***MY TWO CENTS WORTH***

I'm disappointed, just like the rest of you, in the slow, cold, and wet spring we've had in Manitoba. I was looking forward to lots of riding this past month. I think I got five rides in during the month of May. But my situation was complicated by the fact that I broke my left wrist on Mother's Day. I was trying roller blading for the first time. Let's just say I have stroked it off my bucket list. I had surgery on it the next day. They inserted a pin, so no cast or splint. It is healing really well. I got back in the saddle this past weekend and it felt really good.  This little bump in the road has set back my riding and showing goals this summer. Just maybe we'll be ready to show at the Dressage Winnipeg show at the end of June. Let's hope June will be sunny and warm so the paddocks will dry up and the grass will grow in the pastures.

It is our responsibility to be well educated in the management of our horses diets. It affects them in very critical ways. Did you know? ... Safest time to graze: early morning; after a night when the minimum temperature was above 40°F (5°C); on grass that is in a vegetative stage of growth (leaves, not heads) and the grass is under no stress from lack of water or nutrients. Under overcast or shaded conditions, sugar buildup should be slower. A long stretch of cloudy weather will further decrease NSC (Non Structural Carbohydrate) levels. Most dangerous time to graze: late afternoon or early evening on a sunny day; grass that is heading or flowering; anytime throughout the day if the night before had temperatures below 40°F (5°C); grass that is stressed for lack of water or nutrients; stubble left from mowing or overgrazing, especially in late fall (or winter in areas where grass stays green).  Here s a good website to check out http://www.safergrass.org/

To help you remember when it's safe for your horse to be grazing try memorizing this rhyme by Katy Watts.
 "The Fructan Jingle"
"When you wake at crack of dawn.
Graze your pony on your lawn.
But sugars rise in afternoon,
For foundered ponies, this spells doom.
When frosts cause fructans to increase.
Your ponies grazing now must cease.
Hold off a day, or maybe more,
Or else your pony may get sore."

With all this moisture we seem to be doomed to have a mosquito season as soon as we get some heat. I have a brought in a couple new fly sprays. Check them out in the New Items section. Also the Weaver fly sheets are on sale for the month of June, current inventory only so act quickly to get your size. 
 

Good Articles to check out this month:

Jane Savoie's riding tips from Equisense: 1. How to sit the trot better http://equisense.squarespace.com/video-3/   2.  Advice on core strength so you'll feel not only more in control of your body, but also more in control of your horse.  http://equisense.squarespace.com/video-2/

How to measure your horse to estimate weight  http://www.thehorse.com/Video.aspx?n=how-to-measure-your-horse-to-estimate-his-weight&vID=447

***NEWS FROM THE REGION***

DRESSAGE CLINICS: Featuring clinician Eddo Hoekstra who initially came from Holland now resides in Ontario. Founder of Hoekstra Dressage Inc. Their mission statement is to promote the art of dressage thru high quality dressage clinics from Basics to Grand Prix Level. Eddo has competed Internationally PSG and I-1 and Nationally at Grand Prix. He's been influenced by Jan Kluijtmans from Holland. He has trained with George Williams, Eric Lette, Robert Dover and other top coaches. These coaches have all influenced Eddo's training philosophies. The last five years he has ridden with Walter Zetl and attended the Parrelli Centre with Walter Zetl to continue his pursuit of equine knowledge. Eddo believes in the ongoing development of both horse and rider. After a successful clinic October 2010 in Manitoba, Eddo has graciously agreed to return. $175.00 per 50 minute session. Dates and Locations: 1. June 3 - 5 (Fri, Sat, Sun) Winnipeg at Fieldcrest Stables (near Oakbank). 2.  June 18 & 19 (Sat, Sun) near Portage at Neudorf Farms. 3. June 20 & 21 (Mon, Tues) Winnipeg  Fieldcrest Stables (near Oakbank). 4. August 26-29 near Portage at Neudorf Farms. For Winnipeg clinics contact: Pam Langstaff EddoClinic@mts.net, 204-612-3660. For Portage clinics contact: Susana Danyliuk sdanyliuk@bpsd.mb.ca, 204-466-2620 (Susana's email is not available in July & August). Contact Pam or Susana to register. Auditors are welcome!  Auditor rates are $15/day, $25/2 days or come and go as you please all 3 days/$30. Last minute note...Pam has a couple of spots that have become available, either on June 3 (Friday), June 4 (Sat), and probably one each on June 20 and June 21 (Monday/Tuesday).  If you are interested, or know anyone who is, please contact Pam; times are somewhat flexible.
 
WELSH & COB SHOW: 37th Annual Provincial Manitoba Welsh Pony and Cob Association Show. July 2 &3 in Virden, MB. Full slate of classes. For more information and prize list contact Marg Allen 204-352 4324 or Donna Hunter.

DRIVING CLINIC: June 4. Want Your Husband Off Your Back? Put him in the drivers seat at the Husband's Driving Clinic offered by the Manitoba Light Horse Association at Prairie Breeze Stables, Brandon, MB. If you are a husband, want to be a husband, have a husband, or just know a husband, this clinic is for you! Sessions will be tailored to the skill level of the participants. $50./clinic fee, $10./auditors, fees includes lunch. Call for more information 204-636-7776.

MANITOBA HORSE COUNCIL NEWS: What is the Manitoba Horse Council? MHC is a not-for-profit organization representing clubs and individual members involved in equine activity in MB. MHC is the recognized governing body for equestrian sport in the province; providing support, leadership and resources to develop athletes and protect the interests of MB equestrian enthusiasts. Saturday, June 4: MHC Sponsored Ride. Come and join the MHC for a sociable lunch and fun ride over the stunning scenery of Birds Hill Provincial Park. Have you always wondered where you can ride in Birds Hill Provincial Park? Here is your opportunity to experience the beauty of a Manitoba park and ride the trails with the guidance of an experienced trail guide. Registration and Refreshments: 9:00 -10:00 am at the  MHC Equestrian Facility Canteen, Birds Hill Park. Official Start Time: 10:00 am at the Grand Prix Ring. Return 12:30 pm at the Grand Prix Ring. Lunch: 1:00 pm - Canteen Area sponsored by BFL Insurance Company. Registration fee  $10.00.  To access a registration form please visit www.manitobahorsecouncil.ca or email mhc.exec@sportmanitoba.ca. Your registration fee will help promote MHC's "Manitoba Young Rider's" program.  MHC membership is required, suitable for all riding abilities. MHC Games Day at Birds Hill Provincial Park. Come on out and have some fun at the beautiful MHC Equestrian Facility.  Saturday, June 11. Try one or all of these events: Stake race, Quad poles, Flag, Keyhole and Poles. No registration fee! Here is your opportunity to visit and ride at the MHC Equestrian Centre for free! Registration 12:00 pm, start time 1:00 pm. MHC membership is required. Pre-registration encouraged ensuring your spot. Free refreshments provided! Barrel Racing - MBRA sanctioned. $20.00 entry fee, best of two runs, time only toonie runs available. $5.00 non-member fee if not a member of MBRA. See www.MBRA.ca for rules.  Saturday, June 11.Registration: 5:00 pm. Toonie runs start at 6:00 pm. Jackpot to follow! Free refreshments provided!  For more information and/or to register please contact the MHC office at 204-925-5719, www.manitobahorsecouncil.ca, mhc.exec@sportmanitoba.ca and/or Debbie Champagne 204-444-4812, or theChampagnes@theDBLC.ca.

STABLE MANAGEMENT TOURS:  Manitoba Horse Council is excited to announce a series of Stable Management Tours during Horse Week 2011. No matter where you live and keep horses in Manitoba, they require safe, comfortable, clean, well ventilated housing with clean water available at all times. Specific housing requirements for your horse will depend largely on the climate in which you live! A stable need not be new or flawless for horses to be clean, safe and well maintained. Whether you look after a renovated horse barn or a brand new stable, you should be aware of certain standards in stable construction and management that will ensure the safety and comfort of your horses. West Wind Stables; 53086 Road 4E, Oak Bluff.  Chris Dolinski 204-736-3410. Sunday, June 5, 1- 3 pm. WW Stables:1356 McCreary Road, Winnipeg. Contact Wendy Robinson 204-895-7106. Monday, June 6, 7- 9 pm. Reining Demonstration!  PineRidge Equine Park, Oak Bank. Contact: Gerry Loewen 204-222-2526. Wednesday, June 8, 7-9 pm. All locations will have refreshments provided!  All welcome! For more information or to register for any of these Stable Management Tours please contact the MHC office at 204-925-5719, www.manitobahorsecouncil.ca,   mhc.exec@sportmanitoba.ca.

MIAMI FAIR HORSE SHOW: Saturday, June 25 at the Miami Fairgrounds starting at 8:30 a.m. Halter, English and Western events including gymkhana.  For further information and show programs contact Marty or Judy Elliott martyjudyelliott@msn.com, 204-435-2840.

DRESSAGE SHOW: The Westman Dressage Prize list is now available to be downloaded http://westmandressage.com/?page_id=145. Come on out to Lemonade Daze, July 16 and 17 and the Fall Festival September 17 and 18.

DRESSAGE SHOW: Dressage Winnipeg Capt. DeKenyeres Memorial Competition. June 25 & 26 at the MHC Facility, Bird's Hill Park. Bronze & Gold dressage shows concurrently. Entry forms and full information www.dressagewinnipeg.com. Entry deadline midnight June 17. Get your entries in early.

ABSORBINE FLY BONNET WITH EARS: Specially designed to provide maximum protection for your horse's face, ears, and jowls, and helps protect from the sun. The new rip-shield material is super-tough and tear resistant. The double self-fasteners provide a comfortable, snug fit. Made of machine washable polyester material, it is elasticized for a comfortable, fly-proof fit. More face protection with longer top panel. Soft and flexible ear and jowl protection. Available in Horse 8-1100 lb or Arab & Yearling 5-800 lb. Retail $23.99.