everything equine & canine

Everything Equine and Canine 2014 1

2014 OFFICIAL PROGRAM

“Vermont’s First Dog& Pony Show”

Champlain Valley Exposition Essex Junction, Vermont

Saturday, April 26 8:30am – 5:00pmSunday, April 278:30am – 4:30pm

Horsin’ Around onSaturday Night:

Vermont’s Dog & Pony Show,April 26 6:30pm

2014 Highlights:Featuring Shawna Karraschof “On Target Training”

Everything Equine & Canine is sponsored by:UVM Extension, Poulin Grain, Guy’s Farm & Yard, Equine Journal,

Horse Works, Vermont Horse Council, Show Me the Biscuit,4 Legs & a Tail, Equiscents/VT Equine Acupressure,

Alltech & Champlain Valley Exposition

Photo by John Grant

2 Everything Equine and Canine 2014


Vermont’s First Dog and Pony

Show!Dear Everything Equine and Canine participants,

What horse person doesn’t have a dog, or at least interact with the local barn dog? And, how better to join and showcase two animal communities with a very large overlap at a single venue? You’ve got it: Everything Equine AND Canine! This year we are including canine educational seminars and demonstrations (training, care, nutrition, agility, specialty training, and more) in the educational venues and several new canine activities in the 4 Legs & a Tail Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Our consumer trade show will also showcase dog and horse products and booths for a one-stop shopping experience. Our equine headliner, Shawna Karrasch has spent over two decades using positive reinforcement training with her “On Target Training” methods with equine industry greats such as Beezie Madden and Jane Savoie. This type of training fits well with our key canine presenters from Show Me the Biscuit, since their training methods focus on positive reinforcement and clicker training with their canine clientele. Therefore, participants will be able to draw good information and tools from both equine and canine educational opportunities. As the key organizer and speaker/expert “wrangler” of the educational aspects of this event, UVM Extension was pleased work with the “EEK9 committee” to bring an excellent variety of educational seminars and demonstrations for equine and canine enthusiasts of any level of experience. Melissa Beckett, a senior in UVM Animal Science has worked side by side behind the scenes with me for the last several months building the schedule that is located at the “centerfold” of this booklet. She has also written an article on a “new but old” equine issue of Kissing Spine, using her personal experience to explain about the disease, what you might see if your horse has it, and many treatment options. She will be presenting with Dr. Phil van Harreveld on Saturday at noon in the Summit Room. You can also see what your local Farm Bureau members and the UVM Equine Industry Issues course members have been doing to try to help the Vermont Equine Industry members survive and thrive in today’s economy. Plan on attending the “Current Legislative Issues Affecting Equine Owners” on Sunday at 11:00am in the Summit Room. Whether you are a business owner or recreational rider, we all need to be active in helping our equine industry remain viable. Once again, Horsin’ Around on Saturday Night - Vermont’s First Dog and Pony Show is organized by UVM Extension and Chittenden County Farm Bureau. We will have a variety of talented horses (and canines!) and humans teaming up to entertain and educate the audience during this 90-minute show. A few highlights include Silver Maple Icelandic drill team, many equine activities and disciplines including Jumping, Western Pleasure, Medieval style riding, Bridless Riding, and a Unicorn act. And, we’ll have fun watching a “Dog vs. Horse” challenge in the arena, dog Frisbee and Agility demonstrations, and police dogs in action. A portion of the admission price will continue to support educational projects and promotion of Vermont’s horse industry, including the Horse Farm of Distinction program. Vermont Horse Council is organizing the “Extreme Trail Challenge” with a “Pony Express” theme and a variety of old time postal adventures. Champlain Valley Kennel Club will

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Dr. Betsy Greene

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to Everything Equine & Canine .......................... 3-5Meet Shawna Karrasch .............................................................. 6Extreme Trail Challenge .............................................................. 8Equine Kissing Spines .............................................................. 10Schedule of Events ............................................................... 13-15Exhibitors & Sponsors .............................................................. 16Map of the Grounds ..................................................................17Horsin’ Around on Saturday Night ................................... 18-19Breed Row Highlights ........................................................20-23Pet First Aid ................................................................................ 24A Scent in the Wind-VT Search & Rescue K-9 ......... 25-26

The 2014 program guide has been producedby 4 Legs & a Tail


present a variety of canine activities on both days (showmanship clinic and competition, a dog show, obedience and rally, and more) in the 4 Legs & a Tail Blue Ribbon Pavilion. Equine Breed Row is back by popular demand, with an added Canine Breed Row! As always, I highly recommend that you take in as many seminars and demonstrations as you can, it really does make a difference. We have a fantastic line up on a variety of veterinary, training, nutritional, business, and other topics in three seminar rooms, the arena, and a demonstration pen. This year, there will be a special drawing for some really cool stuff for those of you who can give specific and “real life” examples of how you have incorporated knowledge and skills gained from ten years of this event into your equine activities and/or attend the Equine Industry seminar. Please fill out evaluations with pertinent comments as to how you will use the information learned at each presentation, and don’t miss the annual computer survey. We actually read and summarize the evaluations and send feedback to presenters. As always, when you provide valuable and necessary feedback, you become eligible for the door prize drawings that are so graciously donated by sponsors, vendors, and friends of UVM Extension and Everything Equine & Canine.

Welcome, enjoy, and learn great things!

Dr. Betsy GreeneProfessor/Extension Equine Specialist - University of Vermont


2014 Everything Equine & Canine,

“Vermont’s First Dog And Pony Show”Dear Everything Equine & Canine Guests,

We are excited to stage the 2014 Everything Equine & Canine event, billed as “Vermont’s first dog and pony show”. The two day event is family friendly, with excellent vendors and a full schedule of informative seminars, demonstrations and entertainment for dog and horse enthusiasts. Dog and horse owners care about the well-being of their companions for work, sport, recreation & play. It is our goal to provide the attendees of Everything Equine & Canine with informative sessions of trending and traditional practices. We would like to extend a special welcome to our keynote clinician, Shawna Karrasch, President and Founder of On Target Training. With encouragement of legendary horseman Tom Dorrance, Shawna began introducing positive reinforcement/reward based training to the equestrian world in 1994. Shawna and her work have been featured on Animal Planet, ESPN and Spruce Meadows Television. She has worked with Olympians and international champions using On Target Training to help horses develop a desire to please while building a relationship built on trust and respect. In addition to Shawna, we are bringing together an incredible team of seminar and demonstration presenters who will offer information for all levels of canine and equine enthusiasts. With the addition of canine activities, our guests will have a wide variety of educational options including dog agility demonstrations presented by Ashley Porter of Show Me the Biscuit. There will be a dog show, a Canine Good Citizen Test and Meet the Breeds organized by the Champlain Valley Kennel Club. These are just a few of the canine presentations to take place over the weekend. Be sure to visit the seminar rooms, sponsored by The Equine Journal, and watch demonstrations in the Poulin Grain & Guy’s Farm and Yard indoor arena and the demo pen area. Purchase your tickets early for the very entertaining “Horsin’ Around on Saturday Show, Vermont’s first dog and pony show” on Saturday April 26th at 6:30 pm. A portion of the proceeds from Horsin’ Around benefits the Vermont Farm Bureau Equine Industry Committee. We are excited to feature the very popular Breed Row, and don’t miss the 4H Kids Corner. All of these areas offer excellent family activities. Back by popular demand is the Extreme Trail Challenge with $2,700 in prize money on Sunday, April 27th at 9:30am. This event is once again being coordinated by & benefiting the Vermont Horse Council. The two days of Everything Equine & Canine is the result of continued strong partnerships between many organizations and businesses including - The University of Vermont Extension, Horse Works, 4 Legs & a Tail, Equine Journal, Poulin Grain, Inc., Guy’s Farm and Yard, Equiscents/VT Equine Acupressure, Alltech, Vermont Horse Council, Vermont Farm Bureau, Show Me the Biscuit and Champlain Valley Kennel Club. Have a great weekend & thank you for attending!

Sincerely,

Tom OddyDirector of Special Events - Champlain Valley Exposition


Shawna Karrasch Shawna spent years perfecting her skill at Sea World. Now she brings that experience to horses. Over her past 20 years in the horse industry, Shawna has worked with such greats as Beezie Madden and Jane Savoie, using On Target Training and bridge conditioning to help horses develop a desire to please their human partners while building a relationship built on trust and respect. From Shawna: “While a degree in psychology is not required to train animals, it certainly can be helpful. All of the work we do as animal trainers (with horses too) is based in psychology, whether or not we are aware of it. The more you understand about these proven principles the better you are as a trainer. That is the focus of my training...helping people to gain a better understanding of behavioral psychology and the benefits of positive reinforcement in regards to horse training. I chose to make the move to horses partly due to the lack of positive reinforcement being used with horses. I recognized that horses were not trained the same as the marine mammals, but I saw that the training we implemented at Sea World would be a huge asset to the horse world. A lot of horse people, including professionals, don’t know much about the proven principles of behavioral psychology. So I see a bigger need in helping horse folk to further understand the principles that govern the relationships we build. My goal is to help horses to become confident, happy and mentally well-balanced.” Shawna teaches horse owners and trainers how to use these skills to attain their goals whether it is trailer loading or the Olympics. These demonstrations will be a great introduction to the practical application of positive reinforcement training for horses for both viewers and participants. Shawna works with each participant individually to help them with their goals for their horses, whether they are a beginner or a pro. She will discuss issues from trailer loading, ground manners, free jumping, under saddle issues just to name a few.

Everything Equine & Canine Headliner

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Nationally Acclaimed Trainer


Presentations/Demonstrations:Saturday: Part 1: Positive Reinforcement: Getting Started So does this stuff really work? Come find out how positive reinforcement training can add to your existing relationship with your horse. Shawna will cover the principles and show you how to get started. Working with horses on the ground, focusing on getting the horses started, how to utilize positive reinforcement, and what it really means. So many folks have heard about positive reinforcement and clicker training, but they don’t know how to put it in their program. Come see how you can add this in to what you are doing, don’t forget everything you do, just blend Shawna’s methods nicely to improve your relationship and change your horse’s motivation for the better.

Part 2: Putting Positive Reinforce Into Action with Your Horse Watch Shawna work with horse and rider combinations to address their “issues”, which may include spookiness. She will use her positive reinforcement methods to refocus your horse’s state of mind. Shawna will touch on getting started under saddle, getting your horse to move forward willingly, dealing with spookiness, and working on trailer loading issues.

Sunday: Building the Bold HorseHave you ever wanted the bold and calm horse in all situations? Come learn how to reshape your horse’s behavior and responses to new and “scary” situations. Shawna will briefly reintroduce her concepts and methodology, and then focus on

desensitization and counter conditioning for your horse. Learn how to become excited about new situations and challenges with your horse, as you build boldness as a team. This will improve your relationship with your horse across the board.

Q & A: Ask the TrainerCome ask our panel of trainers your personal questions. Hear from our headliner Shawna Karrasch, Chris Lombard, and Laura Hamilton. Backgrounds of trainers include natural horsemanship, western pleasure, driving, dressage, and positive reinforcement training.

Shawna Karrasch using positive reinforcement


Everything Equine and Canine Extreme Trail

ChallengeHosted by Vermont Horse Council

Returning again after last year’s successful event is the Extreme Trail Challenge, which takes place in the Poulin Grain / Guy’s Farm and Yard arena at 9:30am on Sunday April 27. Top horse & rider teams from New England will compete for up to $2700 in prize money as well as prizes and gifts. The teams will show off their partnership and skills by completing a series of judged and timed obstacles. For the second year, we welcome the Vermont Horse Council as the host of this event. The theme for this year’s event will be “Pony Express”, where the teams will be “delivering the mail” in an Old West setting, all the while navigating obstacles they encounter along the trail. Come out and watch the competitors deliver the mail to the General Store, Boot Hill, and Wagon Wheel Ranch while navigating obstacles such as water, bridge, windstorm, walking the plank and many more. It should be fun! See the list of obstacles and activities below.


Everything EquineExtreme Trail

Challenge 2014


Equine Kissing Spines:No Longer the Kiss of Early Retirement

Melissa Beckett (Senior, UVM Animal Science)

Does your horse have back pain? Do you think it could be more than a poor saddle fit? Kissing spines or Dorsal Spinous Process (DSP) impingement is a “new, but old” disease being diagnosed more frequently in horses. In this disease, the spinous processes touch and rub together, most often when the horse is under saddle. This usually occurs in the thoracic vertebrae (withers and mid-back) and sometimes in the lumbar (loin) region. This can cause inflammation and bone damage, which may result in mild to extreme pain to your horse. I gained firsthand experience and somewhat of an obsession with kissing spine when my horse (Hillcroft Sweet Kiss or “Kiss”) was diagnosed in spring of 2013. Causes and Signs: The underlying cause is still a mystery; the theories and debates between veterinarians range from purely genetic, training methods, or due to acute injuries. Jean Luc Cornille, from Science of Motion, says “In many instances, the genetic predisposition, which places the dorsal spine too close, does not alter the horse’s activities until the intensity of the demand increases.” There is no breed discrimination, but it does seem to affect performance horses the most, with a prominence among Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, and Warmbloods. An intriguing aspect is that horses can show such a variation in signs, regardless of level of severity. The rider may notice signs ranging from discomfort when grooming or mounting to explosiveness and unpredictability under saddle. Continued Next Page

Dan James at Liberty Horsin Around 2013


POSSIBLE SIGNS:• Irritable when grooming the back region • Saddling issues• Mounting issues • Excessive tail swishing• Hump in the back • Lack of hind-end impulsion• Resistance to accepting the bit • Hollow in the back• Poor transitions • Bucking• Rearing • Unpredictability• Explosions Diagnosis/Initial Treatment Options: The best way to determine if your horse has kissing spines is to have your veterinarian diagnose with the use of radiographs. There are a variety of treatment options available from simple to more complex. The first is simply contacting a professional saddle fitter to perform a saddle fitting. A different saddle can make all the difference in the world, and combining this with some re-training or exercises to strengthen the back can be enough to provide complete comfort for some horses. There are specific lungeing techniques such as “long and low” work or the Pessoa lungeing system, which can be used to aid in the horse rounding its back and help build up muscle. Alternative therapies such as massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture can also tried initially as less costly options to alleviate pain. More Advanced Treatments: If initial efforts do not relieve the signs, there are newer technologies (e.g. portable shockwave therapy and laser treatments), which have been hailed to relieve discomfort and accelerate healing. Shockwave therapy consists of high pressure, low frequency sound waves applied to a specific

Photo 1: A “normal” back where the spaces between the verte-brae are visible and clearly delineated. Kissing spines most

commonly affects the thoracic vertebrae. Photo Credit:Burlington Equine Veterinary Associates

Photo 2: Photo Credit: Burlington Equine Veterinary Associates

site on the horse, which has a pain modifying effect that works best at the interface of soft tissues with bone. Therefore, this can be effective with DSP impingement where ligaments and bones are often simultaneously affected. Cold lasers can be used initially for some horses for at least a 7-day period and when discomfort resurfaces, but these devices are very expensive. There are injectible options, including corticosteroids, which may be combined with injections such as Sarapin to help manage the pain. Injections may be used with a period of rest followed by re-training to be able to maintain back comfort; but they may need to be repeated in 3-4 months. There is a new drug developed in Europe (Tildren) which reduces bone inflammation and promotes remodeling of the damaged boned. Tildren may become a miracle worker in the future of kissing spines; but currently only certain veterinarians have access and they must go through a certain process to import the drug. This one or two time treatment may have beneficial effects which can last for 6-12 months. All of the previous treatments do not actually fix the kissing vertebrae, but are meant to address the initial inflammation and use physical therapy to help develop and maintain improvement. Surgery options: There are two surgery options for kissing spines, both of which were developed in Europe. The original surgery involves a bone saw and actually removes every other vertebra spinous process in the problem area. As you can imagine this method is quite invasive, has a long recovery period, and is prone to infection. In 2012, Dr. Richard Coomer (Cotts Equine Hospital in Narbeth, England) published detailed study about a new surgery with a 95% success rate in Veterinary Surgery. This

much simpler surgery involves cutting the interspinous ligament between the “kissing” vertebrae, which relieves the pain and opens up the space between the vertebrae. This surgery, while still new to the U.S., is

becoming widespread in equine hospitals across the country. While you can return to riding within two months, the procedure aftercare is just as important as the surgery itself; and includes hand walking twice a day for 30 days and then lunging at the trot for 30 days. Dr. Coomer stated “It’s 50 percent surgical and 50 percent aftercare. This surgery focuses on rehabilitation, and if you don’t do the aftercare you won’t see the results.” With a 95% success rate, this is a serious option to consider for your horse if medical treatments have not been successful. Final Thoughts: It is important to remember that kissing spine can manifest in many different ways in different horses, from no signs to extreme pain, regardless of the severity of the case. There are surgical and medical treatment options, all of which should be discussed with your veterinarian with your horse’s specific case in mind. The good news is that a diagnosis of kissing spines today no longer guarantees that your horse will never be rideable again. Instead of retiring your affected horse, rehabilitation may be possible and a riding career is no longer out of reach. Update: Kiss ended up being quite the difficult patient; not responding to saddle fitting, retraining, steroid injections, or laser therapy. So, we opted for surgery in August, 2013 and I am happy to report he is now back to driving comfortably and is able to have a riding career thanks, in part to Tuft’s Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Randy Frantz.

Edited by Dr. Betsy Greene, (Professor, UVM Animal Science) Special thanks to Dr. Randy Frantz of Burlington Equine Veterinary

Associates for providing radiograph images and hisexpertise in this topic.


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*Equine Breed Row is located at the east end of the South Expo Building and will be open for visiting during Everything Equine and Canine regular hours.

Canine Showmanship: Ever wondered what it takes to show your dog at an all breed dog show? Come watch and learn as Professional Handler, Michael Work takes a group of novice handlers through a judging, explaining the do’s and don’ts of the sport. Covered in the clinic will be, proper ring procedure, explanations of a judge’s request for a down and back, or a triangle. He will demonstrate ways to properly stack your dog, how to move them to show off their best qualities, and touch on proper attire for handlers and different show leads for the dogs. From there he will move on to discussing which class a dog should be entered in. With a large range of classes, from puppy to Bred By Exhibitor to Open, it is often difficult to determine which class is right for a dog. Michael will explain the differences in the classes and what will help determine which class would be most advantageous and fitting for the dog. And once the dog enters a class, he will discuss the details of competing like, how an overall winner is selected, what happens if your dog wins the class, what do the points mean that are earned from it and who gets them, how many championship points do you need to become a champion, how does a dog accumulate points, what is major win, and more. So much to put together!! Come watch Michael simplify all of it. With a better understanding of what is expected in the ring, Michael will then take the group and judge them as if they were in a group class, asking participants to perform the ring patterns he spoke of with their dog. He will also ask participants to stack their dog, showing off its best features. And just for fun, Michael will choose an overall winner for the showmanship clinic. He will base it on who handled their dog with professionalism, showed their dog to the best of its ability, and exhibited a base level of teamwork between dog and owner. Again, it will be merely for fun but will give participants a little taste of what the ring feels like.


4 Legs & a Tail4-H Club Kids CornerAdirondack TackAlltechAmerican Cancer Society - Bark for LifeAustralian Country OutfittersBalanced Kneads Animal Wellness, LLCBCI ConstructionBiofeedback and Laser Therapy for AllBlazing NeedlesBookends FarmCampbell EquineCenter for America’s First HorseChamplain Valley ExpositionChamplain Valley Horse ShowsChester’s Promise Inc. Equine Assistance ProgramChris Lombard HorsemanshipChristie Crow – Miniature Donkey & Draft Mule*Country Ag ServicesDon Lavalley ExcavatingDouble D RacksEmma’s Foundation for Canine CancerEquine JournalEquiscents / VT Equine AcupressureFarm Family Insurance CompaniesFinest Image PhotographyGoss Dodge ChryslerGreen Mountain Draft Horse AssociationGreen Mountain Pet & Tack SupplyGulliver’s Doggie DaycareGuy’s Farm & YardHall Home PlaceHealing Touch for AnimalsHooved Animal SanctuaryHorse WorksJana Meyer – The Icelandic Horse*Joann’s Uniforms & Embroidery WorksKent Nutrition GroupKey R-D Trailer SalesKintner ChiropracticKomen Ride for the Cure (VT-NH)Laura Hamilton - Fell Pony*Let it Rain GraphicsLightwave Healing Arts

Maria Paris – The Fjord Horse*Millbrook ShavingsMiner InstituteMorgan Horse Heritage FoundationMountainside Mobile Veterinary ServiceMt. Moosilauke CandiesMullen Insurance AgencyMy Pets Final EmbraceNew Horizons Farm, LLCNorthwestern Riding & Driving ClubNutrena Feed (Cargill)Pet Naturals of VTPhil Pearo & Ariel Blackette – The Morgan Horse *Poulin Grain, Inc.Rhythm of the ReinSevcik’s TruckingShe Rides I PayShow Me the BiscuitSilver Horse StudiosSoftubSpring Hill Horse RescueStephanie Lockart – Spanish Mustang*SuncommonSunset AcresThe Horse WorksThe Leather Outlet Tony’s Tack Shop / Depot Home & GardenUS Animal of VermontUS Trotting AssociationUVM ExtensionVermont Assoc. of Conservation DistrictsVermont CreationsVT Dog SocialsVermont Farm BureauVermont Firefly Farm & Figure 8 RidingVermont Gymkhana ChampionshipsVermont Horse CouncilVermont Horse Show AssociationVermont Morgan Horse AssociationVermont Technical CollegeWalker’s Farm, Home & TackWellspring Chiropractic Lifestyle Ctr. (Network Chiropractic)Wendy Powers Riding at Cottonwood Stables

2014 Everything Equine & Canine Exhibitors & Sponsors(Exhibitors as of 4/15/14)

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“Horsin’ Around On Saturday

Night”Vermont’s First Dog and Pony Show

Horsin’ Around will bring in some different furry friends to the evening mix of “edu-tainment”! We will have a variety of breeds and disciplines showing off their talents, including drill team performances and breed exhibitions. Admission is separate for the variety show and tickets are limited. The musical variety revue gives a wide array of local equine and canine enthusiasts, including many Vermont folks, a chance to show their creativity and appreciation for our animals. This family-oriented show on Saturday night promises an hour and a half of high-energy demonstrations of breeds, disciplines and specialty acts showcasing many top Vermont horse and canine people.

This year’s show is again sponsored by the Vermont Farm Bureau, UVM Equine Program and Champlain Valley Exposition. Proceeds earned by Vermont Farm Bureau were used to underwrite the “Chittenden County Horse Farm of Distinction” program, and one Chittenden County Farm was

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2013 headliner Dan James performing in“Horsin’ Around on Saturday Night”


recognized with this second year program. Stop by the UVM Extension Booth to learn more about this program. For more information, go to www.vtfb.org. Think about putting in an application if you have a safe, well managed equine facility and you give back to the community through your equine activities. What do the proceeds support? Chittenden County Farm Bureau recognized the Ellen A. Hardacre Equine Facility as the 2013 Horse Farm of Distinction. The equine barn has focused on promoting education about horse management, care and safety to students and the public for over a decade. Congratulations!The Public Service Announcement (PSA) “Mutual Respect May Save a Life” received international recognition as a Top Ten Finalist in the Equestrian Digital Awards. This statewide collaboration between The Vermont Horse Council, Vermont Farm Bureau, and UVM Extension was filmed and edited by Across the Fence personnel and has been distributed to television stations in at least seven states to date. Equestrian Digital Award entries were judged by an international panel of equine media professionals based on Content, User experience, Visual Design and film quality, Cross Platform integration, and overall experience. This PSA also won the national 2013 Video Communications Award by the National Association of County Agriculture Agents Association. Video Location: (http://youtu.be/WNii-UbA_Bg) Chittenden County Farm Bureau members are also working closely with Vermont Legislators to get qualifying equine farm operations treated as equals to their peer agricultural operations. In this effort, a bill (H202) was introduced to the

House of Representatives to allow eligible equine farms to have the same access to the Current Use programs as other farms. This bill is not asking for special treatment, just equal treatment under the law. Dr. Greene was asked to testify before the Rural Economic Caucus and the county is meeting regularly with county legislators to keep this moving forward. The UVM Equine Program and Vermont Farm Bureau have been actively working with Vermont legislators to help equine farms have access to the same benefits that other types of agriculture have access to in order to keep Vermont’s land active and open through all types of diversified farming. For more information on the Vermont Farm Bureau, visitwww.vtfb.org


THE ICELANDIC HORSE

The Icelandic Horse has been pure bred for over a thousand years, which has resulted in a truly unique and wonderful breed. Though only averaging 13 to 14 hands tall, the Icelandic Horse is a strong and versatile family horse, bred to easily carry even adults. It is distinctive for its thick mane and tail and is remarkable for its wide range of colors. But this is only one of the attributes these horses are prized for. The combination of natural selection due to Iceland’s harsh conditions, and artificial selection by horse breeders, has resulted in its unique traits: hardy, athletic, independent, spirited, friendly, adaptable, level headed, sure footed and simply wonderful! The Icelandic Horse also has 5 natural gaits- the walk, trot, canter, tolt and flying pace. The tolt is a very smooth 4 beat gait in which the rider can comfortably ride for miles. In contrast, the flying pace is a thrilling 2 beat lateral gait which is ridden only on short distances at very high speed.

MINIATURE DONKEY

Known for their trustworthy nature, Miniature Donkeys are easily trained to pull carts and to be ridden by small children. They are compatible with other livestock and become attached to both other herd mates and their owners. The breed originated in the Mediterranean area of Northern Africa and on the island of Sicily. Male donkeys are referred to as “jacks”, females are “jennets” and baby donkeys are called foals. While they are very hardy, they require small amounts of good quality feed and forage, clean water and appropriate shelter from the elements. Miniature donkeys are herd animals and will experience stress if not housed with other animals.Most Miniature Donkeys are grey-dun in color with the characteristic cross on their backs. They may also be darker grey, brown, black, sorrel, white or spotted.

DRAFT MULE

The Mule is a cross between a donkey stallion (called a jack) and a horse mare. Males are called Johns, and the mares are called Mollies. Both male and female mules have all the correct “parts” but they are sterile, however male mules should always be gelded. Mules try their best to imitate the donkey’s bray, but most have a combination horse whinny and the grunt of the wind-down of a bray. The only color mules do NOT come in is a true horse pinto. Mules come in every size and shape imaginable. Size range: Miniature mules, to under 36”all the way up to 17 hand draft Mules. Mules can be used in the same sports as horses. They have more stamina and can carry more weight than a horse of equal size. Mules can outshine the horse in high-jumping. Mules are not stubborn. They can seem lazy because they will not put themselves in danger. The “stubborn” streak is just the mule’s way of telling humans that things are not right. Mules are very intelligent and it is not a good idea to abuse a mule. They will do their best for their owner, with the utmost patience. “lovelongears.com”

THE MORGAN HORSE

The Morgan Horse, one of the earliest breeds developed in the United States, was as robust and hard working was the hardscrabble colonial farmer, yet was stylish and elegant under harness or saddle for village life. Figure, The Justin Morgan Horse,

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Breed Row Highlights 2014Horse Breeds on display at Everything Equine


foaled in 1789, was the foundation sire of an equine “family”. His offspring were valued in many capacities: farm work, coach work, flat and harness racing, and later, as the war horse of choice by both the Union and Confederacy during the Civil War. Today’s Morgan Horse retains many of the same qualities that were valued then; a horse who can be used under saddle or in harness, for pleasure or competition. For more information, contact Ann Brown at 802 878 4128 or the breed associations:www.vtmorganhorse.org or www.morganhorse.com. Continued Next Page

SPANISH MUSTANG

The Spanish mustang, also known as the Spanish Barb or Colonial Spanish horse is the most significant horse in American history. They are not to be confused with the wild BLM horses of the west. Brought with the Spaniards in the 1500’s, these small, resilient horses were courageous war horses, the mounts of the Native Americans and the Pony Express riders. They

Breed Row-A Family Favorite For More Than A Decade


numbered in the millions until the mass killing of sacred herds in the 1800’s by the US government. Large European breeds were introduced into the remaining herds, diluting their Spanish blood. Today, there are less than 3,000 Spanish Mustangs in existence living in private breeding programs. They are not only valued for their rich history but for their innate intelligence, beauty, and versatility as riding horses. This unique breed excels in long distance endurance, dressage, jumping, driving and ranch work. The Center for America›s First Horse, Inc., a non profit organ-ization located in Johnson, Vermont is home to the largest and most diverse group of Spanish mustangs in the eastern United States. We welcome you to visit our faciltiy and meet America›s first horse. For more information contact Stephanie Lockhart, founder of The Center for Americas First Horse. Visit the Spanish mustangs at Breed Row or online atwww.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org

THE FJORD HORSE

The Fjord Horse is one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world. The belief is the Fjord Horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated 4,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence from Viking burial sites indicated that the Fjord Horse has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years. The head and neck should have appeared elegant without looking coarse. The head of the Fjord Horse should be medium sized with a broad, flat, defined forehead with a straight or slightly dished face. Their neck should be well muscled and crested. The Fjord Horse should have a body that is short coupled with well-defined muscles. Their legs are straight and strong boned, with feet that are black. The

Fjord Horse has a gentle and willing disposition. Due to the their willing disposition they are used in many disciplines. They are used for farm work, pleasure riding and driving, and competition. For more information on the Fjord Horse please visit us at Breed Row. For you can contact the Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry at www.nfhr.com or NorthEast Fjord Horse Association at www.northeastfjord.com.

FELL PONY

The original Fell Pony came from the north of England. The Fell Pony is thought to be descended from the early Celtic pony and foreign stock imported by the Romans who used the Fells to build Hadrian’s Wall. Fells are large, draft-type ponies, noted for their feathering on the fetlocks and ample amounts of hair, including a long mane and tail. Standing 13 -14 hands, Fells are known for their hardiness, agility, strength, and sure-footedness. Most Fells are black, but other colors including brown, bay, and grey are occasionally found. Vermont Firefly Farm, in Roxbury VT, is proud to have a rare gray Fell Pony Stallion, Lunesdale Mercury, living on our farm. Mercury was a principal breeding stallion in England prior to importation, where he established himself as a producer of champion offspring. Visit Lunesdale Mercury (the Unicorn) in breed row and learn about riding and driving lessons, Medieval Knight’s Training Camps, and even buy a photo of Lunesdale Mercury and his Fell Pony friends to take home with you. Vermont Firefly farm is having an open barn & Fell Pony meet & greet on May 3, 2014 at 1961 West Hill Road, Roxbury VT 05669 802-485-8876 – www.vtfireflyfarm.com.

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Laura Hamilton -Fell Pony Stallion, Lunesdale MercuryFirefly Farm2074 West Hill Road,Roxbury, VT [email protected] Christie Crowe -2 mini donkey geldings, Ernie & ArthurOne Mitten Farm 225 Eagles Rest Road, Shelburne, VT [email protected] Christie Crowe -gelded Mammoth Mule, John, 4 years oldOne Mitten Farm 225 Eagles Rest Road,Shelburne, VT [email protected] Maria Paris -N. Fjord gelding, Highwatch ViliP.O. Box 153,Charlotte, VT [email protected]

Saturday only:Phil Pearo - Morgan horse (gelding?)146 Blair Road, Alburgh, VT [email protected] Sunday only:Ariel Blackette -Morgan horse (mare)486 Town Farm Road,Brandon, VT [email protected] home558-4254 cell Jana Meyer -Icelandic (switching out mares/geldings potentially)Silver Maple Icelandic Horse Farm 108 Gilley Road,Tunbridge, VT [email protected] Stephanie Lockhart -Spanish Mustang (mare or gelding)P.O. Box 22 ,Johnson, VT [email protected]@centerforamericasfirsthorse.org730-5400

Breed Row Contact Information


Michelle Grimes

What might you do if your dog is stung by a bee, develops hives and has difficulty breathing? Would you know how to react if your animal was hit by a car? How about if they had a seizure? As pet owners, we often take for granted that a medical emergency can happen at any time; most often when we least expect it. Learning the basics of Pet First Aid can increase the odds, offering your pet their best chance for recovery. Emergency treatment and first aid for pets should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care, but it may help to save your pet’s life before you can get them to a veterinarian. As a Veterinary Technician for a 24 hour Emergency Animal Hospital, we see emergencies on a regular basis, at all times of the day and night. Although pets come in with a variety of emergencies, some of the cases most commonly seen involve porcupine quills in dogs, animals with lacerations, animal fight injuries and many cases of vomiting and diarrhea. Even more serious cases involve animals hit by cars, other traumatic injuries and GDV- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (more commonly known as Bloat). Although these emergencies are all handled a bit differently once in the hospital, what happens to these pets before they get to the hospital, can sometimes make a vast difference in their outcomes. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, one out of four pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique was applied, prior to getting emergency veterinary care. By attending a pet first aid class, you would acquire skills that may prove helpful in preparing for a medical emergency involving your pet. Pet First Aid classes are intended for dog and cat lovers, pet professionals such as animal groomers, boarding facility staff, pet sitters and dog walkers, dog trainers, animal shelter staff and even pet retailers. Anyone lucky enough to share

Saving your pet with CPRWith pets increasingly beingtreated like a member of thefamily, many owners are learningemergency techniques like CPRto keep their pet alive beforebringing it to a veterinarian.

If there is no breathing nopulse, begin CPR immediately.

Areas to checkfor pulse

GumsPupils

Check for breathing and pulse

Look for otherwarning signs

If not breathing, givebreath to animal

Heimlich maneuver

Start compressions if no pulse

Check pulse using middle and index fingerbelow the wrist, inner thigh (femoral artery)below the ankle or where left elbow touchesthe chest.

• Gums and lips will appeargray-colored• Pupils will be dilated andnot responsive to light.

Cats and small dogsPlace your mouth over its noseand mouth to blow air in.

Medium-Large dogsPlace your mouth over its noseto blow air in.

If breath won’t go in, airway may be blocked.Turn dog upside down, with its back againstyour chest. Wrap your arms around the dogand clasp your hands together just below itsrib cage (since you’re holding dog upsidedown, it’s above the rib cage, in the

abdomen). Using both arms, give five sharp thrusts to the abdomen. Then check its mouth or airway for the object. If you see it, remove it and give two morerescue breaths.

Lay animal on right side and place hand over ribswhere its elbow touches the chest. Begincompressions. Do not give compressionsif dog has pulse.

Repeatprocedure

• Check pulse after 1 minuteand then every few minutes

• Continue giving CPR until theanimal has a pulse and is breathing.

Animal SizeCompress

chest

Compressionsper breath

of air

• Stop CPRafter 20 minutes.

Cat/small dog (Under 30 lbs.)

Medium-large dog (30-90 lbs.)

Giant dog (over 90 lbs.)

1/2-1 inch

1-3 inches

1-3 inches

5

5

10

..................................................................................................

..................................................................................................

SOURCE: American Red Cross

PetFirst Aid

their lives with cats and dogs, and those with little to no pet first aid experience, interested in caring for their pet during an emergency, would benefit from such a class. Most classes offer a classroom type environment; some afford students an opportunity to practice various hands-on skills with mannequins or live animals. Disaster and environmental emergency preparedness is often covered as well. Some of the skills and information students will learn in a Pet First Aid class can include: personal safety; restraint of a sick or injured animal; signs of and how to help a choking dog or cat; how to check for a pulse on a dog or cat; CPR and basic bandaging and splinting. Various common pet illnesses or conditions are often discussed, as well as poison emergencies, pet first aid kit & pet disaster kit items, and disaster preparedness for your pet. Attending a Pet First Aid class could in fact be the difference between life and death. In the end, it’s a small price to pay for the safety and well-being of your furry family member.

Learn More About Basic Dog CareAnd First Aid, Sunday at 10am in the

Summit Room.


Tuesday evening. In Vermont early November means damp & cold with temps dropping once the sun has gone down. The end of a long day, you sit down looking forward to supper and the evening news. The phone rings…caller ID states “unknown caller”. You debate dealing with a possible marketer…you hit answer and hear the Lieutenant’s voice. Instantly you know what this means. He’s the head of

You and your partner scan the area for anything that might have been dropped by the child. He is 7, last seen wearing a blue woolen cap and tan jacket. His name is Jack. Periodically you call out his name and blow a whistle, waiting to listen. Look at the muddy banks hoping to see a footprint – SIGN to searchers, he was wearing sneakers. Up you both climb, your K9 ranging widely as you have taught him to do, hunting for humans. He wears a bright orange vest and wears a bell, so you can hear his movements. Human odor is carried on the air…the dog will scan these air currents searching…searching…searching, breathing in deeply. At the top of the ridge you decide to head NE, to the downwind side of your assigned area. You whistle for the dog, who joyously bounds over and happily follows your direction ahead. You have taught him to be your partner, like a couple on the dance floor. Two passes across the far side of your area, making wide parallel passes…you see a head snap – your heart leaps – maybe? Could it be? The dog races off following an invisible thread of odor. Like magic to us visually oriented humans, we are unable to experience this…and it is amazing. An invisible fish hook that grabs their nose and pulls them into the wind. It is a true privilege to accompany these highly trained animals who hunt and hunt for hours, straining up steep cliffs, scrambling down ravines then up the other side, searching for the lost. They do this in training several times a week, being rewarded with a rousing game of tug and lots of praise. They have no concept of what it means to be lost, frightened, cold, worried, exhausted, or injured. They just know the pure joy of working determinedly until they locate the subject…racing back to tell you and lead you in. Standing there listening to the bell…it becomes fainter…then it stops. Your heart leaps, but you tell yourself not to be too assured. It could be a fellow searcher in the adjacent area. You mark this place on your GPS for later review. This is added to your track recorded on your GPS marking your footsteps. The bell starts up becoming louder…Could it be??? It is dark,

A Scent in the Wind

Alexandria Whitelock

See Vermont Search & Rescue K-9in action on Sunday at

Everything Equine & Canine

Continued Next Page

Vice, a Belgian Malinois Search & Rescue K9

the VT State Police Search and Rescue team. He received a 911 call, a 7 year old missing child…the worst kind of situation. Small children lack body mass and are unable to handle suddenly dropping temps. They also lack problem solving skills. The urgency rating is at the top of the scale. Grabbing pen & paper you note key information about the child, time the call came in, time the child went missing, Incident Command location, and number of search dog teams requested. Immediately you dial team members asking their availability and giving them needed data. You go down the list, then pause…taking care not to rush, haste makes waste. You line out in your mind what you need to do, making a mental checklist and quickly sequence these in the most efficient order. At the computer you pull up topo maps and get them printing, while changing into your field uniform. Remember to pack water and 1-2 meals for the dogs, put your full search pack into the car, hiking boots, extra socks & boots, snack & water for yourself, the team laptop and printer, search base materials, a handful of extra batteries…pause…calm yourself and think…..what else do I need to do? Training teaches you to stop, think, plan, THEN act efficiently with haste. You put your excited dog in the vehicle crate. They know instantly what is up, there is nothing they want to do more than hunt…for missing humans. You put your other dogs outside in the kennels with water and chew bones. You sit in the vehicle and review your checklist. Pack – check. Dog – check. Cell phone – check. Radio – check, etc. Enter Command location into vehicle GPS, back out closing the garage door and roll, driving quickly, always within the speed limit. You review what you know about behavior of missing children as you drive, planning your search strategy. At search base, you report in, signing in on the required sheets, get briefed by the overhead team, coordinate with fellow team members and other responders, get your area assignment, drive to it, safely park your vehicle off road, get your gear together and decide on how you and your flanker will cover this area. You call into search base establishing radio contact, and repeat every ½ hour. There is a deep drainage in this area, known to be people traps. It’s decided to search this first…..you tell your K9 partner “Go Find” and he explodes into the woods hunting for any tendril of human odor, nose high, scanning the airwaves. You take one side of the drainage, your partner the other. You watch your dog carefully for any sign of odor recognition.


cold, drizzle is starting, concern for this child’s survivability is high, so you hope… You see your dog racing back in that manner you know so well, the light stick on his vest bouncing rapidly with each bound. He races to you and slides into a sit – the trained indication that you have worked so hard to solidify, that says, “I’ve got him!!!”, and spins

back in the direction he came from, all three of you run…trying not to fall face forward, catching a toe on a bramble. The one with the four legs looking back patiently, while the bipedal pair try to follow. Four legs are far better than two, for running in the woods. The dog stops and waits for you to join him. There, curled up at the base of a tree, sitting on a pile of pine branches for insulation is Jack…the joy is insurmountable!!! He is extremely cold, but has covered himself with a black garbage bag to keep dry and hold in body heat. A head-hole torn at the end, taught to him in the “Lost but Found Safe & Sound” program offered at Jack’s school. Jack remembered what he was taught and knew how to stay put, to ‘hug-a-tree’ and wait for searchers, perhaps with dogs who would find him.

You tell him you are a search team, and very soon he will be back with his parents, eagerly waiting back at base. You toss the ball on a rope to the dog who is overjoyed, sensing your delight in his work, wrap your parka around the boy, and call the ‘FIND’ into the team’s search base, which relays this to the Incident Commander (IC). Fellow searchers in the field hear the call with delight. A possible very long night, shortened joyously – subject found, safe and sound. Job well done. All those hours of training, tears, bruises, hours of driving - all paying off. Teamwork – dog & handler team; inter-team coordination; state resources and other search teams coordinating, all working like synchronized swimming – each part moving in unison with the others. A finely-tuned choir with a joyous sound. You plan the most efficient route back to the vehicle and take turns carrying an exhausted boy down the hillside. There you are greeted with overjoyed and relieved parents, rushing to hug their beloved son. You pause, take a deep satisfying breath, take off the heavy pack, put the dog into his crate with a snack and bowl of water, and return to Command Base to sign out. Download tracks and waypoints marked on the GPS, pour a cup of coffee for the journey home, thank fellow team members, and remind everyone to drive back safely….the perfect ending to an evening.

Alexandra (Alex) Whitelock became involved in search & rescue in 2002. She has been a member of 2 K9 wilderness teams before

founding Vermont Search & Rescue K9, Inc. (VSARK9). She has trained 4 dogs and currently has two certified K9s, one dual

certified as a wilderness air scent dog and as a cadaverdog with the Intl. Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA).

Both dogs also work water recovery.

Alex Whitelock & Iko, an air scent, cadaver & water recovery K9

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