| HorseTrax The newsletter for horse lovers Please visit the HorseTrax website!! http://clix.to/horsetrax ************************************************************************************** HorseTrax Newsletter #7 March 14, 2002 In This Issue: 1*What's New? 2*Did You Know?-Sarcoids 3*Breed Profile: The Cheju 4*Fun Facts 5*What's in a Name?: Results 6*What's in a Name? 7*Poems & Quotes 8*I've Always Wondered...What do horses express with their tails? 9*Quick History: Goer 10*Horse Rescue: Rubbernecker & Millrite plus The Horror of Slaughter 11*Would You Rather...? Results & New Survey 12*Survey E Results 13*Survey F 14*What's Their Breed?: Results 15*What's Their Breed? 16*Stallion in the Spotlight: BC Revenue Barlink 17*Readers' Sites and My Favorite Horse Sites 18*The Reader's Input 19*A Final Neigh 20*References ************************************************************************************** What's New? I have found that once I start ordering new tack for my horse, I have a difficult time stopping. I finally paid off my Martha Josey Ultimate Barrel Racing Saddle, and then I got a Martha Josey set that including a headstall, breastcollar, and reins (all in purple), and the Short Shank Combo Bit. But why stop there?? I ordered a Classic Equine saddle pad and a Professional's Choice SMX Charmayne James Barrel Racing Cinch. So I'm ready for spring and competition!! As for the animal situation in my house, we have added a 17 month old cat, Ginny, to our family. She is a very sweet cat, and incredibly beautiful!! Now Cruella has a friend...but it will take a while for them to learn to get along!! Finally, I made a mistake in my last newsletter. I said that the next issue would be out March 7th, but obviously that was wrong, because that would have only been a week between newsletters!! I'm sorry for my mistake. Look for HorseTrax #8 on March 28th. Thanks for all of your participation!! Sincerely, Erin and Baron ************************************************************************************** Did You Know?-Sarcoids If you've ever suspected your horse of having a wart, you may want to check into it. Sarcoids, a common tumor-like growth, my at first resemble a wart. But then it will begin to grow at a rapid rate until it breaks opento reveal an ulcerated surface. After this occurs, the exposed surface can become infected with bacteria, which can than turn it into a pus-covered sore. Attempts at surgical removal have been made, but sarcoids often come back, due to the fact that they infect the tissue surrounding the visible sore. Other attempts have been made with freezing the sarcoid, which has been known to be more effective than surgery. In addtion, radiation has also been attempted. Yet through these removing procedures, whether successful or not, it is imperative that the sarcoid be kept very clean. About every two weeks, the hair surrounding the sarcoid should be clipped. If a sarcoid occurs on the lower legs of your horse, pressure bandages may be used, but they should be changed every two days. It is important that the bandages are used until skin has healed over the sarcoid. If you do not, the sore will continue to grow and worsen. Fortunately, sarcoids are rarely fatal. Yet the situation may lead to euthanization because the sarcoid may grow to the point where the horse can no longer be used. ************************************************************************************** Breed Profile: The Cheju The name of the Cheju is derived from an island off of the coast of South Korea. This breed is a pony, for it usually stands 11 hh. It is thought that the breed existed as far back as prehistoric times. In the 13th century, it is recorded that 160 breeding horses were brought from Mongolia into the Cheju island to improve the native ponies there. The Koryo and Choson dynasties saw 20,000 Cheju ponies on the island, and a quarter of the people on the island were participaters in horse production. But as farming equiptment evolved and the use for these ponies decreased, so did their numbers. By 1989, only 2500 Cheju ponies remained, making the breed increasingly close to extinction. Characteristically, the Cheju is a very hardy breed, and very draft-like. They can survive the most severe of weather and are known for their natural resistance to ticks and diseases. The mares can foal past twenty years old without complications. Their coloration is most commonly chestnut, black, and bay, but gray, white, palomino, and pinto colorations are also seen. They have short backs, strong necks, large eyes, a highly-set tail (resembling its Arabian influence), and a good shoulder. In all, the loss of this pony's existence would be harmful to the Cheju island and Korea, where centuries of love has been invested in the breed. ************************************************************************************** Fun Facts *Andalusian and Neapolitan blood mixed with local Marsh Horses created the earliest Holsteins. In a later time, the blood of the Cleveland Bay and the Thoroughbred were also added. *The Saddlebred is divided into the following showing purpose groups: Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited, and Fine Harness. *The horse breed that most accurately resembles the horses of the New World Spanish settlers is the Paso Fino. *The term hunter means "a horse that can carry a rider safely when in pursuit of animal prey", which is most frequently foxes. *The head and body of the horse are "streamlined", which aids in reducing wind resistance. *When the early Bedouins were developing their breeding programs, they chose horses of the following: mares with stamina and courage, stallions with beauty and intelligence. *Keratin (a protein substance) is what the horse's hooves are made of. *A "type" of horse (Hunter, Trotter, etc...) is a horse who handles a certain function, rather than being of a particular breed. ************************************************************************************** What's in a Name?: Results The Lipizzaner from last issue was given seven different names suggestions. I chose Mr. Mellow Trickster, suggested by Nikki. I liked how his name really fit with his career. Other names included: Mellow Yellow (Tiffany), White Dreamer (Dana), Master Borina (Emma), Truth Be Known (Teresa), Vene Vidi Vici (Jaci), and Mystic Silver (Aimee-Dawn). Thanks so much for your input!! ************************************************************************************** What's in a Name? The following "What's in a Name?" was a suggestion contributed by Nikki. Thanks for your help, Nikki!! I would encourage other readers to try out their hand in this as well!! Name: ? Breed: Quarter Horse Age: 12 History: Trail and Jumping Status: Jumper Colors: Bay Gender: Gelding Disposition: He is really sweet and funny, and loves his carrots!! *If you have a suggestion for this boy, send them to me at horse_trax@hotmail.com. Thanks!! ************************************************************************************** Poems & Quotes "While there ar many things you can fake through in this life, pretending you know horses when you don't isn't one of them." -Cooky McClung "No time spent in the saddle is wasted; as you learn to communicate with the horse and appreciate what he can do for you, it will add a fascinating dimension to your life." -Mary Gordon-Watson "There is something about riding down the street on a prancing horse that makes you feel like something, even when you ain't a thing." -Will Rogers "We have almost forgotten how strange a thing it is that so huge and powerful and intelligent an animal as a horse should allow another, and far more feeble animal, to ride upon its back." -Peter Gray "The wise horseman studies all he can regarding different methods of training, teaching, and riding, provided they are in accord with the fundamental principles followed by all good horsemen. Then he applies them according to the type of horse he is riding and the circumstances." -Margaret Cabell Self ************************************************************************************** I've Always Wondered...What do horses express with their tails? If you view the rising and falling of your horse's tail as a "needle on a dial" that registers excitement, you can begin to understand what they are trying to signal. A tail that is held high usually shows that the horse is alert, engaging in activity, or experiencing exuberance. A tail that is dropped very low shows tha the horse is sleepy, exhausted, in pain, in fear, or in submission. The way in which this happens is simple: the faster the horse moves forward, the "antigravity" muscle system is engaged. These muscles lift the tail as the horse accelerates. As his speed is decreased, the tail is dropped. As this feature became the nature of the horse, the tail can be raised or dropped without moving his body. For example, a foal approaching another foal, feeling playful, may curl his tail up over his back as an invitation to play. Here the cause of the movement of the tail is not due to physical movement of the horse. Another obvious tail sign is the stiffening of the base of the tail when a horse is being very aggressive. The tail will appear to be "sticking out" from the horse more than usual. But the tail does not only move up and down, but can also make swishing movements in just about every direction. These types of movements can be caused by irritation, such as with flies or other insects. Or, it can be a sign of anxiety, frustration, or confusion. It can also be a sign of resistance. If a horse swishes his tail in dressage competition, the rider will often be docked points because of this sign of the horse resisting his instruction. In general, it is easy to read your horse's tail. By combining the tail signals with his facial, ear, or body signals, you can find the process of figuring out your horse's mind at any moment an easy task. ************************************************************************************** Quick History: Goer It was spring in the year of 1973 when a man by the name of Tom Simmons purchased a two week old Appaloosa colt by the name of Goer, along with his dam Miss Bar Heels (Quarter Horse mare), on the condition that Simmons would show Goer by top handlers. His success was very early foreseen. By the time he was a yearling, he was already winning. At his first show, the 1974 Denver Stock Show, he won his class. At the California State Fair, the Grand National Livestock Show, and the Southwestern Invitational, he repeated the achievement each time. He was a very refined young stallion, and complaints by other stallion owners were made that he was too attractive to be a stud. But despite this criticism, Goer continued to win. In 1975, he was grand champion stallion at eight different shows. At the Appaloosa Horse Club National Show, he earned two first places and one sixth place as a two year old. His show career continued as a three year old, where he won many Texas livestock show classes and was reserve at the Denver Stock Show. Simmons was not going to show Goer at the 1976 Appaloosa National Show because he was going to concentrate on breeding the stud, but when a certain top trainer told Simmons that "it was just as well (that he didn't show Goer), for Goer wouldn't have won anyway." Simmons, disturbed by this comment, changed his mind and took Goer to the National Show anyway, where he was named National Champion Three Year Old Stallion. In the same year, a man by the name of Dick Kennedy bought half interest in Goer, giving birth to the Simmons-Kennedy Ranches. Goer continued not only to be successful in the show ring, but also as a sire. His get became favorites of all different types of horse owners. Unfortunately, in 1994, Goer passed away at the age of 21 to natural causes. In that year, he was inducted into the Appaloosa Horse Club Hall of Fame. ************************************************************************************** Horse Rescue: Rubbernecker & Millrite plus The Horror of Slaughter The following horses are available for adoption or sponsorship: Rubbernecker: (located in Pennsylvania) This Standardbred is affectionately known as "Flash" is a handsome 15.2 hh bay gelding who loves getting attention from people. He has great manners and has been ridden on trails but needs someone to teach him the finer arts of being a perfect horse! See him and other Standardbreds (most right off of the racetrack) for adoption by visiting this site: http://adoptahorse.org/page7.html Millrite: Older Thoroughbred gelding, good disposition, friendly, and willing. Retired from racing, has been used as a 4-H horse. Good for light riding or lesson horse. See him and other horses for adoption by visiting this site: http://www.equineangels.homestead.com/HorsesforAdoption.html The Horror of Slaughter If you've never considered adopting or sponsoring a horse, then this just might change your mind. You just might save a horse from enduring the brutality of the slaughter house. I found a site that reveals the up close and personal aspects of this horrible procedure. *Warning: this site contains very graphic and brutal photos of the slaughter process. If you cannot handle the sight of blood, DO NOT look at the pictures in this site. The very explicit pictures include the hanging of horses to be prepared for skinning and butchering...very detailed and mortifying. By the time I went through all 13 pictures, I was in tears, and very upset that something so horrifying actually takes place in my country. Land of the free? I think not. Not for the equine, anyways. This site gave me a real wake up call. Something must be done about slaughter. Equine Advocates, Inc. www.equineadvocates.com/hs/gfx/a4copy4.class ************************************************************************************** Would You Rather...?: Results & New Survey Results: Work as a Horse Rescuer: 20% Work as a Horse Rehabilitator: 60% Neither: 20% Own a Ranch: 60% Own a Stable: 40% Become a Masseusse: 40% Become a Physical Therapist: 60% Spend your day shoveling manure: 40% Spend your day stacking hay: 60% Thanks to all of you who participated in last issue's Would You Rather...? !! This issue's Would You Rather...? This is like a survey, but you are only given two options between which you must choose. E-mail me your responses with Would You Rather in the subject line. 1.) Spend your summer: Working on a ranch or Competing in shows? 2.) Have 30 days of free: Lessons of Professional training on your horse? 3.) Be an assistant to a: Veterinarian or a Trainer? 4.) Adopt a: Wild Mustang or Wild Burro? ************************************************************************************** Survey E Results 1.) Do you own or lease a horse? Yes, lease: 20% Yes, own: 40% No: 40% 2.) How many horses do you own? 0: 40% 1-3: 60% 3.) How many days a week do you ride? 1: 40% 4: 20% 5: 40% 4.) How many years have you been riding? 1-3: 40% 4-6: 20% 7-9: 20% 10 or more: 20% 5.) Would you consider yourself a: Beginner-Intermediate: 40% Intermediate: 40% Expert: 20% ************************************************************************************** Survey F Have you ever...? 1.) Ridden bareback? a.) Yes b.) No 2.) Ridden bridleless? a.) Yes b.) No 3.) Competed in a show? a.) Yes b.) No 4.) Had an accident involving a horse? a.) Yes b.) No 5.) Witnessed a foaling? a.) Yes b.) No 6.) Trained a horse for someone else? a.) Yes b.) No 7.) Been attacked by a horse? a.) Yes b.) No 8.) Been afraid of a horse? a.) Yes b.) No 9.) Experienced the death of a special horse? a.) Yes b.) No 10.) Considered a horse-related career (now or in your future)? a.) Yes b.) No Please send me your responses by March 26th. Thanks!! ************************************************************************************* What's Their Breed?: Results Thanks to Tiffany, Emma, Teresa, Jaci, and Aimee-Dawn who participated in last issue's What's Their Breed? !! Tiffany got 0/4 (she said her back hurt that day :) ), Emma got 3/4 (missing #3), Teresa got 3/4 (missing #3), Jaci got 3/4 (missing #3), and Aimee-Dawn got 2/4 (missing #s 1 and 2). A great effort, girls!! Here are the answers: Prime Timber: Thoroughbred Poco Bueno: Quarter Horse Cadet Commander: Hackney Pony Samtyr: Arabian ************************************************************************************** What's Their Breed? Below are 4 famous horses and it is your job to choose their correct breed. Good luck!! 1.) Dreamfiner a.) Missouri Fox Trotter b.) Peruvian Paso c.) Appaloosa 2.) J. Lee's Rockit a.) Spanish Mustang b.) Rocky Mountain Horse c.) Orlov Trotter 3.) Umbaba a.) Westphalian b.) Andalusian c.) Akhal-Teke 4.) Jet Deck a.) Quarter Horse b.) Morab c.) Morgan ************************************************************************************** Stallion in the Spotlight: BC Revenue Barlink Name: BC Revenue Barlink Breed: Paint Gender: 1990 Stallion Color: Red Sorrel Overo Sire & Dam: Barlink Macho Man x Ima AJ Girl Owned by: BC Paint Horse Farm, Armstrong, B.C. Other: Superior Halter (160 APHA points), Over 40 Grand and Reserve Championships, #7 Honor Roll Halter Stallion in 1991, NWCC weanling colt futurity winner, NWCC yearling colt futurity winner, Zone 2 yearling colt futurity winner, Zone 1 Reserve Hi-Point Halter Stallion, BC Paint Horse Club Hi-Point Stallion, and Western Canada National Pinto Sureme Champion of Champions. See him at: http://www3.telus.net/bcpaint ************************************************************************************** Readers' Sites and My Favorite Horse Sites Silver Birch Ranch (placed here by request) www.silverbirchranch.org *The following website address was asked to be added here, but when I tried the address, it said that the site address was not being used. Whoever it was that sent me this link, could you please contact me with the correct address so that I can place your site here? Thanks!! http://www.clix.to/riders4ever Rods Western Palace www.rods.com Big Tack Store www.bigtackstore.com ************************************************************************************** The Reader's Input Nothing was submitted for this issue's The Reader's Input. Back when I first got into writing HorseTrax (2 years ago), I had a column called Here's My Story. Basically, readers would send me stories of their horses, how they acquired them, what they've shared, etc...I found it rather interesting, and it allowed me to get to know my readers. So if you would like to submit a story for The Reader's Input, feel free to do so!! ************************************************************************************** A Final Neigh Well, yet another newsletter is finally finished after hours of research and typing. I always have a good feeling when I finish, because I love providing my readers with interesting and fun material, as well as informative writing. Thanks to all of my subscribers for taking an interest in HorseTrax. Just a reminder, look for HorseTrax #8 on March 28th. Until then...happy riding!! ************************************************************************************** References James, Ruth B. How To Be Your Own Veterinarian (sometimes). Wyoming: Alpine Press Mills, 1990. Morris, Desomond. Horsewatching. New York: Crown Publishers Inc., 1988. Hendricks, Bonnie L. International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. University of Oklahoma Press, 1995. http://www3.telus.net/bcpaint http://adoptahorse.org/page7.html http://www.equineangels.homestead.com/HorsesforAdoption.html ************************************************************************************** Home Past Issues |