HAT Chat Articles – August 2008
A word from our President
What
happened to the lazy days of summer? While HAT took a mini-break with our only
event of the month an evening trail ride through Loy Lake Park, there hasn’t been
a lull in the background action – planning for the upcoming August 9th show,
the October 18th futurity and show, our monthly meeting programs, and putting
together a “Bomb Proofing” clinic to help desensitize your horse, and you, if
need be! HAT is fortunate to have the talents of John Wiltsie
and John Smith of the McKinney Mounted Police presenting the clinic on
September 7th. With only a few slots left to be filled, this will be a fun and
challenging day you won’t want to miss!
Throughout
the month I’ve been fielding phone calls and emails from club members with news
of their accomplishments in open and breed shows. Congratulations to Charlotte
Barrier and Miss Party Favor with a big win in the Open Western Riding class at
the Athens AQHA show; to Joy Deal showing Crack Me Up Kid with a reserve in the
Amateur Aged Gelding Halter class at the PHBA World Show; to little Hannah Hipps and Ima Blonde Leaguer for
their success at the PHBA Youth World Show (and to show mom Stephanie Staton); to Steve Braun and Show Biz Benz , 2008 NRBC Non
Pro Finalists; to Molly Miller and Belle winning a championship buckle in lunge
line at the State 4-H Show; and to Lori
McCain and Kids Spotless Clu, currently standing 7th
in the nation with their collection of APHC PAC points!
Do
any of these names sound familiar? They should! You’ve seen their names and
photos in the show results pages of the HAT Chat! HAT is very proud of the
fantastic success that our members achieve not only in our own shows, but in
other venues throughout the southwest. What huge talent lies within our
membership!
But
it’s not only about showing, as accolades go to Debby Van Nurden on her amazing
recovery from a horse fall injury. She
is gently back in the saddle after only a few weeks,
and is seriously reminding everyone to wear your helmets! It could save your
life.
In
my humble opinion, we’re all winners with our passion for horses. As two adult
“girls” stopped mid-conversation, gasped, and nearly broke our necks with each
horse we drove past on the highway, we smiled knowingly…it’s in our “jeans!”
Happy
trails,
Autumn Show August 9th
HAT will hold its third horse
show of the year on Saturday, August 9th at Crossfire Ranch Arena in
Please note that the location
of this show has changed from our original announced schedule. It was
originally to have been held at the
Be sure to bring the whole
family and join us for a full day of fun at Crossfire Ranch!
Horse “Bomb Proofing” Clinic September 7
HAT will offer a “Bomb Proof
Your Horse” clinic on Sunday, September 7th, at John Wiltsie’s farm in Pilot Point. The clinic will begin at
9am.
John Wiltsie
trains the mounted unit for the McKinney Police Department, and specializes in
preparing horses to work calmly in high-stress situations. His techniques
include exposing horses to a wide variety of sights, sounds, and situations
(sirens, gunfire/firecrackers/explosions, obstacles, getting caught in objects,
unusual walking surfaces, etc.) to teach both horse and rider how to handle
each in a calm and controlled manner.
The fee for this clinic will
be $50 for HAT members and $60 for non-members. Space is limited, but if there
is enough interest an additional session may be scheduled. For more information or to sign up, contact
Sandra Shiver at (903) 819-3669 or e-mail sandrashiver@hotmail.com.
State/Local News
Willowood Ranch Trails “Cowboy Evenings” Begin August 23
Looking for a place to ride
your horse? Well look no more! Grab your saddle, load your horse and come on
out to Willowood Ranch and ride the Trail! Whether you ride all day or just for
a couple of hours, you will see beautiful rolling hills, scenic woods and creek
bottoms, and have plenty of room to stretch those legs.
We are located right off Hwy
56 between
We are also in the process of
transforming the old silver barn on the ranch into an events barn, where folks
can enjoy chuck wagon cooking or good
On August 23rd we will kick
off our Cowboy Evenings at our Ranch hall facility. There will be fun for the
whole family! For more info call (903) 815-9645
We hope to see ya there!
Legislative Update
AHC Publishes Horse Industry Guide to Getting Involved in the 2008
Elections
“The 2008 elections are a
great opportunity for horse associations, businesses and individuals to step up
and be heard by the candidates, incumbents and those running for the first
time,” said AHC Chairman Nick Nicholson. “Remember, they want
to hear from you, they want your help and most of all they want your votes.
This is an opportunity to educate them about the issues important to the horse
community and show them your votes are important.” The AHC 2008 election guide
explains how to do this.
The guide discusses why the
horse industry should get involved in the upcoming elections and ways
individuals and organizations can go about doing so. It includes sections on
why candidates care about the horse community, being able to communicate issues
of importance to the horse industry, getting to know the candidates,
volunteering and fundraising, as well as knowing the laws governing political
activities.
“I believe this guide will be
an important resource for all members of the horse community who wish to play a
greater role in the democratic process,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.
Copies of “Getting Involved
in the 2008 Elections” can be obtained by contacting the AHC at (202) 296-4031
or by email at ahc@horsecouncil.org.
As the national association
representing all segments of 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.
National News
Tentative Park Layout, Venue Renderings Released for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
Lexington, KY (July 24) - The
World Games 2010 Foundation and the Kentucky Horse Park today released the
first renderings of the Kentucky Horse Park venue plans for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as well as the artistic
renderings of a permanent indoor arena and outdoor stadium.
“While these venue plans may
experience some changes between now and 2010, these tentative layouts already
illustrate the magnitude and scale of this event, as well as the breadth and
scope of our planning,” said Rob Hinkle, Vice President of Operations for the
World Games 2010 Foundation.
The
The artistic renderings of a
6,000-seat, climate-controlled arena showcase a facility that includes a
competition surface of 45,000 square feet, and 300 new event stalls.
The world-class venue will be
utilized before and long after the 2010 Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games, allowing the
“This is unquestionably an
unprecedented period of growth for the
The artistic renderings of
the outdoor stadium showcase the permanent stadium design, as well as the
temporary additions to be added by the World Games 2010 Foundation for the 2010
Games. The permanent structure will feature 8,000-10,000 permanent stadium
seats, while the Foundation will add 20,000-22,000 temporary seats in 2010.
More than 91,000 square feet of competition space will comprise the stadium
ring.
The Alltech
FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the
For more information on the
2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, visit www.feigames2010.org.
Business/Industry News
AAEP Endorses Thoroughbred Safety Committee Recommendations
The AAEP has endorsed the
three initial recommendations of The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Safety
Committee. The committee announced on Tuesday, June 17 that it is recommending
the elimination of steroids in race training and racing, a ban on toe grabs,
and a series of whip-related reforms, all aimed at improving safety and
integrity in Thoroughbred racing (see related story below for more details
regarding these recommendations).
Said AAEP
President Dr. Eleanor Green, “The AAEP strongly supports the implementation of
the Thoroughbred Safety Committee’s initial recommendations and appreciates the
committee’s leadership at this critical time for the racing industry. Uniform medication rules combined with uniform
testing procedures will ensure consistency in the administration of therapeutic
medications and will bring tremendous benefit to the health and welfare of the
racehorse. The AAEP strongly encourages the continued pursuit of uniformity by
the racing industry and stands ready to contribute the expertise and
perspective of racetrack practitioners to the dialogue.”
- - - - - - -
Thoroughbred Safety Committee Calls for Elimination of Steroids, a Ban
on Toe Grabs,
and Changes for Whip Usage
The Thoroughbred Safety
Committee, with endorsements and pledged cooperation from many prominent
national organizations in the Thoroughbred industry, announced on June 17 that
it is recommending the elimination of steroids in race training and racing, a
ban on toe grabs, and a series of whip-related reforms, all aimed at improving
safety and integrity in Thoroughbred racing.
These are just the first
recommendations emanating from the committee, which was formed and announced by
The Jockey Club on May 8.
The committee has scheduled
additional meetings to investigate and discuss additional recommendations on
other critical issues, including the use of therapeutic medications, illegal
drugs and prohibited practices; substantially increased penalties, including
lifetime suspensions, for major rule violations; best practices and
accreditation standards for drug testing laboratories; more research on the
safety factors associated with all racing surfaces — dirt, synthetic and turf;
and breeding and training of Thoroughbreds.
The committee will present an
update on its activities and additional findings and recommendations at The
Jockey Club’s 56th annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to
Racing on Sunday, August 17, 2008, at the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa in
“Steroids, toe grabs and whip
issues were all first identified at our Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse
Summits,” said Stuart S. Janney III, chairman of the
Thoroughbred Safety Committee. “After closely examining each of them in detail
and talking to many individuals with expertise in each area over the past
several weeks, we feel strongly that these recommendations and actions will
enhance the health and safety of both our equine and human athletes and further
ensure the integrity of our sport. Numerous industry organizations have already
expressed strong support for these recommendations, and we look forward to
collaborating with them to get these changes implemented.”
Highlights of these
recommendations include:
In regard to steroids, the
committee calls for:
· The immediate adoption by all North American racing
authorities of the RCI Model Rule on Androgenic Anabolic Steroids that was based
on Racing Medication and Testing Consortium recommendations, which effectively
eliminate the use of all anabolic steroids in the race training and racing of
Thoroughbreds.
· All North American racing authorities to implement the
model rule no later than December 31, 2008.
In regard to shoes and hoof
care, the committee calls for:
· An immediate ban on toe grabs other than 2-millimeter
wear plates, turn downs, jar caulks, stickers and any other traction devices
worn on the front shoes of Thoroughbred horses while racing or training on all
racing surfaces.
· The Association of Racing Commissioners’ International
(RCI) and all North American racing authorities to implement this ban by rule
as soon as possible, but no later than December 31, 2008, and for all racetracks
to consider immediately implementing this ban by “house rule” in the interim.
In regard to use of the whip
or riding crop, the committee recommends that:
· Only riding crops approved by the RCI Model Rules
Committee, in consultation with the Jockeys’ Guild, be
allowed in flat racing.
· Several specifications and new rules be initiated, including one regarding mandatory
shock-absorbing characteristics, as well as the prohibition of striking a horse
with the arm [raised] above shoulder height.
· Horses be subject to an
inspection after each race by a regulatory or track veterinarian who will
report his or her findings to the stewards.
· The Association of Racing Commissioners’ International
(RCI) and all North American racing authorities adopt these amendments to the
RCI Model Rule on “use of the whip” as soon as possible, but no later than
December 31, 2008.
In addition to Janney, the Thoroughbred Safety Committee includes John
Barr, James G. (Jimmy)
The Jockey Club,
founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and
racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. The Jockey Club
fulfills that longstanding commitment by serving the industry through its
family of companies and by providing support and leadership on a wide range of
important industry initiatives.
Equine Science News
Predicting Colic Surgery Outcome
Before committing to the expense of colic surgery, the horse owner may want
to know that there is a good chance of a successful outcome.
Research has identified factors such as heart rate, plasma proteins and
packed cell volume that influence the prognosis. Another indicator is lactate,
which is produced in tissues where the blood supply is inadequate.
When the gut is twisted, the blood supply may be cut off or strangulated.
Because of this the lactate formed in the damaged intestine may not reach the
general circulation and so may not be detected in a blood test. However, it may
leak out into the peritoneal (abdominal) fluid.
Hand held lactate meters are now available and are relatively inexpensive.
Could they be used on the farm to measure the lactate concentration in the
peritoneal fluid and so gain more information about the state of the
intestines? Two studies reported at the 9th International Equine Colic
Symposium held in Liverpool
Miss Adele Williams reported a study from the
Williams found that horses with higher levels of lactate in the peritoneal
fluid were less likely to survive.
There was poor correlation between blood and peritoneal fluid
concentrations of lactate. As expected, the lactate tended to be higher in the
peritoneal fluid.
A study at the
The test was helpful for detecting damage to the intestines in cases in
which the peritoneal fluid appeared normal.
Both studies concluded that the portable lactate analysers
provided a simple, cheap and reliable method for assessing the peritoneal fluid
lactate levels. As such it could be useful for providing vets in practice with
additional information on which to judge the likelihood of a successful
outcome.
References:
How useful are preoperative peritoneal fluid lactate concentrations in
predicting the survival of surgical colic patients?
Williams A, Burford, J.H, McKane
SA.
Proceedings 9th International Equine Colic Research
Symposium.
The usability of peritoneal lactate concentration in horses with colic
measured with a portable lactate pro analyser.
Butler CM, Van den Boom, R, Sloet
van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, M.
Proceedings 9th International Equine Colic Research
Symposium.
© 2008 Equine Science Update
Reprinted with permission
Extension Service News
by Eddie Baggs, CEA-Agriculture
Stock Law
There was a time when
livestock were allowed to graze and roam freely along roadsides, and all
counties in the state were under the “Open Range Law”. As our society changed
so did the number of vehicles and our need to commute longer distances and at
faster speeds, which lead to wider
The early revision only
imposed requirements on landowners whose property is adjacent to
This seems to be a modified
version of the “Open Range Law”.
Some counties such as
This means that since
November 8, 1900,
So, the days of “Open Range”
have long been gone in Denton County, and with 23,000 horses, 45,000 cattle,
600,000 county residents, and who knows how many vehicles passing through our roads
each day, it should be of high priority for livestock owners to inspect
perimeter fencing accompanied with a regular maintenance schedule.
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
A Bit of Humor
Horse Self-
Improvement In 20 Easy Steps
1.
I will NOT roll
in streams when my human is on my back.
2.
I will NOT leap
over large nonexistent obstacles when the whim strikes.
3.
I will NOT walk
faster on the way home than I did on the way out.
4.
I will NOT bite
my farrier's butt just to say “Hi”.
5.
I will NOT
confuse my human's blond hair for really soft hay.
6.
I will NOT blow
my nose on my human.
7.
I will NOT try to
mooch goodies from every human within a one-mile radius.
8.
I will NOT lay
totally flat in my stall with my eyes glazed over and my legs straight out and
pretend I can't hear my human frantically screaming “Are you asleep?”
9.
I will NOT chase
the ponies into the electric fence to see if it is on.
10. I will promise NEVER to dump the wheelbarrow of manure
over while my human is mucking my stall.
11. I will NOT grab my lead rope in my mouth and attempt
to lead myself.
12. I will NOT pull my shoes off the day after being shod
just to prove that I can.
13. I am NEITHER a beaver nor a carpenter. I promise I
won't eat or orally remodel the barn or the new fences.
14. I am NOT a battle steed and will NOT act like one.
15. I WILL forgive my human for my very bad haircut, even
though I look ridiculous.
16. I WILL accept that not every carrot is for me.
17. I will NOT bite the butt of the horse in front of me during
a trail ride just to say “Hi”.
18. I will NOT jump in the air and turn 180 degrees every
time I see a deer.
19. I will understand that deer are NOT carnivorous.
20. I WILL gladly come from the pasture when my human
wants my company.
Ask The Vet
by Dr. Katie Hayes, DVM
2008 Summer Olympics
–
August 9-21 2008 –
NBC
Equestrian Events
3 Day Combined Training August 9-12
Dressage August 13-16
Show Jumping August 15-21
Broadcast Info www.nbcolympic.com/equestrian
Daily Olympic news and
results www.horsechannel.com
The equestrian competition
takes place in Hong Kong, some 1200 miles away from
There is no
Reining or Endurance events as extras this year, so there is just
Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping. At the 2004 Athens Olympics our USET (United
States Equestrian Team) won bronze in Dressage and Eventing and gold in Show
Jumping. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics David O’Connor won the individual gold in
Eventing and we won the team bronze in Dressage. Our competition is the Germans
& Dutch in
Dressage; the British, Australians, & New Zealanders in Eventing, and all
of
Dressage is a pattern (like a Reining pattern) which demands
collection, extension, and sidepasses of all gaits in
addition to the passage and piaffe which looks like the horse is dancing
3 Day Eventing is 3 events (a triathlon) for the horse which include
1) Dressage, which shows the collection and obedience of the horse; 2) Cross
Country, which show the horse’s endurance over a course of jumps made of logs,
banks, drops, over water, into water, all-solid fences 3’7” high in which
falls, refusals, runouts and time limit faults are
penalized; and 3)Stadium Jumping, which tests the agility of the horse over a
course of jumps in an arena with no rails knocked down or refusals in an
allotted time.
Show Jumping is a course of jumps 4-5 feet high in an arena with
jump combinations. Whoever goes clean (no rails knocked down) comes back for
the jumpoff where the fences are higher with tighter
turns and it is timed. The winner is the clean round in the fastest time with a
horse that can jump the moon.
I hope you enjoy the Olympic
Equestrian Events and that we have decent TV coverage. I’ll be cheering the
riders on, and of course the main athletes – the
horses.
Heat, Drought, and Colic
With the heat and the drought
drying up our pastures it is time to start feeding hay if you have no pasture.
In this heat with no roughage, horses tend to colic because there is not enough
roughage going through the intestinal system and with out sufficient roughage
the grain makes the horse gas up and colic. In order to save your pasture for
grazing, it is recommended to divide your pasture and put the horses on one
pasture and let them eat it down to nothing while feeding hay so that the other
pasture can recover and keep its grass
Cribbing and Ulcers
Horses that crib, a habit
where the horse presses his front teeth on a wood board or solid object and
gulps air into the upper esophagus, produces more saliva, which neutralizes the
acid of the stomach resulting in less ulcers. Trying
to stop them from cribbing with cribbing straps causes more stress and more
ulcers for the horse.
Recipe of the Month
Lemon-Berry Cheesecake Tart Servings: 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 1/4 cups |
finely crushed vanilla wafers |
3/4 cup |
boiling water |
|
1/4 cup |
butter, melted |
1 pkg |
(4 serving size) lemon flavored gelatin |
|
1 pkg |
(8 oz) cream cheese, softened |
1 cup |
ice cubes |
|
1/4 cup |
sugar |
|
|
|
1 cup |
whipped topping |
|
|
|
2 cups |
mixed berries (blueberries, sliced strawberries, and
raspberries) |
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|
·
Mix vanilla wafer crumbs and butter in small bowl until well blended.
Press onto bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan (Note: if a tart pan is
not available, substitute a foil-lined 9-inch round baking pan). Place pan in freezer.
·
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer on
medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping. Remove pan
from freezer and spoon mixture into crust. Arrange berries over cream cheese
filling. Cover and refrigerate.
·
In a medium bowl, stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix for 2 minutes
or until completely dissolved. Add ice cubes and stir until ice is completely
melted. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until gelatin is slightly thickened (about
the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.) Spoon gelatin over fruit in pan.
Refrigerate 3 hours.