2012 september-october

NATRC Region 3 Newsletter Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The
Inside This Issue:
Contact Info
Editor’s Note
Ride Results
Gaited Horse Myths
BOD Ballots
Barn Sales & News Bits
Remaining Ride Schedule
20131 Nat’t Convention
President’s Message:
2
2
3
4
6
7
9
8
Sep-Oct Events
Chokecherry Canyon CTR
September 22-23
Farmington, NM
Lonnie Smith
505-330-0990
Chuck Smith
[email protected]
Rabbit Valley CTR
October 6-7
McInnis Canyons NCA
Sharon Roper
[email protected]
970-9278
Susan Peters
[email protected]
719-439-5669
Stirrup
Two more rides have come and gone (Island in the Sky
and Tarryall River Romp) – and by all accounts the riders
had a great time at these rides. The weather continued to
cooperate – while both rides were ribboned in the rain,
luckily the clouds went away and the weather was
beautiful on the ride weekends
Besides good weather, our rides have managed to miss
the fires that have threatened various trails/wilderness,
cities, etc. So we have had a lot to be thankful for this
season.
As I write this newsletter, we have two more rides this
season – Chokecherry in Farmington, NM, and Rabbit
Valley near Grand Junction. These rides are both managed by experienced teams in
beautiful desert areas so don’t miss these fun rides.
As the summer is winding down, I find I have a little free time to catch up on
reading. One of the books I am reading talks about the skill of resilience. According
to the book, people who have the skill of resilience also tend to have three
underlying advantages (advantages that can be nurtured and developed in each of
us):
•
A belief they can influence events
•
A tendency to find meaningful purpose in the midst of difficulty
•
A conviction that they can learn from both positive and negative experiences
NATRC riders, in my opinion, demonstrate a lot of resilience. The most successful
ones believe that conditioning between rides and practicing the skills that will be
tested in obstacles – will result in improvement in their teamwork with their horse.
And while they enjoy placing well, they find greater meaning in improving their
horsemanship skills and their relationship with their horse. Finally, they are avid
learners – recognizing that while it is undoubtedly more fun to learn from positive
experiences, sometimes the best learning comes from negative experiences (other
peoples’ and their own experiences).
My wish for all of us – is that each ride brings us an opportunity to learn new and
interesting things - - - - to have some of those aha!! moments.
See you on the trails!!
Susan Peters, President
The Region III Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication in January, March, May, July, September, and November. It is available by subscription to non-Region III members for $10 per year.
Advertising Rates: Free for current members Non-members - Full page $50, half page $30, quarter page $18, business card size $10 Classified Rates: members $5 per ad non-members
$10 per ad Send all letters, articles, payments, advertisements, photos, etc., to: John Volkerding, Editor, 4105 Skyline Dr, Farmington, NM 87401, [email protected] Deadline for
articles, ads, etc. is the 15th of February, April, June, August, October, December
Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 2 Board of Directors
Susan Peters, President, At-Large,
NBOD
719-488-2267
[email protected]
Pam Galchutt, Secretary
Dist 2, NBOD Alternate
719-481-6561
[email protected]
Syndi Scott, Dist 2
303-660-6008
[email protected]
Sharon Roper-Dashner, Vice-President,
At-Large
970-242-9278
[email protected]
Janna Combs, Dist 1
970-576-5606
[email protected]
Chuck Smith, Treasurer, Dist 3
505-215-2625 (C)
[email protected]
Sherri Halligan, Dist 1
303-420-1025 (H)
[email protected]
Pam Galchutt, Dist 2
719-481-6561
[email protected]
Chuck Smith, Dist 3
505-215-2625 (C)
[email protected]
John Volkerding, Dist 3
505-215-2625 (C)
[email protected]
Sharon Roper-Dashner, At-Large
970-242-9278
[email protected]
Juleen Feazell, At-Large
970-856-1173
[email protected]
Diana Marquardt, Alternate
970-887-2450
[email protected]
Committees
Syndi Scott, Publicity/Advertising
303-660-6008
[email protected]
Juleen Feazell, Awards/Mileage
970-856-1173
[email protected]
Diane Wingle, Ride Coordinator & Ride
Book
303-279-1290
[email protected]
Betty Wolgram, Membership
970-824-8359
[email protected]
Linell Miller-Inman, Safety/Supplies
303-644-5895
[email protected]
Chuck Smith, Historian
National Convention 2013 Chair
505-215-2625 (C)
[email protected]
John Volkerding, Stirrup Editor
505-215-2625 (C)
[email protected]
Chuck Smith, Webmaster
505-215-2625 (C)
[email protected]
Beth Sims, Worker Points
505-326-6797 (H), 505-320-6868 (C)
[email protected]
Sharon Roper-Dashner, Nominating
Committee Chair
970-242-9278
[email protected]
Chuck Smith, NATRC National Convention
2013 Chair
505-215-2625 (C)
csmith@advantas
Betty Wolgram
970-824-8359
[email protected]
Susan Peters
719-488-2267
[email protected]
Region 3 National Directors
Pam Galchutt, Alternate
719-481-6561
[email protected]
From the Editor…
Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. James Bovard While the nation is focused on the upcoming national elections, little ol’ NATRC
Region 3 is also due for elections of its Board of Directors.
Information on voting is in this issue of the Stirrup and will also be mailed out.
John Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 3 General Albert P Clark Memorial, May 27
B-O/N/CP Total Riders: 66
Chair: Susan Peters
Judges: Darlene Wehr DVM, Kay Gunckel DVM, Judi Tobias, Pat
Montgomery
CP Combo: Pride's College Boy/Bray, Sherrie
Novice Sweepstakes: Ranger/Todd, Lorrie-99
Phantom's Masquerade/Lane, Roxanne-98.5
Open Heavyweight
1/1 Awesomes Fire N Ice/Wolgram, Ken
2/4 Touch's Yeller Gold/Inman, Gary
3/2 Peanut/Baker, Matt
4/3 Guld Rush/Talbot, Jill
5/5 Mariah/Wingle, Bill
Open Lightweight
1/3 Phantom's Masquerade/Lane, Roxanne
2/1 EHF Miss Charming/Johnson, Donna
3/2 Sixes Peppy Lady/Feazell, Juleen
4/4 Blue Skies Afyre/Clark, Hannah
5/6 SA Patricia/Combs, Janna
6/5 OcamiraCinsaBask/Snyder, Jennifer
Bo/Gist, Wende
P Starlight/Lynn, Heloise
Open Junior
1/2 Red/Combs, Alexis
2/1 Hank/Winter, Morgan
Novice Heavyweight
1/4 Big Mac's My My/Wylie, Karen
2/1 Smokin Cezanne/Chaffee, Diane
3/ Tornado/Bishop, Stephen
4/5 Bad Step Child/Sakowicz, Rita
5/3 Cheyenne/Conne, Linda
6/2 Gato/Lincoln, Dan
/6 Ozark Red Man/McLaughlan, Thomas
Novice Lightweight
1/4 Ranger/Todd, Lorrie
2/ Buffnugget G/Halterman, Susan
3/1 Amira/Newman, Jane
4/ Abanico/Parks, Linda
5/3 Spear/Cook, Mary
6/ Chances Lucky Clover/Sakowicz, Kaitlynn
/2 Pierson Creek Top Dog/LaValley, Kristie
/5 Free Spirit Windsor/Leland, Pat
/6 Bubbles /Colazio, Gennie
Splash Proof Zipper/Milewski, Teresa
Badger/Olson, Calleen
Brass Dancer/Sanford, Julie
Classic Lines/Scott, Syndi
Indy/Dandy, Donna
Governor/Lincoln, Beth
Novice Junior
1/1 Toni /Dye, Kaylee
2/ Princess Xellie Schmidt, Alaina
3/4 Kayenta Brandt, Olivia
4/3 Ruby Red Slippers Hein, Liza
5/2 Kamungee Patten, Molly
6/5 Wildwych Scofflaw Brandt, Laure
/5 Shelby/Cadicamo, Tirza
Willow/Brooker, Natalie
P Cayenne/Barnhart, Alarain
Novice DO
Johnnie/Bray, Elvis
Magic /Matthews, Cheryl
Kazaan/Davidson, Cathy
Aladden/Llanes, Marie
Competitive Pleasure
1/1 Pride's College Boy/Bray, Sherrie
2/ Rocky Top II/Koons, Pam
3/6 Babydolls Spotted Man/Miller-Inman, Linell
4/ Dukes Eternal Gold/Holder, Sharon
5/ Zanie's Sensational Spring/Lynch, Lesly
6/5 Turnner's Wild Card/Ward, Lin
/2 The Missouri Reverend/Wingle, Diane
/3 Harlems Spirit of Denmark/Tarvin, Jill
/4 Nottingham's Mystic Prince/Vasquez, Louise
Encore/Halligan, Sherri
Travlin' Ziggy/Colby, Lou Ann
Knights Diamond Pal/Sinnett, James
Sabrina/Hansford, Bobbi
Slicks Bar-B-Doll/Overholt, Dee
Regala de la Estrellas/Marquardt, Diana
P Gen's Rockin Shadow/Ward, Jim
http://www.goodforyourhorse.com/
http://www.actionridertack.com/
Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 4 Gaited Horse Myths ?!?!, by Susan Peters
As the owner of four gaited horses over the past 20 years, I have sometimes questioned some of the widely
held views of gaited horses, and this August I attended a gaited horse clinic that addressed some of these
beliefs. I found the views unique and thought provoking and have summarized just a couple of them for your
consideration.
First, let me start with an overview of the trainer. Larry Whitesell was a successful paso fino trainer and had
great success in the show ring including Trainer of the Year. Over the years he began studying methods
(called the Spanish School) that he then adapted to gaited horses. Essentially the methods used dressage
principles, centered riding, and a philosophy that horse training needs to focus on the benefits to the horse.
Larry found that applying these principles yielded huge benefits in training and rehabilitating gaited horses.
He now focuses on gaited horses (all breeds) engaged in pleasure trail riding. In the course of a year he and
his partner will retrain over 100 gaited horses that have a range of issues from no “whoa”, to no “go”, to no
gait.
Unlike any other gaited horse clinician I have seen – Larry does NOT focus on getting gait. His belief is that if
you help the horse relax and over time develop the horse’s muscles that are needed to collect and engage
the hindquarters, then the gait that is embedded in the genes will come out naturally. He teaches you how to
teach your horse to relax and to respond to light and subtle cues. As a caution, if you have an interest in
showing, this training will probably not be helpful as the show ring tends to reward exaggerated gaits (which
is in direct contradiction to a gait derived from a relaxed horse).
Myth #1 Never let your gaited horse trot.
The rationale behind this belief is that if you let your gaited horse trot, it will negatively impact your horse’s
ability or willingness to gait.
Larry says that this makes as much sense as telling a parent not to let their child skip as it will impact their
ability to walk. We would never buy into that advice because we believe children can choose to do different
“gaits” as long as they have 1) learned how to do the “gait” and 2) have developed the muscles to do the
“gait”. Larry says the same principles hold for horses.
Larry says that he can ask a horse to trot for an hour and then ask the horse to gait for an hour – the
difference is in the degree of collection and rear end engagement he asks from the horse.
And in fact, it has been Larry’s experience that a gaited horse that has been allowed/encouraged to trot for
its early years – is really easy to teach to gait because the trot is a “square” gait and tends to develop a very
balanced horse – a trait that is necessary for gaiting.
Myth #2 To get a gait out of a gaited horse, you need to use a long shank bit.
In Larry’s opinion, while you do get a gait when you use a long shank bit, it is a gait that is not healthy for
the horse. A big bit creates braces in your horse that starts in the jaw and extends through the entire body of
the horse – the gait you get is essentially like the movement of a tin soldier – the hocks are stiff and the legs
just swing under the horse. This kind of gait might be comfortable for the rider but wreaks havoc on the
horse’s back (hollows out the back) and hocks (puts great stress on the hocks). In addition, this kind of gait
creates emotional issues in your horse that often manifest as spookiness, herd boundness, and other
undesirable behaviors.
Larry advocates the use of a snaffle bit because 1) a snaffle provides very simple, clear communication and
2) it promotes relaxation in the horse. He does caution that a horse that has been trained in a shank bit will
not immediately understand a snaffle bit – and you have to retrain the horse (i.e. don’t put a snaffle bit on
and go out on the trail – you will need to do retraining in an arena until you know the horse understands and
responds to the snaffle bit).
Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 5 All of this logic resonated with me – but what really convinced me was watching Larry with the variety of
horses that came to the clinic. We had six horses and most of the riders seemed to be pretty good riders.
Larry would watch you work with/ride your horse – and then he would get on the horse – and you could see
the horse visibly relax under his techniques. Then he taught you his techniques (pretty simple) and you could
see improvement in both your horse and your riding.
A second testimony for these training techniques comes from a novice rider who bought a horse that had
done a lot of open competitions over the years. From watching this horse in Open competitions in the past, I
would have said that this was a very high energy, high anxiety horse – with a whole lot of go but not much
whoa. This horse’s previous rider (who was a pretty strong guy) would be in pain after a day’s riding because
the horse would pull so hard on him. Based on the advice of well-respected trainers, a number of bits had
been tried – each one with more “whoa” than the previous one. Generally, the horse would listen to the bit
for a short time, but eventually the horse would again run through the new bit. When this new rider bought
the horse, she started going to Larry Whitesell clinics and began using the principles on this horse. She has
competed in three rides this year where she rides the horse in a snaffle bit in the novice division. I made it a
point to watch this horse when I got the chance – and the horse was calm and relaxed and gaiting
beautifully. She and her horse have placed well – a couple of firsts and a couple of seconds. This is such a
changed horse that it made a believer of me.
I know this is pretty radical thinking for most gaited horse owners, but if it sounds intriguing and you would
like to learn more, you can ….
•
order Larry Whitesell’s DVDs at his website – www.larrywhitesell.com.
•
See him at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver March, 2014 (he has been a speaker at the
Denver Horse Expo in the past)
•
Attend a clinic – there is one in Cave Creek, AZ, Nov 2-4. He will be doing another clinic in Cheyenne,
WY, the end of May, 2013.
•
Buy one of the books he recommends – Lessons in Lightness: The Art of Educating the Horse by Mark
Russell (I found a used hard copy at Amazon.com for $10 including shipping).
•
Work with one of his apprentice trainers - One of them is Kate Moran, a trainer in Cheyenne, WY
katemoran@goldencreekequine.
http://www.thedistancedepot.com/ http://www.tierite.com/ http://www.spirittxarabians.com http://www.tilt-tie.com/ http://www.trailwisetack.com/ Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 6 Region 3 Board of Director Ballots, by Sharon Roper and Susan Peters
Check Your Mailbox ‐ ‐ Vote 2012 The annual ballot for Regional Board members and a National Board member were mailed (snail mail) today and need to be back to Sharon Roper by October 15th. There is one small correction – on the line that says District 3 Region 3 …… further on the line it says ONLY if you live in District 2 …… Should be ONLY if you live in District 3….. As a refresher (or for those who aren’t familiar with the governing structure of Region 3), you are represented by both Regional and National Board members. Regional board members have two year terms and can hold office for two consecutive terms. There are 9 board members – 2 for each of 3 districts (6 members) and three “At Large” which means they represent the entire state. Other Regional board members include alternates, the most recent past president, and national board members. In any year one district board member will be continuing their two year term, and the second board position for that district will be up for election. One or two at large board positions will be up for election in any year. Every member of NATRC (we have 53 family memberships and 95 single memberships) belongs to a “district” based on where they live.  District 1 – Colorado – north of I‐70 – represented by Sherri Halligan who is in the first year of her term; Janna Combs is running for a second term.  District 2 – Colorado south of I70 and east of the Continental Divide – Pam Galchutt will be continuing; Syndi Scott is running for her first term as an elected board member.  District 3 – Colorado west of the Continental Divide and all of New Mexico – Chuck Smith is continuing his term; Bobbi Hansford is running for her first term.  At large – continuing board members include Sharon Roper and Juleen Feazell; Diana Marquardt is running for the open board position. When you receive your ballot – vote for the one district board member based on your address AND everyone in Region 3 votes for the At Large position. Every region also has two National Board representatives plus an alternate. The National Board (2 members from every region for a total of 12) meet three times a year and decides issues of a national scope. These positions are three year terms. Susan Peters will continue in her second year as a board member, and Pam Galchutt will be in her second year as an alternate. This year one board position is open – Betty Wolgram and Jerry Sims are running for this position. Everyone in Region 3 votes for this position. So please keep an eye out for those ballots and be sure to use these ballot(s) as they are coded for validity. If you have any questions, you can call or email Sharon Roper (your Regional Vice President who is in charge of nominations – 970‐242‐9278 [email protected] ). http://www.equinemonitors.com/
http://www.trailereyes.com/
http://www.longridersgear.com/
Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 7 BARN SALES & NEWS BITS
Synergist saddle for sale
Two horse properties for sale
in Salida, Colorado (Chaffee County) area.
4.54 acres and 7.0 acres. Close to San Isabel Forest
trails, BLM, state lands, Arkansas River and Monarch
ski area. 5 miles to Salida. Year round access,
fence, no trees, E and phone present, stunning
views, 7000 ft. elevation.
Contact Leslie Walker at 719 539-8879.
Owned by NATRC members Nancy Bob and Richard
Smith.
Tobiano Tennessee Walker Gelding
Gorgeous Black and White
This saddle is on a medium to medium-wide Frank Bell
tree. 15 - 15 1/2" seat. I am the second owner, and
have replaced stirrup leathers, billets, and added a
sheepskin seat. I love this saddle, and am only selling it
as I have ordered a new Synergist. There is still a lot of
use left in this saddle!
I am located in New Mexico, and would consider a 2
week trial with payment up front, and a refund if
returned in the same condition if it did not work out.
I am asking $1000, which includes shipping within the
US. Call with any questions at 505-239-1435 or email
[email protected] This saddle can be fitted to
most horses for a reasonable fee.
Jake is 10 years old, registered, gaits like a dream,
and is very trail savy. He is very gentle on the
ground and does not have any bad habits. He is
looking for a permanent and good home. Call Jerry
Sims for more information. $2,500 – (505) 2159796
RABBIT VALLEY NOTICE
Left off the 2012 Ride Book was the" send to"
address for paper entries - it is :
Susan Peters
17215 Saddlewood Road
Monument, CO 80132
Thanks.
Susan Peters
http://www.chiggervillefarm.com/
HISTORIAN ITEMS NEEDED
As you all know, we have Historian Books we try to keep
updated every year. Janine Ancell has done a wonderful
job being our Regional Historian for several years!
As I will be filling this job from here, I want to encourage
everyone to submit stories, pictures, comments, etcThank you,
Chuck Smith
[email protected]
http://www.texashaynet.com/ Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 8 NEWS BITS & BARN SALES (con’t)
StarlightTriBaskFaith - foaled May 15, 2007.
Arabian Horse Association registered number 631
395. AERC horse number H47815. 14 hand 3 to 15
hands (still growing).
Bred and trained to be "my last horse" and performs
as a long distance trail horse.
I was there 15 minutes after she fell on the ground
from her dam, my Faith. She's been handled and
worked with about every other day her whole life
long. 30 days under saddle with Jenn Snyder,
trainer, Raven Ridge, Trinidad, when 3 years old; 30
days with same trainer when 1 and when 2 years
old. I rode her on trails twice a week while she was 3
years old; when 4 years old she started endurance,
placing 4th in the Sangre Scenic (30 miles)
9/17/2011, in 3 hours 39 minutes.
Also, at 4 years old , she placed 6th in Novice at the
Tarryall River Romp (A), August 6-7, 2011. At 5,
Starlight won Novice Sweepstake NATRC Colorado
Trail, June 9-10, 2012 [1st Horse/I was 5th in
horsemanship]. She has completed ~125 Limited
Distance endurance rides (25-35 mile rides each) in
the 2011-2012 summer season. Her heart rate and
respiration easily drop to below criteria at holds
within allowed times.
“Choice of Three” Raffle For NATRC
An important source of revenue for our National NATRC
organization is the annual raffle. Last year our raffle
contributed almost 10% of our total annual revenues. This
year’s raffle has a new and unique format – should you hold
the winning raffle ticket, you will be able to choose from one of
three great raffle prizes:
•
A 60 foot round pen
•
A camping package from Cabela’s
•
An original Eli Miller custom saddle
The above choices are valued around $1200.
Chances to win are affordably priced at:
•
One ticket for $10
•
Three tickets for $25
•
Seven tickets for $50
To purchase :
•
Contact Susan Peters ([email protected] or see her
at Chokecherry and Rabbit Valley)
•
Contact Pam Galchutt ([email protected] )
•
Contact Betty Wolgram ([email protected] or see
her at Chokecherry and Rabbit Valley)
Currently near La Veta, Colorado, in the southern
Front Range. For much of her life, we wintered in
Houston, Texas, and summered in Colorado, which is
1,000 trailer miles one-way, she has safely trailered
over 10,000 miles. She's been horse camping with
me at ride camps since she was two (her dam is my
best endurance horse), so she's camped at about 16
ride camps.
Starlight likes juniors and novices. When visitors
come to ride, they ride Starlight. Her nickname is
Molasses (because she is sweet, smooth, and slow):
If you want a Rocket, don't buy Starlight (buy her
dam). Asking $5,000.
Reason for sale: I've rescued an Arabian 1-year old
and a 2-year old. They need a home, training, and a
job, which I hope to give them.
Heloise Lynn, 6847 US Hwy 160, La Veta, CO 81055.
Tel 719 251 6992
http://www.easycareinc.com/
Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 9 Remaining 2012 Ride Schedule & 2013 Rides
Mark Your Calendars! Region 3 2012 Ride Schedule
Chokecherry Canyon CTR
September 22-23, 2012
Type A Two-Day Open & CP Type B One-Day Novice
Farmington, NM
Chair: Lonnie Smith, PO Box 283, Flora Vista, NM 87415 (505)330-0990
Secretary: Chuck Smith, PO BOX 687, Flora Vista, NM 87415 (505) 215-2625 [email protected]
Rabbit Valley
October 6-7, 2012
A ride O/CP/N
Grand Junction, CO
Chair: Sharon Roper-Dashner, 255 Little Park Road, Grand Junction, CO 81507 (970) 242-9278
[email protected]
Secretary: Susan Peters, 17215 Saddlewood Road, Monument, CO 80132 (719) 488-2267
[email protected]
2013 Rides In the Planning Stage Now
The 2012 ride season is not over yet – and planning is already starting for the 2013 ride season. The following
rides are in the works for next year - Pinon Mesa (a New Mexico ride that is coming back!!)
Navajo Lake – horsemanship judge will be Kim Cowart
General Albert P. Clark Memorial Ride at the Air Force Academy – managed by the team of Linell MillerInman (ride manager), Pam Galchutt (secretary), Kris and Emil Squazzo (trail managers)
Colorado Trail (possibly – more details to come)
Tarryall River Romp – managed by the team of Susan Peters (ride manager), Pam Galchutt (ride
secretary), and John Horne (trail manager); horsemanship judge – Kim Cowart, vet judge – TBD
Two rides – Chokecherry and Rabbit Valley – are still to come, and the decision to continue those rides next
year will likely be made at the conclusion of the rides. A key factor for any manager on deciding to do a ride
next year is the rider attendance and support of the previous year (so enter these rides and bring friends – or
donate to the rides to show your support if you can’t attend).
Two of this year’s rides will currently not happen in 2013:
Island in the Sky – this ride is scheduled every other year
Willow Springs – this year’s ride managers will not be doing the ride next year (we hope they will be
back the following year). If you would be interested in putting on this ride in 2013, contact Susan
Peters ([email protected])
We have a number of ride locations that could be the site of a ride – we just need management teams to put
the rides on. As above contact Susan Peters if you would like to put on a ride.
Portable Panels for horses on the go!
http://www.carrilitecorrals.com/
Fit to Function
http://srsaddleco.com/
Page 10 Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup NATRC 2013 National Convention Registration
Page 11 Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup “Choice of 3” 2013 NATRC Raffle
Sep/Oct 2012 Issue The Stirrup Page 12 The Stirrup
Newsletter of NATRC Region 3
John Volkerding – Editor
PO Box 687
Flora Vista, NM 87415