HAT Chat Articles – November
2005
A word from our
President
Well, it’s finally getting
cooler outside, and lo and behold the holidays are just around the corner. I guess it’s just like they say: we only have
two seasons here in
We had a really good Adult
Clinic on October 23rd. It
was a bit chilly (for a change), but everyone who came out learned a lot and
had a good time. We’d like to thank our
clinician and all our participants for making the afternoon a really great
experience. We hope to bring you more
events like this in the future.
Speaking of the “future”, are
you ready to bring out your weanlings and yearlings to our Halter Challenge on
November 6th? This is our
last event of the year, and it’s always a treat for everyone to come out and
“see the babies”. Don’t forget the Open
Show right after the Halter Challenge – a full schedule of classes for everyone
to compete in. Look for more information
in this newsletter, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.
Here’s wishing everyone a
Happy Thanksgiving and a safe start to the holiday season.
Roger Dougan
HAT President
HAT Halter Challenge and Open Show
November 6th
The time has finally come
for the HAT Halter Challenge and Open Show.
This event, HAT’s final show of the year, will be held November 6th
at Loy Lake Arena in
There’s been some questions asked
about what this event’s all about. We
changed the name of our annual Weanling and Yearling Futurity to “Halter
Challenge”, and that’s all. This is still
our annual event designed for breeders/owners to showcase or “show off” Texoma
area weanlings and yearlings. There will
be trophies, ribbons, bragging rights, and a cash jackpot all up for
grabs. Just added to the Challenge is
$150 in added money - $100 for the Grand Champion of the Challenge, and $50 for
the Reserve Champion. This is in
addition to the jackpot money.
The Open Show starts
immediately after the conclusion of the Halter Challenge. It is a regular open show, and uses the same
class format as the show we held in September.
Also added for this
event is a professional photographer, who will be available to take pictures of
riders/exhibitors and their horses, and a tack shop will be set up on site for
your convenience.
A flyer describing the
entire event, as well as a showbill for the Open Show, are both printed in this
newsletter.
Additional copies can be printed from our website at www.hat-texoma.org.
We’re looking forward to
seeing you there!
HAT Adult Clinic a Success
HAT’s first-ever Adult
Clinic was held on October 23rd, and by all accounts was a great success.
An unusual cold snap at the
end of an otherwise warm week kept everyone very alert and attentive at the
clinic, which was designed to teach basic horsemanship skills.
HAT would like to thank
everyone who braved the cooler breezes to come out and participate, and
especially our clinician for taking time from her busy schedule to spend with
them. We look forward to offering more
clinics like this in the coming year.
State/Local News
Center for
Equine Business Studies to Form at
The Texas A&M University
System Board of Regents have approved a concept proposal for a new Center for
Equine Business Studies.
The center will establish a national horse inventory
database and conduct research and analysis on the $112 billion industry. The center will be part of the Texas A&M University System Agriculture Program and
headquartered on the
“What’s unique about this is there’s no inventory data
for horses,” said Dr. Ernie Davis, professor emeritus at Texas A&M, who will serve as center director. “It’s the only major agricultural commodity
that doesn’t have market data reports, unlike beef cattle, sheep, goats and
pork.”
“Our services will be pretty much in line with what I
did for the beef cattle industry,” he said.
“We will be doing economic impact studies for legislation, but also look
at other variables such as the cost of preventing diseases and determining if
prevention is greater than the cost of the disease.”
The
“We also plan to conduct demographic research studies
to further evaluate the different types of individuals involved in these
activities,”
No state or federal funds will go to the center, he
said. Membership fees from equine
companies and breed associations would fund the center and research programs.
“This center is for all breeds and performance
groups,”
- - - - - - -
Fast Facts
about the
- There are more than 1 million horses in
- Cash receipts for horse sales across the state average more than
$350 million per year
- There are approximately 300,000 horse owners and more than 1
million individuals involved (directly and indirectly) with horses in
- The horse industry has generated over 43,000 jobs across the state
- Over $13 billion dollars have been invested across
Source:
National News
American Association of
Equine Practitioners
New Study Shows Recreational Horses at
Risk for Stomach Ulcers
New research shows that
stomach ulcers can occur within five days in horses exposed to recreational
show conditions and activities. The
study, reported in the September 1st issue of the Journal of the
American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), indicated a high percentage of
horses developed ulcers when exposed to normal situations related to weekend
show travel. These included transportation,
twice daily feeding, light exercise and stall confinement.
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
(EGUS) can cause painful stomach ulceration with signs such as poor attitude,
decreased appetite, weight loss, recurrent colic, sub-optimal performance,
diarrhea and a dull coat. Researchers
and veterinarians have historically associated stomach ulcers with
high-performance or race horses. This
new study shows just how easily horses can develop stomach ulcers in
association with less-strenuous recreational activities such as weekend horse
shows or events.
In performing the study,
researchers started by using endoscopes to examine the stomachs of 20 horses
group-housed in paddocks, and determined they were free from stomach
ulcers. The horses were then separated into
two groups of ten. One group of ten
horses stayed in their paddocks, while the other ten were exposed to conditions
over five days that simulated activities typical for recreational use of
horses, including transportation to and from a show environment or event, stall
confinement with twice daily feeding, and light exercise and training (thirty
minutes of longing twice per day). At
the end of the five days, all of the horses were examined again. Seven out of the ten horses that were exposed
to the simulated activities had developed stomach ulcers. In addition, two of the ten horses left in
their paddocks had also developed ulcers; the researchers speculated that these
were caused by stress associated with the change in herd dynamics when the ten
horses were separated from the group and sent offsite.
“The research demonstrated
that conditions representing typical activities of the recreationally used
horse are associated with an increased incidence of gastric ulcers within a
short time period,” said Dr. Scott McClure, DVM, PhD, author of the study. “The findings reported should increase
awareness that gastric ulcers affect a greater population of horses than
previously thought.”
Legislative Update
American Horse Council
National Animal Identification System
Many in the horse industry
are just learning of the national animal identification plan and they are
naturally concerned about it.
Unfortunately, some of the information that is being circulated about
the concept and its potential impact on the horse industry is misunderstood or
inaccurate.
Various sectors of American
agriculture have been debating the issues surrounding the institution of a
national animal identification system for over a decade. The primary purpose for a national ID system
is to address animal health emergencies.
The original proponents of a national ID system for livestock were the
National Institute for Animal Agriculture, the U.S. Animal Health Association
and the livestock industry itself.
The diagnosis of a
BSE-positive cow in
The USDA is moving forward
with the formulation of a National Animal Identification System. Congress supports the initiative and several
bills have been introduced calling for implementation of the system as soon as
possible.
Purpose of National Animal Identification System
The NAIS is intended to
establish a standardized, alpha-numeric system for animal identification. The purpose of such a system is to permit
“trace back” within 48 hours of a confirmed diagnosis of an animal
disease. Ensuring animal health in the
The NAIS would require the
documentation of the following information:
- An identification number for each “premises”
involved
- An identification number for each animal that is
part of the system
- Location, time and date stamp so animals could be
“traced” in the event of a major disease outbreak.
Horse Industry Involvement – Equine Species Working
Group
The concept of a national ID
system for horses has been discussed at equine industry meetings for the last
several years. In Fall
2003, the American Horse Council organized a task force that included nearly
thirty national equine organizations.
Its purpose was to evaluate the concept of a national ID system and to
determine if the horse industry could develop standards for equine
identification that would benefit the industry and be compatible with the plans
being considered. This task force has
now been recognized as the Equine Species Working Group (ESWG) by the
USDA. It is chaired by Dan Fick, Executive Vice-President of The Jockey Club; Dr.
Marvin Beeman of Littleton, Colorado, past President
of the American Association of Equine Practitioners; and Amy Mann, Director of
Health and Regulatory Affairs at the AHC.
Through the ESWG, the horse
industry is evaluating the overall plan, its benefits and costs, and
determining how the industry can develop standards for equine identification
that would fit into the system and help the industry. It is important
that the ESWG, as representatives of the horse industry, be directly involved
in preparing for this system and ensuring that if it becomes mandatory the
horse industry can operate within its guidelines. If we do not do it, others will do it for us.
Issues Raised by a National ID System
All aspects of the issues of equine
identification in disease management must be studied to protect our horses and
allow commerce to continue and our markets to remain open in the event of a
disease outbreak. Many issues have been
addressed and others must still be addressed by the horse industry, including:
- The benefits of national equine identification
system for the horse industry.
- What horses must be included in the system.
- What premises must be included based upon the
activities, disease threat and management practices in the horse industry.
- What movements, activities or events require the
recording and/or reporting of data.
- What is the most effective means of
identification that is affordable and efficient.
- What is the implementation time table, including
the schedule of when the plan might be phased-in and realistic dates when
the plan may be in place.
- Cost sharing and who pays for what.
- Protecting any information collected and
restricting its access only to those authorities that need it for disease
control.
Industry Input Sought
The ESWG welcomes all input
from horse owners and stakeholders in the industry as it determines the special
needs of the horse industry in connection with the NAIS should it become
mandatory.
==============================================================================================
As the national trade association
representing the horse industry in
The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.
Extension Service News
by Eddie Baggs,
CEA-Agriculture
Fall Colors
There has been a lot of color
in pastures lately. Some folks may find
this aesthetically charming; however, many producers would rather have grass
than flowers. The presence of flowers in
your pasture will tell you one very important thing: the plant, or weed, that
made the flower has to be somewhat mature.
Most of the weeds present in fields right now are very mature. This is not a good time to address weed problems
with herbicides. The more mature a weed
is, the less effective the herbicide will be that you may be using. Odds are you will be disappointed with the
outcome if you spray sandbur, bitter sneezeweed or wooly croton now. The best advice you can be given is to
identify your major weed problems now and outline a pasture management strategy
that you follow that will maximize your fight against weeds.
There are several tools
besides herbicide that can be an important part of controlling weeds in a pasture
- several of which we have complete control over. First, keep stocking rates to an appropriate
level. Over-grazing will inevitably
encourage weed growth as the more desirable grasses are continually chewed to
the ground and the less desirable plants are allowed room to grow. Fertility is another big factor in the weed
fight. Given adequate fertility, most
weeds are not going to outgrow bermudagrass.
However, left to struggle, that fight for ground becomes a losing battle
for grass. Bermudagrass was made to
grow, but it has to be fed to do this.
It is a mistake to cut corners on fertility if you depend heavily on
your pasture and forage. Run a soil test
every 4-5 years to ensure that nutrient needs are being addressed and that you
are not over-applying. You can manage by
mowing. If you have problems with annual
weeds, cutting these plants before they have a chance to set flowers (and seed)
will go a long way in fighting weeds for next year. Bermudagrass is a low growing grass and
mowing is not going to hurt it. However,
many weeds grow very upright and have growing points that are much higher in
the plant. The simple act of keeping
pastures mowed will help to reduce weed competition over time.
Timely application of an
appropriate herbicide utilized along with these other management strategies
will help producers get control of “out-of-control” pastures. Contact your Extension Office for help with
pasture management strategies.
Educational programs conducted by the
Ask The Vet
by Dr. Katie Hayes, DVM
Drought Conditions – What to Feed?
Old timers here say it’s the
worst drought since 1956, when their tanks and creeks dried up. There is no pasture and hay is in very short
supply. If your hay is getting low, the
following suggestions may be helpful:
·
You can add
roughage to the diet by adding 1 gallon (1-3lb coffee can) of Purina Horse Chow
100 twice a day to your feed ration.
Purina Horse Chow is mainly alfalfa.
1 gallon of a Senior Feed (Purina Equine Senior, Nutrena Senior,
Pilgrims Senior) added twice a day to your ration can also be done because
Senior feeds are 50% alfalfa. If you
have no hay at all, you can switch your horse over to these complete feeds by
feeding 2-3 gallons (3-3lb coffee cans) twice a day.
·
A high roughage
feed called One-N-Only can be fed free choice and you do not have to feed any
other grain or hay (Pilgrims makes this; Don Glenn Feeds in Cherry Mound sells
it for $9/50lb bag.)
·
Alfalfa cubes are
an option, feeding 2 large coffee cans twice a day. They are a little difficult to chew, and if
the horse eats them too fast they can choke.
·
Chopped Alfalfa
in a bag is a good source of roughage, feeding 3 large coffee cans (equal to
one flake of alfalfa) twice a day, but it’s expensive.
·
Alfalfa pellets
are an option, but they are hard and I’ve seen two horses choke on them.
·
Alfalfa hay from
of deadly
blister beetles. Blister beetles are
long, thin-striped bugs that look like lightning bugs. Alfalfa can be fed 1-2 flakes/sections am
& pm or free choice with a little grain.
·
Round bales of
coastal common bermuda, prairie grass or bahia grass are
okay to feed. This year the quality and
protein will be low, so use a 14% protein feed or add a 30% supplement such as Gro-N-Win (Bucks Farm Supply), TDI (Don Glenn Feed) or Calf
Manna to the grain ration. Do not feed
·
Overseed your
pastures with rye grass or winter pasture mix.
Horses like rye grass. You can
buy rye grass seed at the feed stores. Broadcast
or sling it out by hand and pray for rain.
It will come up in the winter but is at maximum production in March.
A few hay sources
Coastal: Wherever you can get it; Hay
Alfalfa: Hess Trucking $7/bale (
Internet: Hay Exchange (www.hayexchange.com) or Haynet (www.haynet.com)
A Bit of Humor
Equestrian Definitions, Part 2
Founder: 1.)
The discovery of your loose mare some miles from your
farm, usually in a flower bed or cornfield. Used as in, “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. (also 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, curved 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).
Horseshoes:
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 having 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 trader.
Mosquitoes:
Radar equipped blood sucking insects that typically reach the size of small
birds.
Author Unknown
This Month’s Recipe
Slow Cooker Pumpkin-Apple Dessert Servings:
12
1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling 2 tsp baking powder
2 cups all-purpose
flour 1
tsp ground cinnamon
1-1/4 cups brown
sugar, packed 1/2
tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup canned
pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) 1/4
tsp baking soda
3/4 cup fat-free
cholesterol-free egg product ice
cream (if desired)
1/3 cup vegetable
oil
·
Spray a 3-1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking
spray. Spoon pie filling into cooker and
spread evenly.
·
Beat remaining ingredients except ice cream with
electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl
occasionally. Pour batter over pie
filling.
· Cover and cook on High heat setting 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve with ice cream if desired.
(Note:
This recipe was tested in slow cookers with heating elements in the side and
bottom of the cooker, not in cookers that stand only on a heated base. For slow cookers with just a heated base,
follow the manufacturer’s directions for layering ingredients and choosing a
temperature.)