horse around new mexico

New MexicoNovember / December 2013

FREE

Events Calendar • Trainer Directory • Out & About

cowboy magic

� e Beauty of BacksPhoto Essay:

Hooray for Holidays Gift Guide

Camp and Ride

...plus tack talk, poetry, book reviews and more!

at Red Canyon

makeovers

Equine-Assisted TherapyWhat is it, really?

0616

14 07

0626 ARTICLES:

PLUS:12 Poetry

"From the Past" by Th om Pollard

20 DirectoryTrainers, Clubs and Associations

21 Events Calendar November and December

24 Book Review 2 Books and an App

26 Tack Talk Mysteries of Blanketing Revealed

30 The Tail End

07 Cowboy Magic Makeovers Regular Guys Find Th eir Inner Cowboy

14 Gear & Gift Guide Holiday Must-Haves for NM Horse Lovers

16 Photo Essay Th e Beauty of Backs

22 Red Canyon Solitude at the Horse Camp

28 Equine-Assisted Therapy What Is It?

All the opinions expressed herein are the sole opinions of the writer and do not necessarily refl ect bias or belief on the part of the editor, publisher, distributors,

printer or other contributors.

plus "From the Horse's Mouth" by Lynne Maguire ...and “Out & About"

See our web site for submission standardswww.horsearoundnm.com

Submissions are Welcome

Hooray for Holidays!

We have time to snuggle up with good books, try out new apps, experiment with warm fuzzy blankets for our ponies. Early winter: when better to take a really good look at the men in our lives and consider what the "cowboy version"might look like? Cecilia Kayano has done just that, with some pretty handsome "Cowboy Magic" results.

Some intrepid souls call November the very best month for camping with horses, and the always-up-for-an-adventure writer, Peggy Conger, takes us out to Red Canyon for a late fall sleepover - with some pretty technical trail riding aft er breakfast!

Santa Fe fi ne arts photographer Rebecca Farr put together a stunning photo essay for us this issue, along with musings on the strength and beauty of the equine back, and our cover photographer Crystal McDonald sent us some pretty stunning images, too - if we didnlt know better, given the time of year, we might mistake those white sands for snow!

Celebration and gift -giving are at the fore as the year winds down and we make time for family and friends; check out our gift guide to fnd something for the special horse lover in your life. If by chance the family drives you a little bit crazy, you might consider some Equine-Assisted Th erapy; local provider Jane Davis fi lls us in on what that exactly entails in her article on page 28.

It's been an amazing year for Horse Around New Mexico. Th anks to all of you - the talented folks who submit their work, the readers who ask for extra copies, and the advertisers who make it all possible.

Happy happy merry merry --- Karen

Editor

Publisher

Cover Design

Cover Photo

Contributing Writers

Sta� Writers

Graphic Designer

Advertising & Sales

Subscriptions

KAREN LEHMANN

HORSE AROUND USA

KAREN LEHMANNREBECCA FARR

CRYSTAL MCDONALD

JANE DAVISKAREN LEHMANNTHOM POLLARD

PEGGY CONGERCECILIA KAYANO

KAREN LEHMANN

DENNIS [email protected]

$24/YEARMAIL REQUEST TO:HANM * PO BOX 202*SANDIA PARK * NM 87047

Horse Around New Mexico©2013 All rights reserved. Horse Around New Mexico is a publication of Horse Around USA™. Horsearoundnm.com™ and horsearoundusa.com™ are also copyrighted, trademarked, and the sole property of Karen Lehmann,. All rights reserved. Individual content copyright belongs to the author or artist.

ON THE COVER Crystal McDonald is a New Mexico horse lover who takes photos "just for fun". Th e cover photo was taken

early in 2013 at White Sands National Monument, which she considers to be "a spectacular part of New Mexico. An even more amazing combination? Horses

and White Sands!"

We think Crystal is pretty spectacular herself, and fi nd her photos, taken just for the joy of it, so superb that we

featured another one for the Tail End on page 30.

www.horsearoundnm.com

525A Airport Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507505-474-7795

www.desertwindsaddlery.com

Consignment English Saddles!

Largest Stock of Englishsaddles in northern NM

Take advantage of ourexpertise in saddles

and fitting.

Now consigning WesternSaddles and Tack.

Watch for some new Western Tack, too.

Celebrating 30 Years of being in business in

Roswell and Albuquerque

3825 Osuna NE Albuquerque, NM 87109

505-341-9401

2005 SE Main Roswell, NM 88203 575-624-2123

| November / December 20136

November / December 2013 7 www.horsearoundnm.com | November / December 2013 November / December 2013 November / December 7 www.horsearoundnm.com | November / December www.horsearoundnm.com | November / December

CowboyMagicMAKEOVERSFrom casual to classic,four men fi nd theirCOWBOY STYLEArticle and photos byCecilia Kayano

For Nicholas

Gonzales’ story, see page 10.


Lou Fuchs, age 62Lou started taking riding lessons a year ago, and just started country western dance lessons. He says horseback riding gets him out to parts of New Mexico that he could not get to on foot. He also enjoys socializing with horse people. “They have a greater tendency to do outdoor activities than most folks.”

Shirt: Wrangler Western Snap, $19.99.Jeans: Wrangler Cowboy Cut, Regular Fit, $37.99.Vest: Wyoming Traders, $39.99.Hat: Bailey Crushable, $64.99.Boots: Dan Post, $159.99

November / December 2013 9 www.horsearoundnm.com |

John Garcia, age 26

When John was a young boy, his

mother, Julie, remembers him

building a corral for his future

horse. Now John is a hunter, and still

wants a horse to care for, and help

him get to remote

hunting areas.

Shirt: Cinch, $60.Jeans: Wrangler

Cowboy Cut, Slim Fit, $37.99.

Jacket: Schafer, $170.

Hat: Resistol, $54.99.Boots: Ariat Ropers, $149.

Belt: Nocona Belt Company $66.

Buckle: Montana Silversmith, $90.

| November / December 201310 | November / December 2013| November / December 2013| November / December10

Dennis Shartz, age 50

Dressing “Cowboy” is new to Dennis. He is a marathon

runner who stays in shape by running 10-15 miles every week. But his wife, Karen,

is a dressage and trail rider, who has been bugging him

to go Western. “I look pretty good,” Dennis admitted after his makeover. “I’d be a pretty

good cowboy.”

Shirt: Wrangler Rock 47, $54.99 Jeans: Wrangler Slim Cut, $33.99.

Hat: Seratelli Mustang, $249.99.Boots: Dan Post, $159.

Belt: 3-D, $54.Buckle: Montana Silversmith, $90.

Nicholas Gonzales, age 33 (from page 8)When Nicholas’ daughter, Iyanna, had her one-year birthday, she rode a pony for the fi rst time, and fell in love. Her mother, Tinikia, says, “Nick and I want her to be a cowgirl.” That’s why Nick decided to have a makeover. His dramatic change felt comfortable. “I usually wear polo shirts and shorts. But this new look feels awesome.”

Shirt: Cinch, $60. Jeans: Cinch, Special Edition, $59.95. Cap: PBR Bullrider, $19.90. Boots: Rustic Justin Chukkas, $84.99.

Thanks to Dan’s Boots and Saddles, and Lisa, for their help outfi tting these cowboys!

Parts & Repair Service ForAll Makes of Trailers

Living Quarter & RV ServiceAluminum & Steel Welding

Trailer Rental

Open Tuesday through SaturdayOur website never [email protected]

12 miles east ofAbq. on Route 66

Edgewood, NM 87015

505-281-9860

SAN MARCOS FEED STORE

HayHardwareFeedWe stock the area’s largest

selection of Farrier Supplies

tel: 505-471-9298 fax: 505-471-34263877 State Rd 14 Santa Fe NM 87508


From the Past

Dedicated to James Dickey

Only now in nerved night visions

Am I clearly allowed to travel

Back to the forests twenty years higher

And remount the aged Corey Briar.

With halter and rope as ceasing protections,

We trespass upon the woods night peace.

In this greenwood, the light poplar and willows

Push their wind across the top of worn memories;

Scents that become most alive in my guide’s nostrils

Soon arrive on layers of quiet.

Above, the moon’s full yellow and blue blend

To shape illuminary seas and islands;

From below sounds the noisy assurance

Of our swaying, four-beat travels.

Deep passages of black-green needles,

Fathomed from the moon’s pale off ering,

Envelope us as we pass. Knowingly,

I am always taken home; the forest which

Would have us moves away from iron shod steps.

Th om Pollard

photo: Dacodah H

erkenhoff

phot

o: C

ryst

al M

cDon

ald

In addition to being a consummate horseman, hunter-jumper trainer and USEF R judge, Thom Pollard is a writer who studied

poetry with James Dickey. Look for more of his work in upcoming issues; meantime fi nd him online at

thompollard.ezweb123.com/


Hooray for Holidays!Gear & Gift Guide 2013

Life CoachingEquestrian Education

Horses and Living from the Inside

The Ride of Your Life

with Lynn Clifford

Gift Certificates Available

505.231.5353 · [email protected] · lynnclifford.comSanta Fe, New Mexico and by arrangement

May no gift be too small to give, nor too simple to receive; which is wrapped in thoughtfulness, and tied with love.L.O. Baird

What’s on your Wish List?

PJ Salvage Cowgirl Pajamas $49.95

7 Caliente Rd. B5Santa Fe, NM 87508

(505) 466-1059

Monday - Saturday10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Shires Treat Ball$19.95

Carhartt ChamoisShirt $54.00

Carhartt Women’s Force1/4 Zip Top $38.00

Carhartt Duck Dog Bed $59.95

New Mexico’s Premier Tack Shop!

710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos575-737-9798 • www.taostackandpetsupply.com

Taos Tack and PeT suPPlyTop Quality Horse & Pet Care Products

Get all your quality riding gear in one convenient locationEnglish & Western Saddles • Horse Shoes • Grooming Supplies

Leather Conditioner • Fly Sprays • Race Horse Supplies

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& 2013

Special Advertising Section


Investigating Horses

The Beauty of Backs

I love horses. I have loved them with a passion that goes beyond reasoning since the third grade, when an older and more sophisticated girl told me that having a whale as my favorite animal was ridiculous. You couldn’t play whale on the playground, she explained, but you could play horse. Fast forward five years to my own horses in the backyard

pasture and barn tha. my father painstakingly built for them. Two horses were never so well brushed, ridden, brushed again, studied, brushed again. I knew every inch of my horses, how the muscles curved and connected under the well-groomed coats, how tendons and ligaments stood out on the backs of the legs, the skin there thin and delicate. In the cold Connecticut spring, I would lean against my palomino as he lay in the welcome sunshine, my spine curved gently into the crook of his shoulder and barrel, one arm resting upon his back. It was contentment defined.

Horses require pondering. Sitting still and studying them is a meditative, solitary practice.

Take, for instance, a horse’s back: the graceful valley uniting neck and tail, the delicate cleft between muscles powerful yet supple, the mastery of craftsmanship which defies gravity. Pregnant mare backs sway with ripeness, foal backs are short and sinewy. Draft horse backs could hold you, a friend, and a tent full of supplies for a six month foray into the wilderness.


...and Life

Pony backs are child size, broad and forgiving, even when the pony is not. This equine feature catches the

light which spreads like warm honey as the horse shifts, forming a rolling landscape with every twitch and quiver. Oh, the back!

Growing up, I could spot an equine back over stone walls, across green meadows, or mixed in with dairy cows. The rounding of the haunches, the graceful line from ears to withers to tail. How does a curve so exquisite hold creatures such as ourselves? And why?

We could get into the physical explanation of how a horse carries the bulk of a human over hill and dale, across fences, into battle, around arenas, through rivers, up mountains and down canyons. Why is a very different question.

In the wild, horses are prey, and a predator might attack a horse by leaping on its back. Hopping on your horse maybe isn’t the most natural experience for our equine companions. And yet, time and time again, they allow us to climb aboard, whether we are using a mounting block or leaping madly from the ground below, clutching the dense tangle of mane, determined to feel those giant muscles tensing beneath our ten year old bodies. But I digress, when I wish only to praise.

Rebecca Farr is a free lance writer, photographer and

graphic designer who lives in Santa Fe. See more of her work at www.rebeccafarr.us

Join me in celebrating the

equine back. The beautiful, strong, supple

spine upon which we

perch– and the mighty horses who allow us

such privilege.

Lightness ... a clinic with Manuel Trigo

At 4 Winds Equestrian Center in Estancia the weekend of October 4th, there was lightness in the air and spanish phrases ringing in the ears of the participants in this clinic, taught by French classical equitation a� cionado Manuel Trigo. Cutting through the esoteric language of dressage to practical concepts and simple (but not easy!) riding techniques, Manuel had everyone from beginners to experts riding their horses in a lighter, more balanced way - and with two pairs of reins! At the Saturday morning lecture there was much oohing and aahing at the videos of spanish horses performing incredible feats of mobility and courage, (and the 8 year-old kids performing Alta Escuela moves on those incredible stallions); and wrinkled brows as attendees focussed on the history of classical equitation and the concept of "lightness",as explained with charm, humor and sincerity by Mr. Trigo. Private lessons on Friday and group rides on Saturday and Sunday put the concepts to the test as riders, from all di� erent backgrounds and levels and on horses of varied breeds, were coached by a kind yet insistent instructor.

Riding ... the Valles Caldera

Botto

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ourt

esy

of M

isty

Bras

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Photo courtesy of Sue Murphy50 riders showed up for the September Valles Caldera ride to bene� t � e Horse Shelter,

enjoying magni� cent scenery and a"trailer-gating" catered lunch; while raising much-needed funds for THS. Gorgeous!


Out and About

photos courtesy of 4 Winds Equestrian Center

"Scary Campground" Obstacle photo: Lisa Westfall

Shindig ... at Walkin' in Circles

Equine Trail Sports ...a weekend of challenges & obstacles with

An Obstacle Course on Saturday and a Trail Challenge on Sunday made for a fun weekend at 4 Winds at the end of September. Gor-geous views from the trail and great food at trail's end combined with a challenging way to build partnership with your horse. Check out 4windsequestrian center.com or equinetrailsports.com for more info.

Walkin' in Circles Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner was a HUGE success! With 375 tickets sold, it was a great time. � e food was awesome (cobbler rocked!), the band was great and there were many amazing donations for the Silent Auction. Foals Gunner and Hope got lots of love and pats from all the visitors; and all the horses loved the attention and were super curious about all the commotion!

Photo courtesy of Sue Murphy

Phot

os co

urte

sy o

f Wal

kin

in C

ircle

s Ran

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Roping Obstacle photo: Lisa Westfall


Out and About

JANE DAVIS,LMSW ***Th e horse is our guide***

Combining humans and horses, on the ground, for experiential work in

communication, contact, congruency and authenticity. Jane deals with everything

from deepening one’s meditation practice to stress management to trauma and grief

as well as team building.

Riders of the Sage505-983-6677

jane@riderso� hesage-nm.com

JEFFRAY RYDINGTOM ANGLE

GOOSE DOWNS FARMS

TRAINING FOR THE SPORT OF 3 DAY EVENTING

Galisteo, NM505-466-8771

[email protected]

Meet Petra ChristensenAt

4 Winds Equestrian Center9031 HW 337

Estancia, NM 87016505-384-1831

[email protected]

Back Country Horsemen of New Mexicowww.bchnm.org

Buff alo Range Riders Mountedwww.brrmounted.com

CHAMP - Corrales Horse & Mule Peoplewww.champnm.com

Enchantment Driving Societywww.enchantmentdrivingsociety.net

Equine Protection Fundwww.equineprotectionfund.org

High Desert Riderswww.highdesertriders.com

Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliancefourcornersequinerescue.org

Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding505-424-9924 www.listeninghorse.org

New Mexico Bucksin Horse Association505-869-9198

New Mexico Cutting Horse Associationwww.cuttingnews.com

New Mexico Dressage Associationwww.nmdressage.net

New Mexico Gay Rodeo Associationwww.nmgra.com

New Mexico Horse Council505-603-6016 nmhorsecouncil.org

Northern NM Horsemen’s Associationwww.nnmha.com

NM Mustang and Burro Associationwww.nmmba.org

New Mexico Quarter Horse Associationwww.nmqha.com

New Mexico Reining Horse Associationwww.nmrha.org

Rio Grande Mule and Donkey Association www.rgmda.com

Single Action Shooting Societywww.sassnet.com

The Horse Shelter 505-471-6179 www.thehorseshelter.org

Tularosa Nat’l Horsemanship Fellowshipfacebook.com/TularosaHorsemenFellow-ship

Walkin in Circles New Mexico Horse Rescuewww.wncr.org

Trainer DIRECTORYLOAL TUCKER

Loal Tucker, clinician, colt starter and trainer, located at Th al’s Equine south of

Santa Fe on Highway 14. Loal is a lifelong New Mexico horseman and cattleman

with a dressage background. He special-izes in teaching clients to communicate to their horses to gain respect and develop confi dence. Low-stress atmosphere with

a learn-by-doing and results-oriented approach. Loal off ers the Horsemanship

Academy 6-week program, as well as one-on-one instruction.

[email protected]

ERIC BRAVOGentle Natural Horsemanship

***I Come To You***

* Hands-on Training * Problem Horses

*Leadership Skills *De-spooking

* Trailer Loading * Safety andConfi dence

Albuquerque and surrounding areas: (505) 293-4652 [email protected]

A Solid Foundation (ground work) is a MUST, for your horse to Respect you as a

Leader (in the saddle) with Trust!

DENNIS BRAZEALClassical training techniques for any

discipline. Colt starting, re-starting, problem behaviors.

Dennis puts on clinics throughout New Mexico and Colorado. He works with horses

involved in all types of disciplines, and his training and riding techniques apply to any style of riding and any type of work you can

do with a horse.

In Bosque Farms

505-400-5492 www.dennisbrazeal.com

Clubs & ASSOCIATIONS

| November / December 201320 EventsN

OVE

MBE

R

From the Horse’s Mouth by Lynne Maguire

These and other holiday cards available at

Lynne's website www.lynnemaguiredesigns.com

Events

NO

VEM

BER

1-3

Ann Womack Clinic; Edgewood Municipal Arena"Dressage for Everyone"

Contact Abbe Warren; fl [email protected] /702-290-7148

2Halloween Fun Day:equine games, obstacles, trail

rides and a horse/rider or horse only costume parade. Fun & Prizes for all!

4 Winds Equestrian Center, Estancia 4windsequestrian center.com 505-384-1831

2Walkin in Circles Trainers Challenge & the Annual

Masked Cowboy Ball NM State Fair Grounds wncr.org 505-286-0779

3 NMDA Schooling show at Cherry Tree Farm. DJ Col-lins (505-452-0267) & Rena Haynes

([email protected])9-11 3-Day Clinic with Wendy Stephens;

All-Around Champion Cowgirl4windsequestriancenter.com 505-384-1831

16 Lynn Cliff ord Autumn Clinic Series "Expanding Your Relationship"

Arrowhead Ranch, Santa Feemail: lynn@lynncliff ord.com or 505.231.5353

16-17Las Cruces Horse Trials USEA Recognized Show

Isaack's Ranch, Las Cruces, NM lascruceshorsetrials.com

16, 17Chuck Chapin Clinic: Improve Your Horsemanship

C4 Arena, Mesilla Park, NM info: [email protected]

17Annual Christmas de Caballos Parade

departing from Wagner Farms in Corraleschampnm.com

22 Deadline for Submissions Jan/Feb 2014 Issue of Horse Around New Mexico: the Stallion Issue

23-24 Manuel Trigo Clinic "Collection for Dummies" Roy-El Morgan Farm Espanola 505-603-6016

DEC

EMBE

RHappy Holidays & a Fantastic New Year!

from all of us here at Horse Around New Mexicowww.horsearoundnm.com


Imagine a dedicated horse campground in tall pines with

fairly easy road access, a stall at every campsite, picnic tables, lots of shade, and two trail heads not even a stone’s throw from camp; all less than an hour’s drive for East Mountain horse folks and well under two hours for people coming from Albuquerque.

Is there any reason a place like that wouldn’t be crowded with horse people every single weekend? Well, when it comes to Red Canyon, there are several. First, the riding

is limited. It is essentially one large loop consisting of Red Canyon (Trail 89), a portion of the Crest Trail (Trail 170) and Spruce Spring Trail (Trail 189), about 7 miles that you can easily accomplish in an afternoon. And though the campground has nice facilities, including gravel roads, fire rings, well-maintained pit toilets and trash collection, there are no hookups and no water.

Red Canyon also has a name for being a tough ride. It is steep, rocky, and narrow in places, and the footing can be dicey in spots, but its hair-raising

Red Canyon : Solitude at the Horse Camp by Peggy Conger photos: Cecilia Kayano

If there is such a thing as a horse camp ghost town, New Mexico’s is Red Canyon in the Manzano Mountains about 25 miles southeast of Albuquerque.


reputation is undeserved. For experienced trail riders on experienced trail horses that can handle steep riding, there’s plenty to enjoy about Red Canyon.

The question is whether you want to break out all the gear for an overnight when you’re just riding 7 miles. If the answer is yes, you’re in for a relaxing experience. Most likely, you will have the entire place to yourself. If you crave solitude, a nice ride and a campout with your horse, Red Canyon delivers. Of course, the canyon’s close enough to be a great day trip destination for people in central New Mexico. You may share the trail with hikers, but again, even on-foot visitors can be few and far between.

The details:

Setting off up the Red Canyon trail head, which is located past the bathrooms at the far end of the campground, the trail gets rocky, steep and technical in a few places. Shoes or boots on reliable, well-conditioned horses who willingly cross water are recommended. At one particularly steep rocky incline, you will be tempted to gawk at a cave to the left, but look sharp, because the trail goes to the right. You’ll pass beautiful granite canyon walls on nice shady trails and come out to a meadow at the top.

Look to the right to pick up the Crest Trail, which takes you to another meadow. Either place provides a nice break for the horses and in the second meadow, if you explore a little bit on foot, you’ll find a wonderful sort of magical cairn with a seating area at the edge of the meadow toward the southwest.

Pick up the Spruce Spring Trail at the sign at the bottom of the meadow. You can water the horses a short distance down the trail; watch for the Spruce Spring sign on your left. It’s a worthwhile detour down to a trough fed by fresh spring water. The Spruce Spring Trail itself has technical areas and some narrow spots, eventually leading you back down through

a series of switchbacks to the campground. A word of caution: It can be extremely narrow where the trail is open on the downhill side. Ride safely and again, seasoned trail horses are your best bet.

I have ridden the loop each way several times and really don’t have a preference. If you would rather not tackle the steepest stuff at the start, then take the Spruce Spring Trail (located to the right past a campsite at the far end of the campground) up and come down Red Canyon.

We tried the other option to ride a big loop, Ox Canyon (Trail 190) twice this summer, once from the top and once from the bottom and were thwarted both times. We got discouraged trying to locate the Ox Canyon trailhead at the top (we may have ridden right by it overgrown from little use). From the bottom, two members of our party turned back because of downfall on the access trail to the canyon. The U.S. Forest Service’s Mountainair office says keeping the trails clear is a priority but couldn’t really give us a status report recently on whether Ox had been cleared.

In the East Mountains east of Albuquerque, take NM 55 to Manzano, where you will pick up NM 131. Take NM 131 to the entrance of Manzano Mountains State Park (which is closed) and turn right onto FR 253. Follow the signs to Red Canyon horse camping. Note: That was written at the time of the government budget shutdown, so access to U.S. Forest Service lands may be limited if the budget crisis is ongoing.

To Get There

4 Winds Equestrian Center“Home of Natural Horsemanship”

A State of the Art Equestrian Center

Our Facility Features:Indoor and Outdoor Arenas - Round Pen -BarnMaster Barns - Eventing Field, 7 Miles oftrail – Plus much more

Our Facility Provides:A variety of boarding options – Clinics withwell-known Clinicians – Training - Trail rides –Bunkhouse & RV hookups for overnight stays

Contact us at:505-384-1831 office

505-384-3238 faxwww.4windsequinecenter.com

[email protected] Hwy 337- Estancia, NM 87016

Enjoy an insider's world of competitive dressage with this fizzy novel, the first in a series of at least two. As a working student, our heroine Lizzy does a lot of braiding (and not a little bit of kvetching) in between lessons with her idol, dressage champion Margot Fanning. Leaving behind a conventional life and a perfectly suitable boyfriend, she's moved to Florida for the season, bringing her hopes, dreams and favorite mare along with her. Met with the challenges of life in the glittery world of super-expensive horses, ambitious women and rich owners, Lizzy is by turns miserable, elated and just plain confused. Straightforward plotting and slightly predictable romance fill out the pages of the book - but the real pleasure is in spending some time in a world filled with the juicy details of high-level competitive dressage. Author Karen McGoldrick knows her stuff. She rides, teaches, and trains dressage at her own Prospect Hill Farm in Alpharetta, Georgia. A USDF certified instructor/trainer; Ms. Goldrick earned her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medal rider awards all on horses she trained herself; and she graduated “With Distinction” from the USDF “L” program. Deeds Publishing.

I Support South Dakota Ranchers

© R Farr 2013

On October 4, 2013, South Dakota was hit with an early blizzard that left tens of thousands of cattle dead. The devastation and loss was tremendous. Some ranchers have reported between 20% and 50% of their herds were killed. This tee shirt has been designed to support the South Dakota Ranchers in their time of need. Proceeds will go to the Black Hills Rancher Relief Fund which as been set up specifically for the victims. Tee shirts are $25.00 each. Shipping and handling is free to anywhere in the world. The shirts are available in Large and X-Large. When you purchase a shirt, you will have the option of signing up to get updates on how much money we have raised!Locally designed and printed in Santa Fe, NM! www.rebeccafarr.us to purchase!

Thank you for your support!


Reviews

Riders of the Sageequine assisted healing

jane davis, lmsweagala certifiedgestalt equine psychotherapy

505-983-6677jane@ridersofthesage-nm.comwww.ridersofthesage-nm.com

May/June 2013

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On the Trail:Neecy

Buying the perfectHorseTrailer

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which are you?

plus health, tack talk, poetry, and LOTS MORE!

Participant: Profile of artist

TwinemResumidero

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Are your ads a little tooBLACK & WHITE?

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Full Color Ads from $50

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Full Color Ads from [email protected] 505.926.1555


As the nights grow colder, you may be thinking about blanketing your horse. Nature has provided our horses with a winter coat specifically designed to insulate and protect. Most horses do fine in cold weather; however, here are some reasons to properly blanket your horse.

Cut down on grooming time

Blanketing reduces winter coat growth, overheating under saddle and cool down time. It protects horses that do not grow a thick coat, horses turned out and horses subjected to wind, rain, snow or very cold climates. Body clipped horses need a blanket, and close management of blanket

cost. 600 Denier is good for less active horses, stalled horses or limited turnout. 1200+ Denier is good for rougher conditions and extended turnout. 250 Denier rips easily, and is best suited for light use such as a rain sheet or dust cover to throw on at the show.

WATERPROOFING :Some blankets are waterproof, some are water resistant. Some have waterproof linings only, and others offer no water protection at all. Low quality blankets have waterproof liners only; good quality blankets have a waterproof fabric. Choosing a high quality waterproof blanket is best if your horse is turned out. Otherwise,

weights to stay comfortable.

Provide protection in harsh weather

Horses use energy to keep warm. A blanket can help keep weight on older horses and hard keepers, and it's great to have one on hand in case of unexpected illness or cold spells. Blankets must fit well, be secured properly and provide the correct warmth and function for the environment. All the different styles, sizes, materials, features and levels of protection can be overwhelming, so here is some basic information to help you select the perfect blanket for your horse.

DENIER: Denier determines the strength and durability of your blanket. The higher the denier, the longer your blanket should last and the more it may

Princess could be stuck out in the field in a soaked blanket.

BREATHEABILITY: This is an important factor! A blanket must have a high degree of breathability or your horse will sweat like (s)he is wrapped in a plastic bag. Low quality blankets rarely breathe well, and bad blanketing does more harm than good.

LININGS: Linings provide a layer to protect the fill and create a smooth barrier between the fill or denier fabric and your horse. Most blankets are lined with very low denier nylon. Nylon linings polish the coat nicely and hair does not stick. Polar fleece or wool linings have wonderful wicking properties. Fleece or wool may also be placed between a nylon lining and the denier fabric as a wicking and warming fill minus the static zap fleece can cause upon removal.

FILL: The weight of fill determines the warmth of your blanket. A blanket may have anywhere from 50gm to 450gm+ of fill. Choose a Light fill of 50-200 for milder temps, a Medium fill of 200-300 for cooler nights and a Heavy fill of 350+ for coldest weather or body clipped horses. Wool or

Tack Talk by Vikki Chavez

Winter Blanketing

Tips


polar fleece fill is nice for New Mexico’s fluctuating temperatures.

TURNOUT STYLE: A turnout blanket has 2 standard features; it is Waterproof and it has large pleats/gussets/leg arches built into the shoulder area to allow for maximum freedom of movement. They are higher denier to withstand the activity level of horses turned loose (rolling, bucking, and playing with pasture mates). Turnouts often have multiple fastenings such as Velcro front closure under the front buckles/snaps, leg straps and crossing surcingles to hold them in place during extended activity.

STABLE STYLE: A stable blanket is usually not waterproof and does not have side gussets. They are a lower denier for use in a protected stall environment and usually less expensive. They may have a single surcingle with tail strap given the limited movement compared to a turnout.

COMBO STYLE: A combo is an all in one piece hood and blanket or a blanket that comes with a detaching hood. Hoods are a great way to add warmth for a clipped horse or increase the warmth level of a lower warmth level blanket.

EURO STYLE: A Euro cut fits higher up on the neck offering more coverage and has a narrower neck opening. It usually has cross surcingles, legs straps and a tail piece. This is a good cut for thoroughbreds and horses with high withers.

CALIFORNIA STYLE: This cut sits further back on the neck with a larger neck opening, has a single surcingle in girth area and may have a tail strap and leg straps. This is a good cut for Quarter horses and horses with a wider build. It is a popular cut for stable blankets and liners.

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LINERS: Liners are under layers. A liner is easy to wash and protects heavier, more expensive blankets from dirt, adds wicking properties, adds warmth without bulk and helps a limited blanket collection go further. Liners oft en have slots for blanket leg straps and closed fronts so they fi t nicely under turnouts or stable blankets. Here are a few examples of ways to use a liner:

Use a nylon liner to keep the coat smooth, the blanket clean and prevent ‘zap’ from removing a fl eece lined turnout.

Use a fl eece or fi ll liner to add warmth under a waterproof turnout sheet in lieu of purchasing a winter blanket.

Use a nylon liner in the stall all day to keep horse clean and throw a warm stable blanket over it at night for warmth.

SHEETS: Sheets come in all of the same options, features and styles as blankets. Th ey are not fi lled. A good quality turnout sheet or stable sheet can be used over a liner of appropriate warmth to create a winter blanket via layering.

BLANKET FEATURES

Tail strap: A tail strap or cord keeps blankets from slipping without cumbersome leg straps, which can rub, stretch or be hard to fasten on goofy horses. Tail straps get messy fast and can be hard to clean.

Wither Rise Pads and V Free: Perfect for high withered horses or horses that need pressure off the wither area for comfort. A Euro cut may also help with this challenge.

Bellyband:Th is adds extra warmth and protection, is easy to fasten and stays in place. Bellybands may be cut too big or too small, and adjustment is not as easy as with surcingle styles. Closed front: Th is is popular in liners and stable blankets. It is easy to use and less bulky. Do be sure your horse is okay with an

entire blanket going on, and off again, over his head!

Tail piece: Th is protects the tail from rubbing and chewing while adding additional coverage, warmth and wind protection.

Re� ective strips and logos: Th is helps with visibility at night.

It is important that your horse does not sweat from being over-blanketed, and then be stuck with a wet blanket overnight. It is also important your horse is not under-blanketed, as blanketing takes away the hair’s natural insulating properties, leaving your horse shivering under a light covering that does not keep him warm. Your horse should feel warm and dry. Th e blanket should fi t comfortably without slipping. Make sure straps are not hanging where a leg could get caught. Check your blanketed horse oft en to make sure s(he) is holding the correct bodyweight, has no rubs, the blanket is dry, all straps are secured and nothing is torn. Th at’s all there is to it!

By Jane Davis, LMSW

Th e history of humans and horses, as discovered through archeological fi ndings, dates back to 3500 B.C., when horses were used in warfare. While no longer used in warfare, horses are employed in ceremony, mounted patrols, fox hunting, horse racing, as farm animals herding cattle and for logging, for leisure and for many other purposes. As horses and humans evolved together over many years, horses began their journey as healers and co-therapists. Horses are prey animals only, predators to nothing and no one. In the wild they exist on grasses and water, and their survival depends on “the herd”. Th ey have developed and maintained a highly sensitive ability to respond to threats in their environment.Th ese days, horses are used in Equine Assisted Th erapy (EAT). What follows is a very basic education and introduction to EAT. Hopefully it will inspire the reader to fi nd out more about this magical modality.

I think of horses as “land dolphins” because of their innate ability to read people energetically, “from the inside”, a characteristic that contributes to the enchanting aspect of horses as healers. Because they are prey animals, highly attuned to all around them, the horse’s response to humans evokes behaviors that mirror what is going on inside of us, giving us information with which to work therapeutically. If we are feeling something inside, but outwardly our behaviors do not match, then this is very scary for a horse that will then react to us as a predator, as in “He’s going to kill me!” Th e horse’s responses help us identify behaviors that we may not be aware of. Equine Assisted Th erapy work is about authenticity. Th e horse “mirrors” back to us behaviors that may negatively impact our personal or professional relationships.

YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY...but what is it?

§

on goofy horses. Tail straps get messy fast

Th is adds extra warmth and protection,

blankets. It is easy to use and less bulky.


here in New Mexico. Th e program generally assists veterans who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). One veteran that I worked with told me that he was terrifi ed of horses. Th e day that he came for his fi rst “working”, the horse we were working with - the most docile, gentle horse I had ever met - was just standing quietly. Aft er going over general safety factors and identifying our goals for the session, we moved from the offi ce to the horse. “John” walked up to him quickly, assertively, with hand outstretched and touched his fl ank. Th e horse jumped away from him. John hit the ground and backed up quickly like a sand crab. Th ere was no physical harm involved, but the interaction triggered John’s PTSD and bruised his ego. It also led to some positive work as John quickly accessed emotions that had lain dormant for a long time. John had also shown up without integrity or authenticity, the major issue for a horse who needs our honesty. Th ey worked everything out together and

formed a bond that was supportive and refl ective.Tim and Jean have been married for thirty years with a wonderful relationship, however they fi nd that coming for Equine Assisted Healing only deepens their connection, contact and communication.Equine therapy modalities are now considered “cutting edge” in the world of human growth. Some sessions are done with people mounted on the horse; others are done with just ground work. Everything that happens on the ground is refl ected when one is on the horse. Th e ground work is another way of communicating - fi rst with the horse, then learning how one manifests similar communication with humans. Th ere are many benefi ts to equine therapy work, including:Respect for self and others

Improved communication and social skills

Boundary setting

Empathy toward others

Self-control and confi dence

Responsibility and accountability

Problem-solving and cooperation

Honesty and trust

Overcoming challenges in a non-threatening atmosphere

Stress management

Jane Davis, LMSW founded Riders of the Sage in 2010. Her horse, Snickers, a B&W Tobiano Paint is her main partner in this work. “Riders” is currently run out of Arrowhead Ranch in Santa Fe and soon will also be available at One Heart Ranch in Madrid, NM.

Every person has his or her own answers to life’s challenges; and we oft en need some outside support to access directions and get clear - or we need help with our meditation or other spiritual practice, or with job changes, life changes, relationship struggles – the list goes on!

I have heard many people express the idea that just being with their horse is “therapy.” My response is that time spent with a beloved horse can certainly be therapeutic - but it’s not necessarily therapy. Th e therapy process generally involves an individual, a couple, a family or a group working with a credentialed person. Some major modalities include: Equine Assisted Th erapy (EAT); Equine Assisted Learning (EAL); Equine Assisted Healing (EAH); Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP); and Gestalt Equine Assisted Th erapy or Coaching. Th erapeutic aspects of a horse include touch, smell, sight, sound and bonding. Being with a 1,000 pound being is sobering. It evokes fear. It evokes peace. It evokes emotions. It evokes physical, mental and spiritual healing.

EAT has a long history and began in Europe (some say dating back to 1867 at a treatment facility in Bethel, Germany) moving to the United States with certifi cation possible initially through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) in 1996, and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) in 1999.

Th erapy work with horses began as a physical modality. As a mounted practice, it helps people with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Parkinson’s, strokes, learning disabilities and more. Th e way the horse moves correlates to our own movement of walking, swaying our hips and spine. Many children with autism have spoken their fi rst words while mounted on a horse. Th e evolution into addressing behavioral health and substance abuse issues (behavioral health) is as strong today as the physical modality.

Horses for Heroes, a program developed by the Federal government, has spread throughout the country and is practiced

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the tail end Pure joy, captured by our cover photographer, Crystal McDonald

Wishing You Happy Holidays and a

Fantastic New Year from all of us at Horse Around New Mexico!


Life Coaching, Clinics & Consultingwith Lynn Clifford

505.231.5353 • [email protected] • Santa Fe, New Mexico and by arrangement. For more information visit lynnclifford.com

The Ride of Your Life

AUTUMN CLINIC SERIES in Santa Fe

Lynn Clifford with Dandini

6 participants, $300 per clinic, non-refundable. Auditors welcome, $30 orBring a Buddy, $20 each. Bring your horse or work with one of the lesson horses. Optional: You may haul your horse in Friday evening, and if desired, sign up for a private session to prepare. Local hotels nearby.

Are you and your horse engaged and embodied? Would you like the best possible relationship, both on the ground and in the saddle?Join us to explore and expand inner and outer horsemanship skills.

All levels, breeds and disciplines welcome.

Building Your Relationship Saturday 10/26 9:30-5:30 pm | Friday 10/25 option Expanding Your Relationship Saturday 11/16 9:30-5:30 pm | Friday 11/15 option


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