National
TRAILS ARE AT RISK! Will Your Representative Defend Trails and Bike/Ped Programs?
A summary of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's "Transportation Reauthorization Proposal," like the Senate bill announced in November, proposes to eliminate the requirement for federal set-aside for programs that have provided the majority of trail, walking, and bicycling funding in the United States.
When introduced, the House bill will be designated as, "The American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act." This bill could be voted on by the Committee this week:
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Markup of "The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act"
Thursday, February 2, 2012; 9:00 a.m. EASTERN
2167 Rayburn House Office Building
Attend the live webcast of the markup at transportation.house.gov.
TAKE ACTION!
There is strength in numbers and we need to present a unified voice for trails, to tell their story, to present their endless benefits, and to make the case for funding them. We urge you to contact your Representative and stress the importance of dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) -- essential programs that make trails and active transportation possible and that are vital to your local efforts.
1. Please see if your member of Congress is on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee:
* Republican Members: http://transportation.house.gov/singlepages.aspx/763
* Democratic Members: http://democrats.transportation.house.gov/about/membership
2. If your Representative IS on the Committee, please call or email their office ASAP and ask them to preserve dedicated funding for these critical trail and bike/ped programs.
3. If your Representative ISN'T on the Committee, their support is still vital! Please remind them of local projects that have benefited their District. Ask them to encourage T & I Committee members to preserve these programs. Also, they will have a vote when the bill goes before the full House.
4. Contact your Representative by visiting this website: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
5. Spread the word through your networks!
Jan 30, 2012, 15:00
National
2nd Annual Airport Express Endurance Ride
Please join us for the 2nd Annual Airport Express Endurance Ride! Endurance riders are gathering on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 to complete in a 50-mile or 25-mile marked trail ride or participate in a 10-mile fun ride throughout the 13,000 acres of groomed riding trails at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Ride Manager and Airport Ranger, Darolyn Butler is delighted to announce that this year's event is benefiting SIRE - Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers and Houston Airport System Interfaith Chapels.
Jan 23, 2012, 11:58
National
Heritage Acres Barn Fire Kills 22 Show Horses in NJ
Authorities say a fast-moving fire destroyed a barn owned by a noted New Jersey equestrian family, killing 22 show horses worth tens of thousands of dollars each.
State Police Sgt. Brian Polite says the barn was engulfed in flames when troopers arrived around 1:40 a.m. Saturday in Lafayette. The blaze was soon extinguished, but all the horses inside were killed.
Betty Hahn, whose family owns the barn, tells The Star-Ledger () that the animals were valued at $10,000 to $60,000 apiece. Her family has competed and won awards in equestrian competitions along the East Coast. http://bit.ly/xKriZi
She said no hay or fuel was stored in the barn, so she's baffled about how the blaze began.
Officials would not say whether they considered the blaze suspicious, citing the ongoing investigation.
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Information from: The Star-Ledger, http://www.nj.com/starledger
Jan 22, 2012, 10:39
National
Vita Flex Nutrition Presents an Evening of Equestrianism, Education, and Prizes at the Vita Flex Victory Team Debut During the 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival
Vita Flex Nutrition is hosting an evening of top of the line equestrianism, education, and prizes during the 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) to introduce the Vita Flex Victory Team.
The Vita Flex Victory Team Debut will take place on January 21st, 2012, beginning at 6:00 p.m., and run until the conclusion of the Grand Prix, which is held under the lights in the International Arena at WEF. The Vita Flex Victory Team is comprised of many world-class riders who regularly compete at WEF, including jumper riders Lauren Hough, Todd Minikus and Patty Stovel and hunter rider Peter Lombardo. Dressage riders Caroline Roffman, Susie Dutta, Lisa Wilcox and Shannon Dueck are also on the Vita Flex Victory Team. Other team members include eventer Jan Byyny, combined drivers Chester Weber and Suzy Stafford, barrel racers Tammy Fischer and Mary Ann Miller and reiners Bob Avila and Al Dunning.
Jan 18, 2012, 09:57
National
Pet Talk: Relocating with Pets
The new job is wonderful — the salary is great, and you love the office. However, there happens to be a catch — it requires that you to move to another country. The place is lovely, and it is perfect for your family. But can you take little Fluffy with you? Will she be happy with the new place? Moving is a difficult time for us, but what about our pets?
“Moving with your pet can be a challenge therefore it is important to plan ahead,” says Dr. M. A. Crist, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. What are the things that one should know before relocating with pets?
“It is important to focus on making their transition to their new home smooth because an agitated pet can be scared and run away, get confused and get lost, or be stressed and be destructive,” Crist says. Her suggestion is to keep the pet confined before and during the move, and then settling quickly into an everyday routine after the move.
Jan 18, 2012, 09:56
National
Colorado State University Begins Fundraising For a New Equine Repro Lab
Join Colorado State University's Equine Reproduction Laboratory for a live webinar on, "The Benefits, Intricacies and Opportunities of Breeding Mares Utilizing Frozen Semen." The hour-long webinar will begin at 3 p.m. on Jan. 12.
The webinar features two distinguished experts in equine reproduction: Dr. Patrick McCue, professor and Iron Rose Ranch Chair in Equine Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University; and Dr. William Swyers, and expert in stallion and mare assisted reproduction, SMART PC, SMART Ranches Inc., Temecula, Calif.
The session will highlight mare management, principles of insemination and breeding with frozen semen. In addition to learning about equine reproduction, Dr. Swyers is providing participants an opportunity to purchase a Dash Ta Fame breeding with proceeds to support the Equine Reproduction Laboratory.
If you would like to join the webinar, RSVP online by Jan. 11. Contact Paul Maffey, at (970) 491-3932 via phone or paul.maffey@colostate.edu regarding this webinar.
Jan 18, 2012, 09:55
National
ASABE ANNOUNCES 25th ANNIVERSARY AE50 WINNERS FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Resource magazine and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers have announced the winners of the 2012 AE50 Awards.
The awards recognize the world’s best technology innovations introduced in 2011 for the agricultural, food, and biological systems industries. This year’s winning products include agricultural equipment and implements, control systems, irrigation equipment, and a low-cost, easy-to-assemble shelter for the disaster-stricken or impoverished. Several companies have won multiple awards.
A comprehensive list and descriptions of all 2012 AE50 Award winners can be found at http://www.asabe.org/publications/resource-magazine/ae50-new-product-award.aspx. The 50 winners were announced online and will be honored February 14 during the 2012 Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jan 18, 2012, 09:54
National
Create a New You - with a New Job - for the New Year
Corporate Exec-Turned-Novelist Says It?s Never Too Late
With 7 million Americans receiving unemployment benefits, and many counting the years ? instead of months ? since their layoff, author Darlene Quinn says now is a good time to reinvent yourself.
She cites James Sherk, a senior policy analyst for the Heritage Foundation, who says the jobs people held two or three years ago often simply aren?t there anymore.
"People are trying to find jobs similar to what they had previously, when those jobs completely don't exist,? he told Reuters recently. ?So they will spend a good portion of their period unemployed looking for jobs that they are unlikely to find."
Jan 18, 2012, 09:53
National
Experience Elko, Nevada, at the 28th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
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| Ramblin' Jack Elliott by Charlie Ekburg, Sweetlight Photography, Elko, NV. |
The 28th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering—the nation’s greatest celebration of the American West, its people, culture and traditions—will take place January 30 to February 4, 2012, in Elko, Nevada, a high desert community where ranching has been a way of life for more than a century. The poetry, music, workshops, films, discussions, exhibits and dances that compose the Gathering honor Elko and other rural communities across the West where people work on horseback.
With its strong horse and cattle culture, Elko is a natural place for this celebration. “People always wonder why we hold this event in such an out-of-the-way place at such an inhospitable time of the year,” says Charlie Seemann, Executive Director of the Western Folklife Center, which produces the Gathering. “It’s when ranchers and cowboys are the most available. At other times of the year, they are calving, haying or shipping. This is their event and we want them to be here…and the journey to Elko is part of the experience.”
Once they arrive in Elko, visitors will find an old-time western town with real working cowboys, and much more. The town has a thriving Basque culture and several famous Basque restaurants, all-night casinos, legal brothels, some of the largest gold mines in the world, and incredible views in every direction. “Elko during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is an experience like no other,” explains Don Newman, Executive Director of the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority. “This little town comes alive with people. You can listen to an incredible musician one minute and find yourself sitting next to him or her at the bar swapping stories the next. In addition to the entertainment, people come to the Gathering to make new friends, drink Basque Picon Punch, eat the biggest steak and the best lamb they’ve ever had, shop, people-watch, and have an experience they’ll never forget. And they almost always come back for more.”
Jan 16, 2012, 21:43
National
National Wild Horse and Burro Fiscal Year 2012 Adoption Schedule
Note: The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) National Wild Horse & Burro Adoption Schedule is tentative. The website is updated frequently but sites and dates are subject to change.
Contact the BLM's national toll free number, 866-4MUSTANGS, (866-468-7826) to ensure the adoption date and location site is accurate.
Contact the BLM's Eastern States Office, 800-370-3936 for details on internet adoptions or visit the Internet Adoption web page.
January 2012
DATE ADOPTION SITE CONTACT OFFICE
18-Feb. 1 Internet Adoption Eastern States Office
19-21 Fort Worth, TX
Mustang Magic
Mustang Heritage Foundation Oklahoma Field Office
20 Canon City, CO
Correctional Facility
Royal Gorge Field Office
26-28 Mercedes, TX Oklahoma Field Office
27-28 Rock Springs Facility, WY
Showcase WY wild horses.
"Curly" horses will be available. Rock Springs Field Office
February 2012
DATE ADOPTION SITE CONTACT OFFICE
3 Canon City, CO
Correctional Facility
Royal Gorge Field Office
3-5 Ocala, FL Jackson Field Office
9-11 Lufkin, TX Oklahoma Field Office
11 Redlands, CA California State Office
11 Carson City, NV
Correctional Facility Carson City District Office
14 Pauls Valley Facility, OK Oklahoma Field Office
17 Canon City, CO
Correctional Facility
Royal Gorge Field Office
17-18 Jackson, MO Milwaukee Field Office
24-26 Apache Junction, AZ Arizona State Office
29-March 14 Internet Adoption Eastern States Office
Jan 15, 2012, 22:15
National
BLM Review of Triple B Wild Horse Gather Finds Overall Safe Practices, but Cites Incidents of Aggressive Handling
After reviewing instances of alleged animal abuse during the recently completed Triple B wild horse gather in Nevada, a Bureau of Land Management team has found that helicopter contractor Sun J Livestock generally demonstrated appropriate, humane handling of wild horses over the course of the six-week gather that ended August 31. The review team also cited specific incidents of inappropriate, aggressive practices, including cases when the helicopter operated too closely to single horses and pursued small groups of horses or single horses too long. No single incident, however, generated a consensus among animal welfare experts that horses were treated inhumanely. The team’s seven-page report made 11 recommendations, including the need for the BLM to ensure clarity of management expectations of what is appropriate and what is not in gather-related operations. The agency will take corrective actions in response to all recommendations.
Jan 15, 2012, 22:13
National
The Horse by John Anthony Davies
I saw a child who could not walk,
sit on a horse, laugh and talk.
Then ride it through a field of daisies
And yet he could not walk unaided.
I saw a child, no legs below,
sit on a horse and make it go
through woods of green and places he had never been
to sit and stare, except for a chair.
I saw a child who could only crawl,
mount a horse and sit up tall;
then put it through a degree of paces
and laugh a the wonder in our faces.
I saw a child born into strife,
take up and hold the reins of life.
And that same child, was heard to say,
thank God for showing me the way.....
Jan 15, 2012, 22:12
National
The Good Old Days
The Good Old Days
Many people have sighed for the ‘good old days’
and regretted the ‘passing of the horse,’
but today, when only those who like horses own them,
it is a far better time for horses.
–C.W. Anderson
Jan 15, 2012, 22:10
National
History of the Morgan Horse
Origin of the Morgan Horse
Justin Morgan was a teacher, composer, businessman, and horseman who had moved to Randolph, Vermont from Springfield, Massachusetts in 1788. He acquired a bay colt, born in 1789, giving him the name Figure. This colt was the founding sire of the Morgan breed. While his true origins remain hidden in history, Figure is thought to have been sired by True Briton, a horse widely respected for his excellence and known as a sire of quality horses. Figure's dam, was "...of the Wild-air breed, of middling size, with a heavy chest, of a light bay color, with a bushy mane and tail - the hair on the legs rather long, and a smooth, handsome traveler." Her sire was Diamond; a son of Church's Wildair by Wildair (Delancey's) out of a mare owned by Samuel Burt named Wildair. As Figure grew, his compact muscular body and stylish way of moving impressed many of the pioneer farmers and settlers. Soon tales of his beauty, strength, speed, hardiness, endurance, and gentle disposition spread amidst the small New England towns. His ability to outwalk, outtrot, outrun, and outpull other horses were legendary. His stud services were offered throughout the Connecticut River Valley and various Vermont locations over his lifetime. His most valuable asset, however, was the ability to pass on his distinguishing characteristics, not only to his offspring but also through several generations.
Jan 15, 2012, 22:07
National
The History of Bits
It is believed that horses were first controlled by means of a rope around the lower jaw, a primitive hackamore or even a nose-ring as used with oxen, in some early cultures (for example the Numidians) the horse was controlled entirely by the riders' legs, with no bridle at all. There is evidence of bit wear on horses' teeth found in the Ukraine from 4000BC (see the Institute for Ancient Equestrian Studies ). Antler cheekpieces used as toggles for rope, hide or sinew mouthpieces have been found at sites on the Black Sea.
Metal bits are thought to have originated in the Near East around 1500 BC. Plain and jointed mouthpieces appeared at the same time, often with highly ornamented cheekpieces . Examples of such figurative horse bits from 8th Century Luristan can be seen at the Louvre in Paris. Early mouthpieces could be quite severe, for control of chariots or horses ridden without saddles or stirrups. The curb bit originated around the 4th Century BC (Edwards). The mediaeval warhorse or destrier was often ridden in a curb bit with an extremely high port which could put pressure on the roof of the mouth, and long shanks which increased the leverage on the curb and the pressure on the horse's poll, some bits also put pressure on the nose, much in the manner of the modern hackamore.
Jan 15, 2012, 22:05
National
Florida Practitioner Dr. John Mitchell Leads the AAEP in 2012
New president inducted during the 57th Convention in San Antonio
Racetrack practitioner Dr. John Mitchell began his service as the president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners during the association’s 57th Annual Convention in San Antonio. Dr. Mitchell was sworn in as president during the Nov. 21 President’s Luncheon.
Through many years of steadfast service and leadership, Dr. Mitchell has provided the AAEP with valuable insight into racehorse welfare, veterinary ethics and practice management. Since 1975, Dr. Mitchell has worked as a racetrack and pleasure horse practitioner in Boca Raton, Fla. His focus has been the care of Standardbred racehorses at Pompano Park Racetrack.
Jan 12, 2012, 15:14
National
New Jersey Practitioners Selected for 2011 Good Works for Horses Award
The American Association of Equine Practitioners applauds New Jersey practitioners Dr. Mary Beth Hamorski and Dr. Christina Wilson, the recipients of the 2011 Good Works for Horses Award.
Dr. Hamorski and Dr. Wilson of Califon Animal Hospital in Lebanon, N.J., have been recognized for their long-term commitment to serving the veterinary needs of horses at Mylestone Equine Rescue. They were honored Nov. 21 during the 15th Annual AAEP Foundation Celebration held in conjunction with the association’s recent convention. Mylestone Equine Rescue will receive a $1,000 donation in the names of Dr. Hamorski and Dr. Wilson, courtesy of the AAEP, and $1,000 worth of equine health care products, courtesy of Pfizer Animal Health.
Jan 12, 2012, 15:13
National
New Jersey Practitioners Selected for 2011 Good Works for Horses Award
The American Association of Equine Practitioners applauds New Jersey practitioners Dr. Mary Beth Hamorski and Dr. Christina Wilson, the recipients of the 2011 Good Works for Horses Award.
Dr. Hamorski and Dr. Wilson of Califon Animal Hospital in Lebanon, N.J., have been recognized for their long-term commitment to serving the veterinary needs of horses at Mylestone Equine Rescue. They were honored Nov. 21 during the 15th Annual AAEP Foundation Celebration held in conjunction with the association’s recent convention. Mylestone Equine Rescue will receive a $1,000 donation in the names of Dr. Hamorski and Dr. Wilson, courtesy of the AAEP, and $1,000 worth of equine health care products, courtesy of Pfizer Animal Health.
Jan 12, 2012, 15:13
National
AEP Foundation/Markel Insurance Company Honor Top-Achieving Veterinary Students with Scholarships
Eight outstanding equine veterinary students selected for scholarship program
The American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation and Markel Insurance Company have partnered to provide scholarships to a group of exceptional fourth-year students committed to careers in equine veterinary medicine.
Eight veterinary students who have dedicated their careers to equine health care will each be awarded with $2,500 scholarships from Markel Insurance Company and the AAEP Foundation. The annual scholarships are presented to fourth-year veterinary students who are proven leaders at their veterinary schools, advocates for equine welfare and academic achievers. Congratulations to the following recipients:
Kathleen McCarthy, Louisiana State University
Kati Glass, Texas A&M University
Bo Rainbow, University of Florida
Ashley Craig, Tuskegee University
Laura Hoholik, Michigan State University
Christine Sutherland, University of Missouri
Katie Wulster, University of Pennsylvania
Erin Shields, University of Calgary
Jan 12, 2012, 15:11
National
American Paint Horse Association turns fabulous 50
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) officially turns 50 years old on February 16, 2012, commemorating a breed association that has registered more than one million horses.
APHA began as the brainchild of a unique horsewoman, Rebecca Tyler Lockhart of Gainesville, Texas, in the early 1960s. An avid admirer of beautifully colored horses of sound Western stock horse conformation, Tyler spoke up against the prevailing establishment and advocated the start-up of a Paint, stock-type horse registry. Overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds and almost unanimous disagreement from breeders, she began her quest for a breed registry at informal get-togethers in the kitchen of her home.
Later on, the group, which had grown to 16 strong, gathered at a café in Gainesville and laid the groundwork for the American Paint Stock Horse Association (APSHA). Incorporated as a nonprofit organization and managed by an executive committee and board of directors, the fledgling association had attracted 150 members and registered 250 horses by the end of 1962.
Some notable early APSHA registrations include Bandit’s Pinto, a 3-year-old tobiano stallion, who had the honor of being registration Number 1. The first 20 APSHA registration numbers were reserved for stallions, but Lockhart reserved Number 21 specifically for a flashy tobiano mare named Calamity Jane, who won fame in the Quarter Horse-dominated cutting arena by being named the NCHA Paint Horse of the Year for three years running. Lockhart declared that the mare “was an example to the entire world of all that a Paint Horse could be.”
The first registered gelding was a 1957 chestnut overo named Wahoo King, who began his career as a top roping horse. Campaigned at halter by Junior Robertson, one of APSHA’s founding members, the striking gelding attracted a legion of fans to the new association.
Jan 11, 2012, 14:52
National
National Collegiate Equestrian Association: The entity formally known as Varsity Equestrian has established an association to become the voice for the sport of equestrian within college athletics
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| The National Collegiate Equestrian Association was founded to be the catalyst for growth of varsity level equestrian competition |
In effort to further advance equestrian to a NCAA championship sport, the entity formally known as Varsity Equestrian has established an association to become the voice for the sport of equestrian within college athletics. The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) was founded to be the catalyst for growth of varsity level equestrian competition.
“The transition of Varsity Equestrian to the National Collegiate Equestrian Association is a very positive step that will give us a boost toward our goal of achieving championship status within NCAA,” said Casie Lisabeth, NCEA president and Kansas State University equestrian head coach. “The support of AQHA and USEF has been key in making NCEA possible. This change will help further educate the public about collegiate equestrian and help increase opportunities for young women by adding more universities and growing the sport to NCAA championship status.”
In 1998, equestrian was recognized as a NCAA emerging sport and since then, the sport has been governed by the Varsity Equestrian Steering Committee. The committee was composed of the coaches and administrators from universities sponsoring equestrian at the varsity level.
As equine industry leaders, the American Quarter Horse Association and the United States Equestrian Federation are working in cooperation to support the development of opportunities for equestrian student-athletes.
Jan 11, 2012, 14:44
National
2012 National Western Stock Show will feature new, exciting events
The 2012 National Western Stock Show, Jan. 7 to 22, will feature many new, exciting events while still remaining true to the show's 106-year tradition of serving agriculture producers and consumers throughout the world and preserving America's western heritage.
New for 2012
Military Day is Jan. 18. What's more American than a day at the rodeo? This is a day to welcome our troops back home and thank them and their families for their service to our country. This performance is supported by a fundraiser held by 92.5 The Wolf to help purchase tickets for our men and women in the armed forces.
Pink Rodeo Saturday is Jan. 21. This 11 a.m. performance is the first National Western rodeo in which a portion of the ticket price will be donated to the Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Visit www.komendenver.org for information.
Jan 11, 2012, 14:39
National
Purina Introduces New Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® Horse Feed
Not all aging horses are alike when it comes to their nutritional needs and dietary requirements. With an estimated 700,000 senior horses living in the United States today, senior horse nutrition is of big concern to many horse owners. Consideration of varying degrees of activity, dental and digestion performance in senior horses has led Purina to develop its new Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed. Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed now joins the original Equine Senior® horse feed formula as one of two trusted nutritional choices for feeding aging horses.
While the original Purina® Equine Senior® horse feed remains the industry gold standard in senior horse health and nutrition, Purina is proud to announce the addition of new Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed to their family of feed products.
Jan 10, 2012, 14:48
National
TX Man Arrested For Alleged Online Hay Scam
According to a news release from the TSCRA, (Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association), a Texas man has been arrested on charges of allegedly running an online hay scam.
After collecting funds via wire transfer, of an estimated $10,000, Steven Clues of Mineola failed to deliver the product to his buyers.
With many areas across the midwest suffering from decreasing hay supplies, this type of fraud is becoming increasingly more prevalent.
Jan 10, 2012, 10:21
National
THE LEGEND OF THE HORSESHOE. by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
WHAT time our Lord still walk'd the earth,
Unknown, despised, of humble birth,
And on Him many a youth attended
(His words they seldom comprehended),
It ever seem'd to Him most meet
To hold His court in open street,
As under heaven's broad canopy
One speaks with greater liberty.
The teachings of His blessed word
From out His holy mouth were heard;
Each market to a fane turn'd He
With parable and simile.
One day, as tow'rd a town He roved,
In peace of mind with those He loved,
Upon the path a something gleam'd;
A broken horseshoe 'twas, it seem'd.
So to St. Peter thus He spake:
"That piece of iron prythee take!"
St. Peter's thoughts had gone astray,--
He had been musing on his way
Respecting the world's government,
A dream that always gives content,
For in the head 'tis check'd by nought;
This ever was his dearest thought,
For him this prize was far too mean
Had it a crown and sceptre been!
But, surely, 'twasn't worth the trouble
For half a horseshoe to bend double!
And so he turn'd away his head,
As if he heard not what was said,
Jan 9, 2012, 10:06
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