Horse Sense

Mark Your Calendars ~ 10/29 Open Horse Show and X-treme Cowboy Race at Equinox Farms in Hartland!

2011-09-15T09:07:00.000-04:00

2011 Oktoberfest Open Horse Show
All Breeds!

October 29, 2011

9am Rain or Shine!

Equinox Farm - Hartland Township

855 Hickory Ridge Rd

Download the SHOWBILL and ENTRY form.

All-Day FUN!

X-Treme Cowboy Race Event, Pig Roast, Costume Contest, Trailer Trick-or-Treating!, Stall Decorating, Spooky Hay Rides, Haunted House

X-Treme Cowboy Race

Presented by

Enchanted Acres, Equinox Farm & ShoMe Horse Shows

ENTRY APPLICATION

2011 Oakland County Fair Opens Tomorrow!

2011-07-11T16:10:00.002-04:00

Thank you to the 2011 Oakland County Fair ~ July Sponsor of Horse Sense!

The annual fair will be held at the Davisburg fairgrounds starting tomorrow!

As one of the oldest fairs in the nation, the Oakland County Fair has been an educational and entertaining event for Oakland County families since 1880. This year, the fair will offer a variety of different family-oriented events, such as:

Small & Large Animal Auctions, Family Fun Day, Free Circus-3 shows daily, Globe of Death, Racing Pigs, Show Me Petting Zoo, 4-H Farmer for a day, Farmer John, Kids Contests, Bike Giveaway, Animal Exhibits and much more!

The fair also features horse shows in a variety of disciplines:

Hunt Seat
Saddleseat
Western
Pole Bending
Dressage
Reining
Halter
Driving
& More!

Check out the Oakland County 4H Council website for the

full 2011 horse show schedule.

And don't forget to check out the Oakland County Fair website for discounted tickets!

FREE "Ask the Vet" Live Q & A next Wednesday, June 22nd!

2011-06-15T19:40:00.000-04:00

Next Wednesday evening thehorse.com will be hosting a free Q&A webinar discussing "Unwanted Horses".

Wednesday, June 22

8-9 p.m. Eastern U.S. time

And in case you missed 'em, check out a couple of my previous posts on unwanted horses:

And my least favorite part about owning a gelding is....

2011-06-08T07:04:00.001-04:00

Sheath Cleaning!

It's that time of year again! After yesterday's evening hose-down, I finally forced myself to perform my least favorite equine activity. Despite the uncomfortable and unpleasant (is it just me, or do all horse sheaths have that same distinct scent?) nature of sheath cleaning, it is a very important part of your horses' health.

Check out this great article for more information (and diagrams) on

how to clean your horse's sheath!

Or, if you would prefer a visual aid, check out this video from Rick Gore of ThinkLikeaHorse.org (Warning: It's kind of graphic)

Recent Outbreak of EHV-1, Equine Herpesvirus

2011-05-24T08:32:00.000-04:00

At least 7 horses this month have been killed or euthanized due to the outbreak of EHV-1, Equine Herpesvirus. The outbreak started in Utah (it is believed to have started at the NCHA Western Regional Championships) and quickly spread across many of the Western States. EHV-1 is highly contagious to horses, and though it does not affect humans, it can be spread from humans to horses. It is a neurological disease and symptoms include lack of coordination, gait abnormalities and a temperature above 102F.

For more information on the virus, it's symptoms, and how to protect your horses, check out this resource guide from the Center for Equine Health UC Davis.

Also, TheHorse.com will be hosting a webinar tonight from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. According to their website, this webinar will "provide horse owners with an update on the status of the EHV-1 outbreak and timely information on EHV-1 disease, testing, how to monitor your horse for disease, and how you can prevent EHV-1 spread with optimal horse management, hygiene, and biosecurity measures. Following the presentation, our panelists will answer your questions on EHV-1 for another 30 minutes."

For more information or to reserve your spot, check out their website.

Teaching Your Horse to Bow - with video!

2011-05-18T20:40:00.014-04:00

"Take a Bow" was the first (and only) trick I ever got around to teaching my pony George. He does it so well, in fact, that sometimes he'll bow without command to see if he can scam a treat!

As far as horse tricks go, it is probably one of the easiest to teach, and it's a fun one to pull out to impress a new visitor.

Check out this video from Rick Gore of thinklikeahorse.org to learn how to teach your horse to bow!

Adoptable Horse of the Week ~ Meet

2011-05-10T19:11:00.000-04:00

Mr. Ed is an 18 year old Chestnut Appaloosa with a spotted blanket. He was shown at appy world in Western Pleasure and Halter. He is kid safe, very calm on the ground and in the saddle. He will make a great learning horse for a young child. Mr. Ed was injured about a year ago and probably won't be able to show again. However, he is doing much better and would make the perfect horse for someone looking for that special horse for their younger kids to learn on. Everyone who meets Mr. Ed absolutely adores him. He is UTD on Medical and Farrier.

For more information or to meet Mr. Ed, call 269-965-2117 or Email EARTH Services.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses that EARTH Services has to offer, check them out on Petfinder.com!

A big THANK YOU to our new Horse Sense sponsor ~ Arizona Saddlery of Clarkston!

2011-05-05T20:42:00.054-04:00

A great BIG thank you to our new Horse Sense sponsor - Arizona Saddlery of Clarkston!

Arizona Saddlery has been family owned and operated for over 30 years, offering a huge selection of supplies for all equestrians, including:

English Tack
Western Tack
Horse Grooming Supplies
New & Used Saddles
Western Home Decor
Gifts for Horse Lovers
Riding Apparel - Schooling & Show Clothes
And much more!

Arizona Saddlery of Clarkston offers horse tack and equestrian apparel from top manufacturers, such as Ariat, Justin Boots, Levi, Dan Post, Chippewa, and much more! If you don't see it in store, ask a sales associate about special orders!

Arizona Saddlery

6525 Dixie Hwy # A
Village of Clarkston, MI 48346-3499

248-620-4708

Upcoming Horse Show ~ ShoMe the Money, April 30 & May 1st

2011-04-27T15:08:00.000-04:00

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?

Check out the ShoMe the Money GO GREEN All Breed Horse Show at the MSU Livestock Pavilion (South Barn). Show starts at 9 a.m. sharp Saturday and Sunday.

Classes in all divisions and disciplines! Halter, Western Pleasure, Showmanship, English Pleasure, Bridleless Equitation, Reining, Trail Classes & more!

MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, MI
4301 Farm Lane Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824
Check out the ShoMe Horse Shows website for more info!

I'll be there. Will you?

After months of searching...

2011-04-13T16:04:00.000-04:00

...meet Tex, the newest addition to the Raymo herd!

Tex is a 9 year old palomino Quarter Horse (AQHA/FQHA) gelding with a background in penning, sorting, heading, heeling, reining, barrel racing and trails! He even rides bridle-less! What more could a girl ask for?

My boys - Tex & George

Adoptable Horse of the Week ~ Meet Rooster!

2011-03-29T19:18:00.000-04:00

Rooster is a 3-4 year old Leopard Appaloosa Gelding. He is about 14.2 hands. Rooster has been started under saddle and is doing very well. He is very willing to work, and loves attention. He will walk, trot, and canter both ways without offering to buck. He knows how to lunge.

For more information or to meet Rooster, call 269-965-2117 or
Email EARTH Services.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses that EARTH Services has to offer, check them out on Petfinder.com!

Looking to buy or sell tack? Mark your calendars for the upcoming Equinox Farm Open House & Tack Sale!

2011-03-23T11:53:00.006-04:00

2011 Equinox Farm Open House and Tack Sale

Saturday, April 16th from 10:a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

****Buy or Sell New and Used Tack and Show Clothing****

No door charge and free parking! Tour the facility and see what they have to offer.

Location:

Equinox Farm

855 N. Hickory Ridge Road

Highland, MI 48357

Have some new or used tack to sell? Only $15 to reserve a table.

Click here to access the reservation form, details and deadline.

Tables will be located outdoors weather permitting – dress appropriately. Refreshments provided by Walled Lake Area Equestrian Teams

Any questions please call Tara Botero

248-410-2029 or

atbotero@yahoo.com

Regaining Confidence in the Saddle

2011-03-19T11:43:00.000-04:00

I'm confident, right?

After a rough winter full of horse fiascoes (including a short stint with the horse that "never bucked, kicked, reared, or spooked"), I found myself in quite a predicament. Just months after spending thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours to build my barn, I was faced with an unexpected (and untimely) fear of riding.

In my younger years I was fearless. Back then, a broken arm was a symbol of what a bad ass I was; now it's all co-pays and time off work and wardrobe considerations.

So last month I finally committed myself to going back for riding lessons to rebuild my confidence. Together with Liz Snoblen of Equinox Farm in Highland, I'm taking it one week at a time. And so far, it's going pretty well. Liz puts me on her "confidence builders" and throws a few challenges my way, and I'm slowly getting back to where I was just months before.

But the horse giveth and the horse taketh away, and confidence is not something that can be bought or bestowed upon. It's a constant work in progress. A couple of weeks into lessons I overestimated my progress and hopped back onto our 3 year old mare. A few minutes into our "ride", she and I both recognized my fear and after a few crow-hops and a bucking spree that left my inner thighs looking like ground beef, I took a small step back.

For those of you in a similar position, give this a try: Find a drama-free, low key riding stable in your area, "interview" trainers until you find one you trust, and start from scratch.

When I started out at Equinox, I asked Liz to treat me as an absolute beginner; to make no assumptions about what I may or may not know and to advance me as fast or as slow as my skills and confidence would allow. And so far it's been working out alright.

Check out this video for tips on building confidence:

Meet Wildwind Equestrian Center, this week's featured equestrian facility!

2011-03-17T10:15:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for a drama-free, friendly equestrian facility to board or ride? If so, check out Wildwind Equestrian Center in South Lyon, "Where Everyone Belongs". Wildwind offers boarding, training, camps and English riding lessons for riders of all ages, from Tiny Tots to Seniors. Their motto is that everyone deserves a place to belong; a place to be special, a place to be yourself, and at Wildwind Equestrian Center everyone belongs.

You don’t have to own a horse to take riding lessons. With more than 40 diverse school horses and ponies, Wildwind has the right mount for you. School horses and ponies are chosen for their temperament, training, soundness and versatility. Wildwind teaches English riding lessons in hunt seat and hunter/jumper. Each student learns grooming, saddling and caring for their horse. Group, private and semi-private lessons are taught year round in our indoor and outdoor arenas. Clinics, shows , camps and special events are scheduled throughout the year.

Whether you ride for pleasure, competition, fitness, or relaxation Wildwind has a program that will fit your needs. Depend on Wildwind instructors to teach you safely, keep your classes challenging, and keep your riding skills improving.

Early Bird Camp Discounts now available. Register before May 1st for reduced rates!

For more information, check out their website or call (248) 486-7433!

Featured Equestrian Facility ~ Check out Great Escape Stables in South Lyon!

2011-03-09T11:00:00.001-05:00

Looking for an Equine Escape?

Check out Great Escape Stables

in South Lyon!

Great Escape Stables is a full service Hunter/Jumper & Equitation equestrian facility in South Lyon.
Among their many equine services:

- Horse Boarding
- Private or Group Riding Lessons
- Leasing
- Training
- Day Camps
- Birthday Party Rentals
- Horse Showing

The trainers at Great Escapes promote safety, sportsmanship and horsemanship in their lesson programs and emphasize dressage basics for all riders. For more information or to see their full list of services and upcoming events, check out the Great Escape Stables website or Facebook page!

February 26th Quarter, Paint and Cow Horse Auction!

2011-02-25T11:51:00.000-05:00

SOUTHERN MICHIGAN

QUARTER & PAINT HORSE AUCTION

February 25 & 26, 2011

QUARTER & PAINT HORSE AUCTION

Saturday, February 26 @ 10:00 a.m.

REINING & WORKING COW HORSE AUCTION

Saturday, February 26 @ 7:00 p.m.

Check out the Sale Horse Catalog Here!

SHOME MOORE MONEY OPEN HORSE SHOW

February 27 @ 8:00 a.m.

SALE LOCATION

Michigan State University Pavilion

4301 Farm Lane - East Lansing, Michigan

Mark Your Calendars for the 2011 Equine Affaire at the Ohio Expo Center!

2011-02-15T19:05:00.001-05:00

The 2011 Ohio Equine Affaire event will be held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus April 7 - 10. Horse lovers can attend to purchase horse-related items from all disciplines (tack, grooming supplies, farm equipment, etc.), watch breed exhibits to learn about different horse breeds and their registries, and attend a variety of horse clinics. Some of the featured presenters include:

John Lyons, Al Dunning, Julie Goodnight, Lynn Palm, Craig Johnson, Jane Savoie, Guy McLean, Tommy Garland, Scott Purdum,

Sterling Graburn,

Dianne Eppers,
Marlene McRae,
Larry Whitesell, Steve Edwards,& Donna Snyder-Smith

And if you're looking to participate, check out the Equine Affaire website for opportunities to apply for a spot in your favorite presenter's clinic!

Daily Hours:

Thursday, April 7	9:00am-7:30pm
Friday, April 8	9:00am-7:30pm
Saturday, April 9	9:00am-7:30pm
Sunday, April 10	9:00am-5:00pm

Order your 2011 Equine Affaire tickets online!

And the winner of the Horse Sense $35 Gift Certificate Giveaway is.....

2011-02-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

DOMESTIC DIVA!

Congratulations to Domestic Diva and thank you to everyone that entered and blogged about the $35 gift card giveaway.

Stay tuned to Horse Sense for future giveaways!

Another Chance to Win a $35 Gift Certificate to CSN Stores!

2011-01-24T11:34:00.001-05:00

CSN Stores is giving away a $35 gift certificate to yet another lucky "Horse Sense" reader! The winner can use their gift certificate at any of their more than 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be swingsets, kitchen cookware, or even some cute Equestrian rain boots!

Here is how you can enter:

1st Entry - For your first entry all you need to do is Follow My Blog (publicly)!! You can follow my blog publicly by clicking the "Follow with Google Friend Connect" button on the right sidebar of my blog. Leave me a comment on this post to let me know that you are a follower. If you are already a follower, just make sure to leave a comment on this post to be entered into the drawing (You must be a follower to be entered in the drawing). Then make sure your comment links back to your email address so I can contact you if you’re the lucky winner.

2nd entry – To get a second entry you can link back to this giveaway on your own blog or website. Then make sure to come back and leave another comment with a link to your page to let me know that you did!

3rd entry - Get a friend to follow "Horse Sense". Have them mention your name in the comment they leave. You can have one additional entry for each referral follower!

Any questions? Just email or comment me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

DEADLINE EXTENSION!
Hurry! This giveaway ends at 12 a.m. EST on

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

and the winner will be announced within a

few days of contest closing.

Good Luck!

Note: This giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents. Please remember that there may be shipping charges or international fees for certain products when ordering your item.

Adoptable Horse of the Week ~ Meet Sugar Ray!

2011-01-22T13:49:00.001-05:00

Sugar Ray is a 10 year old jet black Tennessee Walker gelding. He stands 14.2 hands high. Sugar Ray moves out very nicely with a beautiful gait. He is a nice trail horse and and would do well in the 4-H arena with more finishing.

For more information or to meet Sugar Ray, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or Email EARTH Services.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horsesthat EARTH Services has to offer, check them out on Petfinder.com!

January 29th Livingston County Tack Sale!

2011-01-19T19:39:00.000-05:00

The Livingston County 4-H 2011 Tack Sale is almost here!

I've attended this sale several times and never went home empty handed! There will be hundreds of new and used tack items for sale, barn equipment and riding apparel. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, January 29, 2011 ~ FREE ADMISSION!
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Hartland Educational Support Service Center
(Former Hartland High School)
9525 Highland Rd., Howell, MI 48843
Sponsored by: Livingston County 4-H
Horse Leader’s Association
Public invited to buy or sell. No dogs allowed in building.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information call Paula at 517-485-6558 or go to:
www.co.livingston.mi.us/msuextension under 4-H programs.

Truth in Horse Advertising & the Importance of a Trial Period

2011-01-16T21:19:00.001-05:00

Please excuse my temporary delay in blog posts. I have recently been dealing with a bit of unexpected horse drama....

For years I've dreamed of finding my next George - a horse that would steal my heart and help me recreate the magical moments of my childhood with my little pony. And after months and months of searching for "the one", I thought I'd finally found him last month.

The ad bragged of everything I wanted, everything I need at this point in my life. A horse that is level-headed and low maintenance, safe enough to throw my less experienced husband on yet well trained and fun for the experienced rider, and absolutely loves attention. Sounds perfect, right?

Well after putting up with an unnecessarily complicated appointment process to meet the horse (had to be available at the drop of a hat for the owner, only to be made to wait by other prospective new owners that just happened to come at our appointment time - unexpectedly), we were "chosen" as the new owners.

Our deposit receipt was then written on the back of a scrap piece of paper that I scrounged from the bottom of my purse, as I awkwardly had to correct the seller's accidental $500 overcharge on the "Amount Due Upon Pick-Up" portion of the "receipt". And despite the dozens of red flags, I still continued with the purchase.

Very shortly after we brought the new horse home, more red flags started to pop up. First, the horse who "never kicked", began kicking at me during feeding time and showing several other signs of food aggression. I attributed the supposedly uncharacteristic behavior to switching from free feeding to twice-a-day, even though we were feeding him a more than adequate amount. So we tried to work through it. And just as it started to look like it was getting better (about one week into having him home), one of his "uncharacteristic" kicks caught the back of my arm, chipping two bones and taking a huge chunk out of my patience (and my wallet!).

After giving the horse that week to settle in, I took him out for a couple of rides around our property and in the arena area, and that was when the horse that "never spooked" began to spook. And not only did he spook, but he also began showing signs of barn sour, and would bolt at the first sign of the way home. After another week of working with the horse daily, trying every food aggression, barn sour, and bolting remedy I could think of, I hit my breaking point. I should also mention that I eliminated pain or discomfort as a cause by purchasing all new tack specially fitted to the horse and watching for any signs of discomfort prior to taking him out on the trail.

So I decided to take him out on a short trail ride with one of the other horses to see if the comfort of a companion would eliminate the spooking and bolting. Didn't work. In fact, about halfway through the ride, a leaf rustled in the woods and the horse that "never spooked" went nuts. As he turned to bolt toward home I tried everything I could to calm him down - I turned him in tight circles, I "whoa-ed", I see-sawed, and the more I tried to stop him, the worse it got. He bucked, jumped and spun until I was on the ground. And the first thing I thought when I hit the ground? "THANK GOD I ASKED FOR A TRIAL PERIOD!"

I can only hope that my experience will encourage others to insist on a trial period and save someone else from the heartache I experienced. Though many of us consider our horses a part of our families, they are still animals and will at times be unpredictable. And even if the seller takes great care of their animals and seems to be pretty honest, would you be willing to bet the sale price on it?

Just a few examples from my recent journeys....

- The ex-show horse that was to be sold for trail riding and flatwork only (just not suitable for hard training) that was actually showing very clear signs of lameness and should not have been ridden at all.

- The 3 year old "bombproof" trail horse that spooked within 3 minutes of the seller getting on his back and would not walk down the driveway.

- The "mouthy" Morgan that needs an experienced rider and sometimes nips a bit but is not dangerous.....re-listed 2 months later from same seller as "FREE TO ANYONE WHO CAN HANDLE HIM" because he is displaying dangerous aggressive behavior. Hmmmm.....

So the moral of this story?

INSIST ON A TRIAL PERIOD!

Adoptable Horse of the Week ~ Meet Star!

2010-12-15T20:52:00.001-05:00

Star is a 10 year old grulla Quarter Horse cross gelding. He is road safe, trail safe, cross-ties, trailers and has good ground manners.

For more information or to meet Star, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or
Email EARTH Services.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses

that EARTH Services has to offer, check them out on Petfinder.com!

By Special Request ~ Approaching a Horse

2010-12-13T08:33:00.000-05:00

One of the questions I'm often asked by my non-horse friends is "What is the best way to approach a horse?" Whether you have Hippophobia, the fear of horses, or just want to learn how to respect the space of that 1000 plus pound animal, the first step in equine safety is learning to approach.

So today we'll go over the ground basics of horse safety.

Horses will begin picking up non-verbal cues through your body language long before you get within reach, so its important to know what those signals mean to ensure that you aren't giving them the wrong idea about your intentions.

For example, looking a horse hard in the eyes can be interpreted as an aggressive approach, and may result in the horse fleeing or worse - trying to defend itself. But that doesn't mean you can never look a horse in the eye. You should focus more on approaching the horse slowly and with a soft confidence to let the horse know that you mean no harm.

Also, it can be tempting to approach with an outstretched hand to pet the horse's soft, fuzzy muzzle. Some horses are headshy, and may act out when approached at the face. Or worse yet, your fingers could be mistaken for a treat. Instead, you should first approach with your hands to your sides, and once you are sure the horse is aware of your presence and not showing signs of fear or aggression, pet the horse's neck or shoulder first.

Another important key to horse safety is knowing what the horse's body language means. In the image to the right, the left horse is displaying several aggressive cues to warn the horse on the right to step away. With ears pinned back to his head and eyes and nostrils flared, this is a clear cue to stay away. And though the horse on the right also has his ears turned back, his body language is displaying an awareness, not aggression. Other signs of aggression are teeth grinding, tail twitching, hoof stomping and curling up the rear leg to kick.

It’s also important to know that horses have two main blind spots – one directly in front of their nose and the other directly behind them. Check out this diagram of horse blind spots from Michigan State University for more information. When dealing with a horse, it is important to avoid those blind spots to keep from surprising the horse and causing an unexpected "flight" reaction.

Check out this article from the National Ag Safety Database for more information on horse safety.

And the winner of the CSN Stores $35 gift card giveaway is....

2010-12-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

APRIL!

Congratulations to April and thank you to everyone that entered and blogged about the $35 gift card giveaway.

Stay tuned to Horse Sense for future giveaways!

Only 3 Days Left to Enter for the $35 CSN Gift Card Giveaway!

2010-11-29T18:37:00.000-05:00

Hurry! There are only 3 days left to enter the CSN Stores

$35 Gift Card Giveaway and we currently have only 17 entries!

This giveaway ends at 12 a.m. EST on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

and the winner will be announced within a few days of contest closing.

If you've already entered, don't forget to refer your friends or post this contest on your blog for additional entries!

GOOD LUCK!

Click Here to Enter!

Enter to Win a $35 Gift Certificate to CSN Stores!

2010-11-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the holidays!

CSN Stores is giving away a $35 gift certificate to yet another lucky "Horse Sense" reader! The winner can use their gift certificate at any of their more than 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be kitchen cookware, children's luggage or even some cute Equestrian rain boots!

Here is how you can enter:

3rd entry - Get a friend to follow "Horse Sense". Have them mention your name in the comment they leave. You can have one additional entry for each referral follower!

Any questions? Just email or comment me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Hurry! This giveaway ends at 12 a.m. EST on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

and the winner will be announced within a few days of contest closing.

Good Luck!

Note: This giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents. Please remember that there may be shipping charges or international fees for certain products when ordering your item.

The Novi Equestrian Expo ~ November 12 - 14!

2010-11-11T18:27:00.001-05:00

The Novi Equestrian Expo will be held at the Rock Financial Showplace this weekend (November 12 - 14), featuring

"exciting riding, training and breed exhibitions, an extensive equine oriented shopping area and a wonderful networking opportunity for all who share a love of horses."

Check out the Novi Equestrian Show website for an entertainment schedule & full list of exhibitors, including local equine non-profits, tack and accessory shops, stables & more!

If you sign up for their mailing list, you'll also receive a Discount Admission Coupon

Horses Healing Humans

2010-11-10T18:09:00.001-05:00

DayDreams Farms Therapy and Rescue (of Cottrellville)

was recently featured on Fox News for their animal rescue programs

that are geared toward connecting both humans and horses that need healing.

See the full video below.

Or you can visit their website at http://www.daydreamsfarm.com/

to find upcoming events and adoptable horses.

Horse auction this Saturday...I'll be there, will you?

2010-11-04T19:38:00.001-04:00

In the market for a new ride?

SOUTHERN MICHIGAN

FALL QUARTER & PAINT HORSE AUCTION

November 5 & 6, 2010

TACK AUCTION

Friday, November 5 @ 7:00 p.m.

QUARTER & PAINT HORSE AUCTION

Saturday, November 6 @ 11:00 a.m.

SHOME MOORE MONEY OPEN HORSE SHOW

November 6 & 7 @ 9:00 a.m.

SALE LOCATION

Michigan State University Pavilion

4301 Farm Lane - East Lansing, Michigan

More info and a catalog of the available horses are available at http://www.tommooresales.com/

Last Weekend to Visit Birch Run's Best Kept Secret!

2010-10-26T19:11:00.001-04:00

Last fall on a routine trip to Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn for some all-you-can-eat chicken, I stumbled upon Birch Run's best kept secret.

Wilderness Trails Zoo is located near the corner of Birch Run Rd. and Gera Road in Birch Run, just minutes from the Birch Run Outlet Mall. You'll know you found it when you see the giant giraffe statue at the side of the road. Driving by, I'd always assumed it was an extension of the Putt-Putt location next door, but don't let it's quiet seclusion fool you. For just $9 admission (only $6.50 for children 3 - 15), you are guaranteed to have a unique and exciting experience.

In my trips to Wilderness Trails, I have been roared at by an African Lion, chased by a Timber Wolf and watched a couple of giant turtles making babies. And you can leave your binoculars at home! All of the animals are just a few arm's lengths away.

Make sure to stop by Wilderness Trails this weekend! They are closed for the season after October 31st!

Oh, and they have horses too!

http://wildernesstrailszoo.org/

Equine Entertainment ~ Check out "Dancing with Horses" Fundraiser October 24th in Highland!

2010-10-21T19:33:00.001-04:00

The Highland Equestrian Conservatory is hosting a special equestrian fundraising event this Sunday, "Dancing with Horses", featuring performances from many disciplines, including vaulting, dressage, barrel racing, jumping & more! Pre-Order your tickets here!

For more info, check out the Highland Equestrian Conservatory website or

call 248-684-6895

Ewwww....Connecticut man charged for sexually assaulting a horse!

2010-10-20T18:46:00.054-04:00

Hold yer horses...literally!

I don't even know where to start on this one...

On Monday, 63 year old Marian Wegiel of Connecticut was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, sexual assault, criminal trespass and breach of peace for touching his neighbor's horse in a sexual manner.

When confronted by the police, Wegiel said he was trying to calm the horses after they were spooked by a loud noise, though the horses' owner said there was no reason for him to have been in her pasture.

According to Shelton, CT police, Wegiel also stated that he may have inadvertently put his fingers inside one of the horses...

BLAAAAARRRRGGH!

(the sound of horse lovers around the world vomiting)

For those non-equestrians that think electric fences in pastures are cruel - this is why we have electric fences. It's not to keep the horses in, but to keep creeps like this guy out! :)

See the full Oakland Press article here!

Upcoming 2-Day Horse & Tack Auction ~ October 22nd & 23rd!

2010-10-14T18:15:00.001-04:00

Mark your calendars!

On Friday, October 22nd, the Fall Draft Horse Auction will be hosted at the Lake Odessa Livestock Auction Hall. New & used tack at 9:00 a.m. and horses at Noon. Draft Horses, Driving horses and Halflingers.

The Fall Saddle Horse Auction is Saturday, October 23rd. New & Used tack auction starts at 9:00 a.m. and horses & ponies at 1:00 p.m.

For more info: call 616-374-8213 or 616-490-6742
Lake Odessa Livestock Auction
3675 Tupper Lake Road
Lake Odessa, MI 48849

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Ebony!

2010-10-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

Ebony is a black Hackney pony mare. She was used as a driving pony. She injured her eye (losing total sight in the injured eye) and the family that had her could not keep her. She was an Amish horse and they need to have both eyes when driving down the road. This does not affect this mare at all.

Ebony is very sweet and loves attention. She has been under saddle and ridden many times. She is a very nice pony and does not offer to buck or act up. She is also very sweet on the ground and loves to be groomed. Ebony is an easy keeper.

For more information or to meet Ebpny, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or

Email EARTH Services.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses

that EARTH Services has to offer, check them out on Petfinder.com!

Meet Day Dreams Farm Therapy and Rescue!

2010-10-03T20:39:00.002-04:00

Day Dreams Farm Therapy and Rescue is a 501c3 equine rescue in Cottrellville, MI that is "Dedicated to helping horses and transforming the lives of children and adults through the interaction of animals."

They currently have 5 horses rescued from neglected homes or unfit living conditions. They rehabilitate and keep the horses on their farm until they are "made fit" to be adopted into a loving home.

In addition to rescuing horses, Day Dreams Farm also offers lessons, training and equine assisted therapy.

To read some of Day Dreams Farm's success stories or see how you can help, check out their website or call (810) 335-4183.

Never Underestimate the Kindness of Equestrians

2010-09-27T22:39:00.000-04:00

My husband and I moved into our house in the Spring of 2007. Until last week, I had only officially met 2 of our neighbors (the two whose property butts up to ours). But soon after we moved the horses home, everything changed.

When we were building the pasture, I began noticing cars slowing down as they passed the house, but it didn't occur to me why until about a week after the horses came home. That first week, the neighbor kids came over for George's first official pony rides at the new barn. About a week later, two horses (and their riders) came walking down the driveway to meet the new "Neigh"bors (sorry, couldn't help myself). They even offered to lend us a saddle for the new horse until we could order her one.

Then, the "Horsies!" cries from neighborhood children as we walked down the road provided a fond reminder of my own childhood and confirmation that our newfound popularity had nothing to do with my witty charm. And finally, just last week our across-the-street neighbor (who had previously offered me a leg up when he saw me walking my horse home from a exercise in buddy sourness...twice), but have never officially been introduced to, offered us access to a riding trail, open field and arena that we didn't even know existed!

So I guess the moral of this story is that horses bring people together! Okay, that's pretty corny. How about some Cowboy Logic instead?

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"If you work for a man, ride for his brand. Treat his cattle as if they were your own."

Horse Adoption Event September 25th in Bellvue!

2010-09-21T22:18:00.000-04:00

On Sept 25, 2010, make sure to join EARTH Services of Bellevue for their largest event of the year!

There will be mule-drawn wagon rides, yard sale, lots of fun and activities for the kids, and (of course) lots of animals for adoption! Lots of great dogs, cats puppies, rabbits, goats, donkeys, mini's, ponies, drafts, and many nice riding and driving saddle type horses. Even if you cannot adopt, come visit the animals and dedicated volunteers. Donations are always needed!

Donations of dog food, cat food, kitty litter, grain for horses, hay, straw, towels, blankets bowels, toys, and monetary donations are always excepted and appreciated!

SEPT 25, 2010 Farm Event
10am-5pm
15323 Jenkins Road
Bellevue, Mi. 49021

For more information:
269-965-2117 or website@earthservices.org

GUEST BLOGGER ~ Nine horses now in good hands

2010-09-14T12:43:00.002-04:00

After Sunday's post, Update on Equine STAR - Michigan Horse Rescue Accused of Horse Neglect, I received a few emails from Joan Tucker supporters stating that some of the information in the articles that I linked to was incorrect. So I spoke with Karen Workman, one of the reporters that has been covering the Tucker case. It turns out, we were wrong.

I'll let Karen explain...

Nine horses now in good hands

A guest blog post by Karen Workman, reporter and author of The Dog Blog

There’s been a lot of opinions expressed to The Oakland Press about former White Lake Township resident Joan Tucker.

Tucker, previously the director of Equine Star — a horse rescue that paired horses in need with people who needed them — foreclosed on her White Lake Township farm earlier this year.

She took about 25 horses with her to Texas.

I remember when The Oakland Press began reporting about Tucker and Equine Star. We wrote glowing articles about the program that saved horses and helped people, and let readers know how they could donate to her.

After a while, though, those articles began eliciting a different type of response from the public — we received a barrage of angry phone calls from readers who felt we were being irresponsible in urging others to donate to Tucker.

We’d later find out that although Equine Star was a 501-C3, it was not licensed in Michigan as a charity and therefore, Tucker was not allowed to solicit or receive donations.

After being in Texas for just a short while, I received a phone call from the couple who’d taken in Tucker and her horses. They were clearly distraught, at odds with her about how to care for the horses and told me they had asked her to leave.

Enter the East Texas Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, who stepped up to find Tucker a new home for both herself and her horses.

Months passed and I’d heard nothing from the folks down in Texas. But then, in August, I received a phone call I wasn’t expecting — one telling me that Tucker’s horses were emaciated, authorities weren’t handling the situation and some type of help was needed.

The authorities dispute allegations that they didn’t handle the case properly. From my point of view, everyone is entitled their opinion. The rescue organization’s opinion was that the authorities weren’t acting quickly enough, but the authorities said they were handling it by the book.

Argue opinions all you want, but the bottom line isn’t about who did what or who can be blamed for this, that or next thing — the bottom line is that horses were sick and they needed help.

The Oakland Press was told last week that nine horses had received such help after being seized by authorities. I’m not sure what happened, but it appears that information was partially incorrect.

Nine horses have indeed received help, but they were not seized.

“I did speak to Joan and asked her, ‘If I can find private owners, can I help?’ and she said, ‘Yes,’” said Lori Bowlin, a Texan who is affiliated with the East Texas Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. “At that point, I began looking for private people to take the horses.”

Bowlin said she personally took two horses, Cody and Rustina. A friend of hers took one more horse and another good friend took six horses.

“It never became a seizure-warrant-confiscated-type mission,” Bowlin said.

Texas officials confirmed the same thing and The Oakland Press published a correction in Tuesday’s edition (Sept.14).

Bowlin said Cody is getting multiple treatments daily for his eye issue and Rustina is slowly getting back to a healthy weight. All nine of the horses are now on farms with land to spare and lots of care, Bowlin said.

Understandably, it will take some time to get the horses back to full health, Bowlin said.

Bowlin also reported that the horses which remain with Tucker are healthy and being fed properly.

The last story I wrote about the situation in August, people who had previously owned some of the horses that became emaciated sobbed on the phone with me. As if seeing the photos wasn’t gut wrenching enough, listening to their cries was absolutely heartbreaking.

And so, I am beyond happy to know the horses are getting the care they need.

“They’re living it up, things are good,” Bowlin said of the horses.

Thank you, Lori.

I know I said I'd never get another mare again, but...

2010-09-13T18:00:00.001-04:00

Meet Bella! She's a 2 year old Friesian Sporthorse mare with a puppy dog personality and is the newest addition to my herd.

When looking for our new horse, it was important to find one that my husband really connected with. I looked for several months to find the perfect horse; one that would make him share my love for all things equine. And just as I was beginning to think we'd never find the right horse, along came Bella.

She was the wrong age, the wrong gender, the wrong color, the wrong name (our Rottweiler's name is already Bella) and out of our original budget, but there was just something about her.

So stay tuned to see how Bella grows and Mark works to learn the love of horses!

Update on Equine STAR - Michigan Horse Rescue Accused of Horse Neglect

2010-09-12T15:14:00.001-04:00

Recently nine horses were removed from a temporary Texas home of the infamous Joan Tucker, owner of White Lake's former Equine STAR horse rescue. You're probably thinking, "Horses rescued from a horse rescue?"

Yep, that's what I thought too.

Joan Tucker solicited donations earlier this year in an attempt to save her rescue operation and was later found lacking the proper charity license. After foreclosing on her Haley Hills property, she gathered up enough money to move the horses down to Texas.

When allegations recently emerged that the rescue horses were being neglected and underfed, there were all kinds of excuses, including that the horses' old age was to blame for their condition (which only made the horse community more angry).

Unfortunately, this isn't the end of this heartbreaking story, but it does bring about some important questions, such as:

When you surrender an animal, how do you know that you're putting them in good hands?
At what point is euthanasia the more humane alternative?
How do you determine the difference between a healthy love for horses and animal hoarding?
Should there be more strict standard set for horse rescues?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this story.
Write a comment or send me a quick e-mail to tell us what you think!

And if you aren't familiar with the Equine STAR/Joan Tucker story, make sure to check out the previous Oakland Press Articles below (don't forget to read the comments!).

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Halo!

2010-09-07T21:15:00.003-04:00

Halo is very sweet gray Arabian mare. She has a cute gray colt by her side that is also very sweet. She was use as a camp horse and is great for kids. Now after years of negelect, she is no longer rideable. Now that she is with the rescue, she is at a good weight and well loved. She will make a great companion pony. Halo is up-to-date with routine shots.

For more information or to meet Halo, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or Email EARTH Services.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses

that EARTH Services has to offer, check them out on Petfinder.com!

YouTube Gem ~ "Top 10 Reasons Why a Round Bale is Better than a Mare"

2010-09-01T21:00:00.001-04:00

I stumbled upon this YouTube gem recently and thought I should share...

ENJOY!!

Expectations of Professional Horse Training

2010-08-29T11:17:00.000-04:00

One of the things I've come across repeatedly in my horse shopping ventures are the different perceptions of a horse's training and levels of "broke".

Many sellers will even state that the horse has had 30, 60, 90, or 120 days professional horse training in their ads to help clarify its level of "broke". But what does it all mean?

Training can vary by trainer and riding discipline, so 30 days with one trainer could bring a different result than 30 days with another. The amount of training in a 30 day period usually ranges from 3 days per week to every day. So you could see how a horse that goes through 3 day per week training (12 days total in a month) would vary from a horse that is worked every day in a 30 day period.

Also, different riding disciplines and some horse breeds may require different types of training, which can affect the overall training timeline. For example, gaited horse training is different from a non-gaited horse and a dressage horse training schedule would vary from western horse training.

So if you're in the market for a horse, make sure to ask specific questions about the horse's training to get a better idea of exactly what you're working with. How much training? What type of training (ground, riding, driving, etc.)? Did they use natural horsemanship training techniques? How often has the horse been worked since it returned from training? What challenges did they come across? (And if you're looking to sell, don't forget to check out my tips on How to Sell a Horse Online!)

And if you're looking to send your horse off for training, it is important to look beyond just the cost of training when comparing potential trainers. Find out how often your horse will be worked and what part you will play in your horse's training. Most importantly, start by setting reasonable expectations with your trainer so you can measure the end result.

(Click Here to see how the Rymar Ranch in Florida defines expectations for 30, 60 or 90 days of professional training.)

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"There's a lot more to ridin' a horse than just sittin'

in the saddle and lettin' yer feet hang down."

Upcoming Trail Riding Event ~ Ride the Rose Fundraiser

2010-08-25T19:00:00.000-04:00

On Sunday August 29, equestrians will ride the trails of Rose Oaks County Park in Holly to raise funds to help establish horse-friendly trails in Northwest Oakland County. If you're interested in participating, contact Merle (248)-624-1409 or visit www.headwaterstrailsinc.org. Donations are only $20 (plus, bring a dish to pass for the 4 p.m. Potluck dinner!)

Registration is Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Come down for a nature ride, to learn about the park

and get a chance to win a prize for the best poker hand!

Rose Oaks County Park

1132 Fish Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442

The things people will do for a ribbon...ASPCA Files Legal Petition with USDA to Stop Horse Soring!

2010-08-21T23:47:00.000-04:00

This month, the ASPCA filed a legal petition with the USDA to strengthen it's enforcement of the HPA (Horse Protection Act), most specifically against the act of horse "soring".

According to the HSUS, horse "soring" is an illegal training method which "involves the intentional infliction of pain to a horse's legs or hooves in order to force the horse to perform an artificial, exaggerated gait." This is most often associated with Tennessee Walking Horses and other gaited breeds.

For more information and to find out how you can

help in the fight against equine cruelty, Click Here.

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Beautiful!

2010-08-17T19:27:00.001-04:00

Beautiful is a 4 year old black Shetland cross pony. She is easy to handle and likes treats. She is going to make a nice kid's pony some day. She is also gaited!

For more information or to meet Beautiful, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or Email.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses

that EARTH Services has to offer, CLICK HERE!

And the winner of the $40 gift card giveaway is...

2010-08-15T10:49:00.000-04:00

buzzd

from Georgia!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Thank you to everyone that entered the drawing and make sure to keep following "Horse Sense" for future giveaways!

Farrier for a Day...Okay, Not Quite (with video!)

2010-08-10T00:52:00.001-04:00

After completing my DIY Vaccinations post (and with a little push from our favorite farriers, Koren & Tim of TK Hoof Care 248-431-3775) I decided it was time to take my horse ownership to the next level and learn how to trim my horses' feet. And by "learn" I mean try my hand at the very basics, under the supervision of a professional, with no intention of making it a habit.

Check out the video below to see how I did!

Oh, and please don't try this at home :)

Cowboy Logic of the Day:

"If you want to forget all your troubles,

take a little walk in a brand new pair of high heeled ridin' boots."

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Babe!

2010-08-08T21:50:00.002-04:00

My name is Babe or my nickname is Lightning as I shoot across the field like a bolt of lighting. I'm a quarter horse/morgan mix, 10 years old and am a black bay mare. I ride and handle great and have great ground manners. I'm great for trail riding. I ride off alone or in a group. I have get up and go and can spin a hole over the top of a dime, but no problem stopping. I was recently taken around the 4 mile country block and had no problems. I'm not spooky and cars and tractors do not bother me.

For more information or to meet me, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or Email.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses

that EARTH Services has to offer, CLICK HERE!

ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER THE $40 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-07T14:07:00.014-04:00

REMINDER:

In just a few days we will be selecting the winner of the $40 gift certificate to CSN stores.

It is super easy to enter (click on the link below for details), so don't miss your chance!

And if you've already entered, don't forget to refer a friend or post a link to the giveaway for additional entries!

Click Here to Enter!

Reason # 1,431,564 Why You Should Never Stick Your Head Between a Horse's Legs

2010-08-05T19:15:00.002-04:00

Here's proof that even the most "Bomb-Proof" horses have their quirks...

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Bella!

2010-07-30T20:30:00.003-04:00

Bella is a flea-bitten gray quarter horse/Thoroughbred mix who was saved from the meat pen. She is a gentle horse and loves attention. She rides well but needs the finishing touches to make her the horse you are looking for. She has been ridden around the mile block and did well with the traffic. Bella is approximately 15.2 hands high and is a stout horse.

For more information or to meet Bella, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or Email.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses that EARTH Services has to offer, CLICK HERE!

"Dumbest" Horse Ad Ever...

2010-07-27T19:02:00.001-04:00

I stumbled upon an ad today titled "For Sale: Dumbest Paint Horse Ever"
Thinking it was a joke, I clicked on the link to see what crazy antics those Craigslist-ers were up to today. And to my surprise, it was an actual listing from someone trying to sell a horse they'd deemed to be the dumbest paint horse ever! And likely targeting the dumbest buyer ever.

That's not to say that $600 is a huge amount to pay for a horse, but for the "dumbest paint horse ever"? I can find plenty of dumb horses on the market for free or close to it. As a matter of fact, there are probably a few horse owners out there that would pay me to take their dumb horses.

But I do appreciate the honesty of this seller and genuinely feel sorry for her situation.
So let's see what you think. The ad is below (my thoughts are in red)...

This isn't Rocky, but possibly a distant relative?

"(I am going to write this ad as honestly as possible {how refreshing}, so forgive my bluntness please, but I want this guy to end up in the most suitable home possible for him.)
Rocky (APHA Name: Scenic Rocket Bar) is an 11 year old APHA registered gelding who is possibly the dumbest horse I've ever owned (through no fault of his own) {possibly? That doesn't say much for your background}. Currently stands 15.3h (with an official stick, on concrete, this is not an eyeball estimate) and is essentially a golden retriever with hooves. His previous owner passed away due to brain cancer, and Rocky was his pasture pet, so he essentially never had to do anything except be loved on and stand around looking pretty for 10 years (which he is extremely good at). He has WONDERFUL ground manners, is a doll for the farrier and vet, and couldn't be any sweeter, but under saddle, he's dumb as a stone. There isn't a mean bone in his body {that he can remember}, but he genuinely needs to be taught to use his brain as he currently has the retention capabilities of a brick. He will lunge no problem, walk, trot, whoa, back, etc without a problem under saddle (runs into his canter, but its there), but you need to be very clear and basically treat him like a 3 year old since he tends to forget everything you taught him the day before. He's just very reliant on his owner/rider for direction and instruction, and as I do only barrel racing & pole bending, I need a horse with something between his ears other than dust and cobwebs. He lives up to the phrase "Nice house, nobody home" and he's a wonderful horse to have around the barn {if you're not counting that he is the dumbest horse ever} (no bad habits, easy to get along with, low man on the totem pole), but my horses have to be able to work for me, and asking him to run a pole pattern (with 12+ flying changes) is a monumental task that I think would end with him needing a psychotherapist. His ideal situation would be a teenager {yes, let's suggest a 1,000 pound animal with training issues to a child. Good thinking!} that wants her own (cheap), pretty gelding that will love on him and mess with him on a daily basis and eventually take him to 4H or open shows or make him into a playday horse. He is UTD on shots, worming, 2010 Coggins etc, had his teeth floated in May and had a Power Pac done at the same time. He IS low man on the totem pole (definitely a gentle giant) and the other horses pick on him {wouldn't you?} (he would rather run away and go off by himself than hang with the herd), so he's a little thin right now {probably forgets to eat}(compared to the pictures from Feb), but he's gaining weight steadily. He has nice hard feet {matches his hard head nicely} and will most likely never need shoes. Price on this guy is $600. That's what I paid for him in Feb {I'm sorry for your loss}, with no vet work, etc, so I have a LOT more into him than that, but he's doing nothing here except being a lawn ornament and while he does it very well, its not fitting into my program. Phone calls only please, I can be reached anytime at (248)XXX-XXXX, please leave a voicemail if no answer {because they will be very busy taking calls from prospective buyers}."

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep"

Another Chance to Win a $40 Gift Certificate for Horse Sense Readers!

2010-07-23T19:15:00.001-04:00

CSN Stores will giving away another $40 gift certificate to another lucky "Horse Sense" reader! The winner can use their $40 gift certificate in any of their more than 200 online stores on a variety of items, from pet furniture to home decor or even a bedroom vanity!

Here is how you can enter:

3rd entry - Get a friend to follow "Horse Sense". Have them mention your name in the comment they leave. You can have one additional entry for each referral follower!

Any questions? Just email or comment me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Hurry! This giveaway ends at 12 a.m. EST on Thursday, August 12, 2010

and the winner will be announced within a few days of contest closing.

Good Luck!

Note: This giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents. Please remember that there may be shipping charges or international fees for certain products when ordering your item.

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Sheik

2010-07-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

Sheik is a 21 year old 13.3 hand bay pony. He is good with other horses and very easy to handle. He stands tied, leads and trims with no issues and is great on the trails.

Sheik is very well trained and would be a great horse for beginners or children. For more information or to meet Sheik, call 269-965-2117 or 269-924-6595 or Email.

Or for information on some of the other adoptable horses that EARTH Services has to offer, CLICK HERE!

Buckskin vs. Dun

2010-07-13T18:00:00.012-04:00

While perusing the local horse classifieds for possible new additions to my little herd, I often see listings that use the colors "buckskin" and "dun" interchangeably. And though it probably isn't as pertinent to horse advertising as the differences between levels of "broke" (ex. "Green Broke" = "I almost had a saddle on her once"). So in case you've ever wondered what the difference is, here you go...

Dun

Though there are many variations of the dun coloring (red dun, grullo/grulla, bay dun, etc.), there are a few other traits that distinguish Duns.

Dun Markings (from mustangs4us.com):
Any individual horse may have most, but not necessarily all of these traits:

diluted body color, somewhat like that of the Creme gene (this one is a MUST-HAVE)
dorsal stripe (this one is a MUST-HAVE), often confused with Countershading
zebra stripes on knees and hocks
ear lining and tips: top one-third of the ear on its back side darker than body color
fawn color inside of ears
mane and tail lined with lighter color (2-color mane & tail)
cob-webbing on face
face darker than body color

Buckskin

From the International Buckskin Horse Association -
A true colored buckskin should be the color of tanned deerhide with black points. Shades may vary from yellow to dark gold. Points (mane, tail, legs) can be dark brown or black. Buckskin is clean of any smuttiness. Guard hairs which are buckskin colored grow through the body coat up over the base of the mane and tail.

Upcoming Horse Show ~ July 12 - 17 at the Oakland County Fair

2010-07-12T18:00:00.029-04:00

Don't forget to check out the Oakland County Fair Horse Shows this week!

Featuring local riders from all disciplines, the annual shows are a must-attend event for horse lovers. Check out the schedule below for dates and times of each event.

Click Here for Fair Coupons!

Horse Trailering Safety Tips

2010-07-08T20:41:00.000-04:00

Whether you are hauling your horses 1 mile down the road or on a 1,000 mile road trip, be sure to check out the trailering tips below before you travel to ensure a safe and stress-free ride. Now if only the Snohomish County driver had read these...

Inspect your trailer inside and out before each trip. Check tire pressure, hitch, floor boards, dividers, safety chains, lights, and latches. I read a story recently about a horse that was seriously injured by some tiny rivets that were sticking out from a tear in the trailer padding.
Make sure your trailer's hay rack/bag is full to keep your horse busy and distract from all of the outside stimuli.
Check your mirrors frequently. You should be able to see if a latch has come undone or a lead rope has untied (this is where trailer ties come in handy). It also helps to keep an eye on other drivers. Non-horse people don't always know proper equestrian etiquette (proven by the people who repeatedly drive by at 50+ MPH with barely a horse width distance from trail riders). And on the other hand, they might be the first to see if something on your rig has gone wrong, so keep an eye out in case another driver is trying to flag you down.
On long trips, make regular stops to re-check your equipment and re-hydrate your horses.
Consider using a leather or breakaway halter and shipping boots to protect your horses from injury. In the case of an emergency, a leather halter will probably break and may prevent the horse from being trapped or hung in the trailer.
Always leave extra stopping distance to keep your horses from being shifted unexpectedly.
Practice loading and unloading your horse a few times before tackling a long trailer ride. It is important to be sure that the horse is completely comfortable being inside of the trailer before you add movement and road noise to the mix.
Make sure the trailer you are using is suited to the horses you're hauling. For example, you wouldn't want to haul a 17hh horse in a trailer with only a 6' high interior. Though you may be able to load the horse initially, the likelihood of the horse getting bumped and bruised throughout the ride is high. And one bad experience can lead to a lifetime of trailering issues. It's a whole lot easier to make a few extra safety preparations than it is to train the fear out of a horse that's had a bad experience.

Have any other horse trailering tips?

Send me an e-mail or leave a comment and I'll add 'em to the list!

Cowboy Logic of the Day
"When you get to where you're goin' the first thing

to do is take care of the horse you rode in on."

Adoptable Horse(s) of the Week - Meet Betty & Bertha!

2010-07-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

Betty & Bertha are are sweet, quiet Belgian mares that are both broke to ride and drive. They are 10 & 11 years old. They were Amish horses, so they also know how to work off equipment. They are not spooky and will stand tied with no problems.

For more information on Betty & Bertha, Click Here!

To see the other adoptable horses & pets at EARTH Services, Click Here!

Horse Dies in Horrific Trailering Accident in Washington

2010-07-02T21:13:00.000-04:00

I came across a story a few weeks ago that was so disturbing that I've been sitting on the blog post ever since. But after realizing that every BIG mistake comes with a lesson to be learned, I've decided to post it.

Last month, a driver in Snohomish County, Washington dragged a horse from the back of her trailer for more than 2 miles before other drivers flagged her to stop. A trail of blood and body parts that followed the 2 mile stretch on Grandview Road was a gruesome reminder to Snohomish County residents of the horrific accident. And though the driver said she believed that the horse's neck broke as soon as it fell, there's no way of knowing how long that poor animal actually suffered before it died.

I try to give people the benefit of the doubt in most cases, but in my mind you would have to be either intoxicated/high or trying to kill this animal to end up in a situation like this one. You'd have to have one helluva truck and trailer to not feel 1,000+ pounds of live weight dragging behind it. And even then, I'm not so sure.

Warning: The video below is pretty disturbing and may not be suitable for the youngsters.

Click here to hear what the driver had to say.

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"No matter who says what, don't believe it if it don't make sense."

How Not to Sell Your Horse

2010-06-26T22:06:00.001-04:00

Even when I'm not actually "shopping" for a horse, I still like to browse the online horse ads occasionally (okay, so every day). I've seen novel-like ads that include everything but the horse's favorite color, and then I've seen the bare minimum ads ("Black Horse $150, Call xxx-xxxx"). But which way is the right way, you ask? Well first, let's examine some of the "wrong way" examples of horse sales.

Here's one I've seen a few variations of, and it always gives me a little chuckle:

"13 year old thoroughbred gelding for sale. I have too many horses, and not enough money! ... I might consider a trade on a paint."

Do paint horses cost less to feed?

"Pasture Companion - $450 obo"

So you're gonna pay me $450 to take the horse that you can't afford to retire, right?

"I never had the time for her since i rescued her from some hick!...rebreeding by stud for extra 75$ thank you...please bid higher then the meat guy. he has offered 200$ for each horse."

Wait...what? You rescued this poor little mare, but you're willing to sell her to the meat guy? I'm not sure which part is worse - that, or the fact that they are still breeding these poor animals!

Now those are just a few of the many great examples of what not to do.

For my full list of "How-To" horse advertising essentials, Click Here!

Make sure to list your "Horse for Sale" ads on these great websites!

Horse Classifieds - FreeHorseAds.com

Horsetopia Classifieds

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"Comin' as close to the truth as a man can come without actually gettin' there is comin' pretty close, but it still ain't the truth."

And Finally...Progress!

2010-06-24T21:38:00.001-04:00

After many months of shopping, waiting, searching, waiting, prepping, and waiting, we finally have an outline of a barn!

I know it doesn't look like much now, but in 10 - 14 days (knock on wood), we should have a horse barn! And then the real work starts (we have opted to install the flooring, stalls, pasture, and tack room ourselves)!

For more information on our horse barn builder, who has literally been building barns for as long as I've been alive, see K&K Builders of Ann Arbor.

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"It's best to keep your troubles pretty much to yourself, 'cause half the people you'd tell 'em to won't give a damn, and the other half will be glad to hear you've got 'em."

Thank you to the 2010 Oakland County Fair ~ June/July Sponsor of Horse Sense!

2010-06-18T22:09:00.000-04:00

Thank you to the 2010 Oakland County Fair for sponsoring the "Horse Sense" blog for June & July!

The annual fair will be held at the Davisburg fairgrounds this July 13 - 18.

The 2010 fair will also feature horse shows in a variety of disciplines:

Hunt Seat
Saddleseat
Western
Pole Bending
Dressage
Reining
Halter
Driving
& More!

For more information about fair events, discounted tickets and directions to the fairgrounds, click on the OCF ad at the top of the page to be redirected to the website!

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Curly!

2010-06-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

"Curly" is a 14 year old Bashkir Curly** horse. He walks, trots, and canters with no problems. He has also ridden down the road with no problems and is not afraid of cars. Will make a good 4-H horse. He is a hypoallergenic horse, so he'd be a great fit for people with allergies.

For information on adopting Curly or to see the other adoptable horses that EARTH Services has to offer, go to their Petfinder Page.

**Also referred to as the American Bashkir Curly, American Curly horse, North American Curly horse or just Curly Horse, the true origins of this unique breed are unknown (though there are many theories). For more information on Curly Horses, go to the American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry Website.

A Few Words on Pet Dumping...and Cute Baby Animal Pics!

2010-06-14T23:26:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it seems that the farm life is a magnet for abused, neglected, injured and otherwise homeless animals. There are always the natural catastrophes - a baby fawn separated from its mother or a nest of turtles buried too far from the water (like the one buried in our horse pasture this spring). But from time to time, a desperate pet owner will dump their unwanted animals down the back roads in hopes that a goodhearted ol' farmer will be kind enough to add another one to the herd.

Over the years I have learned that there is only so much you can do. My overzealous attempts to save all of the animals were eventually met by the reality of personal and financial responsibilities. And sometimes the risks that you may bring to your family or current pets may outweigh the potential benefits of rescuing a needy animal.

As the no-kill rescues overflow with abandoned animals and the number of pet ads has come to exceed the number of prospective new owners, it is important for pet owners to weigh out all of the options before choosing to leave pets out in the wild. Sometimes a humane euthanasia is better than the alternative.

Though from time to time a back road good Samaritan may be able to take in a needy animal to become a part of their farm, quite often these abandoned pets will just end up as another sad story on the side of the road.
Indoor pets are often desensitized to the dangers that wild animals face on a day to day basis. Natural instincts like predator awareness, hunting for food and fight vs. flight may not come so easily to an animal that has spent its life indoors.
Feral cats and stray dogs can pose a danger to a farmer's poultry and livestock. These animals are sometimes trapped and/or killed to protect the others.
Pets are also susceptible to many dangerous diseases that might not have been included in their standard yearly vaccinations. For example, Leptospirosis is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from simply drinking contaminated water than an infected raccoon has urinated in.

So if you happen to know someone who is thinking about dumping their unwanted animals, please urge them to consider the risks it may pose to their pet.

On a more positive note, here are some of adorable baby animals that we have been able to help (so far) in 2010:

These week old raccoon babies and their ninja-like mother were recently relocated after the barn cats' food was mysteriously disappearing. Though these fuzzy little babies look harmless now, raccoons are known to carry a multitude of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to pets and sometimes even humans (such as rabies, distemper, raccoon parvoviralenteritis, & canine hepatitis).

I wrangled this sweet little fawn in the horse pasture this weekend after she caused quite a commotion trying to find the exit. After about 20 minutes of stumbling & launching herself at the fence, she finally settled down long enough to let me carry her to the local vet. Once we determined that her limp was due to a healed past injury, she was released back into the wild to be reunited with her anxious mother.

Mama kitty and her three little babies came to me a few weeks back, just hours before they were to become homeless. Though the little ones quickly adopted out to good homes, young Mama kitty is still waiting to find her forever home.

And last but certainly not least is little baby Moe, a Romeldale lamb born at the farm this spring. Although he was not one of our spring rescues, he just didn't want to be left off of the adorable baby animals page, so here he is learning to take his first steps.

Breed of the Week - the Morgan

2010-06-12T14:55:00.001-04:00

As a child, I remember reading the story of Justin Morgan. Known to some as the first "All-American Horse", the Morgan breed traces back to one famous bay stallion, Justin Morgan (known by his owner's name). Justin Morgan (or "Figure") was foaled in 1789, and thought by some to be the product of a Thoroughbred sire (others believe the sire was actually a Welsh Cob) and Arabian dam.

Though there are many different opinions on the true origins of the first Morgan horse, there is no doubt that the Morgan has played a significant role in the development of other breeds.

A compact, yet muscular breed, the Morgan horse generally stands between 14.1 and 15.2 hands high. Best known for their athleticism, beauty and versatility, Morgans are great as pleasure or performance horses.

Click here for Morgan Breed Standards from the American Morgan Horse Association

Horse Breeds at www.HorseChannel.com

Horse Adoption Event this Saturday!

2010-06-08T21:33:00.000-04:00

Earth Services is holding a

Farm Adoption Event

this Saturday on the Terpening Farm in Bellevue!

Earth Services has many nice riding and driving horses for adoption. Many of the horses are very well trained and will make great trail, show, or just good ol' pets. Adopt any riding horse and adopt a companion horse with NO ADOPTION FEE!!! Donkeys, Ponies, Goats, Chickens, and Rabbits also available for adoption.

There will also be many Dogs, Cats, Puppies, and Kittens for adoption. Cat and Kitten adoption is by DONATION ONLY! Many Dogs are small lap type dogs, also a few non shedding dogs. Most dogs are house trained or on there way to being house trained. Senior Pets (6 years and over) are $25 to Senior or disabled citizens.

Dr. Dolan will be microchipping and giving rabies shots from 10-1, as well as free health check on all animals adopted. Microchip $25; Rabies Shot $10; Microchip + Rabies Shot $30

Earth Services Farm Adoption Event

15323 Jenkins Road
Bellevue, Mi 49021
SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH, 2010
10 AM - 5 PM

For more information on Earth Services, check out their website at http://www.earthservices.org/

49 Neglected Equines Rescued in VA!

2010-06-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

In one of the most shocking stories of horse neglect that I have ever seen, the Humane Society of the United States recently assisted in the rescue of 49 severely neglected horses, donkeys and mules from a farm in West Virginia.

Many of the animals were seriously underweight (one at almost half of its healthy body weight!) and suffering from a variety of illnesses and infections.

The Humane Society, together with the Cabell-Wayne Animal Shelter, removed the sick and starving animals and provided much needed food and vet care.

If you'd like to be a part of the effort to help rescue neglected and abused equines, you can sign up for the June 13th "Ride for the Rescues" National Trail Ride. All proceeds from this national event will go toward equine rescues and charities across the US. The Michigan trail ride will be held at the Fort Custer Recreation Area in Kalamazoo.

For information on "Ride for the Rescues" trail events in other states, click here.

Click Here to Read the Full HSUS Rescue Story

And the Winner Is...

2010-06-02T16:36:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to:

CarolSue

Winner of the $40 Gift Card Giveaway from CSN Stores!

See? It PAYS to read Horse Sense!
Keep following for future opportunities and giveaways!

Breed of the Week - the Haflinger

2010-06-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

Bred to both ride and drive, the Haflinger is truly a versatile breed. With the strong, stoutness of a draft horse and the elegant, intelligent face of the Arabian, Haflingers can be found anywhere from the farmer's field to the show ring.

The breed dates back to 1874 in the Tyrolean Village of Hafling (which was once a part of Austria and now belongs to Italy). The first Haflinger was bred from a half Arabian stallion and Tyrolean Mare. Though relatively small in the horse world (Generally range from 13.2 hh - 15 hh), Haflingers are known for their impressive versatility and striking good looks (golden chestnut coloring with a flaxen mane & tail).

Breed Standards from the American Haflinger Registry

If you are looking for your next work horse, show horse or all around family horse, make sure to check out some of these local(ish) Haflinger Farms:

New Horizons Haflingers

Genesis Farm

Woodward Performance Haflingers

Only 5 Days Left To Enter - Your Chance to Win a $40 Gift Certificate!

2010-05-28T15:46:00.000-04:00

REMINDER:

In just a few days we will be selecting the winner of the $40 gift certificate to CSN stores. It is super easy to enter (click on the link below for details), so don't miss your chance!

Click Here to Enter ~ $40 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"A lot of good luck is undeserved, but then so is a lot of bad luck.

Picking your Pasture

2010-05-24T21:18:00.002-04:00

In the process of planning my horse barn, I have spent many hours considering the different possibilities of pasture fencing, weighing out cost, durability, visibility, upkeep and above all safety.

And after months of consideration, I finally stumbled upon an unbeatable deal on just the right amount of my dream fence - Centaur HTP® Horse Fencing (high tensile polymer). With 3 strands of 12.5 gauge high tensile wire per rail, coated in a rot, peel, crack and chip free polymer material, HTP fencing provides all of the features I need in a fence.

Here is a great article on different types of horse fencing to help you find which one is best for you.

Other things to consider when planning your pasture are:

How much pasture will I need?

A common answer to this question is at least two acres per horse if you plan to provide a substantial part of it's daily forage from grazing alone. Unfortunately, two acres of grazing per horse isn't always available, so it is important to establish a supplemental feeding plan and rotate your pastures to prevent overgrazing.

How tall does my pasture fence need to be?

Generally, pasture fencing should be at least 5' tall, but depending on the size and temperament of your horses, you may need a taller fence (see my earlier post on how my 12.2 hand pony jumped a 4' high gate). I like to have a line of hot wire across the top to discourage jumping, leaning and cribbing the fence.

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"Most folks are like a bob-wire fence. They have their good points."

$40 Gift Certificate Giveaway!! It PAYS to read Horse Sense!

2010-05-18T20:08:00.000-04:00

GREAT NEWS!

CSN Stores will giving away a $40 gift certificate to one lucky "Horse Sense" reader! CSN carries everything from pet furniture to track lighting to home decor and more!! The winner can use the gift certificate at any of CSN's more than 200 online stores!

Here is how to enter:

1st Entry - For your first entry all you need to do is Follow My Blog (publicly)!! You can follow my blog publicly by clicking the "Follow with Google Friend Connect" button on the right sidebar of my blog. Leave me a comment on this post to let me know that you are a follower. (You must be a follower to be entered in the drawing). Then make sure your comment links back to your email address so I can contact you if you’re the lucky winner.

2nd entry – To get a second entry you can link back to this giveaway on your own blog or website. Just make sure to come back and leave another comment with a link to your page to let me know that you did!

3rd entry - Get a friend to follow "Horse Sense". Then have them mention your name in the comment they leave. You can have one additional entry for each referral follower!

Any questions? Just email or comment me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Hurry! This giveaway ends at 12 a.m. EST on Tuesday, June 1st

and the winner will be announced within a few days of contest closing.

Gooooood Luck!

Note: This giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents. Please remember that there may be shipping charges or international fees for certain products when ordering your item.

Another Day, Another Nightmare - Fixing The Buddy Sour/Barn Sour Horse

2010-05-17T22:47:00.004-04:00

Once again, another beautiful day turned into a bloody catastrophe. Upon returning from what was supposed to be a calm, relaxing trail ride with Lyric and Koda, my palomino pony is found running back up the driveway from....the ROAD??

When I left, George was pacing up and down the fence line as usual, calling frantically to his mare as she walked away reluctantly. But unlike most days, where he'd settle down and nibble at the grass as soon as she is out of earshot, my little 12.2 hand high pony decided to jump the 4 FOOT HIGH solid wood stall gate to chase after her! Twice!

I imagine this is what motherhood must feel like. That moment of sheer terror as you realize that your precious child has run into traffic despite the thousand times you've told them not to. At 20-some years old, after living most of his life alone, I now have a buddy sour & barn sour pony! What are the odds?!

If you're wondering how it is possible to be both buddy sour (doesn't like to leave his pasture mates) & barn sour (doesn't like to leave the barn/pasture area), here's how:
Buddy Sour - George flips out when his pasture mates leave for a trail ride or refuses to leave without them.
Barn Sour - When George is taken out for a ride with his pasture mates, he will stop walking the moment he gets sight of a trail that leads toward home, and insists that the trail ride ends for everybody.

So basically George just wants to hang out in the pasture with his buddies for the rest of his life, never having to work or be alone.

Don't we all, George. Don't. We. All.

But the worst part? His obnoxious behavior appears to be contagious as now the other two barn mates are displaying the same buddy sourness!

So how do we "fix" this issue? With lots and lots of patience and practice.

I'll work on unsour-ing my horses and report back to you with what methods worked (or didn't work) for me. But for now, here are a couple of great articles with training tips for the barn sour/buddy sour horse:

http://www.myhorse.com/training/western/training_a_buddy-sour_or_barn-sour_horse_with_john_lyons.aspx#top

http://www.infohorse.com/buddysour.asp

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"If you expect to follow the trail, you must do your sleepin' in the winter."

Funny Horse Pics ~ Real or Fake?

2010-05-16T21:43:00.001-04:00

Ummmm....OUCH!

Anybody want a car-riage ride?

Looks like somebody needs to lay off the sweet feed.

The only race this horse is winning is the race to the feed bucket.

That's the last time Fido will make a joke about using horse meat for dog food.

This one has bad idea written all over it. I can't decide which is worse -

having the kid unsupervised on a pony with no saddle or reins, or....

nope that's definitely the worst part.

Just can't get enough of those unsupervised children

handling unnaturally large animals!

No sarcastic remarks here. This one is just plain cute!

The Results are In! Your Thoughts on Equine Liability...

2010-05-15T12:04:00.002-04:00

In last Saturday's post about a local equine liability lawsuit, I included a poll which posed the question "Should a person be held responsible for an injury that another incurs while interacting with their horses?" Here are your responses:

45.45% of you believe that the horse owner SHOULD NOT be liable.
4.55% of you believe that the horse owner SHOULD be liable.
50.00% of you believe that the liability DEPENDS on the situation.

As a self-proclaimed control freak, it is easy for me to lean toward the SHOULD NOT category, since I know the somewhat obsessive care I take to keep others safe around my animals. But there are always exceptions and I realize that not every horse owner breaks into a sweat each time a stranger's grass-filled hand reaches out to their horse's willing mouth or installs electric fence to keep other people out of their pasture rather than to keep their horses in. There are always exceptions.

For example, in 2000 a Darwin Award (The Human Hitching Post) was awarded to a Nevada woman who tied her skittish Arabian to her waist to prevent it from tossing its head away from the bridle. After being dragged around the pasture and trampled for about 10 minutes, the woman died from the severe internal injuries and head trauma.

Like I said before, there are ALWAYS exceptions.

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"Trust everybody in the game, but always cut the cards."

Struck Out!

2010-05-12T21:54:00.002-04:00

In the 6+ months that I have owned Lyric, I have been slowly chipping away at her many bad habits and quirks, working hard to help her find the good natured little horse that I believe is hidden somewhere deep below the impatient, unpredictable, irritable mare-ish exterior.

About two months back, while getting her groomed and prepped to saddle, an unusually powerful stomp caught me straight in the stomach and literally took my breath away. We both stopped for a second to figure out what had happened, and then I continued to tack up as she continued to show her disapproval.

From that point on, whenever Lyric decided that she would rather not be tied up/groomed/tacked up/hugged/etc., I found myself facing a swift knee to the gut. And if I wasn't within easy reach of her knee, she'd actually reach out with her front hoof to try to stomp down on my foot. In my years of working/owning/playing with horses I have been bitten, kicked, pinned, rolled on and stepped on, but this one was new to me.

If you're unsure of what "striking out" is, take a look at the video of the gelding to the right (about 45 seconds in), and then imagine yourself standing directly in front of him...looks like the recipe for a bad day, right?

If you're faced with a horse that likes to strike out, there are a couple of things you can do to correct the behavior. But unfortunately, as with most bad habits, it appears to be a trait that is easier learned than corrected.

First, it is important to make sure that the striking out or stomping is not a sign of an injury or health issue. A horse may stomp to communicate pain in its leg or hoof. In this particular case, I ruled out injury because the behavior is completely situational and does not occur when she is not tied down (which likely means it is the result of boredom, anxiety, or frustration).

If you have a horse that strikes out, it is obviously important to be on guard at all times when you are within reach to be aware of any flying hooves, but also to be able to react quickly. The moment the horse strikes out with the front leg you can either:

A. Slap the knee with a riding crop or the end of the lead rope (not hard enough to hurt, but enough to interrupt the behavior).
or
B. Catch the leg in your hand and slowly lower it to the ground until your horse relaxes. Note - this is not the best option for a horse that is known to rear.

In either case, you'll probably have to repeat this over and over until your horse realizes that she will have to give to your pressure rather than the other way around.

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"Always try to be a bit nicer than is called for, but don't take too much guff."

Lesson of the Day: Don't Drink & Ride

2010-05-08T16:53:00.001-04:00

In light of the upcoming May 11th hearing for Beattie v Mickalich, I'd like to touch on the topic of equine liability. In this particular case, the exact details of the event seem to vary from witness to witness (big surprise!), but here is a broad summary of the highlights:

Beattie is injured after she falls to the ground when her neighbor's (Mickalich) horse spooks and rears.

Beattie is suing Mickalich for her injury, alleging that this is an exception to the limitations on liability provided by the EALA based on Mickalich's "negligence".

According to the Amicus Curiae Brief of Michigan Horse Council, Beattie was not only a previous horse owner herself (proof that she should have been aware of the inherent risks associated with horses), but had also ridden several of Mickalich's horses in the past. Beattie also admitted to having had a "couple" beers before going to Mickalich's house.

It seems the arguments in this case rely upon the interpretation of the Michigan Equine Activity Liability Act and....the use of crossties??

Beattie and her supporters argue that it was Mickalich's responsibility to properly secure his horse with crossties and his failure to do so ("negligence") makes Mickalich liable for her injury.

Really?!

While scanning through the court materials, I got a little giggle out of each mention of "cross-ties", and here is why I have such a problem with this:

As a previous horse owner, Beattie should have been aware of the "inherent risks" of any equine activity, and if she really believed that the horse should have been cross-tied, then she shouldn't have accepted the lead rope in the first place or at least voiced her concerns at that point.
Cross-ties are not the ultimate answer here. In fact, many horses will have a stronger reaction with the cross ties than being held by a simple lead rope. When a horse that is cross-tied spooks and pulls back, the cross-ties pull back at the horse, causing the natural flight reaction (see above image of a cross-tied horse from eHOW.com) to go into effect.
Cross-ties cannot prevent many of the other horse-related risks, such as biting or kicking. Must we now tie down, muzzle, hobble and sedate our horses every time a visitor wants to approach? Just as with sex and alcohol, there is only one way to ensure your safety around these powerful and sometimes unpredictable animals - ABSTINENCE!

What do you think?

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"There's more ways to skin a cat than stickin' his head in a boot jack and jerkin' on his tail."

The Oakland County Trail Rider's Companion

2010-05-06T22:16:00.000-04:00

If you love to trail ride but are getting sick of the same ol' scenery, check out the link below for an interactive equestrian trail map of Oakland County from DestinationOakland.com

Click here for Oakland County Interactive Equestrian Trail Maps

You can view and print trail maps for local state, metro and county parks as well as view a listing of upcoming local trail riding events.

Know of any other public horseback riding trails? Send me an email or submit a comment and I'll add them to the list!

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"When you get to where you're goin', the first thing to do is take care of the horse you rode in on."

Raising the Barn

2010-05-04T23:14:00.001-04:00

When I first began this horse barn project, I assumed that my most difficult task would be designing the most economical yet practical horse barn I could to reduce my cost and daily labor. I am now finding that is not quite the case.

It seems that each day a new challenge is added to my list. To name a few:

Ridiculous township regulations (100 feet from each property line? Really?!)
Fill dirt that is mysteriously delivered to the wrong location (must have found a higher bidder)
The tree removal specialist that forgets to bring fuel for his tree removal equipment (among many other necessary tools)
Stall materials that are shipped just short of a full set
And the mysteriously increasing barn costs (along with some funny math on the part of a few salespeople)

Frustration doesn't even begin to cover it.

Has my unending search for the best possible price finally caught up to me? Must good service and reliability now come at a premium? Is "barely mediocre" the new service standard?

Dare I pose the question - What more could possibly go wrong?

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"Remember, even a kick in the caboose is a step forward."

World's Largest & Smallest Horses

2010-05-02T21:25:00.000-04:00

Big Jake is a 9 year old Belgian gelding that currently holds the record for world's tallest horse at 20.2-1/4 hands high (that's almost 7 feet tall at the shoulder!) and 2,600 lbs!

Einstein is possibly the world's smallest horse at only 14" high and 6lbs (born April 22nd, 2010). It would take approximately 433 little Einsteins to make one Big Jake!

Curious George: Biography of the Lonely Pony

2010-04-27T21:21:00.000-04:00

At 12 years old I began my first job as a birthday party pony walker. For a varying rate of $1.75 - $5.00 per hour, I walked ponies in circles as gaggles of screaming children pulled at their manes and kicked at their sides to make them, “Giddy-up pony!” And it was a dream. I spent my weekends surrounded by the things I loved most, just waiting for the day that I could make one my own.

He came into the farm on an auction buy. Thrown into the overpopulated pen with a couple of other nameless newbies and the dozens of regulars, he immediately stood out. Though he was larger than most, he was kicked, nipped, and chased by all of the other ponies.

That first day I watched him from across the pen as he watched the other ponies eat and play, tears streaming down his sad little face (I later found out that the “crying” was from a chronic eye infection that has since required regular care and ointment). That was the moment I knew that I would someday make him mine.

A couple of months later I learned that George and several of the other ponies had been shipped back to the horse auction for sale. By this point, the relentless mud and dust of the pony pen had inflamed his eye infection and caused a smelly black fungus (thrush) to develop in his hooves. I knew that a trip to the auction for George most likely meant the kill pen.

So I cried and begged my parents to take me to the auction that night to save George, completely unaware that they had already purchased and had him shipped back to the farm to wait for me. And for ten years he was my partner in crime. Together we learned our way around every "No Trespassing" sign in the area, swam together in the local lakes, chased deer through open fields and jumped over every obstacle we came across.

But every time we'd ride by another horse he would insist on stopping to whinny and snort until they replied, and then we could continue. I knew that George still longed to be a part of the herd.

The day we finally brought his mare home, George's eyes lit up like Christmas morning. Despite the fact that she steals his food and nips at his behind, he wants nothing more than to stand by her side. And in the rare moment that Lyric thinks no one else is looking and nuzzles him back, I know that George is truly happy.

There are a lot of interpretations of what it is to "rescue" a horse, but I believe that we rescued George that day at the auction. And sometimes I think he rescued me too.

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"It's rare to find a horse that everyone agrees is the best in the herd."

Miraculously Clean!

2010-04-24T21:30:00.000-04:00

I am a retail store manager's dream. I am the reason they strategically place the low cost, high margin, fit-in-one-hand products at the cash register counter. I am the impulse buyer. I often find myself standing at the front of a grocery line reaching out for some "thingamabob" or "whatchamacallit"as my husband instinctively slaps my hand away.

In this case it was a "If you like that item, be sure to check out this" moment. Just as I am about to click "Check Out Now," my computer suggests I take a look at "Miracle Groom." So I think to myself, "I like miracles," and click on.

Now what hooked me on this particular purchase was the fact that this simple spray-on product boasted that it could clean, condition, deodorize, detangle, and shine my horse's coat, all without soap or water. So for $9.95 and a modest shipping charge, I put Miracle Groom to the test.

Though it isn't a replacement for an actual soap and water bath, Miracle Groom is great for regular grooming, between bath touch-ups, and cold weather cleaning. It leaves my horses' coats soft, shiny, and smelling fresh. It also seems to act as a sort of dirt barrier, and the dust and dirt falls off easily on the next grooming.

And unlike some of the other coat shine products, you can spray it on before a ride without having to worry about your saddle sliding off. So overall, a great multi-purpose product. Not quite a miracle, but definitely on the right track!

Cowboy Logic of the Day

"Talk Low, talk slow, and don't say too much"

Horse Sense

Mark Your Calendars ~ 10/29 Open Horse Show and X-treme Cowboy Race at Equinox Farms in Hartland!

2011 Oakland County Fair Opens Tomorrow!

Thank you to the 2011 Oakland County Fair ~ July Sponsor of Horse Sense!

FREE "Ask the Vet" Live Q & A next Wednesday, June 22nd!

And my least favorite part about owning a gelding is....

Recent Outbreak of EHV-1, Equine Herpesvirus

Teaching Your Horse to Bow - with video!

Adoptable Horse of the Week ~ Meet

A big THANK YOU to our new Horse Sense sponsor ~ Arizona Saddlery of Clarkston!

Upcoming Horse Show ~ ShoMe the Money, April 30 & May 1st

MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, MI4301 Farm Lane RdEast Lansing, MI 48824Check out the ShoMe Horse Shows website for more info!

After months of searching...

Adoptable Horse of the Week ~ Meet Rooster!

Looking to buy or sell tack? Mark your calendars for the upcoming Equinox Farm Open House & Tack Sale!

Regaining Confidence in the Saddle

Meet Wildwind Equestrian Center, this week's featured equestrian facility!

Featured Equestrian Facility ~ Check out Great Escape Stables in South Lyon!

February 26th Quarter, Paint and Cow Horse Auction!

Mark Your Calendars for the 2011 Equine Affaire at the Ohio Expo Center!

And the winner of the Horse Sense $35 Gift Certificate Giveaway is.....

Another Chance to Win a $35 Gift Certificate to CSN Stores!

Adoptable Horse of the Week ~ Meet Sugar Ray!

January 29th Livingston County Tack Sale!

Truth in Horse Advertising & the Importance of a Trial Period

Adoptable Horse of the Week ~ Meet Star!

By Special Request ~ Approaching a Horse

And the winner of the CSN Stores $35 gift card giveaway is....

Only 3 Days Left to Enter for the $35 CSN Gift Card Giveaway!

Enter to Win a $35 Gift Certificate to CSN Stores!

The Novi Equestrian Expo ~ November 12 - 14!

Horses Healing Humans

Horse auction this Saturday...I'll be there, will you?

Last Weekend to Visit Birch Run's Best Kept Secret!

Equine Entertainment ~ Check out "Dancing with Horses" Fundraiser October 24th in Highland!

Ewwww....Connecticut man charged for sexually assaulting a horse!

Upcoming 2-Day Horse & Tack Auction ~ October 22nd & 23rd!

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Ebony!

Meet Day Dreams Farm Therapy and Rescue!

Never Underestimate the Kindness of Equestrians

Horse Adoption Event September 25th in Bellvue!

On Sept 25, 2010, make sure to join EARTH Services of Bellevue for their largest event of the year!

Donations of dog food, cat food, kitty litter, grain for horses, hay, straw, towels, blankets bowels, toys, and monetary donations are always excepted and appreciated!

For more information:269-965-2117 or website@earthservices.org

GUEST BLOGGER ~ Nine horses now in good hands

I know I said I'd never get another mare again, but...

Update on Equine STAR - Michigan Horse Rescue Accused of Horse Neglect

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Halo!

YouTube Gem ~ "Top 10 Reasons Why a Round Bale is Better than a Mare"

Expectations of Professional Horse Training

Upcoming Trail Riding Event ~ Ride the Rose Fundraiser

The things people will do for a ribbon...ASPCA Files Legal Petition with USDA to Stop Horse Soring!

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Beautiful!

And the winner of the $40 gift card giveaway is...

Farrier for a Day...Okay, Not Quite (with video!)

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Babe!

ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER THE $40 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!

Reason # 1,431,564 Why You Should Never Stick Your Head Between a Horse's Legs

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Bella!

"Dumbest" Horse Ad Ever...

Another Chance to Win a $40 Gift Certificate for Horse Sense Readers!

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Sheik

Buckskin vs. Dun

Upcoming Horse Show ~ July 12 - 17 at the Oakland County Fair

Horse Trailering Safety Tips

Adoptable Horse(s) of the Week - Meet Betty & Bertha!

Horse Dies in Horrific Trailering Accident in Washington

How Not to Sell Your Horse

And Finally...Progress!

Thank you to the 2010 Oakland County Fair ~ June/July Sponsor of Horse Sense!

Adoptable Horse of the Week - Meet Curly!

A Few Words on Pet Dumping...and Cute Baby Animal Pics!

Breed of the Week - the Morgan

Horse Adoption Event this Saturday!

49 Neglected Equines Rescued in VA!

And the Winner Is...

Breed of the Week - the Haflinger

Only 5 Days Left To Enter - Your Chance to Win a $40 Gift Certificate!

Picking your Pasture

$40 Gift Certificate Giveaway!! It PAYS to read Horse Sense!

MSU Livestock Pavilion, East Lansing, MI
4301 Farm Lane Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824
Check out the ShoMe Horse Shows website for more info!

For more information:
269-965-2117 or website@earthservices.org