March 2010 Paddock Paper

Northern New Mexico Horsemen's Association

Newest Additions!
We had an amazing run of good luck in March, despite our board secretary, Joanne, moving to California. Stepping in to fill that position is Phillip Bachicha, a Santa Fe native (he won’t be moving to California) and paralegal. Another long-time resident of Santa Fe, Gus Jolley, will become our Ridge Riders ride manager. And finally, we purchased a new tractor! (see In The News)

March Minutes and Announcements

  • The general meeting began at 7pm.
  • Introduction of new NNMHA Secretary Phillip Bachicha
  • Announced that Gus Jolley is the new head of the Ridge Riders
  • Discussed the La Tierra Trails meeting and the need for more attendance by NNMHA members to give voice to the concerns of equestrian riders using the trails.
  • Announced Eldon Reyer’s Evacuation Clinic scheduled for May 8, which will advise riders how to prepare their horses and animals in case of evacuation.
  • Special recognition of Sandy Benson for her contributions to the NNMHA. Ms. Benson received a Lifetime Membership in the NNMHA and a Certificate of Appreciation.
  • Lisa discussed the Horse Show she is organizing.
  • Shelley showed pictures of the new tractor purchased by the NNMHA and discussed the need for fill dirt in the our stalls.
  • Shelley introduced speaker Bob Allen.
  • Meeting came to a close at 8:10pm.


March Speaker
Bob Allen, who conducts  “De-Spooking and Bomb Proofing”clinics, gave a presentation regarding his technique and how his clinic can help a rider learn how to safely de-sensitize his/her horse. During his animated and very interesting presentation, Bob explained that the traditional use of force and intimation have evolved into a more realistic approach, meaning that it’s usually the person that needs to be trained, not the horse. It’s also important to train your own horse – sending a horse off to a trainer won’t do much good if the owner/rider doesn’t continue the training. A good horse forgets its good training under a bad rider.

Bob also cited the following statistics:

  • Horseback riding is 20 times more dangerous than riding a motorcycle, based on the hours riding
  • Over 30% of injuries suffered on horseback are head injuries and are the number one reason for hospital admissions and the leading cause of death.
  • Approximately 34,000 non-fatal horse injuries per year, 23,000 being persons under the age of 20
  • Approximately 11,500 persons sustain traumatic brain injuries
  • In the US there are over 200 deaths per year
  • Young girls aged 10 – 14 are 4 to 5 times more likely to require hopsitalization
  • Injured riders are usually very experienced – in one study an average of 27 years experience at the time of injury
  • Injuries usually occur in the “wide open spaces” on dry, flat land on sunny summer afternoons.
  • 20-30% of injuries occur while dismounting, leading, grooming, or playing around the horse. Most injuries occur due to being kicked.

Bob teaches the rider the skill sets needed to stay safe on their horse when a horse begins to act up, or if the environment becomes unsafe. Bob’s emphasis is on learning how to control your horse through disengagement on command. Don’t know what to do in a dangerous situation? How about avoiding it altogether with the proper knowledge.

Bob also described what he does in his clinics, which includes de-sensitizing, de-spooking, disengagement, herd-bound horses, ear issues, trailering issues, and problem solving in general. Our horses don’t have to figure us out, we have to figure them out. Every action we have produces a reaction in our horse, whether positive or negative. We need to be constantly conscious while riding, aware of our actions that affect our horse’s actions and reactions, and how we change those things to get the reactions we want. It’s also important not to work against your horse. If the horse thinks he working against you, he’ll continue until one of you dies. If the horse thinks he’s working against himself, his behavior will only last a few days at the most. Another good rule: Don’t ask for perfection, and don’t put a time line on achieving your goal.

During a rather lengthy question and answer period, one of our members asked whether a horse that had exploded, injuring its rider and itself, could be helped? The answer: YES! Bob’s web site is www.thinkhorse.com. He will also come out to you and help with any issues you may have. Better still, Shelley Green is hosting one of Bob’s clinics on Saturday, May 1, from 10a.m. to 4p.m. at the NNMHA arena. See Other Equine Activities  —Phillip Bachicha

 

Calendar of NNMHA Events

April 28th – General Meeting – 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 8 – Equine Emergency Preparedness Planning Workshop, given by Eldon Reyer at The Feed Bin, 1202 W. Alameda, Santa Fe; 10:00 a.m. Free workshop to develop your personal emergency evacuation plan.

May 26th – General Meeting – Susan Smith: “Ortho-Bionomy for Equines” A registered practitioner, Susan Smith has adapted those 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. Meeting to be held on the grounds of NNMHA. Bring a brown bag dinner if desired; meeting announcements will begin at 6:30 and Susan’s demo will start around 6:45. www.susith.com/orthohorse

June 13 – Horsemanship Challenge at the NNMHA arena

June – No general meeting – Need office volunteers for rodeo stall rentals June 23 – 26

July 11 – Horsemanship Challenge at the NNMHA arena

July 28th – General Meeting – 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.

August 25th – General Meeting – 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

 

In The News


Catch up on the latest – In The News.


Other Equine Activities

Be sure to check out the Other Equine Activities webpage for more fun events to attend.
 
 
Classifieds


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