March 2009

EDITORIAL CONTENT (MY TWO CENTS WORTH)

I've just returned from two weeks in Florida. It was great getting away from the cold and snow.  We returned on Feb. 25 to very unwelcoming -20 temperatures.  I had the opportunity to ride a bunch of different horses while I was away ranging from "French Toast" a 14 hh Selle Francois/Hanovarion pony to "Shaba" an 18.1 hh Hungarian warmblood mare.  All my mounts were safe, thank goodness; I had no "unscheduled dismounts".  Mounting the 18.1 hh mare was somewhat difficult even from the two step mounting block. I'm just glad it wasn't caught on film because it wasn't pretty.  Shaba was a very tolerant and kind mare.  She is really well schooled.  Riding those big gates took some getting used to, and quite a WOW feeling when you ask for more power. Murray did video tape one of my earlier lessons on Shaba, he has loaded it onto You Tube.  He had to split it into two videos because of the length. I also rode a very sensitive Trakhener mare named "Firefly". You just had to think down transition and she was there. On my last day I was surprised when I was asked to ride "Lancing"  a 20 yr old Holsteiner stallion. That was a completely different ride.  So much power yet he was quite lazy. By this time my muscles were so fatigued I just did not have the energy to drive him forward. His canter felt like it was in slow motion.  He was very kind and didn't get upset with me for my awkward riding skill. During the week we did a lot of riding off the yard. There was beautiful country to ride in with lovely big oaks and open hay fields. The footing was always good even after a rain nothing got slick.

I have sold my pretty part-bred Arabian mare Abbey, congratulations to Angela Lavalee on her purchase.  Angie plans on developing Abbey in the endurance discipline.  I hope they have fun together hitting the trails this riding season.  This will mean I can bring home my new mount, Frisko, probably by early April.  He has lots to teach me, I hope we will be a good team.

Here are a couple good articles that are worth a read:  How to stimulate your horse's thirst.   

Cooling Out a Hot Horse in Winter Cold:  When your horse works up a sweat in cold, snowy weather, he's at risk for a chill when he stops exercising. Keep him warm and healthy with these post-ride tips.

THINGS YOU LEARN WHEN YOU OWN A HORSE  (Thanks Karen K. for sending me this. It made me smile, I hope it does the same for you.)

1. People who don't take care of their own horses will be the first ones to tell you how to care for yours.

2. You should never buy a cheap girth!

3. A handsome horse who's badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in about 15 minutes.

4. People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding, hit the ground the hardest.

5. Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical dispositions.

6. The richest horse people most often look the poorest.

7. The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.

8. A solitary ride through the woods is more beneficial then six months with the best psychiatrist

9. The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on the horse.

10. The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is that horses don't care how you look.

11. If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he's asking he's usually worth half that much.

12. The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their horse, but it can be a quick way to get hurt.

13. It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you buy 1,000 pounds

14. I'd rather have a horse with a perfect mind then a perfect head.

15. If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have, if you think you have closed the pasture gate, you haven't.

16. When someone asks you if you like their horse always say 'yes'.

17. The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one deranged goat.

18. If you're looking for the perfect horse you will never own one.

19. Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it.

20. If someone says that horse has a little buck, it has a BIG buck.

21. If we need rain, schedule a show.

22. A clean stables and a sparkling horse are among life's great pleasures.

23. Even free horses can be too expensive. Especially, free horses.

24. A more expensive horse doesn't make a better one.

25. I will never ever have an empty stable and I have accepted that fact.

26. Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.

27. If you can't imagine life without a horse... DON'T.
 

**SPECIAL DEAL LIST**   I have a totally different subscriber's list that receive special deals. Some months you will receive one or two deals; some months up to 5 or 6. I pass on hot hot deals that I get from my suppliers and I never know what is going to come my way. Sometimes there are monthly specials that suppliers offer or they are clearing out inventory. You will need high speed Internet service as these emails have pictures embedded in them. This past week I published two deals. One was for western items and the other was some overtock items from Can-Pro Equetrian. These are not items that I am stocking, these are all special order offers. If you'd like to be on this list just drop me a note saying YES to suestackshop@mts.net. 

***NEWS FROM THE REGION***

EQUINE MASSAGE THERAPY COURSE:  In this intensive six day course, learn the skills that can release the athletic potential in your horse.  Help them recover from injuries, dramatically reduce lower leg swelling, learn about behavioral issues which can translate directly to physical pain, learn many stretches and exercies to help your horse no matter which field they are competing or playing in!  $735. ($700 + $35 GST). Contact Sidonia McIntyre toll free 1-888-378-4632, equinerehab@xplornet.com, visit the web site for more course information.

EQUINE CHIROPRACTIC COURSE:  In this two day intensive course, you can learn how to feel for the skeletal system of the horse, learn the tests which determine if an adjustment is necessary, and how to carry out the safe adjustment. $420. ($400 + $20 GST). Contact Sidonia McIntyre toll free 1-888-378-4632, equinerehab@xplornet.com, visit the web site for more course information.

NATURAL HOOF HEALTH CLINICS:  Barb Fenwick will be putting on the following clinics.  May 2 - Hoof Health Seminar & Demonstrations. Wawota, SK. For those wanting the knowledge basics, no hands on training. Morning powerpoint presentation,  afternoon one horse will be trimmed by Barb. You can bring your horse for hoof health assessment. $100. booklet included.  June 6 & 7 - Hoof Health Course, Demonstration & Trimming Class.  City View Stables, Highway #7, just off Perimeter, Winnipeg, MB. Learn the basics of a natural hoof trim & the  theory of health hoof care & structure. Mornings: powerpoint classes, afternoon: demonstration and hands on for those interested in learning barefoot trim methods. Will book in two horses for demonstration purposes over the two days, bring your horse for assessment or hands ons, as time allows. $200. Board fee (inside) not included $15./day.  Lunch available to be purchased.  July 4 & 5 - Hoof Health Course, Demonstration & Trimming Class.  Seasons Ranch, MB. Learn the basics of a natural hoof trim & the  theory of health hoof care & structure. Mornings: powerpoint classes, afternoon demonstration & hands on for those interested in learning barefoot trim methods. Will book in two horses for demonstration purposes over the two days, bring your horse for assessment or hands ons, as time allows. $250.  includes a bed for you /or camping spot if you prefer and corral for your horse.  For more information check, barb@barbfenwick.com, or call 204-466-2776.

HORSES 3 - HEAD*HEART*HOOVES:  The Keystone Centre will once again be hosting this equine educational weekend called Horses3 ( Head*Heart*Hooves) on April 17-19.  This event was formally known as "The Round Up". Our goal with this event is to provide the horse enthusiast the opportunity to learn more about communicating with their horse.  Disciplines that will be highlighted include reining, colt-starting, horsemanship, dressage, equine behaviors and cow-horse. The ever popular Lee Smith.  Whatever your interests, Lee can offer insight and skills that will enhance your enjoyment, while you develop your horse and your horsemanship.  Also Dr. Robert Miller, D.V.M  will share his extensive understanding of equine behaviors. Dr. Robert Miller has published several educational books and several educational DVD/Videos. Back by popular demand is the Trainers Challenge, the highest attended portion of last year's event. This will definitely keep you entertained as Bruce Logan comes back to defend his title of Champion Trainer. To add some excitement, Nathan Day from Australia and Cain Quam from Saskatchewan will be this year's challengers. This is where three clinicians take a young horse out of a supplied select herd. Then individually call upon the depths of their knowledge, abilities and skill to see how much of an understanding they can develop between horse and human. From this foundation, you will see how much is possible to accomplish with four 1-hour sessions in the round pen. On Sunday, April 19, join us for the excitement in the main arena where one trainer will be crowned the Trainer Champion.  Contact Ticketmaster 204-726-3555, for weekend passes, entire weekend for $35./person. Watch our website for more information and schedule.

GLENN STEWART NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC: The North 9 in Stonewall, MB is pleased to say that Glenn Stewart, one of Canada's premier horsemen, is coming back for a series of spring clinics. There will be 3 separate clinics starting April 23/24 with Stage 1-2 for $400., April 25/26 Stage 2-3 for$400., and April 27/28/29 Stage 3-4 for $600. Stabling is available $12./night. Spectators for all levels are welcome $20/day with multi day and group passes available. Lunch and snacks available on site for all. GLENN will be putting on a horsemanship demo on Thursday, April 23/09 at 7:00 pm, entry of $10. All proceeds donated to the South Interlake Chapter of the Children's Wish Foundation.  Please bring lawn chairs. Contact Penny Coleman pfidler@rainyday.ca.

NORTH 9 TACK SALE: The North 9 is holding it's 2nd annual Tack Sale on April 19 in Stonewall, MB. From 10:00 to 2:00. Gate opens at 10:00 sharp!  Table rentals available for $10. We are also encouraging one and all to bring your piggy banks full of pennies and put them in the "penny barrel" (rolled or unrolled doesn't matter). All proceeds will be donated to the Children's Wish Foundation. There will be hotdogs, smokies and drinks for sale. Last year we had over 300 people attend. Penny Coleman pfidler@rainyday.ca. 

MANITOBA HORSE COUNCIL  COACHNG COMMITTEE SEMINARS  & EVALUATIONS:  1.  Equine Canada NCCP Equestrian Theory Course. Mar 7 & 8  at Sport MB. Building, 200 Main St., Wpg. This course is a prerequisite for any Coaching Assoc. of Canada Equine Certification, prepares you to do the Making Ethical Decisions on-line Evaluation. The course will give you an NCCP CC# . Full attendance required. Fee: $236.25. Includes coffees, lunches, reference manual & workbook.  Auditior fee: $168.00 already holding NCCP certification & CC# . Late fees apply for registration after Feb. 27.  2.  Equine Canada English Rider Level 7 &/or 8. Mar 13, location TBA. English Rider 7 or 8 testing, requires recommendation from Equine Canada Coach. Fee: $131.25 per level.  Late fees apply for registration after March 2.  3. Equine Canada English Coach 1 or 2 Assessment. Mar 14 & 15, location to be announced. This is a prerequisite prior to going forward to a Coach 1 or 2 Evaluation. Some prerequisites required, please contact MHC for more information. Fees:  Coach 1- $262.50. Coach 2-$304.50. Late fees apply after March 2.  4. Equine Canada English Instruction of Beginners Evaluation. Mar 21 & 22 at Blue Bear Stables, Sanford. "New" certification using the rubrics system.  Mentor papers required prior to Evaluation. Other requirements mandatory prior to attendance contact MHC for details. All components-$320.25. No Jumping component-$241.25. Jumping component only-$78.75. Late fees apply for registration after March 12.  5.  Equine Canada English Coach 1 & 2 Evaluation. April-location and date to be announced. Must have attended assessment within the last two years. Prerequisites required prior to attending, contact MHC for details. All fees listed include GST. For registration and details contact Manitoba Horse Council 204-925-5718, admin@manitobahorsecouncil.ca.

***NEW ITEMS***

***CLASSIFIED ADS***

When placing a classified ad please include what community you are from, contact phone # and email address.  All items listed for sale must state an asking price. Ads are listed in order they are received and may be edited to make the best use of space. The FREE classifieds are limited to one issue. Good luck buying and selling.

ST. GEORGE DRESSAGE SADDLE: Developed with Dr. Reiner Klimke, the world's most famous dressage rider, this is an elegantly styled saddle for all levels of dressage.  Deep comfortable seat is supportive allowing the rider to use his seat aids.  Flap design and large knee rolls position the rider's legs correctly. Unique nylon topped "V" formation billet design provides close contact and saddle stability.  Specially tanned leather is supple yet hard-wearing. Padded flaps and seat leather are soft and durable. Traditional wool-stuffed panels for a custom fit. 17" seat, regular tree, fit 16.2 hh TB gelding I was leasing very well. LIKE NEW used lightly for 6 months. Retail $1,500.....selling for $1,100.  A trial can be arranged. Personal sale no taxes.  This saddle is also made for Dover Saddlery under the name Klimke Ovation 

HORSE TRAILER FOR SALE: UniVison (1980 model) 2-horse straight load bumper pull steel horse trailer, navy blue. Measurements: Total length from back bumper to hitch 17' 4", trailer length 14', stall length 9'4", back door to manger 6'4", manger 3' deep., total exterior width 7'8" (measured from outer wheel well), interior stall width 5' 4", interior height 6'8", tack room length 4' 8" as well as 3' deep saddle storage under manger. Features:Trailer brakes with 7 pin electrical hook-up, break-away back up electrical system for trailer, two escape doors, two manger doors, 3 roof vents, 2 side vents at manger, sliding back window on both sides, exterior spare tire bracket, removable top 1/3 of back doors (great for hot weather traveling), padded interior-padding at shoulders and along both stall sides, floor in good condition with rubber mats, butt chains, interior lights, exterior marker lights, tack room with two saddle racks, 2 sets of five hooks, carpeted, tires in good condition, with spare. $4,500. Pictures to email. Stored in a shed for the winter so it is accessible to show you. Sue suestackshop@mts.net, toll free 1-877-822-3550, home 204-822-3-6110. Morden, MB.

HORSES FOR SALE: 1. "A Dazzlin Romance" 1999 AQHA Superior halter gelding, 180 points in open/amateur.
16 hh sorrel with big blaze and 3 high white stockings. Broke to ride, make great trail riding horse. or could go back in the halter ring. $2,700.  2. "Hard Rock Romance" 2004 AQHA chestnut 15.2 hh mare with a blaze and 2 rear white stockings.  ROM in open mare halter. Shown as a yearling, 2 and 3 yr old. Lightly started under saddle.  Would make a  great show horse. $3,500.  3. "Cool N Ritzi" 2001 AQHA sorrel 15.2 hh mare with a blaze with one white sock. Broodmare only. Very quiet, handled regularly. Has had 3 foals, is open in 2009. Buy her now to breed early! Her foals are very quiet and easy to work with. $1,800.  Friesen Quarter Horses. Contact Abe Friesen akfries@mts.net, 204-379-2616.  St. Claude, MB.

HORSE FOR SALE: 1. 1996 chestnut Quarter Horse mare.  Baron Bell, Tardy Two breeding.  Big pretty mare, well broke, nice to be around, used on 3D barrels and cattle, taken to clinics.  Would make a great youth or pleasure mount.  $3,500.  2. 2007 Bay Quarter Horse gelding. Breeding goes back to Tardy Two, Sugar Time Rocket.  Good looking colt, approx. 15 hh, nice to be around.  $1,000. Laurie lauriecooper@sasktel.net,  306-745-6778.
 
HORSE TRAILER FOR SALE: 1984 Royal 2-horse trailer. Good shape.  $2,000  Laurie lauriecooper@sasktel.net ,  306-745-6778.

HORSE FOR SALE: 1997 Appaloosa/Percheron gelding, flea bitten grey with spotted blanket.  Very well broke to ride, goes western, has been ridden english, takes both leads, sidepasses, turn on the haunches, neck reins, excellent trail horse, can be ridden through anything (water, snow, mud, over bridges),easy to catch, clips, bathes, trailer loads, started driving, has pulled weight.  Was used by Pembina Valley Camp summer '08, ridden by children with out any problems.  Focusing more on showing, too good to sit in the pasture. Pictures available on request. $2,500. firm, serious inquiries only.  ttwiens@mts.net.  Pansy, MB.

HORSE TRAILER FOR SALE:  4-horse aluminum "Hart" trailer. 7' high x  7' wide x 19' Long (length of new floor & new jack).  Angle haul, rear tack, drop down windows, hay rack, living quarters sleeps 4, L bench & table converts to bed, 3 way fridge, microwave, 2 burner stove, furnace, sink, closet and cupboards.  Pictures available.  $20,000.+GST obo. Contact Jamie McDonald agripark@sasktel.net, 306-728-5277 office, 306-728-2149 home, 306-728-9352 cell.  Melville, SK.

HORSES FOR SALE:  1. 2003 AQHA solid bay gelding. "Naughty But Famous" seasoned show horse. English and western disciplines, shown on the open show circuit.  Showmanship machine, consistently in top 5 in halter, pleasure to show.  Sound, sane, a real sweetheart, tough enough to take youth AQHA shows. $7,500. 2. 2005 AQHA bay gelding. His lineage includes Zippo Can Do, Zips Chocolate Chip. Well started, excellent all around gelding, will be very competitive in the show ring in western and english events. Has been shown, clips and bathes, hauled, regular farrier work and excellent temperament. Started on trail and showmanship. Very athletic, nice stop, natural lead changes. Ridden a ton out on the trail. $3,500.  3. 2008 AQHA bay gelding. Eligible for Harvest Gold and MRCHBA futurities. Lineage: Only Gold Invitation (Invitation Only), Zips Famous Amos. Should be a wonderful all around show horse. $3,500. Email sdheight@mts.net, 204-638-4612. Dauphin, MB.

HORSES FOR SALE:  1. White w/sorrell 9 yr old Pinto/Heavy stallion, not papered, approx. 15 hh.  Halter broke to tie & lead, easy to catch.  Very gentle,quiet,easy on fences. Will load into trailer by himself from pasture to pasture. $650.   2. Mule, approx. 12 hh. Very quiet for kids to ride, parades and birthday parties. Foundered in the fall but feet are still pretty good. Needs to go to home that can manage his diet;no sweets. $500.  Willing to trade for old pmu stalls or corral panels. Melissa Ewasiuk mmelissa_79@hotmail.com, 204-763-4836. Minnedosa Area.

TACK FOR SALE: New chocolate brown suede bareback pad. Just like Parelli, made by Rider's Choice. Too big for my little pony. Paid $250, asking $185. obo. Picture available. Genevieve gen_cloutier@hotmail.com, 204-795-2395.

TACK FOR SALE: Black 15" Wintec western saddle, very  light 19 lbs. Excellent condition barely used, always covered. Quarter Horse bars, used on 15.2 hh 1200 lb Paint. $350. Email for pictures artemus3@mts.net. Anola, MB. 

HORSE FOR SALE:  2005 Reg. Thoroughbred mare, just under 16 hh with more growing to do. Very dark bay mare, looks black with no white markings. Professionally ridden 3-4 days a week, perfect hunter/jumper prospect for a junior or amateur. Jumping 2'3 courses with ease, lots of scope to go higher. UTD on shots, farrier, trailers well, ridden western, extremely willing, very quiet, easy to catch, doesn't spook.  Reason for selling no time to ride and show 2 jumpers. $3,500. negotiable. For photos or set up a viewing contact Cristen 204-229-4545, cvparks@mts.net or Vernette 204-828-353, rodeored1963@hotmail.com.

PONIES FOR SALE: 1. "Haley" 12 yr old 13 hh beautiful bay Arab/ Welsh show mare.  Lovely minded pony, done everything; halter, jumping, gymkhana, trail rides, driving single and double, western & english pleasure. Produced 3 beautiful foals. $5,000.  2. "Foothill's Jump Up Buttercup" 12 yr old grey 12.1 hh reg'd Section B Welsh broodmare. Excellent quality, sound mare. Broke to ride for experienced youth. $1,500.  3. "Image Acres Black Magic" Friesian x Welsh fancy black yearling colt, will mature 13.2 - 14hh. Large carriage pony, dressage, jumper prospect. $800.  4. "Lily" Quarter Horse x Arab/Welsh 3 yr old chestnut mare.  Should mature 13.3 hh.  Beautiful and correct pony ready to start. $1,100.  All ponies have been shown, bath, clip, trailer, stand well for farrier, sound, current with vaccinations, de-worming and farrier. Serious inquiries bhunterphoto@gmail.com, 204-764-3789.

Happy Trails,