During the six-day event, riders and mules prove their skills in 14 different divisions: western, youth, English, cattle work, gaited, coon jumping, racing, musical tires, gymkhana, packing, shoeing, chariot racing, team roping and driving. Contenders at the top of their game receive bronze mule trophies, in addition to prestige. “We have the world’s best competition here, and our awards are World Champion Awards,” Mule Days Executive Director Julie Bigham says. “The competitors who win at this event definitely have bragging rights, as they are up against the best.”

Most famous among the divisions are the packing events, particularly the Pack Scramble. For this event, 12 pack teams all work within one arena. Mules are released and scattered, and the teams must work to find their mules, pack them correctly and ride around a quarter-mile track without losing or dragging any ropes or equipment. “The Pack Scramble is by far our most popular event,” Bigham says. “It is quite a show.”

While the mule shows are a sight to see, they are not the only attraction to the celebration. Country music stars take the stage on Thursday night, and Friday morning is the Martin Luther Golf Tournament.  On Saturday, participants line up for the longest running non-motorized parade in the United States. Country dances, barbecues and a western arts and crafts show all combine to complete the event. 

Bringing an extra element of interest to the mix are veteran announcers Bob Tallman, of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Fame and Bob Feist, founder of the Bob Feist Invitational for roping. Appearing for most competitions, both announcers present a balance of education and entertainment to the crowd.

The Bishop Mule Days Celebration is largely a volunteer effort. With only three paid staff members, the nonprofit event depends heavily on support from local sports teams, community, church and service groups and corporate sponsors. “The people of Bishop literally become a team to put on this event,” Bigham says. “It’s a very family oriented, fun event and it is all done for the benefit of the community.”

For more information, visit www.muledays.org.

The post Mule Days Celebration appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Lydia Gray, medical director and staff veterinarian for SmartPak and formerly the executive director of the Hooved Animal Humane Society, was named to the American Association of Equine Practitioners Equine Welfare Committee and has participated in the Unwanted Horse Coalition. She says when it comes to choosing a good rescue organization, you should thinking about several things first. What the organization does and how it conducts its business will play a big role in the horse you want.

First, recognize that there are many different types of rescue organizations. Terms such as rehabilitation, retirement, re-homing, shelter and humane society are all ways organizations describe what they do.

“Some rescues accept horses–and mules and donkeys–as well as other large or farm animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas and other species,” Gray says. “A few accept all kinds of animals, including dogs, cats, birds and even exotics.”

Another variable is where the animal comes from. “Some organizations only accept animals that are impounded by law from their owner,” Gray says. “Others only accept owner surrenders.  Some do both.  Still others purchase animals from neglectful owners, auctions, killer buyers or directly from the slaughterhouse.”

Organizations can also differ by the goal and placement of their rescue. “Some rescue groups are the final resting place for an animal, meaning the animal never leaves, but is retired there for life,” Gray says. “Most organizations adopt out animals or re-home them.  Those that do not have property rely on foster homes to care for animals until a new permanent home can be found.”

Aside from the type of rescue, you’ll want to make sure the organization is upstanding and ethical. If you don’t, Gray lists several possible consequences. “Your animal may not have been obtained legally and you may be involved in the financial or legal problems of the organization,” she says. Also, “you may be supporting an organization that is part of the problem and not part of the solution, such as hoarding and collecting.”

To safeguard against this, Gray names several criteria to look for when choosing your equine rescue group. These include:

• 501(c)(3) status
• A reputation for ethical conduct
• Sound financial and management practices
• An acting board of directors
• Thorough investigation of the organization’s annual report

Also important to look for are:

• How long the organization has been around (three-five years is a good benchmark)
• All required licenses and permits
• A working relationship with local or state authorities and local veterinarians
• Friendly and responsive staff
• Not overcrowded (it has realistic intake and outbound policies)
• A mission and/or vision statement and a strategic plan
• The animals and people that live and work there, respectively, are happy
• An explanation for any thin, sick or lame horses
• Own rather than rent or lease property

Once you know what you’re looking for and you’ve got the proper criteria in hand, it’s time to hit the road. If you find an organization you’re interested in, Gray suggests doing some research. “Talk to as many people at the organization as you can: employees, volunteers, board of directors, previous adopters and donors. Ask around at the local feed store or where you buy shavings and other supplies,” she says. “Attend events held by the organization, read its print and electronic literature and contact both its veterinarian and an outside veterinarian for a reference.” Last but not least she suggests, “Google it!”

If everything checks out, you’ll be on your way to bringing home a treasured new companion that is worth all the effort.

See a list of  501(c)(3) rescue organizations >>

Once you’ve adopted your horse–whether off the track or from a rescue–you may find these articles helpful:

Starting Over Part 1: Teach Aids For Riding, Not Racing >>

Starting Over Part 2: Reclaiming The Mind >>

A Change of Pace>>

Getting a Rescued Horse to Trust You>>

The post Choosing a Horse Rescue appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Recently, however, some have felt that state and local authorities have extended the measure too far by applying it to manure on livestock and poultry operations. While the animal agriculture industry has been regulated under the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and various state laws, this is the first it has come under regulation of Superfund, which has severe liability provisions.

Therefore, several organizations in the livestock industry are seeking a congressional movement to affirm that these laws were never intended to apply to or regulate manure.

A bill1 has already been introduced to Congress that would amend CERCLA to provide that livestock manure is not included in the meaning of “hazardous substance” or “pollutant or contaminant” under that Act. The American Horse Council worked with the supporters of the bill to ensure that the definition of “livestock” included horses.

While the argument may seem straightforward, supporters should not be surprised to find opposition. According to a horse manure management study by Colorado State University, “Horse manure runoff into waterways may produce fecal coliform contamination levels that can be potentially hazardous to fish and anyone who drinks that water.” 2

It appears that the passing of the bill will be determined upon how hazardous Congress officials find manure to be.

1The House bill (H.R. 1398) was introduced by Representatives Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Ralph Hall (R-TX), along with 59 other Representatives. It was jointly referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The Senate bill (S. 807) was introduced by Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), along with 5 other Senators. That bill was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

2J.G. Davis, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension environmental soil specialist and professor, soil and crop sciences; and A.M.Swinker, former Cooperative Extension horse specialist and associate professor, animal sciences. Reviewed 1/2002.

The post Sorting Through the Muck appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

In six stand-alone episodes, the new WE show titled City Girls will also feature women who are tired of the dating scene and ready settle down.

“It’s a dating experiment show,” says Jim Strzalkowski, casting associate for the show. We’re going to put them on a multi-million-dollar ranch and they can meet their cowboys. These women are looking for a real man, and we’re going to give him to them.”

Casting directors are looking for all-American cowboys, ages 27-36.

“Maybe the guys have dated, maybe they’ve had broken relationships, maybe they need to try something new. A lot of them may be professional riders who have grown up on the ranch,” Strzalkowski says. “This could be their opportunity to meet a different type of girl.”

If this is you, call the casting hotline at (818) 752-5557 extention 5557, or email jims@pilgrimfilms.tv. As an added bonus, participants will be paid and unannounced prizes will be awarded. Filming is flexible, but will take place late April through around May or June.

Even if you’re not a candidate, you may want to stay tuned for when the program airs. “There are surprise twists to the program,” Strzalkowski says. “You don’t want to miss it.”
 

The post WE Seeks Lonely Cowboys appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Conservation, development, awareness and community education are among the goals of the proposed project. 

“Nokotas are a genetically historical breed and there are so few of them left,” says Frank Kuntz, NHC executive vice president. “They need exposure and they need to be preserved so more people can learn about them.

If funding is approved, the Nokota horse sanctuary and living history museum is expected to have tourism and community advantages as well.

“You’d be able to take groups into the pastures and explain the social structure of the herd. People could use the horses as a tool to help broaden their horizons,” Kuntz says. 

While the project awaits funding, a location and completion date have yet to be determined. The first committee hearing, held Jan. 26, left anticipation high.

“I think it has a 50-50 chance, Kuntz says. “If it comes out of this committee it goes into the appropriations committee, and that could be a little harder to sell.”

For more information visit www.nokotahorse.org

The post Funding for Nokota Horse Conservancy appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

In the 1990s, Weininger was living the corporate lifestyle. As a worldwide program manager, she was an international traveler, responsible for large projects and reporting directly to the company’s president. Yet, through it all, she felt there was something missing. As her 35th birthday approached, she began to take that feeling seriously.

 “It just seemed to me that there wasn’t enough meaning in my life,” Weininger says.

The day after she turned 35, Weininger gave the corporation she worked for a 30-day notice and started her own business training hunters and jumpers.

“I think people around me thought it was brave, but to me it felt compelling. The next step just seemed so clear. It was the right thing to do.”

While Weininger may have been confident in her decision, it did not come without difficulties.

“I had never run a business before, so I had all the challenges that an entrepreneur faces,” she says. “I call it the agony and ecstasy roller coaster. I wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart.”

And Weininger’s business ventures didn’t end there. After encountering a horse with back problems, she researched and developed an interest in saddle fit. In 2000, she purchased the ReactorPanel design and started the ReactorPanel Saddle Company.
 
Since then she has become an expert in the field of saddle fit, teaching college-level courses and seminars. On Jan. 12 of this year, she was featured on the CBS news program, “The Early Show,” discussing her corporate sacrifice for a more fulfilling life. In looking back on her decisions, Weininger holds no regrets.

“I get up every day thinking: I get to go to work. And I’ve been able to reunite my background, which is business, with my lifelong passions, which are horses and people.”

The post A Fitting Career appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“We have established what is called an Appropriate Management Level, which is the number of animals–horses and burros–that the ecosystem can sustain,” says BLM spokeswoman, Kirsten Cannon. “This is based on climate, precipitation, utilization of forage in the area and other factors as well.”

However, some contest that the roundup is occurring based on a flawed Environmental Assessment Report and fear it will irreparably and permanently harm the equines’ genetic pool.

A request for a temporary restraining order, filed by America’s Wild Horse Advocates and Wild Horses 4 Ever, was denied by a federal court judge. While an appeal has been submitted, roundups are planned to continue through Jan. 18.

Since the beginning of the roundup several allegations of animal mistreatment have also been made, including one involving video footage of what appears to be a burro being kicked in the head by a wrangler.

“The animals are treated humanely,” Cannon says. “The burro was not going into the horse trailer, so to protect the burro from getting its head stuck, the wrangler was waving a noise maker in front of the burros face. The wrangler needed to take action to move it away from the corral.”

In the end, 370 horses and 900 burros will be gathered, with a re-release planned for 104 horses and 120 burros, based on sex and age to control breeding. The rest will be moved to a short-term holding facility for health inspection, vaccination and freeze-marking. From there, equines that are 10 years of age or under will be made available for adoption. Those that are older than 10 years or make three unsuccessful attempts at adoption are moved to sale, meaning ownership rights belong to the purchaser. In these cases, the BLM says it takes measures to prevent them from ending up in slaughterhouses.

“[Purchasers] sign a statement saying they will not send the horse to slaughter,” Cannon says. “The Purchasers are generally involved with wild horse interest groups, and nationwide we work with the slaughterhouses so they will not accept horses with the BLM freeze mark on their neck.”

The post BLM proceeds with roundup appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The event begins with 30 cows, each marked zero through nine in multiples of three, at one end of an arena (three cows are marked with a zero, three are marked with a one, three are marked with a two, etc.). A team of three penners lines up and an announcer calls a number. The riders then race against the clock to strategically separate each cow (three in all) with that number. Once separated, the cows must be gathered into a pen at the other end of the arena.

“It’s really interesting because these people need to know what each other are doing,” says Carl Weirich, executive director of the United States Team Penning Association. “They need to be able to read cattle and they need to have a game plan before they go in.”
To make matters more difficult, a foul line is drawn in the arena. If at any time more than four cows cross the foul line, the team results with a no time and is disqualified from the competition. Depending on the difficulty level of the competition, penners have between 60 and 90 seconds to complete their task. The team with the fastest time wins. “The timing is what makes it exciting,” Weirich says. “It’s very fast paced.”

While team penning continues to grow, there are several options for those who are interested in trying it out. One of the best ways is to attend a beginner or novice clinic. Clinics can help eliminate frustration by helping newcomers learn the most effective methods of penning. Clinics also offer a place to meet other penners and possible partners for competitions.

If attending a clinic isn’t a feasible option, there are other things you can do. Simply working with cows on the ground is one. “It’s called cattle sense,” Weirich says. “You learn how to position yourself to get the cattle to move in the direction you want them to go.”

Another way to learn is by attending team penning competitions. Experiencing the event and watching the techniques of other penners can help familiarize you with the sport. It can also be a good way to make contacts with other team penners.

Organized team penning competitions take place all over the country throughout the year. For more information on team penning in your region, visit www.ustpa.com. 

The post Team Penning appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

With domestication came changes to the equine lifestyle, including a different diet and feeding schedule. Horses, with scheduled feedings eating softer grains and hays, now experience a different type of wear on their teeth.

Even under normal grazing conditions, horses’ teeth tend to develop sharp enamel points. This is because a horse’s upper jaw is naturally wider than his lower jaw. The sideways grinding motion during chewing causes points to form on the cheek side of his upper jaw molars and premolars and the tongue side of his lower jaw molars and premolars. Left alone, problems such as cuts in his cheeks and tongue, difficulty chewing and pain with a bit can result.

Fortunately, veterinarians have developed a technique to prevent this problem. Floating is the process of rasping or filing a horse’s teeth to maintain balance and free chewing motion. Frequency of floating can differ from horse to horse and should be determined by regular dental exams at least once a year. Although practices may vary, most veterinarians will sedate the horse for this procedure.

To keep horses comfortable and utilizing feed efficiently, floating should be an essential part of any equine’s overall dental maintenance.

Further Reading
Dental Issues of the Senior Horse
Recognize Your Horse’s Dental Problems

The post The Basics of Equine Dentistry appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

One place to find this support is through e-mail horse loss support groups. These services allow members to add their e-mail addresses to a group, then exchange stories, memories, personal experiences, questions and advice on coping with the sorrow of losing a horse. E-mail support groups seek to provide an environment of respect and understanding for those who have suffered the death of a horse or for those who are anticipating a loss.

If e-mail support groups aren’t enough, perhaps individual telephone support could help. Offered by many college veterinary schools around the nation, most programs supply toll-free numbers with complimentary services. In most cases they cannot offer mental counseling or specific clinical advice, but they can lend an ear and give encouraging words of support.

If you find the support of someone in person more comforting, then consider pet loss support groups or individual bereavement counseling. Lead by a therapist, sessions often cover educational topics on grief and normalizing the subject. “People attached to animals don’t necessarily get the support they need from society when they experience a loss,” says Andrea Keith, psychotherapist for pet loss bereavement counseling and a support group provider in Irvine, Calif. “The participants of therapy find out that number one, they have permission to grieve and number two, they’re not crazy. They’re not the only ones who feel this way.” Many pet loss websites give listings for bereavement therapists by state and some local veterinarians may be able to give recommendations.

To keep your horse’s memory alive, it may also help to create a horse memorial website. Posting photographs and stories on the internet can help you share your special equine with others, while leaving an electronic tribute in his name. Once complete, webrings are available that allow you to link your memorial website to others. Through this channel, you can connect your love and memories of your horse with other websites honoring horses that have passed. Not web-savvy? Several sites that have already been built allow you to add your horse memorial to them, often free of charge.

Sometimes, regardless of support, you just need to understand how to grieve. For this, several websites are available. With information guiding you step-by-step through the grieving process, it can help to know that the emotions you’re feeling are normal. Further, these sites can help give forewarning on stages you still might experience as you go through the grieving process.

However you choose to cope with your grief, healing is a long journey. As you work through the pain, remember that the resources and support of those who have been there can be an outlet for you.

Further Reading
A Final Farewell
Coping with Loss

The post Dealing with the Loss of a Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.