A Product Review: CRAZY LEGS TIGHTS

Endurancegranny Blog - Full Article

I'm kind of funny about tights. Not being young, nor "skinny", well over the hump of late fifties, getting tights to fit correctly has been challenging. The older I get, the more it is true. I've wanted to try a pair of Crazy Legs tights for a long time, but since I have four tights already (two roll down and drive me nuts) I was having serious pre-purchase guilt, and put it off for a very long time. Because what if I invest $70-85 in tights only to find they are not comfortable, or roll down like the other two sets in my drawer? Diane at Crazy legs had this wild electric green fabric, and that finally tipped me over the edge to purchase. Mine are actually charcoal grey with the green print 4 inch strip down the outer legs. My Android phone is refusing to actually deliver the image to me...so when it gets with it, I'll add the picture of my actual tights.

Now to the funny about tights thing. I can't stand to feel seams and it doesn't take many miles (actually no miles) until I do. I've been functioning many years with some nerve damage that make a misplaced seam on my leg unbearable in ways that are difficult to illustrate, but suffice it to say I'm picky about what touches my skin on the leg. It has to be light, whisper soft, and no raised seam. PERIOD...

Read more here:
http://endurancegranny.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-product-review-crazy-legs-tights.html

Awards Recognition Concepts Joins Arabian Horse Association as Corporate Sponsor

(25-APR.-16) – AURORA, COLO. – The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is proud to announce Awards Recognition Concepts (ARC) as an official Corporate Sponsor and Sponsor of the AHA Frequent Rider Program for the 2016-2017 year.

ARC creates a variety of trophies, plaques, notebooks, tack and other awards specifically designed for shows and events. Their large catalog of apparel and items allows them to custom create awards and pieces for any breed, sporting event or show in and outside of the equine industry.

The company’s service to the equine industry through awards and various recognition apparel is recognized through quality craftsmanship, great customer service and knowledge of horses and the athletes who ride them.

“ARC continues to grow and is emerging as one of the premier award providers in the equine industry,” said Jody Stoddard, AQHA senior director of operations and ARC. “We are proud to not only grow within the equine industry, but to be the official sponsor of the Arabian Horse Association’s Frequent Rider Program and to recognize those spending time doing what they love – riding horses.”

AHA’s relationship with ARC first started in 2015, when ARC became the “Official Trophy Provider” for AHA’s Youth, Sport Horse and U.S. National Championship Horse Shows. In 2016, ARC continues in the capacity of the “Official Trophy Provider” for these events.

ARC’s Corporate Sponsorship includes recognition as the Official Sponsor of AHA’s Frequent Rider Program, through the provision of milestone awards for participants. The Frequent Rider Program is designed to reward Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian equestrians for their time spent in the saddle or the driver’s seat, outside of the show ring.

As AHA ramps up its marketing of this program, ARC will sponsor the awards, giving AHA members new incentive to participate, while re-engaging inactive members of the program and enticing others to membership with AHA.

“We are so excited to be partnering with ARC for the benefit of our members and Frequent Rider Program participants,” says Julian McPeak, AHA Director of Marketing. “Our Frequent Rider Program really has huge potential to not only attract new people to the breed who are not interested in showing, but also to retain other members. ARC’s provided awards will play a huge role in helping us to accomplish our goals for this program this year and beyond.”

AHA is extremely excited to welcome ARC as an official Corporate Sponsor and Official Sponsor of the Frequent Rider Program. AHA members can access discounts on their apparel and awards through the Corporate Sponsorship. For more information on ARC, visit: www.arabianhorses.org/additional/sponsors/corporate-sponsors or https://aqha.com/arc/.

AHA is a major equine association serving 85,600 Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horse owners across North America. AHA registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $2 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes over 400 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities, education, and programs that promote breeding and ownership.

Contact Information:
Arabian Horse Association
10805 East Bethany Road
Aurora, Colorado 80014
303-696-4500
mediainfo@arabianhorses.org

AHC’s 2016 National Issues Forum to Focus on “Putting More Horsepower in Congress”

Horsecouncil.org

April 13 2016

Microchipping to be highlighted also

The American Horse Council has announced that its theme for this year’s National Issues Forum, sponsored by Luitpold Animal Health, is “Putting More Horsepower in Congress.” The forum will feature several Congressional speakers. In addition, a primary focus of AHC committee meetings this year will be on how the horse community can better deal with legislation affecting the industry.

While gridlock has been the common denominator of the last five Congresses, there is an expectation in Washington that the elections might change that and return Congress to the days when give-and-take allowed legislation to be passed. “With control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives up-for-grabs in this year’s elections, there could be changes that might break the Congressional logjam,” noted AHC president Jay Hickey. “Now is the time to get ready for such opportunities and how better to learn about this than from leaders of Congress. While federal bills are always discussed at AHC committee meetings, we want our committees to consider how each member organization can be more involved in the grassroots process,” said Hickey.

In addition to Congressional speakers, the National Issues Forum will hear reports from representatives of The Jockey Club and the United States Equestrian Federation on their plans to require the microchipping of horses in the future. “Other breeds and disciplines may be wondering how this might affect them. They may be considering microchips themselves. The forum will provide them ample opportunity to get answers to what is underway and how it might affect them going forward,” said Hickey.

This year’s AHC annual meeting will be held June 12 to 15 at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, DC. AHC committee meetings will be held on Monday, June 12, and the National Issues Forum will be on Tuesday morning, June 13.

This year the annual Congressional Ride-In will begin on Tuesday afternoon and extend through Wednesday, June 15. “We have shortened the National Issues Forum this year to allow more time for attendees to visit their elected officials,” noted AHC Vice-President of Government Affairs Ben Pendergrass. “AHC committee members and other attendees are encouraged to visit with their elected officials beginning on Tuesday afternoon.” AHC staff is ready to help anyone in making appointments for Congressional visits and will provide materials for those making Hill visits. “Appointments should be made as soon as possible. The sooner, the better. There are many important issues facing the horse community in this Congress,” said Pendergrass. “It’s not too soon to begin scheduling meetings right now.”

The Ride-In allows members of the horse community to meet with their elected representatives and federal officials to discuss important issues affecting them. All members of the horse community are encouraged to participate, even if they don’t attend the AHC convention.

The Ride-In is important because it puts a face on the $102 billion horse industry and the millions of Americans who are part of it. Congress deals with various issues that impact the horse industry, including taxes, gaming, immigration, welfare issues, access to trails and public lands, diseases, and interstate and international movement of horses. This is an opportunity for the horse community to come to Washington in force and meet with their Senators, Representatives, and staffs. “The Ride-In literally illustrates the goal of the AHC, and the theme of this year’s meeting, to ‘Put More Horsepower in Congress’,” concluded Hickey.

The AHC convention will also include the AHC’s Congressional Reception, the meeting of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, and other meetings. As always, the AHC annual meeting brings together the horse industry’s leaders, stakeholders, service providers, and individuals to discuss common issues of importance.

More information on these Forums and the entire AHC annual meeting, including registration and hotel information, can be found on the AHC’s website, http://horsecouncil.org/events.php or by contacting the AHC.

Time to Ride Unveils New Website and Map, Invites Professionals to Add Business Listings

Washington, D.C., April 22, 2016 - This month, Time to Ride unveiled a new website and interactive map designed as a resource for new horse enthusiasts seeking beginner-friendly horse activities. The platform connects beginning riders just entering the equine world with horse professionals who can provide safe, fun horse experiences. Time to Ride invites all clubs, riding stables, camps, racetracks, therapeutic riding centers, rescues, veterinarians, and other professionals to add a free business listing to the map and become more accessible to new horse enthusiasts.

Business listings are free, and account holders have the capability to add a business logo, photos, a description, and a list of features; ​plus upcoming events, offers, or discounts!

The map organizes horse businesses into five categories: lessons and camps; trail rides and dude ranches; fairs, rodeos, and shows; horse races; and clubs and other.
​ ​
Each category provides introductory information to help new horse enthusiasts learn about ways to become involved with horses, and choose between different activities. As the database of horse professionals grows, the map will become an increasingly valuable resource for horse enthusiasts eager to start riding and seeking opportunities in their area.

Horse professionals who create an account and become listed on the map can also sign up for the Time to Ride Challenge, a contest offering $100,000 cash and prizes to the stables, clubs, and businesses that introduce the greatest number of new people to horses between June 1 and September 30, 2016. By creating an account and becoming a Challenge host, professionals will receive access to free marketing tools including a toolkit, event ideas, and resources such as customizable ads, posters, and other creative material.

Since 2014, the Challenge has introduced over 60,000 people to horses through first-time horse experiences with the support and involvement of hundreds of stables, clubs and equine businesses nationwide. “Hosts” plan engaging, hands-on horse events designed to connect families interested in horses to opportunities in their area such as riding lessons, camps, and trail rides. By reaching a new segment of their community, businesses add to their own client base while supporting the entire horse industry. This year, cash prizes have been expanded to over $75,000 including new incentives that will pay cash awards to more winners than ever before. For the first time, the first 100 hosts to introduce 100 newcomers to horses will automatically win $100 cash! Registration is free and all types of businesses are welcome. The Challenge takes place between June 1st and September 30th. Please visit www.timetoride.com for details.

Creating an account with a map listing, and signing up for the Challenge, is free and available at www.timetoride.com.
​
For more information, please contact info@timetoride.com.

The American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance

Time to Ride is an initiative of the American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance, formed to connect people with horses. It is designed to encourage horse-interested consumers to enjoy the benefits of horse activities. The AHC Marketing Alliance is made up of the following organizations: the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Active Interest Media, the American Quarter Horse Association, Dover Saddlery, Farnam, Merck, Merial, Morris Media Network Equine Group, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Platinum Performance, United States Equestrian Federation, and Zoetis. Program Partners are Absorbine, the American Paint Horse Association, Equibrand, the National Cutting Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and the Texas A&M University Equine Initiative, I-5 Publishing, Pyranha, the America’s Mustang Campaign, and Colorado State University Equine Sciences Program.

About the American Horse Council

The American Horse Council is a non-profit organization that includes all segments of the horse industry. While its primary mission is to represent the industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies in Washington, DC, it also undertakes national initiatives for the horse industry. Time to Ride, the AHC’s Marketing Alliance to connect horses and people, is such an effort. The American Horse Council hopes that Time to Ride will encourage people and businesses to participate in the industry, enjoy our horses, and support our equine activities and events. The AHC believes a healthy horse industry contributes to the health of Americans and America in many ways.


Contact: Christie Schulte - info@timetoride.com or 512-591-7811​

Add Vitamin E to High-Fat Horse Diets

KER.Equinews.com - Full Article

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 2, 2016

Equine nutritionists routinely advise horse owners to dole out more fat when hard keepers or high-performance horses have trouble maintaining or adding body condition. Fat can bump up the energy density of a ration significantly and often provides just the right top-off to achieve weight gain.

During digestion, fat is broken down into its most basic structures, fatty acids. An increase in the amount of fat fed will therefore create an upsurge in circulating levels of fatty acids. Fatty acids are prone to oxidation, the byproducts of which can be harmful to cells. As a result, nutritionists typically recommended that an antioxidant be supplemented when a diet is high in fat, especially vegetable oil...

Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/add-vitamin-e-high-fat-horse-diets?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=cec9ea9268-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-03_30_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-cec9ea9268-11166

Canadian Cowboy Sets off to 'The End of the World'

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

April 14, 2016
by: Danielle Marr/Caledon Enterprise

When Bolton-raised Filipe Masetti Leite arrived in Barretos, Sao Paulo with his horses in 2014 after more than two years in the saddle – he was sure that he would never set off on another Long Ride in his life.

He had travelled more than 15,000 km with three horses from the Calgary Stampede, all along the way dealing with an immense amount of physical and mental stress, and now, he is setting off to finish the Americas in a trek ‘to the end of the world.’

But why?...

Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/canadian-cowboy-sets-off-to-the-end-of-the-world/?utm_source=Enews+April+18%2C+2016&utm_campaign=EnewsApr182016&utm_medium=email

The 2016 Egyptian Event: Celebrating the Horse Without Borders - The Egyptian Arabian, A Global Ambassador

Lexington, Kentucky-April 18, 2016 - The 36th Annual Egyptian Event will be held June 7-11, 2016 at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, and will celebrate the international role that Egyptian Arabian horses have played throughout recent history.

Attendees from over 15 countries throughout North & South America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia travel to Lexington each year to enjoy the Event’s world-class competition, festivities, educational activities, camaraderie and of course, the world’s most beautiful horses.

Show chair, Lisa Cifrese states, “The Egyptian Event is the only show of its kind in America featuring international competition and presentations of the world’s top caliber Egyptian Arabian horses. Our members share a deep passion for the rich history and rare bloodlines of these horses, and often state that attending the Event each year is like coming home.”

Competitions and activities scheduled for this year’s Event include: halter and performance classes, championships and awards ceremonies, formal and casual socials, educational seminars, youth & family activities, unique shopping opportunities and auctions, liberty classes, a stick horse class and more. The Event will also feature a special Hall of Stallions and Breeders Pavilion at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Big Barn, where presentations and socials will be held throughout the week. The Hall of Stallions was a key feature in the Event’s early years, where top Straight Egyptian Arabian stallions were presented and celebrated, with many of them going on to achieve international champion status. This year’s attendees look forward to watching history recreated.

Special thanks to The Egyptian Event’s Signature Sponsor, Arabians Ltd. of Waco, Texas for their ongoing support of The Pyramid Society, The Egyptian Event and the Egyptian Arabian horse.

For a complete show schedule and spectator or participant information, visit www.theegyptianevent.com or call (859) 231-0771.

The Annual Egyptian Event is hosted by The Pyramid Society, a membership organization founded in 1969 by a handful of breeders in North America who were determined to protect the heritage of the Egyptian Arabian horse. Fortified by hard work, imagination, and a common interest, The Society today has hundreds of members throughout North America and around the world, numerous beneficial programs for its members, and executive offices at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

For more information, contact:

Carol Aldridge
The Pyramid Society
4067 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 2
Lexington, KY 40511
Ph: (859) 231-0771
Info@pyramidsociety.org
www.pyramidsociety.org

Camping with Just a Cooler

Dreammakker Blog - Full Article

by Crysta Turnage
April 11 2016

Ride food and what to eat.... one of the more difficult issues I've had to face during my endurance career. While on a normal day to day basis, I'm pretty much blessed with an iron stomach and a love for a variety of foods and spices, during a ride I have to be careful. My digestive tract gets easily offended and quite picky about what 1) looks appealing and 2) is allowed to enter without repercussions. I'm allergic/sensitive to onions, such a common ingredient that makes it nearly impossible for me to eat the meals prepared by management on site. They hide in marinades, sauces, dressings, etc. and are difficult to avoid, so I plan to bring ALL my meals. Also, I'm generally solo and want to eat something with minimal fuss and effort involved. While I may occasionally drag out my Coleman camp stove, I would very much prefer not to. Thus, for me, I have perfected how to eat out of a cooler for the entire weekend with good REAL food that's both nutritious and easy. Just bring some paper plates, napkins, and assorted flatware. Here's what I did this past weekend:...

Read more here:
http://dreammakker.blogspot.com/2016/04/camping-with-just-cooler.html

Forage-Only Diet for Performance Horses Evaluated

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Casie Bazay, NBCAAM
Aug 1, 2012

With countless types of grains and concentrated feed available for performance horses, some horse owners might wish for a simpler approach to feeding their equine athlete. Well here’s some good news for these owners: According to recent study results, a diet devoid of concentrates and entirely based on forage could be suitable for some high-performance equine athletes.

"There is an urgent need for diets that support the natural digestive function and behavior of horses," said Anna Jansson, professor at both the Swedish University of Agricultural and Sciences and Holar University College on Iceland...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/29514/forage-only-diet-for-performance-horses-evaluated?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=in-depth&utm_campaign=03-11-2016

Protein as an Energy Source for Performance Horses

KER.Equinews.com - Full Article

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 2, 2016

Horses derive energy from various components of their diets, namely starch, fat, fiber, and protein. An idle mature horse likely obtains most of his dietary energy from fiber-rich feedstuffs such as pasture and hay. Fiber is fermented in the hindgut and energy created for maintenance of body processes. For horses involved in regular athletic activity, a fiber-only diet will probably not provide enough fuel for the combined toll of exercise and maintenance of body weight, so other energy sources must be added. Of those others mentioned previously—starch, fat, fiber, and protein—protein is least efficient at fueling work.

If the protein intake of a performance horse exceeds its requirement, the superfluous protein can be used as a source of energy. The amino acids from the extra protein are broken down by the liver, and the carbon skeletons that are left are oxidized to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule used to power muscular activity, or used to make glucose or fat. The nitrogen from the protein is excreted in the urine as urea and changed to ammonia as it interacts with environmental microorganisms...

Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/protein-energy-source-performance-horses?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=ec103363e9-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-04_13_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-ec103363e9-11166

FEI joins other stakeholders in concussion conference

FEI.org

2 Apr 2016

Charting a safer course

The FEI will join some of the world’s top international sports organisations in Berlin (GER) Germany next October for the Fifth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport.

Concussions are in the spotlight more than ever, and have become the predominant safety issue for athletes competing in equestrian and other sports. For this reason, organisations like the IOC, FEI, FIFA and World Rugby have taken a lead role in organising this conference and developing it into the world’s most influential process for policy makers on concussions in sport.

The purpose of the conference is two-fold. The first objective is to present a summary of new evidence-based research that covers all aspects of concussions including definition, management, investigations, treatment, return-to play protocol, prevention and knowledge transfer.

An expert panel group, which includes FEI Medical Committee member Allen Sills, reviews the research presented at the Conference and develops the consensus from the information presented at the meeting.

With the facts presented by the world’s experts and researchers in concussion in sport, the second objective is to reach an agreement amongst the conference participants in developing a Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sports: a protocol document for physicians and healthcare professionals involved in the care of injured athletes at the recreational, elite or professional level.

Since its inception in 2001, the conference has become the main forum for concussion awareness and prevention. It led to the publication of the first Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) in 2005, which is in use by many sports leagues and federations today. The Consensus and the SCAT has formed the foundation by which the majority of sporting organisations have developed protocols with respect to concussions. The SCAT ranks as one of the most significant efforts by the sports medicine field to address concussion treatment and prevention.

The most recent conferences (the last in 2012 in Zurich) have developed and adjusted the SCAT, currently in its 3rd version (SCAT3), in order to fit better the treatment and prevention needs of both pro athletes and children (Child SCAT3). A pocket concussion recognition tool (Pocket CRT) has also been developed for parents, coaches and others to help with concussion detection.

The forthcoming Berlin Consensus will address a broad range of topics including concussion detection, evaluation and that would then be published in leading medical journals.

The Fifth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport (ICCCS) will run from 27-28 October, 2016 in Berlin, Germany.

Registration and Submission Information:

NOTE: General Registration for the Fifth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport will open in June. Invited attendees (expert group, observers, authors and Organisations will have the opportunity to register for the conference via early submission.

Click here to access the ICCCS website.

2016 Time to Ride Challenge Now Open for Registration

Equisearch.com - Full Article

Stables, clubs and businesses nationwide are invited to compete for $100,000 cash and prizes by growing their business.

By Time To Ride | 4/7/2016

April 7th, 2016 - The Time to Ride Challenge, in its third year in 2016, is now open for registration. Stables, clubs, businesses, and all other horse professionals are welcomed to visit timetoride.com and take the first step towards growing their businesses by introducing new people to horses and expanding the entire industry.

The Challenge will award $100,000 cash and prizes and take place June 1st through September 30th. Registration is free and available now at www.timetoride.com.

Since 2014, the Challenge has introduced over 60,000 people to horses through first-time horse experiences with the support and involvement of hundreds of stables, clubs and equine businesses nationwide. “Hosts” plan engaging, hands-on horse events designed to connect families interested in horses to opportunities in their area such as riding lessons, camps, and trail rides. By reaching a new segment of their community, businesses add to their own client base while supporting the entire horse industry...

- See more at: http://www.equisearch.com/article/2016-time-ride-challenge-open-registration-32137#sthash.BRiEgEaK.SlI6Bl3y.dpuf

Study: Cardiac Recovery Time Identified as Heritable Trait

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA
Apr 7, 2016

We already know that cardiac recovery time in endurance horses is related to their ability to perform well in races. But what we didn’t know—until now—is that recovery time is a heritable trait.

French researchers have determined that we could breed selectively for recovery time in endurance horses, as this trait gets passed on through genes.

“Cardiac recovery time in endurance racing appears to be strongly influenced by genetics, so a selection based on cardiac recovery time could be a supplemental physiological characteristic to take into consideration to improve the breeding selection of endurance horses,” said Eric Barrey, PhD, of AgroParisTech, the University of Paris-Saclay, and the French National Agricultural Research Institute...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37373/study-cardiac-recovery-time-identified-as-heritable-trait

Natural and Supplemental Buffers May Aid Equine Digestion

KER.Equinews.com - Full Article

For many horses, the body’s natural buffers, including saliva, and a supply of forage will keep the digestive tract operating smoothly.

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 23, 2016

Horses evolved as grazers, and in order to consume sufficient forage to meet caloric demands, they must graze for many hours each day. Thus, their digestive system is designed to function through continual ingestion and processing of small amounts of forage.

As soon as a horse rips a blade of grass or grasps a piece of hay, digestion begins. Throughout the digestive process, ingested feedstuffs encounter numerous digestive fluids. One, in particular, causes problems. In the stomach, horses constantly secrete hydrochloric acid, which is naturally neutralized, or buffered, by saliva.

“When a horse isn’t eating, there is no saliva to neutralize gastric acid in the stomach. Horses kept in stalls for extended periods of time, fed only once or twice per day, or fed a high-concentrate diet are prone to gastric ulcers,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutritionist with Kentucky Equine Research (KER). “Without a near-constant source of forage or a buffering supplement, gastric acid can cause painful ulcerations in the lining of the stomach, and this leads to any number of health concerns...”

Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/natural-and-supplemental-buffers-may-aid-equine-digestion?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f422ff7e59-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-04_06_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-f422ff7e59-11166

Look After Your Volunteers

Esthersenduranceexploits Blog - Full Story

by Esther Young
March 17 2016

Before I launch into this blog, let me just stress that these are purely my opinions and that I am not speaking on behalf of any society or organisation that I may be involved in. I think it may also be the first opinion piece I’ve written in this blog, but it has been playing on my mind for some time so here goes.

Horse sport in the UK relies mainly on goodwill and volunteers. This is particularly true in terms of the minority disciplines. The same will apply to many sports, but as an example, in my sport Endurance GB has one full time member of staff, it pays some individuals for their specialist skills on a piecemeal basis (eg vets and farriers), and absolutely everyone else is a volunteer. Everyone. From the entire Board of Directors to the ride organisers to the local group committees to the gate openers. From these volunteers, we run a full national calendar of over 70 competitive rides each of between one and five days in length, and I’d guess around twice as many local pleasure rides. Each ride day needs 10, 20, 30 volunteers. And that’s not including all the work that needs doing in between rides; maintaining websites, keeping an active social media presence, writing newsletters, advertising events, liaising with landowners, writing articles for local publications, organising social evenings and training days, etc etc etc. Add it up. That is a lot of people working their guts out behind the scenes for absolutely nothing so that you can have a good time...

Read more here:
https://esthersenduranceexploits.wordpress.com/2016/03/17/look-after-your-volunteers/

Laura Jean's Mustang Training Adventure

Foundationsandbeyondhorsemanship Blog - Full Story

by Laura Nicholes
March 30 2016

My name is Laura Jean Nicholes. I am nine years old. I just found out I have been accepted as a competitor to participate in the Idaho Extreme Mustang Makeover youth competition for 2016!

When I first talked to my parents about applying for the EMM, they said I could do it as long as I was able to earn the money to pay for it and they said I would have to put a blog page up about it. I am required to post at least once a week about my mustang project. I like that requirement because it seems fun to me to blog!
Sarah, my little sister, was eager to help me be able to compete. Before we even talked to both of our parents, we started working extra quarter jobs and building my 'mustang fund'.

I have loved horses my whole life and I have been actively training for the past three years. I help out with riding and training several of our family horses and am responsible for the care and maintenance of my horse. My own horse, Hugo, is a six year old, half Arabian half POA who I have had for two years now. Last year I took him on several 25 mile rides and one 30 mile endurance ride. (In endurance they call those LD's for limited distance...)

Read more here:
http://www.foundationsandbeyondhorsemanship.blogspot.com/p/lauras.html

Hoof Rings in Horses: What Do They Mean?

KER.Equinews.com - Full Article

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 6, 2013

Most horse owners have noticed that the surfaces of their horses’ hooves are not completely uniform from the coronary band to the ground.

Because new hoof originates at the coronary band and grows downward, the top part of the hoof often looks smoother and shinier than the older horn toward the sole. Environmental factors like muddy footing, wet and dry weather cycles, and normal wear and tear will cause the hoof surface to lose some of its luster and develop some degree of flaking or shallow cracking. This change is normal and does not signify a problem.

Seasonal changes in hoof growth can often be seen as minor lines or ridges on the hoof wall...

Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/hoof-rings-horses-what-do-they-mean

The Trouble With Mud

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Heather Smith Thomas
Mar 22, 2016

When the going gets muddy, the muddy get hoof problems; here's what to look out for.

Horses’ hooves are finicky when it comes to moisture. In arid environments they tend to dry out, and in wet conditions they become too soft. If you had to choose between the two, however, dry would probably be the winner.

Continuous exposure to moisture can cause a long list of hoof problems, ranging from difficult-to-manage soft, sensitive feet that won’t hold their shape or nails, to various types of damage and infections in the capsule and its structures. Then there are the injuries due to slipping and scrambling in deep mud or bad footing, lost bell boots, and pulled-off shoes. In short, keeping horses’ feet sound and healthy can be a difficult challenge when weather is wet and footing precarious...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35687/the-trouble-with-mud?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=health-news&utm_campaign=03-22-2016

NATRC Offering Free Memberships

Thehorse.com

By Edited Press Release
Mar 13, 2016

The North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) is offering free 2016 memberships to people who have never been NATRC members.

“We are a distance competitive trail ride organization that values conditioned, sound, trail savvy horses that are a pleasure to ride," said executive administrator Laurie DiNatale. "We value light and balanced riding and encourage the good care of horses over the distance and in camp. We want to share that with people.”

As a nonprofit educational and distance competitive-trail-ride-sanctioning organization, NATRC education takes on many forms. One of these is the direct feedback to competitors of scores and comments on their veterinary and horsemanship scorecards, which each rider receives at the close of a ride competition.

Other resources include clinics, a new competitor section on the website, mentoring new competitors, informative articles in regional and national newsletters, an introductory video, social media, and the soon to be published second edition of the NATRC Rider’s Manual, A Complete Guide to Competitive Trail Riding.

For more information on the free membership offer, visit www.natrc.org.

10 Most Poisonous Plants for Horses

Equusmagazine.com - Full Article

OF THE HUNDREDS OF TOXIC PLANTS IN NORTH AMERICA, ONLY A HANDFUL ARE LIKELY TO BRING SERIOUS HARM TO HORSES. HERE ARE THE ONES MOST DANGEROUS TO HORSES IN THE UNITED STATES.

By the Editors of EQUUS magazine

The good news, of course, is that the vast majority of those plants pose little threat to horses. For one thing, most of them are unpalatable, and horses who are filling up on quality forage aren't likely to spend a lot of time grazing on the few bitter leaves populating their pasture. Another factor that protects horses is their size--a 1,000-pound animal has to consume significantly higher quantities of most toxins than a smaller animal does to feel any effects. So, for the most part, as long as your horses are healthy and your pasture is in good shape, you have little to worry about.

However, some plants are cause for concern either because even a curious nibble can spell doom or because repeated browsing over weeks or months can lead to serious illness and death. All are worth getting to know by sight--not only so you can eliminate them from your horsekeeping areas, but also so that you can avoid encounters with them in the woods, on the roadsides and along the waterways where you ride. According to Anthony Knight, BVSc, MRCVS, plant toxicologist from Colorado State University, these 10 plants are those most dangerous to horses in the United States:

- See more at: http://equusmagazine.com/article/10-most-poisonous-plants-for-horses-8208#sthash.zXTFv2W6.dpuf

Being a Fit Rider is Important for Your Horse's Health

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Jenni Douglas, MSc Mar 9, 2016

There are many reasons why you as a rider should also train off of the horse: to concentrate on your own weaknesses and asymmetries without impacting your horse; to add a bit of excitement to your riding program; and to prevent mental or physical staleness. Specific benefits include adding weight-bearing to your training and offsetting psychoemotional strain (the fitter you are, the better your body can cope with heart rate spikes in response to excitement or nerves). Your mental and physical performance will benefit from a program out of the saddle, and you will be more effective at making decisions under fatigue.

Let’s take a look at the first reason: Horse-rider asymmetries are well-documented...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37225/being-a-fit-rider-is-important-for-your-horses-health

Do Haynets Help Horses Lose Weight?

Equinews.com - Full Article

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 31, 2015

The equine obesity pandemic is real, with veterinarians and nutritionists issuing warnings to owners that there is no such thing as a fat, healthy horse.

“According to the latest American Horse Publications Equine Industry Survey, horse owners are primarily responsible for feeding their horses. Thus, the onus is on owners to identify overweight horses and then institute appropriate weight-loss measures,” advised Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a Kentucky Equine Research (KER) nutritionist.

Recognizing the importance of weight management in the equine population, researchers put eight Quarter Horses on a diet*. Horses started off with a body condition score (BCS) averaging about 7.3 and were fed 1% of their body weight in grass hay, either off the ground or from a haynet in two meals...

Read the rest here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/do-haynets-help-horses-lose-weight?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=349411cac6-ker-horse-nutri-kentucky-equine-03_09_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-349411cac6-11166

Sugars and Starches: They're Not All Bad!

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Kristen M. Janicki, MS, PAS
Mar 7, 2016

Although we frequently warn against the consequences of feeding these carbohydrates, horses do need them in their diets.

Owners are more carb-conscious than ever—and with good reason. It’s a fact that carbohydrates, particularly sugar and starch, can exacerbate equine muscle conditions such as polysaccharide storage myopathy, which is commonly known as tying-up. And scientists have linked dietary sugar and starch with colic and the hoof disease laminitis—especially when a horse consumes large quantities in a single meal. Excess carbohydrate intake can lead to other conditions, as well, including obesity and insulin resistance, where cells become resistant to the hormone insulin and require more to signal glucose uptake from the blood after a meal. Some horses even experience a “sugar rush” post-carb consumption that can lead to undesirable behaviors.

Like it or not, horses do need sugar and starch in their diets and cannot thrive without them. How can you make peace with these carbs and find room for them in your horse’s feed bucket? Let’s take a closer look at sugar and starch and uncover how they help keep your horse healthy...

- See more at: http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37223/sugars-and-starches-theyre-not-all-bad?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=nutrition&utm_campaign=03-07-2016#sthash.hkaRKNZX.dpuf

Decreasing the Risk of Laminitis in the Spring

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Written by: Shannon Pratt-Phillips, Ph.D.

Equine nutritionist, Shannon Pratt-Phillips, Ph.D., explains how to avoid pasture associated laminitis in the spring.

Q.: I know laminitis risk increases with spring grass. Is there anything I can do nutritionally to help decrease the risk?

A.: The reason the risk of laminitis increases in the spring is that as the days get longer, the extra sunlight increases photosynthesis, which results in starch, sugar and, in some plants, fructan production. We also tend to have cooler temperatures at night, which prevents the plants from using these sugars, and they accumulate.

Fructans are poorly digested within the horse’s small intestine, so they pass through to the large intestine, as do sugars when consumed in large amounts. When these reach the large intestine, the microbial organisms residing there ferment these new substrates rapidly, resulting in a shift towards the production of lactic acid and compounds called vasoactive amines (substances containing amino groups), as well as a drop in pH.

Changes in pH alter the permeability of the intestinal lining, which is believed to allow the absorption of the vasoactive amines and potential other toxins, and can contribute towards laminaellar separation.

Elevated insulin concentrations have also been shown to trigger laminitis, and horses that are consuming “sugary” pasture or that are already insulin resistant (and have high resting insulin concentrations) may have their insulin concentrations reach critical levels. So, prevention of laminitis is two-fold: limit pasture intake, particularly when sugar content is expected to be high and prevent/manage insulin resistance...

Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/magazine_articles/decreasing-the-risk-of-laminitis-in-the-spring/

How to Choose the Best Hay for Your Horse

March 1 2016

Besides water, hay is the most important thing your horse will take into his mouth. So it's crucial that that hay be of the best quality.

But, how do you find it?

Start by using all of your senses.

Does it look good? That nice bright green that is attractive to our eye also means the hay is fresh and full of the vitamins and protein your horse needs for a healthy diet. Although the outside of a hay bale may be bleached and yellow from exposure to sun, the interior should always be green.

Grab a handful of hay and feel it. Does it feel coarse? Are there small twigs or even prickers in it? If it feels bad in your hands just think of how it would feel in your horse's mouth. Good hay is free of extraneous material and has a fine texture, feeling soft in your hands. It should also have a high leaf to stem ratio, as the majority of digestible nutrients are found in the leaf portion of both grass and legume hay.

Take that handful of hay and bring it up to your nose. Breathe in. Does it smell fresh and clean? Or do you detect dust or mold? Obviously, that clean fresh smell is coming from the hay you want your horse to have.

The result of your careful examination when buying hay will be that sound that is music to the ears of all horse lovers: the sound of horses contentedly munching on hay.

Where to Look for Good Hay

A good place to start your search for quality hay is with your county extension agency or state agricultural department. Generally, they know who the hay growers in your area are, and what the quality of each grower's hay is. To insure that you have a good selection of hay, buy early in the season while the crops are being baled.

It's always a good idea to have your hay analyzed. This can be done at your county extension agency as well. Knowing the nutrient profile of the hay will allow you to make smart decisions about what to feed, which will save you money as well as insuring that your horse receives the proper nutrition.

Good hay has a protein value of 9% or higher, which will meet the protein requirements for a variety of horses. Other values you should have analyzed are the Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) which should be at 60% or lower (otherwise your horses will stop eating the hay) and the Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) which should be under 40% to insure high digestibility.

Follow these guidelines for hay and you will have happy, healthy, well-fed horses, with little wastage of hay.

For more information contact: Eastern Hay: easternhay@yahoo.com, 845 855 3291 (485 Rt. 22, Pawling, NY).