HAT Chat Articles - July 2008

HAT Chat Articles – July 2008

Celebrating 232 Years of Independence

1776 - 2008

A word from our President

Independence Day…a celebration of our nation’s independence and freedom! Thanks to our forefathers and those in uniform who fought and fight for our freedom, we have the freedom of choices. We have the choice to own and care for our horses; we have the choice of breeds and disciplines, the choice of competing or not, and the choice to learn all we can about horses and horsemanship from the clinicians and trainers of our choosing.

HAT offers many choices to the Texoma horse community. We have monthly meetings open to anyone interested in horses, general or specialized clinics, casual trail rides, and fun open horse shows. Lots to choose from!

We hope the upcoming August 9th show surpasses the excellent turnout and crowd of spectators at the June show! All three of the high point awards are still up for grabs. Your choice to compete could determine the winner. Wonderful volunteers choose to make HAT events successful by their participation and are very much appreciated!

Congratulations to those who completed the Adult Horsemanship series. Everyone accomplished more than they thought possible because they chose to make the effort to educate themselves and their horses…or mules!

HAT continues to allow you choices of activities and events! Be sure to check the website www.hat-texoma.org for updates.

A huge choice is how we choose to incorporate safety into handling and riding our horses! Safety is a choice…choose wisely.

Wishing you a Safe and Happy 4^th of July !

Happy trails,

Autumn Show August 9th

HAT will hold its third horse show of the year on Saturday, August 9^th at Crossfire Ranch Arena in Calera, OK. Registration opens at 8am, and the first classes will show at 9. A showbill listing all the classes is available in this issue, and additional copies can be printed from the HAT website; go to www.hat-texoma.org and click on the new “Shows/Showbills” link.

Please note that the location of this show has changed from our original announced schedule. It was originally to have been held at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, but due to ongoing construction we were required to move.

Crossfire Ranch is an excellent facility, with ample parking, a large covered warm-up area next to the arena, stalls available for rent, a great sound system, a concessions area with delicious food and drinks, and a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Be sure to bring the whole family and join us for a full day of fun on August 9^th at Crossfire Ranch!

A Tip Of The HAT

We would like to give “a tip of the HAT” to Mick Clark and his wife Anne for teaching and hosting HAT’s Adult Horsemanship Clinic series. It is very generous of Mr. Clark to share his knowledge to benefit both riders and horses, as well as HAT. THANK YOU!

HAT Chat Subscription/Advertising Adjustments

Due to the lack of a separate May issue, all HAT Chat subscriptions and paid advertising have been extended by one month. HAT has made all the appropriate adjustments, and no action by our subscribers or advertisers is necessary.

The May issue was not printed due to mechanical problems, and a combined May/June issue was published in its place. HAT regrets any inconveniences this may have caused.

State/Local News

State 4-H Horse Show Booked for Another Five Years in Abilene

Abilene, TX (June 20) – The Texas State 4-H Horse Show, one of the nation’s largest horse events for young riders, recently signed an agreement with the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene for another 5 years, according to a show official with Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

The annual week-long event draws more than 2,100 4-H’ers, family members and agency staff, and 1,100 horses. It also pumps an estimated $2 million into Abilene’s economy, according to Dr. Pete Gibbs, AgriLife Extension Horse Specialist, and the show’s co-manager.

“We’ve been in Abilene now for 24 years, and have always renewed our contract there for a three-year term,” Gibbs said. “The big news is that Abilene will now host the show for another five years, beginning with this year’s July 19-26 show.

“That decision was based on several factors, not the least of which is the city of Abilene and the Expo Center’s continued sterling hospitality,” he said. “For the show’s entire stay here, they have never failed to roll out the red carpet for everybody involved with the event.”

Gibbs said other reasons include Abilene’s location within the state, motel accommodations and the facility’s continued horse-friendly growth.

“However, the bottom line is economics, and the proposal from Abilene and the Expo Center was very competitive,” Gibbs said.

“Abilene is one of several cities considered that offer a somewhat central location,” Gibbs said. “A major consideration for securing the show is being able to provide top facilities in a setting that is affordable and family-friendly, he said.

“Site determination is paramount to the ultimate success of the show. With support from the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation, proposals undergo careful review by a committee familiar with the needs of the show. This time those proposals won’t have to be reviewed nearly as quickly with the show now locked in for five more years in Abilene.”

It takes a large facility with over 800 stalls and three arenas to successfully produce the show, according to Brett Scott, another co-manager. Over the years, the horse specialist said the Expo Center has added a large cover over their outdoor arena and built permanent stalls to replace the temporary tent-covered ones once used.

As the Expo Center has grown, so has the show which now uses all three of the Expo’s arenas simultaneously during several days of the seven-day show.

“The State 4-H Horse Committee and the Management Team have added classes such as team penning and cow horse classes, because of the interest in such events, and because the facility can easily accommodate classes involving cattle,” Gibbs said. “This year the growth continues with our first-ever stock horse trail class. All told, we feature almost 40 different classes now. Some classes may have as many as 150 participants.”

For 45 years, Texas 4-H’ers have been going to District 4-H horse shows across the state to prepare and qualify for the state show, which Gibbs said is sometimes referred to as the State 4-H Finals. At its start in 1963, the show lasted only about a day and a half, he said.

Until 1985, the show had been held in eight different cities. With the size of the event, which includes a 100-member management team of AgriLife Extension personnel and volunteers, Gibbs said it became important to select a facility that could host the show for a minimum of three consecutive years. The event moved to Abilene in 1986, and has been there since.

The show has always been produced by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, a part of the Texas A&M System.

Writer(s): Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact(s):Dr. Pete Gibbs 979-845-1562, p-gibbs@tamu.edu

National News

Saddle Up For National Day Of The American Cowboy

Fourth annual national observance will be celebrated on July 26th, 2008

Dust off your boots and shine up your spurs, because the 4^th annual National Day of the American Cowboy is just around the corner. On July 26, 2008, communities everywhere will be paying tribute to the greatest national symbol this country has ever produced – the American Cowboy. Parades, festivals, cook-offs, concerts, and rodeos are just a few of the regional events and activities planned in celebration of the Cowboy lifestyle and the spirit of the American West.

American Cowboy, a Western lifestyle magazine, initiated the National Day of the American campaign in 2004 as a way to acknowledge and preserve the heritage, history, and culture of America’s Cowboy.

Thanks to Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming, who sponsored the resolution, as well as several other politicians from Western states, the first national observance of the of the American Cowboy occurred on July 23, 2005.

That same year, President George W. Bush issued a statement of support for the resolution, proclaiming “We celebrate the cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.”

For more information, please visit www.cowboyday.com.

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2009 “Road To The Horse” Moves To Franklin, Tennessee

Road to the Horse and Ride the Remuda Productions, Inc. are proud to announce that the 2009 Road To The Horse event will be held March 14-15 at a new location in Franklin, Tennessee. The event, previously held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, will be held at the Williamson County Ag EXPO Park where top competitors John Lyons, Tommy Garland and Richard Winters will vie to be the 2009 Road to the Horse champion.

Returning competitor Tommy Garland will compete against Road to the Horse newcomers John Lyons and Richard Winters. Although they are both newcomers to the competition, Lyons and Winters are by no means newcomers to the worlds of horsemanship and training. Lyons, who is known as “America’s Most Trusted Horseman” is a sought after trainer and clinician, and has a professional trainer certification program in Colorado. Winters has dedicated himself to teaching his horsemanship knowledge and experience to others for nearly three decades. All three competitors have hosted their own horsemanship television shows, and there is no doubt that the 2009 event will not only be dynamic and action-packed but full of excitement and emotion.

Franklin is known as the “Hollywood of country music” and promises to be an excellent home for the competition. Williamson County Mayor, Rogers Anderson, welcomes Road to the Horse, its competitors and audience with open arms. Franklin is only ten minutes from downtown Nashville, so entertainment and activity possibilities are endless.

Making return appearances in 2009 will be the amazing Cowgirl Chicks trick riding team out of Ft. Worth, Texas; the Extreme Mustang Makeover; and Tommy Garland with his colt Spirit from the 2008 Road to the Horse competition.

Although the competition does not start until Saturday, the doors will open on Friday for the shopping extravaganza.

“We’ll be having the shopping extravaganza again this year from 3-7 pm and it will be open to the public. We’re expecting it to be bigger than ever with around 150 vendors. People will also get to meet the clinicians and get autographs and photos,” said Tootie Bailey-Bland, Ride the Remuda Productions producer.

Tickets for the groundbreaking event in its new location are on sale now. Seating is based on ticket purchase and will sell fast, so please purchase tickets early to ensure your attendance for this amazing event. For more information and to purchase tickets for the 2009 Road to the Horse competition, please visit the website at www.roadtothehorse.com, or call (325)736-5000.

Legislative Update

New Rules for Import of Entertainment Horses

Washington, DC (June 25) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has amended its import rules to allow noncompetitive entertainment horses to be temporarily brought into the U.S. from countries affected with the venereal disease, Contagious Equine Metritis. The final rule, titled Temporary Importation of Horses: Noncompetitive Entertainment Horses From Countries Affected with Contagious Equine Metritis, is effective July 7, 2008.

Noncompetitive entertainment horses are those that participate in performances or exhibitions and are not entered into competitions, such as races or shows. Examples of such horses include circus horses, the Lipizzaner Horses of Austria and the performance stallions in Cavalia.

The final rules allow these non-competitive entertainment horses to enter the U.S. without having to be test bred under a special permit that is longer than the 90 day permit for competitive horses. The new rules impose additional requirements for the importation of these horses, including additional information that must be provided to apply for a permit and the plans and itineraries for housing, transit and performances while in the U.S. The permits, if approved, will last for one year, and the importer can apply to renew the permit.

The rules require that these noncompetitive entertainment horses be imported and maintained in the U.S. though a trust fund agreement executed by the horse’s owner or importer. This would ensure that the government is reimbursed for the services it provides, such as administrative costs and costs for a USDA representative to monitor the horses. The agreement is also intended to ensure that the importer will be able to fully uphold the requirements specified for these horses over extended periods of time.

“The American Horse Council has been working on this issue for some time, and is pleased that the final rule has been published and will soon go into effect” states Kerry Thompson, AHC Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs. “It will provide appropriate requirements to allow the importation of these unique entertainment horses, while maintaining the safeguards currently in place for the U.S. horse population.”

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David O’Connor Elected to AHC Board of Trustees

Washington, DC (June 26) - David O’Connor, president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), Olympic gold medalist, Pam American Games and World Equestrian Games medalist, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Horse Council.

In 2004, O’Connor officially retired from international competition and was re-elected as president of USEF for the 2005-2009 term. As president, he works closely with the FEI, the international governing body for all non-racing horse sports, and serves as the official spokesperson of the Federation on all matters relating to its governance and direction. Under his leadership, the USEF formed the United States Hunter Jumper Association, improved the Drugs and Medication Program, increased the Federation’s financial stability and witnessed the success of our international teams.

In additional to his USEF duties, O’Connor has taken his career in new directions including international coaching, having accepted the position of coach of the Canadian Eventing Team. Using his skill and experience he has also become a course designer for such venues as the Ocala Horse Park in Ocala, FL, the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA, and the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO.

“We are pleased to have someone with David’s experience and ability as a member of our Board”, said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council. “He provides great contacts with the show industry, both here and abroad”.

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. 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.

Business News

Centered Riding® Pioneer Receives Seventh Annual Equine Industry Vision Award

New York, NY (June 20) -- Pfizer Animal Health and American Horse Publications (AHP) presented Sally Swift with the seventh annual Equine Industry Vision Award at a ceremonial breakfast held during the AHP “Break from the Gate in 2008” seminar in Saratoga Springs, NY. Established in 2002, the Equine Industry Vision Award was the first of its kind to showcase innovation and recognize ingenuity and service across the entire equine market.

Swift, 95, earned this honor for having a revolutionary impact on horseback riding worldwide in the twentieth century. Best known as the founder of the Centered Riding® method used by riders across all disciplines, Swift is a true visionary whose legendary work will continue to impact the equine world long beyond her years.

“Sally Swift is yet another outstanding example of the innovation, vision and leadership that the Equine Industry Vision Award serves to recognize,” said Kathy Miranowic, Equine Products Manager for Pfizer Animal Health. “Her profound insight on Centered Riding has helped transform the equine world’s understanding of mind and body in connection with the horse.”

Swift was born on April 20, 1913 in Hingham, Massachusetts to Rodman Swift and Elizabeth Townsend Swift. She was named after her grandmother, Sarah Rodman Swift. However, because she had a cousin also named Sarah, her nickname became Sally.

Horses were introduced to Swift’s life at a very early age. From the time she was two or three she would sit on the back of the garbage man’s horse. Then, once she became a little older, her mother – also an avid horse enthusiast -- rented a horse for a month in the summer. Every summer they would rent the same horse, Helen Kingbolt. The Swifts kept the horse up on a hill at their neighbor’s barn where they rented a standing stall. Down the road there was a side road with no traffic, called Martin’s Lane, where they would take Helen to ride.

At age 7, Swift was diagnosed with scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine. From that time and through her early 20s she worked with a therapist named Mabel Ellsworth Todd, author of The Thinking Body. It was through her work with Todd that Swift began an understanding of body awareness and imagery that became the Centered Riding® method and her life ambition.

After graduating from Milton Academy, Swift taught traditional riding for twelve years before changing careers. It wasn’t until she retired from the American Holstein Association at age 62 that teaching and riding came back into play. She planned to teach a few close friends. However, as she developed her Centered Riding techniques, the demand for Centered Riding clinics and instructor clinics blossomed. Before long, she was traveling all over the world teaching many people. Now those teachers are educating new teachers across the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.

In 1985, Swift’s groundbreaking book Centered Riding was released. Since then the book has been translated into fourteen different languages. In addition, two Centered Riding videos were released in 1986 and are still in the top five of Trafalgar Square Books’ best selling programs. A second book, Centered Riding 2: Further Exploration, was published in 2002 and has been published in nine foreign countries. Together, the two books have sold over three-quarters of a million copies.

“I am blessed with the feeling that my life and dreams have come full circle,” said Sally Swift. “Centered Riding is not about lofty ideals or selling books. For me, Centered represents all that is good in today’s world, and the people I have come to know through this “centered” journey have become my friends and family. I realize today that Centered Riding was my vision of what can be when we tear down the human armor and give a little of ourselves to one another and our four-legged friends.”

Swift also worked with the Alexander Technique, which enabled her to discard the back brace she had worn for many years while riding or performing other activities. The Alexander Technique is a method of re-educating the mind and body towards greater balance and integration with special reference to posture and movement. This technique didn’t change any of her four basic principles but rather added significantly to the depth and subtlety of her teaching.

In addition to her teaching, Swift founded Centered Riding® Inc., an organization with members from around the world and a certification program for instructors of the Centered Riding® method. The instructor program, also founded by Swift, is now taught by Level IV instructors who either apprenticed directly with Sally (1986-1991) or with at least two level IV instructors.

“Swift is an inspiration to her peers and aspiring riders around the world,” said Miranowic. “Her vision and techniques have imprinted the equine world, while her determination and strength to overcome her personal challenges is truly admirable.”

The other finalists for this year’s Equine Industry Vision Award included Matthew Mackay-Smith DVM, Linda Tellington Jones, G. Marvin Beeman DVM, Louisiana State University Equine Health Studies Program, and Charlotte Kneeland.

Sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health

www.pfizerah.com

Presented by American Horse Publications

www.americanhorsepubs.org

Equine Science News

Treatment of Impaction Colic

Impaction, blockage of the intestines by dry, compacted food material is a common cause of colic in horses. In serious cases surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction, but usually affected horses respond to medical treatment.

What is the best medical treatment? Two separate studies reported on different aspects of the subject at the 9th International Equine Colic Research Symposium.

Alice Spallek and her colleagues from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Leipzig studied the effect of different laxatives on the time taken for the stomach to empty. The investigation involved normal adult horses that had been fasted beforehand.

They measured the rate at which various different laxatives (water, liquid paraffin (mineral oil), magnesium sulphate solution or sodium sulphate solution) were cleared from the stomach.

Acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol® or paracetamol) or xylose were mixed with the laxative as a marker. Neither of these compounds is absorbed through the stomach wall. Only when they pass out of the stomach into the small intestines are they absorbed. They can then be detected in blood samples. By plotting the concentration of acetaminophen or xylose in the blood, the researchers could assess the rate at which the stomach emptied.

The researchers found that in normal horses, mineral oil took longer to pass out of the stomach than did water. An isotonic solution of sodium sulphate cleared the stomach at the same rate as water. Magnesium sulphate solution took longer than water to leave the stomach and led to an increase in the blood magnesium concentration, although this remained within normal limits.

In the second study, Gayle Hallowell compared the responses of clinical impaction cases to fluids given by indwelling nasogastric tube or by intravenous infusion. She reviewed the records of horses treated at the Royal Veterinary College, London.

Three different treatment protocols were used for administering the oral fluids. In all three protocols, horses were first given magnesium sulphate (0.5g/kg) in water. They were then given isotonic electrolyte solution by stomach tube, which was left in place between treatments.

The impactions resolved most quickly when the fluids (10-12ml/kg) were given by stomach tube every 30 or 60 minutes. Horses dosed every 30 minutes tended to show more signs of colic than those treated hourly. Horses treated with intravenous fluids showed the slowest response.

Miss Hallowell concluded that oral fluids provide a cheap and effective treatment for moderate or severe large colon impactions. She suggested that the hourly administration of oral fluids seems the most appropriate treatment.

References:

Influence of laxatives on gastric emptying in normal adult horses.

A. Spallek, F Demiraj, St. Recknagel, A Uhlig, GF Schusser.

Proceedings 9th International Equine Colic Research Symposium. Liverpool. June 2008. p167

Retrospective study assessing efficacy of treatment of large colonic impactions.

GD Hallowell.

Equine Vet J (2008) 40, 411 - 413.

www.equinescienceupdate.co.uk

Reprinted with permission

Extension Service News

by Eddie Baggs, CEA-Agriculture

Denton County AgriLife Extension

Good (Horse) Fences Make Good Neighbors

With more than 25,000 horses in Denton County, fencing for horse owners is important for many reasons. Obviously, the goal is to safely contain and manage the horses. However, other decisions may play a role in the fencing types chosen. Also consider your ability to maintain the fence and the efficiency of design for handling horses with less labor. Horses are stressed less when handled infrequently and effortlessly. Horse pastures should have rounded corners; square corners create traps in which a horse can be kicked or bitten by other horses sharing the same pasture. The key to good horse fencing is proper construction and adequate maintenance. The cost of the materials as well as the aesthetics of the finished product must also be a part of the decision-making process. Remember that while aesthetics might be considered, it should never overrule the need for safe, functional fencing.

How high should a fence be? Perimeter pasture fences should be 5 feet high and in some situations, 6 feet or more with taller breeds. A 5 foot fence is the same height as a 15-hand horse. For paddocks and pens, a good general rule is to put the tops of the fence at eye level with the horse. This will discourage fighting with other horses. Stallion paddocks will need to be double fenced with a lane between paddocks. Dividing fences between pastures can be 4 ½ feet high if the horses are not prone to fighting between pastures.

There are many, many types of materials that can be used in fencing. Wooden fencing is popular, but expensive and may involve high maintenance costs. It is most practical for stallion paddocks, show and sale paddocks, turn out pens and for aesthetic effects. Boards should always be on the inside(the horse side) for safety. Wooden posts should be at least 4 inches in diameter and 6-8 feet apart (using 12-16 foot boards). Joints should be staggered. The use of hardwood rails can help prevent the horse from chewing and minimize rail slippage. Wire fencing can also be used and is a strong choice. The best wire for horses is a five-diamond mesh wire. It should also be placed on the horse side of the fence. Barbed wire is not recommended for horses for safety reasons. Twisted bar-less wire can be used. Five strands of wire should be stretched tight and attached to the post with long staples. A top board is advisable. If not, attach a plastic stringer in each section for visibility. Rubber fencing is used frequently especially for safety reasons. It can be expensive, but wears extremely well. It will sag if not installed properly. Whatever the material used, make sure it is safe for the horse and maintained regularly.

The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by AgriLife Extension is implied.

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

A Bit of Humor

Excuses People Use For Not Working Their Horses

I lost my whip.
My horse is bad during a full moon.
I’m getting too old for everyday riding.
The wind is blowing too hard, my horse may spook!
It’s too dry out…my horse’s skin may rash!
My trainer isn’t here to tell me what to do.
I can’t get my boots on.
It’s too hot out.
My horse doesn’t like arenas.
I haven’t had a lesson this week.
The sun is too bright, it may bleach my horse’s coat.
My horse isn’t in a good mood.
I forgot to bring carrots today.
My horse needs new shoes.
It might rain.
My horse just got new shoes.
It’s too cold.
There are too many people watching.
I haven’t ridden all week.
Nobody else is riding today.
It’s too close to feeding time
Riding may wear me out…I have to go to the gym later.

So, what is your excuse?

Ask The Vet

by Dr. Katie Hayes, DVM

Insect Allergy

If your horse is rubbing all the hair off the top of his tail, his butt and/or his mane, shoulders or ears, he does not have fungus or lice. It is an allergy to the biting gnats, no-see-ums or Culicoides gnats similar to a dog with a flea allergy. The other horses in the pasture are getting bitten but do not have the itch and hair loss because they do not have the allergy, which is caused by an immune response to a protein in the gnat’s saliva. Treatment is with long-lasting cortisone shots or cortisone pills and insect control, which consists of applying Swat®, Calm Coat®, or Off® with DEET to the top of the tail and mane, on the belly, and in the ears. Apply morning and evening when the gnats feed. Ichthammol, the black tar ointment applied inside the ears, helps repel the gnats and lasts 5 days. Removing the horse from the pasture and putting it in the barn with a fan at dawn and at dusk when the insects bite will decrease the exposure and bites, and therefore the itching. For those who prefer to use a natural product you can use flax seed (1 teaspoon on feed daily) which can be purchased at Wal-Mart. It will also help with the sores.

Ticks

For those of you that are having a problem with ticks on your horses you can use a product called Happy Jack. It is made for dogs and can be purchased at Tractor Supply or your local feed store. Mix 1 oz with 2 gallons of water and apply to the areas that the ticks seem to like best such as the legs, ears, tail, mane and belly. You will only want to use this product once or twice a year such as spring and late summer.

Electrolytes And Dehydration

Providing electrolytes in the diet or by supplementation is necessary for the athletic horse in the hot summer. Providing a salt block is an inexpensive way to provide adequate electrolytes because the horse usually licks the block when it needs to replenish salt on a daily basis. The pasture horse or lightly exercised horse needs 9 grams of sodium per day and 36 grams of chloride per day. The medium to heavy workers like a racehorse needs 20 grams of sodium and 55 grams of chloride per day. Potassium is not a big issue in the horse like it is in humans because the horse’s diet is mainly forage pasture and hay, which have a lot of potassium in it. The medium exercising horse needs 33 grams of potassium per day.

Many of the electrolyte pastes and powders don’t even come near those amounts so the consumer is paying money for a product that doesn’t fill the needs of the athletic horse. Check the label for the amount of sodium and chloride. One electrolyte paste only contained 0.63grams of sodium chloride (salt) and 0.5 grams of potassium for $6.99. An inexpensive way to make electrolytes is 1 ounce (28 grams) which is a coffee scoop of salt and 1 ounce of Lite salt per hour of exercise as a supplement to the salt block for pennies in cost.

It is important to provide water to hot horses so they can replenish it quickly and avoid dehydration. It was recommended not to give a hot horse all the water it wants for fear of colic or founder, but withholding water can result in some degree of dehydration. The endurance horses take in all the water they want in one drink without any issues. So allowing a hot horse to drink before it has cooled down helps the horse rehydrate itself more quickly and effectively and is a better management practice for the athletic horse.

Recipe of the Month

Grilled Italian Chicken Kabobs Servings: 8 (two kabobs each)

1/2 cup	Italian dressing	16	wooden skewers
2 tsp	dried oregano leaves	1	lemon, cut in half
2 tbsp	lemon juice
2 tbsp	mayonnaise
1-1/2 lb	boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1	medium red onion, cut into small wedges

· Combine dressing, oregano, lemon juice, and mayonnaise; pour mixture into large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and seal bag. Turn bag several times to evenly coat chicken with mixture. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours to marinate.

· Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard bag. Make kabobs by alternately threading chicken and onion wedges onto the wooden skewers.

· Grill 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally. While grilling, place lemon halves cut-side down on grill next to kabobs. Squeeze lemon juice over kabobs before serving.

Variation: Substitute 1/2 cup Greek vinaigrette dressing for the Italian dressing, oregano, and lemon juice.