Nov/Dec 2013 - Western Chapter New York State Horse Council

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Equine Update
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Our Newsletter is
Going Digital!
2013 #6
YOUR E Q UINE NEWSLE T TER
In this issue:
Knox Farm Fence
Project Update
Livin’ the Dream at
Otter Creek
2013 Scholarship Winner
Julie Burnett Checks in
An Irish Adventure
News from the NYS Veterinary
Medical Society
NOV
/
DEC
Beginning in 2014, those of you who currently receive email from the WCNYSHC
will receive this newsletter via email, instead of getting a printed copy in the mail.
Members who do not have email will continue to have a printed copy mailed to you.
We will also have printed copies available for distribution at tack shops and equine
related events.
This change will allow us to get the newsletter to you faster, and you will be able
to share it easily with your family and friends. Please feel free to forward it along to
anyone you know who may be interested! The money we save can be put to good
use in one of our many activities:
 Therapeutic Riding Scholarships
 The 2014 WCNYSHC Scholarship
 Clinics and Trail Rides
 Charitable contributions to equine related charities
 Renting and obtaining venues for various clinics and meetings
Niagara County 4H Team
Barn Competition
…. and more!
 Printing of the Bi-Annual Equine Directory
 WNY EquiFest
“There is no better place to heal a broken heart than on the back of a horse.”
Missy Lyons
-2-
Message From the President
Another year draws to an end, and for the Western
Chapter it has been another busy and fun year.
 EquiFest 2013 was bigger and better, Deb Huckle and
Mary Szarek - you guys make EquiFest work.
 We held our first Dressage Clinic - thanks to Lissette
Ruotolo and Mary McNall and of course Legacy
Equestrian Center.
 Wayne Wolf and several others from the Erie County
Sherriff’s Mounted Division provided us with an
Obstacle Clinic in the spring. Thank you Sedona Rose
Ranch for hosting this event, and also to Barbara
Moore for organizing it.
 Our Ride for St. Jude held at Darien State Park was
well attended and a huge success. (Special thanks to
Amy Hewsen for organizing it.)
 The Western Chapter Scholarship Award was
established and the honor went to Julie Burnett. Thank
you Barbara Moore and your committee.
 Our Trail Ride to benefit the Erie County Sherriff’s
Mounted Division at Hunters Creek Park was on a
beautiful fall day with over 30 riders. It was followed by
a lovely picnic held at Peter and Linda Tarnawskyj’s
“Tree Farm” which is next to the park.
DID YOU KNOW:
 Through the sale of Top’s Cards we have been able to
raise money for Knox Park to help with several projects.
 With Peter Tarnawskyj working with County Parks
Department, we have been able to keep several Erie
county parks open to horses.
 The Western Chapter and the East Aurora Driving
Society donated 22 signs to improve safety on the trails
at Knox Farm State Park.
 The Western Chapter has partnered with the East Aurora
Driving Society to finance and install a three rail, split rail
fence between the Neal Chur Equestrian area and the
polo field.
 With 231 members the Western Chapter is larger than it
has ever been.
Thank you everyone who has helped in so many ways this
year.
As of 2014 if you receive e-mail you will be receiving the
newsletter via e-mail. We will still have some printed copies
available to distribute at feed and tack stores, and to those
folks without e-mail. Becky Bartels will continue as our
Newsletter editor and she will still need your articles and ads.
Barb Cunningham President Western NY Chapter
[email protected] 716-735-3529
Arabians have one less rib, one less lumbar bone, and one or two fewer tail vertebrae than other horses.
We Want to Hear
From You!
The WCNYSHC is looking for
submissions to the newsletter.
We would like to hear about your
horse, your business, your equine
event, an unusual experience with
your horse, a review of some product
you might recommend, some horse
tips or trivia - anything at all that
might be of interest to our
membership. Maybe even an article
“written” by your horse!
Articles should be submitted in a
Word Document, 750 words or less.
Pictures are welcomed - jpeg format,
please. Deadline for the January /
February issue is January1st. Articles
received after the deadline will be
published in a later edition. Articles
may need to be edited due to space
considerations.
Please send articles to
[email protected]
Support Knox Farm State
Park Equestrian Fields
Please help the WCNYSHC raise
funds to support the maintenance of
the Chur Equestrian Fields at Knox
Farm State Park by purchasing a
TOPS GIFT CARD. They are
available in $25, $50, $100, $200, &
$300 amounts and at no cost to you,
5% of the card face value will be
donated to support the equestrian
park. They make great gifts for
friends & family.
Contact Liz O'Donnell,
[email protected], Please
write Tops Gift Cards in the subject
line or just send your check to her at
892 Jewett Holmwood Rd., East
Aurora, NY 14052
Everyone 60 and over will receive
a 6% discount on all groceries and
prescriptions every 1st Tuesday of
the month. Sign up for the YOUNG
AT HEART program at the customer
service counter in any Tops Super
Market.
Thank you to all who have
already supported this program.
Sincerely, Liz O'Donnell
Western Chapter Board
of Directors
2013Officers
Barb Cunningham –
President – 716-735-3529
Mary Szarek –
Vice President – 716-837-3761
Peter Tarnawskyj –
Treasurer – 716-655-1796
Megan Stapley –
Recording Secretary – 716-997-2019
JoAnn Bonsack – 716-941-9010
Ann Czapla – 716-681-4018
Amy Hewson – 716-949-4288
Barbara Huber – 716-655-4810
Debbie Huckle – 716-432-8879
Sharon Kettner – 716-652-4313
Mary McNall – 585-322-2696
Barbara Moore – 716-941-6058
Barb Rauscher – 716-675-3908
Nancy Reeves – 585-409-4129
Lisette Ruotolo – 203-809-9559
Linda Tarnawskyj – 716-655-1796
Ginger Trautwein – 716-675-3091
Newsletter Editor –
Becky Bartels – 716-537-2646
-3-
Fence Project at Knox Farm State Park
As we reported in the last newsletter, the East Aurora
Driving Society, Inc. and the WCNYSHC have a joint
venture to install a split three rail fence between the Knox
Polo Field and the Chur Equestrian Center at Knox Farm
State Park in East Aurora. The main focus of the fence is
to improve safety for everyone using that area. A horse
out of control on the soccer fields could have disastrous
consequences.
In early October, the fence materials were delivered to
the equestrian field. We want to thank Lisa & Dave
Williams for donating the five gates to be used for easy
access for mowing and parking.
A small group of 16 volunteers over three weekends
have erected 630 feet of the fence, approximately one
half of the project, and weather permitting, we will
complete the project before winter arrives.
Peter Tarnawskyj has donated his expertise, time and
equipment to dig the post holes. Liz O’Donnell is working
with the Town and State officials to keep all informed and
keep the fund raising part of this going. In order to
complete this project, the two organizations are trying to
raise money to cover the cost of the materials. The fund
goal is $5,000.00. We have setup the following
categories to help us reach this goal:






A donation of $50 will reserve one section of fence in
your name, the name of a loved one or special pet, etc.
We will recognize all donors on the EADS and WCNYSHC
websites, newsletters and on signage at the Chur
Equestrian Center. Please note!! No amount is too small.
The horse community needs to rally to get this project
completed. We also need you to volunteer to help with the
installation of the fence. Almost all of the current
volunteers are on the long side of 60. Younger would be
better! Watch for work dates from Amy Hewson. It’s
difficult for us to plan ahead due to weather changes, so
just show up when you can help.
Make checks payable to WCNYSHC (a 501(c) 3), which
will be tax deductible or payable to EA Driving Society.
Send donations to: Liz O’Donnell, 892 Jewett Holmwood
Rd., East Aurora, NY 14052. Questions: contact Liz
O’Donnell, 716-380-5724; [email protected] or Peter
Tarnawskyj, 716-523-1796; [email protected]
A big thank you to our 16 volunteers to date: Sue
Emborsky, Pat McDonell, Carol Moskowitz, Ruby
Champagne, Sharon Kettner, Barbara & Karl Huber, Barry
Darin, Liz O'Donnell, Lloyd Westcott, Ann Czapla, Theo
Kramer, Claire Wright ,Beverly YanYee Kwok and Linda &
Peter Tarnawskyj.
A Special Thanks to all who have already mailed in a gift
to the fence fund! We appreciate your support of this
important project!
TEAM Donation: $800 and above
UNICORN Donation: $500-$799
TANDEM: $300-$499
PAIR: $100-$299
SINGLE: $50-$9
PONY: $1-$49
- - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Please send your donations today to: Liz O’Donnell, 892 Jewett Holmwood Road, East Aurora, NY 14052 Name: ________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________ Amount Enclosed: $____________________ Name on Donor List if different from the one above: _________________________________________________ -4-
LIVIN’ THE DREAM
A WORD FROM CISCO
This mule’s tales of the trails –
second year at Otter Creek
Well I got a new
sister, Barb says
she is Mark's horse
and not a
replacement for
me, so I am ok with
that.
In the fall of 2012 when I came to live in Lockport, my
person took me to Otter Creek. We had a great time there
– in fact, my person said I was sooooo good that she
would take me back there. She kept her promise and we
went in September to those great trails!
This year, we went to Abbey Lane to stay. I liked it
because I got a big paddock and trees to sleep under. I
also really liked sharing time with my good buddy, Ambush
and his person. It was the first time for Ambush so I told
him all about it over a hay bag in the trailer. By the time we
arrived, we were pumped and ready to enjoy.
The weather was perfect! I got a little concerned when it
drizzled the first night but the weather cleared and we had
perfect days – cool, bug free, and with a hint of fall colors.
We had so much fun exploring trails. We traveled miles
without a care in the world. Now this is livin’!
Our people had a campfire and made something called
“s’mores” – They must be as good as Nicker Maker Treats
cause they were just licking their lips. There sure was no
lack of good grub – they always have great grass hay at
Otter for us and we are happy to take a bale home so we
can keep the memories of those great rides fresh in our
minds for a little longer.
I was sad when it was time
to come home. I love going
out every day and enjoying
the hills, streams, and
scenery. But the great news
is that Ambush and I get to
go back next fall! Yep, our
people made the reservation
while we were still there!
Now don’t get me wrong, my
“mom” takes me on some
great rides closer to our
place – but going to Otter –
well that is just livin’ the
dream!
Anyhow she is not the main reason I am writing but
something she had done today is, especially after I heard
Barb and Dr. Jeanne talking. Ok, here's the scoop.
Mariah, (my new sister) had her checkup which
included basic dental work.
You know when the vet puts that thing on you to hold
your mouth open and does something in your mouth to
your teeth and then you can chew better. Well Barb and
doc where talking about some horses getting teeth
"floated" (as a horse I have no idea why humans call
floating, it's a big rough looking thing and makes a sound
worse than when my feet get filed) I though floating was
like in a boat on the water. OK back to what I heard,
anyhow some horses get their teeth floated or even
pulled without any anesthesia.
Apparently there are some horse owners who truly
think we do not feel any pain when it comes to having our
teeth worked on. Wow, when I had my wolf teeth pulled I
was sure happy I did not feel the pain that some of my
riding buddies said they went through. Well if that were
the case, why then do humans think our wolf teeth bother
us when the bit is in our mouth. Yes we toss our head
because when the bit hits our teeth it HURTS.
Well my point to this story is tell your human that when
someone is going to work on your mouth you would like
to have some anesthesia first, and if you need an
antibiotic for after a tooth is pulled you need to have a
veterinarian around.
~by Big Jane Merrett
Now I am not saying that the folks who are not Vets
should not be doing our teeth but your human needs to
be sure they understand that they are not Doctors of
Dentistry, and cannot legally give us certain medications
if needed.
I think Barb is gonna have more to say about this.
How would you like this done with nothing to dull the
experience!
CISCOBARB’S
FAITHFUL
-5-
…Breathing Again…..
I had to take a moment before grasping the wheel of my
car and heading off. I ran through what seemed like
endless checklists that only another single parent and/or
horseman would understand. Geez, I was only going away
for a long weekend…It took weeks to prepare for this trip!
Hooboy, it’s been a rough couple of years! I Lost my job
and lost friends to both physical and mental health issues.
I was having to face possibly losing the Special Olympic
Equestrian Training Club I started to formulate in 1989.
Here I was in my “mid-years,” having to reinvent myself, ..
again. I’m a problem-solver. A dyed-in-the-wool, roll your
sleeves up and face challenges head-on kinda gal.
Nothing worked. I was even informed by my UI
Caseworker that I am a proud member of the “new
minority”?! -- the unemployable (50) year old. Wait a
minute! I’m just getting started! I felt like I was
permanently stuck in Valley mud--up to my nose – and
sinking. Who’dathunk a chance encounter with Barb
Cunningham at the 2013 Equifest would result in the right
push I needed.
I originally approached her to discuss charitable funds
for my students who were falling between the cracks of
horrendous budget cuts hitting the world of Developmental
Disabilities. By chance, as if she knew I needed rescuing
myself, she mentioned the first Scholarship offered by the
WCNYSHC. I am a PATH Registered Instructor and
Rainbow Ridge (RRT) is a Member Center. There was a
workshop being held at Touchstone Farm in New
Hampshire, but I could not afford to go. I took the ol’ worst-they-could-do-is-say-”No”-approach and applied for
the assistance.
I consider myself a “Jack of all Trades, Master of None”
when it comes to working with horses. I have over 45
years of experience with them, but will never consider
myself “an expert”. You can argue my philosophy if you
like, but I warn my students (and their parents), “If you ever
have someone tell you they know ‘EVERYTHING there is
to know about horses,’ – stay away from them, they’re
dangerous – you can’t. It’s like working with people. Just
as soon as you think you’ve seen it all, here comes one to
humble you.” I hope I never stop learning. If I do, check
my pulse. I will say that the stellar endorsement the folks
from the WCNYSHC gave me was the second nudge to
get me back on track, even if it did make me blush.
Submitted by Julie A. Burnett
In late September, I arrived at the NY/Vermont border
just as it was getting dark. I arrived in New Hampshire in
total darkness, winding around mountainous roads, not
having a clue where I was going. Was this an ironic
metaphor? I finally arrived at a horse farm, hoping it was
Touchstone. After sleeping in the car, I was greeted with
a grand site; a mid-1700s farm, framed by fall foliage
ablaze in the morning sun.
There were over 20 of us attending this Professional
Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Workshop in
order to become Equine Specialists in Mental Health and
Learning. A Social Worker and Teacher mentored the
experience, but we all learned from each other. Some
had lots of professional experience, but no horsemanship
– and others, vice versa. Our one common bond:
appreciation for the horse and what they do for us.
I had a Psychologist and MSW encourage me to go
on and get my Masters. I met another displaced middleager, who just signed up for college to become a
Massage Therapist after losing her job of 20+ years. I
had a very shy young woman quietly thank me for being
able to explain something in a different way so she
understood – she had suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. I
had a couple, eager to start a program of their own in
Missouri, pick my brain on how to go about doing it. We
ALL felt anxious in preparing for our horse handling test a simple practice of safely retrieving a horse out of a stall
and hand walking it through an obstacle course. But,
when you are given a broken-down list of each step that
is required to do this simple task, the fear of forgetting to
do one thing can be overwhelming! We cheered each
other on like 4-Hers at a rodeo.
With this Certification experience, RRT is working with
local schools by offering a Work Study program teaching
students how to be good employees. RRT is taking the
steps to start a Horses for Heroes program to serve
returning vets, rescue workers and their families in 2014.
RRT will also expand on the Mental Health services
offered. And who knows… maybe this ole grey mare will
go on and get her Masters. It feels good to have hope
again-- and to breathe. For that WCNYSHC, I THANK
YOU!
WCNYSHC Scholarship 2014 Info
Coming Soon
Look for information on our
scholarship for 2014 in the
next newsletter!
-6-
Niagara County 4H
Equine Hosts its first
“Team Barn Competition”
Member Photo
Submitted by Joan Wilson
Seven 4H equine teams
from Niagara, Erie,
Cattaraugus, and
Wyoming/Genesee
Counties gathered at the
Niagara County
Fairgrounds in Lockport
over Columbus Day
weekend to test their team
barn management and horse show skills…sans parental
help!
Managed by Cheryl Bish and Debra Keough Olaf from
the Niagara County 4H Equine Program along with
several parent helpers, youth teams were “turned loose”
for a Friday night through Sunday afternoon competition,
which required teams to decorate and manage a section
of their barn, participate in hippology knowledge, and ride
in every type of class from barrel racing and western
pleasure to jumping. Parents were not allowed to enter
the barns at all from 7am in the morning until one hour
after competition completion each day. Each team
brought 2 junior members aged 8-13, and 3 senior
members aged 14-19. One senior member from each
team served as barn manager, or “mom” during the entire
show, ensuring riders were ready for their individual
performance classes, while simultaneously ensuring the
barn was in tip top shape, starting with the water buckets
and stalls and including tack organization and
cleanliness. The competition provided a great end of
season opportunity for fun, and taught the kids how much
can get done when working as a team. On the flip side,
parents learned that their kids really can be independent
barn managers and riders--they were their own trainers,
barn managers, and grooms. They tacked up, did their
own hair and makeup, and fed and cleaned up after their
horses. The competition culminated in a barn manager’s
versatility class on Sunday afternoon, with seniors riding
one of their team’s horses. The first place overall team
was Erie County’s “Wicked in Spurs”, followed in second
place by Niagara County’s “Sandy Ridge Olympians”.
The Team Barn Competition was held at Niagara County
due to the fact that the Chemung County’s "Intercounty"
competition was not held this year. The kids loved the
original Intercounty concept, thus it was replicated on a
smaller scale closer to home.
Larry Thurber and his Morgan gelding Image out for a
walk at the N.Y. State Morgan Regional Championship
-7-
When I am an old horsewoman
I shall wear turquoise and diamonds,
And a straw hat that doesn’t suit me
And I shall spend my social security on
white wine and carrots,
And sit in my alleyway of my barn
And listen to my horses breathe.
I will sneak out in the middle of a summer night
And ride the old bay gelding,
Across the moonstruck meadow
If my old bones will allow
And when people come to call, I will smile and nod
As I walk past the gardens to the barn
and show instead the flowers growing
inside stalls fresh-lined with straw.
I will shovel and sweat and wear hay in my hair
as if it were a jewel
And I will be an embarrassment to all
Who will not yet have found the peace in being free
to have a horse as a best friend
A friend who waits at midnight hour
With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes
For the kind of woman I will be
When I am old.
-By Patty Barnhart
Originally published in
The Arabian Horse World magazine in l992
-8-
My Irish Adventure
by Lisa Rood
As a teenager, I
remember poring
over the big, color
FIT Equestrian
Travel catalog I
received in the mail
every year. Imagine,
you could vacation
on horseback at all
points of the globe!
The pages to England and Ireland always were folded
over though and held my fascination. I thought, one day,
one day…. Well, here I am, many years later – 55 years
old, and I have finally accomplished my teenage dream!
Friends of mine that I rode at home with had said that
on our 50th birthdays, we would take the trip. Fifty came
and went, as did 51, 52, 53, and 54. Finally, after a bout
with malignant melanoma, I declared that I was going,
even if I had to go alone. Carpe diem! My husband, (who
isn’t interested in riding), asked me to again try to find a
companion, he’d feel better about it. So, in February, I
asked a friend from church who also rides and she said
yes! I asked another friend, who’s fun, but didn’t ride and
she also said yes – and that she would take lessons.
Well, they each asked friends and before I knew it, we
were a party of six. Three who did know how to ride, and
three who would take riding lessons. We decided to travel
the first off season week in fall.
After checking out the package options on the internet,
we settled on the High Pointe Tours Ireland – Inn-to-Inn –
Gaelic Trails to the Cliffs of Moher Ride. The description
sounded fabulous! “You will follow 140 miles of ancient
Celtic trails through the mountain passes of the Slieve
Aughty Mountains to Galway Bay, described as “chains
of morning dew” by John Lennon in his song, “The Luck
of the Irish.” Along the trail you will see the famous Aran
Islands, a timeless land with rugged monuments of
awesome cliffs and great labyrinths of limestone. You will
traverse through the uniquely split and weathered cliffs of
the Burren with traces of megalithic tombs, famous
ancient ritual sites of the Pounabrone, ringforts,
souterrains, 10 AD cairns and holy wells. After you have
passed through forests, meadows and villages, your ride
will culminate at the majestic Cliffs of Moher. You will also
enjoy the Irish pubs, traditional entertainment, and most
of all, the friendly people.”
Our group had fun as we got together several times over
drinks and dinner to get to know each other and decide
on the details of our travel. I appreciated that many were
savvy travelers and knew what you needed to visit in
another country, i.e. make sure you have adaptors and
converters (which are different from each other!) for your
electric appliances (hair, phone, iPad, etc.), get a credit
card that doesn’t have a foreign exchange fee attached to
purchases, keep your receipts and you can get your tax
back at the airport at a special booth, etc.
We also got to shop for our riding needs and who doesn’t
like to shop for that? Finally, our departure date arrived.
Four of us had decided to go a few days ahead and
explore the town of Adare, known as the prettiest village in
Ireland, and the surrounding area. We had a great time
there taking in the sights, met some fun, new Irish friends
(Fiona, Fiona and Rosemary) one memorable night in a
pub, and discovered that the food in Ireland really wasn’t
that bad! We also explored Bunratty Castle and did some
shopping at outlets.
Saturday came and we met the rest of our group at the
An Sibin Riding Center in Highgate, owned by Nicola &
Bertie. We took a walk around the grounds then settled
into our cozy rooms in the 300+ old farmhouse and waited
for dinner. On Sunday we got to meet our horses for the
week, the breeds were Connemara, Irish Cob, Irish Hunter
or Gypsy Vanner and all rode English. My noble steed
was Colleen, a Gypsy Vanner mare. I found her very
responsive and sure footed, and was quite comfortable on
her, although I hadn’t ridden English in decades! We
started out riding into the peaceful forests of the Slieve
Aughty Mountains and across the rural pastures to the old
tracks of the historical Sarsfield Ride. The tracks took us
along the bog, and vast carpets and domes of peat and
moss. We returned tired, but happy and had a delicious
dinner. We played Jenga in front of a fire with the other
guests that hailed from France and Norway.
On Monday, we rose to a rooster crowing and an “Irish
breakfast” which consists of scrambled eggs, a baked
tomato, fried mushrooms, Irish bacon and black & white
pudding - which isn’t chocolate & vanilla as I had hoped.
It’s some kind of blood pudding – I didn’t indulge. We also
had available homemade breads, homemade jam, Nutella,
fresh fruit, oatmeal, and yogurt. That day we rode over the
hills of the Slieve Aughty to view the majestic Lough (Lake)
Derg and Shannon River.
Continued on page 9
-9-
My Irish Adventure ~ continued
The region of Lough Derg is unique as it still manages
to maintain a pace where people move more slowly and
the mind can be stilled. We heard about the potato
famine and saw where farmers cut bog in the traditional
way. We were intrigued by a 9th century dolmen and the
ruins of a monastic settlement on Holy Island. On
Tuesday we descended onto the sandy shores of Lough
Graney and had the best time briskly cantering through
the end of the lake! The afternoon was spent along lush
pastures with endless stone walls and grazing sheep. On
Wednesday we rode along wood tracks to Glandaria, the
valley of the Irish kings where there are over 300 ruins!
After lunch, we rode to Burren National Park for the first
glimpse of beautiful Galway Bay. That evening we spent
in the charming village of Corofin with its many pubs. On
Thursday we were immersed in the unique landscape of
the Burren, from lunar-like terrain to colorful flora and
fauna. Dolmens, wedge tombs and Celtic ring forts were
available to explore. We passed a fulacht fiadh, an
ancient cooking site. That evening, we enjoyed traditional
music in the village of Lisdoonvara after dinner. On
Friday we learned about the impressive Poulnabrone
Dolmen and the surrounding caves. After lunch, we
climbed up the last hill for a breathtaking view of the
Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands and the rugged
Connemara Mountains. In the distance we could see the
impressive Cliffs of Moher.
Every day we were met on the trail by Nicola and the
lunch van with all her tasty specialties spread out on a
table. We sure were happy to see her as each day as we
were riding 4 – 6 hours & you sure get hungry! After our
ride each day, we untacked our horses and walked them
up to a fenced pasture where they received their grain in
buckets and stayed out all night grazing. We returned to
the B&B we were staying at by van. The next day we
were transported back to the field where we caught our
mount, brushed and tacked them up. All together we rode
over 140 miles through the most diverse terrain anyone
could ever ask for. The views from the tops of the hills
were magnificent, the Cliffs of Mohrer, majestic. The
young ladies, Heather from Canada & Ulia from Sweden,
who served as our guides, were wonderful.
We rode along or on the roads, or lanes at times, which
are no more than a car and a half wide. There were 9 in
our string of horses and riders, and many times the drivers
would just pull off to the side and shut off their car when
they encountered us. They’d smile and say hello as we
passed, or comment on the beauty of our horses. It was far
from the way drivers in my neck of the woods act!
When our trip came to an end, I was crestfallen – it had
been a glorious time and I didn’t want to leave. I daresay
that it was better than I had even dreamed. Our group is
making more riding trip plans – next year we’re heading
west to see what fun we can muster up. We’re in the
planning stages and we’ve found that’s half the fun.
Slainte!
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News from the NYS Veterinary Medical Society
New York State Veterinary Medical Society
100 Great Oaks Blvd., Suite 127, Albany, NY 12203
Phone: (800) 876-9867
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nysvms.org
Equine Dentistry
In the world of equine dentistry, maintaining healthy
teeth goes beyond just floating or filing teeth as needed.
In the past 100 years, equine dentistry has seen
remarkable
advances in modern technology that helps prevent
problems. In addition, animals, especially horses, are
living longer. As the animals age, more complicated
dental issues can
arise. Root canals and other in-depth procedures
requiring
sedation and anesthesia require a licensed veterinarian
and/or licensed veterinary technician to perform.
Laypeople that perform these procedures with any form
of sedation or anesthesia do so without proper training,
and in violation of New York State law, to the detriment of
the animals in their care.
Background.
Over the years, veterinarians and animal owners have
understood that dental procedures fell within the duties of
a veterinarian. In 2009, however, a court ruling, Chris
Brown v. NYS Racing and Wagering Board, found that
the Veterinary Practice Act did not include dentistry.
Since that time, it has been the NYSVMS' ultimate goal
to amend the definition of veterinary medicine in New
York State law to include all dentistry.
We believe this is a win-win situation for all involved.
Also, these changes will provide added strength to the
NYSVMS' goal of having animal dentistry included in the
scope of veterinary medicine in the New York State
education law during the 2014 legislative session.
It is important to note these changes will allow tooth
floaters to continue their trade while leaving the more
complicated dental issues and the administering of
sedatives and anesthesia to licensed veterinary
professionals. This, in turn, provides the consumer with
greater protection and security in the quality and safety of
the procedures.
Farm Bureau's existing 2013 state policy No. 27 and
28 (page 45)
27. We support individuals that practice equine
dentistry, if they have been trained and certified
through the International Association of Equine
Dentistry, have obtained a collegiate certification for
equine dentistry, or are working under the
supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
28. We oppose the State Department of Education
licensing equine dentists or farriers.
PROPOSED POLICY CHANGE
At present, the procedure of tooth floating (the rasping
of horse teeth with a hand file), and sometimes more
complicated dental procedures are performed by
individuals without a degree in veterinary medicine. In
2012, the NYSVMS worked with the New York Farm
Bureau to propose policy changes that would place
equine dentistry within the scope of veterinary practice.
The proposed policy change was not accepted by the
New York Farm Bureau over concerns of insufficient
veterinary coverage in some areas of the state as well as
the general concern of regulatory creep.
This year, the NYSVMS has worked to propose a new
policy that addresses those concerns. The policy would
add dentistry to the scope of veterinary medicine, provide
safeguards for the animals of New York State and their
owners, and would still allow tooth floaters who use hand
files to rasp enamel points to practice their craft within
New York State.
27. WE SUPPORT DENTISTRY WITHIN THE
SCOPE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. We support
individuals that FLOAT EQUINE TEETH, if they
have been trained and certified through the
International Association of Equine Dentistry, have
obtained a collegiate certification for equine
dentistry, or are working under the supervision of a
licensed veterinarian.
28. We oppose the State Department of Education
licensing equine TOOTH FLOATERS or farriers.
Continued on page 11
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Questions and Answers
I have worked with a tooth floater in the past. Can I
continue to use his/her services?
All tooth floaters who use hand files to rasp the
enamel points from the cheek teeth of horses shall be
exempt from the requirement to be licensed for that
limited purpose only. Such individuals may continue to
practice by utilizing hand files. They may not, however,
use power tools for this purpose or any other purpose.
The act of tooth floating shall not be considered a
professional procedure and shall not require a NYSED
license.
One difference between dentistry and hoof trimming is
that animals are routinely trained to stand for farrier work
and anesthesia or sedatives are not required. A human
analogy would be the difference between getting a tooth
pulled and the trimming of toenails. Only one requires
professional help.
Dentistry should be included within the scope of
veterinary medicine and has simply been overlooked up
until this point. Our efforts are to ensure dental procedures
performed on animals are done by veterinarians. We are
not seeking to use this initiative as a stepping stone to
regulate other lay practices or procedures.
Why are equine tooth floaters being limited to hand
files?
Traditionally, equine cheek teeth have had the
enamel points removed with hand files. However, in the
past few years, power floats that are powered by
electric or battery operated motors have been used.
These tools aggressively remove tooth material, and
sometimes too much enamel can be removed. This
may cause permanent, painful damage to the inner
structures of the tooth, including heat damage to
the tooth and assorted sensitive soft tissues of the
mouth.
Also, the noise from the motor can cause a horse to
spook, potentially putting the horse and human operator
at risk. Sedatives are always prudent in the use of
power floats but, tooth floaters are not licensed to use
equine sedatives or anesthetics in New York State.
Equine veterinarians have reported numerous cases of
equine injury from inappropriate power floating by tooth
floaters on horses. In light of the animal and human
safety concerns, the NYSVMS believes that power
floating is best performed on sedated horses by
a licensed professional.
Will regulating equine dentistry affect other areas
of lay care such as hoof trimming?
No. This is purely a dental issue. Dentistry has
evolved dramatically over the past 100 years and is
best done by a licensed professional who can use the
latest technology and anesthesia.
Consumer protections.
Currently, there is no real recourse for consumers who
choose to use a layperson to perform dental work on their
horse. If complaints are made against a lay practitioner,
they do not carry medical malpractice insurance.
Additionally, there is nothing to stop the layperson from
picking up and moving to another area where his or her
reputation is unknown.
Complaints against licensed veterinarians and licensed
veterinary technicians have recourse with the Office of
Professional Discipline.
Animal welfare.
"Equine Dentists" currently use a variety of titles and
qualifications to advertise their services. As there are no
recognized titles for equine dentistry other than the licensed
veterinary degree, these titles are confusing and misleading
to the consumer.
Additionally, as there is no professional training for the
use of sedatives and anesthesia, any practice of advanced
dental work with the use of drugs puts animals at risk and
is illegal.
Only licensed veterinarians and licensed veterinary
technicians are allowed, under New York State Law, to
induce and maintain anesthesia on animals.
NYSVMS Mission Statement: The New York State Veterinary Medical Society is leading the veterinarians of New York State in the
education, advancement and protection of animal well-being, public health and practice of veterinary medicine.
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Advertising Rates Western Chapter
NYS Horse Council Newsletter
(published 6 times per yr.)
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(7 ½ x 5)
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With a paid ad for the newsletter
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3021 Johnsoncreek Rd.
Middleport, N.Y. 14105
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Janie
DID YOU KNOW:
There are about 75 million horses in the world.
Member’s Featured
Website
Recommended Reading
Stretch
Exercises
for Your
Horse
By
Karin
Blignault
Springville Veterinary
Services, PC
Do you have a photo of your horse (or
you and your horse) that you would like
to share in our “Member Photo”
feature? Please email photo with a short
description to
[email protected]
Springville Veterinary Services,
PC is a large animal practice
centered in Springville, NY. The
practice is comprised of five
veterinarians and a strong
professional staff. Each
veterinarian has a fully equipped
truck that will travel to your farm
for routine and emergency care.
We offer a variety of services to
our clients, and we look forward to
working with you.
www.springvillevet.com
In Stretch Exercises for Your
Horse, occupational therapist
and equestrian trainer Karin
Blignault illustrates how the
controlled stretching of muscles
long used to enhance human
athletic performance can also
be applied to the horse to
prevent injury, alleviate pain,
and improve performance.
Includes color photos and
diagrams and spiral binding for
easy at-the-barn reference.
- 13 -
- 14-
DID YOU KNOW:
Horses sleep longer in the summer than in the winter.
- 15 -
Barb Cunningham
3021 Johnsoncreek Rd.
Middleport, N.Y. 14105
Get Ready!
Mark Your Calendars!
6