Mule who led hikers to injured owner found after disappearing in Estacada park

OregonLive.com - Full Story

Updated Mar 30, 9:15 AM; Posted Mar 29, 8:00 AM

By Jayati Ramakrishnan | The Oregonian/OregonLive

UPDATE #1 (3/29): Oregon Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson Chris Havel said the mule was found around 7:30 a.m. Monday.

UPDATE #2 (3/29): Hickory the mule is back home after leading hikers to injured owner, then disappearing into forest

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On Sunday, a mule led a pair of hikers through a Clackamas County state park to the spot where its injured owner had fallen earlier in the afternoon.

Then it disappeared into the forest.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said a 60-year-old man, whom they have not publicly identified, was riding his mule on trails at Milo McIver State Park, when they believe he fell off and hurt himself.

The mule began walking alone on the trail until it found two people hiking, said Sgt. Marcus Mendoza, then led them back to the injured man.

One of the hikers who found the mule, Doug Calvert, said he and his wife were on foot on a popular equestrian trail around noon when they saw what they thought was a horse walking toward them.

As they got closer, they realized the animal was a mule, and it was alone and watching them.

“It kept stopping and looking back to make sure we were following it,” Calvert said...

Read more here:
https://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty

Building a Better Helmet: MIPS and Why it Matters

HorseSport.com - Full Article

Why this design technology is so important and how research is working to make us safer ‒ plus we bust a few helmet myths along the way.

By: Alison King | March 26, 2021

If you’ve purchased a new helmet in the past couple of years, chances are you’re already aware of MIPS technology. If not, read on and we’ll explain what MIPS is and why it’s so important ‒ while busting a few helmet myths along the way. What is MIPS?

MIPS stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, and that’s exactly what it is – a design technology that allows helmets to provide more protection to the wearer in the case of an impact or fall. While MIPS has been widely used in sports such as cycling, downhill skiing, and snowboarding for years, it’s a relatively new addition to equestrian helmets. How does it work?

During an angled impact, rotational motion causes damage to the brain, often resulting in a concussion or more serious TBI (traumatic brain injury). The MIPS magic lies in a thin layer of foam added to the inside of a helmet. This low-friction layer, as it’s called, is designed to move inside the helmet shell to provide a shearing effect. The liner – and the wearer’s head – can slide 10 to 15mm relative to the helmet shell in all directions, dissipating the energy from a fall or an impact away from the brain.

Traditional helmets are designed to protect the skull in the case of a linear impact – a fall straight down onto the head. The hard helmet shell is tested for its ability to withstand an impact and prevent a rock or other hard object from penetrating that shell and reaching the skull. However, they are not designed to prevent the forces generated by a fall or impact from being absorbed by the brain, nor are they tested for performance when the impact is on an angle – a much more realistic simulation of a fall from a horse...

Read more here:
https://horsesport.com/magazine/rider-health/building-better-helmet-mips-why-matters/

Equestrian Adventuresses Horse Podcast Ep 111: Long Distance Riding Passion – Crossing Europe on Horseback

EquestrianAdventuresses.com - Listen

by utetonia
March 19, 2021

In today’s episode, Ute talks with Cathleen Leonard, Equestrian Adventuress and long distance rider from England. Cathleen has traveled across Great Britain and Ireland with her two rescue draft horses, her Warmblood cross and her dog. She tells us all about her difficult beginnings, how she nearly gave up on long distance riding and how she finally succeeded in realizing her dream of doing an epic ride from Scotland to Cornwall. Today Cathleen is an experienced long-distance rider and has written and published two books about her journeys.

However, her biggest adventure is yet to come: Crossing Europe from West to East on Horseback, riding from Portugal to Romania with horses horses, her dog, her partner and a little, one-eyed mule. Currently marooned in Portugal due to the Corona lockdown, she is not deterred and has done a ride cross Portugal in autumn and winter and now hopes to set out towards Romania this spring.

Listen:
https://equestrianadventuresses.com/2021/03/19/horse-podcast-ep-111-long-distance-riding-passion-crossing-europe-on-horseback/

2021 AERC Convention Notes: Nick Warhol on What Makes a Great Endurance Horse, and How Do You Get One?

TheSweatyEquestrian.com - Full Article

3/17/2021
by Tamara Baysinger

You know Nick Warhol, right? Over 13,000 miles in 13 years of endurance, 30-plus 100-milers, ride manager, former AERC board member, and storyteller. Yeah, you know the guy. His talk at the 2021 AERC Convention was worth the price of admission. (You can still access all the Convention sessions through the end of March!)

Warhol began with a disclaimer: All opinions are his and could be argued by others.

I reckon that’s true of anyone trying to sort out what makes a great endurance horse. We all agree on good feet, correct conformation, and all that…but Warhol’s focus went more than bone deep: His #1 most important trait for an endurance horse: its mind.

Warhol listed a variety of mental attributes of a good endurance horse, noting that some are trainable, and others are not. Here’s his list:...

Read more here:
https://www.thesweatyequestrian.com/sweatyequestrianblog/2021-aerc-convention-notes-nick-warhol-on-what-makes-a-great-endurance-horse-and-how-do-you-get-one

Happy Trails Podcast: Traveling with Horses Full Time

RideClimb.com Podcast - Listen

March 4, 2021
by Jess

In this episode, Jess talks about her lifestyle as a digital nomad with horses. She talks about how and why she chose this life. She details her travels of the first year and the lessons she learned along the way.

Jess is then joined by Michelle Murphy and her daughter, Scout. This mother/daughter team travels the country full time with three horses and two dogs. They have designed their life to satisfy their passion for travel and exploration. Michelle shares that when they lived in Massachusetts, Scout battled with anxiety. Their intent in leaving was to escape the pressures of societal norms and live a stress-free life.

Scout and Joker navigating a tricky trail

Scout and Michelle have been traveling for two years. Scout enjoys her unique lifestyle. She learns through experience and has the freedom to pursue her interests. Artistic expression is very important to her. She paints regularly and has written her first book, A Magical Friendship Journey. It is the story of a band of thrown away misfits who come together to form a special family...

Listen:
https://rideclimb.com/podcast/traveling-with-horses-full-time/

Rochelle's ride to commemorate Australian pioneer women

YoungWitness.com.au - Full Article

March 18 2021
Peter Guthrie

A librarian from Gundagai who is reenacting journeys by Australian pioneer women will begin the first of six treks in Young this weekend.

Rochelle Grey will travel with her two horses, Frodo, a 10-year-old grey Australian stock horse, Zee, a 16-year-old chestnut quarter horse, and border collie Rowdy.

The first journey, beginning Saturday, will commemorate Sarah Musgrave, the first European child born west of the Great Divide, who rode 90 miles through bushranger-infested bushland to attend her own wedding in 1853.

"I love Sarah's story - she was clearly a girl of enormous capacity, courage, and endurance. The route of the journey will pass through Young, Wombat, Harden, Galong, Binalong and Yass, over nine days," Rochelle said...

Read more here:
https://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/7170766/rochelles-ride-to-commemorate-australian-pioneer-women/

Trail Etiquette - What to Do with Horse Poo

Americantrails.org - Full Article

Lora Goerlich, American Trails contributor and equestrian expert, shares trail etiquette around horse manure.

by Lora Goerlich

Trail apples - the organic, naturally beneficial, digested balls of vegetation that host nourishing insect meals for birds and game fowl while also providing valuable minerals for butterflies, moths and dragonflies. On unimproved trail tread, manure will break down in about two weeks with a little help from sun, rain, dung beetles and foraging birds. AND unlike tacky, foul-smelling human or dog feces (which are more frequently found trailside) horse manure is not considered hazardous or toxic and carries no pathogens of concern[1].

Manure on trails, at staging areas and camp sites is unavoidable. Knowing when to take it or leave it can be confusing for both equestrians and non-equestrians. Additionally, park agencies may not understand what to expect from riders and haven’t established or posted clear guidelines. Unless otherwise posted, the standards listed below are appropriate expectations for riders:...

Read more here:
https://www.americantrails.org/resources/trail-etiquette-what-to-do-with-horse-poo?x-craft-preview=MHhkFU2jyy&token=aW_Erh3gbSyVlTl8ELrcoVVb1ruM5dbm

Horse Hoofwear Innovations

TheHorse.com - Full Article

Today’s hoof protection options include a variety of glue-on shoes, hoof boots, and even orthotics. Learn about the pros and cons of each.

Posted by Heather Smith Thomas | Mar 10, 2021

Today’s hoof protection options include a variety of glue-on shoes, hoof boots, and even orthotics Far more shoeing and hoof care materials and products are available today than 20 or 30 years ago, and horses are the beneficiaries. No longer are farriers limited to just steel shoes and nails.

“At the first farrier conference I attended, in 1988, one topic of discussion was whether glue-on shoes would ever be possible,” says Pat Reilly, chief of farrier services at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center School of Veterinary Medicine, in Kennett Square. “Now glue-on shoes are commonplace; it’s amazing that we’ve made that much progress in my professional lifetime...”

Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/185720/horse-hoofwear-innovations/?utm_medium=Lameness+enews&utm_source=Newsletter

2021 AERC Convention Notes: Dr. Melissa Ribley on Riding in Different Conditions

TheSweatyEquestrian.com - Full Article

3/11/2021
by Tamara Baysinger

I always enjoy presentations by Melissa Ribley, DVM. Her talk at the AERC Unconventional Convention on March 6, 2021, was especially effective in sharing her passion for traveling to endurance rides all across the country. My notes capture the highlights, but there's no substitute for the full video, now available from AERC through the end of the month.

Dr. Ribley is an extremely experienced endurance vet and rider. Not only does her AERC record span well over 20,000 miles, it also reflects her love of traveling with her horses. Competing in different regions means implementing good hauling practices and being prepared for all types of climate and terrain. Dr. Ribley shared tips on all counts.

Five Reasons to Ride Out-of-Region

Dr. Ribley started by sharing ​some enticing reasons to explore endurance rides in other regions:...

Read more here:
https://www.thesweatyequestrian.com/sweatyequestrianblog/2021-aerc-convention-notes-dr-melissa-ribley-on-riding-in-different-conditions

Don’t Let Your Horse Hay Go Up in Flames

Thehorse.com - Full Article

Learn how to avoid combustion and barn fire caused by your stored hay.

Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD | Jan 25, 2021

Q: A friend recently told me that stored hay can self-combust. I’d never heard of this before. I keep my hay in my horses’ barn, above the stalls, and now I’m terrified it’s going to catch fire! Should I be concerned, and how can I store hay and keep my horses safe?

A: It is, indeed, true that under certain conditions, hay can self-combust. In fact, it’s a major cause of barn fires along with electrical malfunction, poor housekeeping, and careless work habits.

The No. 1 cause of hay self-combustion is that it was put-up (stored) with too high of a moisture content. Whether you should be concerned will depend on the conditions under which your hay was baled...

Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/110861/dont-let-your-horse-hay-go-up-in-flames/?utm_medium=Farm+barn+enews&utm_source=Newsletter

2021 AERC Convention Notes: Dr. Langdon Fielding on Electrolyte Problems in Endurance Horses

TheSweatyEquestrian.com - Full Article

by Tamara Baysinger
3/9/2021

I love seminar notes. Rarely can I take the time to go back and watch an entire presentation, but I do re-read my scribbles for a refresher on the key points. I hope that sharing them here will be helpful to you as well.

Of course, I can’t possibly share all the details from this stellar session by Langdon Fielding, DVM, MBA, DAVECC, DACVSMR, and self-proclaimed electrolyte fanatic. To really take advantage of his generosity, register with AERC to access the 2021 Unconventional Convention content, which will be available through the end of March 2021.

Sodium in Endurance Horses

Dr. Fielding began by sharing a typical lab panel taken from an “Ain’t Doin’ Right” horse at an endurance ride. The panel showed higher than normal sodium and lower than normal potassium, chloride, and calcium. He posed the question: Is the problem here too much sodium or too little water? This horse’s sodium was high. How did it get that way? Either he was given too many electrolytes, or he lost more water through sweat then he replaced by drinking. He may also have been dehydrated before the start.

If the horse’s lab panel had shown low sodium levels instead, Dr. Fielding would have been asking if we didn’t administer enough electrolytes, or if the horse actually drank too much. He observed that although it is possible (such as after a tough haul), horses rarely begin rides deficient in electrolytes...

Read more here:
https://www.thesweatyequestrian.com/sweatyequestrianblog/2021-aerc-convention-notes-dr-langdon-fielding-on-electrolyte-problems-in-endurance-horses

2021 AERC Convention Notes: Dr. Stephanie Seheult on How Your Body Works with Your Horse

TheSweatyEquestrian.com - Full Article

by Tamara Baysinger
3/6/2021

Was anybody else thrilled to see that both days of AERC’s 2021 Unconventional Convention start with a focus on rider fitness? It seems to me that interest in this topic has increased recently. Maybe it’s not my imagination!

Dr. Stephanie Seheult kicked things off with a session entitled “How Your Body Works with Your Horse." Dr. Seheult is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a Bachelors in Health Science, as well as an active equestrian. Most of her clients at Advanced Physio are also riders.

In her presentation, Dr. Seheult focused on the importance of balance in the pelvis and its surrounding muscles. She noted that, in the saddle, many riders feel one seatbone more than the other. Riders may also sit off to one side.

These imbalances worsen as we fatigue – and that’s no small matter for those of us who ride 25, 50, or more miles at a stretch. Dr. Seheult's focus was on the rider, but of course our imbalances affect our horses as well.

Dr. Seheult described two, common causes of pelvic imbalance:...

Read more here:
https://www.thesweatyequestrian.com/sweatyequestrianblog/2021-aerc-convention-notes-dr-stephanie-seheult-on-how-your-body-works-with-your-horse

Bahrain: Hope in the saddle

GulfWeekly.com - Full Article

By Mai Al Khatib-Camille
mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com
March 3- March 9, 2021

Equine enthusiast Haya Jamal Isa is building emotional bridges for children with autism in Bahrain through her love of horses.

The 23-year-old soon-to-be-mum has been providing equine therapy, known as ‘hippotherapy’ for autistic youngsters aged three to 12 since February last year, in a bid to help them improve their motor, emotional and sensory sensations that will assist them with daily challenges.

“I wanted to create something new, using my love for horses, to benefit the community,” said Haya who is studying therapeutic riding online from a US Indiana university and working on the project under the guidance of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian Endurance Federation...

Read more here:
http://www.gulfweekly.com/Articles/42241/Hope-in-the-saddle