After months of searching for a replacement to my show horse, I was given the opportunity to train with the master. Oh, he would was wild and wooly looking, and none to happy to ride in a trailer for the 6 hour drive home, but it was a new beginning for both of us.

Nate as we called him, had very definite idea’s about life and training. He had a tendency to look down his long elegant nose at everyone. (Still does.) Nate wanted things his way full time and usually got what he wanted. His philosophy was, “Your either right or wrong, and if your wrong I’m not doing it.”

When Nate came into my life, I had multiple World 10 ten wins, regional championships, and was used to being told I was a very good rider. Nate was a master and would soon teach me how very little I knew.

Nate taught me that riding is more than sitting pretty, or even cueing for the movement with a light touch, he taught me balance, harmony with the horse, how to feel with my seat, and the art of Classical riding. I tossed everything I had learned about riding out the window and started over. The phrase, “you can never stop learning to ride,” took on new meaning.

Nate was and is a true master, a master of classical dressage, and more importantly a Master Teacher. I owe him for always trying what I asked, and for putting up with my learning curve. Now at 25 he has earned his retirement and will live the rest of his life hanging out in the pasture and eating well deserved carrots with much love and gratitude.

1. Ride in the early mornings or late afternoon/evenings when possible. If you need to ride during midday try to stay in the shade or gain access to a covered arena. By riding when its cooler there is less risk of overheating for both you and your horse.

2. Drink plenty of fluids. For the rider drink water or gatorade type drinks. Stay away from carbonated beverages that contain corn syrup.

Horses: check your horses water to ensure they drinking plenty during the heat. If you horse is not consuming at least 3 gallons of water a day try adding some electrolytes to their water or an additional pinch of salt to their feed.

3. Change your daily routine: If you normally ride for 1 hour at trot and canter  – increase your ride time to include several breaks for walking to help the horse cool off  and a water break for yourself.  Include supplying and stretching exercises in place of high energy work when possible.

4. Wear appropriate clothing: To help stay cool wear cotton clothing that reflects light (whites, yellows, oranges), other options for shirts include those made for fishermen that are vented on the shoulders.  If your riding English wear breeches designed for summer heat. If your riding Western try dance pants to help cool off your body.

5. Wear a neck cooler, or other coolant type vest, hat, or wrist band especially if you are porn to overheating.

6. Rinse your horse off after each ride and make sure you scrape off all excess water before turning them lose.

Happy Trails!

The EHV -1 (Equine Herpes Virus) outbreak is related to the Ogden, Utah National Cutting Horse show held in late April early May, 2011. Horses in 15 states have been reported with confirmed and suspected cases. Since the outbreak 9 horses have been euthanized due to severe neurologic symptoms. EHV infection in horses can cause respiratory disease, abortion in mares, neonatal foal death, and/or neurologic disease. The neurologic form of EHV-1 is called Equine Herpes Virus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

This is a highly contagious virus and can be transmitted through direct and indirect contact, as well as through the air. The virus is shed through nasal discharge of the infected horse. EHV-1 is a envelope virus meaning it is readily killed by soap and disinfectants.

Currently only horses attending the Ogden, Utah event and horses coming to contact with those at the show have confirmed or suspected cases of EHM. At this time we have 1 confirmed case in Texas.

Preventing disease spread starts with vaccinating horses against EHV-1 and EHV-4. The vaccine provides limited immunity, and can be given as a booster. This is especially important if you are hauling to shows or your horse is a boarding stable environment. Consult with your veterinarian about providing a booster to your horse.

The virus can be killed with soap and water, washing cloths, and using hand sanitizers. Its recommended that you follow basic disease control procedures and do not share tack, brushes, buckets, etc between horses who are traveling and those staying at home. The virus can live on an affected surface (stall walls, feed containers) for up to 48 hrs. The longer you can keep unexposed horses away from an area of exposure, reduces the chance of spreading the virus.

State Veterinarian offices are advising “new” horses to any premise have current health papers (within 72 hrs), be isolated from all other horses for 2 weeks, and limit travel to events. You should also check horses traveling and inbound horses to your facilities for fever 2 days prior to travel and for several days after arrival.

If you are competing and traveling to shows check with your breed or show association for new requirements regarding health safety, lowered point requirements, and travel restrictions. USEA, AQHA, and several other organizations have made changes regarding world shows and qualifying.

Thank you to the Horse.com for providing the EHV-1 webinar, and thank you to CSU for assisting and providing much the above information.

Here are a series of links for further information regarding this outbreak.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jul09/090715g.asp
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/afs13243/$FILE/equine_biosecurity_principles_and_best_practices_guide.pdf
http://www.aaep.org/pdfs/control_guidelines/Biosecurity_instructions%201.pdf - excellent link with clear easy to follow information

Horses testing positive for the virus have been located in Utah, Washington, California, and Colorado. Cuttings in Tulsa, Oklahoma May 14-28, 2011 have been canceled as a precautionary measure.

Symptoms include fever, ataxia, weakness, rhinopneumonitis, and myeloencephalopathy, the virus is highly contagious among horses, but is not transferable to humans.

Vaccinations are available and highly recommended.

Information from the Horse.com and Erica Larson, News Editor.

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, check with neighbors. Ask if your horses can ride with theirs, or if a trailer can be burrowed.
• 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 afterwards)
• 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. Happy Trails.