarter Horse Journal will provide extensive online coverage of the Adequan Select World. Be sure to catch the  live action in the arena on the Pfizer Animal Health webcam, hosted by  America’s Horse TV. A special wrap-up of the show will air on  RFD-TV at 10 p.m. EST on October 6. Complete coverage of the show will be featured in the October 2011 issue of the  Journal Plus, the digital supplement to The American Quarter Horse Journal that is free to all Journal subscribers and which can be found at  www.aqha.com. Photos of the Adequan Select World champions will be published in the November issue of the Journal.

The Adequan Select World Championship Show is made possible by AQHA Corporate Partners Adequan, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bank of America, Farnam, John Deere, Markel, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, Nutrena and SmartPak.

The excitement takes place August 28 – September 3.

For more information contact Jeannie Blancq, director of communications and special events at (806) 341-5252 or jblancq@aqha.org. For additional news, updates and special offers, become a fan of AQHA on Facebook or follow on  Twitter.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, Journal Plus, Q-Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit  AQHA Publications.

Most  horse owner’s dream of having that perfect, well-organized barn but it is can be tough to keep things clean and organized without breaking the bank. Try a few of our thrifty tips to help solve some of those pesky barn management problems without hurting the wallet.

Tackroom. When space is an issue, try using clear plastic totes, that can be found at most home goods stores for only a few bucks. They come in different sizes to fit your space and typically come with lids that help keep dust out. Use them to keep down clutter by keeping together things such as grooming and bathing supplies. Clear totes allow you to see what is inside without having to open every lid. Use dry erase maker on outside to label contents for easy identification then wipe it away and re-label later.

Dust. Even in a well organized tackroom dust is often an issue. A clear vinyl shower curtain liner (possibly re-purposed from the home) makes a great dust cover for hanging tack. Use a staple gun to secure curtain along the length of the tackroom wall above bridle racks. Vertical slits in the curtain make for easy access to tack while still protecting it from the dust.

Feed buckets. Purchasing feed buckets from your local tack store can cost as much as $10- $15 per bucket. This really adds up, especially when you are feeding multiple horses. Ask your local doughnut shop (such as Shipley’s or Crispy Cream) for their used filling buckets. Often times they sell them for cheap. And bonus, they generally come with lids that seal the contents. You can prepare several feedings at once, cutting feeding time without the worry of exposing feed to the elements.

Feeding on the road. Packing enough feed, hay and supplements for your trip can often times require a lot of preparation. And how many times have you gotten where you’re going and run out or feed or forgot that all important feed scoop? Prepare each feeding at home to ensure each horse gets exactly what they need. Gallon sized Ziplock freezer bags make perfect feed bags and can be labeled with each horse’s name. Also makes a great way to leave pre-measured rations for horsesitters taking care of the ones left at home.

Barn tools. Help keep your barn isles clutter free by providing a central location for barn tools such as manure forks and shovels. Try using over the door (or in the case, stall) hangers for a quick, no-assembly fix. Tools can be easily hung up and out of the way.

A leveling system for AQHA shows is under consideration.

The American Quarter Horse Journal
July 12, 2011

A level playing field for all competitors is one of the hallmarks of fair competition. AQHA has been working for nearly a year on making that happen for its shows.“A lot of sports – horse racing, barrel racing, car racing and boxing, just to name a few – offer numerous competition levels based on skill; physical characteristics like weight, age and type (or breed when it comes to animals); or career earnings,” said Tom Persechino, AQHA executive director of competition and breed integrity. “It’s time that the American Quarter Horse show industry broadened its offerings and followed the suit of many of our alliance partners like the National Cutting Horse, National Reining Horse, National Snaffle Bit and National Reined Cow Horse associations and developed multiple opportunities for new people to enter the arena at a level where they’re comfortable competing.

“It’s all done to create fairness in competition, as well as to attract the widest group of competitors and to grow our sport.”

At press time, the AQHA Executive Committee was scheduled to will review the proposed leveling program at its quarterly meeting, July 18-20, to set show points and fine-tune other guidelines in making AQHA competition as fair as possible for exhibitors at every level.

The proposed leveling system includes more and different divisions, including new Rookie and Intermediate showing levels for exhibitors, as well as Green and Progressive levels for horses; more and different awards; and a proposed Novice championship show. A final announcement is expected around the conclusion of the 2011 Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show.

“Our goal has been to help American Quarter Horse owners make that step to showing their horses at our shows,” said Patti Carter-Pratt, AQHA executive director of shows. “We know that our horse owners are proud of the work they have done with their horses, and we want to give them a place to show where they won’t feel intimidated. A fair and level playing field is a good way for us to start.”

A Blue-Ribbon Process

Through its 70-year existence, AQHA has continually reviewed and improved its competition to reflect the changing needs of its competitors – from the initial inclusion of amateur competition to developing Novice, Limited, Select and Green divisions. Today, many members and staff felt it was important to take a more in-depth look at decreasing exhibitor and horse numbers competing at AQHA-approved shows. However, it’s important to remember that no major changes to an industry as successful as AQHA shows can occur without in-depth input and review by multiple committees and members.

In 2009, the AQHA Blue-Ribbon Task Force was appointed by the Executive Committee to review all aspects of AQHA competition and make suggestions for improvement. The task force has met multiple times in the past two years to review volumes of statistics on AQHA shows, determine trends and brainstorm ways to improve – all the while seeking input from members on the best ways to improve AQHA competition without harming the success of high-point or world show competition.

The task force then made recommendations to the show council and show committee. The council and committee then made recommendations to the membership and board of directors at this year’s convention. All along the way, the Executive Committee has been monitoring the progress of the various task forces and committees. At its meeting in July, the Executive Committee was scheduled to make the final review of the various programs.

Want to know more about leveling, read the complete article about the AQHA leveling program.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal or America’s Horse, visit AQHA Publications.

DOING BETTER

Seems as if I write the same thing over and over.  The Christian writer, Phillip Yancey once said, “All writers have just one theme.  All writers are trying to get one thought out.  They say the same thing over and over.”  I certainly didn’t think that was true of me.  I have written several books, but I “knew” they were all different.  After all, one was for teachers, one about a horse that helped a troubled youth, one about a frog and his family who dealt with a tragedy (his daddy got gigged), another about a disturbed horse and so on.  Then one day years later, I looked at all the books sitting on a table and realized, “Oh my goodness, they’re all about the same thing!” Yancey was right.

My favorite subject – my favorite question – is “How is it that we do better?”  What are the things we can do to improve our chances for personal success?  And perhaps even more importantly, how can we help those we love?  Maybe more than anything, we want those we care about to be successful, whether they are our children, grandchildren, students, employees, and in my case – and many of yours as well – how do we get our horse to do better?  How do we get our horse to be the best of all things…a willing partner?

Some years ago, I began to notice certain people in my life who were really good at this “improvement” thing.  They were also effective at helping others around them.  While they came from different walks of life – some were professors, some coaches and teachers, some bronc riders – they possessed one common theme.  They shared one bright thing.  They all treated people – and horses – in a certain way.  I’ve been trying to learn more about those behaviors since.

It begins from the moment you meet them.  When you first encounter these people, they look at you and they smile.  They seem genuinely glad to meet you.  They say your name and ask you about you.  That doesn’t seem to be much, but you find yourself liking this person…and you don’t even know them.  Most “important” people have little time for the rest of us.  These folks I’m talking about make you feel like you are important.  Whenever I talk about this, sooner or later you can bet someone will say, “I don’t like people like that – people who always seem to be running for office.”  I don’t like people like that either.  None of us do.  But you know who we do like?  We like people who are authentic, genuine, and sincere.

Some educators say, “It’s not my job to teach kids that.  That is the parent’s role.”  I agree.  Problem is even successful, well-to-do people sometimes have a lack of knowledge of the power of interpersonal skills – not phony glad-handing, but real skill in dealing with others.  One of my favorite quotes from an old John Wayne movie is when the Duke says, “Big mouth don’t make a big man.”  (Then naturally he knocks the loud mouth over a water trough.)  To paraphrase my point, “Just ‘cause you got money don’t mean you got manners.”  But those rich people are missing something vital by not teaching their kids manners.  Manners can get you money.  You can give your kid thousands of dollars, but if he’s still a jerk, chances are he will lose it all.  If, on the other hand, he has style, genuine grace and charm…the kid can make his own money.

On a couple of occasions, I have been criticized by some who say, “You’re teaching people what con men do.”  That is precisely correct.  That is exactly what I am trying to do.  “Grifters” – as they are called – know the power of charm.  They can actually relieve others of their money with a smile and some guile.  But those people have something dark in their hearts.  What if you combined powerful people skills with something light in your heart?  You would have something that could really help you.  And I have seen so many who did just that.  I will never forget watching one woman do something so wonderful…

Her name was Sally Field.  Sally worked at the Pentagon, and at the time, Sally held the distinction of being the highest-ranking civilian female in the federal service.  One day, as she walked into the conference room to conduct a meeting, a general officer – not knowing who she was – turned to her and said, “Get me a cup of coffee, honey.”  Without missing a beat, Sally turned on her heel and said, “Certainly, I’ll be glad to.”  She went down the hall and retrieved this fellow coffee.  After placing it in front of him, she said, “There you go.  Made you a fresh pot.”

She then took her position at the head of the long mahogany table and said, “I’m here today to request some twenty-million dollars in funding for our troops who are fighting in the field.  I need this money to keep those brave young people alive.  I may not get everything I ask for, but I am certain of one thing…”  She paused and smiled down at this general whose mouth was now really wide open, ‘cause this fool had realized he had just told his boss to get him coffee, and she said…

“I won’t have any trouble out of you, will I?”

General “Coffee” hung his head, cleared his throat, and said, “No Ma’am, you will not.  And if I have anything to do with it, you will get every penny.”

Sally got all her money.

That little story could have gone so many ways.  Sally could have snapped back at that man.  She could have said, “I’m not a secretary.”  She could have stormed off in a huff – and justifiably so.  Instead she treated that fellow with the kindness of Jesus, and Sally won the day and Sally saved lives.  Just goes to show you -

It’s nice to be important…but it’s more important to be nice.

– Michael Johnson