Feb/March 2012 - Delaware Equine Council

Delaware Equine News
Vol. 11 No. 1
www.delawareequinecouncil.org or .com
Get Ready for the
Delaware horse expo 2012
by Wayne Nebel
It’s time for the Delaware Horse Expo! It is expanding to two days and is scheduled for March 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and March 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Delaware Equine Council is proud to be sponsoring Tara Jones and cosponsoring, with Southern States, Scott Purdum. as clinicians for this year’s Expo.
Tara is returning this year after being featured at last year’s Expo and was well received. Scott is also a well known trainer and clinician. In addition, Alex Brown, author of Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and His Legacy, will be signing his book
and will be giving a presentation in the lecture hall.
Tara Jones . . .
Tara Jones has developed a training business known as Pieceful Solutions
Riding and Training. She has studied under many different trainers and is an accomplished rider in all disciplines. With her training
methods favoring the John Lyons method, she
worked alongside Kathy Huggins and Ken
McNabb, both certified John Lyons trainers. Shortly
after, she signed into Kenny Harlow’s yearlong certification program and upon graduation, she was
hired as his training assistant and full-time associate. She also had the opportunity to study with
John Lyons’, son Josh Lyons, and Jose Mendez, a
former instructor to the Royal School in Spain. As a
Tara Jones and Phantom trainer, Tara works over 30 unbrokes a year. She
teaches problem horses as well and helps them
gain respect and a solid work ethic. Her riding skills range from barrel racing, to
western pleasure riding, to trail riding, to jumping. For more information about Tara
visit her website at www.tarajonestraining.com.
Scott Purdum . . . .
Scott Purdum is a nationally recognized clinician, who
is helping horse owners around the country with his unique
and proven training methods. Scott has dedicated himself
to “Rehabilitating Horses One Owner at a Time” through his
Advantage Horsemanship training method. The focal point
of his training is the individual, customized attention given
to students and their horses. With his proven training techniques and easy-to-understand instruction, Scott is able to
help even the most difficult of horse/owner relationships.
For more information about Scott, visit his website at
Scott Purdum
www.advantagehorsemanship.com.
Author Alex Brown and More!
Alex Brown, author of Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and his Legacy, has
had a career in horse racing spanning twenty-five years. Alex started his career in
his native U.K., moving to the United States in 1987. Since that time, Alex has
worked as an exercise rider and assistant trainer for leading trainers including Steve
Asmussen, Michael Dickinson and Barclay Tagg.
Along the way, Alex completed his MBA from the University of Delaware in the
early 1990s. He then went to work at the University of Delaware and the University
of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, while maintaining his ties to the horse racing
(Continued on next page)
February/March 2012
2012 SCHOLARSHIP
AWARDS BANQUET
MARCH 10
The Delaware Equine Council
Scholarship Dinner is scheduled for
March 10, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.,
at the Harrington Fire Hall located
at 20 Clark Street, Harrington, DE.
This promises to be a very nice
event with all proceeds going to the
scholarship fund.
For the past several years, we
have awarded several $1000 scholarships to college students enrolled
in agriculture or equine studies curriculum. Marilyn's Catering will provide dinner and there will also be a
cash bar. Activities will include a
silent and live auction , as well as
music provided by DJ, Robert Bailey. Tickets are $30 per person and
are available at Chick's Saddlery
and Hudson's Farm Supply in Harrington or you can purchase from
any DEC board member.
DE Horse Expo Speakers
Saturday, March 17
10:30 am Dr. Clarissa Wickens,
Economics of Horse Ownership
11:30 am Laura Florence:
Hoof Care & Hoof Health
12:30 pm Peggy Koster & Mary Everhart,
DEC: Trails
1:30 pm Alex Brown, author Barbaro &
His Legacy: Humans & Horses
2:30 pm Dr. Tamara Dobbie, University
of Pennsylvania, Breeding
Management and Mare & Foal Care
3:30 pm Dr. Marty Adams,
Basic Ewuine Nutrition
Sunday, March 18
10:30 am Dr. Asley Boyle, Equine
Va cination & Disease Prevention
11:30 a.m. Dr. Tamara Dobbie
Getting Your Mare & Stallion
Ready for the Breeding Season
12:30 pm Dr. Marty Adams, Nutition for
Common Equine Health Issues
1:30 pm Dr. Richard Taylor,
Managing Springtime Pastures
2:30 pm Dr. Clarissa Wickens,
Selection of Horses
Speakers will be in the Exhibit Hall
This year’s speakers are sponsored by
University of Delaware
Cooperative Extension and DEC.
Page 2
FROM
www.delawareequinecouncil.org or .com
THE
EDITOR’S KEYBOARD
Dear Equine Friends,
I was very excited to get this issue to you because of the
wonderful events that are coming up!
In this issue, we would like to welcome this year's clinicians at the DE Expo...Tara Jones of Pieceful Solutions. and
Scott Purdum of Advantage Horsemanship.
We welcome first time contributor Alex Brown, who
shares with us his review of the soon
to be epic film, War Horse. Also
sharing her knowledge of equine
safety, Wendy Lippencott of Dusty
Chaps Farm,will remind us about
equine safety especially during the
winter months.
This month DEC Vice President
Peggy Koster gives a year in review
of DEC's events. Also, we will hear
from DEC board member, Wayne
Nebel, who will describe to us what to expect at this year’s
DE Horse Expo.
To wrap things up, I would like to remind members,
that memberships are due, and that we are looking to add
more events to our website calendar ...that means you need
to get the information to me by February 10 in order for it to
be in the April/May issue. Please contact me at [email protected].
We have DEC's annual Scholarship Awards Banquet
with a live and silent auction. We hope to have a great
turnout..please see a DEC board member for tickets or visit
Chick’s or Hudson Farm Supply in Harrington. Tickets will be
on sale up to March 1st. So purchase today..great food,
great music, and a great chance to buy unique items.
We look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to share
your thoughts by visiting us on our Face Book page.
Cheers! April Murray, Editor of DEC Newsletter
February/March 2012
President’s Message
Now that hunting season is over, enjoy the prime trail
riding time for the winter! It may be cold, however, there
are NO BUGS and the horses
enjoy being out as much as we
do. Bundle up and enjoy.
Look forward to the 2012
Directory to be available in
March. Once again, it is an
outstanding reference for all
things horsey in this region.
Mark March 10 for the annual scholarship fundraiser. We received a record number of applicants and the selection of honorees was not
an easy one. Tickets are available from any DEC Director.
Also, watch for the flyer's for the first ever TWO day
Delaware EXPO in March. The Delaware Equine Council
has lined up two excellent clinicians and all other activities scheduled promise to provide an outstanding two
days of horse related programs.
Stan Vonasek, President, DEC
2012 Delaware Equine Council Officers:
President, Stan Vonasek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-684-3966
Vice President, Peggy Koster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-629-5233
Acting Secretary, April Murray. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-735-8540
Treasurer, Kim Schwartz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-492-8502
2012 Delaware Equine Council Directors:
Paula Barto. . . . . 302-629-5233. . . . . . . . [email protected]
Ken Horeis . . . . . 302-398-8200. . . . . . . [email protected]
Kay Mildon . . . . . 410-543-1527. [email protected]
Pam Nebel . . . . . 240-994-2220. . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Wayne Nebel . . . 240-778-3241 . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Carol Seiler. . . . . 443-466-5043 . . . . . . [email protected]
Delaware Horse Expo
(Continued from previous page)
industry. Alex combined his interests in
social media and horse racing when he
established the timwoolleyracing.com
blog in 2004. This site became a "go to"
resource on the Internet for following
Barbaro's progress at New Bolton Center. Alex maintained the site while Barbaro was fighting for his life, and then
for three years afterwards while he traveled North America, by racetracks, to do
additional research for his book. For
more information about Alex go to
www.alexbrownracing.com and you can
follow him on Facebook.
In addition, the Delaware Horse
Expo will feature commercial vendors,
breed exhibits, informative lectures and
discussions on various equine topics,
mounted demonstrations, natural horsemanship, children’s activities, food and
refreshments. Admission is $7 for one
day/ $10 both days. Free for children 12
& under. For more information, go to
www.DeHorseExpo.com or call 302398-5194.
Alex Brown and Barbaro
2011. . . The Year at a Glance by Peggy Koster
The year started off quiet with all our focus on the annual Directory and the Scholarship Awards Banquet. Even
though the economy is still slow, we were able to keep our
Directory moving forward for the 12th straight year. This is
an indication that the Equine Industry in Delaware is alive.
The scholarship fundraiser was held at the Harrington
Fire Co. on March 12th. Everyone enjoyed the great food
from Marilyn’s Catering, and music by DJ R. J. Bailey.
Many silent and live auction items were available for folks
to bid on. A huge thank you to all the sponsors, and everyone that donated items; we were able to make over
$4500.00 for the 2012 scholarship recipients. Mark your
calendar for March 10, 2012, for this year’s scholarship
fundraiser. Bring your dancing shoes, and enjoy a good
time, great food and company. Remember you are helping
college students who are trying to get an education and
stay active in the equine/agriculture community.
DEC continues to attend public functions with our
booth and mascot, Liberty. We attended Dover Days Parade, the Delaware State Fair on Governor’s Day, Apple –
Scrapple Festival and many youth functions like Kids Fest
and Healthy Kids Day, Breyer Fest at Barton’s, Wicked R,
and Laurel Saddle Friends game show. If you enjoy talking and want to learn more about DEC, come spend a day
with us at the booth.
The Horse Expo in March at the fairgrounds was a
very busy day. DEC sponsored Tara Jones from Pennsylvania as a clinician, and spent the day talking about our
equine industry in Delaware, Delaware Equine Council
sweatshirts and hoodies sold well. All our volunteers were
busy keeping our booth inside and in the Quillen Arena
stocked with info and 2011 Directories. Put March 17th &
18th on your calendar for the 2012 Expo.
Our Trails committee continued to meet with the state
agencies that manage the public lands in Delaware,
(Parks, Forestry, & Fish /Wildlife) There are approximately
140 miles of equestrian trails. When the proposed trail
~ IN MEMORIAM ~
John Davis
co-owner of Ride-N-Slide
and a long time member of the
Delaware Equine Council
passed away in November 2011.
Our deepest sympathy
to his wife, Nina,
and his family.
plan for White Clay Creek State Park is completed we will
have a few more miles of equestrian trails.
DEC now has two council members appointed by the
Governor to the Greenways and Trails Council. Division of
Parks and Recreation has designed a trails program
steering group which DEC has two participating members.
Last year I said it was time to volunteer some of your
time to the state agencies that are working to keep our
trails open for all recreational users. Laurel Saddle
Friends stepped up to the plate with the DEC folks and
volunteered many hours to Fish and Wildlife at the Nanticoke Wildlife Area. If you need help getting started contact
your trails committee for more information or call me at
302-629-5233.
Sunday hunting is still a BIG concern! DEC actively
opposes Sunday deer hunting. We need your support on
this matter. Make sure your Senator and Representative
know that you are against Sunday hunting! When this
issue comes up in the legislature we need everyone to
speak up. Once there is one day allowed you can bet the
farm that there will be more days the next year.
The American Horse Council held the annual forum in
Washington DC that was attended by several members of
the DEC in June. Our President, Stan Vonasek, attended
the CSHC (Coalition of State Horse Councils) in Wisconsin and brought back lots of information that he shared at
our November meeting.
The magazine recycle program is always in need of
current (one year old or newer) clean copies of horse
magazines. Check the Directory for drop off locations or
call any board member. Our Proof of Purchase seals from
Southern States feed bags netted us $225 this year.
Please continue to clip the seals and bring to our meeting
or mail to: DEC, P.O. Box 158, Harrington, DE. 19952
DEC purchased an enclosed trailer for storage and
show. We hope to utilize it for parades and set ups in the
coming years to help promote the equine industry.
Your membership continues to be very important. We
need your support. For your convenience, we now accept
one, three, and five year memberships. Don’t forget to
renew in 2012. We would like to hear from you with your
ideas, and suggestions. We are now on Face book; and
we are always as close as the phone. Our meetings are
the third Monday of the month, 7 pm at the Harrington
Public Library. Check the newsletter or website for location
changes and know you are always welcome.
We look forward to seeing you at our Scholarship
Fundraiser, or at a meeting in 2012, Support your equine
industry. YOU Matter!!!
Peggy Koster,Vice – President
Trails Committee Chair
Note: Peggy Koster will be among the featured speakers
on Saturday, March 17 at the 2012 Delaware Horse
Expo. Her topic will be “Trails”. She will be joined in
this presentation by Mary Everhart.
In War Horse . . . the Horse Steals the Show!
by Alex Brown, Author of Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and His Legacy
I will admit that when I went to see War Horse, which
was released on Christmas Day, I was hoping to see a
great movie. The horse’s place in modern culture continues to slide as its roles diminish. A great movie can help
restore the horse’s place in our imagination. I had read the
book, and loved it. I had seen the play and enjoyed that,
too, although I was so intrigued by the puppets that played
the horses, I was a little distracted from the story itself. No
matter how good the book is, or the play, a movie is going
to be much more accessible to the public, so it was important that this was a well-executed adaptation. I believe it
was.
The best acting in the movie was from the equine star
who played Joey, Finders Key. Often in horse movies, as a
horseman, you cringe at a couple of scenes because they
are either unrealistic or simply incorrect. Such scenes may
work for those who are not horsemen, but not for us. In
War Horse, Joey’s role was brilliant, and very well done. I
found Joey to be engaging, almost humorous at times. He
was stoic when required, compassionate and playful, and
much more.
When I first learned who was playing the part of Joey,
a Thoroughbred named Finders Key, I wanted to know
more about the horse. Finders Key is a great example of a
now-13-year-old Thoroughbred who was simply in the
wrong role when he was a racehorse. He started only four
times, all in $2,500 maiden-claiming races at Los Alamitos
Race Course, in Los Angeles, and never placed. He now
has a few movie credits to his name, and certainly his performance in War Horse should guarantee him a great career going forward.
For me, the “No Man’s Land” scene was the best few
At your service . . .
DEC board members
and officers serving
in 2012 are (top row,
left to right) Wayne
Nebel, Carol Seiler,
Paula Barto, Vice
President Peggy
Koster, Ken Horeis
and President Stan
Vonasek;
(bottom row, left to
right) Treasurer
Kim Schwartz, Kay
Mildon, Pam Nebel
and Secretary April
Murray.
minutes of the movie. Not
only does it highlight the inhumanity of war, but more
importantly how a horse can
halt the madness and elicit
cooperation and friendship
among people. Joey highlighted humanity from both
sides throughout the movie,
but specifically in that scene.
Because the movie is set during
World War I, some may be offended by its violence.
Joey ultimately became a symbol of hope to those
who survived the wretchedness of trench warfare during
the four years of war. This hopefulness ensured that he
would then not be betrayed; he would not suffer the same
fate of many other war horses who actually survived the
war only to be sold at auction after the war was over.
Finders Key will not win an Oscar for his performance,
but perhaps it is an opportunity for our industry to highlight
second careers for Thoroughbreds by honoring him with a
Special Eclipse Award.
Overall, I think this is a terrific film for any animal lover,
and a movie that horsemen will love if only for its realism.
Alex Brown is author of the 2011 book: Greatness
and Goodness: Barbaro and His Legacy can be followed on Twitter and Facebook.
Note: Alex Brown will be a featured speaker at the
Delaware Horse Expo on Saturday, March 17.
Quick Safety Tips for Cold Weather
Horse lovers can be found outdoors in all types of
weather just to care for their beloved animals. Some of us
brave the cold to have just another ride or drive even if it is
a short session. If you are going to brave the cold for any
equine activity, try to keep the following in mind
For yourself:
Dress appropriately for the weather
If you are riding, don’t skip wearing a helmet just so
you can wear your winter hat. Place a plain winter cap on
your head and then fit your helmet over your cap, adjusting tightness and straps as needed. Please keep manufacturer recommendations in mind if you plan to alter the
wear of a helmet.
Knit gloves are inexpensive but the lead rope or reins
can slip through your hands easily while wearing them. Instead, get a pair of gloves with some sort of leather or grip
on the fingers and palms. Gloves designed specifically for
riding can be purchased at your nearest tack store.
Always work with a buddy or let someone know your
plans.
For your horse:
Don’t skimp on preparation time just because it is
cold. Be sure to properly groom and prepare your horse
and equipment before use. It’s better to take a few extra
seconds to check your equipment than to end up in the
hospital or with an injured horse.
Spectacular
Two Day Event
8th Ann
ual
Delaware horse expo
Saturday, March 17 • 10 - 6 & Sunday, March 18 • 10 - 4
Delaware State Fairgrounds • Harrington, DE
Tara Jones & Scott Purdum
team up in the Arena...
with Clinics & Riding Exhibitions
Sponsored by the Delaware Equine Council
& Southern States Cooperative
Educational Series
on tap in the Exhibit Hall
Seminars & Hands On Demos
Riding Horse
& Tack Sale
Vendors & Exhibits
Starts 10 a.m.
in the Dover Building
Outside Ring
Parade of Breeds
in the Arena 10-11 am
Stop
by
Activities
for Kids
All Day!
in Harrington
for details or call 302-398-5194
www.DeHorseExpo.com
Expo Admission:
1 day $7 / 2 days $10
Kids 12 & under, FREE
by Wendy Lippincott, Dusty Chaps Farm
Warm your horse’s bit(s), whether you are riding or
driving. A cold bit hurts. If you don’t have bit warmers,
use warm water or simply hold the bit tightly in your bare
hands to bring it a more comfortable temperature.
Be sure to properly warm up and cool down your
horse. Start and end your ride/drive session slowly. A
light ride/drive for you may be more of a burden for your
horse than you expect.
Watch your horse for signs of proper hydration and
nutritional intake. If it refuses to eat snacks, meals, or
forage, or even seems a little “off” call the vet. They may
be able to give you some guidance over the phone and
avoid a farm visit or possibly avoid an emergency.
Safety is very important for both horse and human.
Try not to get complacent and get lazy just because you
trust your horse. That’s when accidents happen.
Delaware Equine Council
February & March Meetings
Mon., February 20, 2012
Mon., March 19, 2012
Harrington Public Library
Harrington, 7 p.m
The Delaware Equine Council Invites You to
Join Us at Our Annual Fundraiser
2012 Scholarship Awards Banquet
Dinner
Awards Presentations
Dancing
Silent & Live Auctions
Rafflle • Door Prizes
Saturday
March 10
6 – 10 pm
Harrington Fire Hall
20 Clark Street • Harrington, DE
Music by
Dinner Buffet by
DJ Robert Bailey
Marilyn’s Catering
Cash Bar and Hors d’oeuvres
Tickets available through March 1 in Harrington at
Chick’s or Hudson Farm Supply or from any DEC board member
CONTACT: Stan 302-684-3966 • April 302-735-8540
www.delawareequinecouncil.com
Ticket Price
$30 per person
~ Equine Calendar ~
February
Feb. 11th DDC: Multipules Talk with Frances Baker, Harbenson, DE. Contact Donna Hurst 302-492-3932 or
Pao Lin: 240-274-8160
Feb. 11th Kershaw Acres INDOOR Schooling Shows, Milton, DE Classes for all. Call for Prize List 302-684-1818
Feb. 20th 7 pm DEC meeting, Harrington Public
Library,Stan 684-3966
Feb. 23rd-26th PA World Horse Expo, Harrisburg, PA, 2326th for more info go to : www.horseworldexpo.com
March
Mar. 10th MARK YOUR CALENDAR 6pm DEC ANNUAL
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS BANQUET, Harrington Fire
Hall, For TIckets: CallL STAN 302-684-3966 or APRIL
at 302-735-8540
Mar. 10th INDOOR English/Western Schooling Series, Kershaw Acres, Milton, DE, Karen 302-684-1818
Mar. 13th Frank Chickʼs Harness Horse Sale (mixed sale),
Harrington Raceway, 11 am. For information or consignments: 302-270-0088; 302-398-4630;
Mar. 17th & 18th 8th Annual Delaware Horse Expo,
Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington —10-6 Saturday, 10-4 Sunday. DEC and Southern States will host
Tara Jones and Scott Purdum as clinicians. For information 302-398-5194
Mar. 19th DEC meeting 7 pm Harrington Public Library,
Mar. 25th DDC event: Cair Paraveille Farm, Still Pond, MDContinuous Drive- A friendly ADT Competition
April
April 1st DDC:Bunny Ride and Drive, Tuckahoe Equestrian Center, Denton, Md Pao Lin Hatch 240-274-6180
or [email protected]
April 14th DDC: Chaper One Farms Spring ADT for more
info visit: www.chapteronefarms.com
April 21st DDC: Blackbird Forest Drive, Smyrna, DE
(Donna Hurst, Sherry Harris)
April 23rd DEC Meeting, Harrington Library at 7pm.
We welcome submissions from our members.
Delaware Equine Council Committees
Do you support the mission of the Delaware Equine Council?
If so, become involved with a committee.
The committee chairs are as follows:
Stan Vonasek . . . . . . .Helping Horse, Barn Tours, Scholarships
Peggy Koster . . . . . . .Trails Committee and Membership
Pam Nebel . . . . . . . . .Perks/Sales/Shirts
Paula Barto . . . . . . . .Directory and Magazine Recycle
April Murray . . . . . . . .Newsletter, Scholarship Awards Banquet
Wayne Nebel . . . . . . .Public Relations
~ Welcome New Members ~
Commercial Members
Changing Fates Equine Rescue of Delaware, Inc.
Featherlee Acres
Standlee Hay & Feed - Sue and Joe
IRTech Maryland Equine Division - Valerie DʼAmbriso
J & C Whaley Farrier & Training
Petersonʼs Positive Pups and Ponies - Beth Peterson
Tri-Stable Advantage
Auto Mist Insect Control - Lester Allaband
Aband Quality Fencing - Lester Allaband
Anderson Equine Performance Bodywork
Organizationial Members
Eastern Shore Western Horse Show Assn.
Holler-N-Hooves 4-H
Individual Members
Kate Huebner
Alexandra Barnard
Jessica Hill
Magazine Recycle Program
Drop off locations:
Rainbow's End Tack, C-Line Stables,
Hudson's Farm Supply, Bunny Junction,
Milford Southern States and Chickʼs.
• Magazines should be clean and less than
one year old.
• Your help is always needed and
appreciated!
For info, call 302-629-5233
Thank you!
Thanks to Steve Shirey of Site One for hosting our
Webpage ...www.delawareequinecouncil.com or .org.
Thanks to Linda & Frank Chick at Chickʼs for all their
support and for assembling and printing the Delaware
Equine News.
Delaware Equine Council members and friends are invited to submit material for review and possible inclusion in the newsletter. Please send your materials to
April Murray [email protected]
HELPING HORSE PROGAM IS A PHONE CALL AWAY
Sussex County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302-856-6361
Kent County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302-698-3006
New Castle County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302-998-2282