4 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> - Page 4 www.theveonline.com <strong>August</strong> <strong>2008</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> Page 5 www.theveonline.com <strong>August</strong> <strong>2008</strong> <strong>The</strong> Vol. 2 No. 8 alley <strong>Equestrian</strong> Box 64 Sabin, MN 56580 Publisher/Editor Ley Bouchard leybou@gmail.com (701) 361.8648 Regional Sales Manager/ Creative Consultant Tammy Finney RR3500@aol.com (218)790.6056 Regional Sales Managers Shawn Dietrich SMdietrich65@aol.com (701) 367.1436 Carolyn Ballard carolynmhd@aol.com (218) 790.5015 Linda Coleman lcoleman1539@cableone.net (701) 793.9581 Regional Sales Manager - Northern Minnesota Linda Dahl ve-ads@Dahlgraphics.com (888) 403.2060 Distribution Directors Kim Krueger, Mandan, ND Jane Leppard, Devils Lake, ND Contributing Writers Orv Alveshere Matthew Berner Dan Drewlow Tammy Finney Kathy Grimes <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> is published monthly. Copyright © <strong>2008</strong> LeKreations LLC All Rights Reserved <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> What's Inside This Issue News from the American Horse Council printed monthly, welcomes free-lance articles, cartoons, artwork, poems, photographs, etc. that we might use in the publication. We accept no responsibility for the material while in our hands. Materials will be returned if sent with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Photographs or graphics electronically submitted should be in color and must be at least 170 resolution and four inches wide. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> has the right to edit submitted stories due to space limitationr or readability for the enjoyment of our readers. Copyright Notice: <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> is copyrighted and protected by federal copyright law. No material may be copied, faxed, electronically transmitted or otherwise used without the express written permission of the editor. Requests for reprinting must be submitted in writing to the editor. Disclaimer: Articles that appear in <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff, officers or employees. Publication of any article does not constitute endorsement of the views expressed. Accuracy of all information is the responsibility of the authors. Advertisements published in <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> do not constitute endorsement or recommendation of such product or service. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> does not condone the alteration of horses in any photograph that appears in advertisements in the newspaper and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the photographs used in the advertisements supplied by others than its own staff. <strong>The</strong> onus is on the reader to satisfy themselves about the appearance or conformation of a horse before making a financial decision. Errors: <strong>The</strong> <strong>Valley</strong> <strong>Equestrian</strong> newspaper shall be responsible for errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement only to the extent of the space covered by the error. Page 3: HRND Starting Gate Page 4: Vitals What’s Inside About the Cover Page 5: News from the American Horse Council Page 6: <strong>August</strong> Events and Beyond Page 7: Equine Eventing Competition with Cross Country Jumping Course at NDHP Page 8: Breeder’s Column: Weanling Advice Page 9: <strong>The</strong> Medora Cowboy and his Horse <strong>2008</strong> Cowboy Hall of Fame Inductees Page 10: Morgan Showcase at Medora Page 11: Talking Horses with Kathy Grimes Page 12: National High School Rodeo Finals VE Announces New Distribution Sites Page 13: Red Desert Classic Team Roping Page 14: <strong>The</strong> 4-H <strong>Equestrian</strong> by Jessica Sell Page 15: Clay County Fair 4-H-ers Page 16: MatchMaker Page 17: <strong>The</strong> OutHouse: Life on the Farm with Emily Cowboy Poetry with Orv Alveshere Page 18: Classified Advertising Page 20: Stories from the Saddlebag: Mildred Douglas Chrisman Page 21: 4th Annual Cowboy Up Ride Against Cancer Page 22: Halstad, Minn. Celebrates 125th Anniversary Page 23: 2nd Annual Lakes Region Horse Fest News About the Cover Kaitlyn Timian of Hunter, North Dakota on her buckskin, Jazz, riding barrels for her 4-H Club, Country Kids. Photograph by Jessica Sell of All Event Photography. <strong>The</strong> Unwanted Horse Issue: What Now <strong>The</strong> issue of unwanted horses was the Humane Society of the United States, the center of attention on June 18, <strong>2008</strong> Dr. Tom Lenz from the Unwanted Horse as the American Horse Council and the Coalition and American Association of United States Department of Agriculture Equine Practitioners, and Ms. Karin Bump sponsored a day-long forum on “<strong>The</strong> Unwanted Horse Issue: What Now” Mr. Meeker discussed the various from Cazenovia College. AHC President Jay Hickey framed the carcass disposal options, from rendering purpose of the forum, stating that it was to to composting, burial, landfills, incineration, and alkaline digestion. Each of the “collectively identify the current situation regarding the well-being of these horses various choices has certain limitations, and to discuss solutions and alternatives he noted, such as regulated use in certain to deal with them before they slip into the states, potential environmental impacts, or ‘unwanted’ category.” high costs. A general survey done by the <strong>The</strong> forum brought together speakers association found that there are about 25 from Congress, USDA, equine industry rendering plants that take horses and the groups, welfare groups, equine rescue current charges range from $40 to $250, centers and more. <strong>The</strong>re were discussions depending on distance, market, and value. on historical and ethical perspectives of the <strong>The</strong> next three speakers discussed the issue, what is fact and fiction, the Federal topic of “Unwanted Horses: Fact or Fiction” Ms. Hazard pointed out the HSUS role in creating viable solutions, transportation issues and potential solutions and position against slaughter, stating that the options for unwanted horses. organization considers it an inhumane solution. She suggested that the general Various Perspectives mindset in the horse community is to “trade, not train” and called for more education throughout the industry on caring Dr. Nat Messer from the University of Missouri and the American Veterinary for horses, the responsibilities of owning Medical Association brought a historical and breeding, alternatives, training, etc. perspective to the forum, reviewing current equine- related legislation and asking wanted Horse Coalition’s definition of Dr. Tom Lenz introduced the Un- what the consequences have been and unwanted horses, which reads “Horses whether they were successful in protecting which are no longer wanted by their current owner because they are old, injured, horses. He also introduced basic questions that would be discussed throughout the sick, unmanageable, or fail to meet their day, such as what is an “unwanted horse” owner’s expectations.” He discussed the and what makes it “unwanted.” statistics and demographics of unwanted Switching gears, an ethical perspective horses, which for the most part correlate was presented by Dr. Camie Heleski from with the demographics of the general Michigan State University. She discussed equine population. the social contract theory and whether it Dr. Lenz explained the Unwanted is ethical for one person to impart their Horse Coalition was formed to educate values onto others. the equine industry and public about the issue and how to “own responsibly.” Unwanted Horse Issues “We need to focus our efforts on the front UHC A sixth panel titled 2.qxd “Unwanted 7/10/07 Horse 4:42 pm Page end of 1the problem rather than the rear Issues” consisted of four speakers: Mr. David Meeker from the National Renderer’s Association, Ms. Holly Hazard from Own Responsibly For more information, visit unwantedhorsecoalition.org end of the problem,” he said. “We need to provide for these horses before they become ‘unwanted’.” Dr. Lenz closed his talk by focusing on the need to minimize the problem, offering the options “buy rather then breed, adopt rather than buy, find alternative careers, euthanize rather than discard.” <strong>The</strong> final speaker was Ms. Karin Bump, who spoke about what is fact and fiction, and how the answer may not be that clear cut, concluding that in this area there may be a lot of “faction.” She asked whether unwanted horses are actually unwanted, how many unwanted horses there are, whether all the unwanted horses can be absorbed into the industry through rescues and other facilities, how much it costs to care for the unwanted horse population and finally, whether things were getting better or worse for unwanted horses. Transportation Transportation issues were discussed by Dr. Timothy Cordes of USDA. Dr. Cordes described the Slaughter Horse Transport Program and the regulations in place to protect the welfare of horses while in transit to processing plants. He mentioned how some are now getting around the regulations when bringing horses to slaughter in Mexico and Canada by classifying them as “riders,” which need a Coggins or EIA test. Ms. Jennifer Woods from Alberta, Canada spoke of the importance of horses being fit to travel, and the problems that lie with the transportation of horses to slaughter. She also reviewed the Alberta Horse Welfare Report which presents facts on the humane treatment of slaughter horses in Canada, and identifies areas that need improvement. Both Dr. Cordes and Ms. Woods noted that USDA has been working with Canadian authorities to monitor the environment and traveling conditions of U.S. horses sent to processing plants in Canada. Ms. Woods pointed out that Canada has banned the transport of horses into Canada on double-decker trucks. Potential Solutions and Options <strong>The</strong> final portion of the forum focused on potential solutions and options for unwanted horses. Lynn Cross, owner of Little Brook Farm, described her facility, a rescue and sanctuary that rehabilitates and trains horses. Most horses at the facility, once in better health and trained, are used in educational programs with schools and various groups. <strong>The</strong> uses vary from teaching general horsemanship and ground handling, to riding programs, vaulting, lessons and shows, and therapeutic riding. Mr. Tom Persechino from the American Quarter Horse Association and member of the Unwanted Horse Coalition discussed the various options available to owners with an unwanted horse. <strong>The</strong>se options include rescue and retirement facilities, friends with land that may retire a horse to pasture, colleges and universities that take horses for their education and research programs, retraining and new careers, and the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Dr. Al Kane closed the presentations by reiterating the need for more information and data on unwanted horses and rescue and retirement facilities. Moving Forward <strong>The</strong>re were great discussions and points made throughout the day on what the unwanted horse issue is, and what can be done to better the situation for these horses. It was clear that all speakers and attendees agreed that there is a critical need for more substantive information and solutions. Proceedings from the forum will be available shortly through Mr. Richard Reynells of USDA. He can be contacted by email at rreynells@csrees.usda.gov. AHC Publishes Horse Industry Guide to Getting Involved in the <strong>2008</strong> Elections Washington, DC - <strong>The</strong> American Horse Council has released “Getting Involved in the <strong>2008</strong> Elections,” a federal election guide for the horse industry. <strong>The</strong> guide stemmed from the program at the AHC’s National Issues Forum in Washington explaining how the horse industry could take advantage of the <strong>2008</strong> federal elections to get more involved with their elected representatives. “<strong>The</strong> <strong>2008</strong> elections are a great opportunity for horse associations, businesses and individuals to step up and be heard by the candidates, incumbents and those running for the first time,” said AHC Chairman Nick Nicholson. “Remember, they want to hear from you, they want your help and most of all they want your votes. This is an opportunity to educate them about the issues important to the horse community and show them your votes are important.” <strong>The</strong> AHC <strong>2008</strong> election guide explains how to do this. <strong>The</strong> guide discusses why the horse industry should get involved in the upcoming elections and ways individuals and organizations can go about doing so. It includes sections on why candidates care about the horse community, being able to communicate issues of importance to the horse industry, getting to know the candidates, volunteering and fundraising, as well as knowing the laws governing political activities. “I believe this guide will be an important resource for all members of the horse community who wish to play a greater role in the democratic process,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. Copies of “Getting Involved in the <strong>2008</strong> Elections” can be obtained by contacting the AHC at (202) 296-4031 or by email at ahc@horsecouncil.org