November 2009 Paddock Paper

Northern New Mexico Horsemen's Association

President’s Message
As I set here at my computer I realize it is to be my last Pres. Message. I can not recall how many such messages I sent, I stopped counting at 10 years. It did give me cause to recall a time in my past some 50+ years ago as I sat at a three stick trappers fire in Yellowstone. The day had been one of those cold rainy days on the trail with the pack string and as we made camp short of out planned meadow we boxed in the mules on a small meadow on the south bank of Yellowstone Lake. I knew it would be a restless sleepless night as the mules were bunched up on short grass. I expressed my thoughts to Packer John Card, that we had to settle for “second best”. John, in his usual way, found something positive to say. “Being 2nd or accepting 2nd best is not always a bad thing, after all, THE 2ND MOUSE TO THE TRAP GETS THE CHEESE!” Well, I will no longer find I need to be the first mouse to the trap. I will just enjoy being the 2nd mouse to the trap and enjoy a cheese meal. With Christmas near I recall one of my most memorable times. During the Korean War I served in the Navy and our fleet put into Hong Kong for Christmas. On the flight deck of the Air Craft Carrier Wast the USO show was held. Bob Hope gave us the best he had and at the end he closed off with his usual song which I pass on to all of you that have been so kind and helpful to me during my time as President. “THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!”
Eldon

 

October Minutes

  • This was our 2nd general meeting at the RealBurger Restaurant, 2239 Old Pecos Trail. It was generally agreed that their menu is offers good variety, the portions are generous and they have a great salad bar. Since the new location of the Plaza Café does not offer a private room, this will be our new meeting space.
  • Trish Hug has agreed to fill in the president’s position on the NNMHA board for 2010. As outlined in our bylaws, there will be a vote on her nomination by all present at the November general meeting. New NNMHA member, JoAnne Burkhardt, is nominated to be board secretary, pending news about her job. Her nomination will also be voted on at the November meeting.
  • JoAnne Burkhardt has also expressed interest in breathing new life into the NNMHA Ridge Rides starting next year. Her goal is to help organize monthly rides. It will be great to get those going again!
  • Shelley Green will remain as our board Secretary until the end of December. In 2010 she will become our grounds manager. She lives about one mile from the NNMHA grounds and is just the right person to help us keep an eye on the condition of our equipment and to interface for us with our on-site maintenance person, Barbara Rogers.
  • Shelley has also brought the ACTHA activities to the attention of the board. The American Competitive Trail Horse Association sponsors 5 mile trail rides that can be used for horse and riders to get themselves ready for NATRC rides, or just by riders who want to sharpen their trail riding skills. There are judged obstacles/challenges each mile. Winners receive prizes AND the “host” group receives some of the money raised by entrance fees. That’s where NNMHA might come in. Shelley is going to research to find out what we would have to do in order to participate. The possibilities are interesting!
  • The Christmas party will be held on Saturday evening, December 6th, at the home of Sue Stevens again this year. She is hoping to get lots of help getting it pulled together. Lisa Gordon has offered to help with decorations. Phil Bachicha has offered to cook the turkey (which NNMHA will pay for). Think about what you can do to help and contact Sue at suestevens02@cybermesa.com.  This will be pot luck again; bring a $10 gift for the ever-popular gift exchange. Our favorite game – for sure.
  • Betsy announced that she is trying to arrange more activities for next year to involve members and horses out of doors. Three things on the horizon are: 1) a hands-on Ortho-Bionomy presentation by Sue Smith in lieu of our general meeting in May, at the NNMHA grounds; 2) a tour of Dr. Doug Thal’s veterinary practice and surgery facility, sometime in July; 3) a presentation by the Enchantment Driving Society to teach interested members all the do’s and don’ts for getting started in driving.
  • We all were happy to see Ron and Charlotte Dykes. This was likely the last meeting they’ll be able to attend. They’ll be moving to Florida soon and we wish them well!
  • The next meeting will be held one week earlier than normal to avoid conflict with “Thanksgiving-eve”. So be sure to come to listen and watch the special presentation by farrier Robert Holt and veterinarian Stuart McCall on November 18th!


October Speaker
After the announcements, Eldon entertained us all with some GREAT cowboy poetry – full of good humor and also lots of reminiscence and tenderness. We all felt honored to listen as he shared.


Calendar of NNMHA Events
November 18 (one week earlier, this month only) – Farrier Robert Holt with veterinarian Stuart McCall who have collaborated in the Santa Fe area for over 20 years, will speak on equine lameness. The role of the horse owner, veterinarian, and farrier will be discussed emphasizing the importance of working together for a successful outcome to a debilitating disease. Slides and videos will highlight x-rays, a foundered horse’s appearance and the shoeing systems available for application.
 
January 27, 2010 – Transitioning Mustangs to Domestication – Alicia Nation, president of the New Mexico Mustang and Burro Association, will talk about her experiences adopting BLM mustangs at Colorado BLM Facility and her process of transitioning the three horses she brought home to a domestic environment. Inspired by the encounter with the many gentle, willing and beautiful BLM horses awaiting homes, she founded the New Mexico Mustang and Burro Association (www.nmmba.org) and Shaking Wind Ranch (www.shakingwindranch.com) to educate people about the true nature of wild horses and their accessibility for the average horseperson.

February 24th, 2010 – Dr. Doug Thal: “Parasite control revisited” After 40 years of aggressive and often indiscriminate worming, we are learning that there are some disturbing trends in parasite resistance to our commonly used equine dewormers. What this means is that horse people and veterinarians need to rethink how they are deworming horses. Dr. Thal will present some new ideas on parasites and deworming and describe the approach he suggests based on recent papers and presentations.

March 31, 2010 – 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.

April 28th, 2010 – 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, 2010 – 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. Meeting to be held on the grounds of NNMHA.

 

In The News
Read a review of the recent Mark Rashid three-day clinic, attended by Betsy Walker – In The News.


NNMHA Open Shows
Our last show of 2009 was Saturday, October 3. Go to October 3 Open Show to see photos.


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

 

Classifieds
Check out our Classifieds page for boarding opportunities, tack, horses and services.