Okay already... would spring just get here! I know I am not alone in this feeling. I am so anxious to get out there riding. The temperature is not the thing stopping me it's the footing. The yard is very sheltered so it is still snow covered. Since that is the conditions at home I have decided to keep Mercydes at the training facility for the next month. She's under the care and training of Elaine Banfield at Meadowview Ranch up by Anola. During the month of April I will make weekly trips up to ride her with Elaine. I was there on Wednesday of this week to take a lesson on her. I am happy with her progress and can't wait to take her home. With the melting and freezing happening overnight keep a close watch on your horse's turnout. Keep them off of icy areas where they can slip and fall .On traffic areas where there is ice build up throw down some sand or gravel to keep that area safe.

Spring is a time to be thinking of some equine health issues. It's commonly a time to vaccinate and deworm. Watch for secret deals on dewormer soon to be released, just working on suppliers for some great pricing. Deworming does not have to be a big deal. Horses pick up on your energy, so don't you be worried about how it is going to go wrong. Just throw it in there like it is an everyday occurrence. Say you are in the middle of grooming, just put down the brush, slip the dewormer up the side of the horses mouth. Just like that it's done! Don't make it a big production. On to another spring job-sheath cleaning. If you are the lucky owner of a gelding you have that lovely job to tackle. He's got a winters worth of crap built up in there. Here is a website that will give some good instruction on sheath cleaning http://www.equusite.com/articles/health/healthSheathCleaning.shtml . That winter coat can be very deceiving; once your horse sheds out you'll have a better idea of how they wintered. If your horse's body condition is not what you think it should be consider having a dental checkup done. I like to have my horses teeth done every two years. If you do end up having the vet out for some dental work that is a great time to do sheath cleaning while they are dopey from their anesthetic. If you are not comfortable inspecting him for what is commonly called a bean have the vet have a feel for it. It's junk that forms a hard ball that can cause a blockage.

Vaccination Basics: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17662

Horse Sedation with an Oral Gel: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17982

Why Helmets Work http://www.discoverhorses.com/why-riding-helmets-work.html

**SECRET DEALS** Often I get sweet offers from my equestrian suppliers that require a quick turnaround. I never know what is going to come my way. Sometimes there are monthly or weekly specials that suppliers offer or other times they are clearing out inventory. Some months there are one or two deals; some months up to 5 or 6. I pass on these hot deals to my "Secret Deals" subscribers. If you'd like to receive my "Secret Deals" you will need to subscribe. Simply click here Secret Deals. Don't forget to confirm, AWeber (publisher) will send you an email. Since you may not have had email from them before be sure to check your junk mail and mark it as safe as it may end up in there.

**Watch for secret deal on dewormer due out soon!

Visit Sue's Tack Shop Website to view the complete stock available Sue's Tack Shop. To place an order for any items you see listed in this newsletter or on the website call toll free 1-877-822-3550 or simply send an email to suestackshop@mymts.net

CHA REGION 2 CONFERENCE: April 15-17 at Keystone Centre, Brandon, same weekend as the H3 Event. What is CHA? CHA is the largest independent instructor certification body in North America. It developed industry standards for group riding, horse management and safety that are used throughout the world. CHA's purpose is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the entire horse industry. This is accomplished by certifying instructors, accrediting equine facilities and publishing educational resources. This is the first Regional Conference for Region 2 (MB, SK, ND, SD, eastern MT). Conference attendees will be able to participate in riding Lessons, private teaching sessions, skills clinics and discussions on how to improve current programs/skills. There will be opportunity for each of these on each of the 3 days. Schedule to be confirmed. Conference starts 9 am Friday and will be completed by 5 pm Sunday. Who Should Attend? The conference is of benefit to all horse enthusiasts whether as full/part time horse professionals, 4-H leaders, parents, stable/camp staff, trainers, and horse owners,. Attendees must be 16 years or older. Only $80.00 for the entire weekend, including all Horse 3 events.

CANADIAN SPORT HORSE ASSOC: Open to all. 1. Free Jumping Competition. April 15 at Keystone Centre, Brandon during the Horse 3 event. Canadian Sport Horse judges Bob Henselwood and Alan Wedge will be joining the judging panel. This competition is being organized by the Canadian Warmblood Association and will be open to Warmblood, Sport horse & PHR registered horses. 3/4 yr old division & 5/6 yr old division. Contact Gail Howell 204428 3218,
www.horseforsportsales.com. 2. Canadian Sport Horse Association Stallion Inspections April 16 at Gail McQuaker's arena, Virden, MB. Judges: Bob
Henselwood and Alan Wedge. Contact: Deb King 204 838 2328, www.c-s-h-a.org.

KEENRIDGE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE: 1. Clinic with Neil McLeod. May 13-15. AQHA Ranch Horse Versatility winner 2008, 2009, 2010. Championships in Working Cow Horse and Team Penning. Earnings in NRHA and NCHA. Join us for a 2 ½ day Clinic covering Horsemanship - defining communication. Groundwork - changing our habits. Riding and Evaluating the progress of your horse. Safety - rules and tools. Horse and Rider $ 325./weekend meal included. Spectator $ 25.0/day or $40./weekend (meals not included). Accepting 15 registrants. 2. Clinic with Paul Unrau, June 4-5. 8 year Canadian Western Agribition Ranch Horse Finalist, SWRHA 3 yr Old Champion for 2008 & 2009, SWRHA Open Horse Champion for 2009, Black Baldy Ranch Champion, Denis Reis certificate for horsemanship and colt starting. Paul's been around horses for over 30 years; working in community pastures, doctoring cattle, training horses and continually expanding his knowledge and experience. Advanced Horsemanship - collection, lead changing, rollbacks & spins. Flag Work - how to use this tool to advance your cow work. Cow work - how to move livestock effectively and safely. Horse and rider $ 263./weekend with a hot meal at noon. Spectator $25./day or $40./weekend. Meals can be provided for spectators with advanced notice. Call Terry to reserve your spot 204-246-2212, online www.keenridge.com.

ENDURANCE RIDING CLINIC & TRAIL RIDE: Distance Riders of Manitoba invite you to come out to check this out. June 18 at10:30 am In the Pembina Valley. If you'd like to learn more about the sport of Endurance riding, or just enjoy riding the trails with your horse and friends, attend our clinic. Learn from veteran riders the ins and outs of vet checks, trail etiquette and where Endurance riding can take you. Join us for a short clinic, snacks and an afternoon ride through the Pembina Valley. Any/all riding disciplines or horse breeds are welcome. $15 for the clinic, lunch and afternoon ride. Manitoba Horse Council or equivalent insurance is required, a day pass can be purchased at the ride. Contact Chelsea 204-823-0486, carlchelsea@live.com to register. Visit our website or more information http://www.kucera.mb.ca/drma/.

HORSES IN MOTION - OPEN HOUSE & TACK SALE: Saturday, May 7 from 10-4 pm. $10./table or a pen if you have a horse for sale you'd like to bring. Table rentals and pen rentals proceeds will go to PAWS. We will also have a donation box if you would like to bring can (s) of food, treats, extra collars and leashes, pet beds etc that you no longer need. To book a table or pen contact Crystal neu@mymts.net for directions www.horsesinmotion.ca.

FORTIFLEX ALUMINUM WALL BRACKET: Aluminum Wall Bracket for flat back buckets. Patented aluminum bracket specially designed to hold buckets securely against a wall or post, indoors or outdoors. Bail pin locks bucket in tip-free position. Retail $11.99.





14 QT FORTIFLEX FLAT BACK BUCKET: Heavy bail and hardware, full 14 qt capacity, capacity markings in quarts, gallons and liters. Resists cold weather cracking. Five year warranty. Black only. Retail $10.99.

LADIES SUMMER RIDING GLOVE: Very comfortable stretch material with breath-ability and reinforcing. Velcro closure at wrist. Light Brown or Ivory. Size: S, M, L. Retail $12.95...save $5.00... APRIL SALE $7.95!!!

WOMEN'S BOSS® GUARD GLOVES: Split leather palm and fingertips. Double stitched in high wear areas. Flexible spandex back. Adjustable hook and loop wrist closure for a secure fit. Comfort fit design. The Women's Boss® Guard is the ideal glove for any tasks that require high dexterity and flexibility. Split leather palm, index finger and fingertips. Spandex back and keystone thumb for flexibility. Elastic cuff with adjustable hook and loop closure for the perfect fit. Double stitched in high wear areas for longer glove life. Ladies size large only. Offered in pink, green and purple. Retail $12.99... APRIL SALE $9.99!! All around great glove for the barn and in the saddle.

EQUINIQUE HIGHLIGHTS GEL by FARNAM: Petrolatum-free formula. Defines, finishes and compliments show horse features. Provides definition and shine on eyes, muzzle and ears. Perfect viscosity for even application. 8 oz. Retail $19.95...CLEARANCE SALE $5.99!!!

TACK FOR SALE: 16" Reinsman Reiner semi QH bars, new in 2005. Excellent condition only used lightly. Medium oil, basket stamp with smooth areas. Nice riding saddle doesn't fit my horses. $1,500. obo. Shelley Shelmin@mymts.net, 204-749-2316. Rathwell, MB.

HORSE TRAILER FOR SALE: 1993 silver Travalong 3 horse slant-load gooseneck. Swing out saddle rack & bridle racks in removable rear tack. 18 ft lined horse area features: rubber mats, lights, roof vents, removable dividers, drop down windows face side & sliders on rear side, all with screens. Camper step into locking change room with 4 ft short wall has new insulation, wiring, flooring, lights & roof vent with fan. Can be plugged in for 110 power, new RV battery. Major body work in 2006. Solid trailer with features of high end new trailer at half the price. $8,700. obo. Call 204-362-4610. Winkler.

COACHING: Coaching/Training with Ashley Fudge. Credentials: Equine Canada Coach 1 Western including Western Instructor of Beginner Mentor; Coach 1 English including English Coach 1/Instructor of Beginner Mentor. Centered Riding Level II Instructor certification. 2008 awarded Coaching Manitoba-Coaching Excellence Award for contribution to grass roots. In 2007 awarded Coach of the Month by Coaching Manitoba. Regularly travels out of province to teach and update coaching skills. Enjoy both competitive and recreational riders. In the Dressage ring Ashley's students have achieved Equitation scholarships/medals and Silver Awards of Excellence. As a competitor, currently developing the 7 yr old Oldenburg mare Riviera JRF. Available for Equine Canada rider level testing, Centered Riding lectures, demonstrations, ground work and lessons. Riding lesson fee $45./private lesson. Semi-private may be arranged. Lesson horses available, willing to travel to your location; mileage rates apply over 25 km. Contact: 204-485-7433, ridingdefined@hotmail.com.

HORSES FOR SALE: 1. "Astro" is a lovely 16 hh Thoroughbred gelding, very classy dark bay. Beautiful large eye, lovely pony-ish face. Size and substance would suit small framed rider. Successfully competed to first level dressage, schooling second level, successfully shown hunter/ jumper to 3'3". Loves to work, very forward moving horse. Good off leg, easily does his lateral movements (shoulder in, traver, leg yield). Very personable; loves attention. His temperament is very work oriented with a fully charged battery; needs someone that can keep up. Good on trails, willing to work alone. $5,000. obo must move, too many horses. 2. Lovely 4 yr old Oldenburg 16.2 hh gelding, very large frame. Kind, safe and willing to work. Started this winter; going well. Lovely swinging, elastic dressage gaits, easy to sit, light off leg, lovely soft mouth. Sweetheart of a horse. $7,000 3. "Pepper" lovely 6 yr o ld 16.1 hh 7/8 TB/Clyde gelding, black and white pinto coloring. Lovely huge gaits, incredibly comfortable to sit. Green broke, trail ridden, walk/ trots/canters in a frame, leg yield, learning shoulder in and haunches in. $5,500. 4. "Jackson" 15 hh Quarter Horse/grade gelding. Loves to trail ride, lots of dressage schooling. Very forward moving, good off leg, works in frame. Bit of a character with strong opinions; but likes to work. Worked cattle, very useful in teaching the young horses to be ponyed. We usually ride him english; he'd rather be western horse. $3,000. Pictures http://www.elainebanfieldequine.com/about.htm. Elaine Banfield meadowviewranch@live.com, Anola, MB.