BH STALLION - Better Horses Radio

Raising Your Equine Experience To A Higher Level
2016 STALLION EDITION VOLUME 17, NO. 1
The Race for Kansas
is on …
see page 4
Kansas Racing – A Rich History. A Bright Future.
P.O. Box 722, Ottawa, KS 66067
2
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
3
BETTER HORSES
“My Kansas City Horse
Property” A Great Fit for
Better Horses Network!
www.SilverSpursSaddles.com for other
great offerings.
Hello friends!
The Better Horses Radio Road Show is
We’ve started off quickly out of the
looking forward to attending this year’s
gates for 2016 with Better Horses getting
Ozark Spring Roundup in Springfield, Mo.
more involved in bringing buyers and
on March 18, 19 and 20. Missouri
sellers together for horse and rural
HorseFest has joined forces with the
properties. It has been a fun and exciting
Ozark Spring Event to have a huge
experience teaming up with the Dana
celebration involving both horses and
Benjamin Team at Reece Nichols. With me livestock. Along with that, don’t miss the
bringing the tools of Better Horses Media
PRCA Rodeo and the great trade show.
to the table, it is really helping get the
Mark your calendar to attend the
word out about some great properties. It is Wilhite & Frees Equine Hospital Client
all about helping our buyers and sellers
Education Day on April 16. Wow!
reach their goals in either purchasing or
Have they got a lineup! This event will be
selling horse properties.
held at their equine hospital located in
Along with seeing the properties in this Peculiar, Mo. Be watching for details.
publication, be listening to KCMO Talk
Our Better Horses Radio Shows
Radio 710AM or 103.7FM for our Better continue to grow, picking up KSIR 1010
Horses – Horse and Rural Properties
AM out of Fort Morgan, Co. If you
report every Thursday afternoon at 5:20.
have a local station that would be a
If you are interested in listing your
candidate to host our radio show,
property or looking for a horse property
let me know by contacting me at
to buy, make sure you get ahold of
[email protected] or call
Dana Benjamin or myself at
me at 785-418-6047.
www.mykansascityhorseproperty.com
We’re proud to have Purina Animal
at Reece Nichols. We have buyers;
Nutrition back as a sponsor for Better
we just need properties to list.
Horses Network & Radio. If you are
I am looking forward to seeing you at
interested in putting your horse or horses
this year’s EquiFest of Kansas in Topeka
on Purina, contact me, and I will get you
at the Kansas ExpoCentre on Feb. 26,
in touch with the Purina rep. They have a
27 and 28. It is going to be Unbelievable
tremendous trial program for those of you
with great clinicians and a tremendous
that are not feeding their products. Their
trade show. Don’t miss the Ranch Rodeo
research is what makes the difference!
on Saturday and Sunday at this year’s
Hope to see you at the events coming
EquiFest.
up. Let us know if there is anything we
We’re so excited to have as a new
can do to help.
sponsor this year, Silver Spurs Equine out
of Scottsdale, AZ. Make sure you go to
God Bless & Happy Trails,
www.SilverSpursEquine.com and check
– Ernie
out the line of stallions available to breed.
They have some great ones. While
you are doing that, also check out
Inside this
Issue…
4 KANSAS RACING – A Rich Heritage. A Bright Future
8 EQUIFEST of KANSAS – Moves to Topeka
16 BARN ARTIST – Captures Rural America on Canvas
SCORE PERFECT ‘10’ – For Cowboy and Colt in first
20 Training
Session
25 OZARK SPRING ROUND-UP – Set for March 18 thru 20
WEATHER – Means Spring Horse Conditioning
29 WINTER
Lies Ahead
34 Bar U HORSE TALES
BETTER HORSES NETWORK INFORMATION:
For Advertising Information contact:
Call Brent at 785-214-9670
email: [email protected]
Call Connie at 785-418-2615
email: [email protected]
Taking Your Horse Experience
To a Higher Level
Subscribe to:
Beginning in 2016 if you want to continue to receive your copy of the Better Horses Network
publication via mail the cost will be $15.00 per year for five issues. If you don’t want to receive
it in the mail you can always pick up your FREE copy at your local participating Purina Dealer or
other distribution points.
Method of Payment: Check
■
Money Order
■
Charge my Credit Card: Mastercard
■
Visa
■
Card #________________________________________________ Expiration Date___ ___/___ ___
Name: _________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code: _______________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________________________________________
Email address: __________________________________________________________________
(You can always subscribe online at www.betterhorsesnetwork.com and pay by PayPal)
Return this form with payment to: Better Horses Network • P.O. Box 722, Ottawa, KS. 66067
4
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
Horse Racing in Kansas …
A Rich Heritage
and a Bright Future
Earlier this month, the Greater Kansas
Racing Alliance announced Race for
Kansas, an initiative that will create jobs
and revitalize the horse and Greyhound
racing industry
THE FOLLOWING in Kansas.
IS THE SECOND Race for
Kansas
OF A THREE
volunteers
PART SERIES. recently
participated in
the Topeka Farm Show and will be present
during Equifest, February 26-28, 2016, at
the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka.
A Rich Heritage …
Horse and Greyhound racing are not
new to Kansas. In fact, racing in Kansas
spans a strong 140-year history. The
Eureka Downs racetrack, built in 1872,
has seen horse races, chariot races and
Greyhound races, while Cheyenne
Bottoms racetrack is credited as the
birthplace of Greyhound racing with the
first race in 1886. The Anthony Downs
racetrack opened in 1904 and was home
to horse and Greyhound racing for more
than a century.
Kansas is home to not only racetracks
but also to quality horses, Greyhounds and
jockeys. Born and raised in Johnson
County, Lawrin won the 64th Kentucky
Derby in 1938. The Kansas Futurity and
Derby – known as the second leg of
Quarter Horse racing’s Triple Crown, was
first hosted in Meade, Kansas, in 1950
and later at the Woodlands in Kansas City.
In 1981, Eureka, Kansas, native Billy Hunt
was the jockey to ride Special Effort as he
won Quarter Horse racing’s Triple Crown,
the only horse ever to do so. In 1986, the
Kansas legislature passed pari-mutuel
wagering, and the Woodlands in Kansas
City and the Wichita Greyhound Park
opened in 1989 with Greyhound racing.
The Woodlands later added horse racing to
the venue. In 1995, Camptown Races
opened for Greyhound racing in
Frontenac.
1938 Kentucky Derby winner Lawrin
Two special races restricted to Kansasfoaled Quarter Horses were developed in
the early 1960s and named appropriately
the Kansas Bred Futurity and Derby. This
type of race gave the small breeders – some
that may not be able to afford to breed and
raise a horse that could compete on a
national scale-- an opportunity to raise a
foal that could race for a nice-sized purse
with high expectations, while competing
against other home-bred horses of Kansas.
The Kansas Jackpot Futurity and Derby
were races founded to help bring parimutuel racing to the state. Owners from
across the U.S. donated stallions to be
auctioned off as a fundraiser to help
pass legislation. Foals sired by these
participating stallions were eligible for
these races. These races were held for
31 consecutive years.
In 2007, the Kansas legislature passed a
bill that allowed electronic gaming
machines at racing venues. Unfortunately,
the bill also nearly doubled the state tax
rate on revenues at racetracks as compared
to other gaming businesses in Kansas –
an economically unsustainable rate for
racetrack owners. Even with a rich history
of more than 140 years of racing, all
Kansas racetracks closed in 2008.
A Bright Future …
Race for Kansas is working to
reinvigorate a sector of Kansas agriculture
that can create jobs and economic revenue
in Kansas. Kansas racehorse owners and
breeders support Kansas agri-businesses,
supply Kansans with jobs and pay Kansas
taxes. In the last edition of Better Horses
magazine, Kansas thoroughbred owner and
Eureka Downs racetrack built in 1872.
breeder Gail Radke wrote about the
frustrations of many Kansans involved in
the racing industry. She noted that without
racing in Kansas, a steady stream of
revenue floods into neighboring racing
states. It’s time to reroute that revenue
stream back to Kansas.
This outflow of dollars is primarily due
to state-bred purses. It is purse winnings
that allow horse owners to train their
horses, purchase feed and other supplies
and generate jobs and additional revenue
for their farm or ranch and community.
Today, each racing state has its own
state-bred program, designed to reward the
best breeders from that state. The added
incentives for owning a state-bred horse
attract out-of-state breeders to foal their
mares in that racing state. Currently, a
large number of Kansas breeders send their
mares to other racing states to foal, so they
can produce a state-bred foal that can
compete in those states’ futurity races.
Keeping mares at home, in Kansas with
the breeder will allow farms and ranches
to support more Kansas businesses –
veterinarians, equipment dealers, feed
dealers, farmers, and many more.
The Kansas legislature started the 2016
session on January 11. The Alliance has
been active in encouraging lawmakers to
update Kansas statutes to allow Kansas
racing venues to operate in an
economically sustainable business
environment. The restored industry
would also support countless allied
businesses, vendors, and family farms
across rural and urban Kansas alike.
Maintaining Kansas’ robust race horse
and Greyhound sectors of the racing
industry is not only a win for the Kansas
economy and those who raise and train
horses and Greyhounds but also a win for
the overall Kansas agriculture industry and
all 105 Kansas counties. Farmers growing
feed grains and bedding, implement supply
1938 Kentucky Derby winner, Lawrin.
stores, feed and equipment supply stores,
veterinarians and many more main streetbusinesses benefit from a strong racing
industry in Kansas. Additionally, the racing
venues in Kansas are owned by Kansans;
therefore, the revenue generated from these
operations is Kansas revenue that will be
reinvested in the Kansas economy.
“Revitalizing the racing industry in
Kansas will create more than 3,000 new
jobs and offer a new revenue source for
lawmakers to reduce the state’s budget
See RACE FOR KANSAS continued on page 5
STALLION 2016
5
BETTER HORSES
Race for Kansas: Revitalizing the Horse Racing Industry
continued from page 4
gap,” according to Kimberly Svaty with
the Alliance.
Electronic gaming machines were
initially introduced to the legislature as a
way for racetracks to fund purses that were
more rewarding to winning horses and
Greyhounds, thereby attracting a larger
number of entries. Electronic gaming
machines also generate revenue for the
racetracks to operate within Kansas. Below
is a breakdown of how the electronic
gaming machine revenues would be
dispersed prior to profits being realized by
racetrack owners:
• Twenty-two percent of electronic
gaming machine revenue is credited to the
Kansas Expanded Lottery Act Revenues
Fund. This fund is then dispersed at the
discretion of the Kansas Racing and
Gaming Commission to state funds
covering items such as education, social
services, infrastructure and additional
state-funded services.
• Ten percent of electronic gaming
machine revenue is credited to the horse
racing purse supplement fund. During year
three, the horse purse fund percentage
increases to 14 percent. Similarly,
electronic gaming machines at Greyhound
racetracks will contribute seven percent of
revenue to Greyhound purse funds.
• Two percent of electronic gaming
machine revenue is credited to local
units of government where racetracks
are located.
• One percent of electronic gaming
machine revenue is credited to the Kansas
horse fair racing benefit fund. This fund
supports races at Eureka Downs.
• One-half percent of electronic
gaming machine revenue is credited to
the problem gaming and addictions
grant fund.
"Race for Kansas encourages lawmakers
to pass legislation this session that puts
electronic gaming at racing venues on par
with the state tax rate afforded to the rest
of the gaming industry in Kansas,”
shared Svaty.
Everything is in motion for a bright
future in Kansas racing except a tax rate
that allows a Kansas business to be
operational. Racing and electronic gaming
machines are allowed. All of the racing
venues have owners willing to renovate and
revitalize the standing race grounds.
What are our legislators waiting for?
Join the movement at
www.RaceForKansas.com. Find your
legislator and tell him or her why Race for
Kansas is so important to you and to
Kansas. Tell them why you are proud of
Kansas’ rich racing heritage and about the
bright future racing can have in Kansas. ■
Shavings
delivered by
straight
truck or
semi load
6
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
7
8
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
‘Best’ Horse Program Lineup Ever…
EquiFest of Kansas
Moves to Topeka
by Frank J. Buchman
“A new location with new leadership to
be bigger, better, with more of everything
good for everybody horsey.”
The 19th annual EquiFest of Kansas is
scheduled for the Kansas Expocentre in
Topeka, February 26-27-28. The event will
feature the state’s largest equine trade show,
world-class horse clinicians, presentation of
many horse breeds, special demonstrations
of equine talents, and educational seminars
and entertainment, according to Ann
White, EquiFest of Kansas manager.
“EquiFest originated in 1997, when the
Kansas Horse Council (KHC) saw an
opportunity to bring equine enthusiasts
together for a weekend of all types of horse
activities,” explained White, a longstanding
KHC member. “It has since served as the
main fundraiser for KHC’s educational
programs, promotions and public policy
advocacy.”
After 18 years of success at the Wichita
Pavilions, that facility changed directions,
and EquiFest officials were forced to
relocate. Consideration was given to several
venues in Kansas, before it was decided to
move the event to the Kansas Expocentre
in Topeka.
“The response from people about our
move to Topeka has been overwhelming,”
White said. “The city recognized the
economic impact of hosting such a great
event and has been extremely helpful in
our transition.”
White has been working with Visit
Topeka, the Kansas Expocentre, the
Capitol Plaza and Kansas Radio Networks
in coordinating EquiFest’s new location.
“Interest has been so great that we have
already sold out of vendor space in
Exhibition Hall,” White said. “We only
have a few spots left in the Purina Mall of
EquiFest, which is in the Manor
Conference Center.”
Attendance is expected to be more than
15,000 people representing a wide range of
disciplines and age groups from throughout
the Midwest.
“I’m excited to have live feed TV
screens, so those in attendance can view
the programs taking place in the arenas
right at the Mall of EquiFest,” White said.
Those live feed TV screens will be able
to focus on the numerous activities and
competitions.
In the Farris Law Firm Jumper Classic,
Important information about horses will be presented in a wide array of programs
during the EquiFest of Kansas 2016, in Topeka, February 26-28.
Headline clinician for the EquiFest of Kansas 2016, at Topeka, February 26-28,
is Dan James, recognized as a world class colt trainer when he won the “Way of
the Horse” at Equitana Asia Pacific. In 2012, James wowed judges again with his
incredible training techniques, winning the coveted Road to the Horse
International Colt Starting World Championship.
horses will compete over a course of high
obstacles, with the horse going through the
course in the fastest time and with the
fewest faults being named the champion.
Premier Farm and Home Top Horse
of Kansas competition will be a special
highlight, featuring five divisions: ranch
horse, jumping, mounted shooting, stock
horse, and freestyle.
The Flint Hills Art Gallery will display
original art for sale including paintings,
photography, wood carvings, sculptures
and more.
“A fashion show will offer guests an
opportunity to view the latest in equine
fashion and purchase outfits for the barn,
the show ring or a night out,” White said.
She also invited people to
“Bring the kids to participate in the
Horseless Horse Show, where they can rope
cattle dummies, jump mini courses on
foot, and run barrels with a stick horse.”
Returning to EquiFest are two nights of
Prairie Band Casino’s Ranch Rodeo, the
FFA horse judging contest, mounted
shooting, trick riders, driving hitches, the
KHC Foundation Silent Auction, Farm
Bureau and Happy Toys Kiddie Corral.
“EquiFest will also be hosting food
trucks and offering a variety of tasty foods,”
White informed.
An elite lineup of horse clinicians has
been scheduled for EquiFest of Kansas
2016.
Headline clinician, according to White,
is Dan James, who was born in
Queensland, Australia, and began his
lifelong passion with horses at a young age.
In 2008, James was recognized as a world
class colt trainer when he won the “Way of
the Horse” at Equitana Asia Pacific. In
2012, James wowed judges again with his
incredible training techniques, winning the
coveted Road to the Horse International
Colt Starting World Championship.
“James continues to push the limits of
horsemanship and entertainment with
See EQUIFEST OF KANSAS continued on page 10
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
9
10
EquiFest of Kansas
moves to Topeka
continued from page 8
eye-opening clinics and exhilarating performances,”
White said.
Also present will be Yvonne Barteau, Maple Park, Illinois,
who has trained a dozen horses and students to the Grand Prix
level. Horses trained by her have won a multitude of regional,
national and Horse of the Year awards at all levels. A lifetime
horsewoman, Barteau has worked with race horses, western
horses, hunters, jumpers, Equine Theater Productions, and has
written several equine-related books.
Sharon Camarillo, an accomplished horsewoman,
specializing in barrel racing, will also be at Equifest 2016.
She is a businesswoman recognized by the Western and
English Manufacturers Association as an innovator throughout
the industry. A multi-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier,
intercollegiate and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association
champion and acclaimed book writer, Camarillo was inducted
into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and recognized as the
recipient of the “Tad Lucas” award for her multi-faceted career.
Clinician Diane Carney, Chicago, has been showing and
teaching professionally for more than 35 years, successfully
exhibiting hunters and jumpers. Hosting and teaching riding
clinics around the United States, Carney has been coordinator
for the George H. Morris Riding Clinic in Chicago for more
than 25 years. Discipline with a sense of humor has been the
phrase most often used to describe Carney. Hard work with a
positive outcome is the goal of her teaching philosophy.
NRHA Hall of Fame $2 million rider Tim McQuay along
with his wife Colleen own and operate McQuay Stables, a
state-of-the-art reining and hunter and jumper training and
breeding facility in Tioga, Texas. McQuay has won every
major reining event at least once, earning paychecks on more
than 250 horses. Known for his uncanny ability to assess and
develop breeding stallions and their offspring, McQuay has
owned and managed two of the most iconic stallions in the
reining industry, Hollywood Dun It and Gunner.
EquiFest doors will open Friday morning, Feb. 26, at 9 a.m.
and at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings, Feb. 27 and
28. Doors close following the evening entertainment on
Friday and Saturday; EquiFest of Kansas 2016 ends at 5 p.m.
Sunday afternoon.
Passes will be available at the door daily, with discounts for
purchasing weekend passes. There will be lower rates for
youth six to 12, and children under five will be admitted free.
“Daily and weekend tickets include all clinics,
demonstrations, evening entertainment and lectures. Seating is
open, so it’ll be first come, first served,” White said.
Details can be found at www.equifestofks.com; interested
persons can also follow EquiFest on Facebook and Twitter. ■
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
11
12
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
Better Horses Radio Show
Hosted by
Ernie Rodina
and Co-Hosted
by Dawn Dawson
KWBC 1550 AM
Navasota, Texas – Sunday 6 am
KRVN 880 AM
Lexington, Nebraska – Sunday 6 am
KMHT Radio 103.9 FM
"The Heartbeat of East Texas"
Marshall, Texas – Saturday 5:45 am
KGYN 1210 AM
Gymon, Oklahoma – Saturday 7 am
KMRN 1360 AM - U.S. Country
Cameron, Mo. – Saturday 7 am
KQLX 890 AM - AG News
Fargo, North Dakota – Sunday 4 pm
KMA 960 AM
Shenandoah, Iowa – Sunday 5:05 am
KMA 99.3 FM
Shenandoah Iowa – Sunday 5:05 am
KOFO 1220 AM
Ottawa, Ks. – Sunday 4 pm
www.betterhorsesradio.com
ON THE RADIO
Tune-in to one of these radio affiliates airing our show:
KQAM 1480 AM - Big Talker;
Mid America Ag Network
Wichita Ks. – Sat. 7 am
KGGF 690AM
Coffeyville, Ks. – Saturday 9 am
106.9 FM - Country Legends
Topeka, Ks. – Sunday 7 am
KFRM 550am
Clay Center / Salina / Wichita
Sunday 4 pm
KYRO 1280am
Troy, Mo. – Saturday 7 am
KGGS 1340 AM
Garden City, Ks. – Saturday 7 am
KFEQ 680 AM
St. Joseph, Mo. – Sunday 6:30 am
Paola, Ks. Regional Radio
KMDO 1600 AM
Fort Scott, Ks. – Sat. 8:30 am
KCMO Talk Radio 810 AM
Kansas City, Mo. – Sunday 9 am
KOMB 103.9 FM
Fort Scott, Ks. – Saturday: 8:30 am
KCMO Talk Radio 103.7 FM
Kansas City, Mo. – Sunday 9 am
KSIR 1010 AM
Ft. Morgan, Co.
Sunday 6 am
Better Horses
Radio Welcomes
KSIR 1010 am
Ft. Morgan,
Colorado!
ON THE WEB
Better Horses Radio Worldwide
Go to: www.radiostarworldwide.com
and look for Better Horses with Ernie Rodina
Download Shows FREE 24/7 on all mobile apps!
mykansascityhorseproperty.com
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
Registered Angus Herd Bulls
FOR SALE
Sires include:
Long Distance
Long Haul
Hoover Dam
Full Power
Identity
RESERVE YOUR BULLS NOW
FOR SPRING DELIVERY
Susie Mackey • Spring Hill, KS • 816-589-0568
smmcattle.com
13
14
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
=
+
10%
OFF
An excellent opportunity when buying from
www.pfiwestern.com and www.bootdaddy.com
When checking out – use the code bhradio10
and get an additional 10% off your first order.
Colby Community College Equestrian
by Coach Shanda Mattix
It’s a busy time of year for the Colby
Community College (CCC) Equestrian
Team. We are just back to school for the
spring semester and gearing up for our
competitions to begin. Our team had
an extremely successful 2014-15 season.
We ended the season named the 2015
National Junior College Equestrian
Champion Team. In addition to that,
we had four regional qualifiers, one
semi-nationals champion, and a
national placer. Our team has a long
history of great success, and our current
team is keeping up with that reputation.
CCC is a member school of the
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association
(IHSA). The Equestrian Team is a part
of Zone 8 Region 5 which includes
two-year colleges and universities in
Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado,
Nebraska, and Wyoming.
IHSA is unique in the sense that it
is competitive horse showing in a team
environment. It is a true test of
horsemanship ability as riders are
placed in divisions according to their
experience and riding ability, and riders
draw for the horse they will compete
on. This means that riders who have no
experience can ride in the beginner
division, and riders who have years of
show experience can compete in higher
levels. The hosting school provides all
the horses. The riders then draw for the
horses they will compete on from a pool
of horses appropriate for the
student’s riding level. We compete in
both hunt seat and western disciplines
with riders competing in equitation on
the flat, equitation over fences,
horsemanship, and reining.
Best wishes for continued success to
the Colby Community College
Equestrian Team.
For more information on the IHSA,
visit www.ihsainc.com. For more
information on the Colby
Community College Equestrian
Team, visit www.colbycc.edu/athletics
or contact Coach Shanda Mattix at
[email protected] or call
(785)460-5464. You can also like our
team page on Facebook at Colby
Community College Equestrian
Team. ■
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
15
16
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
Barn Artist Captures
Rural America on Canvas
by Bob Rafferty
What is it about barns that appeals to
us as Americans? They seem to be so
interwoven into the fabric of our society
that anyone who has ever farmed or owned
horses will tell you how a barn is not just a
utilitarian building, but also a gathering
place and piece of the home. Artist George
Wisnowski of Westford, Massachusetts,
agrees, and that’s part of what has driven
him, in the peak of his artistic career, to
paint historic barns and homes.
Sitting in the artist’s living room, one
gets a sense that art is as ingrained in his
life as barns are in American culture.
His walls are adorned with pieces of his
craftsmanship, and even the room itself is
an example of his fine woodworking
abilities. When he is asked about the origins
of his paintings, his blue eyes sparkle, and
one can see the passion in his reply: “As a
boy I loved to draw, but drawing wasn’t
enough. I wanted my pictures to come off
the page. My older brother had been an
artist as well, and he really influenced me;
that coupled with the desire to make the
pictures come to life drove me to paint.”
At twelve years of age Wisnowski took
art lessons at the El Paso Museum of Art in
El Paso, Texas. In high school, his art
teacher recognized the talent in his still life
pieces and taught him much about
perspective. Two of his teenage friends were
artistically gifted as well, which spawned a
bit of competition that drove him to have
an amazing work ethic coupled with his
talent. This landed him his first paying job
as an artist drafting architectural mock ups
of handicapped facilities for the Raytheon
Corporation.
“When I got the job, it was so
important to me that I skipped my high
school graduation practice…to go to work,”
he says with the intensity that shows the
passion in his craft.
While working for Raytheon, his talent
was quickly recognized. Drafting led to
technical illustration jobs, and it was no
time at all before Wisnowski became the
lead illustrator. Sipping from his cup, he
relays with pride, “There were flat files in
which the artwork was stored for each
project. The name of each artist who
worked on a project was labeled on the
drawer in which it was stored. My goal was
to get my name on every drawer … and I
did. After that there were awards that were
presented to artists in each department, and
I set my mind to winning each award
…and I did.”
With the unquestionable type of work
ethic that has made the country strong,
Wisnowski did technical illustrations for
product manuals, catching the attention of
not only the graphic design department of
Raytheon, but digital as well. Soon he built
a large professional network and launched
his career as a commercial artist.
His art hasn’t only affected his
professional life, but his family life as well.
Wisnowski’s wife Dawna runs her own
daycare, and on the walls are playful murals
painted with depth and precision by her
husband. The two are devoted to family life
and when quizzed about the murals
Wisnowski responds by telling of his first
mural work.
“My wife and I taught Sunday school at
First Parish Church in Westford, so one of
the projects I did was to get the kids
together to paint a mural on the wall of
Noah’s Ark. The kids just loved it, and it
was inspiring to me to think that I might
inspire some of their young lives, just as I
had been inspired as a child.”
He has dazzled his children and relatives
by producing two children’s books as well.
Science Ducks and Grandpa’s Hat are stories
which he has written and illustrated by
taking pages from his own family’s life.
“We raised ducks for a while,” he
relates, “and they became a part of the
family on their own. So one Christmas I
produced Science Ducks as a way to save
that part of our lives for posterity.” This
saving for posterity is a central theme to the
artist’s work.
When asked, “Why barns?” Wisnowski’s
reply ties together his entire history.
“It’s not only barns. I started first with
painting historic homes in the area. There
are some buildings in Massachusetts that
See BARN ARTIST continued on page 17
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
Barn Artist Captures Lasting Images of American Culture
continued from page 16
date back to the earliest times of the founding of our
country, and painting them is a way to make them
survive for all the ages. So I painted a few and
displayed them at a local art show. The very next day
I had multiple commissions to paint people’s homes
for them. I use those same techniques I gained from
drawing technical illustrations of computers for
corporations and apply them to capturing every
detail of the homes. But having grown up with a
barn, there is something about them to me. Beauty,
nostalgia, the way they weather the passage of time.
They are visual time capsules of the hard work and
dedication of our forefathers, and their reliance
upon, and care of their animals. Many of them are
disappearing, and I want to capture them before
they are gone. I remember my sister having horses,
and the times we spent milking goats out in the
barn, and it’s a piece of my childhood. The response
I have received fills me with pride as people who
have commissioned a work from me tell me the
painting itself has become like a member of their
family. Hanging in the family room, it’s a reminder
for them that will stand the passage of time and be
handed down as an heirloom. It’s an amazing feeling
for me to know that I am creating art that touches
other families and fills them with happiness.”
The smile that spreads across his whiskered face
is one that only comes from finding true fulfillment
in one’s work.
His canvasses are done in either acrylic or
watercolor paints, and when pressed about his
process, he reveals a bit of it: “I like to set up an
office in my truck. I spread my paints and supplies
around me, and then I can get lost in my own
artistic world, listen to music, and drive to the
perfect vantage point. I like to capture not just the
buildings but the feel of the place. Sometimes the
horses or children playing outside--a deer in a field.
I want people to feel like they are there when they
look at the painting. I love being on location to
capture all of that, but I’ve also done pieces from
photographs as well. Even with photographs I like to
capture something different about the place that a
photograph can’t.”
His work speaks for itself and shows true
American hard work and dedication. Wisnowski is
available for commissions and can be contacted via
email at: [email protected] Some of his work
and more information can be found on his website
at www.gwisstudios.com. ■
17
18
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
CHECK OUT OUR BETTER HORSES WEBSITES:
betterhorsesnetwork.com & betterhorsesradio.com
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
19
20
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
Cowboy and Colt Score Perfect ‘10’ in First Riding Session
by Frank J. Buchman
“It takes just 25 minutes to train a
horse to ride, and do more than most
people would ever expect from their
mount.”
That’s a true story as concise and
complete as can be said – and proven true
by trainer Scott Daily.
The coming two-year-old bay Dash
For Cash bred gelding had been handled,
so Daily led him into the round pen with
a black rope halter that had a long rope
attached.
Just before 12:30, several dozen
watchers had scattered into the bleacher
seats at Topeka’s Domer Arena to see who
was best: cowboy or horse. At five ’til 1,
those spectators used most appreciative
applause to verify it as a tie. Daily had
proven to be the renowned horseman he’s
acclaimed to be, and the young gelding
couldn’t have done any better those
watching agreed.
The presentation was the kick-off of a
half-dozen such “horse-starting” seminars
given by the Arkansas City cowboy-horse
trainer during the three-day annual
Topeka Farm Show.
Not only has he conducted return
engagements at this particular event for
the past several years, Daily has also
conducted similar clinics throughout the
year around the Midwest in addition to
training many horses annually out of his
Cowley County stables.
Having seen the obviously
knowledgeable and humble horseman
work before, one must appreciate his most
apparent common horse sense and his
respect for the animal to be trained.
“We have to get him used to me, the
crowd, this pen, and moving,” explained
Daily, with a portable microphone
attached under his hat,
Coaxing the colt through verbal
clucks, shaking the rope, even softly
touching the horse’s hip, the horseman
moved the gelding away and around
the pen.
“These clods are a bit rough,”
evaluated the cowboy, as the colt stumbled
once, while being asked to pick up speed
and do two gait transitions.
Responding to Daily’s tension on the
line, the gelding faced him for a kind pat
on the nose before being directed to move
at a walk, jog and lope to the right.
“The horse must be worked the same
on both sides, so he doesn’t become
‘one-sided,’” Daily said.
Again, the colt was tugged to the
trainer gently, for a “thank-you” pat and
Daily’s verbal “Very good.”
Standing in the pen with the gelding,
Daily put the rope around the horse’s
heart girth, then snugged it slightly.
“He needs to get used to pressure
around his middle,” noted the trainer, as
he moved the rope into the gelding’s flank
area, which created vague irritation and
apparent flinching.
“It’s okay. Good,” Daily complimented
the young horse’s quick relaxation to the
actions, new and strange to him.
Rubbing the bay affectionately, Daily
put the rope over the colt’s back and
down his hip, even around front and back
legs and feet, tightening and tugging
softly. Exact maneuvers were repeated on
the opposite side.
“Nice job,” Daily credited. The horse
was then pulled in a tight circle toward
Scott Daily of Arkansas City had this
coming two-year-old bay Quarter Horse
gelding riding in a lope around the pen as
he threw the lariat off him. He concluded
his demonstration by standing on the
colt’s back at the training clinic featured
during the Topeka Farm Show.
the trainer in both directions as Daily
explained, “This gelding has to learn to
give to pressure and follow his nose.
Very good.”
Standing on the horse’s left side looking
at the withers, Daily stretched his body
over the gelding’s back, and soon his spurstrapped-boots were inches off the ground.
“He has to get used to weight on his back
and learn to balance himself.”
Going to the right side, the same
“weight-balance” exposure was readily
accepted by the bay gelding. “He’s ready
to see the saddle,” Daily evaluated.
First taking a saddle pad from the
fence, Daily rubbed it all over the horse
on both sides, then placed it in position
on the colt’s back.
An apparent-heavy, dusty, Western
stock saddle with loosely-coiled lariat
attached was tugged from the round pen
fencing.
“You’re okay. Nothing’s going to hurt
you,” Daily assured the gelding as the colt
fidgeted, rolled his eye, and laid both ears
back momentarily. Permitting the colt to
smell the tack and moving it all around
him as much as possible, Daily placed the
saddle over the previously positioned pad.
The trainer then pulled both front and
rear saddle cinches into their buckles,
putting snug pressure on both, before
See COLT STARTING continued on page 22
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
Eternal Love for Children
by Frank J. Buchman
“Caring for all children, even as part
of her own family, yet set in her ways to
always do what was right in her heart,
while foremost loving God, she was the
toughest woman we’ve ever known.”
Likely run-on grammatically
incorrect, so be it, that is the only way we
can accurately, concisely recognize passing
of our inspirational hero.
Always a country girl at heart, Karen
Ruth Meyers knew the city life, but never
strayed from country roots in everything
and all ways. Acquainted four decades,
our children were classmates; it was
serving together on a foundation board
our appreciation for her “ways” were truly
realized.
From the kitchen to the barnyard,
4-H club work was important from early
childhood developing desire to help
others in all things, especially children.
Upon marriage to Earl the love of
her life, Karen lived in the city, but the
couple soon returned to their homeland
where family grew.
Not only did Karen and Earl have
their own daughters, but Karen served as
one of the first now-common classroom
assistants. They became leaders in the
community 4-H club, where their
daughters excelled, with no parental
partiality given.
Love for children extended further as
their older daughters neared maturity.
The couple had foster children, adopting
two additional daughters, with never
ceasing feelings, only encompassed
deeper, along with certain challenges.
Extended ill health of Earl brought
Karen’s even deeper love, extended further
upon his passing, and demands of caring
for her namesake mother Ruth.
When her daughters’ families grew,
Karen became her grandchildren’s biggest
supporters in all things good, to the
extent of moving to live in their
community.
Never shirking a fair share of life’s
hardships, Karen’s strength abounded
when disease inflicted. Pleasant optimism
further revolutionized, never missing
involvement; even blizzards no deterrent.
Of all Karen’s attributes, strongest was
unyielding determination to do “right.”
Still, when reasoning justified alteration,
with consensus of heart, Karen revised,
certainly not faltering set cause.
Dual services filled Karen’s city and
country churches as Pastor Chad’s eulogy
most appropriately revealed verification of
the ultimate strength provided by Karen’s
faith in God.
Reminds us of Mark 10:15: “Verily
I say unto you, whosoever shall not
receive the kingdom of God as a little
child, she shall not enter therein.” Karen
lives eternally with all God’s children.
+++ALLELUIA+++
21
22
BETTER HORSES
Colt Starting Session
continued from page 20
loosening and then re-tightening
them more.
“I have to get the saddle
tight enough, so if he takes off,
the saddle doesn’t turn or come
off, scare him, and create more
problems,” informed Daily, 12
minutes after entering the pen.
Continuing to snug both
girths, the trainer shifted the
saddle gently on the gelding’s
back and soon asked him to
move away around the pen.
Arching his back just a bit
initially, the bay soon moved
freely, as Daily pried for more
speed, eventually asking for a
canter.
“Good job,” credited the
trainer, tugging the gelding
lightly, seeking a reversal in
direction, and moving the
young horses into requested
gaits, quite freely actually.
“I think he’s about
ready to ride,” Daily critiqued.
On the horse’s left side, the
cowboy put his boot in the
stirrup, applied some pressure,
then stepped up into the saddle.
He seated himself in just a jiffy
and was back off, repeating the
action a couple of times before
duplicating the training on the
gelding’s right.
Tying the lead rope around
in rope-reins formation to the
horse’s halter and stringing the
long rope through his own belt
loop, Daily retightened the
cinches. Then after pulling his
hat down firmly, the trainer
stepped up from the left stirrup
into the saddle, settled
momentarily, squeezed his lower
legs, and asked the gelding
to move.
Slow and cautious initially
and then with a quick lunge,
the bay colt moved forward,
soon freely, as the rider asked
for more speed, first a trot and
then a canter with coaxing from
hand and horned-lariat tap.
“Good, now he has to go
the other way,” Daily again
complimented, as he reversed
his mount, moving freely, into a
trot and persuaded canter.
Riding around for a couple of
minutes in both directions,
Daily asked the mount to stop
and go, then turn tightly in
both directions.
“He’s sure taking this good,”
the trainer evaluated.
The lariat was unlatched
from the saddle tree, swung
around the horse’s head,
creating a wide eye and sending
the horse’s forward movement
into the air. Soon, however, the
colt-in-training was again cool
and collected.
“I have to get him familiar
with the rope around his legs
when I’m on him,”
demonstrated Daily, catching
all feet separately.
Looping the lariat back to
saddle, the trainer picked up a
long black bullwhip from the
fence, swung it, then cracked a
“snap” that shocked his mount
the first time before he took it
all in stride.
“He’s a good horse,” the
horseman said.
Pulling his mount into a
square position, Daily stood up
in the saddle, tipped his hat to
the crowd in the bleachers, and
received much applause. Exactly
25 minutes had passed since he
began.
“This is a great colt, but
he’ll still need lots of riding
before he’s a completely trained
horse,” Daily concluded. ■
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
23
BETTER HORSES
Springfield, Missouri Event…
Ozark Spring Roundup
set for March 18-20
The Inaugural Ozark Spring Roundup
is set for March 18, 19 & 20th at the
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield,
Mo. Though this may be a new event for
2016, attendees will experience similar
vendors and activities from past events
held at the fairgrounds, including
HorseFest and the Spring Ag and Urban
Fest. Show hours are Friday & Saturday,
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. Through combining these two
events, the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds is
pleased to announce that the Ozark
Spring Roundup will offer free admission
and free parking due to the support of
Gold Sponsors.
Event patrons will experience a full
range of opportunities including a 90,000
sq. ft. indoor trade show, outdoor exhibits
and over 100,000 sq. ft. of livestock and
equines on display for sale. Vendor booths
will offer a variety of equine, agricultural,
home, and urban items and services.
Come shop the latest and newest
products of farm equipment, tractors,
automobiles, RV’s, campers, trailers,
home furnishings, home remodeling
products, western wear, tack, saddles,
leather items, farm supplies, animal feeds
and much more.
While at the show and shopping the
variety of products available, be sure to
register to win a $500 shopping spree,
$500 PFI Western Store gift card or a
round pen at the Farm Talk Newspaper
booth.
Events scheduled for the weekend
reflect the strong tradition of HorseFest
seminars, with the addition of livestock
topics. Sponsored by the National
Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Curt Pate
will present Stockmanship and
Stewardship clinics on Beef Quality
Assurance practices throughout the three
day event.
Bringing an action packed clinic sure
to impress all ages, the Trixie Chicks Trick
Riders will be in the E*Plex Round Pen
each morning of the event. In addition,
the Old Fort Days Dandies will perform
each day in the Corwin Dodge Arena.
On Friday, 4-H and FFA youth will
converge on the fairgrounds for the Youth
Horse Judging Contest at the Corwin
Dodge Arena. The NBHA Invitational
Barrel Racing will take place on Saturday
morning, followed by scheduled seminars
See OZARK continued on page 26
Labor Day Weekend
September 2, 3 & 4
Ottawa Kansas
• Bourbon Tasting on the Kansas Belle
Dinner Train
• Live Longhorn Cattle Drive Downtown
• Parade of Horse Breeds thru Downtown
• Mechanical Bull Riding Championship
• Cowboy Vendors
Mickey Gilley
In Concert
at Ottawa
Municipal
Auditorium
Tickets available thru
Plaza Cinema 785-242-5555
More information coming to “Ottawa Cowboy Days”
Facebook Page
24
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
25
26
BETTER HORSES
Ozark Spring
Roundup
set for
March 18-20
continued from page 25
and clinicians. Saturday and Sunday afternoon the
arena will transform into a thrilling full Cowboy
Mounted Shooting experience. ■
HORSE
SADDLE
FOR SALE
Sean Ryon Matlock
Rose All-Around Saddle
15 1/2 seat
matching breast collar
Great condition!
$1500
Call 785-418-6047 or email
[email protected]
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
27
28
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
From the Heart of Open Range – “Riding for the Brand”
by Pastor Frank Slaughter
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is Eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18
It’s so hard to live in this old world and not get
caught up in its insanity even though that is exactly what
this scripture is telling us … don’t be intoxicated with
the things that are only temporary.
So what does God say when we come to Him and ask,
“what do I do Lord, when the world entices me to take
part in all the desires that it offers? I feel so weak.” This
is what God says:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is enough and His
power works through our weakness. Now that is
GREAT NEWS!
Then sometimes we wonder if the Lord’s power will
help us get to the finish line. Well this is what He says:
“God began doing a good work in you. And I am sure
He will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ
comes again.” – Philippians 1:6
Our Prayer for Today
“Lord, we need You more now than ever because we see
that we have no control in this world. Come and place
Your hand of favor on Your children today and change us
… in the name of Jesus!” AMEN
Now that’s music to my ears as a follower of Jesus
Christ.
God Has Got This!
But do you follow Him? Do you know Him? Are you riding for His Brand?
To learn more about Open Range Fellowship visit our website at: www.openrangefellowship.com or visit us on Facebook
FOR BUYING OR SELLING
EQUINE PROPERTY
Contact Ernie Rodina
Ernie has teamed up with Dana Benjamin and the
‘My Kansas City Horse Property’ team at Reece-Nichols.
“I will use all my tools at Better Horses to help you sell your property” – Ernie
Contact Ernie at: 785-418-6047 or [email protected]
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
29
Winter means Spring Horse Conditioning is ahead
by Frank J. Buchman
Freezing temperatures keep most
horseback riding enthusiasts cabin bound.
Yet, indoor pens still find limited riders at
their sport, despite red cheeks and gloved,
purpled hands.
An occasional heavily-coated, hooded,
scarfed brave and dedicated--someone likely
called nutty-- mounted horse person can
even be viewed riding across the field, and
even less often one can find a tightly
bundled person with a heavy wool lap
blanket in a one horse open sleigh – where
accumulated snowfall has allowed it that is.
Far and away most common, however, is
the dreamer in front of the sizzling warm
fireplace envisioning that first ride on a
warm spring day and a future season filled
with horseback activity.
In that anticipation, it’d be well to
consider getting that essential mount ready
for the action according to Dr. Nancy
Loving, equine veterinarian
“Basic conditioning is necessary for the
proper physical and mental health of a
horse,” Loving said. "Correct, consistent
workouts maintain muscle suppleness and
joint lubrication with less chance of injury
and behavioral issues such as irritability,
resistance, or even bucking.”
Trail riding is still the most popular
horseback activity, and it can also be the
most strenuous for a horse, depending on
the terrain, pace, and length of ride.
"A horse asked to negotiate difficult
terrain when trail riding needs to have
musculoskeletal tissues strong enough to
avoid injury,” Loving said.
A lot of how much and to what degree
a horse needs to be conditioned depends
on the level the horse is asked to perform.
A casual trail ride of five to 10 miles
requires very different conditioning
compared to a 50-mile endurance ride.
"An unconditioned horse on rocky
terrain or at a constant trot can readily
suffer foot bruising, tendon or ligament
strain, even metabolic complications,”
Loving said. "When ridden in hot and
humid weather, a horse’s metabolic system
may be compromised due to fluid and
electrolyte losses through sweat.”
These problems lead to "exhausted
horse syndrome,” which can include muscle
stiffness, soreness, cramping, colic, heat
stress, and laminitis.
When planning to go on a long ride, or
for just several hours, it’s important to give
the horse frequent exercise on a regular basis
starting at least two months in advance.
“It’s best not to stop for more than two
weeks, because that will detract from the
fitness developed to that point,” Loving said.
"Proper conditioning relies on a rider in
the saddle, at least five days per week in the
In just a few weeks, spring will arrive
and horseback enthusiasts’ spirits will
be high for the season. However, cold
dreary winter days are the time for coordinating equine conditioning plans to
be ready to hit the trail, cattle roundup,
pleasure riding, arena competition and
the show pen.
initial training phase. With increasing
fitness, the horse may be ridden only two to
See SPRING CONDITIONING continued on page 30
30
BETTER HORSES
Spring Conditioning ahead
continued from page 29
three days a week at increased intensity.
Distance is increased to enable the horse to
adapt and become more efficient.”
A horse usually needs three to six
months of consistent long, slow distance
training to be able to withstand an all-day
trail ride without ill effect.
"It is important to note that the horse
should be conditioned with the rider and
tack on the terrain he will be asked to ride
during a trail ride,” Loving said. “Naturally,
the best way to condition a horse for trail
riding is on the trail.”
When prepping for an all-day trek, it is
suggested to ride the horse three times a
week approximately four to six weeks out to
build up condition.
“It’s helpful to know that during
training, the horse only needs to be able to
cover about 50 percent of the distance he’ll
be doing on the full-day ride,” Loving said.
Arena riding is different.
“If intending to mostly ride in the
arena,” Loving said, “the horse should be
conditioned to the appropriate activity and
skill level.”
Assuming the horse is sound and
healthy and has been getting some regular
exercise, one can start by increasing time
under saddle in 5-minute increments each
week.
“The more exercise given the horse, the
more fit it becomes,” Loving said. “Just
remember to add the exercise gradually, so
as not to overwhelm the horse making him
sore or lame.”
Pace is important as well.
“If the horse has only been walking in
the arena, it’s necessary to add trotting to
his routine,” Loving said. “Start with
10 minutes of trotting during each workout
in the first week, adding more trotting in
five-minute increments in subsequent weeks.
The same method should be used for
building up the canter.”
If one is riding the horse for 30 to 60
minutes two days a week, he or she should
add at least one more ride during the week.
“The extra day of riding will help
condition the horse slowly instead of putting
it through a difficult workout only on the
weekends. But, a horse can build stamina
quickly just by being ridden three days a
week,” Loving said.
Horses have both a strong and a weak
side, and working both sides is important to
keep the horse sound.
"There are many riding exercises that
can be used in or out of the ring to bridge
the gap between the two sides, and the
newly developed muscle tone ensures that
the horse can comfortably carry the rider,”
Loving said.
For those who don’t ride as often as
they’d like, the veterinarian suggested getting
on the horse as least one more day a week.
"Additional exercise can be turn out,
round pen, hand-walk or riding, but that
See WINTER continued on page 31
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
31
Winter means Spring Horse Conditioning is ahead
continued from page 30
horse needs to be moving at least three days a
week,” Loving said.
An important aspect of conditioning a horse
is measuring pulse and respiration rates.
“A horse’s pulse is key to understanding how
efficiently his heart is working during exercise,”
Loving said.
A well-conditioned horse has a pulse rate
that rises to a certain level during exercise, and
then recovers quickly after the work stops.
“Most horses’ pulse rates reach 100 beats per
minute (bpm) when they are exercising and
slows down to the normal post-exercise rate of
about 60 bpm after five minutes or so of rest,”
Loving said. “When 60 bpm is reached, the
horse has recovered from the exercise.”
A horse’s pulse, can be measured with a
stethoscope, or just by hand. Using a watch that
displays seconds, Loving said, “Trot the horse for
a few minutes, and then take his pulse. One
should be able to feel it behind his girth on the
left side, on the inside of the foreleg; or under
the jawbone, below the jowls. It can take some
time to locate the beat, so don’t give up; it takes
practice to locate on many horses.”
After finding the pulse, one should start
counting the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply
the number by four to calculate the horse’s heart
rate in beats per minute.
“Pulse should be checked weekly to see if
recovery rate is faster with more training,”
Loving said. “The quicker a horse reaches the
60 bpm rate, the more fit he is becoming.”
Respiration is another way to judge if a
horse is recovering quickly from a workout.
“For 15 seconds, measure the horse’s breaths
by counting the number of times his flanks
expand outward, and multiply this number by
four to get breaths per minute,” Loving said.
Before starting an exercise program, the
horse’s respiration should be checked at rest, and
then measured again after a workout.
“The respiration should be checked weekly
to verify the horse is becoming more fit through
the conditioning program,” Loving said.
“The fitter the horse, the faster the
respiration rate will return to a normal 10 to
24 breaths per minute after exercise.” ■
32
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
33
34
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
Bar U Horse Tales
by B. Rex Buchman,
Christian Horseman
I, like many of my
generation and kind,
have grown up on cowboy stories. My dad
and others have trained me as a cattleman
and a horseman with stories that made me
think and made me laugh. I love those
stories and want to keep them. I want to
share them with you. It is my hope that
they will encourage you and maybe give
you a smile. Now I would offer a disclaimer before I get started. Orville Burtis,
Sr. taught me that as you get older and
forget part of the story, it is perfectly
acceptable to make up that part of the
story. When you do that, it is okay if what
you made up is at least as good and maybe
better than the original, and it surely
could have happened that way! That is the
rule of embellishment that I use.
The Biting Eagle
So my dad Burton Buchman and my
grandpa Keith Davis were riding in the
White pasture checking cattle. Grandpa
was riding Chief Bar Eagle, a grandson of
Three Bars, and he was being anything
but well mannered. Eagle sired some
fantastic cow horses, but he himself was
quite a handful. Some of his colts were
too. Well, it just so happened that they
found a sick calf, and neither one of
them had any medicine. So Keith
devised a plan.
“Burt, he said I am really tired, and
Eagle needs a little of that. I will set on
this rock and hold your horse while you
lope him back to the pickup (a distance of
1 or 2 miles). When you get there, you
can drive the pickup back to the house
(another mile and a half ). Don't let that
stud have any rest; just roll down the
window and make him lope along side the
pickup the whole way.”
The trip was uneventful in the
beginning, but half way to the house the
pickup wound up in second gear and
something banged off the pickup door.
Dad started looking to see what was going
on when Eagle with flattened ears and
bared teeth dove at Dad's arm, missed,
and hit the door. The stud was diving at
Daddy's arm, but he kept missing and
hitting the pickup. Well, Dad got to the
house, tied the stud to the fence, found
the medicine, and drove back to the
pasture.
“Do you know what that stud tried to
do to me?” Burton exclaimed to Keith.
“He was trying to bite my arm!”
“You didn't let him get away with
that, did you?” said Keith in an
alarmed tone.
“No, Sir,” confidently retorted my
Dad. “I rolled up the window!”
I was in high school when we went to
Ashland and purchased that stud from the
Gardners. He was a beautiful, athletic
sorrel horse that captured my imagination.
I felt like we had journeyed to the far
reaches of the realm to find the next big
thing. We raised some great cow horses
out of that stud. I rode one that could
watch a gate, as anxious to cut one off as
a cat waiting for a mouse to come out
from under the couch. His name was
Spook.”
That story is a favorite of mine. It
highlights my dad's horsemanship. Long
before I heard of making the right thing
easy and the wrong thing difficult, my
dad was teaching me that very thing.
The easy and simple solution (roll up the
window) is often the best for a particular
time. Dad would figure a way to get along
See Bar U HORSE TALES continued on page 36
BAR U RANCH HORSES
STONEHORSE BED AND BREAKFAST
Stone Horse Bed and Breakfast in our
third year of operation. Spacious and
comfortable for small or large groups
with five bedrooms and a great porch!
Partnering with the Flying W in 2016.
First event: “Honing
your horsemanship and
cattle drive” April 15th.
A working ranch offering a full line of
guest ranch adventures including trail
rides, cattle drives, rental horses
and lessons.
We are loping at you with old favorite
cattle drives and new adventures in
2016. Hope you can join us!
Friend Rex Buchman on Facebook or Stone Horse Bed and Breakfast
www.stonehorsebedbreakfast.com • Email: [email protected]
620-794-5332
B. Rex Buchman,
Christian Horseman.
Prepared to pray preach or sing at a moments notice.
Photos: Dan Esarey
SREimages.com
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
Roo Fifty Two
2002 Bay Stallion
Sire: Gallo Del Cielo / Dam: Dox O Lena Love
AQHA Superior Reining Horse
2014 AQHA Reserve World Champion
in Amateur Ranch Horse Pleasure,
and AQHA Superior in Open Reining.
Roo Fifty Two
Standing to a limited
number of mares in 2016
Stud fee: $ 1000
Contact information: Mark Gratny Quarter Horses
25616 183rd St. • Leavenworth, Kansas 66048
913-683-3838 (cell) • 913-351-1799 (farm) • email: [email protected]
web: www.markgratnyquarterhorses.com
35
36
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
Bar U Horse Tales: “The Biting Eagle”
continued from page 34
with the horses, and when he or I got in
over our head, Grandpa was there to fix
‘em. Now days we don't have Grandpa,
but we are raising horses that don't
require as much fixing.
It is early in the calving season at the
Bar U; we have a half dozen calves on the
ground, and can you believe the great
weather for the first of February?!
Watching the cows, I'm dreaming of the
upcoming colt crop. Eight mares bred,
counting Ray and Mary Negus's Peponita
mare (Pete's mother) that we leased. These
are the most anticipated colts ever.
Tess, my old show mare is bred to
CRR Hurricane Cat. Oso's mother Sandy
is bred to Tom Jensen's Nu Cash to Cow,
the yellow stud that Adrian Vogel won the
Haythorn Futurity on. I had a chance to
breed Josey to a great Pepto stud that
Jamie Stover is showing and decided to
pass up her showing career to skip to the
next generation. She is the first Hurricane
to foal in our mare band. We are doing
everything in our power to breed the best
cow horses for ranch and arena work and
hope to produce your next prospect.
Well, it’s getting on toward daylight
and, in the words of my nephew, it’s time
to go "cattleing." ■
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
37
38
BETTER HORSES
Chippewa Hills Designs
Specializing PLASMA CUT DESIGNS of any shape!
Check us out on facebook and the craft website Etsy.
Both places go by Chippewa Hills Designs.
Or call Don Miller at 913-908-8477.
Dining at Espirito Do Sul
Cattlemen Bob Foote, along with his wife Gail, Scott and Linda Burkdoll,
Roger and Donna Brummel, and Trent and Donna Burkdoll are enjoying
a night out at the newest, "hottest place" to eat in Overland Park, KS.
Espirito Do Sul, located at 119th and Metcalf, is a Brazilian Steakhouse
owned by Trent Burkdoll's son, Clint Burkdoll. Clint is half owner with
Edson and Leonice Ludwig. Espirito Do Sul is a fun and unique dining
experience. You will enjoy tasting 17 different types of meat, featuring
certified Angus beef, along with an Elaborate "Harvest Bar.” Their
desserts are out of this world. So, grab your friends, business partners,
family, employees and go eat at Espirito Do Sul.
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
39
BETTER HORSES
GATOR
FOR SALE …
Ernie's 2010 John Deere Demo Gator
Loaded! $9000 Plus Warranty!
4 Wheel Drive; power dump;
cab; front winch
If interested give me a call or email me.
Ernie Rodina – Better Horses Network Inc.
785-418-6047
[email protected]
40
BETTER HORSES
UNITED
MOSQUITO
& FLY
CONTROL
• Installation of New Automatic
Insect Control Systems
• Sales and Service on Existing Systems
• Dedicated to Customer Service
• Local Ownership, Paul Friedrichs, Owner
UNITED MOSQUITO & FLY CONTROL
5427 Johnson Drive • #144 • Mission, KS 66205
(913) 558-3814
www.unitedkc.com or email: [email protected]
STALLION 2016
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
41
42
BETTER HORSES
STALLION 2016
Better Horses
Network is proud
to have Elliott
Insurance as
a Sponsor!
Purina Super Sport Success
Our AQHA gelding, 8-years-old, 16.2, had surgery on OCD
right hind. He was very thin with poor muscle mass. His coat
was dull; his mane and tail were thin. The pictures provided
show him after 60 days on a Purina Program:
* 1 cup of Purina Super Sport twice a day
* 1-1/2 scoop of Purina Edge twice a day
* 2 flakes of alfalfa twice a day
The pictures speak for themselves. Thanks to Purina feeds
and SUPER SPORT! I would highly recommend this product
to anyone.
Thank you,
Nicole Nelson
NELSON QUARTER HORSES
PHIL HAUGEN HORSEMANSHIP
INVITES YOU TO OZARK
SPRING ROUNDUP
March 18,19 and 20
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Springfield, MO
MORE INFO GO TO:
philhaugenhorsemanship.com
Proud Member of the Better Horses Network Family
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
CONGRATULATIONS!
Gary Verhaghe
Gary Verhaghe cleaned up at the Mounted Shooting Banquet! He won
three different Buckles: Hi-Point Men overall, First in Class division and
Hi-Point at the host arena – Three Wooden Crosses. Gary was also the
oldest men's competitor, beating all of the young bucks.
43
44
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
“When it comes to
doing a great job and great
service, you can't beat Dave
& John. Give them a call!”
– Ernie Rodina
Better Horses Network
Little
Dyno
“Dyno” is a royally bred sire by the great “Smart Little
Lena” and whose dam “A Lenaette” is a producer of over
half a million, and her dam produced over $400,000.00.
Little Dyno: Sire of performers earning in excess of 1.6 million
including Our Little Dyno; MH Lay Down Lady; MH Dynos
Tonette; Dynomighty Million; Dynos Quixote Rio; MH Lena Little
Dyno; etc.
has moved to Missouri
Smart Little Lena
Little Dyno
Doc O’Lena
Smart Peppy
Freckles Playboy
A Lenaette
Lenaette
Sire: Smart Little Lena Earner of $743,275. Equi-Stat All Time #2
Cutting Sire, #10 Reined Cow Horse Sire, & #42 Reining Sire.
Sire of earners in excess of 41 million including Red White and Boon;
Justa Smart Peanut (NCHA Horse of the Year); Smart Play;
Some Kinda Memories; etc.
AQHA performers include 18 World & 15 Reserve World Champions.
Dam: A Lenaette Earner of $36,867. Producer of 7 NCHA performers
earning $515,706 including Smart Play; Smart Little Tex; Smart Little
Abner etc.
2nd Dam: Lenaette Earner of $35,641. Producer of 8 NCHA performers
earning $427,739 including Playboys Angela; Shesa Playmate, etc.
Standing at Rocking G Horse and Cattle, Inc.
Grain Valley, Missouri
2016 Stud Fee: $850.00
Discounts for multiple mares, earners or producers.
Shipped semen available.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3: 5-6
All Inquiries To:
Owners:
Lance Gabriel
(816) 289-6559
[email protected]
Flying V Bar S Ranch
Vic & Sue Cavender
[email protected]
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
Celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy
I would like to invite all horse lovers and horse owners to come celebrate the National Day of the American
Cowboy during our Western Heritage Celebration in Humboldt Kansas.
On July 23, we will hosting an All-Western Themed Parade, along with an Open Apple Pie Baking Contest,
a Amateur art contest, music and poetry on the square, vendors, food booths and more. I will be
performing a Cowboy concert on Saturday Night in The High School Auditorium, (accompanied by other
talented musicians.) All of this will be filmed and Hosted by the Top rated Trail Riding Show, BEST OF
AMERICA BY HORSEBACK with Tom and Pat Seay, Kristin Biscoe and myself. Come help us celebrate the
Legacy of the American Cowboy and make this event one of the largest of its kind. Get ready, the Cowboys
are coming to town.
– Del Shields
45
46
STALLION 2016
BETTER HORSES
CORN CHOWDER
CORN CHOWDER:
Each issue featuring recipes
from the kitchen of
Connie Rodina.
6-8 slices of bacon
1/8 cup olive oil
3 cups chopped onions
2 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
6 cups chicken broth
3 cups diced potatoes, unpeeled
HORSES FOR SALE …
3-year-old
Filly by
Self Shine
6-Year-Old Sorrel Mare by Meradas Money Talks and out of Lenas
Wright On Mare. Professionally trained; Cutting Training; Reining
Training; Can be shown in reining or on the ranch.
4-year-old Sorrel Filly by Meradas Money Talks and out of Lenas
Wright On Mare. Very pretty and athletic. Professionally Trained and
has been in Cutting Training for the past 7 months. She has lots of cow.
3-year-old Red Dun Filly by Self Shine and out of Lenas Wright On
Mare. In training with Todd Wright and going very well. Going to be a
big stopper. A very pretty filly and good mover! Nominated for NRHA
Futurity and NRBC.
If interested give me a call or email me.
Ernie Rodina – Better Horses Network Inc.
785-418-6047 or at: [email protected]
5 cups frozen corn kernels
1 cup half and half
1 pound cheddar grated
Stir in flour, salt, pepper, turmeric
and cook for 3 minutes.
Add chicken broth and potatoes and
bring to a boil.
In a large stockpot over medium heat
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or
fry bacon till crisp.
until potatoes are tender.
Remove bacon for later use.
Add corn, half and half and cheddar.
Add olive oil and butter to pan.
Simmer 5 more minutes until cheese
Add onions to oil and melted butter
is melted. Top bowl of soup by adding
and saute until translucent.
more cheddar cheese and bacon.
Let’s send
Ivani to the
2016 Olympics
in Rio de Janerio,
Brazil
Ivani Bing works with me at
KCMO Talk Radio in Kansas City.
We need to help get her the
“Dream Job” of being a
reporter at the 2016 Olympics
in Rio! See her message below!
LIKE & COMMENT!
– Ernie Rodina
Ernie, the Olympic committee is looking for someone who can speak
Portuguese and English. When I saw this opportunity I thought …
THIS IS MADE FOR ME. Please let people know that voting takes
1 minute to do. After following the link it will take them to my profile.
They will click like application, and then click logged on, then they will
click “like” thorough Facebook and then wait for my video to pop up
again and then click like application to give me a vote and a
comment would be appreciated as well.
Below is the Link for people to go “Like” and Comment on my video
to help me win a Dream jobbing to be a reporter for the 2016
Olympics in Rio.
http://dreamjobbing.com/dreamjobs/rio2016#2315?
Thank you for sharing this with your friends!
-Ivani Bing
STALLION 2016
47
BETTER HORSES
If you enjoy receiving
BETTER HORSES
KANSAS DEALERS
Andover, KS
©Williams Ace Hardware*
(316) 733-0023
Emporia, KS
©Bluestem Farm &
Ranch Supply*
(620) 342-5502
(785) 594-3351
Gardner, KS
©Trails West Hardware
& Feed*
(913) 856-4536
Bennington, KS
©Robinson Feeds*
(785) 820-0282
Garnett, KS
©Brummel Farm Service*
(785) 448-3161
Baldwin City, KS
©Baldwin Feed Co.*
Bonner Springs, KS
©Feldman’s Farm & Home*
(913) 721-5561
Centerville, KS
©Centerville Feed & Farm*
(913) 898-2260
Edgerton, KS
©Holton Ranch Supply*
(913) 893-9972
Goddard, KS
©Williams Ace Hardware*
(316) 550-6147
Lawrence, KS
©Midland Farm Store*
(785) 841-8544
©Lawrence Feed &
Farm Supply*
(785) 843-4311
… please let these Purina Dealers know —
Their support makes this publication possible!
Ottawa, KS
DIY Supply
(785) 242-8200
Louisburg, KS
©Hometown Feed & Supply*
(913) 837-1440
Maize, KS
©Woodard Mercantile*
(316) 722-0216
Manhattan, KS
(785) 776-9467
& Trailers*
(785) 286-3006
Princeton, KS
Washington, KS
Dr. Philip Bentz
Animal Health Center
(785) 325-2838
(785) 937-2900
Mound City, KS
Spring Hill, KS
(913) 795-2222
©R Bar B Saddle Tack
& Home*
(913) 294-4800
©Princeton Quick Stop*
©Mound City Ag
(785) 862-2505
Topeka, KS
Paola, KS
©Family Center Farm
©MKC Co-op*
Topeka, KS
©Premier Farm & Home*
©Farmers Union Elevator*
(913) 592-2339
Newton, KS
©Chisholm Trail
TruValue Hardware*
(316) 283-3276
Stockton, KS
©Central Vet. Services*
(785) 425-5100
Olathe, KS
Strong City, KS
©Lifetime Pet*
©Reyer’s Country Store*
(913) 764-4626
(620) 273-6229
MISSOURI DEALERS
Butler, MO
Harrisonville, MO
© Family Center*
©Family Center*
(660) 679-3600
Farm & Home
(816) 884-6100
Blue Springs, MO
© Feldman’s
Farm & Home*
(816) 229-2221
Grandview, MO
May Milling Co.
(816) 761-5511
Liberty, MO
©Feldman’s
Farm & Home*
(816) 792-0994
Nevada, MO
54 Feed & Seed LLC
(417) 667-7333
Odessa, MO
Odessa Feed & Pet
(816) 230-3102
Oak Grove, MO
©STG Feeds*
(816) 625-1018
Pleasant Hill, MO
©Pleasant Hill Pet &
Livestock Center*
(816) 987-2097
Trenton, MO
©CFG Ag Services, LLC*
(660) 359-6180
© Certified
Expert Dealers
* Certified Ultium Dealers