February 2010 Paddock Paper
Northern New Mexico Horsemen's Association
February SpeakerOur guest speaker was Doug Thal, DVM, of Thal Equine, who gave a slide presentation and talked about how worming practices have been changing. Since paste wormers are often used every eight weeks, some parasites are developing resistance. Thoughts are leaning towards paste worming our horses less often – only three to four times a year, and not six times. More importantly, a fecal egg count for each horse at least once a year can determine what parasites are present and whether the infection is light, moderate, or heavy; also, whether or not the present worming protocol is working.
A fecal egg count is the microscopic examination of fresh manure for parasite eggs. Put a fresh manure ball in a sealed ziploc bag and drop it off at your vet’s. Results are expressed as eggs per gram (epg) of manure. For more information on this subject, go to www.thalequine.com and click on Articles.
Ridge RidersOur February ride at Galisteo Basin was cancelled due to Mother Nature’s non-cooperation; we will reschedule that ride for a later date, probably in April when hopefully, it will be drier. No ride in March either – same excuse.
Until we get a new ride manager, to register for a ride, or if you have suggestions for upcoming trailrides, please contact Trish Hug at 505-670-3446 or trish_hug@hotmail.com. Make certain you read the ride rules and suggestions online at www.nnmha.com/RidgeRiders.
Horse Show News – Horsemanship Challenge
NNMHA is introducing an exciting new concept for its 2010 shows – Horsemanship Challenge is a fun-filled one day show promoting learning and horsemanship within the two disciplines of English and Western. Participants compete in three events for five individual scores. The classes are Good Citizenship In-Hand, which combines horsemanship skills on the ground with some of the traditional elements of good Showmanship; Horsemanship Under Saddle; and finally, one of three specialty interests – Trail, Beginning Jumping, or Eventing. Participants will receive a combined equitation score for both riding classes. The show culminates with an award ceremony for everyone and the return of score cards for feed back. Awards will be given for the highest scores in both English and Western and three levels of participation.
Level 1 is for the newest and smallest of riders. They will receive special recognition and attention, as it has always been NNMHA’s aim to encourage new horse people.Level 2 is for those who feel most comfortable competing at the trot.
Level 3 is dedicated to a wide range of skills including the lope and canter
The patterns are designed to test common horsemanship skills, emphasizing the crossover of disciplines while celebrating the differences. This new show is inspired by several vastly different show styles, Versatility Ranch Horse, Three Day Eventing and Dressage Trials. They all evaluate horse and rider as one. Most importantly they provide feedback at the end of the show which promotes learning and improving. —Lisa Gordon
More to come as details get ironed out.
Calendar of NNMHA EventsMarch 31 – Shantel Sexton: local trainer/ competitor will present: “Building Partnership with Horses” a presentation exploring the elements involved in creating a long-term, healthy and harmonious relationship with your horse. Tips on how to support confidence, cooperation and willingness for every ride.August 25th – Rick Iannucci, Director of "Horses for Heroes – New Mexico, Inc.", a unique horse therapy program based in Santa Fe, NM, free to veterans and active military who have sustained physical injuries or combat trauma during their time serving our country. Find out more about their program "Horses for Heroes – Cowboy Up" at www.horsesforheroes.org
April 28th – Doug Lanham: “The Spanish Mustang Foundation” is comprised of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds who, together, provide a broad array of experience, leadership and expertise in protecting the Spanish Mustang. What joins these people by a common thread is their commitment and enthusiasm to protect and preserve this exceptional horse. Mr. Lanham began his involvement with the Spanish Mustangs in the late 1990’s and has been an active supporter of the Brislawn Family and Spanish Mustang Registry. He is currently a board member of the Horse Shelter and the Espanola Valley Humane Society.
May 26th – Susan Smith: “Ortho-Bionomy for Equines” Registered Ortho-Bionomy practitioner Susan Smith has adapted Ortho-Bionomy bodywork principles to suit a being who stands on four legs most of the time, lowers its head to the ground to eat, and whose structure is designed for speed, agility and performance. Susan will do a demo on 2-3 horses to show how Equine Ortho-Bionomy can address such issues as structural imbalance, lameness, trauma, chronic and acute injuries, joint pain and stiffness and behavioral issues. She will select those horses from the NNMHA membership. Email her a description of your horse and its “ailment” and you might get some free body work! A perk of membership! susith@aol.com Meeting to be held on the grounds of NNMHA.June – No meeting – Rodeo
July 28th – Karyn Ogonowski from the Enchantment Driving Society will give an overview of carriage driving, a sport for all ages. Driving is something any horse-person can take up even after they are older and perhaps cannot sit a horse to ride as often. Driving allows for the idea that we can be 80 and still be going strong with our beloved horses. Karyn will also let us know about the many clinics EDS will be offering this year, from beginners to a Combined Driving Event which includes dressage, cones and obstacles.
In The News
Catch up on the latest – In The News.
Other Equine ActivitiesBe sure to check out the Other Equine Activities webpage for more fun events to attend.
ClassifiedsCheck out our Classifieds page for boarding opportunities, tack, horses and services.