Mount Up Virginia - November / December 2008

November/ December 2008

FREERein Dance Performance Horses

Winterizing Your Horse

The Christmas Guide

Virginia Barrel Racing

Buying A Kid Safe Horse

www.Mountupvirginia.com

Saturn of Harrisonburg2465 East Market Street 540-437-7577

www.saturnofharrisonburg.com

Rethink.

December 5 & 6 beginning at 8:00pm each night. Doors will open at 6:00pm.

Tickets will be on sale at the Virginia Horse Center beginning Thursday, November 20th.

General Admission Adult: $15.00 in advance $20.00 at the door

General Admission Child (under 12): $8.00 in advance $10.00 at the door

*There are no discounted prices in the reserved seating areas.

For additional information call 540.463.3066

“Keep It Simple” & Call

Keeping It Clean

434-242-2601References Available

8625 Seminole Trail Ruckersville, VA 22968

434-985-4574

Virginia’s Largest Lucchese Dealer!Right Now, Buy One Pair of Boots

&Get The Second Pair at 1/2 Price

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4 | www.MountUpVirginia.com

November/December 2008

Director of Publications Kimerly Flora-Foster

Editorial [email protected]

Advertising Director of Advertising

Jessica Shifflett

[email protected]

(434) 989-1769

Art/Production

Director of Art/Production Kim Foster

Mount Up Virginia P.O. Box 10

Dyke, VA 22935 (434) 249-3605

Mount Up Virginia is published bi-monthly by King Management & Publishing.

Mount Up Virginia is designed with the mission to promote Virginia Quarter Horses,

Paints, & Appaloosas.

The editor welcomes photos, but cannot guarantee their return. Article submissions

are welcome visit our website for instructions related to submissions.

www.Mountupvirginia.com

Rein DancePerformance HorsesKing William, VA

VirginiaVirginia

Photos by Kim Foster

VirginiaVirginiaLetter from the Editor 7

Winterizing Your Horse 25

Recognizing Lameness 27

Buying A Child Safe Horse 29

Kids Corral 31

Calendar of Events 39

Rein Dance Performanc Horses 9

Virginia Barrel Racing 12

Christmas Guide 15

Virginia is for Horse Lovers 19

Fall Hazards – Fallen Leaves 33

Virginia High School Rodeo Association 36

Departments November/December 2008

Features



Kimerly Ann Photography

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Mount Up Virginia November/December 2008 | 7

VirginiaVirginia

Letter from the Editor

First of all let me say that I don’t do “happy holidays” I wish you and your family A Happy Thanksgiving and A Very Merry Christmas!

As the mirage of colored leaves fill the blue skies, it’s a great welcoming sign of the fall and winter holidays. For me it’s an embracing time of slow down, as my childrens softball, baseball, volleyball & football games are coming to a halt and even the horse show world is reining it in.

Once the leaves begin to change their formation & colors and fall festivals are in full swing, I turn into a kid myself and dance with pure anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many people find the holidays a bit overwhelming and often get lost in the hustle and bustle of all the commercialism. Fortunately, I just get lost in the spirit of the season.

I am truly thankful that I have such a great family to celebrate this joyous season with, including my equine family which has grown substancially. Recently I starting pulling out the winter blankets to inspect their conditions, especially for “Slim” our barrel horse, who will continue to work in the winter months, therefore it’s imperative that he not develop a full winter coat. My point being, how fortunate my family and I are this season, as we have a roof over our heads and eat better than we need too. Likewise do our horses, they have adorable stalls built by my ever creative Dad and those who need the winter blankets are well dressed in their Rhino duds and believe me, dad makes sure the horses eat better than they need to. (One day I’ll share pictures of our ROUND equine family members.)

If your like me, around the Thanksgiving and Christmas season you find yourself thinking more about our military and their families, how fortunate we are because of the countless men and women fighting to protect our country each and everyday. I pray for their safety and for the grief and emptyness their families endure. They are my heros! It’s because of our Military and Armed Forces that you and folks like myself have so many priveleges including the luxury of being a horse owner.

This Thanksgiving and Christmas as your families gather, slow down and take the time to appreciate the moment, don’t forget to say an extra prayer for our Military and Armed Forces, they are truly taking care of us!

Remember to spoil your equine friends and if your looking for the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life, be sure and check out our Christmas Guide. Don’t forget it’s okay to ride your horse in the winter months, pull out extra clothing, bundle up and hit the trails with bells on!

Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas,

“Kim”


Sometimes the simple things in one’s life are completely overlooked, like for instance on a perfect fall day, I’m driving on 295 south with a destination

of Rein Dance Performance Horses. My aprehension takes over and my curiosity runs wild with anticipation of what I perceive to find upon my arrival at 317 Green Level Rd in King William, VA.

I must admit that my perception of reining was a rider performing various fast turning circles and the sliding stop, one of the signature moves of a reining horse. To my dismay the horses at Rein Dance Performance facilities are all of what I had anticipated and so much more, almost indescribable! The drive to Rein Dance was soreal and almost enchanting, passing countless cotten fields with the sun beaming golden rays was wholesome and warming, but the minute I arrived to the facility was completely awing.

It was absolutely breathe taken to watch the riders work with their horses, noticing little to no movement of action, the intensity between the rider and horse was like a marriage made in heaven. Debbie Bull, trainer and owner of Rein Dance Performance Horses utilizes Natural Horsemanship a training philosophy that represent the perspective of the horse and not the human. Natural Horsemanship is a true “cowboy concept” that has been proven time and time again, as with such cowboys as Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance and his brother Bill Dorrance, all of whom were outstanding ranch hands and depended on their horses to be a willing partner in their work. These cowboys in particular believed that by understanding how a horse communicates with other horses and how they think and learn, you could tailor your training techniques to fit the horse. The result was a more willing and confident horse, and the method became known as Horse Whispering, or the more modern name, Natural Horsemanship.

Rein Dance Performance HorseBy Kim Foster

Blair Childress 17 years old riding her bay mare

Rein Dance Performance Horse continued on page 10

Debbie, is unique in the world of “whispering” for many reasons, the most obvious is that she is a woman in a profession dominated by men. Debbie is accomplished and most successful at using this technique to work with horses and their owners. Debbie’s long time friend and mentor, Bruce Olsen helped Debbie learn how to implement these techniques as well as learn the awing art of reining.

“To watch Debbie work with a horse is a wonderful thing,” says Dee Papit, a friend and client. “Her ability to focus on the horse is so intense that you can actually see the horse start to figure out how to respond to what she wants.”

Debbie’s competitive equine sport is Reining. She has been breeding, riding and working with Reining horses for 20+ years. Rein Dance Performance Horses evolved and expanded from a focus on Reining to training and problem solving for horses and their owners of all western disciplines.

Jordan St. John is Debbie’s colt starting trainer and Jordan also utilizes quiet and gentle methods to start young, inexperienced horses. With natural horsemanship techniques Jordan allows young horses to gain confidence needed to become respectful brave horses. Jordan seen below and on the front cover has been riding and working with horses most of his life.

Debbie’s patient training method works in a way that allows the horse to feel like it is doing something it wants to do! The key to this type of training is the riders timing, feel, and most

importantly respect.

Respect is built with a horse by Debbie’s patience, and her ability to establish a training task in a way that one, gives the horse time to understand the task and two, respond correctly. If a horse resist the training task, Debbie’s body language and mental intensity increases to meet the elevated intensity of the horse’s resistence. While maintaining her mental intensity and being patient and persistent, Debbie allows the horse to find a way to avoid confrontation. As soon as the horse explores the desired behavior her persistence vansishes, (remember timing). This telling the horse he found the right answer.

It’s imperative for humans to know the difference between being assertive and being aggressive. Assertiveness is confident power and strong mental energy. Aggressiveness is angry and confrotational energy with attacking body

language. Animals or humans alike are not going to respond to aggresiveness in a positive manner.

Debbie states that respect, timing and feel are taught and experienced from lessons on the ground as well as in the saddle. Often times trainers underestimate the importance of working the horse on the ground to build communication before climbing on it’s back. Groundwork is time well spent when you see those results translate to a better riding experience. In the big picture, good groundwork that builds respect and communciation makes everything easier, from feeding, to haltering, to standing calmly for grooming or vet work.

The absolute most impressive thing about the environment at Debbie’s farm is the relaxed atmosphere of the barn.

Rein Dance Performance Horse (continued)


Jordan St. John

A.B. Davis, ground working her black mare


Rein Dance Performance Horse (continued)

Debbies does not judge the rider or the horse, she simply uses her expertise to help. Her calm manner and attitude, gives the clients and students the confidence to try things they have never tried before. It also sets up the positive mental attitude needed for success. A final plus for students and clients is that any success, from the tiniest accomplishments all the way to the biggest Blue Ribbons, are all celebrated with great relish at Rein Dance Performance Horse Farm.

Most recently a network of students, clients and friends were all monitoring the success of Blair Childress, one of Debbie’s most promising students. Blair, who studied Debbie’s techniques and methods to train her seven year-old quarter horse Sassy in reining, competed in Oklahoma City, in August at the AQHA Youth World Show. As expected, Blair had a beautifu and successful ride in that competition. Anyone who shares a love of horses and an interest in Natural Horsemanship knows that this is a great moment for Blair, and true validation for a gifted trainer.

Debbie specializes in and is always looking for dedicated teenage to senior riders and their horses to further the concept of “TEAM REIN DANCE”.

To learn more about these methods visit:www.reindancehorses.com or feel free to give Debbie a call @ 804-814-1182.

Also visit the Virginia Reining Horse Association at www.virginiareininghorse.com. ❚

Debbis Bull is pictured to the right with A.B. Davis and their four legged friends.


With high fuel prices and a weak economy Virginia barrel racing continues to prevail.

Saturday, October 18, 2008 @ Tripple “S” Ranch in beautiful and historic

Stanardsville, Virginia, Fall was in full swing with full speed!




For information on the

Virginia Barrel Horse Association visit:

www.virginianbha.com or www.nbha.com

and find a barrel race near you.

Fun for the entire family!


5248 E. Indian River RoadVirginia Beach, VA 23464

(757) 467-3183

[email protected]

ACREDALE SADDLERYENGLISH WESTERN

TACK & TOGS


By Kim Foster

It’s no secret, Christmas is our favorite time of the year. Typically, we don’t stress about the gift

giving aspects of this particularly joyous season. Mainly because we figured out many years ago

that people often by what they want, when they want it, it’s all about living in the here and now!

However, we realized that many of our readers could use a bit of help with selecting the perfect

gift for the horse lover in their life . So we’ve compiled a list of gift ideas and various websites that

you don’t want to miss!

The Christmas Guide

Equine Themed Gift Basketswww.equusfinegifts.com

Wall Lantern with Glass Etched Designswww.hudsonvalleyhorses.com

Horse Picture Framewww.horse-gift.com

The Christmas Guide


Kids Backpackwww.horsemaniac.com


Notecards & Puzzleswww.horseandhound.com


Braceletswww.wildhorsefeathers.com

Keepsake Horse Blanketwww.keepsakes-etc.com

That about wraps up our selection of unique gift ideas for the horse lover in your life.

While we attempted to bring you a selection of different items that you may not come across

everyday, please remember to visit your local retail stores and gift shops!

In the meantime should you have any questions or suggestion please email us @ Editor@

mountupvirginia.com.

May you have a wonderful Christmas, and remember, don’t stress over the gift giving, Christmas is

meant to be a calm and content time of year!

Happy Shopping!!





The Christmas Guide


VISIT US AT:

[email protected]

Member Better Business BureauPhone: 434-985-7466

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More times than I can count, I’ve heard it said “Virginia Is For Lovers”. My response has always been “Virginia Is For Horse Lovers”.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture also verifies that Virginia is for Horse Lovers, by releasing their report which is the second comprehensive study conducted by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services covering Virginia’s equine industry.

Decision and policy makers at all levels of government and industry are encouraged to use this publication as it clearly illustrates the economic significance of equine in Virginia. Thousands of jobs depend on the vitality of Virginia’s equine industry.

Equine is a major source of tourism and generates substantial revenue to the Commonwealth. The equine industry provides a variety of recreational opportunities for both equine enthusiasts and the general public. The information that follows includes basic statistics on equine inventory, sales,

value, primary usage and expenditures.

The 2006 Virginia Equine Survey indicated there was an estimated 215,000 equine of all types on November 1, 2006. These 215,000 equine were located on 41,000 operations throughout the Commonwealth.

Quarter horses was the leading breed in Virginia with 49,000 head and Thoroughbreds with 30,900.

In the year of 2006 the total value of all Virginia equine was $1.65 billion dollars!

The usage of all Virginia equine varies with the most predominant being pleasure, trail riding, etc. Breeding was the next highest usage at approximately 19 percent.

Virginia equine enthusiast are absolutely amazing and certainly spare no cost when it comes to caring for their animals. A total of nearly $505 million was spent in 2001, which is $2,969 per horse on average.

Virginia Is For Horse LoversBy Kim Foster

Virginia Is For Horse Lovers continued on page 20


Virginia Horseback RidingNORTHERN VIRGINIA

Berryville - The JBit Ranch offers western horseback riding lessons, trail rides and pony rides overlooking the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.

Culpeper - Grovespring Farm offers week-long equine and adventure day camps for children ages 7-14 during the summer. The camp includes horse care, ring and trail riding, small-group adventure rides and

other activities. Riding lessons are given year ‘round.

Delaplane - Sky Meadows State Park offers a bridle trail for riders.

Hume - Marriott Ranch offers guided trial rides overlooking the Marriott’s 4,200 acre Texas longhorn cattle ranch! Wow! Feel like a real cowboy or cowgirl at this place!

Lovettsville - Georges Mill Farm & Stables offer guided tour through wide-open fields, beautiful creeks and historic sites, such an an old Civil War encampment.

Sperryville - At Conyers House Inn & Stable Horseback Riding you’ll learn how to trot, canter, and gallop. Bring your own horse or use one of theirs!

Winchester - Ride the trails at The Wagon Wheel Ranch - everything from your basic campfire to a full cowboy chow evening ride! Your horse is already saddled at The Wagon Wheel Ranch.

Virginia Is For Horse Lovers continued

“The essential joy of being with horses

is that it brings us in contact with the

rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit

and freedom.”


Virginia Horseback RidingSHENANDOAH VALLEY

Bentonville - The Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park offers horse rentals and bridle paths.

Keezletown - Keezlenutten Farm Trail Rides features the scenic Western slope of Massanutten for all levels of riders ages 10 and up.

Luray - Skyland Resort Stables in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park offers 1 and 2 /2-hour tours.

Swoope - Experience the West and enjoy the ultimate horse trail riding adventure through North Mountain Outfitter Inc. Adventures include half-day, full day or overnight stays, where you will sleep under the stars in

tents at the base camp, just like cowpokes!


Virginia Is For Horse Lovers continued on page 22


Virginia Horseback RidingCENTRAL VIRGINIA

Roseland - Oct. 17-19, 2008 - Fall Trail Ride at Fleetwood Community Center includes a Saturday lunch in beautiful Nelson County.

Roseland - April 24-26, 2009 - The Spring Trail Ride at Fleetwood Community Center can be overnight or just for the day.

Montebello - May 22-24, 2009 - Spring Trail Ride at Montebello invites you to bring your horse and ride the scenic trails through woodlands, meadows and ridge tops.

Nellysford - Rodes Farm offers horseback riding and trail rides daily, mid-March through November (except Weds). Guided walking trails using English saddles and pony rides for kids!

Pamplin - Old Dominion Trail Rides provides quiet, well-mannered horses and experienced equestrian guides to navigate you through some of Virginia’s most beautiful country-side. Fantastic photo opportunities

and wildlife galore! Black bear, deer, turkey, coyote & soaring eagles are just some of the critters often seen while on the trail!

Petersburg - Idle Moment Farm offers trail rides along old wooded farm roads for people with their own horses


“The Way to

heaven is on

horseback”


Virginia Horseback RidingBLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS

The New River Trail State Park offers horse rentals and plenty of bridle trails.

Rocky Mount - Blackwater Equine Farms is a premier equestrian facility on 57 acres and offers training, ridng lessons, a riding arena and show barn.

Heart of Appalachia

Clintwood - Serious horseback riders will love the scenic trail of the Cumberland & Pine Mountain Trail Riders... it follows the crest of the Cumberland Mountains dividing Virginia and Kentucky! Trailhead parking is available for horse trailers and the trail requires map reading and safety skills. Join us for our annual trail

rides the 2nd weekend in May and the second weekend in October.

Coeburn - Dan Hall Mountain Resort & Country Club offers horseback riding through mountain trails. ❚


HorseClosings.com, LLC [email protected] Phone: (434) 826-9270 Fax: (434) 979-0037

600 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 100, Charlottesville, VA 22911 www.HorseClosings.com

HorseClosings.com Black and white . . . The way it should be

August 1, 2008

PRESS RELEASE Charlottesville, VA: A new company was launched today to address the needs of horse owners and agents in the fast-growing equine industry. HorseClosings.com is the first known “equine closing” company that provides several programs to document the terms of horse sales and leases.

The owners of the company, Krysia Nelson and Tamara Tucker, are lifelong horsewomen and equine attorneys. With all of the recent scrutiny on the horse business and the efforts to bring integrity and transparency to the sales process, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Tucker recognized the need for a neutral company to “close” horse sales much like real estate closing companies finalize home and land sales.

“There has been a big push in the industry and in various state legislatures to clean up the horse sales business. But what everyone is suggesting is that horse trainers should be punished for not doing paperwork the way lawyers think it should be done. That’s not fair — we think that HorseClosings.com is a private sector answer to these problems. It is an easy choice for buyers and sellers alike. And, it gets trainers back in the barn and out of the office,” said Ms. Nelson.

Ms. Tucker stated that, “Over the years, I have seen all types of disputes arise from horse sales

that were improperly documented and finalized. Recently I had a client who sent their horse to a reputable professional to be shown and sold. The horse was sold, the buyer paid their money to the professional, and because the professional was in debt, his bank account was frozen with the seller’s money in it. Had the parties used HorseClosings.com, the money would have been paid by the purchaser into an escrow account and disbursed along with the “HorseHUD-I”© and the transfer of ownership. Now, the buyer has a horse that cannot be properly recorded with USEF and the seller may never get her money.” The HorseHUD-I© is the Horse Uniform Disclosure of Information Form that sets forth the purchase price paid by the buyer, the amount of commissions paid to all agents, the amount to be paid for insurance, other costs, if any, and the net amount to seller. All parties sign off on the HorseHUD-I so there is complete transparency in the transaction. The money is held by HorseClosings.com in an insured escrow account so that there is no delay in the seller and agents receiving their money. In fact, if all parties are accessible and cooperate, transactions can be closed in one business day. In today’s world, handshake deals often result in a lawsuit or, worse, criminal prosecution. Using HorseClosings.com can afford buyers, sellers, and agents significant protection and peace of mind. In short, HorseClosings.com just makes good horse sense.


During cold months your horse’s nutrition is very important in helping him to stay healthy. Proper nutrition, living conditions and hoof care are a

vital part of winter horse care. Ensuring that the horse stays healthy all winter guarantees that he will be in peak physical condition during the summer riding season.

Assess your horse’s diet. Horses burn more calories in the winter to keep warm so they need to consume more calories. Check with your veterinarian to determine your horse’s individual dietary needs. Also make sure the food and water regularly to ensure it is clean and free of ice.

Ensure that your horse has a place to get out of the cold with dry hay. Monitor the barn’s temperature regularly. Horses that live exclusively in the pasture need a wind block.

Maintain their hooves. No hooves mean no horse. The farrier can check your horse’s hooves to determine if they have bruises or abscesses developing due to standing on hard

icy surfaces. Make sure they are trimmed every six weeks, overgrown hooves on icy surfaces can lead to chipping.

Continue to ride your horse during the winter. Winter doesn’t mean that you have to work hard to maintain your horse but get no enjoyment out of them.

It’s time to gear up for winter and start to think about how you will feed your horse in the colder months. Luckily in Virginia the winters are often mild, but that’s not to say that your management and feeding schedule can remain the same all year round.

As the weather cools off, and your horse starts to look woolly, you need to look at what you are feeding and think about how your horse’s nutritional needs will change as the weather gets colder.

Cold and wet weather puts extra demands on your horse to stay warm, and day to day activities can require a little more

Winterizing Your HorseBy Kim Foster

Winterizing Your Horse continued on page 26


energy than in the warmer months. Walking around a muddy wet paddock takes more energy as the horse has to pull his feet out of the mud with every step. Harsh winds tear away body heat, meaning your horse’s body has to work harder to keep warm. When it’s cold and wet, horses spend their time putting their rumps into the wind, and don’t graze. When you consider that they would normally spend 14-18 hours per day grazing, it’s easy to see how these conditions can make horses lose weight.

Some horses, particularly ponies, do just fine in the winter, and need no real changes in their diet, except a bit of extra hay. Many pony breeds have evolved in Europe and other temperate climates, braving much colder weather than they are ever likely to experience here, and ponies being ponies, they can often thrive without even a sniff of grain!

Take a look at your winter pasture. It may look nice and green to you with all the rain that winter brings, but what you’re actually looking at is millions of green stalky packages of water and maybe some weeds that are also taking advantage of the wet weather. There is very little nutrition in winter pasture so it’s important to supplement with plenty of hay to make sure that your horses are getting enough roughage in their diets. For the average 1,200 lb horse, you need at least 1.5% of body weight in forage.

Giving a couple of extra flakes of hay on really cold days will help your horse to stay warm, and is much better for the central heating system than giving a warm feed or mash.

For horses that need a bit of weight gain, a good quality clover mix is great, although it may need diluting with some grass hay if it’s very rich. If your equine friend tends to get a little too rounded and gorges himself greedily whenever the opportunity presents itself, then just stick to the 1.5% of body weight amount and feed a good quality grass/meadow hay or low oats oaten hay. ❚


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Give your animals the shelter they need this winter!

“For one to fly,

one needs only to

take the reins”


Every day veterinarians across the country see hundreds of cases of laminitis, a painful disease that affects the feet of horses.

Laminitis results from the disruption of blood flow to the sensitive and insensitive laminae within the foot, which secure the coffin bone to the hoof wall. While the exact mechanisms by which the feet are damaged remain a mystery, certain precipitating events can produce laminitis.

Although laminitis occurs in the feet, the underlying cause is often a disturbance elsewhere in the horse’s body. As a horse owner, it is important to recognize the signs of laminitis and seek veterinary help immediately.

Learn to Recognize the Signs of LaminitisBy Kim Foster

“Our hoofbeats were many, but our hearts beat as one”

Signs of acute laminitis include the following:

Lameness, especially when a horse is turning 1. in circles; shifting lameness when standing

Heat in the feet2. Increased digital pulse in the feet3. Pain in the toe region when pressure is 4. applied with hoof testers

Reluctant or hesitant gait, as if “walking on 5. eggshells”

A “sawhorse stance,” with the front feet 6. stretched out in front to alleviate pressure on the toes and the hind feet “camped out” or positioned farther back than normal to bear more weight

Signs of chronic laminitis may include the following:

Rings in hoof wall that become wider as 1. they are followed from toe to heel

Bruised soles or “stone bruises”2. Widened white line, commonly called “seedy 3. toe,” with occurrence of blood pockets and/or abscesses

Dropped soles or flat feet4. Thick, “cresty” neck5. Dished hooves, which are the result of 6. unequal rates of hoof growth

If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance for recovery. ❚


What are the pros and cons of buying a made older show horse with chronic health issues, but serviceably sound for a child to compete and

learn on as opposed to a younger horse without experience but no health issues?

A fair number of older show horse’s issues are related to lameness problems such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. If the horse is serviceably sound then this means that the horse is sound enough for the intended use but not completely sound. Maintenance therapy such as joint therapy, anti-inflammatories, as well as other things may be needed to keep the horse at that level of performance. These horses are good to help get a child started in the beginner level as long as there are no general health issues that would prevent the child from riding in their lessons on a regular basis such as advanced COPD that may act up in certain environments. You do not want a horse that is always sick the day of the lesson, because that can become very frustrating for the child and you as a parent. Also you don not want to have a health issue that is going to be detrimental to the longevity of the horse such as cancer, eating problems, neurological problems, etc...

If the purpose of the horse is to use for a few years and then resale then choosing a horse that may have maintenance issues and radiographic changes might not be the best choice since you may have a hard time getting your resale value. One downside of older horses is if the horse is only suitable for lessons and not competition and your child wants to start competing. You may have to rent another horse from the barn or lease another horse for competition purposes. The same holds true if you child is moving up in levels fast

and the horse is not able to compete at these higher levels.

The upside of purchasing an older horse is that usually they know their job so the trainer can concentrate on the child and not the horse. Also a horse that packs the kids around consistently and the child can be in the ribbons helps build confidence in the rider. “Bomb-proof ” horses are priceless if they can take care of your child even when they are messing up or hanging on one side. If the problems the older horse has are acceptable than that is usually the best horse for a beginner.

Buying A Child Safe HorseBy: Scott Reiners, DVM, Diplomate ACVA

Photo by: Kim Foster taken of Colter on “Yellow” at Broken Bow Arena in Moneta, VA

Buying A Child Safe Horse continued on page 30

Buying A Child Safe Horse continued


Kids Corral

Younger horses require training at a level the child may not be able to handle and those horses have not been proven in the show pen. You may find this horse is not suitable athletically or mentally to handle the discipline your child has chosen.

We have seen several instances where the rider wants a horse that has not been started to learn together. That can work but someone needs to be the student and someone needs to be the teacher and that does not always work the best for a beginner/intermediate rider who may need more advanced teaching in that discipline.The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong answer depending on your situation. Have a pre-purchase examination done on the horse and you and your veterinarian can determine if the problems may be ones that are acceptable for the intended use. Just remember a well trained horse whether young or old is golden, but a“bomb-proof ”, sound child’s horse is priceless!

Best of luck during your search for the right horse! ❚

Photos taken by: Kim Foster @ Tripple “S” Farm in Stanardsville, VA

Buying A Child Safe Horse continued


Stetsin Fielding

eyeing the third barrel

Danielle Crawford

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Fall Hazards – Fallen LeavesBy Kim Foster

The following trees have no place in horsekeeping areas because of their toxicity or potential for causing digestive distress. They are listed below in order of the risk they pose to horses, starting with the most hazardous.

❶ Yew (taxus species)

➋ Oleander (nerium oleander)

➌ Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

➍ Cherry trees and relatives (prunus species)

➎ Black Walnut (juglans nigra)

➏ Black Locust (robinia pseudoacacia)

➐ Horse Chestnut, Buckeyes (aesculus hippocastanum)

➑ Oak trees, acorns (quercus species)

➒ Russian olive, also known as oleaster (elaegnus angustifolia)

Some plants and trees that may be present in your pastures or fields could be dangerous or even deadly to your horse. You may see these innocent looking plants every day and not even know that they pose a threat!


As praiseworthy as trees are, there are a few situations where horses and trees don’t mix. In some cases, fruit- or nut-bearing trees contribute to colics when

horses gorge on their produce. In others, falling branches or uprooted trees injure nearby horses. But the gravest dangers arise with the few tree species that are toxic enough to sicken or kill horses.

Of the nonornamental native trees, the most deserving of the skull-and-crossbones warning are those that produce cyanide in their wilted leaves. Cyanide suffocates animals by blocking oxygen transport via the red blood cells. The red maple (Acer rubrum) is one such tree whose leaves are harmless most of the year until wind damage or seasonal change causes them to fall from the tree and wilt. Red maple leaves have serrated edges and can turn either red or yellow in the fall. “There are other trees that shed red leaves in the fall, but the red maple has some distinctive features,” says Anthony Knight, BVSc, MRCVS, who specializes in toxic trees and plants at Colorado State University. “The underside of the red maple leaf tends to be silvery in color.” Signs of poisoning, including lethargy, discolored urine and darkened gums, and may not appear for up to four days.

Equally toxic are cherry (black cherry, chokecherry, and fire cherry) peach and plum trees, all members of the Prunus species. These leaves also produce cyanide when wilted, affecting horses within a few hours of ingestion.

To be safe, remove these deadly trees or relocate horses away from pastures bordered by or containing them. In general, horses are not likely to eat leaves or any other tree parts unless they are quite hungry. However, when curiosity or boredom spurs exploratory bites, the horse may ingest enough of the deadlier species to do harm.

Fall Hazards – Fallen Leaves continued on page 34


Fall Hazards – Fallen Leaves (continued)

Red Maple

Mountain Laurel

If you suspect that you may have any of the following around you, you should consult with a vet knowledgeable in toxicology and get them removed before your horse finds them.

First and foremost is the red maple tree. Yes, that’s right, the common red maple. If ingested, the leaves of the maple contain substances that can cause a breakdown of your horse’s red blood cells leading to severe problems. If you have any red maples in your pastures, get them removed immediately and if you don’t have them, then definitely don’t plant any.

Mountain Laurel is another plant to avoid. Yes for those in PA, our state flower can be toxic to horses.

Rhododendrons and azaleas need to be avoided as well. These 3 plants contain toxins that can cause diarrhea, weakness, impaired vision, and heart problems and can be deadly within 1-2 days.

Milkweed is a toxic plant that we’ve all seen and chances are your horse may have too. Worse yet, he may think it’s a tasty treat. Unfortunately milkweed can cause seizures, lack of coordination and colic in horses and may lead to death 1-3 days after ingestion. One more complicating factor is that milkweed is still toxic after drying so if any of it accidentally winds up in your horse’s hay, they could be in big trouble. Please be certain that you know where your hay is coming from.

You may be a bit more familiar with the need to avoid water hemlock as it is quite toxic to humans as well as horses. It is commonly found near streams or in swampy, wetland areas, so be very cautious about letting your horse graze in these regions if you don’t know what types of plants are out there. It can cause violent seizures and muscle twitching closely resembling tetanus.

Also causing similar signs is poison hemlock. Poison hemlock can be found in fertile, moist soils in areas such as woodlots, fencerows, and waste areas.

Two other toxic plants found in similar types of environments are sorghum grass and wild cherry trees, which contain cyanide. In PA and other parts of the northeastern and eastern part of the US white snakeroot is apparent.


Fall Hazards – Fallen Leaves (continued)

White snakeroot is often found in forest soils or at the interface between forests and croplands. Again the plant is toxic both fresh and dried, so watch out for your hay. Horses can get very depressed or weak if they have eaten this plant, and may show signs similar to congestive heart failure.

Big warning on this next one... black walnut trees. These are very common and shavings or sawdust from these trees sometimes get used as horse bedding. Interestingly, ingestion is not the problem here. Instead, this will likely cause laminitis in your horses hooves. Additionally, some parts of the hoof can become necrotic. If your horse is having problems with laminitis, you may want to inspect your bedding carefully for black walnut shavings. Black locust trees are also particularly toxic to horses and some types of oak trees can be as well, although more so to sheep and cattle. Finally yew, although not commonly grown freely in pastures can be a serious problem if carelessly discarded into a pasture or if animals escape and gets access to landscaped areas.

This is by no means a complete list and I would recommend that any horse owner buy a book containing a comprehensive listing of toxic plants and trees to make sure that your horse doesn’t have access to any of them. As I mentioned many of these toxic plants could kill within 1-3 days of being eaten, so avoidance is much better than trying to cure the problem after it happens. As always if you suspect your horse may have eaten a toxic plant or tree, consult your veterinarian immediately. I sincerely hope that this helps to make your horse’s life a safe and happy life! ❚

White Snake Root

Black Walnut


The Virginia High School Rodeo Association is a non-profit, family-oriented organization. The VHSRA introduce members and their families to the sport

of rodeo and provide a fun and safe environment for young cowboys and cowgirls to develop skills. The VHSRA also promotes sportsmanship, development of good character traits and maintains the highest regard for the livestock. We often hold clinics and workshops for members.

Contestants can enter an event one time at any one rodeo.

Events offered are:

BAREBACK RIDING

To score well in this event, the rider must maintain balance, rhythm, and control, while at the same time spurring vertically above his head and horizontally away from the animal, with the follow-through of each spurring lick up the neck and shoulders of the horse. Broncs are scored for high kicking action, power - how hard they kick, lunge, and hit the ground - changing direction, and rolling and twisting. Judges stand on either side of the chute, and the first thing they look for is whether the rider’s feet are over the point of the horse’s shoulders when the animal’s front feet hit the ground on the first jump out of the chute. Each judge will mark one side, using a span of 1 to 25 points each for horse and rider. The four marks will be totaled for the score: 100 points would be the perfect bareback ride. Horses will be ridden eight seconds. Rider cannot touch horse with free hand.

BARREL RACING

Contestant is allowed running start; time begins as soon as the horse’s nose reaches the starting line and is stopped when horse’s nose crosses the finish line. Contestant must run barrels in cloverleaf pattern, starting at either side. A five-second penalty for each barrel knocked down will be assessed. No two girls may ride the same horse.

BREAKAWAY ROPING

Two loops will be allowed if two ropes are carried. Each rope is tied to saddle horn with string. Rider, starting when the barrier drops, rides after the calf, throwing loop over its head. As rider pulls up her horse, the running calf breaks the string and the rope falls free from the saddle horn. A white flag must be attached to the rope at the saddle horn so judge can tell when rope breaks free. Time is called when judge drops his flag. Ropes must be released from contestant’s hand to be a legal catch. Horse must clear box before loop is thrown. A ten-second fine for broken barrier will be assessed.

BULL RIDING

Riding to be done with one hand and loose rope, with bell attached. Bull to be ridden eight seconds. Rider will be disqualified for being bucked off or touching animal with free hand. A resined soft leather glove is worn on the hand the rider uses to grasp the bullrope. Only the squeeze of his hand on the handhold and the wrap of the rope’s tail hold him to the bullrope. The bull rider’s chaps, perhaps more than in any other event, afford protection against scrapes, stomps and bruises. His dull roweled spurs complete his equipment list.

Virginia High School Rodeo AssociationBy Kim Foster

BOY’S EVENTS

CALF ROPING

BAREBACK RIDING

STEER WRESTLING

BULL RIDING

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

DALLY TEAM ROPING

GIRL’S EVENTS

BARREL RACING

POLE-BENDING RACING

BREAKAWAY ROPING

GOAT TYING

QUEEN CONTEST

DALLY TEAM ROPING


Each of the two judges scores a bull from 1 to 25 on how hard he bucks and kicks, whether he spins, and if he rolls and twists and changes directions during the ride. A high kicking spin is much more difficult for the rider than is a flat spin, and a change in direction in spin is a most difficult move for the rider to adjust to. The rider, on a similar point spread, is scored on his balance, timing, and, most important, his degree of control. A bull rider is not required to spur the animal, as are bronc riders, but his score is higher if he does. Watch the motion of his free arm, for there is the key to balance in the ballet he performs on the bull’s back.

CALF ROPING

If cowboy intends to use two loops, two ropes must be carried. Catch as catch can. Cowboy must dismount, go down rope, throw calf by hand, and cross and tie any three feet. If calf is down when roper reaches it, he must allow calf to get up and then throw him. If roper’s hand is on calf ,when calf falls, calf is considered thrown by hand. Tie must hold for six seconds after roper calls for time, and slacks rope. There will be a ten-second fine for breaking the barrier.

GOAT TYING

The goat is tied to a stake with a rope ten feet in length. Starting line will be 100 feet from the stake. Contestant must be mounted and ride from the starting line to the goat, dismount, throw the goat by hand and tie any three legs together with a leather thong or pigging string. If goat is down when roper reaches it, the goat must be elevated by roper so that at least three legs extend directly underneath before being thrown. Time is called when the roper stands back with hands raised. Judge waits six seconds to determine that the goat is securely tied.

POLE BENDING

Pole bending pattern is to be run around six poles positioned in a straight line. Each pole is to be twenty-one feet apart and the first pole is to be twenty-one feet from the starting line. Starting either to the right or left of the first pole, rider runs

course patter. Five-second fine for each pole knocked over. No two girls may ride the same horse.

QUEEN CONTEST

The NHSRA Queen Contest is a competition for the girls of each state and province in the National High School Rodeo Association. To qualify for the National High School Finals Rodeo competition, contestants must be the winners of their state/provincial queen contests and chosen to represent that state/province and must meet other eligibility requirements. Girls who have just completed their senior year in high school are not eligible. The NHSRA Queen is selected based on her judged performance in these eight categories: Modeling, Personality, Appearance, Personal Interview, Prepared Speech, Impromptu Speech, Written Test, and Horsemanship.

Sara Holston

Fall Hazards – Fallen Leaves continued on page 38


Virginia High School Rodeo Association (continued)

Any girl interested in the Queen Contest should contact the Queen Coordinator in the state or province in which they are a member. E-mail the NHSRA at [email protected] for the address and phone number of your state/provincial queen coordinator. For further information on the National Queen Contest please contact the NHSRA National Headquarters at 1-800-46-NHSRA.

STEER WRESTLING

The mounted steer wrestler is placed in a box behind a barrier; his hazer in a box on the opposite side of the steer. The steer must be given a head start. The contestant and his hazer overtake the steer at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. He starts to leave the saddle as his horse reaches the steer’s tail. The hazer is allowed only to keep the steer running in a straight line. As the steer wrestler drops over the steer, the horse carries him up to the steer’s head. He scoops the right horn in the crook of his right arm, and grasps the left horn in his left hand. The horse carries his feet out in front and at a slight angle for the best position to make the throw. Timing is critical; the point is to turn the steer back instantly so that its own momentum aids in wrestling it to the ground.

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

As in the other riding events, the two judges on either side of the chute each score the horse and rider on 1 to 25 point spreads, for a total possible 100 points. The saddle bronc, like the bareback horse, is rated on how high he kicks, the strength and force of his bucking action, his reverses in direction, and for rolling and twisting action. For the control looked for by the judges, the saddle bronc rider’s spurring action must be exquisitely timed to the horse’s bucking rhythm. The more the rider turns out his toes, the more his spurs will drag in contact with the horse. Length of stroke from neck rearward to the back of the saddle also increases the rider’s score. Riding rein and hand must be on same side. To qualify, rider must have spurs over the break of the shoulders and

touching horse when horse’s front feet hit the ground first jump out of the chute.

Ride to be eight seconds. Rider will be disqualified for being bucked off; changing hands on rein; losing stirrup; or touching the animal, saddle or rein with free hand. The classic event

of rodeo, an outstanding saddle bronc rider is a beautifully choreographed dance of man and wild horse pitted spirit to spirit in intense poetry in motion.

TEAM ROPING

Team may be composed of two boys, two girls, or a boy and girl. In dally team roping, ropes are loose from the saddle horns, and after making the catch, the ropers must take a wrap around the horn. Time is taken when both ropes are tight and both horses are facing the steer. There are strict rules defining a fair head catch. The rope must be around both horns, the neck, half a head. There is a five second fine for a head catch that also catches a front foot or for catching only one hind foot. There is a ten-second penalty for breaking the barrier.

Visit the Virginia High School Rodeo Association at www.vhsra.org to learn more about the organization. ❚

“The history

of mankind is

carried on the

back of a horse”


VirginiaVirginia Calendar of Events November/December 2008

November 2008October 31 - November 2: Golden National Horse Show Palomino Horses from around the country will compete in a wide range of Halter, Color, and

Performance Classes. All Breed added money, Reining and Western Pleasure. Location: East Complex

Contact: Gary Andrews at 607-206-6655 Website: www.nypea.org

November 9, 2008: Farmville, VA Heartland Ranch Arena

Harry Upson or Sue Harris 434-223-7655 or 804-363-0195

IBRA Open, Youth, & Masters approved. $1000 added. Starts at 11:00am.

November 15, 2008: Bedford, VA Broken Bow Arena

Peggy Kanthack 434-929-2527

IBRA Open, Youth, & Masters approved. $1000 added. Exhibitions start at 10:00am, show at 2:00pm.

Co-approved with NBHA.

November 22, 2008: Bedford, VA Broken Bow Arena Wesley Humphries

434-332-5591 IBRA Open, Youth, & Masters approved. Added money & starting time TBA. Co-approved with

NBHA.

November 29, 2008: Cumberland, VA Cedar Run Ranch Arena

Sue Harris or Diane Roper 804-492-9656 or 804-492-3620

IBRA Open & Masters approved. Co-approved with NBHA.

November 2008November 21 - 23: Virginia High School Rodeo

East Coast Invitational Championship High School Rodeo with

contestants from 6 states. Location: Anderson Coliseum

Contact: Fred Wilcox at 804-307-6927 / [email protected]

Frank Shockley at 804-513-0876 / [email protected]

Chris Johnson / [email protected] Website: www.vhsra.org

December 2008December 6, 2008: Bedford, VA

Broken Bow Arena Wesley Humphries

434-332-5591 IBRA Open, Youth, & Masters approved.

$250 added. Starts at 11:00am.

December 5 & 6: Virginia PBR Challenger Professional Bull Riders U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company Challenger Tour event featuring some

of the toughest men in sports matched against the rankest bucking bulls in the bull riding industry.

Tickets will be available beginning November 20, 2008 through the

Virginia Horse Center Ticket Office. Call 540-463-3066. Location: Anderson Coliseum

Information: Prices and Seating PBR Website: www.pbrnow.com Email: [email protected]

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(434) 985-6289(434) 760-2085

References Available


From our Barn to Yours,We wish you a Joyful and

Merry Christmas,Mount Up Virginia

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Mount Up Virginia - November / December 2008

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