horseback february 2014

2 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 February 2014 - Rodeo Issue www.horsebackmagazine.com

www.horsebackmagazine.com 2 February 2014 - Rodeo Issue 2 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 3 AN-49f (0113)

For stable coverage that makes sense, pick a winner. PROPERTY COVERAGE • Residences • Barns • Hay & Grain • Farm Machinery • Farm Products & Supplies• Tack

LIABILITY COVERAGE• Care, Custody & Control • Riding Instruction • Clinics • Boarding Liability • Shows • Carriage & Buggy Rides • Hay & Sleigh Rides • Umbrella

LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE

One-stop shopping for your EQUINE

INSURANCESOLUTIONS

Horse Sense.

To learn more about American National’s Insurance for Equine Operations visit:

anpac.com | keyword: equine

Products and services may not be available in all states and eligibility requirements will apply. Personal and com-mercial lines insurance is issued by American National Property And Casualty Company (ANPAC®), its subsidiaries or a liates, including American National General Insurance Company, Paci c Property And Casualty Company (California), American National Lloyds Insurance Company (Texas), American National County Mutual Insurance Company (serviced by ANPAC®-Texas), and ANPAC® Louisiana Insurance Company (Louisiana). American National Property And Casualty Company is a subsidiary of American National Insurance Company. Life insurance and annuity products are issued by American National Insurance Company, Galveston, Texas.


dubious claimsvs.

85 years of research

© 2014 Purina Animal Nutr i t ion LLC. Al l r ights reserved.

®

® ®

Introducing Purina® IMPACT® horse feed.There are plenty of claims out there. But Purina® IMPACT® is based on

85 years of research and formulated by Purina Ph.D. Equine Nutritionists

to contain the essentials your horse needs. So you can get a truly premium

feed at a not-so-premium price. And every bag comes with your independent

dealer’s expertise.

Learn more at purinamills.com/horse-feed/impact.

Horseback Feb Ad.indd 1 1/10/14 3:37 PM

www.horsebackmagazine.com 2 February 2014 - Rodeo Issue 2 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 5

dubious claimsvs.

85 years of research

© 2014 Purina Animal Nutr i t ion LLC. Al l r ights reserved.

®

® ®

Introducing Purina® IMPACT® horse feed.There are plenty of claims out there. But Purina® IMPACT® is based on

85 years of research and formulated by Purina Ph.D. Equine Nutritionists

to contain the essentials your horse needs. So you can get a truly premium

feed at a not-so-premium price. And every bag comes with your independent

dealer’s expertise.

Learn more at purinamills.com/horse-feed/impact.


To find a Purina dealer near you, visit: horse.purinamills.com

Steinhauser’s Alvin TX www.steinhausers.com [email protected] (281) 388-0388

Angleton Feed & Supply Angleton TX www.damonfarmandranch.com [email protected] (979) 849-6661

Arcola Feed & Hardware Arcola TX www.arcolafeed.com [email protected] (281) 431-1014

�e Feed Station Austin TX www.jensfeedstation.com [email protected] (512) 301-7788

Bandera Ranch Store Bandera TX www.theranchstore.com [email protected] (830) 796-3342

Bastrop Feed & Supply Bastrop TX www.bastropfeed.com [email protected] (512) 321-3700

Wheeler’s Feed & Outfitters Boerne TX [email protected] www.wheelersfeed.com (830) 249-2656

Steinhauser’s Brookshire TX www.steinhausers.com [email protected] (281) 934-2479

AG Mart Brownwood TX www.agmart.com [email protected] (325) 643-3636

Lonestar Ranch & Outdoors Cleburne TX www.lonestarranchandoutdoors.com [email protected] (817) 645-4325

Clifton Feed Clifton TX www.cliftonfeed.com [email protected] (254) 675-3416

Conroe Feeders Supply Conroe TX www.feederssupplycompanies.com [email protected] (936) 756-5549

J & D Country Store Conroe TX (936) 756-7667

Damon Farm & Ranch Damon TX www.damonfarmandranch.com [email protected] (979) 742-3317

Chachere Feed Store Dayton TX www.chacherefeed.com [email protected] (936) 258-2670

Stockman Seed Feed and Fertilizer DeLeon TX [email protected] (254) 893-5149

Gulf Coast Equine & Pet Center Friendswood TX www.gulfcoastequinepet.com [email protected] (281) 482-7186

Ranchland Country Store Goldthwaite TX [email protected] (325) 648-2741Feed and Fertilizer

Maci Feed & Supply Hardin TX [email protected] (936) 298-9404

Steinhauser’s Hempstead TX www.steinhausers.com [email protected] (979) 826-3273

Cypress Ace Hardware Houston TX www.cypressace.com (281) 469-8020

Hieden Feed & Supply Houston TX (281) 444-1010

Sam Houston Feed & Supply Inc. Houston TX [email protected] (281) 591-2443

Herrmann Feed and Supply Lampasas TX [email protected] (512) 556-5212

Livingston Feed & Farm Supply Livingston TX [email protected] (936) 327-8853

Spring Creek Feed Center Magnolia TX www.springcreekfeed.net [email protected] (281) 252-5400

Steinhauser’s Magnolia TX www.steinhausers.com [email protected] (281) 356-2530

Steinhauser's Navaspta TX www.steinhausers.com [email protected] (936) 825-2081

Needville Feed & Supply Needville TX www.needvillefeedandsupply.com (979) 793-6141

Steinhauser’s Richmond TX www.steinhausers.com [email protected] (832) 595-9500

Steinhauser’s - Rosenberg Rosenberg TX (281) 342-2452

Tibaldo’s Feed & Supply Santa Fe TX [email protected] (409) 925-2735

Steinhauser’s Sealy TX www.steinhausers.com [email protected] (979) 885-2967

D & D Feed & Supply Tomball TX [email protected] (281) 351-7144

Haney Feed & Farm Supply Waller TX www.haneyfeed.com [email protected] (936) 372-3652

King Feed & Hardware Wimberley TX www.kingfeedandhardware.com [email protected] (512) 847-2618



Columns: 8 Horse Bites18 Rodeo Cowboy Pat? - Pat Parelli with Steven Long20 On the English Front - Cathy Strobel22 Whole Horsemanship - Dianne Lindig24 Tack Talk - Lew Pewterbaugh50 Foot Form Function - Pete Ramey58 Cowboy Corner - Jim Hubbard

PUBLISHER EDITORVicki Long Steven Long

NATIONAL NEWS EDITORCarrie Gobernatz

LIFESTYLE EDITORMargaret Pirtle832-349-1427

[email protected]

EVENTS EDITOR Leslie Greco

ADVERTISING OFFICES• HEADQUARTER OFFICE

(281) 447-0772 Phone & (281) 893-1029 [email protected]

• BRAZOS VALUE BUREAUDiane Holt(936) 878-2678 Ranch & (713) 408-8114 [email protected]

• GULF COAST BUREAUCarol Holloway - (832) 607-8264 [email protected]

• NORTH TEXASMari Crabtree - (216) [email protected]

• NEW MEXICO BUREAULaurie Hammer - (505)315-7842 [email protected]

Volume 21, No. 2 Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397, (281) 447-0772. The entire contents of the magazine are copyrighted February 2014 by Horseback Magazine. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Horseback Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Horseback Magazine is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management. Subscription rate is $25.00 for one year.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397. Fax: (281) 893-1029

Email: [email protected] Phone: (281) 447-0772

February 2014FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Boy, do we ever love this time of year as winter here in Texas evolves into spring virtually overnight. Here on the coast, you can set your watch by the leaves budding out within two days of Valentines. That’s followed pretty rapidly by the beginning of foaling season, and that coincides with equine

enthusiasts hitting the trails, outdoor arenas, and especially the tack shops to top off what they already own or to purchase new gear. It’s also a time that if you don’t regularly see a vet each month, check your records and make sure your Coggins certification is up to date and your horse has had all it’s shots. And for sure, don’t neglect rabies, even if your horse’s turn out pasture is behind white fences at a fancy boarding facility. Small critters pay absolutely no attention to those barriers as they wander in from nearby forests and prairies. Anybody who has been around horses for any length of time at all is aware they can get themselves into trouble faster than just about any creature on earth, and that includes being bitten by rabid wildlife or an errant domestic dog. And with the end of winter comes hot weather. Here, the transition lasts seemingly little more than a week. During the recent cold snap when we had ice on the ground here in Southeast Texas, I thought to myself we are just days away from short sleeves and sweat. It just works that way here. The change in the weather also means horse owners will be hooking up their trailers, loading horses, feed, and hay, and departing for wilderness trails or far away arenas for contests as varied as team roping or the justifiably cherished Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, which has donated millions to the Houston medical center. The bottom line to all this is simple. As horsemen, our time is now. Get on the back of a horse and ride.

By Steven Long

Staff

Lifestyle:12 Hidden Behind Cowboy Boots - Madeline Brown34 Barn & Garden40 Real Estate Roundup42 Rural Property Market - Roni Nordquist48 All Hail to the Beefmasters - Margaret Pirtle

Our Time is Now!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJim Hubbard, Steven Long, Vicki Long, Dianne Lindig, Roni Norquist, Pat Parelli, Darley Newman,

Kelsey Hellmann, Pete Ramey, Lew Pewterbaugh, Cathy Strobel, Cory Johnson, Margaret Pirtle

On the Cover: It’s Rodeo Time - Get out and enjoy!

Cover Story:30 Eating Dirt - Steven Long

Features:10 Meet Josey Milner - Steven Long26 A Camp for All - Margaret Pirtle

THE SECRET IS OUT.OUR BEST FORAGES JUST GOT BETTER.

Hay and pasture are the most important ingredients in

a horse’s diet, but sometimes they’re in short supply.

While we can provide a Triple Crown® feed for any

situation, the need remains for good fiber that can

supplement or replace your current hay supply at home

or on the road. We’ve answered this need by:

Check out our full line of forage feeds including our Safe

Starch Forage, ideal for horses with metabolic issues,

and our new Alfa-Lox Forage, for horses prone to ulcers.

> Upgrading the screening process for a

cleaner product

> Removing molasses from our Grass Forage

(Lower NSC)

> Switching to a more convenient, easier to

handle 40 lb. bag

For more information, visit us at www.triplecrownfeed.com or call 800-451-9916.


THE SECRET IS OUT.OUR BEST FORAGES JUST GOT BETTER.

Hay and pasture are the most important ingredients in

a horse’s diet, but sometimes they’re in short supply.

While we can provide a Triple Crown® feed for any

situation, the need remains for good fiber that can

supplement or replace your current hay supply at home

or on the road. We’ve answered this need by:

Check out our full line of forage feeds including our Safe

Starch Forage, ideal for horses with metabolic issues,

and our new Alfa-Lox Forage, for horses prone to ulcers.

> Upgrading the screening process for a

cleaner product

> Removing molasses from our Grass Forage

(Lower NSC)

> Switching to a more convenient, easier to

handle 40 lb. bag

For more information, visit us at www.triplecrownfeed.com or call 800-451-9916.


The Horse Of Course, Inc. Steps Up at FEI Trainers Conference

WELLINGTON, (The Horse of Course) - “We’ve participated for as long as I can remember,” said Beth Haist, CEO of The Horse of Course, Inc., which again sponsored clothing and welcome bags for participants and clinicians at the 2014 Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference, January 20-21, at Mary Anne McPhail’s High Meadow Farm in Loxa-hatchee, FL. Headlining the 2014 conference were U.S. Dressage Olympian, Steffen Pe-ters, and USEF National Young Dressage Horse Coach, Scott Hassler, who focused on the critical stages of development and training. Peters was again very hands-on with the FEI-level horses, spending time in the saddle while identifying where rid-ers ‘get in trouble’, and showcasing his techniques as he worked through real life issues related to the discipline’s Pyramid of Training. Peters and Hassler also en-gaged attendees in peer–to–peer discus-sion as they evaluated each situation.

“Horse Bites is compiled from Press Releases sent to Horseback Magazine. Original reporting is done as circumstances warrant.

Content is edited for length & style.”

Famed Rodeo Barrel Clown Quail Dobbs Dead at 73

By Steven Long

HOUSTON, (Horseback) – Horseback Magazine has learned venerable pro rodeo barrel man Quail Dobbs died on January 16 in Coahoma, Texas where he was a Jus-tice of the Peace. ForyearsDobbswasafixtureatnot only the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but Wyoming’s Cheyenne Frontier Days. Dobbs, a natural clown, began his career in the arena as a rough stock rider on bulls and bareback horses. He started his career as a barrelman in 1962.

Over the years he was named PRCA Clown of the Year twice, Coors Man in the Can four times, and worked the Na-tional Finals Rodeo. At the big Las Vegas event he served both as a barrelman and abullfighter. He was also a regular on the WranglerBullfightToursFinal. Dobbs leaves two children. He made his last appearance in the arena at the Cheyenne event in 1998. Dobbs remained on his Coaho-ma Texas JP bench until his death.

Quail Dobbs, photo courtesy PRCA

Nevada’s Wild Horses Again In the Cross Hairs Facing Destruction

RENO, (WHE) - Wild Horse Education President and founderLauraLeighfileddocuments requesting court permission to intervene in a legal action aimed at all of Nevada’s wild horse population. The initial complaint, brought by the Nevada Association of Counties and the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation, makes broad allegations asking for wild horse remov-als statewide and the destruction of what they call “excess” horses in Bureau of Land Management facilities. “We have to try all that we can

to defend wild horses against this suit,” Leigh said. “BLMs lack of proactive ac-tion to correct flaws made in historicwild horse management has created a situation where our ‘living symbol of the pioneer spirit’ is again the target of private profiteers because of fictionalpopulation numbers that are set as “appropriate” and in many cases were

set under direct influence of livestockboards.” In her Declaration to the court Leigh writes: “The broad claims made in this NACO suit that because the National Academy of Sciences or “NAS,” (that Plaintiff references as the “American Academy of Sciences”) report says there is a lack of data utilized in the BLM pro-gram somehow justifies broad scale re-moval is extremely upsetting for me. The same lack of data was used in determin-ing “AML,” making that number as inac-curate as anything else in the program.” In 2012 the BLM created drought action plans to deal with issues that were arising on the range. A handful of live-stock producers holding permits faced restrictions where the length of time or numbers of animals they could graze on public lands were limited. These restric-tions created a domino effect of outrage among Nevada ranchers, counties, and state Department of Agriculture. Leigh writes: “The NACO suit would have you believe that wild horses are responsible for the restrictions to livestockproducers.Theonlyspecificex-ample they note to support their claims is of the “Diamond Complex.” The Dia-mond Complex is a group of wild horse herd management areas located in a three district cluster. It is of note that livestock restrictions were also put into place un-der the Battle Mountain “Drought Plan” in areas of the district that do not have wild horse populations. Wild horses were not responsible for the restrictions nor the condition of the range. The drought conditions and continued livestock pro-duction were.” The NACO suit not only re-quests the court to remove all wild horses in populations that exceed the inaccurate “AML” or stray onto “private property, but goes as far as requesting that horses in holding facilities nationwide be de-stroyed or sold “without limitation,” or to slaughter. The suit cites the 2004 “Burns Amendment” that allowed wild horses tobesoldforslaughterforthefirsttimesince the 1971 Act to protect wild horses and burros was passed. The Amendment was slipped into an Omnibus spending bill prior to Thanksgiving recess. Ameri-Horsebites - Con’t. on pg. 14


HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

JOB NO. CAN130035 DATE 12.9.13 INITIALS DATE

CD Mark H.

AD/Designer Dan J.

Writer Beth K.

Layout Designer

Account Mgr. Joe H.

Project Mgr. Dianne Y.

Print Prod.

CLIENT Cargill

HEADLINE Progressive Ads

FILE NAME ProgressiveMoleculeHorseAd_FP4C_HorsebackMag_DEALERROUND

1STAGE:CLIENT REVIEW

LIVE 7.5" x 10"

TRIM 8.5" x 11"

MAGAZINEBLEED 8.88" x11.35" MEDIA

COLOR CMYK

C M Y K

THE PRECISE NUTRIENTS YOUR HORSE NEEDS TO DIG DEEP AND FINISH ON TOP.

prognutrition.comPrecise nutrition. Visible results.

PROGRESSIVE NUTRITION. SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN.It’s easy to spot a horse on a Progressive Nutrition® diet. Because our feeds, balancers and supplements are formulated to deliver the precise nutrients your horses need for superior performance. The visible results are astounding. And our specialists, Ph.D.s and biochemists will continue working together to help your horses reach their true genetic potential.

WD FEED & SUPPLY832-454-2515MAGNOLIA, TX

GULF COASTPET & EQUINE281-482-7186FRIENDSWOOD, TX

D & D FEED281-351-7144TOMBALL, TX

NEEDVILLEFEED & SUPPLY979-793-6146NEEDVILLE, TX

CARMINEFEED & FERTILIZER979-542-2446GIDDINGS, TX

CARMINEFEED & FERTILIZER979-278-3111CARMINE, TX

WALKER’S FEED & FARM SUPPLIES936-856-6446WILLIS, TX

D & DFEED & SADDLERY281-485-6645PEARLAND, TX

BAKER HAY & FEED936-373-3466WALLER, TX

C & SFEED & FARM SUPPLY936-597-4050MONTGOMERY, TX

WHITELEYFARM SUPPLY512-446-3541ROCKDALE, TX

DLS FEED512-288-5025AUSTIN, TX

TRIPLE C FEED512-756-7264BURNETT, TX

CROWNOVER FEED830-693-4458MARBLE FALLS, TX

BARREL HOUSEFEED & HARDWARE830-535-6303PIPE CREEK, TX

ST. HEDWIGFEED & SUPPLY210-667-1346ST. HEDWIG, TX

STRUTTY’S FEED & PET830-438-8998SPRING BRANCH, TX

STEINHAUSER’S979-885-2967SEALY, TX

STEINHAUSER’S281-934-2479BROOKSHIRE, TX

STEINHAUSER’S281-388-0388ALVIN, TX

STEINHAUSER’S281-356-2530MAGNOLIA, TX

STEINHAUSER’S979-826-3273HEMPSTEAD, TX

STEINHAUSER’S979-778-0978BRYAN, TX

STEINHAUSER’S936-825-2081NAVASOTA, TX

FIVE STAR FEED409-736-0777PORT ARTHUR, TX

DOUBLE L RANCH &WILDLIFE FEED830-896-7722KERRVILLE, TX

ARCOLA FEED281-431-1014ROSHARON, TX

AUNIQUERANCH & FARM SUPPLY281-471-2460LA PORTE, TX

BREHM’S FEED CO281-341-9005RICHMOND, TX

ProgressiveMoleculeHorseAd_FP4C_HorsebackMag_DEALER 1 12/10/13 9:48 AM


Breed Spotlight...

It has been d e c a d e s since I have been

able to say with absolute certainty that a recording artist was a better than even bet to make the big time. It brings to mind Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard – aka “That Little Band from Texas,” ZZ Top. I knew in my heart that Garth Brooks was destined to be a super star (can’t say the same for George Strait). Now another one has entered my consciousness, a 17-year-old petite Missouri girl named Josey Milner. Josey Milner grew up on a small farm and began her career singing the national anthem at youth rodeos be-tween barrel racing stints. She topped the patriotic singing phase of her career with a gig at the American Royal rodeo in Kansas City. That’s when the pert blond hung up her spurs, stabled her pole bending horse, and determined to pursue stardom. Her new single, “Cow-

girls” is a giant leap in the direction of the concert stage and a long career in Nashville music.

“It’s been very different from what you hear from your average teenager,” she told Horse-back. Did we men-tion, she’s a mem-ber of her high school’s honor so-ciety?

Things are happening rapidly for Milner. She’s had one single before Cowboys, and she’s currently recording her first album with some heavyweight country music producers with creden-tials who have helped make hit records with Hall and Oates, John Rich, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Reba, and Garth. With that kind of backup on her pro-duction team something is going to rub off. That is evident on Cowgirls. And it is happening suddenly. “I never could have imagined it being like this a couple of years ago,” she told Horseback. “Whenever I was doing rodeo, music was never even an idea. You know, I just kind of did a 360 and turned completely around. It’s

Josey MilnerBy Steven Long


hB

Bellville ~ on the Square ~ 979.865.2121 (home) round top ~ on ByBee Square Brenham ~ in the antique GypSy Katy ~ in Kt antiqueS

our deSiGnerS include: Heart’s Desire ~ Flax ~ C.P. Shades ~ Tina Givens

Betty Hadikusumo ~ Matchpoint ~ Ayala Bar Richard Schmidt ~ Sweet Romance ~ Firefly & more...

Come and meet MimiBella. Beautiful and comfortable linenwear in luscious colors. Mix, match and make ours uniquely yours. Uncover oh-so-fabulous jewelry, purses, scarves and other fantastic finds!

mimiBellaS.com [email protected] FaceBook: mimiBella on the Square in Bellville tX

ab

pretty crazy.” School still comes first. “I’m a straight A student, I’m in the Honor Soci-ety, and I have a 3.9 GPA,” she said. Josey plans to attend University of Central Missouri, Warrenton with a course load leading to a bachelor of fine arts degree in graph-ic design. Milner already designs her own promotional material including online posters and banners. She has given up an eight year run on her horse doing barrels and poles. She sold her horse to be able to pay for recording “Cowgirls. Mil-ner didn’t disclose how much the sale brought her other than to say, “I got what I wanted. The horse was a Quar-ter Horse/Welsh Pony mix. She was kind of short. “

“I mainly used her for poll bending and I used the horse of a girl I used to rodeo with for barrels,” she said.

“She was a little spitfire. Every time we got in the arena she would try to rear up or try to back out. I miss my horse, but she went to a really good home.” “I know the people who I sold her to,” she said. “I actually rodeoed with them. So far they are working pretty good together, kicking butt on

her, I guess you could say. They’ve been winning first or second in every event that she does.”

Rodeo may be out of the pic-ture for good in Milner’s life, she believes. She doesn’t know if she will have time to join the UCM rodeo team when she gets to college. She’s already playing almost every weekend at clubs, private parties, and the usual circuit for a local band.

However, she prefers fairs and festivals because it is more of a concert setting than a dance. With only a little break, this girl could hit the national stage and never turn back.


hB

Wearing shiny cow-boy boots and a pair of blue jeans, Maya almost

blends in with the masses of peo-ple who are lined up to watch the day’s events—until she opens her mouth. “Yee-haw and howdy y’all! Let’s ride in pick up trucks and go down dirt roads…. with cows!” she jokes as we enter the rodeo. I was born and raised in Texas, so I know that March means barbeque, baked beans, and bull riding. It wasn’t un-til I moved to New Hampshire for college that I realized many things that I assumed were nor-mal were only a part of Western culture—what’s wrong with put-ting barbeque sauce and ranch on every cafeteria meat? Over Spring Break I decided to take Maya to Texas to indoctrinate her into Texan culture. “OH MY GOSH!!! I want to meet a rodeo boyfriend!” Maya squealed. “He will be tall and handsome and he will only wear jeans: a jean shirt, jean pants and even a jean cowboy hat!” Envisioning a rodeo full of jean-wearing, sweet-talking gentlemen, Maya couldn’t wait to play dress-up herself and get the perfect cowgirl hat to com-plete the look. Maya giggled as she tried on endless hats and vests while we walked towards our seats. “So you’re telling me that the rodeo has multiple

events?” she questioned. “I al-ways thought that there was just a single rodeo event. You know, one man, a lasso, and a few cows.” Before I could explain what to expect, a voice came into the loudspeaker announc-ing the beginning of the rodeo and people began to fill the sta-dium. The lady sitting next to Maya ferociously gobbled on a turkey leg slathered in bar-beque sauce. Maya (a devout vegetarian) nervously asked me if they served “tofu” with a similar sauce. For a split sec-ond, I thought they might have deep-fried tofu, but I kept this thought to myself. As we watched cow-boys clench onto bulls and cowgirls race around barrels, Maya’s expression of confusion became one of anticipation. Sure, she had never heard of George Strait and she thought that every cow with horns was a “boy cow,” but she was hootin’ and hollerin’ with the rest of the stadium as the riders made it to eight seconds. She laughed as little kids tried to hold onto the sheep and swayed as Luke Bryan serenaded—and shook his booty—to the audience. When we drove home, Maya could not stop talking about all of the events that she just saw—and all of the differ-ent kinds of fried food! Though she never found the jean-wear-ing man of her dreams, she be-came even more enamored by the western lifestyle. She was able to see beyond the cowboy boots and all of the stereotypes associated with rodeo culture and appreciate the utter talent of all of the athletes involved. I turned up the coun-try music, Maya tossed her hat into the back of the car and we both let out a loud yeeeee-haaaw!

Hidden Behind Cowboy Boots

By Madeline M Brown

Ten “rounds” of 1troy oz .45 ACP Silver Bullet Bullion packaged in an ammunition box modeled on the ones used by the military. e set comes with the Mint’s Certificate of Authenticity including weight in grains and troy oz, silver purity, and stamped with the inspection date.

EaEach Silver Bullet Bullion is REAL SILVER, lathed to the familiar form of the .45-caliber bullet that was created for the Colt semi-automatic .45 pistol and the M1911 pistol used by the US Army beginning in 1911 and in service until 1986.

ere are few investments more unique than these1 oz. pure .999-fine silver bullets. And, while not actual ammunition for your weapon, Silver Bullet Bullion helps you take deadly aim at deficit spending, flat currency, sovereign debt, quantitative easing, failed Federal Reserve policy, and rampant inflation.

$289.00 Per Set

Call Today, Act Fast - Quantities are limited!

Call Toll-Free 1(888) 902-3707Dept: HBSB-0114

FOR FASTER SERVICE: www.nationalcoindepository.com


Scan or visit http://goo.gl/ZPGU0n

IT ONLY TAKES TWO DAYS TO BECOME A BETTER HORSEMAN. Begin your journey toward real horsemanship, attend a Walkabout Tour stop near you.

DISCOVER THE

METHOD

WALKABOUTEVENTS.COM • 888.287.7432

OVER $6,000 IN PRIZES GIVEN AWAY AT EACH TOUR STOP!JOIN WWW.NOWORRIESCLUB.COM TO GET COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MARCH 22-23 • GEORGE H. HENDERSON JR. EXPO CTR. • 1200 ELLEN TROUT DR. • LUFKIN, TX


cans, and several Congressmen, were surprised the language existed at all in the bill. Funding for BLM to destroy wild horses or sell them for slaughter has been repeatedly denied in subse-quent appropriations bills including again in 2014. The amendment was drafted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and former Montana Sen. Conrad Burns. “This is ‘true colors’ time,” stated Leigh “all pretense of respect for any other use of public land be-sides the subsidized use of your public land by the livestock industry is evident in this suit. This suit is retaliation for finallycreatingvalidrestrictiontolive-stock use. I have every expectation that tensions will increase as drought con-ditions repeat this year. It is more than past time for the BLM to begin to admit the mis-takes of the past in the wild horse and burro program, stop catering to live-stock producers and give wild horses the rangeland and resources they actu-ally need to survive as ‘wild and inte-gral’ before private profiteers destroywhat is left of our living symbol of freedom and our public rangeland.”

Horsebites - Con’t. on pg. 17

NFR to Remain in Las Vegas For Next Decade After Rodeo Inks Sweet Deal

LAS VEGAS (PRCA) – Following a unanimous votes by the Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees and the Pro-fessional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors, both organiza-tions jointly announced today that they have reached an agreement to keep the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas through 2024. The new agree-ment will begin following the 2014 Wrangler NFR. Per the agreement, LVE will guarantee $16.5 million annually in purse and sponsorship for the Wrangler NFR. From 2015-19, the contestant purse will be $10 million, while stock contractors will receive $3 million an-nually. The contestants will be guaran-teed $10,000 each year, which will not be offset by contestant winnings. From 2020-24, there will be cost-of-living in-creases to each purse and guarantee. Additional elements of the agreement include a season-long spon-sorship program with the PRCA, pre-senting sponsorships of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and 12 RAM Circuit Final Rodeos, as well as

the National Finals Steer Roping, if it is held in Las Vegas. The Wrangler NFR, known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, has sold out 270 consecu-tive performances and attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing andbull riding.Qualification isbasedon the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings. In 2013, the event had a total attendance of 176,558 over the ten days of competi-tion in Las Vegas, resulting in a non-gaming economic impact of $87.9 mil-lion for the destination. In 2014, the Wrangler NFR will run from Dec. 4 through 13 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Remembering Steve Fromholz Story and Photos by Steven LongThe late Steve Fromholz always looked goodinahat.Irememberfirstseeinghimin the early ‘70s when a handful of song-writers and performers emerged out of the Austin music scene. The headliners were Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker

Photo: Fred McClanahan Jr.

Photo: Hubbel Photos

See ALL of our AWESOME styles!Long Lasting • Ultimate Protection • Good Fit

WWW.TACKXAS.COM 8889075432

ENGLISH & WESTERN SADDLES, TACK & MORE!TRADITIONAL, FLEX TREE & TREELESS OPTIONS!

Horsebites - Con’t. from pg. 8


Texas’ EssentialFeeds Since 1938

Texas’ EssentialFeeds Since 1938

Who started the12/8

Revolution?WHY, MG DID OF COURSE!

RIGHT HERE IN WEIMAR, TEXAS

MG’s 12/8 Pellet provide the controlled

performance you need!


Schiller Ranch Presents

Bringingthe

Back to Texas!

March 10 - 16, 2014Brazos County Expo Complex

Bryan, Texas

Benefiting

For more information: [email protected]

www.DiamondsAndDirt.com

New for 2014 $225,000 Slot Race

$15,000Open 5D$10,000

Sweepstakes

$15,000Derby$5,000Amateur

Futurity Finals



Steve Fromholz photo: Steven Long


who still hold the top spot today more than 40 years later. But there was also B.W. Stevenson (who was the first of them todie). Others were the late Rusty Weir, Wil-lis Alan Ramsey, Mi-chael Murphy, and of course Fromholz. He was my favorite. Steve was so much more than a picker. He was a poet-ic genius who painted a picture with words and music every bit as much as an artist did with a brush, or a sculptor molding with his hands and a chisel. I first methim at a personal ap-pearance in Galves-ton at a bistro called Rusty’sonPostofficeStreet. The room was packed and inti-mate. I asked him to play “Dear Darcie,” probably my favorite song of all time, and he did. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed sit-

ting and listening to music more. Horseback readers who don’t know his name will remember his music by Willie Nelson’s “I’d Have to be Crazy.” Steve wrote it. But what made him a Texas legend and earned him the title of Poet Laureate of Texas for a time was his “Texas Trilogy. It is the story of a hard scrabble ranching family in North Central Texas based on the experi-ences of his sister Angela and her hus-band. There are people in life that you get to know really well in the first two min-

utes you are with them. Fromholz was like that. We had a long weekend with he and Angela at

Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera. Our group on the Hill Country trails also included friends Bobby and Donna Reyn-olds of Floresville, and former Texas Parks

and Wildlife parks director Walt Dab-ney. Fromholz had such a good time at the park he swore to return and do a concert at the park. He was true to his word. The last time I saw Steve was at a private subscription concert with his erstwhile partner for the tour, Kinky Friedman. That was one memorable evening. Fromholz is gone now, felled by a gunshot at the Flying B Ranch in Schleicher County, about 40 miles from San Angelo. A statement from his fam-ily read, “The accident involved the unexpected discharge of his shotgun as he prepared for an afternoon hunt to address a feral hog infestation that had been menacing the goat population in Schleicher County. Steven died be-ing a rancher, an avocation he heartily embraced with his sweetheart, Susan Buchholz.”Knowing Fromholz, if he were here, he’d make a song about it.

Military Horse Herd Dating to Servicein Civil War Could Go to Slaughter

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, (The Mustang Project) – The Mustang Proj-ect, a 501 (c) 3 organization located in

Schiller Ranch Presents

Bringingthe

Back to Texas!

March 10 - 16, 2014Brazos County Expo Complex

Bryan, Texas

Benefiting

For more information: [email protected]

www.DiamondsAndDirt.com

New for 2014 $225,000 Slot Race

$15,000Open 5D$10,000

Sweepstakes

$15,000Derby$5,000Amateur

Futurity Finals

HORSEBACK MAGAZINE: You’re a former rodeo cowboy. My friend Sam-my Catalina who owns Catalina Rodeo Company created the famed Catalina Cowgirls, a precision drill team that has performed around the world and before heads of state. The team was created to go beyond women carrying flags between events to today’s breath-taking spectacle in the arena. Some of those women have told me they ride the same horses that Sammy has used in the bucking chutes. That struck me as an

impossibility, but Sammy is a truthful man. Enlighten me and our readers about how this can possibly be true.PAT PARELLI: I will on one condition. That you put a pic-ture of me in there during my rodeo career.HORSEBACK: That’s a prom-ise. I have the photo already from the days when you were riding broncs.PARELLI: Do some buckin’ horses in rodeo have a second use as pick up horses or even precision drill team horses? Absolutely, yes. Horses are nature in its finest form. They are amazing learners that can sort out what they do, and don’t do in situations. My first experience with this was back in the early ‘70s with a stock contractor who was very well

known for having very well con-ditioned stock that most cowboys knew they had to really bear down to get ‘em rode.HORSEBACK: That sounds like a really good one.PARELLI: He would walk horses into the chutes with a halter and lead rope. I thought, ‘hey, that’s kind of interesting. Like most buckin’ horses, they had brands with numbers on them. One day I was in a rodeo and he asked me if I would be a pick-up man for the show on Friday. I said sure. He said “There’s a big black mare around the corner there that you can use. I have the saddle and bridle han-gin’ on the post. So I go over there and I lift the saddle to put it on the horse, got everything lined up, and then I noticed she’s got a brand on her hip. I walked back to him and I said, ‘That’s Elco Madam. I just


Hand braided lead ropes made in the U.S.A. Over 40 years of braiding experience

Pat the Rodeo Cowboy?By Pat Parelli with Steven Long

Western...

Arcola now carriesProgressive

Feed!

hB

won the Antioch Rodeo in bare-back riding last weekend.’HORSEBACK: I would love to

have seen the look on your face.PARELLI: He said, ‘I know that. I use her on the ranch all the time. She’s a great mare. You have no worries, just get on her.’ I did like he said, and sure enough, the horse I had just won the bareback riding on the week-end before was also a pick-up horse. Later I ended up on the Fresno State College Rodeo

Team and we had a mare there that

belonged to one of our team mem-bers. This mare would buck out In the bareback riding. We would

buck her out of the chute about twice, and then we would rope a few steers on her, and then some of his girlfriends would practice their barrel racing.HORSEBACK: She was the uni-versal horse.PARELLI: You see, horses can sort these kind of things out. A lot of it has to do with their nature and the foundation they were brought up on. There are a lot of issues out there about whether the flank strap is a cruel thing or not. Just so every-body knows for sure, the flank strap wrapped with sheepskin doesn’t hurt the horse. It kind of tickles the horse. Put a small string around your dog in the flank area and draw it up gently and your dog will try to jump. He’s being tickled. He’s not in pain. HORSEBACK: So many poorly informed people just don’t get it. Thanks for explaining.PARELLI: Just remember, horses are nature, so keep it natural.

Pat Parelli, during the 1970’s



English...

HIEDENFeed & Supply, Inc.

North Houston's Most Convenient & Complete Feed Supplier8-5:30 (M-F)

8-4 (Sat)

If You Need It We've Got It!Nutrena & Purina Lone Star & Wendland Acco & Moorman's

ALL THE HAY YOU NEED!Alfalfa Coastal Timothy Straw

281.444.1010 14403 Stuebner Airline Houston TX

SERVING TEXANS FOR 60 YEARS

Do you have a passion for & training experience in Natural Horsemanship?We’re growing, join our team we offer a unique

opportunity with clients waiting!

see website for details:www.healthwithhorsehelp.com/employment(832) 444-4821

Houston has always been a city with plenty of money and horses. Back in the mid

80’s rodeo was a way of life for many people in a town where Wednesday night’s roping was as common place as Friday night football. As more people filtered into the city from other parts of the country and even the world, the equestrian sport of jumping began to increase in popularity. There were only a few stables around town that were able to accommodate jumping competitions and the facilities were limited in their capabilities. Fortunately for the horse community, a family who was committed to the sport and had the financial resources to take on the project saw the need for a large modern facility that could accommodate the Houston market. In the sleepy town of Katy, in the western outskirts of the Houston suburbs, the Great Southwest Equestrian Center emerged as a state of the art horse facility. A long driveway lined with wooden fencing to provide several large turnout

“The Gem of the Southwest”

paddocks on each side invited you in. A large, impressive mansion sat at the end of the driveway with a beautiful foyer, elegant offices, locker rooms and a huge banquet room upstairs that overlooked the arena for weddings and events. The enormous covered arena behind it was surrounded by four large barns that could accommodate trainers from a number of disciplines including dressage, jumping and western riding. A lesson program was later added and trainers and boarders flocked to the facility. Meanwhile, a large show facility was constructed at the back of the property with stadium seating for 4,000 spectators, warm-up arenas, stalls to house horses for shows along with wash-racks and showers for the grooms. Extras such as permanent office space, concessions stand and plenty of room for parking made the amenities far surpass any other equestrian show

grounds in Houston. It was amazing and competitions in Houston rose to a new level! Now, if you know your history, you probably know that in the late 70’s to early 80’s Houston was a boomtown. But by the end of the 80’s, the “bust” was in full swing. Nearly one out of every three houses was repossessed as the oil industry suffered greatly. The trickle-down effect eventually made its way to the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, forcing it to shut down in 1989. For a few years it was in a bank’s possession and on the market with rumors of tearing it down. In 1994, Michael O’Connor bought the facility for a whopping $3.1 million and put it back into action. Prestigious shows such as the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show and shows that positioned Olympic hopefuls to qualify for a place on the US Equestrian Team filled the arenas. Meanwhile the


WelcomeRodeo Fans!

March 8th Chick Days 8AM-5PMChicken Specialist from Purina answers questions! 5% off chicken related accessories (purchases good for drawing entry to win backyard chicken coop).

(281) 252-5400 www.springcreekfeed.net26211 FM 2978 Rd. Magnolia, TX 77354Store Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm • Sun 10am-5pm

More Than Just a Feed Store!Spring Creek Feed Center

Cathy Strobel has over 30 years of experience as a trainer, judge & clinician she can be reached at Southern Breeze Eq. Ctr. at (281) 431-4868 or www.sbreeze.com

hB

training barn and arena went through changes. New shops were built next to the mansion and were filled with a variety of products and services that were unrelated to horses. In 2006, the mansion was converted to a church. The main arena was eventually turned into a tennis club and the training barn was closed along the way. For several years, the GSWEC held its own in the horse show world but it wasn’t until 2009, when Jeff Hildebrand, a prominent Houstonian with a family history of horse involvement, began taking it to a whole new level. With a true love of equestrian sports and a lot of pride in this facility, Hildebrand’s vision launched a myriad of improvements. There are now 4 outdoor arenas that are competition worthy. Two of them have been resurfaced so far, with Ottosport from Germany and all are rideable in all weather conditions. The new Tellepsen covered arena seats 1,500 spectators making a total of 3 large covered competition arenas. The Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club overlooking the main

arena, has been beautifully renovated, providing an elegant yet versatile room. With a beautiful bar at one end and big screen TV at the other end, the room is easily set up for events, seminars, parties or simply a quiet respite from the weather or hustle and bustle of a show. And the view is spectacular. Sparing no expense, Hildebrand has spent over $4 million in improvements. Two years ago, 1,200 oak trees were planted to increase the beauty and comfort for everyone on property and he’s still pressing on. More landscaping, irrigation, new restrooms and several utility buildings are still looming on the horizon. The Great Southwest Equestrian Center has become an annual destination on the horse show circuit for many serious competitors. With 650 permanent stalls, the springtime shows bring in enough horses to fill 1100 stalls and every corner of the property has temporary stalls on it. With 50-60 events per year, 60,000 stall nights are anticipated to be sold for this year alone and the 96 RV slots will be sold out more than once

this year. In March, the Winter Series plays host to several AA hunter/jumper shows and one of the oldest shows in the country, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. During the second and third weeks in April, it is also host to the second largest reining competition in the world, the National Reining Breeder’s Classic. Local hotels, restaurants, vets, farriers, tack shops, gas stations and a variety of local businesses are affected by the success of this complex. The local economic impact from the GSWEC is estimated to be over $30 million, making the Great Southwest Equestrian Center not only a winner for the entire horse community but also for countless local businesses in (no longer sleepy) Katy. If you ride and you haven’t seen it for yourself yet, you need to put this incredible show facility high on your destination list.


General...

Years ago, I had a lovely seal brown gelding named Steady Senor, or “Lonesome”. Although he was a registered Quarter Horse, Lonesome

heavily reflected the infusion of the Thoroughbred bloodlines into the Quarter Horse breed. Standing 16’2”, he had long, elegant lines- with fine, long legs, and a thin, graceful neck, and only a moderately broad chest. Lonesome had lots of speed, so I thought he’d make a good barrel racing horse. Soon into his training, it was apparent that he had a great deal of trouble balancing in his turns. My wonderful friend and mentor, Carol Rambo, saw the trouble I was having, and offered to help me improve his training. Carol’s favorite event was reining, but she also competed for all-around titles at all-day shows, so she trained her mare to do everything from Western Pleasure ,to Western Riding, to Reining. She slowed Lonesome and me down, and had us do a lot of very collected straight lines, circles, and bending turns at very low speed. I worked Lonesome very hard in this way, and his balance and athleticism did improve. However, he never mastered a balanced, tight, bending turn at high speed. So I tried Western judged events, since that was what Carol was mostly into. He usually placed in trail class, but struggled in the pleasure and pattern classes. With his naturally long stride, and his elevated, floating movement, he simply wasn’t made for these types of events. As the years have gone by, I have had many regrets over the long hours of

practice that I put Lonesome through, in hopes of fitting his square peg athleticism into a round hole. He was infinitely patient and willing- the only reason that I could ask him over and over again to try harder to do things he wasn’t naturally good at. Looking back on it, and knowing more about English disciplines now than I did

then, I realize that he would have made a smashing Hunter-Jumper. He was very athletic, just not in the grounded types of movements that Western events require. He was very flexible, light in my hands, but loved to go with light contact on the bit. He was incredibly good-minded, taking every situation I ever put him in right in stride. His height and lean, lanky build made it very easy for him to clear obstacles, although I never asked him to jump very high, because I didn’t know anything about jumping at the time. As my horsemanship knowledge has broadened over the years, I have asked myself over and over again, “What the heck was I thinking?” I now realize and appreciate that horses, like humans, are each good at something, Some of them are good at more than one thing. Nevertheless, each individual horse will have his or her best type of movement and/ or discipline. There are, indeed, fundamental skills that any well-trained horse should be

able to do. That said, not every horse should be expected to do every skill or maneuver at speed, or in a highly stylized way. For instance, here at the ranch, we train all of our horses to do quiet transitions between all gaits, balanced stops, balanced bending turns and circles, basic lateral movements, and how to take either lead quietly, when asked for it. As

their training progresses, our horses are taught flying changes of lead, and turns on the haunches. ( All of this is assuming that the horse is not physically impaired by age, or a chronic condition or injury.) Nevertheless, not every horse is expected to master a reining spin, (a continuous turn on the haunches at speed), to do an extremely slow Western Pleasure style of lope, or to fly over 3-foot or higher jumps without hesitation. Instead, we look at each horse’s conformation, breeding, disposition, and, more importantly, their natural “way of going”, both at liberty, and under saddle. As the horse develops, we feel whether the horse likes to balance with more bit contact, as in English styles, or with less, as in Western riding. We also take note of whether the horse is naturally more forward, or more laid back, physically and mentally. As their training progresses, we either encourage each individual horse to self carry with less bit contact, (as in Western riding), or we allow them to use more support from

“A Square Peg in a Round Hole”


the bit in order to balance, with slight constant contact, (as in English riding). Sometimes we find that a horse will go “on the bit” if wearing a snaffle, (and with the rider using more leg), but will also work with only intermittent bit contact when wearing a leverage bit. Likewise, we’ll occasionally find a horse that will work at speed when asked, yet stay calm enough to quietly do judged events, or to be a great trail horse. Such a versatile horse is an awful lot of fun to own and to ride, (my favorite kind, actually),yet, it would be unfair and frustrating for such a horse, were you to push it to the extreme in a highly specialized discipline. Each of us has our own reasons for owning or riding a horse. Whether professional or recreational riders, we must be honest with ourselves, when choosing a horse for a particular purpose. While breeding, conformation, and disposition are all important

considerations in making that choice, we must ultimately remember that horses, like humans, are individuals, each with a unique set of qualities that makes them who they are. If a horse doesn’t turn out to be talented in the way that you expected it to be when you acquired it, look for what it is good at. Learn to appreciate each horse for its own unique set of talents, or find a new owner for it who will. Asking a horse continually to be something that they are not, is miserable for both horse and rider, and represents a missed opportunity in revealing the miracle that lies, ready to unfold, within every horse.

Always Remember to Enjoy the Ride!Contact Dianne at Hill Country

Equestrian Lodge where she teaches Whole Horsemanship year-round.

www.hillcountryequestlodge.com, or (830) 796-7950

hB

Free pick up & delivery in the San Antonio area, with 3 blankets or more!

Send To: BANDERA EQUINE VALET 2687 Winans Creek Road, Bandera, TX 78003

(830) 328-0321 or [email protected]

V A L E T


General...

“Hurry up & loop ‘em, I got Finger

Farms Hay waiing back at the stalls!”

281.659.5584FingerFarms.net

“February is a Hard Month to Spell”

Horseback Magazine’s Saddle & Tack Editor

Bandera’s Lew Pewterbaugh has been called the most knowledgeable saddle and tack authority in

the Southwest. For private fitting consultation call (830) 328-0321 or (830) 522-6613

or email: [email protected].

hB

February - I always have to double check the spelling. Do I put an “r” after the “b” or not. I’m never sure. It’s an odd month, short

by two or three days, depending on if it’s Leap Year or not. I always hated the Sadie Hawkins dances, because nobody ever asked me to dance, even though I’m a really good dancer. My father used to dance at an Arthur Murray Dance School - one dance for a dime. Ladies would PAY HIM to dance with them so they could learn to dance. I never learned to do a soft shoe like he could, much to my regret. I don’t suppose he could do the Texas two step or the schottische like I can, though. I was such a bashful teenager, always unsure of myself. It comes across big time when you’re not sure of yourself. Now, in my declining years, I have a lot of regrets. I should have trusted myself more. The one place I was really sure of myself was behind a steering wheel or on a horse. I drove muscle cars 180 miles per hour. I rode anything with hair and hardly ever got thrown. I rode motorcycles at

150 miles per hour. Nothing scared me except being told no when I asked a girl to dance. I had red hair. I was always ashamed of it. Pale skin with freckles, and way too smart for my own good.

I coasted through school with a good grade average, did well on my college entrance exams, and even skipped a few initial courses because of my good scores. I did well in college but dropped out to get married, and not because I had to. I worked to support a new family, and was rising rapidly in a corporation, with a lot of promise, but soon became disillusioned with corporate hierarchy. The “Peter Principle”, for those of you old enough to remember that great book, in action. I found my niche in life in 1979, when I went to work as a sales rep for Bona Allen Saddle Co. The job didn’t turn out too great, but it took me to places I have always dreamed of. It was a starting point to what would become my emergence into the world of saddles, tack, accessories, and of course, saddle fitting. I had been aware of the importance of saddle fit since I was about 12 years old. My first horse was an unregistered Arabian mare, and my first saddle my father bought me fit her pretty well. At the age of 12, I realized that same saddle didn’t fit her foal when she turned 2. I had to get a saddle with a wider tree for the filly.

As time went on, I realized I needed different saddles for different horses. It’s really a no-brainer. Men can’t all wear the same size shoes. Lately, I’ve been looking at my feet and thinking, “My boots don’t look anything like the shape of my feet!” Certainly, to fit right, your boots have to fit your feet. Certainly, to fit right, your saddle has to fit your horse. Doesn’t that make sense? So in my saddle fitting, I find a lot of horses today with short, flat, backs, and there is not a saddle tree that will fit them. I am working on that, and will let you know how it works out. The problem is not in making saddles. The problem is in making trees. Most saddle makers are not saddle fitters. Most tree makers are not saddle fitters. Horses shapes have evolved, but the designs for the trees have not. I have measured several horses, where the distance between the shoulder blade and the hip is less than 20 inches. The shortest western saddle tree bar is usually 22 inches. That just doesn’t work. So I’m working on the problem, and when we have it worked out, you will read about it here, in “Tack Talk” in Horseback magazine. Stay tuned.


NEW-UALADIES DESIGNER CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

GET READY FOR RODEO IN STYLE

Large Selection Of Chic Rodeo AttireHats/ Boots/ Jeans/ Belts/Purses/ Jewelry

Rodeo Consignments AcceptedMon-Sat 10am-5:30pm

Half Price H.L.S.R. Carnival Books on on sale now through Feb 26th

11407 Spring Cypress Road, Tomball (Close to 249)www.anewuboutique.com 281-257-8989


Ah, Camp! The bugs, the swimming, the friendships, the

crafts, the sports and the memo-ries of fun days written on post-cards sent home. What child d o e s n ’ t love camp and the f r e e d o m it brings from the n o r m a l c o n f i n e s that a s t r u c -tured life presents. Kids with s p e c i a l needs are no excep-tion. Camp for All is just the place where special needs children can forget about any physical or mental challenge they have and spend a week without barriers. Ride a horse? No problem. Swimming; just a float away; Can’t take the sun-shine; then do everything by the moonlight. There isn’t a prob-lem at this camp - just new ways to do things. From rock walls to zip lines, Camp for All is the only camp in America that is totally barrier free and for the children with disabilities that means a week of freedom and finding out that they too can do it all. Built on over 200 beautiful acres of rolling land near Burton, Texas Camp For All began with

the premise that every child de-serves the chance to spread their wings and experience all the fun and limitless opportunities life holds. Sure, you may be confined to a wheel chair, but that doesn’t

mean you can’t find a way to e x p e r i -ence the fun of scaling a rock wall. “ We want c h i l d r e n to learn what they can do, i n s t e a d of what they can’t do,” said

Pat Sorrells, Presi-dent and CEO of the camp. “They will not be defined by their challenges here. In-stead we look at any challenge and take it to the next level and overcome it.” To accom-plish this goal, the whole camps is laid out to be camper friendly to children, no matter what their needs. Sidewalks are eight feet wide so children in wheel chairs can move side by side and chat as they head to different ac-

tivities. Not one restroom, but all restrooms and showers are handicapped friendly. Beds are lower than normal so children can move into them with ease. “We had over 9,000 won-derful children here last year, Pat told us.” The camp is open year round to accommodate as many children as we can for a fun bar-rier free week. With the help of fifty-six non- profit organizations that partner with Camp For All, everything seems seamlessly run, but behind the scenes there are hundreds of volunteers who help, each in their own way to make this camp possible each year. One of the most popular activi-ties is the horseback riding and the eighteen horses the camp owns were all donated. “One little boy who had problems with speech and rare-

ly talked had been at the camp for several days when his turn

Camp For AllMaking Children “Happy, Happy, Happy”

By Margaret Pirtle


Camp For All Needs...If you have some of the items listed below and would like to donate them to the camp, it would

be appreciated.

New Items. Sports equipment • Basketballs• Soccer balls• BaseballsSpa• Nail PolishCostumes• including dress up dresses, these

don’t have to be new but in good shape.

Batteries• AA mostlyPostage Stamps• Forever StampsPaper Products• Toilet Paper• Paper Towels

VolunteersVolunteers are very important to us! We have a number of volunteer opportunities available, contact us!

CAMP FOR ALL10500 NW Freeway, Ste. 220

Houston, Texas 77092

Houston: 713.686.5666Camp: 979.289,3752

campforall.org

at horseback riding came up. He mounted the horse and after a few instruc-tions and turns around the are-na, he stopped his horse and looked at us with the biggest smile and said Happy, Happy, Happy.” This is just one of the hun-dreds of stories of how this camp has changed the lives of children. Camp For All is the one place in the whole United States that serve children and adults with special needs that include cancer, autism, severe burns, muscular dystrophy, cardiac disease, wounded veterans, cognitive issues, brain trauma, sickle cell, Down syndrome and many more. The camp needs $2,000,000 to bring in all the campers it helps and a lot of volunteers. Most of the children come from the Houston area and south central Texas, although it is open to chil-dren and adults from anywhere in the world. Camp for All is the place where dreams re-ally dwell and “once upon a time” comes true. It is the place where there are no challenges, only solutions and where the limit of what can be ac-complished is never found. It is a camp for those who need reminding that they are worth the time and effort . It is truly a Camp for All.

“...he stopped his horse and looked at us

with the biggest smile and said Happy, Happy,

Happy.”


THE PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW

IS A 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT ENTITY.

THE PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW

PROCEEDS BENEFIT

TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL,

RONALD MCDONALD

FAMILY ROOMS AND

CANDLELIGHTERS CHILDHOOD

CANCER FAMILY ALLIANCE.

GET INVOLVED AT

pinoak.org

P R E S E N T E D B Y

H A R A S D O S C A V A L E I R O SA N D

I R I S H D AY F A R M

MARCH 19 - MARCH 30, 2014 G R E AT S O U T H W E S T E Q U E S T R I A N C E N T E R , K AT Y, T E X A S

S T E P U P A N D S T E P O U T F O R C H I L D R E N

T H A N K YO U TO O U R G E N E R O U S S P O N S O R S F O R M A K I N G T H I S E V E N T P O S S I B L E :

THE JARVIS FAMILY




Northern California, is seeking to pre-serve and provide sanctuary for America’s most historic herd of wild horses – the horses from the Sheldon National Wild-life Refuge. By the end of the year, all the horses will be removed from the Refuge, the herd lost forever, and some may even be in danger of being sent to slaughter. The US Fish and Wildlife Ser-vice (FWS) will be rounding up the last remaining horses on the Sheldon Nation-al Wildlife Refuge this August. This his-toric herd was on the land before the area was declared a wildlife refuge, and their lineage can be traced back to the time before the Civil War. These horses were rounded up and used in wars in the US and Europe all the way through WWII. Because they are not “protected” under theWild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act, and there are no holding facilities for these horses, FWS uses contractors for their disposition. In the past, contractors have sent horses directly to slaughter. To prevent this, the FWS has charged con-tractors with adopting the horse to suit-able homes. However, it is suspected that at least one of the current contractors has indirectly allowed the horses to enter the slaughter pipeline. The Mustang Project would like to save at least part of the remaining herd and provide sanctuary for them. They have offered to take those horses most at risk – the older horses that are not suitable for adoption and deserve to live out the remainder of their lives in peace. The Mustang Project is hoping to provide sanctuary for at least 200 horses. If they are able to take any younger horses, those horses could be gentled and used by youth in the program or adopted out. As part of the sanctuary, there will be a visitor educa-tion center that will highlight the Sheldon herd’s history, and the history (and plight) of all of the nation’s Mustangs. The Mustang Project is currently working to secure suitable property for the sanctuary, but this is a time sensitive situation. Property must be secured be-fore the end of February. There is only a small window of opportunity to act, or this historic herd will be gone by the end of this year. Currently, The Mustang Project is trying to raise at least $50,000 for a down payment on a property. For more information about The Mustang Project, the Sheldon horses, or how you can donate toward preserving our coun-try’s living heritage, please visit: www.the-mustangproject.org


If there is one thing any ro-deo athlete knows about diet, it is that eating dirt can sometimes give you

a big payday at the end of your go-round for the year. Just ask the now legendary Trevor Brazile. His lifetime earnings have totaled $5,029,313. In a career that requires about ten jillion road miles just get-ting to work, eight seconds in a turf filled arena is fleeting at best. But forgotten are all the stretches of blue highways, cheap motels, and greasy spoons that a rodeo athlete endures. The memories are of glory – the re-ally fun things that happened before a stadium audience, and sometimes the heartbreak that comes with be-ing thrown off, or under, a bad horse or bull, or a loop tossed at a calf that ends up, well, just plain loopy. Of all the living rodeo ath-letes, roper Roy Cooper is as famous as they get. The three time World Champion Tie Down Roper remains a household word in a field littered with one time wonders. Rodeo roy-alty like Cooper have seen tens of thousands of rides, spills, hurt, an-ger, and injury. But they have wit-nessed hundreds of lighter moments

in and out of the arena as well. Take the time Cooper bought that horse in Mobile, Ala-bama in ‘82 and told the boys who were transporting the animal back to Texas to “just put a roof over his head” when it came time to bed down for the night. He hadn’t counted on a cowboy trip to New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. Strictly following his instructions, the fellows transport-ing the prize roping horse knew Cooper, the reigning world champion roper (1980 – ’84) would want nothing but the best when it came time to put the new prized horse up for the night. They checked him into a room at the Holiday Inn,” Cooper recalls. “They turned the beds over, filled the trash can with water, and threw some hay over in the corner and then they took off for Bourbon Street.” “They got back about day-light,” he remembers. “The sher-

iff was there, everybody was there. They didn’t just kick them out of the Holiday Inn, the sheriff escorted them out of town.” Legendary Texas broadcast-er Robert B. McIntire has seen his share of rodeos in a storied career as a charter inductee in the Texas

Radio Hall of Fame represent-ing a 40 years at Houston’s KILT. He re-called an honor that suddenly went sour for him at the Houston Live-stock Show and Rodeo. “In the mid to late ‘80’s, I was a proud

member of the Ladies Livestock sub-committee of Rodeo Houston. I was invited to join by some mem-bers who had heard me champion their hard work helping kids earn scholarship money on the radio.” The Lufkin native wanted to actually earn his keep as an honor-ary member of the committee, so unlike other media types who take

EATING DIRTAND LEARNING TO LAUGH ABOUT IT

by Steven Long

“THEY DIDN’T JUST KICK THEM

OUT OF THE HOLIDAY INN, THE SHERIFF

ESCORTED THEM OUT OF TOWN.”


the honors and then move on – McIntire actually volunteered for a schedule.” “I was given a beautiful belt buckle and spiffy red satin jacket,” he said. “I pulled my share of shifts helping cattle and their handlers make their way safely through the huge crowds of show-goers in the Astro Arena. One day a somewhat bad behaving bovine pulled away from her handler’s lead and lum-bered down the aisle directly at me. With many eyes watching, I knew it was time for me to prove the mettle of my country-boy raising.” “I stepped up ready to save the day and as the charging Blonde Limousin drew near, I jumped, scaled, clambered and clawed my way to the top of a nearby large soft drink machine. No one was hurt in the incident as the 11 year old girl showing the animal caught up with him, shortened the lead and safely led him to the arena. The witnesses were doubled over with laughter, my pride was shattered, and to make things really worse, the 11-year old came back and told me, “it’s okay, Mister, I know you were trying to help.” Two time WPRA World

Champion Barrel Racer and former Horseback columnist Kelly Kamin-ski was entered in a rodeo in Pres-ton, Idaho. The little Mormon town of 5,204 and its arena are famed as the site of the comedy film, Napo-leon Dynamite and not much more. “You have to enter the arena through a side gate,” she remembers. “There was no alley to run through. That is very unusual, and there are only a couple like that. I kind of had an idea of where I wanted to set Rocky up to make my run, but he was the kind of horse who would latch onto a barrel with his eyes, so when he turned he started running for the opposite barrel from what I normally did, although I trained both left and right. I never ran him in competition in that direction. Once he started in the direction he was going, I was just along for the ride.” “I pulled him to the right for my comfort, but the timer line was coming up as I was yelling ‘Oh no, this way!” she remembered. “Rocky was just thinking, ‘Hang on Mom, we’re going this way!’ He took off, made a perfect first barrel, then a second as I was try-ing to remember which side to go

on. I know the whole time people were probably hearing me holler at him. At the third, Rocky had to think about which side he was go-ing on. It kind of slowed us down because I was trying to pull him. Af-ter my run, some of the other girls were watching and basically asking, ‘What the hell was that?” Horseback Magazine col-umnist Jim Hubbard has ridden in more than 300 Grand Entries at the world’s biggest rodeo where he has been a fixture since the Hous-ton event was held in the Astro-dome long before it was moved to the 71,500 seat Reliant Stadium. His assignment for years was to ride behind two Texas Longhorn steers that carry unwitting riders in the parade that opens the show. An-other part of his job is to help get the participants safely on and off the horses, cows, and wagons each performance. Hubbard, a Brook-shire, Texas rancher, like the rest of the Houston Rodeo’s 20,000 volun-teers, follows orders and doesn’t de-viate from his instructions because even a slight alteration in the well oiled program could cause a major disruption. When the entry chair-man issues an order, Hubbard duti-

ROY COOPER ROBERT MCINTIRE


Tri County Barns

100-140 mphWind Loads

Available

Sales Offices800-429-8239

281-255-2230 • 512-394-1761

our Tomball location moved to:12751 N. Eldridge Pkwy.

Cypress, TX 77429Fly Spray SystemsStall MattressesHorse Walkers

fully salutes and follows is orders. “He came up to me and said, ‘Jim, you see that fellow right there by that steer? He is a Russian Air Force general, and a cosmonaut. He’s down here visiting NASA He’s here to ride this steer in the grand entry, and he doesn’t speak English – and don’t you let him fall off.’ I said, now boss, how the hell am I supposed to tell him to hang on?” He said, “That’s your prob-lem.” Five time National Endur-ance Champion Darolyn Butler was a rodeo barrel racer and beau-ty queen long before she hit the world’s trails in the grueling sport of Endurance’s 50 and 100 mile rides. “I was Miss Rodeo Okla-homa,” she remembers. “I went to the Miss Rodeo America pageant and was really stressing about the horsemanship part because I had no formal training like a lot of the girls had. I was trying to get up to speed on my riding. When I got there I had a big surprise when I was told we were supposed to do goat rop-ing. Nobody had told me that and I had never goat roped before. Dur-ing the ‘60s – ‘80s it was the female

version of roping, and may still be. You got on a good roping horse. The goat was tethered in the middle of the arena where it was roped. You got off, ran down the line just like a calf roper after you threw the rope and then tied three legs. Being farm raised, I had no trouble throwing ropes, but I had never thrown a goat or a calf in my life. So I borrowed a pigging string (the short rope used to tie roped an-imal’s legs) from one of the girls and for three days I tied my foot about a million, jillion, times. Finally, in the arena I did it and nobody ever knew that was the first time I’d ever touched goat roping before. It was the funniest thing that ever hap-pened because I won the horseman-ship division when I was shooting for the talent contest.” Leroy “Shafe’ Shafer, 69, has been a driving force behind the suc-cess of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for decades. Today, he is the events C.E.O. He helped initi-ate what is now the United Airlines High Flying Award in 1980. By 1985, the award was well known in the world of pro rodeo. It remains an immensely popular part of the show in which a hapless cowboy

or women’s barrel racer gets a free plane ticket for a year for literally getting themselves nearly killed in the arena. In a sport that requires constant travel, the High Flying Hard Luck Award is actually cov-eted because free air travel from one far flung rodeo to the next is the stuff cowboys dreams are made of. Shafer recalls one ride in par-ticular in which a bareback bronc rider came off with his hand still hung in the rigging. It was a big bronc “that just started running as fast as he could.” The pickup men were chas-ing and finally one caught up on the opposite side of the cowboy. He reached down to free the cow-boy. “Something just didn’t look right. I saw him reach down, I saw him miss, I saw him reach down, and I saw him miss again. Then I could see that he was laugh-ing. They made another half turn around the arena before the cow-boy came loose. Later, we talked to the pickup man and he said, ‘just when I came up to him the cowboy said ‘get the (f word) away from me, I’m trying to win that airline ticket.” Shafer continued saying, “He won it the next night.”hB

DAROLYN BUTLER LEROY “SHAFE” SHAFER


Tri County Barns

100-140 mphWind Loads

Available

Sales Offices800-429-8239

281-255-2230 • 512-394-1761

our Tomball location moved to:12751 N. Eldridge Pkwy.

Cypress, TX 77429Fly Spray SystemsStall MattressesHorse Walkers


Barn &

Spring Strawberry Cups

Ingredients:• 1/2 cup (3 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream• 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Directions: In a heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips with cream over low heat. Remove from the heat. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally. For pourable ganache, cool chocolate mixture until it reaches 85°-90° and is slightly thickened, about 40 minutes.

In dessert glasses, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chocolate ganache. Using the back of a teaspoon, carefully smooth ganache upwards to create an attractive swirl or flower petal pattern. Arrange strawberries in glass. Yield: 8 servings.

Flying MMobile Feed Store

The backbone of caring for any horse is the local feed store. There isn’t a week that goes by that something isn’t needed,

from hay to hoof care or accessories. But as much as the feed store is needed, it is also one of the major drawbacks to suburban horse owners who are short on time for feed trips after work or on weekends. That is until now for local Houston equestrians. Flying M Mobile Feed Store heard all the horror stories of trying to get the feed store before it closed or on weekends when you are also stuck with family obligations and came to the rescue. Their mobile van carries most everything you could possible need for your horse and more. A simple call brings you the things your horse needs right to your door without rearranging your busy life. Owned and operated by the Menchaca family, they began their mobile service supplying local FFA kids in the Northwest Houston area, but have now expanded to reach the equine barns and owners in the area. With their one day service, for most orders, they have feed and supplies for all types of farm animals as well as the family pet dog or cat. Call them today and let them do the running for you. With their fully stocked van, they can accomadate all your needs and save you gas and time.

Flying M Feedswww.flyingmfeedco.com 713-857-2588

By: Margaret Pirtle, Lifestyle Editor

“If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering

somebody else’s dog around.”

- Will Rogers



GardenChalk Painted Furniture

Have you heard about the great new chalk paint for furniture? Put out by Annie Sloan,

this paint has nothing to do with chalk boards, but instead is a miracle paint that goes over anything without stripping or sanding old woods. In fact it can be applied to almost anything that has just been wiped down. I’M SOLD For lazy painters like me, this is the answer to redoing old furniture and accessories in just a couple of hours.

If you can’t find it in a store near you, look online make the paint yourself from several easy to mix recipes.

The Last American Barn Artist

There aren’t many left - those

men who paint and design art on barns and silo’s. But one who is still around is Ohio native Scott Hagen. If you have a big, and I mean a really big flat surface, he will paint it for you using a plain brush and can of paint. Large scale signs, murals, advertisements and anything that can be imagined on barns, buildings, farm silos,

walls, schools and gymnasiums. Check him out on the internet and let your imagination soar with fun barn art. www.barnartist.com

Eccentric Bottle Edging

Are you eccentric enough to think differently? Try the recycled bottle

edging. Collect bottles, of preferably the same sizes and shapes. Bury them either neck down or bottom down (as you like), consistently, throughout the flower bed perimeter. You’d be amazed at how beautiful this seemingly nonsensical idea looks, once the whole perimeter is completely lined.

Hand Braiding - A Todd Specialty

Todd can hardly remember a time when he wasn’t braiding a rope. From the age of 7, he took old ropes that unraveled, and re-braided them into lead ropes for local

feed stores and ranches By the time he was in high school, he had inherited the local farrier trade from his father along with showing and training horses. But last year, that old braiding fever hit again while he was helping Tony Sanchez - official farrier for the Houston Livestock Show. Given a roll of mule tape, he began braiding lead ropes and halters for contestants. What started with one roll of tape has now grown into a full time business with a staff of braiders. While horse halters and leads are his main business, Todd has also branched out into headstalls, reins, tie downs, breast collars and cattle halters. There is just something about a hand braided rope, something totally organic that can’t be matched by a machine. Give Todd a call today - 979-877-8101 Texas Lead Ropes




USEF and Pony Club in Strategic Partnership

LEXINGTON, (Pony Club) – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) have begun to outline plans to strengthen the current Alliance Partnership between the two organizations. Both organizations acknowledge that establishing an educationalalliancepartnershipwillultimatelybenefitthesport,espe-cially in advancing the growth of youth initiatives and horsemanship. Representatives from USPC and USEF have met to broaden their understanding of each organization’s capacities and resources, and to identify immediate opportunities for collaborative ventures and fu-ture initiatives. Moving forward, a prominent opportunity to work to-gether will occur with the planning of the 2014 Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships as well as the Pony Club 2014 Festival, both take place at the Kentucky Horse Park in mid-July. “Pony Club is a wonderful organization, providing educational programs for equestrians of all ages in the areas of riding skill, horse care, team participation and sportsmanship,” said John Long, USEF CEO. “The USEF is honored and excited to work with Pony Club as the two organizations strive to grow and provide on-ramps to equestrian sport.” “We can only strengthen the equine industry as a whole by building strong working relationships” stated USPC CEO Kevin Price. “It seems only appropriate that USEF and USPC should be working together. We share the same broad aspiration to promote the safety and welfare of horses and riders, and to encourage interest and participation in equine ownership and equestrian sports. USPC, for past 60 years, has undertaken this effort through its educational programs and services.”

CEDAR PLANKCHAIN LINKALUMINUMVINYLWROUGHT IRONBARBED WIRE

Providing quality fencing services in

Northwest Houston & surrounding areas!

Residential & Commercial (281) 541-4046 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

Manufactured By: Little Thunder Stables, Inc., Kingsland, TXSTART SAVING $$ HURRY ORDER YOURS

TODAY - they’re ying out the door!325-388-2727 www.texashaynets.com

AFTERBEFORE

SAVESMONEY!No more

wasted hay!Finally!

Cholla was a

Masterpiece Himself...

HHe wasn’t an Athlete, Cholla was an Artist!An Award Winning International Artist

(who happened to be a horse)


Micro Rain MR25

Call today for more information!

ATS Irrigation, Inc2509 Hwy 105 East in Brenham, Texas

1-800-656-2197Visit our website at www.atsirrigation.com

Micro Rain MR32

3 & 6 Night All Inclusive Packages

• Cattle Drives • Photography Weeks • Adult Only Weeks • Cowgirl Up

Where everyday feels like Saturday!

2875 HIGHWAY 93 WEST • WHITEFISH, MT 866.828.2900 • WWW.BARWGUESTRANCH.COM • [email protected]


830-928-7566

Keeps stocK tanKs cleanBarley Straw

treatmentfor liveStockwater tankS

• No more dumping and scrubbing tanks

• Safe & chemical-free

• Keeps tanks clean & drinking water palatable up to 2 months

www.stocktanksecret.com© 2009 Turtle Creek Farm, Springfield, NE 68059


REALTOR Roundup

TAMMY FOREMAN - REAL-TORHodde Real Estate Co.112 W. Main Street, Brenham, TX

(O): (979) 836-8532(C): (979) 451-2945(E):[email protected](W): www.hodderealty.com

Tours: www.texas-property.com

SPECIALTIES: Farms/Ranches, Residential, Country Homes, Land, Commercial. TERRITORY: Texas

ANNET MIER - REALTORColdwell Banker Properties UnlimitedWaller, Texas

(O): (832) 876-8875

(E): [email protected](W): www.annetrealtor.com

SPECIALTIES: Ranch, Land and Horse Prop-ertiesTERRITORY: Waller, Montgomery, Grimes & surrounding areas.

LARRY JACOBS - REALTORJacob’s Properties14372 Liberty StreetMontgomery, TX

(O): (936) 597-3301(O): (979) 597-3317

(E): [email protected](W): www.txland.com

SPECIALTIES: Ranches, Hunting & Horse Properties, AcreageTERRITORY: Texas

DEITRA ROBERTSON - REALTORDeitra Robertson Real Estate, Inc.38351 FM 1736Hempstead, TX(O): (832) 642-6789(C): (832) 642-6789

(E): [email protected](W): www.IKnowRanches.com

SPECIALTIES: Farms/Ranches, Horse Properties, LandTERRITORY: Texas

YOLANDA FUSILIER - BROKERPeak Realty17515 Spring Cypress Rd.Suite # C260Cypress, TX(O): (979) 921-9530

(E): [email protected](W): www.peakrealty.sbuilder.net

SPECIALTIES: Farms/Ranches, Land CommercialTERRITORY: Waller County & surrounding areas

DEE ANN BOUDREAUX- REALTORTexas First Real Estate1116 FM 109New Ulm, TX

(O): (903) 322-3379(C): (979) 583-7305

(E): [email protected](W): www.texasfirstre.com

SPECIALTIES: Residential, Equestrian, Farm/Ranch, Country PropertyTERRITORY: Texas

ANGIE FRANKS - REALTORElite Texas Properties12320 Barker Cypress RdSuite 600-224Cypress, TX

(O): (800) 563-6003(C): (979) 877-5822

(E): [email protected](W): www.elitetexasproperties.com

SPECIALTIES: Acreage, Homes, Horse Prop-erty, Country Homes, Farm/RanchTERRITORY: Texas

WENDY CLINE - BROKER ASSOCIATERE/Max Realty Center13611 Skinner Rd., #100Cypress, TX

(O): (281) 213-6200(C): (281) 460-9360

(E): [email protected](W): www.wendyclineteam.com

SPECIALTIES: Residential, Land, CommercialTERRITORY: Texas

YOUR NAME HERE!- REALTOR/BROKERThe Best Real Estate Co.1234 Main StreetHouston, TX

(O): (123) 456-7890(C): (123) 456-7890

(E): [email protected](W): www.bestrealtor.com

SPECIALTIES: Ranches, Hunting & Horse Properties, AcreageTERRITORY: Texas

TOOTIE LYONS RIXMAN- REALTOR, ASSOCIATEHeritage Texas Country Properties605 S. AustinBrenham, TX

(C): (979) 836-3633(E): [email protected]

(W): www.e-countryproperty.com/page-46/tootie-lyons-rixman

SPECIALTIES: Acreage, Homes, Horse Prop-erty, Country Homes, Farm/RanchTERRITORY: Brazos Valley Texas

BOB BORDERS - ABR, SFRC, LHMSKeller Williams Realty1595 S. Main St, Ste. 101Boerne, TX

(C): (830) 928-7225 (E): [email protected](W): www.bordersrealestate.com

SPECIALTIES: Acreage, Homes, Horse Prop-erty, Country Homes, Farm/RanchTERRITORY: Boerne Texas Area

Attention Realtors & Brokers!

JOIN HORSEBACK’S

ROUNDUP!Only $35/month

includes both online & in print!


Dee Ann BoudreauxTEXAS FIRST REAL ESTATE, LLC.

(979) 583-7305 CELL • (903) 322-3379 [email protected]

43ac horse ranch in Madison County, 3 bed 2.5 bath 2650sf home with heated pool, 3 car carport w office, 1000 sf apartment, pool dressing room and bath. All pipe fencing with horse wire. 9 stall show barn w/2 runs, office vet room and bath, tack room, rubber mats, ceiling fans, cross ventilation, waterers and feeders. Hot & cold washwash rack. (8)12 x 20 Stallion Sheds w 20 x70 runs, (9) paddocks w loaang sheds each w pipe gates to create 22 stalls. 6 horse hot walker and pro cutter ag system. 40x100 hay barn on slab w bunkhouse apartment. 2009 Oakcreek 3/2 mobile home. 150x300 lighted pipe arena w/Priefert “Score” fully automatic roping chute, electric eye, heading/heelingheading/heeling box, concrete walkway to chute and 20’ return alley. Heat and Air announcers box, w PA system and bleachers Drainage by engineer to ensure dry ground. Two lighted 100’ round arenas w/holding pens.

Wow! What a horse property...Reduced! $749,000

Destiny Ranch

35ac horse facility with 2 homes. Main home 4300 sq ft 3/3.5 remodeled with upscale amenities, granite & marble, separate climate controlled wine room with 100+ capacity and wine cooler. All counter tops granite or marble. Kitchen boasts Dacor appliances. Mother in Law suite, oversized master bath, 2 vanities, tub w/fp, exexercise area, large master closet with built ins. Master bedroom sitting area with frig & coffee bar. Pool with slide & wooden deck wraps house on 3 sides. Irrigation system and alarm system-owned by Sellers. 6 stall pipe barn with automatic waterers, vet stocks & hot/cold wash rack, 4 horse walker, 125' lighted arena, 75x200 liglighted roping pen with return alley. 30 x 60 workshop on slab with roll up doors. Over 2 miles of pipe fencing. 12 separate paddocks, 9 loaang sheds with concrete oors. 3/2 rental bringing in $1000/month income. Has been continually rented for last 4 years. Double carport and deck with wheel chair accessibility.

Reduced! $573,000

Glen Oaks Ranch


TEXASEQUINENETWORK.COM

Business Directory • EventsPhoto Classiieds • Destinations

Quality Rural Property Market

“Dynamic” By Roni Nordquist

Texans can set their clocks by it. Within two days of St. Valentine’s

annual visit to lovers in the state, trees will begin budding along the Gulf Coast. This precursor of spring starts the heart to race. Motorists will make a beeline to bluebonnet country to see the Lone Star Sate’s annual rural celebra-tion of colorful wildflowers. And as families load up the car, pickup truck, wagon, or van and head to the hills from congested and smog polluted cities, inevitably some of them will de-cide to chuck it all and take on the challenge of a rural lifestyle – especially if they are already horse owners.Moreover, some, no many, have the wherewithal to spend a small fortune for their dream home/ranch in the country These ranches sit waiting from Bluebell country near Brenham to the juniper covered hills near Austin and San Antonio. Ready buyers seeking that lifestyle will also find attractive buys in the rolling hills south of Dallas/Fort Worth and Abilene as well. Respected real estate expert Don Thomas told Horseback Magazine that one word sums up the ranch/rural real estate market in Texas this spring – “dynamic.” Thomas is the developer of The Ranches of Clear Creek near Hempstead, and the Ranches of Comal near New Braunfels. Both are exclusive mini ranch subdivisions with acreage and a healthy concentration of horse loving residents. “Things are selling, people are buying, I’m selling my Ranches of Comal properties at full asking price,” he said. “Reselling properties is working as well; life is good.” “Quality properties are hard to fine,” Thomas continued. “It’s like in the city. The high cost homes

Don Thomas

Real Estate

713-427-2487www.aprettydoor.com


www.hrcranch.com

East Texas Equestrian For Sale!

Breunig Farms is located on the banks of Lake Fork Creek, just east of the quaint East Texas town of Mineola, TX, located on FM 49. The focal point of the property is a state-of-the-art 20,000 SF Equestrian Facility. The equestrian facility features 15 stalls, vet room, tackroom, and judges area overlooking the covered, lighted and sprinklered riding arena.

OverlookingOverlooking the front pasture, is a 2,424 SF ranch style home with a large front and back porch. There are twin equipment barns, 3/2 apartment plus RV Hook-Ups for weekend guests. The pasture and paddock system are meticulously planned with staging areas and lanes for ease of movement during large equestrian events. Adjacent 388+/- with an 8 AND 12 acre lake is also for sale - Lake Fork Creek Ranchacre lake is also for sale - Lake Fork Creek Ranch

Offered At • $1,600,000Conner Wilson • 903-452-3029

[email protected] McWhorter • 469-222-4076

[email protected]

BREUNIG FARMS • 110+/- ACRES

Circle T Ranch is a beautiful equestrian property along with an abundance of water only 75 miles east of Dallas. A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home overlooks a private 10+ acre bass lake.

There is also a 26+ acre shared fishing lake in addition to another 2+/- acre private lake.

ImprovementsImprovements include a 10-stall horse barn, mature hardwood lined pipe fencing, rustic shop, covered riding arena and covered storage for equipment. This beautiful property is located within 10 miles of Canton, TX home of “First Monday Trade Days”

Offered At • $1,150,000Cash McWhorterCash McWhorter • 469-222-4076

[email protected] Hortenstine • 214-616-1305

[email protected]

CIRCLE T RANCH • 153+/- ACRES


are hard to find, and the low cost homes are still plentiful. The high cost homes out in the country are hard to get now, and the ones you wouldn’t want to get anyway are still on the market somewhere.” For those unfamiliar with buying country property, no mat-ter how great the market, look at a good plat map of not only the land you want to buy, but the land adjoining it as well. First time buy-ers should not consider landlocked property and need to make sure they will always have access from the nearest road, street, or high-way. If you can’t get on your land, even if it has prime river front-age, you have nothing more than a deed to sit in your safe deposit box and little else. And after you buy, get to know your neighbors. In times of need, they can become your best friend.

hB

Real Estate


WE BUILD CUSTOM FURNITURE, LAYAWAY ALWAYS WELCOME, FREE LOCAL DELIVERY, REGISTER WITH US FOR YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY!

Original coupon must be presented at time of purchase . cannot combine coupon. One coupon per person. Not valid on sale/clearance/or promo

furniture. Can not be used on past purchases.

Valid Thru 3/31/14


1 Story Mediterranean Estate $2.69m; Located in Kemah on Clear Lake Channel within minutes from the Kemah Boardwalk & restaurants;

280'+ of waterfront & docking for 7 boats; nearly 1/2 acre; Outdoor paradise boasts Pool with swim-up bar, gas re pit, outdoor

kitchen & huge covered Patio. Spectacular interior is equally impressive; Gated entry with 3 car garage & Portico.

MLS# 17454308

[email protected]

832.454.2515

Tack & Accessories Ranch Services

Authorized Dealer!

Mon-Sat 9a-7p & Sun 10a-3p

25143 FM 1488Magnolia TX 77355

NEW LOCATION!WE’VE MOVED


Unless you have the time and pat ience

to sort through thousands of prop-erty listings in the Houston area, using the right real estate agency is an abso-lute necessity.

Thankfully, James Krueger Re-alty and his team of agents have gone to great lengths to make life easy for buyers who need not only basic informa-tion like price, square footage, number of bedrooms, etc., but other important details such as school district, subdivision, area, amenities and more. Plus, when you deal with James, you receive one-

on-one service that is unsurpassed by the competition. From homes with land to the top condo in the city, James is mak-ing his mark in the real estate world and touching peo-ple’s lives with his customer service attitude. As a in-dependent agent, he knows he has to work harder and ag-gressively whether buying or selling to

make it in the com-petitive Houston

market. Raised with strong fam-ily values and a solid work ethic, James keeps his finger on the pulse of the local real estate market and

inspires confidence in his clients as he knowledgeably guides them through the processes of home buy-

ing and selling. His formula is simple - top-notch customer service, tech-nology, and the desire to help client’s home dreams come true. Homes come

in all shapes, sizes and desired areas. But no matter which side of town you prefer, the real estate experts at Krueger have you covered. Give James a call today and put him to work for you.

Krueger Real Estate 713) 857-7945

www.kruegerre.com

Winning The Real Estate Market

JAMES KRUEGER OFKRUEGER REAL ESTATE

“JAMES IS MAKING HIS MARK IN THE REAL ESTATE WORLD, AND AT THE SAME

TIME TOUCHING PEOPLES LIVES.”


by Margaret Pirtle

Lifestyle...

When the coals start glowing and you hear the sizzle of meat then you

know that The Beef Mas-ters team is all on hand to try once more for that coveted, hard-won title of Grand Champion at the third largest bar-becue cook-off in the world at Reliant Center. The smoky pits of slow roasted brisket is their battlefield as they ply the rubs and secret sauces which are guaranteed to send everyones appetite on to high alert. There is no china or crystal in sight, just loads of pa-per plates, spices and fingers ready to grab a hunk of brisket or a pork rib and chow down.

For over thir-ty years, this team of men have waged war with all the other teams, each trying to be crowned the best. The contest isn’t for the fast-est - no not by a long shot. Good brisket takes time.

And during those long hours that begin before the sun ris-es, the aroma’s lift and snake throughout the tents and pits, and by afternoon people begin to drift into the area hoping for a taste. For three days each year, the Beef Masters take

their cooking skills and juggle the balance between sweet and smoky, tender and firm, spiced and sauced. This year they are hoping they have the best mix and that they will win. But win or lose the contest, their brisket is always a winner in the mouths of those who get a chance to taste some of the best BBQ Texas has to offer.

ALL Hail to the Masters!BEEF MASTERS BBQ TEAM CAN MAKE YOUR MOUTH

WATER WITH THEIR SLOW COOKED BRISKETBY MARGARET PIRTLE

hB



ComfortableIN THE SADDLE

Fashionable IN TOWN!no inseam riding jeans

cut for a real woman’s curves

DESIGNED BY A HORSEWOMAN & PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.

www.smoothstride.com

Available in “Just Jeans” &Full Seat or Knee Patch Styles

THEIRS

OURS

Why stay c o o p e d up inside w h e n

you can have a year-round outdoor living space that is a natural extension of your home? Outdoor liv-ing spaces are becoming increasingly popular as Texans see the creative ways their backyards can be turned into liv-able spaces. Scott Callaway, owner of Cal-laco Services, has been building outdoor living spaces in the Greater Houston Area for over 18 years. We contacted Scott to get expert advice on the subject.

Q. What are the key considerations we should consider when designing and build-ing an outdoor living space?A. “Whether you want a small or large size outdoor living space, the most important

thing is to find the right bal-ance of cost, functionality and quality. Functionality refers to how you intend to use the space and the ele-ments you’ll need included such as cook-

ing grills, ice makers, refrigerators, TVs and Audio/Visual equipment, fireplaces, fire pits, cabinetry and outdoor bathrooms. Quality refers to the appearance of the outdoor living space as well as the long term maintenance. A great general contractor can work with the homeowner to find the right balance of functionality and quality within the target budget.”Q. What advice would you give about design?A.“A great design is one that can be enjoyed year-round and is smoothly integrated into your existing home. The design needs to con-

sider the summer sun and heat, the cool rainy nights and the seasonal nature of the winds. When it’s cold outside, a fireplace makes for a perfect setting to entertain family and friends. When it’s brutally hot outside, retractable blinds or closeable shutters on the west side can make a huge difference in keeping the space cool. And of course, every homeowner wants their new space to be complimentary to the design of their home. No one wants new construction to look like an add-on.”Q.What advice would you give about con-struction?A. “I recommend that you interview several general contractors and go see outdoor living spaces they have built. Referrals from satisfied homeowners and seeing the finished product for yourself will make it much easier to decide who to award your business to. Callaco Ser-vices has as outstanding reputation because of our experience in helping homeowners find the right balance and our attention to detail. We want you to see our work and the work of oth-ers. You’ll see a definite difference.“

With spring just around the corner, maybe this year is the perfect time to turn your backyard into a year- round outdoor living space.

For more information on outdoor living spaces, contact:

Scott Callaway at Callaco Services (832) 202-7974

www.callacoservices.com

Savvy Outdoor Living

Beautifully handcrafted sterling & copper originals, artistic designs in jewelry and hallowware.

Created by the artist in his Brenham, Texas studio. Copper earrings $16, silver $24

and bracelets $75.

In Historic Old Downtown Brenham205 E. Main • Brenham, TX

View the entire exclusive collection atPESilversmith.com


Prevent Spring Laminitis Now!

General...

I specialize in the farrier-half of laminitis (founder) treatment and rehabilitation; I handle the nasty stuff for a dozen or so veterinarians in my home area.

Every spring, starting in late March, my phone rings off the hook and I drive from teary-eyed horse owner to teary-eyed horse owner trying my best to help their horses survive the ordeal. The sobering truth is that most of these problems—often permanently damaging to the horse—could have easily been predicted and prevented. Here’s how:

UNDERSTANDING LAMINITISLaminitis can be triggered by countless problems that horses face: any sudden change in diet, any sickness, periods without food, medications, excessive concussion, even emotional stress, and the list goes on. The most common cases, and within the scope of this article, are triggered by excessive dietary sugars. Horses are designed from the ground-up, to eat almost constantly—up to 20 hours per day—but they are designed to eat non-cultivated grasses that are growing sparsely and are relatively low in sugar. If they get too much sugar in their diet, the byproducts of digesting that sugar can literally poison the horse. Additionally, the horse’s body naturally creates more insulin to help process the excess sugar. The extra insulin circulating in the blood stream can weaken and damage the laminae, thus breaking down the bond of hoof to horse. Over the course of 24-36 hours after these initial triggers, there is a cascade of events. The damaged dermal laminae become inflamed and swell, as would any other wounded

tissue, but this live tissue is stuck between a rock and a hard place—between the coffin bone and the hoof wall. As the soft tissue within the foot swells, blood circulation (through micro-vessels within the foot) becomes restricted, and more critical connective tissue dies. The results are severe pain, a thumping pulse at the fetlock, and a sometimes-fatal destruction of the laminae that bond the hoof to the horse.

THE WRITING ON THE WALLAll horses are at some risk of developing laminitis, but you can learn to tell at a glance, which ones are most likely to need extra attention. If the horse is carrying pads of fat on his neck, back and croup, he has probably been eating more sugar than his body can utilize for a while; he is at greater risk than a fit athlete. Ironically, if the horse is too thin—lacking healthy muscle definition—he is at an increased risk as well. If the hoof walls flare or have a concaved or bell shape in any areas of the wall, the laminae are already compromised, stretched or separated in these areas. This points to past or present problems, and I always assume the horse is at an increased risk of a more-serious bout of laminitis. If there are ripples or red stripes in the hoof walls there were past problems

when that specific area was being produced at the coronet. A series of these ripples or red stripes tells me the horse has been going through a series of dangerous episodes over time. That horse is more likely to suffer a catastrophic hoof problem than a horse with smooth, straight walls. If you own a horse that demonstrates one or more of these warning signs, talk to your vet and farrier about it, and consider making some changes in the horse’s lifestyle. This is very important, because in my experience, it is VERY rare for horses with truly-healthy hooves to suddenly develop severe laminitis. What is way-more common is that these warning signs are first ignored for years. (see Figure 1)

ROUTINE FARRIER CAREA sad truth I have noticed throughout my career is that at least 3/4 of spring laminitis cases are actually winter neglect cases. Soak on that for a minute. When hoof walls overgrow and flare, they exert a far-greater lever force on the laminae—the horse’s entire weight is hanging from this delicate attachment as every step tries to pry the hoof wall away from the horse. A good trim reduces these dangerous forces, and allows the sole, bars, frog, and hoof wall to share the


This was a very typical “spring laminitis case” on the first day I saw her. The steeper wall growth at the coronet, the flared/bell-shaped wall, the series of ripples and red stripes down the wall, and the thin sole should have been early warning signs—this happened over the course of years before the horse “suddenly” reached a point that walking was impossible. This case turned out just fine, but the excruciating pain, the vet bills, and much of my bill could have been prevented if

the owner had read the “writing on the wall” and taken earlier action. The dietary changes necessary to heal these problems could have also prevented them. Every step of this horse’s healing process is shown in disc 10 of the DVD series Under the Horse. Photo reprinted from the book Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot , P. Ramey.

FIGURE 1


+1-208-278-5283 • www.hoofjack.comContact us for your free DVD and the dealer nearest you

®

Made in the USA

for your bodyease for your horsecomfort

excellent for...picking • bandaging • applying studs • clipping

trimming • rasping and so much more

2498 C.R. 145Alvin, TX 77511281-331-3636

16915 FM 2920 Unit BTomball, TX 77377281-290-9550

[email protected]

Available from ALVIN FARRIER SUPPLYTwo locations to serve you:

Durasole creates a tough, living pad between your horse's sensitive sole and the world's hostile environment.

• Antibacterial, antifungal designed to thicken & toughen the sole and frog.

• Effective for thrush & white line disease.

• Ideal for lengthy use on chronically thin-soled horses without horses without fear of drying out the foot.

DURASOLE

Dealer Inquiries Welcome!

DURASOLE KEEPS YOUR BEST HOOF FORWARD!

load, thus reducing stress on the laminae. This can’t stop the horse from eating too much sugar, but it can (and does) greatly reduce the damage that comes afterwards. Routine hoof trimming needs to be a year-round habit. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

COMPETENT FARRIER CAREThere is a very common mistake I need to point out here: removing too much of the sole at the toe. Horses are tough, and can often run around for years with a significant coffin bone/hoof capsule rotation. When the hoof wall and coffin bone separate, the toe wall will usually develop a long, more sloping angle—a “duck foot.” What needs to happen, is a new, steeper wall needs to grow in that is well-attached to the bone. But a lot of farriers will misread the situation and try to “stand the horse up,” leaving an excessive amount of heel. They will then thin the sole at the toe—often until the horse bleeds—in an attempt to make the foot appear more normal. This is the opposite of what needs to be done, and in my opinion, it lands more horses in vet hospitals than any other single man-made issue. This is why, in the past 10 articles, I have tried to teach readers about reading sole thickness and hoof wall location

relative to the bone. You need to educate yourself, and you need to pay attention. If you are lucky enough to find a really-sharp farrier, pet him/her well.

Prevent Spring Laminitis Now!

Understanding Grass Sugars (condensed from Kathryn Watts’ studies)

Total grass sugars can vary from 0% to over 30%. They change constantly with the weather and time of day. If the sun is hitting live grass

with adequate water and nutrition, it is producing sugar. Whenever the grass is actively growing, it is consuming much of this sugar as it is being produced. So the most dangerous times occur when the weather is cold and sunny—the cold weather (highs below 40F for most grass species) slows or stops growth, while the sun continues to generate sugars. When there are three consecutive days of this weather pattern, I clear my schedule to accommodate the new laminitis calls I know will come. The flip-side of this is that after 3 cloudy days in a row, there is almost zero sugar in the grass. Study these

cycles and learn when to feed grass, and when to switch to hay (SaferGrass.org or my book Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot are the best sources I know of to study grass sugar fluctuations).

PASTURE MANAGEMENTMost people are surprised to learn that the “dreaded” lush spring grass is usually lower in sugar than parched, drought-stricken grass. The rapid growth of spring grass utilizes the sugars as they are produced, preventing excessive buildup. The big issues with spring grass, though, are volume and palatability! It may not be the highest in sugar, but horses will eat considerably more of it when given a chance—this is what makes it dangerous. Beware of overgrazed areas. Grass stores more sugar in the base of the plant. Plus, an overgrazed plant is stressed, growing slower, and thus higher in sugar than a healthy, fast-growing plant. This is why horses will keep nipping 1/4-inch-tall grass down to ground level, while ignoring the same exact species growing a foot-tall right beside their ears; the short stuff is like candy. Often people will look at an eaten-down pasture and think there is nothing out there for the horses to eat. But if you took the horses off


New Book from Pete Ramey

Care and Rehabilitationof the Equine Foot

Featuring Chapters from the Contributing Authors:

Robert M. Bowker, VMD, PhD Hilary M. Clayton, BVMS, PhD, Dipl ACVSMR, MRCVS Brian Hampson, PhDEleanor Kellon, VMDKerry Ridgway, DVMDebra R. Taylor, DVM, MS, DACVIM Kathryn Watts, BSPete Ramey

Go to Hoof Rehab.com

for Detailed Outline

Practical Instruction for the Equine Veterinarian, Farrier and Trimmer.

Details Internal Anatomy and Development, Caudal Foot Pain and Laminitis Treatment, plus help for

countless other hoof problems.

Order InformationOrder and see more details at HoofRehab.comor write to PO Box 232 Lakemont, Ga. 30552

Product Customer Service Line (706) 212-8604

the pasture, the grass would grow long, right? This means that when the horse is grazing an overgrazed pasture, they are consuming the grass at its growth rate. So if a weather change causes an increase in the growth rate, the horse gets a dietary increase without your knowledge. This one catches up with a lot of otherwise savvy horse owners. Become a student of pasture management. Interestingly, everything you can do to decrease grass sugars also increases the annual yield of the grass. For instance, using the above example of an overgrazed section, overgrazed grass is stunted (it grows slowly). If you rotate the horses off of the section (before overgrazing occurs) and feed hay for a while, the growth rate of the grass will increase. So at the end of the year, you will probably find you had to buy less hay than if you had tried to “stretch” the pasture farther. Same goes with fertilizing, lime and irrigation; generally speaking, when you increase yield, you decrease sugars in each blade of grass. Then, if you keep the volume the horse eats in check (pasture division/rotation, grazing muzzles, rotation into a dirt paddock with hay), the chances the horse will get laminitis goes down.

A QUICK WORD ABOUT HAYDepending on these same factors, hay varies in sugar content just like grass, but typically loses some of its sugar during the drying process. Also, the sugar levels are more consistent from day-to-day, instead of constantly fluctuating like living grass. These two factors make it considerably safer to feed than open pasture. That said, with particularly at-risk horses, hay consumption may need to be regulated and/or the hay may need to be soaked to remove additional sugars. This is a matter to discuss with your vet concerning your individual horse.

SWEET TREATS AND GRAINBy now it should be obvious that adding any additional sugars can only increase these risks. Grain, molasses, fruits, nuts, carrots, cookies and candy are all-too-common at barns plagued by founder. Is there a place for these things in the horse world? Maybe so (not in my horses), but they do increase risk, while providing little that actually benefits the horse—

not a great trade-off in my book. A high-performance horse in training may need such calorie-dense supplements, but an overweight couch potato standing knee-deep in a spring pasture? No. None.

EXERCISE AND FITNESS Unlike dogs and humans, horses have no way to shut off the continuous production of stomach acids that are an

early part of the digestion process. Remember I mentioned that horses are designed to nibble almost constantly? A near-constant intake of forage naturally dilutes these acids. If you try to eliminate laminitis problems by denying your horse “chew-time,” laminitis can be triggered when the horse’s own

“unused” digestive acids overflow into the hindgut. Too little feed can be worse than too much. The best way to defeat this paradox is to provide near-constant access to forage (hay and grass) while increasing the horse’s exercise. Get out and ride, be sure your horse has room to move, and be sure your horse is living in a herd. Separate hay, salt and water to far corners of the pasture or paddock—anything you can think of to keep your horse more active. Increasing exercise is probably more important than reducing the dietary sugars; though at-risk horses will typically need both. Grass is not the enemy. Grass is the horses’ natural feed, and it is essential to them. When we made the decision to fence horses onto irrigated, cultivated pastures, though, we changed the deal—their nutrition became our responsibility. Grass (and hay) should make up most of the horse’s diet and be almost constantly available. It is our job to find ways to protect them from the risks associated with overeating and to provide missing vitamins and minerals, without adding excessive sugars in the process. Don’t leave this to chance, take action. I don’t know of a way to guarantee your horse will never fall to laminitis—the risk is always there. But I can tell you that if everyone followed these simple protocols, I would get to spend much more of my springtime fishing. So, if not for your horse, do it for me

“SEPARATE HAY, SALT AND

WATER TO FAR CORNERS OF

THE PASTURE OR PADDOCK”

hB


Accepting limited clients interested in regular trimming for

healthy hooves!

Have a Bucking Good Rodeo Season!Advertise in Horseback Magazine!

• Safer than traditional soaking

• Reduces stress for horses & handlers

• Ensures consistent & complete treatment

•• Durable, reusable & compact

• A MUST have for all first aid & travel kits.

MADE IN THE USA DISTRIBUTORS WELCOME! [email protected] www.soakiesbag.com

Go to OmegaFields.com or call 920-550-4061 to order or find a dealer near you.

“My horses loveOmega Horseshine® and

continue to shine on, from the inside out” ~ Linda Parelli


Hassle Free PrintingWe Take Printing Seriously…Not Ourselves.

5,000 postcards $149 • 10,000 flyers $349 • 1,000 magazines $995 (16 pages, 60# paper)

Call 210-804-0390 for Special Online Pricing!Visit us at www.shweiki.com

CONTACT TRACY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PLANT TOUR 210-804-0390 • Email samplEs@shwEiki for a frEE quotE or call 512-480-0860

Available at our Salado location

• GUARANTEED FINANCING FOR ALL • NATIONWIDE DELIVERY • 300+ TRAILERS IN INVENTORY

www.PandPsales.com & www.P-Ptrailers.com

Formerly Wildfire Trailers

800 S. I-30Mt. Pleasant, TX

903.572.3014

4212 Red Bluff RdPasadena, TX 713.920.1000

14545 S IH 35 Exit 283Salado, TX

254.947.9988

880 Fwy. Blvd. S.Rose City, TX 409.769.7992

Private Cabins & 6000 Beautiful Hill Country Acres

Bring Your Horse or Ride Ours!Reservations: 830 796-7950

www.hillcountryequestlodge.com

in Bandera, TX


BBBusiness Bit

Introducing Purina® IMPACT® Horse Feed, a Truly Premium Feed

at a Not-So-Premium Price

Product line formulated by Purina Ph.D. Equine Nutritionists

and based on 85 years of research Purina Animal Nutrition today intro-duced IMPACT® horse feed, a line of premium horse feeds designed to meet the nutritional requirements of horses of all types and lifestyles. The product line offers textured, pelleted and com-plete feeds for horses in nearly any life stage and activity level. Since 1926, the Purina Ani-mal Nutrition Center in Gray Sum-mit, Mo., has defined and delivered the future of equine nutrition. Significant investment in this unique farm was re-cently completed to further expand its capabilities and facilities dedicated to industry leading research innovation. With more than 70 horses involved in research projects, the primary focus of the equine facilities is in feed intake and digestive physiology, breeding and foal growth, and development and ex-

ercise physiology. Purina can formu-late, develop, and test the performance of feeds like IMPACT® horse feed be-fore they reach the market. “Purina solidly bases its feed formulations on research. The feed has got to work, and the proof that the feed is working shows in how the horse looks,” said Dean MacElroy, operator of D&L Farm and Home, Texas. “With IMPACT® horse feed, Purina hasn’t compromised on the formulas at all. Everything is there. If a customer has a pregnant mare or babies, I can go to any farm and feel very comfortable rec-ommending these feeds. I know they’re going to perform.” IMPACT® horse feeds offer several benefits:

• High-quality pro-tein for muscle main-tenance• Added fat for sus-tainable energy and healthy hair coat• Nutritional bal-ance, removing the need for supplements • Formulated with ingredients proven through time and research to support overall horse health “Purina is dedicated to creating unsurpassed nutri-tion for every type of horse, and IMPACT®

horse feeds are a reflection of that dedi-cation,” said Katie Young, Ph.D., man-ager equine nutritional services, Purina Animal Nutrition. “Our feeds are made with the finest ingredients and backed by research, so owners can trust that they’re feeding their horses high-qual-ity nutrition.” Horse owners can find out more about IMPACT® horse feed at a local Horse Owners Workshop (HOW®). For additional information about IMPACT® horse feed or to find a HOW® event near you visit puri-namills.com/horse-feed/impact or speak with your local Purina® dealer.


Store Hours: Mon - Sat 8am - 6pm • Sun 12pm - 5pm (may vary by location)

1422 F.M. 2223BRYAN

(979) 778-0978

23250 State Hwy 6 S.NAVASOTA

(936) 825-2081

4323 Avenue HROSENBERG

(281) 342-2452

820 Business U.S. 290 N.HEMPSTEAD

(979) 826-3273

6401 F.M. 359RICHMOND

(832) 595-9500

1331 Highway 6 WestALVIN

(281) 388-0388

18821 F.M. 1488 MAGNOLIA

(281) 356-2530

34350 Katy FreewayBROOKSHIRE

(281) 934-2479

228 East Front St.SEALY

(979) 885-2967

NINE TEXAS LOCATIONS!

NOW STOCKING...

Buy 4, Get 1 FreeSINGLE DOSE HORSE WORMER

must present coupon at time of purchase.Coupon expires February 28, 2014

www.steinhausers.com

Unstuck!Howdy!

Welcome to Cowboy Corner. Last month I wrote about hay-in’ livestock and getting’ stuck. More about gettin’ unstuck later. Well folks guess later is here. In the last month think we have stuck everything that has wheels while feeding cows. Ha-yin’ has become a production due to the wet ground, and we are now using two one ton trucks. One to carry the hay load on a buggy, and the other to stay on solid ground. Trick is to not let the two trucks get too far apart, cause you’re gonna need a connector (strap, chain, or rope) when the feed truck gets stuck. Some say “well just feed the cattle on the road” and end up with a real mess. A road that’s all torn up and really slick and slippery from cattle feeding, only adds to the misery. Try to keep the feeding off the road and change locations each day. So we try to take hay rolls in the pasture with one truck and keep the other truck on the road to “unstuck” the feed truck. A feed truck with a hay bale may have pretty good traction but soon as the bale is dropped and weight comes off the rear wheels, go back to slipping and sliding. So let’s assume the feed truck is stuck and the other truck is on the not too wet ranch road. Now is the time to talk about “connectors”. In the Texas Brazos bottom with the var-ied soil conditions and “stuck” means “stuck in the mud” my choice for connectors is nylon. The elasticity of

the nylon helps to keep vehicle dam-age to a minimum. Nylon can be a nylon strap say 2” wide and 20 feet long with a loop sewn in each end or a marine grade 3 strong nylon rope with a diameter of 1 to 1 ¼ inches with eye’s spliced in each end. Straps are probably easier for most folks, however just a sewn loop on the end can be hard to work with. Hooks or rings can be attached with shackles and two straps and be joined with a shackle. So as a starter, your unstuck kit should include two twen-ty feel long 2 inch wide tow straps with loops sewn in each end. Hard-ware should include three of four 1/2 inch shackles and two hooks or large oblong links. I like a hook on one and an oblong link on the other. The oblong link needs to be large enough to drop over the trailer hitch ball of the towing truck. The kit described provides a lot of flexibility twenty feet long or forty feet long. The shackles increase flexibility, and allow quick changes. Nylon has a weakness, abra-sion. However, abrasion can be mini-mized with short pieces of chain. Two

three feet long pieces on one quarter or five sixteenth inch chain with grab barbs on each end can serve as attach-ment between the vehicle and tow strap. Lots of good tow straps have been damaged from abrasion because a short piece of chain was not used. I spent lots of time, in my early life, ranching with an ol’ cow-boy uncle in Brazoria County. That region has a commercial fishing and shrimping industry and I had the opportunity to learn about line on a boat, or rope on a ranch. After years of use, these shock absorbers have never broken hitched to medium size trac-tor or one ton diesel trucks. Lengths vary from ten feet to twenty feet and chain or cable and chain always used with the rope. Biggest mistake I see made getting unstuck is the unstuck vehicle getting too close the stuck vehicle. The use of nylon has a “rubber band” effect which really helps and nylon straps or ropes are easily combined with chain or cable.

Happy Trails...

General...

www.horsebackmagazine.com 2 February 2014 - Rodeo Issue 2 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 59Store Hours: Mon - Sat 8am - 6pm • Sun 12pm - 5pm (may vary by location)

1422 F.M. 2223BRYAN

(979) 778-0978

23250 State Hwy 6 S.NAVASOTA

(936) 825-2081

4323 Avenue HROSENBERG

(281) 342-2452

820 Business U.S. 290 N.HEMPSTEAD

(979) 826-3273

6401 F.M. 359RICHMOND

(832) 595-9500

1331 Highway 6 WestALVIN

(281) 388-0388

18821 F.M. 1488 MAGNOLIA

(281) 356-2530

34350 Katy FreewayBROOKSHIRE

(281) 934-2479

228 East Front St.SEALY

(979) 885-2967

NINE TEXAS LOCATIONS!

NOW STOCKING...

Buy 4, Get 1 FreeSINGLE DOSE HORSE WORMER

must present coupon at time of purchase.Coupon expires February 28, 2014

www.steinhausers.com


Good luck to all Stock Show & Rodeo Exhibitors!

GIVE YOUR HORSE AN EDGE WITH FULOPEP’S SOUND NUTRITION

SOUND NUTRITION WITH ATTRACTIVE PRICING

Introducing our NEW 14% All Stock Feed!

contact us for details...

Better Feed, Greater Value

PROUDLY MADE IN TEXAS

Dealer Inquiries Welcome...

Join the Ful-O-Pep Team!

Ful-O-PepSan Antonio, TX (800) 752-0727Cuero, TX (800) 242-3500www.fulopep.comDesign: silverbuckleservices.com (c) ‘14

horseback february 2014

Documents

purina impact horse

american national property

american nationals insurance

premium feed

casualty company anpac

purina dealer

horseback magazine

casualty company california