Trailer Buying 101

CM 3 horse stock combination trailer. Goose neck

Buying a horse trailer can seem like a overwhelming proposition. With a few simple answers to the following questions and a check list you can find and buy the perfect trailer in your budget.

1. What is your tow vehicle? The first step to finding a trailer is to know your vehicle’s towing ability. If your vehicle is rated to pull  5,000 lbs you will need to find a light weight trailer whose empty weight plus horse weights will be under your towing capacity.  Most towing vehicles are half ton pick-ups, large SUV’s,  3/4 ton or larger trucks.

2. How many horses do you plan to haul on a regular basis? This will determine if you need a 2 horse, 3 horse or larger trailer. If you typically only haul 1-2 horses for trail riding, showing, and lessons a 2-3 horse trailer is sufficient.

3. What size horses do you have? Not all trailers are a standard height or width. Larger horses need larger accommodations when traveling. The average trailer is 6’6 or 6’8 tall and 6′ feet wide. Horses over 15.2 hands may need a 7′ tall trailer.

4. What size tack/equipment area do you need? Some bumper pull trailers have small tack compartments under the hay manager and no dressing area. If your planning to show you may desire a trailer with a walk in tack/dressing combination for more space.

5. What is your budget?

Used vs New.  Trailers have a long life span especially if well cared for and a well made older trailer can bring down the cost of purchasing. Well cared for used trailers can be found starting about $3000. New trailers range in cost from $5000 to $50,000 depending on amenities.

Must have trailer features:

Cased in wiring, solid floors (no wood rot or other damage), no rust on key components such as the frame or axles, emergency brake connection, trailer brakes on at least the rear axle, rubber mats on floors.

Here is a great article on trailer lines, amenities, hitch types, and stall configurations. Horse Trailer Buying Guide

Treat trailer buying as you would car buying. Compare, make a check list of features you want or need, and use multiple resources to find the best deal. If your unsure about a trailer and if it will work for you take your instructor or other equine professional with you to view potential trailers.

Where to buy trailers:

MyHorseForSale.com

Trailerworld.com

Cowboy Trailer Sales

craigslist (be aware of scams)

 

Ground Work is Vital to the Horse-Human Partnership

Ground work has become a big deal with the Natural Horsemanship movement seen in the US over the last few years. Every clinician has some version they teach.  The reason, “If you can’t lead him (the horse), I don’t how they heck your going to ride him.” ~ Buck Brannaman.  Buck is absolutely right. Your relationship with the horse on the ground directly translates to your ability to ride and communicate with your horse from the saddle. If you invest the time with your feet on the ground, your time in the saddle becomes that much more enjoyable.

Ground work isn’t new. It has its foundation in the art of Classical Dressage. Classical Dressage uses in-hand training and lunging to develop  balance, strength, and forward impulsion. It also teaches the horse every cue that will be given from the riders leg and hand. Leaving only the seat aids for the saddle training.

While Natural Horsemanship and Classical Dressage in-hand training differ greatly in many aspects they have several things in common that apply to every horse and its human handler.  It’s teaching the horse respect, personal space, move away from pressure, equine-human communication, and developing a partnership with your horse.

The work on the ground serves a two fold purpose.  1. Training for the horse. The horse learns the maneuvers desired, can build muscle strength without the weight of the rider, develops self balance and body control. Second and perhaps most important horse and human develop a relationship of trust, respect, and the ability to communicate with one another. People often expect their horses to be perfect. They go out saddle up and ride without a thought to the horses emotional state of mind. Then they wonder why the horse has difficulty with some tasks or acts out in some way. The problem horse is born.

There are no problem horses, only problems with how we as humans handle and ride them. That is why ground work is vital to developing a whole horse – whole human partnership. If your horses don’t trust you, they aren’t going to work for you. This summer put your feet on the ground and see what you can accomplish with your horse.

Reference books/websites

CHI – Classical Horsemastership International

Buck Brannaman

Training the Horse in Hand: The Classical Iberian Principles by Alfons J. Dietz

Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from the Ground: Long Lines, Long and Short Reins, Work on the Ground by Ellen Schuthof-Lesmeister and Kip Mistral

Schooling Exercises In-Hand: Working Towards Suppleness and Confidence by Oliver Hilberger

Groundwork: The First Impression by Buck Brannaman

True Horsemanship Through Feel, Second Edition by Leslie Desmond and Bill Dorrance

Beginning Ground Work: Everything We’ve Learned About Relationship and Leadership by Joe Camp

Equine First Aid Kits 101

It’s the time of year we all love to pack up, load up, and take our equine friends on trail rides, to horse shows, and clinics. Its important to remember as you begin your spring, summer, and fall journeys to have the right tools for an emergency.  All owners should have a first aid kit for the barn, trailer, and a saddle kit for trail riding.

First Aid Kit 101 – What to have in your kit

Emergency numbers – your information, your emergency contact and an emergency contact for your horse, veterinarian information, your horses normal vitals (heart rate, respirations, and temperature.)

Items:

Thermometer (Digital thermometers work well), Stethoscope, Scissors and wire cutters, Adhesive tape and duct tape, Hemostats, Leg wraps (4 complete sets with leg pads), Soap – Palmolive or Dawn, Flashlight, Clippers (battery powered), sterile gloves, Antiseptics (Chlorahexidine, Betadine solution), Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol) for scrub, Wound dressing (EMT Gel, Corona, Triple Antibiotic ointment, or your favorite brand), Hoof pick and knife, Phenylbutazone (Bute), Bottles of sterile saline, Sterile bandage materials: roll cotton, non stick gauze pads, Cling wrap, Sheet cotton, diapers, or maxi pads (good for hard to wrap joints), Vetwrap®, Banamine and electrolyte paste, Easy boot, quart sized bucket and liners (keeps it clean with each use), small writing tablet and pen,  First Aid book (I recommend Dr. Kellon’s Guide to First Aid for Horses [Plastic Comb] Eleanor Kellon (Author).

Many of these items are available at your local grocery/pharmacy stores. However if you would rather purchase a “complete kit” there are many available online. Some of the medications such as Bute, and Banamine are only available from your veterinarian.

I recommend the following article from the University of Tennessee as a supplement to the above book and an easy short guide to keep in your trail riding pack. Emergency First Aid for Horses.

Equine Vital Signs -  For more on vitals and how to check vital signs click here.

Normal Adult Temperature: 99-101.5 F, Normal Adult Heart Rate: 24-48 beats/minute, Normal Adult Respiratory Rate: 10-20 beaths/minute.

Reminders: 

Check expiration dates on medicines in your first aid kit regularly!
Keep first aid kit in temperature controlled environment to avoid freezing!
Keep your first aid kit where it can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency!

References

http://extension.vetmed.ufl.edu/files/2011/10/Equine-First-Aid-Kit-Supplies.pdf

http://dramyrubin.com/equine-first-aid-kit.html

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Kellons-Guide-First-Horses/dp/0914327925/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1

http://meadowvistavetclinic.vetsourcecms.com/home/articles/equinefirstaidkit/

http://animalscience.ag.utk.edu/horse/pdf/EmergencyFirstAidForHorses-FMH-DGM-ASH153.pdf

http://animalscience.ag.utk.edu/horse/pdf/EmergencyFirstAidForHorses-FMH-DGM-ASH153.pdf

Horses and Spear Grass – What you need to know.

A few days ago I received a call from a student with the question, “What is Spear Grass?”

Spear Grass from Liberty Hill Texas

The student’s horse had eaten from a round bale containing spear grass and was suffering from a swollen mouth, and lesions in the mouth caused by the “spears” or seed heads in the bale.

So what is Spear Grass?

Here are the facts:

Spear Grass (or Needle Grass) is also know as Piptochaetium J. Presl. It is native to the lower 48 states, and Texas is home to several varieties of the plant. Not all varieties are dangerous to livestock and some like Green Needle grass are included and used in native grass hay mixes.

Spear grasses are cool season tufted perennial grasses. The foliage grows from 10 to 30 cm high with stems reaching from 0.5 to 1.5 meters depending on the species. Most species flower in spring.

There are several grass species that consistently cause mechanical problems in animals. These include bristlegrass or foxtail grasses (Setaria spp.), wild barley and foxtail barley (Hordeum spp.), bent grass or wind grass (Agrostis or Apera spp.), barnyard grass (Echinochloa spp.), feather finger grass (Chloris virgata), bromes (Bromus spp.), wild oats (Avena fatua), and needlegrass or speargrass (Stipa spp.).

 Signs of grass awn irritation include:

Bad breath, red, swollen, or receding gums, and lesions or ulcerations in the mouth and tongue. Sometimes grass awns are compacted in the gums. In addition, a horse may refuse to eat, and be very reluctant to have its owner or veterinarian look in its mouth. At this time there is no associated cases of digestive issues with eating Spear or Needle Grasses.

Treatments:

A veterinarian can flush the wounds clean, prescribe and administer appropriate antibiotics and analgesics for associated infection and pain, and guide the owner about oral care, such as brushing, and what to feed the horse as it heals.

Prevention:

Check your hay carefully for Spear/Needle grasses, purchase your hay from a reputable source who has high quality horse hay. If you notice swelling of the mouth, immediately remove the hay source and check pastures for the grasses. Contact your veterinarian for to ensure your horses safety and health.

References

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vth/EquineNews/archive/Oct07.pdf

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PIPTO

http://npsot.org/wp/story/2011/2026/

http://www.nativeseeds.com.au/Spear-Grass.php

http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/articles/forage/species/grasses/Green-needlegrass.htm

Fire Safety and Horses

Texas and many other western states are suffering from drought conditions. While the springs rains have brought much needed relief this year, here are some tips to keep you and your horses safe from fire as summer approaches.

1. Have proof of ownership available at all times.

• Current pictures (front, rear, both sides, any unique markings).
• Registration papers or bill of sale, vet records.
• Keep all information in a book or 3 ring binder in an easily accessible place,

2. Have an evacuation route planned.

• Check your trailer tires and floor to ensure trailer safety and ready use.
• If you don’t own a trailer have a person on call to help transport your horses, or a trailer available to borrow.
• If a trailer is not available for transport have a route mapped out to lead/ride your horses to safety.

3. Boarding and Fire Safety.

• Make sure your halter is well adjusted and has a tag with your horses name, your phone number and other emergency contact. Ask the owner/manager to make sure your horse is haltered with your halter.
• Ask the barn owner/manager for the evacuation routes. (You need to know where to find your horse should the stable evacuate.
• Make sure the owner/manager has copies of your horses coggins papers to allow for transportation.
• If there are not enough trailer spaces available ask to be notified immediately so you can lead/ride your horse to a safe location.

4. Practice your evacuation route.

• Ride your evacuation route and familiarize yourself and your horses with obstacles along the way.
• Drive the evacuation route and make note of any places cars or other vehicles may jump onto the road.

5.  Practice loading your horse.

• Many horses will resist loading under the best circumstances practice loading your horse at least twice a month.

Always practice good horse keeping and stay safe.

Coat Color Genetics …. part 1

Breeding and Foaling Season are back!  Domestic breeding of horses is based on conformation, performance ability, and color.  Curious to know what your foal will look like this year! Interested in finding out what you would get if you cross a Black to a Buckskin? This series will focus on Coat Color Genetics in horse’s, and the great thing is you don’t have to have a Ph.D to understand color genetics in horses.

Basic horse coat colors are chestnut/sorrel, bay, and black. All other equine coat colors are derived from these three bases. The three base colors are controlled by two genes, The Extension Gene which controls black and non-black, and the Agouti Gene which controls locations of black pigment. There are approximately 10 other genes that modify coat color in horses.

In this article we will look at the Extension and Agouti Gene in the next article we will look at the modifier genes.

Genetics Terminology used in this article:
allele – each gene has two forms called alleles, the alleles can be the same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous)
homozygous – both alleles present are the same. i.e EE or aa
heterozygous – different forms of the allele are present. i.e Ee or Aa

Extension Gene EE, Ee, ee

The Extension gene (E) controls black and non-black.

(ee) Chestnut or sorrel horses are homozygous recessive (ee) for the extension factor. We call this the red gene. Horses born without black pigment on the body carry this genotype. Horses that have this gene and modifiers are palomino, red dun, cremello, white, or gray. This horse will produce red and bay foals.

(Ee) Horses that are heterzygous (Ee) are generally bay, black, or brown, depending on the Agouti gene. Horses with this genetic make-up rely on the Agouti gene to distribute the black pigment either at the points or over the whole body. This horse can produce red, black, or bay foals. If a horse carries this heterozygous gene and modifiers their coat will be buckskin, zebra dun, grullo, perlino, gray, or white.

(EE) Horses that are homozygous dominant for the Extension Factor (EE) are black. The red factor is not detected. In this case the Agouti gene does not effect the distribution of black on the body. This horse cannot produce a chestnut or sorrel foal, because they will always provide a dominate gene allele (E). If modifiers are present this horse will be buckskin, zebra dun, grullo, perlino, gray or white.

The Agouti Gene (A) controls the distribution of black on the body.

(AA and Aa) Homozygous dominant and heterzygous (AA, Aa) horses have black on the body at the points, ears, legs, mane, tail. This genotype includes bays, buckskin, zebra dun, and grullo.

(aa) Homozygous recessive horses (aa) will have black uniformly over the body, this will be the “true” black horse. This horse will have the genotype of EE/aa. This horse will also produce only black foals and if breed to other horses with this genotype, will produce a black foal each time.

So this year as you prepare to breed your mares and stallions, if you want to know what color your foals will be use the Equine Color Calculator, and get the 4 possible colors of your babies! This particular calculator works on solid and paint horses, unfortunately it does not include Appaloosas.

The Black Stallion Literacy Project

As an avid equestrian and book reader I love to share information like this article. As a parent and teacher this is information that needs to be promoted to all local schools, camps, and libraries. This program is available to schools, summer camps, and after-school programs.

The beloved children’s classic The Black Stallion written by Walter Farley has long captured the hearts and minds of readers across the world. No matter how old the story, children fall in love the adventures of the Black and Alec. Today a new group of fans is reading and loving these characters. A project called the Black Stallion Literacy Project takes the book to 1st and 4th grade students across the country on a reading adventure they will never forget, with a live performance by Arabian Nights and the Black Stallion at the end of the unit! Students involved with this project love it, even those who complain about reading a “horse story” fall in love with the book. One of the great things about this project is that each child gets their very own hardback copy of the book to keep. To learn more about this great project and how you can get involved and/or bring this project to a school near you visit Black Stallion Literacy Project.

I have seen this program in action in the classroom and never would have thought the impact would be so great. Students who argued that reading had no purpose actually read the book at home, they took care of the books, and loved the time spent with “real horses!” Many students finished the unit and asked the library to stock other books in the series to continue reading. I was amazed and thrilled at how much they enjoyed a “horse” story.

Teachers this is a super easy program to incorporate in the classroom and comes complete with everything you need to teach the unit! For Texas Teachers its already TEKS aligned.

To learn more about the Black Stallion series and movies visit The Black Stallion.

Trivia Fact: In the movie The Black Stallion the Black was played by a Texas bred Arabain Stallion, Cass Ole’, from San Antonio.

Secretariat the Legend and the Movie

The Kentucky Derby is fast approaching, to be run the First Saturday in May.

Winning the Belmont Stakes

Each year we wait and wonder if there will a triple crown winner. As we hope for this year and the hope of Derby day, I’d like to remember a truly great champion. Secretariat

In preparation for Derby Day I encourage you watch the Disney movie Secretariat.   Disney did a great job telling the story of one of America’s greatest athletes.  You don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy this movie, its about more than the making of a champion race horse.

Secretariat Trivia

Born in Virginia in 1970 to SomethingRoyal by Bold Ruler. Owner Penny Cheney (Tweedy) was able to keep the colt based on a coin toss.

Nicknamed “Big Red” he stood 16.2 and weighed almost 12oo lbs.

1973 Kentucky Derby: Secretariat won with a record time of 1:59 2/5. The most impressive part he ran each quarter mile faster than the previous one. The first quarter was run in 25 1/5 and the last in 23 second flat.

1973 Preakness: Made a huge last to first place move on the 1st turn and won by 2 1/2 lengths. Recognized time of 1:54 2/5. After the Preakness he appeared on the covers of Time Magazine, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated. (Only horse in history to be on the covers of all 3 in the same week)

1973 Belmont: Time 2:24 flat the fastest dirt mile and 1/2 ever run. Winning distance over field of 5 horses 31 lengths. Secretariat ran an average of 37.5 miles per hour. His records in the Belmont still stand.

Secretariat won a total 16 out 21 races in his career. He died in 1989 at age 19. His heart was found to be 2.5 times larger than the average horse. He would be remembered as a great race horse and broodmare sire.

The difference between a Snaffle Bit and Curb

As I read through Equine catalogs I noticed that two terms have become a bit blurred, and prompted the writing of this article. What is the difference between a snaffle and curb? How do I know which the severity of the bit?

Every horse is unique and most require a bit just for them. If you have multiple horses chances are you have multiple bits on different bridles and a box full of alternatives. The bit can be one of several things; a communication device, a tool to create submission, or a way to harm the horse. In the ideal world the bit is a communication device only with the ultimate goal to be its removal as we develop a true partnership with our horses.

The two “blurred” terms are Snaffle bit and Curb.

For a bit to be considered a snaffle the reins and headstall must attach to the same ring and be able to shift on the ring. Examples would be traditional D-ring or O-ring type bits. Most people think of snaffles as having a jointed mouth piece and while most do, it is not what makes them a snaffle. A snaffle bit applies direct pressure to the horses mouth. Direct pressure means if you pull right you activate the right side of the bit in the horses mouth. In other words Right is right and left is left. Most english horses and young horses in training are ridden in a snaffle bit.

A curb bit creates leverage pressure. It applies pressure to the poll, the back of the jaw, and the bars of the mouth.  A curb has separate attachments for the headstall and reins usually separated by the mouth piece. The headstall will attach at the “purchase” above the mouth piece,  and the reins below at the end of the shank.  A curb can have a jointed mouth or ported mouth piece. A curb should only be used on horses that neck rein or work off seat and leg aids.

Bits come in different forms of severity. Here is a list to help you rank your Snaffle bits.

1.  large diameter, smooth mouth piece snaffles are the least severe (egg butt, d-ring, o-ring)
2. copper and sweet metal mouth pieces encourage salvation and a soft mouth
3. Adding additional links may benefit some horses who prefer less tongue or bar pressure
4. Slow twist increases the severity of the bit
5. Adding a second or double wire increases the severity
6. bicycle chain type bits are one of the most severe snaffle bits

Curb Severity:

1. High ports are more severe than a low port
2. Broken mouth pieces on a curb are the least severe
3. The shorter the shank the less severe the bit (average horse should be in less than 3″)
4. Straight shanks are more severe than bits with an S shape or any curving are the least severe.
5. Review the rule book for your breed association for allowed bits and shank lengths.

During the training of the horse if you feel they are non responsive to the bit its always a good idea to have the horse evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure the horse is sound and doesn’t have any dental problems. If you have ruled a physical issue evaluate your training program before changing bits. If you do decide to change bits go with a less severe option first and try to correct the problem.

The ultimate goal of all Horsemen and Women should be to ride bridleless and have a happy, willing, partner who responds to the lightest of touches.

Your horse can feel a fly on his back how soft are your aids?

by: Lydia Bagley

The Art of Staying in the Saddle

With Spring here I decided to write about favorite riding follies.  Having ridden since I was a little kid, I have seen all types of falls, spills, dumps and have been in a few myself.  My best friend and I have been riding together for about 10 years now, the other day we got to talking about all the different times we have fallen off each others horses, or been on rides where we had to switch horses with others, or have seen others come off.  We complied a list of the most memorable that could go on Funniest Home Videos. (Wish we had had a camera!)

Creek Diving

We went on a cattle round up a couple of months ago, a friends horse was being a twit, shaking his head, refusing to walk. I offered to switch, but she didn’t like the colt I was riding, so she switched with another friend. Part of moving cattle often involves crossing water. We crossed a creek, about 4 feet deep and 15 feet across. My friend rides the new horse up to the creek, he jumped in and sent her DIVING off into the water! It’s a long miserable ride, when your wet.

Side Ways Jumping

My best friend and I decide to go ride the two colts I was training. I had started them over fences and they were doing great, she wanted to practice as she was also learning, so we set up some little cross rails. She jumped the first, her saddle starting slipping, she jumped the second sitting sideways. The colt landed and off she went. He stopped and gave her the strangest look, no one had fallen off of him before!

Disappearing Horses

My mom started riding working cow horses (after years of riding english Tb’s), and leased a super cool gelding to ride, he didn’t know she was new to cutting and he got down and went to work, he went left and she went left, he went right and she went right then he just went and left mom standing on the ground where they started! He kept working the cow! Finally he quit the cow and looked at her as if to say, “why are you over there?” She still hasn’t figured out where he went, he was there then gone.

Alien Leg Wraps

I was riding a filly for some friends, I knew she could be a little skittish and was very prone to buck and buck hard, but she was being great that day, we had worked a couple of cows, practiced our rollbacks, and spins, she was tired, we were done, so I rode over to the fence, reached out and picked up a couple of polo wraps, thinking I would carry them back to the barn. HAHA, ladies and gentlemen do not try this on green horses. She made a very quick 180 in the opposite direction and proceeded to do her best imitation of an NFR saddlebronc. I made the bell, but no more.

If you ride long enough you eventually will fall off, its just a given, I figure I’m due for one every year or so, but I wish you the best of luck staying in the saddle, and remember if you do fall off get back on quick, that way no one notices.

Happy trails