HAT Chat Articles – July 2005

 

 

A word from our President

 

It’s hard to imagine that three months ago we were all commenting on how soggy the ground was.  Now we’re in the middle of summer, and what little rain we’ll get between now and Labor Day won’t begin to make a dent toward closing up the cracks in the dry ground.  There’s nothing like Texoma in the summertime!

 

Did you get out to see our Youth Clinic and Show last month?  If you didn’t, you missed out on a really fun day of learning and showing.  Gerry Snipes and her talented helpers presented an excellent clinic, and I was very pleased to see so many first-time kids jump in and give it a try in the show during the afternoon.  I would especially like to thank Janessa Dutton for taking the extra time at the end of judging each class to bring everyone in to explain what she was looking for and to offer tips for improving their performances.

 

Congratulations also to Joanne Kremer for being selected to receive the HAT Youth Scholarship.  We all wish you the best as you continue your education.

 

One last thing for this month: remember when you get out with your horses to always give both them and you plenty of water to drink.  With the days reaching 100 degrees or more, it doesn’t take much to get into a lot of trouble.

 

Roger Dougan

HAT President

 

 

HAT Youth Show A Success

 

HAT’s 3rd annual Youth Clinic and Show was held on June 18th at Loy Lake Arena in Denison.  Once again, it has been declared a great success.

 

The day began with the Youth Clinic, led by talented local horsewoman Gerry Snipes.  Gerry and her team of assistants worked with the kids to educate them on the finer points of ground work and “taking command” of their horse in the saddle.

 

Following a break for lunch, many of the youth who attended the clinic stayed on for the Youth Show.  Janessa Dutton, our volunteer judge, not only put the kids through their paces in each class, but also took the time to talk with each group to give them pointers on what a judge looks for and how they can improve their chances in the show ring.  Complete Youth Show results are included in this issue.

 

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the HAT Youth Scholarship.  Joanne Kremer from Bells High School was this year’s recipient.  You can read more about her on page 4.

 

HAT would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and talents toward making this event a success.

 

 

Next HAT Show September 18th

 

The next major event on HAT’s calendar is an Open Show on September 18th.  This even is scheduled for the Grayson Sheriff’s Posse Arena at Loy Lake Park.  A showbill for this event will be printed in the August issue of HAT Chat.

 

Start making your plans now to come out and join us at Loy Lake in September!

 

 

 

A Letter from the Editor

 

To Our Readers:

 

The month of July marks a milestone in the history of HAT Chat: with this issue, we begin our fourth year of publication.  It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long, but when you stop and consider that 36 monthly issues have come before this one, it seems almost unbelievable.

 

In my office, I have several three-ring binders where I keep copies of every issue of HAT Chat ever printed.  I have one binder for each volume, and I just finished filing Volume 3 (July 2004 – June 2005).  I looked through those binders as I was preparing this letter, and had a couple of thoughts as I was looking that I’d like to share with you:

 

There is a tremendous difference in the sizes of each binder.  The volumes get thicker and heavier with each passing year.  When I look at the individual issues, I noted that the average number of pages has increased – from an average of 10-14 pages for Volume 1 to nearly double (20-24 pages) today.

 

So, what made the newsletter grow so much?  Information.  Lots of information.  From the Services Directory and the Events Calendar to all the articles and even the Recipe of the Month, each issue is packed from cover to cover with valuable information.  That’s what I had first hoped HAT Chat would be – a source of useful information to benefit our members.

 

Somewhere along the way, I think it has become something more.  In my “other job” as Show Secretary for our shows, I often have people come up to me and ask questions about things they have seen in a copy they picked up at a local feed store; still others who have never seen it before will pick up one of the copies we always keep at the show desk and tell me they are simply amazed at all the “stuff” they find in it.  This to me means HAT Chat has become a resource for the local horse community, not just for our members.  That is an awesome accomplishment in my book!

 

So, what can you expect to see as we go forward?  First off, HAT Chat will continue to provide as much information to you as it does today – that is a commitment we will not compromise on in any way.  Our efforts to provide even more information to you will continue as well; look for more articles on a variety of equine-related subjects in the coming months, starting with this issue.

 

Most important of all, HAT Chat could not have been such a success these past three years without you, our readers.  Many of the changes this newsletter has had over the years have come from your ideas, your suggestions, your stories (and even some of your recipes!).  If you ever have a question about something we’ve printed, an idea for an article, or maybe you’re interested in submitting a story of your own, I’d like to hear from you.  If you’re willing to take the time to offer your ideas, I’m willing to take the time to listen.

 

And who knows?  You may find your idea in a future issue of HAT Chat!

 

 

Michael Bernier

Editor

 

 

 

HAT Scholarship News

 

2005 HAT Scholarship Awarded at Youth Show

 

HAT announced the recipient of its 2005 Youth Scholarship during the annual Youth Clinic and Show on June 18th.  Joanne Kremer, a 2005 graduate of Bells High School and the daughter of Annie Kremer and the late Richard Kremer, was selected from several entries to receive the $500 scholarship, which is awarded annually to a Texoma-area high school senior who is actively involved in equine activities.  On hand to present the award to Joanne were Roger Dougan, HAT President, and Sandra Shiver, HAT 2nd Vice President and Scholarship Committee Chair.

 

Joanne has been very active in extracurricular activities, including serving as District IV 4-H Council Officer, Grayson County 4-H President, Best Friends 4-H Club President, Helping Hands 4-H Club President, and currently serving as the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Region III President in addition to serving as president of the local FCCLA chapter.  She also participates in UIL Academic competitions, is active in youth church activities, and served as the team mascot.

 

But, it is from owning and caring for two Quarter Horse geldings, Old Man and Tex, that Joanne has come to realize that life is meant to help others.  She hopes to accomplish this by becoming an animal nutritionist.  Joanne is enrolled at Grayson County College, with plans to attend Texas A&M.

 

We wish Joanne well as she continues her educational pursuits.

 

 

 

Joanne Kremer (center) stands with Sandra Shiver, HAT 2nd Vice President and Scholarship Committee Chair and Roger Dougan, HAT President after receiving the 2005 HAT Youth Scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

State/Local News

 

Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Quarantine in Texas Released

 

As of June 30th, the Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) quarantine on two horses on a Travis County, Texas, premise has been released.  Currently, Texas has no animals or premises under quarantine for the sporadically occurring blistering disease that can affect horses, cattle, swine and a number of other species.

 

Until the threat of VS ceases to exist, Dr. Bob Hillman, executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has directed all Texas accredited veterinarians who write a certificate of veterinary inspection for any livestock moving interstate from Texas to make the following determination and provide this statement on the certificate:

 

“The animals represented on this certificate of veterinary inspection have not originated from a premises or area under quarantine for Vesicular Stomatitis or a premises on which VS has been diagnosed in the past 30 days.  I have examined the animals and have found no signs of Vesicular Stomatitis.”

 

Furthermore, animals entering Texas from a state affected by Vesicular Stomatitis must have a current certificate of veterinary inspection with this statement.

 

Although the Texas VS quarantine has been released, it is still a good idea to call the state of destination prior to travel to ensure your animals have met all entry requirements.

 

Information about VS and case counts in affected states may be accessed through the web site for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us.  The latest report indicates Arizona has 19 premises under quarantine, and New Mexico and Utah have two premises each under quarantine.

 

Source: Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)

Contact: Carla Everett, public information, 1-800-550-8242 ext 710

 

 

 

National News

 

Most Comprehensive Horse Study Ever Reveals a Nearly $40 Billion Impact on the U.S. Economy

 

The horse industry in the United States contributes $39 billion in direct economic impact to the U.S. economy and supports 1.4 million jobs on a full-time basis, according to a new study released June 28th by the American Horse Council (AHC).  When indirect and induced spending are included, the industry’s economic impact reaches $102 billion.  The study also estimates the horse population in this country has reached 9.2 million.

 

The study, conducted by Deloitte Consulting, LLC over the last year, was commissioned by the American Horse Council Foundation with major funding support from the American Quarter Horse Association, The Jockey Club, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and Breeders’ Cup Limited, Keeneland Association, American Paint Horse Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, U.S. Trotting Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the U.S. Equestrian Federation.

 

The study, titled The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry in the United States, is the most comprehensive research document ever compiled on the American horse industry.

 

The study reveals:

 

  • An industry that is both large and economically diverse, as well as a key contributor to the overall fabric of the U.S. economy;
  • Horse owners and industry suppliers, racetracks, and off-track betting operations, horse shows and other industry segments all generate discrete economic activity contributing to the vibrancy of the overall industry;
  • Of the total economic impacts reported, approximately $32.0 billion is generated from the recreational segment; $28.8 billion from the showing segment and $26.1 billion is generated from the racing segment.

 

“This study paints a portrait of an industry that operates in every corner of the country and contributes mightily to the American economy and culture,” said Jay Hickey, President of the AHC.  “Never before has the impact of our industry been so dramatically demonstrated.”

 

“Millions of Americans have a personal commitment to the horse industry, from the grassroots to those who compete nationally and internationally,” said David O’Connor, President of the United States Equestrian Federation and an individual Olympic Gold Medalist.  “Some are kids riding their backyard horse for the sheer joy of it, some support their family working for an equine business, and others are breeders and competitors at the highest levels.  Together they contribute billions to the economic health of our country through their shared passion for the great American icon, the horse.”

 

“We know horses have a special place in America’s history and culture.  This study clearly demonstrates the horse industry’s significant role in America’s economy too,” said Congressman Don Sherwood (R-Pennsylvania), a breeder of draft horses.  “When you have a tough week in Congress, there is nothing like going home, cleaning a stall, and grooming a broodmare.  The old saying that there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man is so true.”

 

“This study reveals the importance of the recreational sector of the horse industry.  My Right to Ride legislation will help this growing sector of the horse industry continue to enjoy the trails and public lands on horseback”, said Congressman George Radanovich (R-California), a rider.  “Horse and saddle-stock use on federal land has a long tradition in American culture.  Riding livestock is a great way to explore and experience our federal lands; we must preserve our riding heritage.”

 

"As someone who has spent a lifetime around horses, I understand how much they are a central piece of our nation's fabric, from rodeos and trail riding to racing and showing," said Representative Joel Hefley (R-Colorado).  "This report demonstrates how horses of every breed positively impact our economy and our way of life."

 

"This study confirms what many of us in the Congress already knew, that the American horse industry is a vital contributor to the U.S. economy while bringing pleasure to millions of people," said Senator Mitch McConnell, (R-Kentucky).

 

Some of the key industry statistics and economic indicators reflected in the study include:

 

  • Estimated number of horses in the U.S.
    • 9.2 million
  • Estimated number of horses by Activity
    • Recreation, 3,906,923
    • Showing, 2,718,954
    • Racing, 844,531
    • Other, 1,752,439
  • Estimated number of horses by Breed
    • Quarter Horse, 3,288,203
    • Thoroughbred, 1,291,807
    • Other Horses, 4,642,739
  • Estimated number of horses in each of the 50 states
    • Texas (one million), California (700,000) and Florida (500,000) are the leading horse states.
    • 45 of 50 states have at least 20,000 horses.
  • Number of people participating in the industry
    • By form of participation (e.g., owner, volunteer, etc.)
      • Owners, 2 million
      • Volunteers, 2 million
  • Direct, indirect and induced economic impacts of the industry on U.S. and individual state economies
    • Contributions to Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
      • Nationally, $102 billion via direct, indirect and induced spending
    • Number of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs produced
      • 1.4 million

 

In conducting the study, Deloitte contacted 400,000 horse owners and other industry participants involved in all segments of the horse industry, including people involved in both the recreational and commercial spheres.  The report is available for a fee by contacting the AHCF at www.HorseCouncil.org.

 

About American Horse Council

The AHC represents the horse industry in Washington, D.C.  Organized in 1969, it has been promoting and protecting the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests.  The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing every facet of the horse world, including owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registers, horsemen’s associations, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.

 

= = = = = = =

 

2004 Olympic Show Jumping Medals To Be Redistributed

 

Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil and Chris Kappler of the United States moved up to gold and silver medals, respectively, when the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale), the international governing body for equestrian sport, officially disqualified individual show jumping gold medalist Cian O’Connor of Ireland from the 2004 Olympic Games on June 10, due to a positive drug test on his horse Waterford Crystal.

 

Kappler, of Pittstown, N.J., and his horse Royal Kaliber initially tied with Pessoa and Baloubet du Rouet for second place last year in Athens, Greece, then competed in a dramatic ride-off and earned the bronze.  Now that Kappler has been awarded the silver, Marco Kutscher of Germany and his mount Montender 2 will take the bronze.

 

The FEI Judicial Committee had disqualified O’Connor after a hearing earlier this year.  The FEI received official notice on June 10 that O’Connor had waived his right to appeal.  The FEI has officially informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the medal standings have been changed, and will arrange for the redistribution of the medals in cooperation with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the National Olympic Committees of Brazil and Germany.

 

This also impacts the final standings in the team jumping competition at the 2004 Olympic Games.  The Irish team, which finished seventh, was disqualified and eliminated from the competition.  Therefore, the Italian team moves up to seventh and all other teams below move up one place.

 

“We congratulate Chris.  His performance in Athens was outstanding on both an individual level and as part of our silver medal team effort.  Chris is an exceptional athlete and a gracious representative of his sport and country,” said John Long, CEO of the U.S. Equestrian Federation, the national governing body of equestrian sport.

 

 

 

Legislative Update

 

AMERICAN HORSE COUNCIL

RIGHT TO RIDE LEGISLATION –ACTION REQUESTED

 

“Right to Ride” legislation has been introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.  This legislation in intended to preserve the access of horses and pack stock to public lands where there is a historical tradition of such use.

 

Specifically, the legislation mandates that the lands should managed by federal agencies “to preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on such lands… where there is a historical tradition of such use.”  This legislation would apply to federal lands managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the U. S. Forest Service.

 

Representative George Radanovich (R-CA) introduced his bill, H.R. 586, in the House of Representatives on March 15.  The bill was referred to the House Resources Committee and the House Agriculture Committee.

 

Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced an identical bill in the Senate, S. 781, on April 14.  The bill was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

 

Both gentlemen have asked the American Horse Council to help generate co-sponsors for their respective bills.

 

Please contact your Congressman/woman and your Senators to encourage them to co-sponsor the legislation.  The more contacts we generate to Representatives and Senators, informing them of our interests and concerns, the broader the support that is generated for the legislation.

 

The AHC has prepared sample letters you may use to write or fax your elected officials regarding this important legislation.  These letters are available at the AHC website, http://www.horsecouncil.org, or by contacting the AHC office at the number listed below.  If you do not know your Congressman/woman and his/her Washington, D.C. mailing address or fax number, you may identify him/her by visiting http://www.house.gov/ and typing in your zip code under the section “Find Your Representative.”  For Senators, contact information can be found by visiting the Senate website at http://www.senate.gov/ and following the instructions.  Please feel free to call the AHC for help.

 

It is vital to the passage of this legislation that we generate support in the upcoming months.  As you know, Right to Ride legislation is important to riders and their continued use of public lands.  We want to halt the closure of federal land to horses.

 

Thank you for your support and involvement.  Please send us copies of any letter you send to Congress, and do not hesitate to contact the AHC at (202) 296-4031 if you have any questions.

 

 

 

In Memoriam

 

Several HAT members and other friends of HAT have lost horses due to age or illness in recent months.  We would like to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to them, and hope that they may take comfort in the following passage that was so kindly offered by Debby Van Nurden:

 

 

 

“If you bury him in this spot, the secret of which you must already have, he will come to you when you call ~ Come to you over the far, dim pastures of death, and down the remembered paths to your side again.  And though you ride other living horses through life, they shall not shy at him, nor resent his coming.  For he is yours and he belongs there.

 

People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no nicker pitched too fine for insensitive ears.  People who may never really love a horse.  Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth knowing.

 

The one place to bury a horse is in the heart of his mistress.”

 

 

-- Author Unknown

 

 

 

Extension Service News

by Eddie Baggs, CEA-Agriculture

Denton County Cooperative Extension

 

Composting Horse Manure

 

Denton County boasts a thriving Equine industry.  Increment reports for 2004 estimate that over 25,000 head of horses reside in Denton County and that the industry contributed over $52 million to the economy in that year alone.  Folks own horses of all kinds from extremely high dollar breeding and performance horses to the “back-yard” family pet.  One thing that all of these horses have in common is that they all produce waste.  Many horse owners will spread manure on pastures or pay for a service to pick up this waste for composting or proper disposal.  However, horse owners can recycle manure themselves to produce a useful product.

Composting is the controlled break-down or degradation or organic material (manure in this case) into a product known as humus that can be very useful to us as a soil amendment and even for potting plants and other landscape purposes.  It is true recycling at its best.  Taking a bothersome and smelly product and turning it into something very beneficial.

The composting process must include several things: 1) It must be aerobic.  In other words, the composting material must have oxygen available.  Without it, the process is called fermentation and results in awful smells; 2) It must be biologically mediated.  This implies that naturally occurring microbes will digest the organic material; 3) Compost is thermophilic.  The organic material should go through a “heat” of between 130-160 degrees F as the decomposition process occurs.  At these temperatures, harmful pathogens are destroyed as are all but the hardiest of weed seeds; and 4) It is a controlled process.

Successful composting of any organic material will require moisture, the correct carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and oxygen saturation.  Sufficient water provides soluble nutrients for the microbes present.  The moisture content should be between 45-55% by weight.  Too much moisture can reduce the oxygen suppled needed.  However, as the compost “heats” it may be required to supply additional moisture so that the process can continue.  The average C:N ratio needed to optimize composting is 25:1 to 30:1 by weight.  Most manure can have a 15:1 to 10:1 ratio and it is likely that a high carbon material will need to be added like sawdust or shavings.  Many horse owners already have shavings mixed in manure and will just need to determine if adjustment is needed.  Oxygen saturation is very important, but if manure and shavings are the material composting, it is usually porous enough to require little manipulation.

While many horse owners spread manure on pastures in a green state, over time, this can result in some negative effects if not managed properly.  Manure is much more beneficial as a composted product.  Contact your local Extension Office for more information on composting horse manure.

 

Educational programs conducted by the Texas Cooperative Extension serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin

 

 

 

Ask The Vet

by Dr. Katie Hayes, DVM

 

Foal Worming & Vaccinations

 

Worming

 

Worm your foal every 30 days until 8-9 months of age, then as a yearling every 2 months.  Safe wormers for foals are Panacur paste, ivermectin liquid and Zimectrin paste.  We have ivermectin liquid for $1.00/cc, given at 1cc/100 lbs. of body weight.  Use the following chart to determine the appropriate dosage:

 

Average Foal Weight by Month

1st month

150lb

5th month

500lb

2nd month

250lb

6th month

550lb

3rd month

350lb

7th month

600lb

4th month

450lb

8th month

700lb

 

 

Vaccinations

 

If the mare was vaccinated before foaling, vaccinate your foal using this schedule:

1st EWT/West Nile            4 months of age

2nd EWT/West Nile           5-6 months

1st Rhino/Flu                      7 months

2nd Rhino/Flu/Rabies          8 months

 

If the mare was not vaccinated before foaling, vaccinate your foal using this schedule:

1st EWT/West Nile            3 months

2nd EWT/West Nile           4 months

1st Rhino/Flu                      5 months

2nd Rhino/Flu/Rabies          6 months

 

 

 

A Bit of Humor

 

Basic Rules for Horses Who Have a Barn to Protect, Part 2

 

Going for Trail Rides: Rules of the road: when out on a trail with your owner, never relieve yourself on your own land.

 

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, so break as much of the ground in and around the barn as possible.  This lets the ground know who’s boss and impress 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, stomp your feet and nicker gently to show your concern.

 

 

Author Unknown

 

 

 

This Month’s Recipe

 

Grilled Steak with Corn and Roasted Vegetables                                                                              Servings: 4

 

1/4 cup                Italian dressing

2 tbsp                  soy sauce

1 lb                     beef flank steak

4                         ears of corn, in husks

2 lbs                    baby red potatoes, cut in half

1 cup                   chopped asparagus

1 tbsp                  dried rosemary leaves

 

 

·        Preheat grill to medium-high heat.  Mix dressing and soy sauce.  Pour 2 tbsp of dressing mixture over steak in a shallow dish, turning to coat.  Let stand 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, soak corn in water for 10 minutes.

·        Microwave potatoes on High 10 minutes.  Poke small holes in the bottom of a disposable foil pan.  Remove potatoes from microwave, toss with remaining dressing mixture, and add asparagus and rosemary.  Spoon into foil pan.

·        Place steak, corn, and foil pan on grill.  Grill 15 minutes or until desired doneness, turning steak and corn after 8 minutes and stirring vegetables frequently.  (Note: corn husks will be blackened).