HAT Chat Articles – March 2006

 

 

A word from our President

 

If you’re like me, you’re probably pretty busy around your barn with the foaling and breeding season in full swing, so I’ll be brief this month.

 

HAT’s first show of the season has been set for April 15th at Loy Lake Arena in Denison.  We’ve made some changes this year, so be sure to check out the article and showbill included in this issue for the latest information.

 

Did you miss out on our Stallion Auction?  You’re still in luck…from now until the end of the season, you can purchase any of the unclaimed breedings at half price.  Details are on page 3.

 

And finally, I am happy to announce our first group of Sponsors are featured in this issue.  These companies and individuals have generously made donations to help support our programs and activities.  Be sure to stop by these businesses and say “thanks” to them for their contributions to HAT.

 

Roger Dougan

HAT President

 

 

HAT Spring Show April 15th

 

HAT is pleased to announce its first show of the 2006 season will be held on Saturday, April 15th, at Loy Lake Arena in Denison.  Registration opens at 8am, and the first class will show at 9am.

 

We’ve made a couple of changes this year.  First, in addition to the daily high point awards, there will also be a year-end high point award.  Specific details about this new award, including all the rules for qualifying, were not available at press time; they will be posted later this month on our website, www.hat-texoma.org, and will be included in the April newsletter.

 

Second, we have added a new class to the lineup.  The Challenged Rider class is designed for riders of any age who are involved in therapeutic riding or other similar programs that require a “spotter” or other assistant who walks alongside the horse.  We are very excited to be introducing this new class in our shows this year, and look forward to meeting everyone who comes out to participate in it.

 

A showbill for this event is included in this issue and is also available for printing on our website.

 

 

Stallion Auction Breedings Still Available

 

Okay, so you didn’t bid on a stallion breeding in our Auction last month.  All is not lost…we still have several breedings available.  And now, it’s even easier to buy one because there’s no bidding!

 

All of the available breedings are listed on page 3 and on our website, www.hat-texoma.org.  Just follow the instructions on the page or the web site to make a purchase.

 

These breedings will be listed through the end of the season, but don’t dally over it – these are all first-come, first-serve, and once a breeding’s been bought, it’s gone!

 

 

State/Local News

 

Action on Texas’ Proposed Premises Registration Regulations Postponed

 

At their meeting Thursday, February 16, commissioners for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency, postponed taking action on proposed regulations that would require identification of physical locations where livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, and exotic fowl are held, managed or handled.

 

Dr. Bob Hillman DVM, Texas’ state veterinarian and TAHC executive director, explained that postponing action on the proposed rule that would make premises registration in Texas compulsory July 1, 2006, does not mean that the issue has been resolved.  TAHC commissioners will reconsider the proposed rule at a future commission meeting.  The time, date and place will be announced in the Texas Register, on the TAHC website at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us and by public announcement.  All commission meetings are open to the public.

 

“Although commission action on the proposed regulations has been postponed, we continue to encourage voluntary premises registration, which, as of today, includes more than 7,000 of the state’s 200,000, or more, farms, ranches or other facilities,” said Dr. Hillman.

 

Premises registration is the foundation for the three-tiered National Animal Identification System (NAIS), which, when fully implemented, is designed to enable animal health officials to trace the movement of diseased or exposed livestock or poultry within 48 hours.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has spearheaded NAIS development since 2004, with the cooperation of national species working group committees.

 

In Texas, HB 1361, passed and signed into law in 2005, authorized the TAHC to institute an animal identification program consistent with the NAIS, and to collect fees to offset some costs of agency operations.

 

“More than 600 persons submitted comments regarding Texas’ proposed premises registration rule during the comment period which ended February 6,” said Dr. Hillman.  “The commissioners also listened to concerns from nearly 80 persons at the commission meeting Thursday, which was held in Austin.”

 

“Although the TAHC commissioners recognize the need for an improved animal identification system, they need additional time to consider complaints regarding the $10 per year fee, concerns about livestock and poultry identification and reporting requirements that, eventually, may be implemented on a national basis; and fears about the potential loss of privacy,” said Dr. Hillman.

 

Dr. Hillman explained that premises registration, the only aspect of the NAIS currently under consideration in Texas, involves providing the TAHC with a contact name, phone number, physical address, and the species (but not the number) of animals housed, managed or handled on a site, such as a farm, veterinary clinic, arena, or livestock market.  Information is confidential.  A unique seven-character premises identification number (PIN) then is issued for the site.

 

All states have begun implementation of premises registration.  Premises registration is required in Wisconsin and North Carolina.  In Indiana, registration will be required starting September 1, 2006.  Premises registration currently is voluntary in all other states.  About 200,000 premises in the U.S. now are identified.

 

“National working groups for each involved species are developing recommendations for the second and third tiers of the NAIS, which, depending on the situation, will involve identifying either individual animals, or groups of animals, leaving their premises of origin or moving in commerce.  The third tier will involve animal movement reporting and tracking, making it possible to locate diseased or exposed animals quickly,” said Dr. Hillman.

 

Links to additional information about the NAIS are posted on the TAHC’s web site at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us.

 

For more information, contact Carla Everett, TAHC information officer,

at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710 or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us

 

 

Legislative News

 

American Horse Council Press Release

Contact: NLamoureux@horsecouncil.org

 

 

 

Horse Industry’s Most Up-to-Date and Comprehensive Tax Handbook Now Available

 

Washington, DC—Hot off the press, the American Horse Council’s 2006 Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook is now available.  The new 2006 Tax Handbook was written by Thomas A. Davis, Esq. who has been the American Horse Council’s tax counsel for over twenty-five years and is a nationally-recognized authority on equine tax laws.

 

“There is an old saying that in life there are only two things you can count on, death and taxes,” said Jay Hickey, President of the American Horse Council.  “The Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook is the most comprehensive tax publication available.  It covers every aspect of tax law applicable to horse owners and breeders, including: business vs. hobby requirements, forms of doing business, sales and exchanges and passive loss rules, just to name a few.”

 

The 2006 Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook is available for $85.00, plus $4.50 shipping and handling.

 

Here's How To Order:

  • Phone: Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time, contact the AHC Offices at 202-296-4031 and your order will be processed right over the phone.
  • On-line: Go to www.horsecouncil.org anytime, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days a week.
  • Mail: If you prefer to pay by check, send your UPS shipping address (no PO Boxes) and payment to: AHC, 1616 H Street NW 7th Floor, Washington DC, 20006.

 

Take this opportunity to purchase this important tax publication that every member of the horse industry should have!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the national trade association representing the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and investments. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

 

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.

 

 

National News

 

 

 

 


United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.

The National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport

 

 

 

Hay is for Horses: Equine Groups Band Together to Provide Feed for Hurricane-Affected Areas

 

by Ky Mortensen

February 17, 2006

 

Five equine organizations joined together this week to provide 6,500 bales of hay to nearly 800 horses in Vermilion Parish, LA, that were affected by Hurricane Rita.  The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation and the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) Equine Committee Foundation combined financial resources to donate approximately $59,000 to the relief effort.  The Equine Health Studies Program (EHSP) at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and the Blue Devils Horse Platoon (BDHP) at the Walker Army Reserve Center in Grand Rapids, MI, located the hay and coordinated delivery and distribution.

 

“Similar to the actual hurricane rescue operations last year, we were initially contacted and informed of the need by horse owners and volunteers in the area,” said Dr. Rustin Moore, Director of the EHSP and President of the LVMA Equine Committee Foundation.  “Once we had a clear understanding of the situation, we simply worked together to find a solution.  It has been amazing to see the number of groups that were willing to come forward with either monetary assistance or through their own efforts to see this shipment of hay come to fruition.”

 

Dr. Shannon Gonsoulin of New Iberia, LA; Dr. Phil Deville of Abbeville, LA; and Vermillion Parish Agriculture Extension Agent Andrew Granger were instrumental in assessing the plight in the area and determining the needs.  They also will assist with coordinating the administration of donated hay, feed and vaccines.  Vaccines have been purchased with funds from the LVMA’s Dr. Walter J. Ernst, Jr., Veterinary Memorial Foundation and distributed to Dr. Deville for administration to horses in Vermilion Parish to protect them from tetanus and encephalitides.

 

Most of the horses in Vermilion Parish are ranch horses used to work the cattle in the area.  Lying just north of Vermilion Bay, this is one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Rita.  Parish extension agents estimate that between 20,000 to 30,000 cattle perished subsequent to this storm.  Most of the horses were turned out of their stalls during the hurricane, and the majority survived; but even with the opportunity to move to higher ground, many were caught in the tidal surge of the hurricane and perished.

 

The difficulty producers now face is not only the immediate loss of livestock, but the severe saltwater damage done to pastures, inhibiting their ability to regenerate usable forage in a timely fashion.  Without adequate pasture, these producers have little alternative means of providing for their livestock.  Having already endured the loss of property, homes and sometimes their livelihoods, it has become a heavy financial burden to acquire enough feed to maintain their herds.

 

“When we learned of the ongoing plight of horse owners in these areas, we were able to get the word out through numerous avenues, including the USEF, The Horse magazine and other media outlets,” said Dr. Moore.  “The USEF and its Senior Vice President for Marketing, Maria Partlow, were instrumental in helping us to get in touch with people regarding this need,” Dr. Moore continued.

 

“Daily we hear on the news about the continuing challenges and struggles in the city of New Orleans, but the situations in rural areas are rarely reported on,” said Partlow.  “These farmers and horse owners have extreme challenges in sustaining both themselves and their animals.  When Dr. Moore contacted us [USEF] for help, we were able to respond immediately with the same team that cooperated right after the hurricane and also because of the generosity of thousands of donors to the USEF Hurricane Relief Fund.  The BDHP and the Army Reserve deserve all the credit for sourcing the hay from Michigan farmers and getting it to the area," she added.

 

Before jointly receiving the “Heroes for Horses Award” from the USEF during their annual Pegasus Awards ceremony in Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Moore from the EHSP, and Commission Warrant Officer (CW4) Richard Dyk of the BDHP had never met, although they had both spent many of the past months in a similar fashion--tirelessly working on behalf of the hurricane-affected equine populations in Louisiana and Mississippi, respectively.  Also present at the meeting were other members of the BDHP and Keith Kleine, Director of Industry Relations for the AAEP.  The group exchanged ideas about how efforts were coordinated and how they could be improved to respond to future disasters involving horses.

 

“We knew immediately we wanted to be involved,” said Kleine.  “This effort was in line with everything our organization stands for: the health and welfare of horses.  These horses are in great need, and if we have the capacity to make a difference, we want to do everything we can to see that those needs are met.”

 

Following that initial meeting, Dr. Moore and CW4 Dyk worked cooperatively to locate the needed hay and arrange for transportation to Vermilion Parish.  The first 1,255 of the 6,500 bales needed arrived on two trucks in Kaplan, LA, on February 13.  Two more trucks are being loaded in Michigan for subsequent deliveries during the week of February 19.  Approximately 11 truckloads will be required to deliver the 6,500 bales needed to get these horses through the winter.  “Additional hay has been located in Virginia and Maryland, and producers have indicated that they are willing to donate it for horses and cattle,” said Dr. Moore.  “We are now working to secure funds for transportation to other affected areas.”

 

Brenda Hebert, one of the volunteers with the Vermilion Animal Aid and owner of the farm where the organization is based, knows firsthand of the damage caused by Hurricane Rita and the significance of the ongoing assistance to horse owners in the area.  “We have done what we could to provide for all of the rescued animals.  Immediately after Rita hit, all the ranchers were out rescuing their cattle and horses from floodwaters.  The limited feed and supplies that were received in the area had already been distributed, and by the time these people completed their rescue work, there was none left for their own animals,” said Hebert.  “We have continued to have enough feed and supplies for the small animals, but there was no hay, feed or vaccines for the horses and cattle,” she continued.

 

Nearly 20 people assisted with volunteer efforts to offload the hay, including local farmers, trustees from the Vermilion Parish Prison, accompanied by Deputies David and Reed Mouton, and several volunteers from Ohio, who had been in the area to build fences and repair homes and barns.

 

Scott Esthay, owner of Premier Farm and Ranch Supply, volunteered forklifts and supplies, as well as the use of his building where the hay was unloaded and will be stored.  Despite not owning any animals, Wayne Miller, a local friend and neighbor, jumped right in and worked side-by-side with the group to get the job done.

 

Leslie Talley, an equine technician and technician supervisor in the LSU Equine Clinic, was instrumental in helping to coordinate the hay relief activity.  She communicated frequently with Hebert to assess the needs and provided logistics for having the hay unloaded and stored upon its arrival.  “The entire group was so hospitable and friendly and worked together as a team to help unload and stack the hay.  It was obvious that this group has been working together for a long time and seemed like a big family trying to make sure that nothing fell through the cracks,” said Talley.

 

"Members of the Blue Devils Horse Platoon, 88th Regional Readiness Command of the United States Army, are more than happy to be of whatever service we can for these horse owners and horses, and we’re especially happy that we could locate the necessary hay here in Michigan to move to Vermilion Parish,” said CW4 Dyk.  “A special thanks needs to go out to the farmers who let go of their hay for the people in Louisiana.  Hay producers who agreed to supply the hay at a greatly discounted rate were Carol Woodman (800 bales), Tim Mason (667 bales) and Dave Mitchell (2,333 bales) of Byron, MI; and David Yonker of Y-Knot Farms (2,700 bales) in Big Rapids, MI.  “Without these people, none of this would ever have been possible,” continued Dyk.  “We also wish to thank C&J Trucking of Mount Pleasant, MI, for making their trucks available on such a short notice to move the hay.”

 

“The partnering of the AAEP Foundation, the USEF and the LVMA Equine Committee Foundation in providing monetary support for this hay relief is tremendous, along with the organizational and logistical support of this operation by the BDHP and the EHSP.  It will make a major difference in the lives of these horses,” Dr. Moore concluded.

 

While the onslaught of public attention and the frenzy of hurricane season have faded in the winter months, the needs of horses and horse owners in southern Louisiana endure.  New pastures must be planted, new fences and barns will need to be built, and the need for quality hay will continue until warmer days and spring pastures arrive.  Those interested in donating directly to the efforts to assist the Louisiana Horse Victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can provide a tax-deductible monetary contribution to the “LVMA Equine Committee Foundation”, a 501(c)(3), (write "Horse Hurricane Relief" on the memo line).  Please mail contributions to Dr. Sonny Corley, LVMA Equine Committee, 121 E. Gloria Switch, Lafayette, LA 70507 or call (337) 235-9945.

 

Austin Segrera, a local rancher and horse owner, was present when the first two loads of hay arrived.  “This is very much needed,” he said.  “We are so appreciative of the generosity of the people who made this happen.  This hay is beautiful and the horses sure are going to pick up on it.”

 

 

Extension Service News

by Eddie Baggs, CEA-Agriculture

Denton County Cooperative Extension

 

Wonder Grass

 

With an estimated 50 thousand plus acres of bermudagrass in Denton County, it would be considered the forage of choice.  Bermudagrass is the most important warm-season perennial grass in the southeastern United States.  There are 25 million acres of hybrid bermudagrass grown world wide, with six different subspecies.  Bermudagrass was first introduced in the U.S. in Savannah, Georgia in 1751.  Since then new varieties have been developed enhancing adaptability to different soil types and climate conditions.

 

The use of bermudagrass really began to spread throughout the U.S. with the release of Costal in 1943.  Costal is a hybrid that does not produce fertile seeds and has to be established from sprigs (roots, stolons, tillers and rhizomes.)  Following the establishment of Costal other hybrid varieties were developed such as Tifton, Midland, Russell, Jiggs and World Feeder.  There are bermudagrass varieties that can also be planted by seed such as Common, Giant, Cheyenne and Wrangler among others.  The seeded varieties are considered to be less productive than the hybrids, but serve an important role in establishment.  Seeded varieties should be used in small areas (1-10 acres) that are not economical to sprig, and where seed bed preparation is not possible because of slope or shallow soil depth.  Giant bermudagrass has excellent seeding vigor and first year growth but deteriorates with time, this is why it is sold in mixtures with Common or other seeded varieties.

 

Most failures in establishing bermudagrass are due to:

1.      Poorly prepared seed bed

2.      Inadequate moisture at planting

3.      Using desiccated or dried sprigs or poor quality seed

4.      Planting too few sprigs or seeds

5.      Covering sprigs or planting seed too deep

6.      Not firming the soil after planting

7.      Severe weed competition

8.      Severe grazing before plants are established

 

Bermudagrass is truly a wonder grass because it is well adapted to different soils, has excellent drought tolerance, withstands close frequent defoliation either by cutting or grazing and responds to nitrogen fertilizer very well.  All these factors attribute to the wide spread continued use and establishment of bermudagrass.  For more information on bermudagrass or other types of forages go to the Texas A&M University website at http://forages.tamu.edu.

 

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.

 

 

A Bit of Humor

 

A Letter From Your Horse

 

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 patient.

 

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 and 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 how 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.

 

W hen you are tired, don’t forget the 600 lbs 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 – I’ll learn ya.

 

Author Unknown

submitted by Cyndi Menton & Debby Van Nurden

 

 

Ask The Vet

by Dr. Katie Hayes, DVM

 

Foaling Season Reminders

 

Pre-Foaling Checklist:

1.      Vaccinate pregnant mares 1-2 months before foaling with EWT, Rhino-Flu (5Way), West Nile, Strangles intramuscular (not intranasal), Rabies, and Coggins.  If your mare is due in March or April, it is time to vaccinate.  Vaccination before foaling triples the level of antibodies in the colostrum (mare’s first milk).  If the mare is sutured (Caslicks) she needs to be opened.

2.      Increase feed and add supplements (12/12 loose Horse Mineral, Grow N Win, Mare Plus, TDI, or Equi Balance) and remove from fescue pastures.

3.      Foal Kit (available at the clinic for $15.00)

·     One Tetanus Antitoxin vial (NOT at Tetanus Toxoid vaccine in a syringe)

·     Iodine or Nolvasan Solution for the navel

·     Enema

4.      Mare Prediction Kit (available at the clinic for $20.00), a calcium strip test kit to mix with the mare’s milk to determine foaling date within 3 days

5.      Straw or hay for foaling stalls for cleanest environment

6.      IGG Antibody Test for 1-day-old foal, measures if the foal got enough colostrum and has protection.

7.      Post-Foaling Uterine Flush & Antibiotics for the mare.

 

Foaling Date Determination

·        WAXING: droplets of milk on the end of the mare’s teats.  Mares will usually foal that night or within the next 3 days.  Only 50% of mares wax.

·        UDDER DEVELOPMENT: after the udder (bag) has become full (3-4 weeks), when the teats fill with milk, the mare is close to foaling.

·        MILK CARE: after the mare has developed a full udder (bag), milk a few drops.  Normally it is a clear yellow serum but when you get milk the mare will usually foal that night or within the next 3 days.

·        CALCIUM STRIPS: used as a milk strip test, which measures the amount of calcium in the milk.  Mix 1cc milk with 6cc distilled water and dip strip.  1-2 color changes – no foal tonight.  3-4 color changes – tonight or within the next 3 days.

·        MAIDEN MARES: never follow the rules and are very unpredictable.

 

If you find a New Foal in the morning

·        Nursing – make sure the foal is nursing by observing the foal sucking the teat

·        Placenta – make sure the mare has passed her placenta (afterbirth) and has no white/pink stringy tissue hanging from her vulva

·        Separate – put the mare and foal up in a stall by themselves so the foal can nurse colostrum uninterrupted during the day

·        Medication – treat foal’s navel, give enema and tetanus antitoxin

·        Imprint – handle the foal

 

Problems to call for a Vet

·        FOALING: If no foal appears after 20 minutes and the mare is rolling on her back repeatedly, the foal is out of position.

·        RETAINED PLACENTA: If the mare has not passed the placenta within 4 hours after foaling, call a vet to remove it – DO NOT pull it yourself or the uterus can prolapse.

·        NURSING: If the foal can’t find the teat after 3 hours, we will need to milk the mare and tube the foal with colostrum and colostrum boosters.

·        COLIC: If the mare has colic, cramps, is rolling or laying down a lot, this prevents the foal from nursing.  The mare needs Banamine for the pain.

·        NERVOUS MARE: Over-protective or maiden mares that will not stand still and let the foal nurse need to be tranquilized, tied up, or have their heads held and made to stand still.

·        FOAL CONSTIPATION: If the foal is continually straining after the enema or of the foal is starting to roll or colic, the foal needs more enemas or treatment with large bag enema.

·        SICK FOAL: If the mare’s bag is full, then the foal bumps the bag and hangs its head down and does not nurse, or if the foal is weak and has diarrhea, the foal is sick and needs treatment.

 

 

This Month’s Recipe

 

Irish Beef Stew                                                                                              Servings: 6

 

2 tbsp               cooking oil

1-1/2 lbs          trimmed boneless beef round steak, cut into 3/4-inch thick chunks

2 tbsp               flour

1                      large onion, coarsely chopped

1 can                (14-1/2 oz) beef broth

1 can                (14-1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes

1 pkg               herb & garlic flavored salad dressing mix

3                      medium potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks

3                      medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

                        hot cooked noodles

 

·        Heat oil in 5-quart saucepan on medium-high heat.  Coat meat with flour and add to saucepan with onion; reduce heat to medium and cook until browned.  Stir in broth, tomatoes, and salad dressing mix.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Reduce to low heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

·        Add potatoes and carrots, then cover and simmer an additional 30 minutes.  Remove cover and simmer an additional 15 minutes or until meat is tender and sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.

·        Serve over noodles.