equine enthusiast

FALL 2015

Published by News Media Corporation/California Edition

FEATURES •GUEST COLUMNS • EVENT COVERAGE • COW CUTTING

Published by News Media Corporation/California Edition

FEATURES •GUEST COLUMNS • EVENT COVERAGE • COW CUTTING

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FEATURESBECOMING FAMILY ........................................................................... 6EPONA INSTITUTE PROMOTES HORSE HEALTH ............................. 82015 AGRICULTURALIST, CATTLEMAN ANDCATTLEWOMAN OF THE YEAR ....................................................... 10KESTER AWARDED 2015 LIVESTOCK PERSON OF THE YEAR .............13ASHLEY’S JOURNEY BARREL BASH ................................................. 142015 PIONEER DAY PARADE ............................................................ 16FARRIER TRAVIS BAKER ................................................................... 18NEW RODEO PRESIDENT ................................................................ 20HORSE SYMPATHY CARDS ............................................................... 20TANNER DYE LIVESTOCK .................................................................22CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS ........................................................23TEMPLETON HILLS BEEF .................................................................24

GUEST COLUMNSBARBI BREEN-GURLEY: REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST COMPETITIVE SEASON ................... 26THE EQUINE CENTERWHAT IS EQUINE WELLNESS? .........................................................27 HERTHA WOLFF-AREND DEVELOPING YOUR INTUITIVE

LEADERSHIP SKILLS WITH HORSES .................................................28BEK PHILLIPS FEELING AT HOME THE FIRST TIME ATTHE RODEO ........................................................................29

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ News Media Corporation/California Edition Published in conjunction with Paso Robles Press, Atascadero News, South County Newspapers and Register-Pajaronian. • www.EquineEnthusiast.com

Morro Bay farrier Travis Baker - Read more on page 18.Photo and story by ALLYSON OKEN

The bond between a person and their horse can be strong and when a horse passes away it can be difficult to find the right words to show your sympathy. Read more on page 20.photos and story by LUKE PHILLIPS

FALL 2015

FROM THE COVER

HUSSARS, OXEN, CIVIL WAR REPLICA CANONSALL THINGS NEW FOR THE 2015 PIONEER DAY PARADE

Read more on page 16.Photo and story by BETH BOLYARD

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By BEK PHILLIPSOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

Twice doctors thought he might not survive the wounds from the bull, but it still did not stop

him from penning a note saying “call Liz, we will have it done.”

Before being gored by his own bull, Joseph Moules, of Watsonville-based Country Hills Feed, was looking to expand and decided he had found the right person in Liz, or Elizabeth Liz, or Elizabeth Van de Kerckhove.

“She is my favorite person to deal with,” Moules said. “She always has a smile from the first thing in the morning to the last thing at night.”

His partiality to Van de Kerckhove and her personality led Moules to ask what it would take to convince her to move her business to his property.

“I told him no at first,” Van de Kerckhove said. “But he asked what it would take to move so I made some lists. I wrote down everything we could ever dream of, and when I handed it to him, he just said ‘OK.’”

And so BellaMar Training Stables and Riding School came to Watsonville.

There were some challenges getting started. The 30-day notice Van de Kerckhove gave was cut short when she said the owner kicked her out two weeks later.

“I gave my 30 days June 15,” Van de Kerckhove said. “But after being kicked out, I had to call Joe and ask if he could have everything ready June 27.”

Then there was the bull attack.

Moules had one bull that his daughter raised, and had sworn he would never get rid of it. But before he could complete all the projects for the school’s opening, he ended up being gored and thrown up in the air multiple times.

“He was impaled twice by the horns. One of the horns went all the way through his body,” Van de Kerckhove said. “It went through his lung. We didn’t know if he would survive.”

She wasn’t the only one worried.

BECOMING FAMILYMOVING SCHOOL TO WATSONVILLE BRINGS PEOPLE, COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Photos by: Tarmo Hannula/EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

Elizabeth Van de Kerckhove (right), owner of BellaMar Training Stables and Riding School helps Catie Birnberg with riding instructions.

7Published by News Media Corporation | FALL 2015

BECOMING FAMILYMOVING SCHOOL TO WATSONVILLE BRINGS PEOPLE, COMMUNITY TOGETHER

According to Van de Kerckhove, medical personnel on the helicopter were skeptical, one even saying that “if we don’t fly faster, we’re gonna lose him.”

What was more incredible, Van de Kerckhove said, was what happened the next day.

“It was a trainwreck, he couldn’t talk, but he kept trying to,” she said. “They gave him a notepad and he wrote me a note.”

Not only that, but just a couple days later, workers were showing up asking “who’s Liz, and what’s the 27th?”

“After that, it was like we were family,” Van de Kerckhove said.

Now the school is running smoothly, and they held an opening barbecue that gave the community a chance to see what they do. Held Sept. 26, the event featured food, hay rides, demos, tours and more.

“I live in Watsonville and love being part of this community,” Van de Kerckhove said. “I want to be the go-to riding school.”

A couple months in, Moules says everything is perfect.

“She is like a part of the family,” he said. “I’m really happy she is here.”

With 20 to 30 students enrolled, Moules wants to someday be able to provide Van de Kerckhove with a covered arena. He also said he feels lucky to be

alive.“I’m here,” he said. “I’m not gonna give up yet.

We are going to keep growing and I am really excited.”

With three instructors, they are prepared to teach more than 100 students. Already they have an active show schedule, with some of the younger ones putting on their first show at this year’s fair.

“All the kids love being here,” Van de Kerckhove said. “There’s still room for more growth, there’s a lot of potential here.”

One student, who goes by Mo, followed Van de Kerckhove and spends the first four hours of every school day at the school. Her mother, Almita Schaefer, is a Watsonville resident as well and said they were excited for the move.

“It was definitely nice,” she said. “There are advantages, Mo can ride every day and can follow her passion and put it first.”

Schaefer has been taking her daughter for lessons for the last five years and said she admires Van de Kerckhove for her dedication, patience and life skills that she passes on to her students.

“She teaches them that it is a commitment,” Shaefer said. “It’s an all day commitment for Mo, she has developed relationships with the horses, she shows discipline, tenacity, and hard work. These are all skills they have given her.”

To Shaefer, it is not all just about the arena.“They have given her so much time and extra

effort,” she said. “I love that [Van de Kerckhove] is comfortable, patient and persistent in her teaching. She really teaches them the day-to-day nuances about what it’s like to have a horse.”

While lessons are normally an hour, Van de Kerckhove also has programs to lease out horses to the students.

“They really get the experience of owning a horse,” Van de Kerckhove said. “They can ride whenever they want, they take care of their horse.”

Van de Kerckhove found Mo’s current horse, and Mo taught her how to jump, training her and preparing her for competition. This year will be the first year they will be competing together which Shaefer said is a testament to Van de Kerckhove instruction.

“They have really served as mentors for her,” she said. “She is exactly the kind of person you want your kids to see and emulate. She is a person that took her passion and worked hard to make it her livelihood, and what more could you ask for your child?”

•••BellaMar Training Stables and Riding School is located at 151 Casserly Road. For information, visit bellamartrainingstables.com.

Catie Birnberg and Tess easily clear a jump at BellaMar Training Stables and Riding School on Casserly Road.

Mo Hervey, 15, adjusts a jump.


By ALLYSON OKENOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

Equine biomechanics and morphology are at the forefront of farrier science today at the

Epona Institute in Paso Robles. Epona is hosting a clinic for farriers, horse owners, veterinarians and alike, Saturday, Nov. 14 and 15. This two-day clinic hosted by owner founders and scientists, John and Monique Craig will offer a sophisticated look at equine biomechanics and hoof and leg morphology.

Cost to attend the clinic is $199 and is approved by the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) for credits toward certification.

The comfort and structural integrity of horse and hoof can become complex and stressful for many

farriers, veterinarians and owners who care for them. The clinic is designed to help professionals and owners develop a program for their horse that minimizes stress to both by giving them the tools to look at every variable associated with hoof health.

This scientific way of thinking about equine podiatry was developed by Monique Craig after inspiration struck. Before she started her quest for knowledge, she obtained a degree in Computer Science Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Physics. She was working on a doctorate in Computational Linguistics at Stanford when it all began. She said her Holsteiner stallion, Smirnoff was having chronic hoof problems and no professional seemed able to help.

“I grew up in Switzerland,” Monique said. “There we did not keep our horses shod year-round,

shoes were removed when horses were not in use or when the hoof capsules started to look ‘deviated.’ So I started out learning this practice in Europe where from the beginning of the profession, Farriers did more than just shoe horses they also doctored horses. It seems that more and more horses are wearing metal shoes year-round, and some people have lost perspective on the role of shoes and the importance of unshod hooves. When my horse Smirnoff was experiencing chronic hoof and joint problems, I was really frustrated with the care that was available to me and wanted to find a way to help my horse. It was my love of the animal and the knowledge from my youth that inspired me to begin studying the hoof. From there it became a near obsession.”

Monique went on to say that after

meeting California farrier and hoof researcher, Mike Savoldi in 1996 the two of them developed a program to bring her horse back to health. She went on to learn all she could from Savoldi and trained to become a farrier herself.

“Mike taught me everything I know about hoof anatomy and we have been in collaboration on a variety of hoof-related research projects ever since,” Monique said. “This is also when I started to work as a farrier. In 1999 we moved to Paso Robles started the Epona Institute and launched our software ‘Metron’ that measures the hoof so we can document change over time. After years of research and development, I designed the first EponaShoe in 2003. It has been a great success in Europe and in certain parts of the U.S. though some are still skeptical.”

EPONA INSTITUTE PROMOTES HORSE HEALTH AND HOOVESEVOLUTIONARY COMPOSITE SHOES AND FARRIER EDUCATION

Part of the job of a farrier is to keep the hoof healthy and clean. This outdoor covered area is helpful to

farriers and can be used as a way station for horses waiting to be shod.

Photos by: Allyson Oken/EQUINE ENTHUSIAST


In 1999, after the launch of their software, Monique and husband John developed the EponaShoe. This is a composite horseshoe that consists of three different types of high-quality polyurethane bonded together. These shoes are used for rehabilitation in most performance disciplines, including team roping, dressage and more.

With about 20 years to her credit, Monique has written a multitude of articles and scientific papers, is a part-time professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo teaching Equine Biomechanics and most recently published a book entitled, “A Modern Look At ... THE HOOF: Morphology ~ Measurement ~ Trimming ~ Shoeing.” The book offers a new look at the hoof, taking a detailed look at its morphology and function. In it, Monique discusses how the hoof should be trimmed and cared for; all backed up with accurate measurements of 1,000’s of horses’ hooves. Every aspect of the book was reviewed and all of the case studies that she produced were published and presented in many academic forums.

“Insight into the evolution of the horse, and in particular the lower leg, fascinates me and informs our thought process about trimming and shoeing,” she said. “In the clinic we will be drawing parallels between the horse and other species, including humans, to aid our understanding of the horse. I work with biomaterials and the structural properties of these materials help our farriers make proper choices for treatment of the hoof.”

Monique also looks at biomechanics, saying since every horse is different looking at how the muscles pull the tendons which articulate joints for motion is extremely important. Her study of these movements and how they impact hoof and leg articulation was the impetus for her most recent research analyzing the pedal bone of horses, recently making the discovery that shape matters. Monique traveled to Germany in October to present her findings to farriers at the Luwex Symopsium in Krueth as well as presenting her book “A Modern Look at...The Hoof.”

“Pedal bones have a great deal of variation in its shape that goes hand-in-hand with sole shape,” Monique said. “This project is still in the research stages, but from what we have discovered it implies that pedal bone shape should influence shoeing decisions. We find that pedal bones tend to degrade throughout an animal’s life. To counter act this we have developed a method to gauge this by taking a lateral radiograph to look at the degradation and possible impacts.”

All of this information and more can be learned and will be demonstrated at the Epona Institute Clinic in November. To register for the clinic, visit at the EponaShoe website epona-institute.org.

Epona Ranch owners Monique and John Craig will have a clinic in November at their ranch.

This young mare was just shod by Monique Craig’s farrier using her EponaShoe, developed at her Epona Institute in 1999.

Contributed by Epona Institute


Submitted Article

The San Luis Obispo County agriculture community – farmers and cattle ranchers

- has selected three outstanding farming and cattle ranching leaders to honor for a lifelong dedication to their heritage, livelihood, community and colleagues. They were recognized at the 29th Annual Cattlemen and Farmers’ Day Dinner ceremonies at the California Mid-State Fair, July 23.

The recipients for the 2015 awards are: Jim Brabeck, 2015 Agriculturalist of the Year; Lorraine Cagliero, 2015 CattleWoman of the Year; and Chuck Pritchard, 2015 Cattleman of the Year.

San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau

JIM BRABECK2015 Agriculturalist of the Year

The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau, and its some 1,200 members, are proud to recognize a community leader, exceptional business person, and friend to generations of farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists, as it honors Jim Brabeck with its 2015 Agriculturalist of the Year Award. Jim is a true role model for the award, which is given to a person

who has worked for the betterment of agriculture as a whole; dedicated themselves to outstanding service and devotion to the fields of agriculture; is highly regarded by their peers, and exemplifies the qualities held in high esteem by fellow members of the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau, of which he has been a longtime member.

As President/CEO, since 1969, of the San Luis Obispo County Farm Supply Company, a 2,700 member agricultural supply cooperative established in 1950, Jim has lived up his mottos of “never start anything unless you are going to finish it” and “failure is not an option”. He has shown an unwavering commitment to Farm Supply – its shareholders, customers, employees and members — that was built on a solid foundation of his belief that trust is paramount and “people come first.” He and his wife of 54 years, Marcia, have two adult children (Sharon and Jason) and two grandsons, all of whom they are very proud.

Jim became an employee in 1965, when his father-in-law’s pump business (Walty Pump Company) was absorbed by Farm Supply Company. He brought a strong work ethic to the job and first-hand experience that agriculture is a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week business. When he started, Farm Supply was just one store, a handful of employees and in dire need of reorganization. Even as a young man of 23 years, he recognized the need for long-term relationship building with customers and suppliers. Fifty years later, with expansion to five thriving stores with more than a hundred employees, it is an example of how to do things right. His management style, which he describes as participatory, and ability to foster a healthy work atmosphere creates an open environment for employees giving them the tools they need to grow and excel.

He has a long list of organizations he currently serves or has served with great enthusiasm and distinction

(within the business community, educational community, banking community, and in support of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies). The Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo was the first service club he joined and where he is still a very proud member saying it has allowed him, “to be a part of something larger than I could ever be on my own.” He served as club president in 1986-1987 and sponsored the first female member (who also went on to become president of the club). He has championed the annual Rural/Urban Dinner where Rotarians celebrate local agriculturalists — a fitting event since Jim grew up in an urban setting but found his true roots in agriculture!

Jim served as an Outside Director of Farm Credit West, a seven billion dollar agricultural credit association for 21 years; is an Emeritus Board Member of the University of California, Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project for San Luis Obispo County, where he was a Charter Board Member and Chairman; fulfilled a five-year commitment as a member of the Cal Poly Corporation Board of Directors; currently serves on the Cal Poly CAFES (College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences) Advisory Council.; served eight years as an elected Trustee of San Luis Obispo County Community College District (Cuesta College), two of which were as Chairman of the Board and Chaired the Capital Campaign Cabinet for the new North County Campus; he has supported FFA through the State FFA Finals for more than 20 years and holds an Honorary American FFA Degree.

He was chosen as Cuesta College Alumnus of the Year for 1999; named 2009 Agribusiness Person of the Year for Santa Barbara County; and as Citizen of the Year in 1987 by the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce (the distinguished award is given in acknowledgement of a person’s involvement in the community — beyond what they do for their job and in recognition of the impact they

make on the community). In addition, he’s been a member of

the San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Justice/Delinquency Prevention Commission for the past forty years, serving three different times as Chairperson; he is the Commission’s liaison to the San Luis Obispo County Criminal Justice Administrator Association; a Charter Board Member, Past Chairman and continues to serve on the Board of the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation.

Jim Brabeck set out as a young man to work hard, do well for his employer and his employees, and be a good father, husband and friend – to serve his community as he was able, and afford his country deep and genuine respect. His success served the greater good of agriculture and all of those who depend on it for their food and livelihood. For these qualities and more, the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau organization is proud to call Jim Brabeck a valued member and honor him as its 2015 Agriculturalist of the Year.

San Luis Obispo County CattleWomen’s

AssociationLORRAINE CAGLIERO2015 CattleWoman of the Year

Official pictures by photographer Tom MEINHOLD

2015 AGRICULTURALIST, CATTLEMAN AND CATTLEWOMAN OF THE YEAR NAMED

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY LEADERS HONORED AT FESTIVITIES AT THE CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR


The San Luis Obispo County

CattleWomen’s Association is pleased to share the accomplishments of county native Lorraine Cagliero, and honor her with the CattleWomen’s Association 2015 CattleWoman of the Year Award.

Lorraine has taken a family heritage with deep roots in the area and, through her work and dedication to ranching, community and family, grown a legacy for generations to come. She was born to a pioneer family west of Templeton, the daughter of Lawrence and Ruby Jespersen. As a young girl, her family had a Grade B Dairy on Los Osos Valley Road. In 1954, her Dad and Uncle purchased an alfalfa ranch north of Paso Robles and leased two other properties. Lorraine says, “Life was simple but good.”

In 1956, the Cagliero Family purchased the ranch across the road from the Jespersen’s. Five years later, in 1961, Lorraine married Pete Cagliero, and, “moved across the road.” In the following 40-plus years, she and Pete built a life around

ranching and raising the three children they were blessed with: Dena, Jon and Phillip Cagliero.

At the Cagliero Ranch, now known as the Slash C Ranch, they managed a cow/calf operation, grew alfalfa and harvested grain.

In 1986, that they purchased 3,000 acres in Vineyard Canyon, which is known as the Vineyard Wildlife Ranch. The ranch produces alfalfa, grain and forage hay and has a cow/calf operation. The ranch also has a private hunting club - the Slash C Hunt Club. The ranch is historic, the friars from the San Miguel Mission planted the first vineyard in 1797 to provide wine for the communion at the Mission, which is how Vineyard Canyon got its name. The friars also made tile and Adobe bricks from the soil on the ranch.

Lorraine has been a CattleWoman for 37 years; served on Cuesta College Foundation Board; French Hospital Foundation Board, and has been involved in special projects at the San Miguel Mission. She has chaired and helped with many fourth grade field trips, fashion shows, beef cook-offs

and fundraising projects.In 2004, Pete passed away. Lorraine

and Pete raised their children well in the ranching and farming tradition. Each of them (John, Phillip and Dena) raised 4-H beef and all three children graduated from Cal Poly, as did their spouses (Samantha, Tracy and, our son-in-law Steve Price).

The Slash C Ranch is now owned by their son, Jon Cagliero and his wife, Samantha. At the Vineyard Wildlife Ranch, Jon does all the farming and Phillip does the accounting.

The ranching life is now being instilled in yet another generation. Lorraine has five grandchildren. Except for the youngest (who is not yet old enough to compete), they all have shown 4-H steers, heifers and lambs Lorraine says she, “Loves supporting the young people”, and indeed there has been a lot of support - the family has purchased animals at the Mid-State Fair Auction for more than 50 years — a tradition that continues.

As might be expected of a true cattlewoman, Lorraine enjoys the

Black Angus cattle, which she describes as “beautiful”; loves hosting the family’s annual cattle brandings and seeing all the grandchildren and family in the ring. They end the day with a barbecue — as she says it’s all about “neighbors helping neighbors.”

In addition to watching the grandchildren grow up, Lorraine says her favorite pastimes are traveling, entertaining, gardening and the beach. In a humorous nod to the ranching and viticulture roots, she says the family motto is: “Eat beef and drink wine!”

She says that she is, “Very grateful to have made many wonderful friends through CattleWomen.” In recognizing Lorraine Cagliero as the 2015 CattleWoman of the Year, the CattleWomen’s Association says on behalf the organization, and all of San Luis Obispo County, that they have been fortunate and are grateful to have a friend and supporter in her.

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San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s

AssociationCHUCK PRITCHARD2015 Cattleman of the Year

The San Luis Obispo County

Cattlemen’s Association is proud to recognize Charles “Chuck” Pritchard as its 2015 Cattleman of the Year. Chuck was born to Stewart and

Eleanor Wreden Pritchard and raised in San Francisco, but his family’s pioneer roots in the Carrisa Plains were stronger than his City birth certificate. He is fourth generation rancher/cattleman in San Luis Obispo County dating back to 1898 when his great-grandfather, Henry Wreden, purchased the 60,000 acre San Juan Ranch in an estate sale from the bank and county. His aunt’s family, the Sumner’s homesteaded in the Bitterwater Valley in the 1800’s and continued to purchase surrounding properties as they became available.

Along with his wife of 55 years, Frances “Fran” Pritchard — the Pritchards have raised four children — Craig, Don, Jeff, and Paula — and have been very active in agricultural advocacy groups over the years in both support and leadership roles following the principle that as Chuck says, “when much is given, much is expected.”

Chuck earned degrees in Farm Management and Animal Science, in June 1962, from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. His life-long love of ranching began at the early age of three, when he would travel with his grandparents to spend vacations and summers with his Uncle C.H. Wreden and Aunt

Lillian Sumner Wreden. When he was six, his grandmother bought a Morgan mare from Sandy Sumner to begin his riding experience — bareback, at first, then graduating to his granddad’s old Visalia saddle when he was big enough and had developed some balance. He started driving when he was five years of age sitting on his uncle’s lap and steering the 1935 ford pickup truck. We’re told the truck survived without too much damage and no-one was apparently injured.

In 1962, following graduation from Cal Poly, the Pritchards headed to the “Little San Juan Ranch”, a 8,200 acre dryland grain and cattle ranch (1/6th of the old San Juan that had been divided in six separate ranches by the heirs upon the death of Henry Wreden I), where they were given the opportunity to lease the dry land farming portion of the operation of the ranch and began the building of the Pritchard Family operation. Over the years it grew to include 6,000 acres of dry land grain farming and the start of the cattle operation with the purchase of the Angus herd from the “Alley” estate. In 1986, after several years of leasing, dry farming and grazing the Bitterwater Ranch, they purchased it and the Bitterwater Land and Cattle Company evolved as a family owned partnership by the six Pritchard partners, which it remains today. It is comprised of 8,500 acres owned and 1,500 acres managed for family members. It is a cow-calf operation that normally can support about 250 head of pairs and replacement heifers, all of the farming acres having been converted to grazing CRP. All of the family members have outside occupations, but are actively involved in the management and operation of the ranch as full partners. Resource management has been of supreme importance and so, it follows, that Chuck Pritchard’s achievements have been recognized extensively by his peers and organizations over the years. He has worked tirelessly to bring people together to understand the issues important to Agriculture to form comprehensive solutions and policy recommendations. A partial list of his services currently includes: California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD}; Board Member and Past President of Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Regional Conservation District {US-LT RCO); Council Chairman of the Grazing Lands

Conservation Initiative (GLCI); Range Management Advisory Committee to the State Board of Forestry; California Agricultural Leadership Alumni Association (1975 class);California Cattlemen’s Association (member and chair of the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Public Lands Committee); California Farm Bureau Federation; San Luis Obispo County AG Liaison Committee; Cooperative Extension Workgroup.

In 1969, Chuck was recognized by the Atascadero Junior Chamber of Commerce as the “Outstanding Young Farmer” and over a lifetime he has not only proven that his selection was correct, but it was followed by many local, state and national awards over the years including: the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Distinguished Service Award at its national conference for his service and achievements in establishing funding for private rangeland management; California Association of Resource Conservation Districts “Director of the Year Award” in 2006 for his lifelong achievement in resource conservation in the State of California; the California State Biodiversity Council 1998 “Biodiversity Conservation Award for Outstanding Spirit and Enthusiasm”; 1993 “Distinguished Leadership Award” by California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, which he served as president;1991 “Distinguished Service Award” California Soil and Water Conservation Society.

The emphasis of the operation has been on resource management, both in the line of work in their ranch management and in pursuit of good range management concepts in their environmental endeavors, using cattle as a management tool, Chuck says, “Hopefully some of the efforts have been helpful in at least providing the ranchers perspective in the arena of ideas and maybe implementation of good resource management.”

Acknowledging his many accomplishments, dedication and commitment to the cattle industry, his fellow cattlemen and women — in addition to his outstanding contributions to managing resources — it is clear why his Cattlemen Association peers have chosen Chuck Pritchard to be their 2015 Cattleman of the Year.

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Submitted Article

F ifth generation rancher Kevin Kester was honored as the 2015 Livestock Person of the Year on

Cattlemen’s Day during the Grand National Livestock Exposition, Horse Show and Rodeo at the Cow Palace in San Francisco on Oct. 17.

Kester was honored at a private dinner among family members, including the sixth and seventh generations of the Kester family, colleagues and past recipients of the award before being presented with the award in the main arena during the rodeo performance.

Kester currently ranches on his family’s Bear Valley Ranch in Parkfield, where he, his wife June and their three children, Kayleen, Kody and Kara, own and operate a

stocker and cow-calf operation and in addition grows wine grapes. Born and raised in Parkfield where his family has ranched for the better part of the last 150 years, Kester is actively involved in the beef industry and is a well-respected member of the beef cattle community.

Serving in numerous officer positions for the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association, the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, for which he currently serves as chairman of the policy division, Kester’s involvement in and support of the American beef industry shows no sign of slowing anytime soon.

“I am very honored and humbled to have been chosen as this year’s recipient based on the list of prior

winners,” Kester said. “It is a great honor to be able to follow in their footsteps and be chosen by a wide range of industry leaders in California.”

Kester attended California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Management. He has also been active within his community serving on the Shandon School Board of Trustees, the California Mid-State Fair Heritage Foundation board of directors and the California Mid-State Fair Agriculture Committee. He is also a member of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and the Central Coast Vineyard Team.

The honoree is determined by a committee of peers from the CCA,

California Beef Council, California Wool Growers, California Pork Producers, California Farm Bureau, past award recipients and recognized leaders in the California agriculture industry, as well as members of the California Chamber of Commerce.

The California Livestock Person of the Year Award has been bestowed upon the greatest ranchers annually since 1950.

Founded in 1917, the California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) represents California’s $3.05 billion beef cattle industry on legislative and regulatory affairs and remains the number one voice for the industry today. CCA is an affiliate of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, which represents America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.

KESTER AWARDED 2015 LIVESTOCK PERSON OF THE YEAR


By SAMANTHA BENGTSONOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

The second annual “Ashley’s Journey Barrel Bash” was a success with racers coming

from throughout California on Oct. 3 and 4 in the Rava Equestrian Arena.

The Barrel Bash was started as a way to honor Ashley Escobar, who was said to have loved running barrels on her horse, Buddy. Escobar participated in the rodeo circuit with her friends throughout high school and in the Amateur circuits.

“This is what she loved to do,” said Amanda Gianolini. “She had a lot of true passions in her life and I think rodeo and barrel racing were one of them. She met so many people through the sport of barrel racing.”

This year the average awards were awarded in five categories up to ninth place due to a donation made on Sunday morning. In the 1D Ruth Hatslip on Famous Scarlett won first place with a time of 16.378, Cheri Graves on Shine won second place and Lea Obsburn on Dance N’ Spin. In the 3D, Sheby Stansbury on Cammander of Light placed first,

David Lawson on Rosebuds Jet placed second, and Syd Wheeler on Fipen Pass placed third. In the 2D, Tona Andrade on Mega Famer placed first, Samantha Hopeneger placed second, and Kylie Mullen placed third. In the 4D category first place went to Cloe Gray on Chex, second went to Auline Harris on Tweek, and third went to Gail Foster on J R Haypatch Beauty.

On Saturday in the 1D Stacey Freitas on Mohican got first, Ruth Hatslip got second and Sami Morisoli placed third. In the 2D Charleen Ornellas got first place, Karlee Wesney got second, and Charleen Ornellas on Johnnie Lightening got third. In the 3D Mia Prichard on Lenas Lil Prize placed first, Katie Vanderburgh on Chance placed second and third went to Sofie Hofman on Doc. In the 4D Sheanna Deforest on Cat N Candy came in first at 18.467, Dustie Christensen on Sheza Camiseta at 18.473 came in second and third went to Pat Roertson on Arruba at 18.482.

The prizes for the different average awards includes saddles, blankets, leather handbags, or pales with horse products and Ashley’s Journey Barrel Bash hats.

The Average Award racers pose for a picture with the Earl, Brycen and Addie Escobar with the 1 D Average Award Winners. Pictured from left to right: Addie Escobar, Paty

Raine(fifth place), Earl and Brycen Escobar, Stephanie Dehner (fourth place), Ruth Haislip-first place and saddle winner, Sami Jo Morsoli second place, and Kelsey

Hayden third place. Submitted photos

SECOND ANNUAL ASHLEY’S JOURNEY BARREL BASH A SUCCESS

Escobar family with the Youth Winners on Oct. 4 in the Rava Arena.

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FALL 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation16

By BETH BOLYARDOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

A lot of exciting new entries were in this year’s Pioneer Day parade including the First

California Hussar Regiment, several 3,000-pound oxen, Civil War replicas and one very special surprise entry.

Pioneer Day planning committee board member and 2014 Pioneer Day Queen, Dottie Reiff, was excited about the four new, first-time entries in this year’s parade. Reiff is in charge of the parade’s horses and wagons section and the new entries were a crowd pleaser.

“I love doing this,” Reiff said about role managing the horse and wagon entries. “I’m really excited about this

year, this will be something I’ve never seen before, and most people haven’t, it’ll be a first time.”

Reiff said she started helping the planning committee bring more horse and wagon entries into the parade when she noticed a lack of cowboy era entries a number of years ago. Now the parade’s horse and wagon section has more than enough to make it a true pioneer experience.

“Everybody that comes to the parade just raves about it, some of them ride in 30 parades a year, they say our Pioneer Day is the best,” Reiff said about the parade participants. “We treat them the best, and they just love coming here. This year I have 40 entries, so it’s grown.”

Among the new entries was the

First California Hussar Regiment, formed by the members of the Los Gatos Horseman’s association, who were present wielding their swords and showcasing the long revered, Hussar riding style.

According to their website, the purpose of the First California Hussar Regiment is to re-learn the Hussar riding style, to do things the Hussar’s way and to keep a very proud and heroic part of the history alive by teaching the current generation the values of times gone by.

The Hungarian Hussars emerged from the legendary ancestry of Attila the Hun, the First California Hussar Regiment stated, and the long lineage of horsemen who passed down their genes of the love for the horses and

the feel for the adventure.The foundation of modern day

Hussars appeared from the 15th century, when Europe and the civilized West were threatened by the invasion of the Turks; the Hussar regiments and tactics were born to counter the Mongol style invading forces.

The exceptionally mobile light cavalry hit swiftly, using the element of surprise with devastating effect on their enemies. The loose, open formation they adopted made any sort of counterattack a matter of great difficulty.

Their tactic became known as the “coup d’hussard” and, like their forebears, the Hussars rode with bent knee, short stirrups, with their bodies

HUSSARS, OXEN, CIVIL WAR REPLICA CANONS

ALL THINGS NEW FOR THE 2015 PIONEER DAY PARADE

Photos by Beth Bolyard/EQUINE ENTHUSIASTFrom the COVER

Photos by Beth Bolyard/EQUINE ENTHUSIASTinclined forward.

This was in stark contrast of the long-leg, braced seat that all the heavy cavalry used since the battle of Poitiers in AD 732.

In 19th century, Captain Federico Caprilli introduced these revolutionary ideas were introduced in writing and they were often regarded as the greatest influence in the development of modern, active, outdoor riding.

Along with the Hussar Regiment riding in full uniform, there was a group representing the Civil War in full uniform at the parade.

The Civil War era group was be dressed in uniform riding rescue horses along with a replica of an 1860 cannon and ambulance from same period.

Several oxen weighing over 3,000 lbs each were pulling some of the antique wagons as a new addition to the parade.

Reiff’s new entries were crowd pleasers, and she was especially excited about a surprise entry that was revealed the day of the parade.

“The fourth new entry is under hat for a surprise,” she said. “It’s every bit as spectacular as the other three entries.”

Reiff was born and raised in Paso Robles, going on 86 years this year, and she grew up with Shandon cowboys and the wagons and the horses and the cattle in the parades. She and her husband ran

their 500-acre ranch for about 35 years, before returning to the parades.

Reiff said her first experience on the parade committee was an exciting one, reaching out to some local cowboys to participate in the Pioneer Day Parade was easier than she thought it would be.

“These two guys came they brought their outriders with them, they had such a good time,” Reiff recalled about the first riders she invited to the parade. “I got them to go into the saloon with their horses, that made a big hit. I said, ‘Come back next year and bring your friends.’ All the entries that have come before have just raved about how they are treated here in Paso Robles and how organized our Pioneer Day Committee is, they can’t say enough about it.”

Reiff said the parade gets better every year she is apart of it, and new people come every year to participate.

“Every year it just gets better for me,” Reiff said. “I get more people, I have other new people that will be coming for the first time, they’ll be bringing horses and mules, they’ll hook them up to our wagons.”

The Pioneer Day committee would also like to thank all the donors that help make this great parade what it is. “We couldn’t do it without the donors,” Reiff said.

A First California Hussar Regiment member riding in full uniform during a Hussar riding demonstration. The Hungarian Hussars emerged from the legendary ancestry of Attila

the Hun and the foundation of modern day Hussars appeared in the 15th century, when Europe was threatened by the invasion of the Turks and the Hussar regiments and tactics

were born to counter the Mongol style invading forces.

Several oxen weighing over 3,000 pounds each were pulling some of the antique wagons as a new addition to the Pioneer Day Parade.

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By ALLYSON OKEN

The term farrier has shifted in meaning over time, from “horse doctor” to “one who

shoes horses.” Travis Baker, owner and operator of Travis Baker Farrier Services, is part of a trade that can be traced back to the early Crusades.

Only 100 years ago people who shoe (or shod) horses started calling themselves “farriers.” Farriers traditionally worked in armories, smelting shops, blacksmith shops and were the earliest horse doctors.

Today’s farriers are mobile, expected to demonstrate a high level of skill at a number of jobs that are usually the specialties of other occupations. A good farrier has to be a forger, a welder, a toolmaker and a shoemaker.

Baker is as mobile as a farrier can be thanks to his handcrafted farrier rig built by Georgia Farrier Supply. He takes his apprentice Casey Whitaker, who has been working with Baker for almost two years, to nearly every job.

Baker said that he and Casey shared a similar experience getting into the

business of shoeing horses. Baker owned horses growing up and was “cowboyin’ up there” in Oregon for work. He explained that part of the job description was that the group had to keep shoes on all of their horses.

“I started shoeing them and I would do one or two feet a day,” he said with a smile. “I started to like it, and I was going to Cal Poly at the time. So I came back here to go to school and I met with a local farrier, who took me on as an apprentice. I eventually started to gather my own clients and I have been doing it for over 10 years now and get to help my friend Casey here learn the trade.”

After Baker graduated from Cal Poly in 2008, he decided to stay in the area and he and his wife now live in Morro Bay. He provides services all over San Luis Obispo County.

“Today we will start here at Cal Poly, go to south San Luis and then over to Arroyo Grande where we actually have a vet prescription to go shoe,” he said.

Baker is working on finishing up

his Certified Farrier requirements (CF). This requires that he pass a live shoeing, shoe display and the written portion of the test. Then he will begin working on becoming a Certified Journeyed Farrier.

“All I have left is to finish the written portion of the test and I will be moving on to become a CJF,” he said.

The American Farriers Association hosts all types of events and tests as well as an annual convention. Baker has benefitted from these tests and attended a shoeing convention in Overland Park, Kan., in January of this year.

For his clients Baker recommends changing shoes between six and eight weeks, but says this can vary from horse to horse.

“Some of our athletes we will shoe at five weeks,” he said.

The type of nail and shoe used can also vary from horse to horse. The general nail he uses is a slim blade nail, but that this changes depending upon the thickness of the hoof wall.

“If we are working with a thicker

walled horse we may use a stronger nail or for a thinner walled horse we will use a smaller nail,” he said. “We just want to maintain the integrity of the foot. Depending on the foot is how we determine what nail of shoe package we choose to use. We make a lot of our own shoes and custom fit them to the horse.”

In Baker’s rig he has everything to get the job done. He has a portable forge, and nearly every hammer, chisel and hoof scraper known to man. Baker is also partnered with veterinarians and is able to make any shoe needed to help with injuries. Working quickly and accurately with the help of his apprentice, Baker has found his passion.

Baker shoes for the Cal Poly rodeo team, local owners of horses, athletes from jumpers to barrel riders and even shoes his own horses, Wimpey and Baby Huey. For more information on Travis Baker Farrier Services, call 209-712-6119 or visit facebook.com/pages/Travis-Baker-Farrier-Service.

FARRIER ON THE MOVETRAVIS BAKER PASSING ALONG TRADE TO APPRENTICE


BURNING MAKING SURE THE SHOE FITS:Travis Baker and others in the farrier trade use a technique called burning

where they heat the horseshoe and burn it onto the base of the foot. This helps

cauterize the area and prevent infection before they nail the shoe on.

FILING NAIL: Travis Baker is propping up Wimpey’s foot to

file down the nail to prepare for shoeing.

SHAPING:To begin forging a new shoe, Travis

Baker has to heat a rod of steel in his portable forge.

END PRODUCT MAKING A SHOE: After he shapes the shoe, Travis Baker

hammers the nail slots in the proper locations and the shoe is ready to go.

WIMPEY THE HORSE: Wimpey is now shod and ready for a trail ride

with some women from the Cal Poly rodeo team.


WIMPEY THE HORSE: Wimpey is now shod and ready for a trail ride

with some women from the Cal Poly rodeo team.

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SUBMITTED ARTICLE

The Cal i fornia Rodeo Association added a new President, Vice President,

Secretary and Treasurer and installed

three new Directors to the Board during the annual Stockholders Dinner and Meeting on Oct. 15.

Every two years a new President takes over the leadership of the organization, working closely with three Vice Presidents, a Treasurer and a Secretary as well as an Executive Committee made up of Directors and an at large Board of 52 Directors. Mike Scarr is now holding the reins as President after being an Officer since 2001. Fred Hooker is now the 3rd Vice President, Dave Pedrazzi moved to 2nd Vice President joining Brent Eastman who moved to 1st Vice

President. The new Treasurer is Tom Nielsen and the new Secretary is Steve Davis. Daryl Whitcher now moves on to the role of immediate Past President.

The three new Directors include Mikel Ann Miller who chairs the Colmo del Rodeo Parade Committee, Sammy Jenkinson who chairs the Monster Jam Committee and Mike McVay who chairs the Maintenance & Construction Committee. All three new Board members have extensive experience at the California Rodeo Salinas and have been long-time volunteers on multiple committees.

Two Directors, Larry Tharp, who most recently chaired the Music Committee, and Daniel Torres, Chair of the Hansen Pavilion Committee, moved to an Advisory Director role after decades of service to the California Rodeo Salinas.

NEW RODEO PRESIDENTTAKES THE REINS

By LUKE PHILLIPSOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

The bond between a person and their horse can be strong indeed and when a horse

passes away it can be difficult to find the right words to show your sympathy. But Creston photographer and poet Stephanie Laird has set out to make it a little easier with her line of horse sympathy cards.

“I have horses and my friends have horses and when they lose a horse it’s kind of hard to show support,” Laird said. “So that’s when I started thinking that it would be a good niche business.”

Laird has produced many different types of greeting cards for multiple companies since first entering the industry in 2007, but her line of horse sympathy cards, now sold in partnership with Greeting Card Universe, is by far the most successful and she credits that to the strong bond between humans and horses.

“Because horses are so spirited and so amazing, they put up with us and there’s just a bond — I don’t know if

it’s spiritual or whatever you want to call it — but there’s just a bond I feel between people and their horses,” she said. “I have dogs and cats and I love them, and that bond is amazing as well, but horses to me are more wild, they have a wildness and they let us ride them and be with them and they trust us. That bond is almost unexplainable.”

Laird got her first horse when she was a young girl, a 30-year-old horse that lived for another 12 years. Laird said the horse’s death was a major event in her life and inspired much of the poetry she uses in her cards today.

“It was major for me and I think that’s what makes me feel the sentiments that I write,” she said. “I had no idea that my artwork would take a turn that way. It’s just kind of a really weird thing that evolved, but I never set out for that at all.”

Laird has been a photographer for the past 10 years, winning many accolades for her work including multiple Best of Show wins at the California Mid-State Fair. The photographs featured on her cards are taken on her property in Creston, most

of them featuring silhouettes of horses against the sunset. The silhouettes help to keep the breed of the horses from being identifiable, giving the cards more of a universal appeal.

“And it also gives the drama of the

sky, which is the universe or sadness or I don’t know,” Laird said. “My property has a really nice vista and really pretty skies. You just try to get things that are moving or dramatic or show feeling. That’s how I pick an image.”

Once Laird has selected an image, she adds sentiments to the card, many of which are based on her poetry, inspired by her spiritual connection

with her own horses.“I have some that just say ‘With

Sympathy’ because some people aren’t into the whole spiritual thing, but I think that a lot of people that have horses, they have a connection with their spirit, because horses are spirited and beautiful and amazing,” she said. “I try to touch on how I feel about that too. It’s kind of a sad process.”

As sad as the process is, Laird said that she’s glad that she can help to ease people’s pain.

“At least it feels like I’m contributing to help comfort them, because it’s so awful,” she said. “If you have animals they’re your family and a lot of people feel that way.”

Laird’s cards are available on her website at horsesympathy.com. Orders are fulfilled by Greeting Card Universe and cards can be personalized for no extra charge and can also be shipped to any local Target store for pick up, Laird said.

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By BETH BOLYARDOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

Tanner Dye, a 2014 Templeton High School graduate, has expanded his livestock

company, Tanner Dye Livestock Co., to include selling and marketing of cattle and small livestock, among other services and will soon have an office in Templeton.

Dye, who has been involved in buying and selling livestock in the area since he was 12, is currently

renovating an operation in Creston where his customers can sell their cattle directly, have Dye set up buyers in another area or give their cattle a place to feed.

The setup is a near-perfect solution for “backyard” ranchers, those who only have a few head of cattle, or those who have small livestock like goats and sheep and can’t afford the cost of driving the animals 100 or more miles to the nearest market, but soon larger amounts of cattle will be able to be moved through the ranch.

Dye recently invested in a 180 acre trust ranch in Creston where he plans to head up the operation and he is currently working to expand feed areas, bring in scales and add and other amenities, which he hopes will make it possible to operate 100–300 head of cattle by spring.

The multi-faceted operation will give Dye’s customers a centrally located place to either sell their livestock or have Dye set up a buyer in another area, something that could greatly benefit small, local ranchers.

“What benefits people bringing them to me is they don’t have to pay commission,” Dye said. “They know where they cattle are going to be going, they know what they’re going to get right then, even with goats and sheep.”

Dye has been buying his own cattle for several years and now owns between 60 and 70 head and several hundred sheep and goats. He keeps most of his livestock on his other parcel of land — 1,500 acres of land just down the road from his Creston operation.

Dye said the livestock business has been his dream since he was young. His father managed Circle Six Ranch for the Hearst Corporation for several years and Dye found himself making friends with older ranchers, gleaning as much information from them about the business as he could.

“Just growing up in it,” Dye said about his early years talking with

successful ranchers in the business. “I stated when I was really young, growing up and seeing different places. I love talking to older people, everything I learned comes from every old man I meet, says something, I remember everything, I kind of take it piece by piece, it’s pretty cool.”

The advice and information Dye gleaned from many old-timers wasn’t always positive advice, though, and tanner admitted many tried to sway him from getting into the business stating that he would be able to make it work — Dye only set out to try harder and has already seen success despite his age and many have changed their minds.

“I’m young and there’s a lot of guys out there that are older and have been doing it for 20, 30 years, they flat out told me, ‘You’re never going to make it’,” Dye said. “I started this deal when I was 12 years old, I started buying goats and sheep and expanded, and I’ve gotten this far. Now that they see me moving and stepping up, they’re all, ‘Maybe you can do this’.

Dye recently opened an office in Templeton as a headquarter for the livestock operation and he has worked as a livestock rep for a company in Fresno as well as for his cousin, who owns a feedlot in Shandon, for several years.

“I just want to get people to know where we’re at and where going,” he said.

TANNER DYE LIVESTOCKNEW CATTLE, GOAT AND SHEEP MARKETING AND SALES OPERATION IN CRESTON

One of the Tanner Dye Livestock Co. trucks. Cattle at Tanner Dye Livestock Co. feedlot in Creston. Tanner Dye’s company will buy livestock or market to buyers in another area.


By TODD GUILDOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

N icole Riggle took a seat astride “Gucci” on July 17, the quarter horse’s leather saddle

polished and her muscles tensed as she waited to dash down an arena and around three barrels.

Riggle and Gucci were competing in the California Rodeo Salinas, which draws riders from across the U.S.

Riggle, 22, of Scottsdale, Ariz., is a professional barrel racer who competes in an estimated 70 rodeo events every year.

She said a lifetime of riding has instilled in her an appreciation for the complex relationship between horse and rider. She said she also loves the thrill of speeding through the course.

“I love the adrenaline,” she said. “It’s a passion of mine. I love every run, and I love winning.”

Barrel racing, a mainstay event in the annual rodeo, requires riders to control their horses as they race around three barrels, then thunder back out of the arena.

Each rider has three chances to compete, but it wasn’t as easy as it looks — each time they touch the barrels, five points are added to their final time.

While they are judged on riding skills and final time, they also have one more concern. Though not a requirement, riders are best served to keep their hats on — they get slapped with a $20 retrieval fee if it flies off in the racing wind. In some competitions, competitors lose points if their hat falls off, as they do if their horse touches a barrel.

Dolli Lautaret, 64, of Kingman, Ariz., has been competing for more than a half-century. She has competed throughout Europe and the U.S. in a variety of events. She came to the

Salinas Rodeo with her 40-year-old daughter, who was also competing in the barrel racing event.

“Anything I can do on a horse, I’m happy,” she said.

Considered one of the top 20 rodeos in the U.S., the California Rodeo Sal inas draws more than 700 competitors from across the U.S. More than 50,000 fans come to watch the events, which include bronco riding, barrel racing and steer roping.

The event is unique because it lasts four days, and riders get three chances to compete, allowing them to combine and average their times.

Nearly $400,000 in prize money is on the line, and the ultimate prize — the Salinas Rodeo golden buckle — is one of the most distinguished awards a rodeo performer can win.

Roy Branco of Chowchilla, 25, said he has been competing in rodeos for “a long time.”

Branco was competing in the tie-down roping event, which tasks riders with chasing a running calf while on their horse, catching it with a lariat and then jumping off and tying its legs, all as quickly as possible.

“I love everything about it,” he said.Logan Naillon, also of Chowchilla,

was waiting to compete in the saddle bronc event, in which riders attempt to stay astride a bronco as it tries to buck him off.

He said falling off is as much a part of the sport as is staying on.

“I like the challenge,” he said. “Riding a bronc you’re going to get bucked off.”

Kevin Wilkinson of Hollister, who

was in the team roping competition, said he enjoys the camaraderie and community that grows among the riders as they travel to the different events.

Instead of being competitive, they support each other, he said.

“We all pull for each other,” he said. “Nobody is here to see people get hurt.”

CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS RETURNS

One of the Tanner Dye Livestock Co. trucks.

A steer heads for the hills during team roping.

Ace Pearce (left) of Washington and Blaine Vick of Texas chat before competing in team roping.

Photos by: Tarmo Hannula/EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

FALL 2015 | Published by News Media Corporation24

By ALLYSON OKENOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

“Grass fed and grass finished” is how Templeton cattlemen Will Woolley and Alton Emery proudly describe their black Angus herd.

Five years ago the pair, after meeting as hunting guides and discovering they had a mutual desire to raise cattle, opened Templeton Hills Beef. Between them they have seven generations of cattle ranching to draw upon.

“Our cattle are raised from birth on pasture and never receive antibiotics or growth hormones,” Woolley said. “We are out with our animals every day of their lives. I feel it is important

for people to know where their food comes from and we take great pride in our animals and the land we lease for grazing. Finding viable land for grazing is the greatest challenge in this business and we are very fortunate to have access to grazing land in Templeton, Atascadero, San Miguel, Creston as well on the coastal hills behind Cambria near San Simeon and in Paso Robles.”

Woolley and Emery explained that the Paso Robles grazing land was perfect for the rotational grazing program they utilize and have most of the cattle trained or conditioned to follow the truck. They are able to do this with just a bit of hay in the bed of the truck and after herding the cattle

to the next grazing area they give them the hay as a reward. Woolley also said that when they have extra hands they will move the cattle with horses, but since the operation is small they can make due with one person in a truck with this system of behavioral conditioning. This also cuts down on the stress level of the animal and is a big reason why Emery and Woolley utilize this practice.

“We move our animals onto pasture, allow them to graze it for a certain amount of time and then move them onto another pasture,” Emery said. “This mimics how herbivores might move across grassland in the wild. It allows the pasture to be utilized by the animal and then gives the grassland a

period of rest and regrowth. Most of what we do is manage the land so it remains viable for the next graze. We also make sure our cattle stay healthy. After those basic needs are met, we let nature take its course.”

Woolley said they have about 30 cows that they use for breeding.

“We actually just calved for the fall,” Woolley said.

It takes about 24 months to grow the animals, Wooley said, to a target weight of 1,000 to 1,200 pounds for harvest. Woolley and Emery said that grass-fed beef has a lower fat content than traditional store bought beef.

“Our beef has as such has a wonderful flavor because it is leaner so the flavor is all in the beef itself, not

TEMPLETON HILLS BEEF BELIEVES IN GRASS FEEDING

Alton Emery and Will Woolley are the owners and cattlemen behind Templeton Hills Beef. They raise black Angus cattle that is grass fed and grass finished.



period of rest and regrowth. Most of what we do is manage the land so it remains viable for the next graze. We also make sure our cattle stay healthy. After those basic needs are met, we let nature take its course.”

Woolley said they have about 30 cows that they use for breeding.

“We actually just calved for the fall,” Woolley said.

It takes about 24 months to grow the animals, Wooley said, to a target weight of 1,000 to 1,200 pounds for harvest. Woolley and Emery said that grass-fed beef has a lower fat content than traditional store bought beef.

“Our beef has as such has a wonderful flavor because it is leaner so the flavor is all in the beef itself, not

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the fat,” Woolley said. “The fat content of our meat is lower than traditional, grain-finished, feed-lot beef that we are used to buying from the super market. It is beneficial fat that is also an excellent source for iron, and vitamins A and E. There are many heath benefits associated with they way we raise our beef.”

At Templeton Hills Beef they offer full service butchery and delivery working with J&R Meats in Paso Robles to harvest the meat. Woolley and Emery also teach a buyer how to use the entire cow. They offer recipes online, a chart that shows all the cuts of beef on the cow, the cost and how best to cook them.

“When we harvest our cattle, we like our customers to get variety and insure that nothing goes to waste so we offer Beef Boxes with a variety of cuts,” Emery said. “People can buy the entire cow, half or we can talk them through it and make up a box of cuts they would like. We also have petite cuts, regular cuts, ribs, roasts, burger and more. Something we have been working on is making our own rubs and we shared some of them at the Mid-State Fair this year. We don’t sell them online yet, but hope to soon.”

To learn more about grass-fed beef, find recipes, share grazing land and to purchase some Templeton Hills Beef, visit templetonbeef.com.

Templeton Hills Beef cattle are raised on grass and finished on grass.

The herd has been moved to the next pasture and for following the truck they are rewarded with just a little bit of hay. This is a great way to move cattle around the property

with zero stress to them, said Will Woolley and Alton

26

Guest Columnist

Being an active trainer and competitor, the end of the show season brings a wise

opportunity to reflect on the events of the year. Valuable lessons can be learned by assessing your choices and decisions and the results you obtained. Therein lies the opportunity to adjust plans for the upcoming season, personally and for each horse.

Personally, the physical choices I made helped me recover from some undesired injuries and hindrances. A few years back, I began a regimen of working out at a local gym three days a week. I wanted to build my core strength in addition to the dance exercise I had been committed to for many years to retain flexibility. I sustained a self-inflicted injury imitating an exercise I had watched others do. Because I was not under the

guidance of a mentor, I used too much weight for my little body. It took a year to completely heal, using physical therapy, massage, chiropractic and acupuncture. This injury could have been avoided had I practiced what I know from the horses…feedback from a coach is invaluable!

Another area of reflection has been reading positive-thinking books and setting goals. Doing so is so important to help keep a constructive mindset. Dealing with horses brings so many challenges of every kind.

There are amazing highs and unfortunate, inevitable lows. If you can remain strong in your mind and heart, you will be better able to better

keep setbacks from undermining you.My top Grand Prix horse recently

sustained an injury, which kept him out of this year’s Annual Championship Show as well as my subsequent plans to return to Kentucky for the National Finals. I’m so disappointed, but not as unraveled as I know I would have been years ago. Guess I’m growing up a little!

I’m focused on rehabilitating my horse as thoroughly and quickly as I can with good veterinary care as well as holistic approaches. I’m also fortunate I have a younger horse to focus on, as well as my teaching, judging, and clinics. In other words, to refocus, be productive, and keep

my thoughts in a positive direction.So in conclusion, through looking

back at the year’s experiences, look for the lessons you can learn. There may be things you will do differently, such as a change in tactics for the upcoming season, or altering personal habits.

“Bottom line” though, find a plan that keeps you and your horse healthy, harmonious, prepared, happy, and remember the journey is easier with the help of others!

Barbi Breen-Gurley operates Sea Horse Ranch out of 2566 Sea Horse Lane, Los Osos. She can be reached by email at [email protected] or call 805-528-0222.

REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST COMPETITIVE SEASONASSESSING THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

By Barbi Breen-Gurley


Guest ColumnistREFLECTIONS ON THE PAST

COMPETITIVE SEASONASSESSING THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

What is Equine Wellness?Equine Wellness is a holistic approach to health care that goes beyond vaccinations, and ad-dresses each horse’s individual needs. The goal of Equine Wellness is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by preventing medical, lameness, and even behavioral problems that may affect your horse. The best way to practice Equine Well-ness is to enlist the help of a Veterinarian to provide an equine wellness program tailored to your horse’s age, occupation, and environment, to help stay ahead of potential problems and decrease the incidence of disease.

Importance and Benefits of an Equine Wellness Program for your horseThe primary goal of an Equine Wellness Pro-gram is to maintain your horse’s health and detect any issues as early as possible. These programs are equally important and beneficial for all types of horses, from elite equine athletes to backyard buddies. Wellness programs can enhance the productivity, health and longevity of your loyal equine companion. They are also helpful in maintaining your own financial health, as horses participating in Wellness programs provided by veterinarians are four times less likely to acquire a disease. Additionally, your horse may qualify for discounts on veterinary services, insurance, and colic surgery reim-bursement programs, dependent upon the par-ticular wellness program.

Elements of a good Equine Wellness programEquine Wellness can be achieved by working with your Veterinarian, who will provide routine physical examinations, regular dental exam-inations and dental care, routine vaccinations, fecal analysis, deworming, Coggins tests, and nutritional management.

Wellness through Routine Physical ExaminationsVeterinarians will thoroughly evaluate your horse’s digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, and reproductive systems as well as your horse’s body condition to identify any abnormalities or concerns that may indicate the onset of a problem. Regular physical examinations can help identify problems early, so as to prevent the onset of serious disease, lameness, or be-havioral issues.

Wellness through Dental ExaminationHorses are herbivores and require well-func-tioning teeth or they will not be able to eat prop-erly. Dental problems are common and can be found in all horses. The following are classic clinical signs of dental abnormalities:

- Intermittent chewing or difficulty chewing

- Hesitant to drink cold water

- Holding head to one side or head shaking while chewing

- Dropping of partially chewed food

- Excessive drooling

- Bad breath

- Dry hair coat

- Reluctance to take the bit

- Facial and/or jaw swelling

Dental problems can prevent your horse from obtaining adequate nutrition to fulfill their body requirements, resulting in weight loss and poor performance. Sometimes horses may swallow their feed without chewing to avoid the pain as-sociated with dental problems, which can cause indigestion, choke and colic. Your Veterinarian will perform a thorough oral examination and will use the appropriate dentistry tools to ad-dress any dental problem your horse may have. Maintaining dental health will allow your horse to consume adequate nutrition to maintain a healthy body weight, shiny hair coat, and per-form at their very best.

Wellness through Routine VaccinationsThroughout the world, vaccinations are consid-ered the gold standard for the prevention and control of equine infectious diseases. They also help prevent unnecessary suffering, addi-tional unplanned expenses, facility quarantine, loss of use, and undue stress on your horse. The recommended core vaccines for horses include:

- Rabies

- Tetanus

- Eastern/Western/Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis

- Rhinopneumonitis

- Influenza

- West Nile Virus

Other vaccines that may be recommended based upon your horse’s individual risk include: Strangles, Rattlesnake Venom, Potomac Horse Fever, Equine Viral Arteritis, Rotavirus, Botu-lism, Endotoxemia and Pigeon Fever. Your Vet-erinarian will evaluate each horse individually and recommend the vaccination program that is best suited to your horse’s needs.

Wellness through Parasitic ManagementBoth internal and external parasites are con-sidered silent thieves of your horse’s health and can be the cause of digestive problems, rough hair coat, weight loss, anemia and some-times even death. Internal parasites, including small strongyles, large stronglyes, bots, and tapeworms can be controlled by periodic fecal evaluation (at least once per year) to assess parasitic burden. Based upon the results your Veterinarian will recommend a custom deworm-ing strategy for your horse. External parasites including ticks, flies, and mosquitoes can be best controlled sanitation, environmental modi-fications, and application of topical insecticides (i.e. fly spray).

Wellness through Coggins TestA Coggins test is used to screen for equine in-fectious anemia. Horses may contract this in-curable disease through contact with infected deer flies and horse flies. Although the Coggins test is not required for transportation within the state of California, it is a requirement of all in-terstate health certificates and is frequently re-quired for admission to some local stables and horse shows. Your veterinarian will help deter-mine if you should include the Coggins test in your Wellness Program depending upon your projected travel/showing schedule.

Wellness though Nutritional ManagementAll horses have different nutritional require-ments depending upon their age and activity, as well as their individual digestive and metabolic needs. For example, a growing foal requires more energy and protein per unit of body weight than an adult horse. Your veterinarian can help design a diet to provide all of the energy, pro-tein, vitamins, and minerals your foal needs to grow. A performance horse may require ad-ditional dietary energy compared to a horse that is not working Geriatric horses often have special feeding requirements to maintain their health and body condition, such as a highly digestible feed. Broodmares also have special needs during pregnancy and lactation. Your veterinarian will help you determine and meet the individual nutritional needs for your horse.

Wellness through the Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR)Your Veterinarian’s knowledge and personal re-

lationship with you and your horse allows for all aspects of Equine Wellness to be addressed in an individualized program for your horse. With a strong VCPR you can rest assured you are doing the best to prevent disease in your horse. Further, in the event of an unfortunate disease or emergency you will have a Veterinarian you can count on to provide the best possible care for your horse.

WellCare EQThe Equine Center offers two Equine Wellness programs (Wellcare EQ and WellCare EQ Plus) that are customizable to the specific needs of your horse. Horses enrolled in these programs will receive discounts on services in the hospital (i.e. lameness examinations, radiographs, per-formance dentistry, etc.) All horses also qualify for Equine Immunization Support Guarantee, which can provide up to $5,000 in diagnostics and treatment if your horse contracts an infec-tious disease for which it has been vaccinated against. Payment options are available. Check out WellCare EQ on our website at www.the-equinecenter.com

For further information, visit the website of The Equine Center www.theequinecenter.com or call at 805-541-6367.

The Equine Center

WHAT IS EQUINE WELLNESS?


Everyone can learn from the wisdom of horses. You don’t have to be a horseman

or horsewoman. Surprisingly, my workshops show that non-horse people are often more open-minded when it comes to learning from our four legged friends than horse people. Working with horses for equestrians involves training horses to do what we want them to do. Working with horses in the sense of Equine Guided Education is different. We learn from horses and how to listen to them as they respond to us.

The meaning of true leadershipTrue leadership is intuitive,

simply said, leading from within. Understanding this concept is essential. Nothing changes unless we lead from the inside out. What does that mean? Strong leadership is what others sense in you and not only what they hear from you. There are no words that can win over others and convince them to follow you unless they believe that the words represent your own truth and intent. When you lead from within, you feel genuine in your body, and others sense that. Finding this internal connection is not always easy, especially when under pressure from outside circumstances or simply from other people such as bosses, co-workers, family and friends. Under pressure, we often try to get things done by pushing or even forcing others to follow us. In a worst case, we simply give up, thinking that we cannot

lead because we are not good enough. We feel frustrated and may step back from any kind of responsibility at all. We are losing our leadership role before we have even started.

How can horses help?There are many ways to strengthen

your leadership skills. However, horses are an extremely efficient way. There is no need to take endless seminars to understand the true meaning of leading from within.

Horses sense right away if you are authentic and real. They respond to your body language rather than to spoken words. Horses only follow when they sense true leadership; otherwise horses feel threatened, nervous and will not trust you. Equestrians know this concept. We train our horses by dominating them, using the skills we learned as horse riders or trainers. We want to win championships, compete and, of course, come home with ribbons. I understand these ambitions, but at the same time I invite you to take a break from training the horse and instead discover the power of your horse to teach you.

Take time and let go of all your equestrian skills. Let your horse talk to you. This is really quite simple.

Start a conversation with your horse in an area where the horse can roam freely either on a pasture or turnout.

Approach your horse without an agenda and simply spend time with it. Hang out with your horse like you are

hanging out with your friends and see what happens. This is quality time for both of you which I call “horse time”. Your horse will wonder what your intention is but after a while it will realize that you just want to connect with it.

After you have connected with your horse, do some leading exercises. Start by leading your horse on a halter and rope around an area like an obstacle course or simply from point A to C and back. Don’t encourage the horse to follow you by using your voice. Don’t pull on the rope or use any other pressure you think will do the job. Start leading your horse from within by expressing your intentions through your body language, your energy and simply your way of being.

Is your horse following you willingly? Is it hesitant? Is it not moving at all or moving so fast you can hardly follow? Whatever comes up, allow it to happen and reflect on it. Maybe your intention was not clear. Were you connected with yourself and the horse? Maybe you overwhelmed the horse with your presence.

Spend a day with horsesI offer a series of workshops; started

in October. This will be an opportunity for you to explore your leadership and relationship skills.

During these workshops, you will use specific exercises to explore new practices for achieving your goals. The horses and I guide each person as an

individual in his/her specific ambitions, goals and personality. There is no right or wrong; rather, the process supports you in your personal development by focusing on your needs, supporting your purpose and strengthening your leadership style.

We can learn so much from horses if we just allow them to ‘talk’ to us. No matter if you read about this topic, attend one of my workshops or simply take time with your horse; understanding and respecting horses, not as a means to win shows, but spending quality time with them is the beginning of your development as a leader.

For more information about my work, please visit my website: www.herthawolffarend.com.

Hertha Wolf-Arend is a certified business coach and a certified equine guided educator. She is also the author of the book “Be a woman and act like one. Succeeding in business and life’’ and she writes a blog for women with the same title. Hertha offers leadership and team-building training as well as personal training with horses for men and women at her ranch near Paso Robles. She combines her livelong passion for horses with her coaching skills and with her management experience.

For more information, contact her at 805-234-6454 or email: [email protected].

Guest Columnist

DEVELOPING YOUR INTUITIVE LEADERSHIP SKILLS WITH HORSES

By Hertha Wolff-Arend


By BEK PHILLIPSOF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

I spent the first 14 years of my childhood in a small Alaskan town called North Pole. Located

17 miles east of Fairbanks, our area was sparsely populated but had plenty of horses, woods, animals and adventure. My six siblings and I spent hours out of every day exploring and playing outdoors. Our parents were also strict and taught us to never scrimp on manners, how to shake hands, to call our elders “Sir” and “Ma’am,” and the manner in which we were dressed was always conservative. The culture shock in moving from our small town to Santa Cruz was immense, and it took years to adapt and feel like I belonged.

In July, I went to a Rodeo for the first time. I was excited, thrilled to see the horses in action, but I wasn’t expecting to feel so at home. The

hazy dust and smell of dirt was the first thing that brought me back. Long summer days in Alaska are not what people really think. For me and my siblings, it meant basking in the sun while swimming in our pond and kicking up dust from our dirt mountain as we slid down the side over and over again. Dirt was our friend and the smell of dirt walking in to the Salinas Rodeo brought flashbacks of simpler days.

Beyond that, the horses were stunning. Everywhere you turned there were horses. Naturally this would be the case, but for me I saw memories in each of the horses’ eyes. We had neighbors with children of similar ages to us down the road who owned horses and the parents would on occasion let us ride. If it was for a birthday party, or for a summer camp, they were open to letting us participate and make friends with these stunning animals. It was all I

could do not to just reach out and pet the first one I aproached. I was more than happy when one of the first people we interviewed saw my hand hesitantly reach towards her horse and gave me permission to pet it.

The more I talked to people, walked around, and soaked in the culture, the more comfortable I felt. It was if a weight was being lifted, and I instantly slipped back into my old habits of being a simple country girl. It was music to my ears to hear people greeting each other and using “Sir” and “Ma’am,” with polite smiles and nothing but friendly conversation to follow. The more I walked around, the more at home I felt — even though many aspects were completely strange and new for me. I had never witnessed a team roping competition before, and I felt bad for the bulls when the lassos slipped around their necks and feet. The barrel races captivated me and I was amused and

in awe of the braids and detail put into the horses’ appearance. Speaking of appearance, while I was happy that I had not chosen the pencil skirt and slip-ons to wear that morning and instead stayed comfortable in pants and black sneakers, I also felt a pang of regret that I did not have a cowboy hat in my wardrobe as it appeared to be part of the universal dress code.

The time spent at the Rodeo was short, but I could not help but smile as I walked back to the car. The dichotomy of emotions — feeling both at home and trying to grasp new things as an outsider — reminded me how grateful I am for my unique childhood. I was lucky to be able to walk in and feel a connection with a group of people I had never met while still learning about a world I know almost nothing about. Next year, I hope I get the chance to go back.

FEELING AT HOME THE FIRST TIME AT THE RODEO

FALL/ SPRING 2015-2016CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 6-8Barb's Wild Weekend

November 12-15Horsewoman by Grace

March 4 - 6March 4 - 6Barb's Wild Weekend

March 10 - 13Dude Ranch Weekend

March 17 - 20Piper Mackay Photography Workshop

March 24 - 27Dude RanchDude Ranch Weekend

March 31 - April 3Cattle Drive

April 6 - 10AHA Cowboy Academy

April 14 - 17Cattle Drive

ApApril 27 - May 1Wrangler Ride

May 5 - 8Parkfield Bluegrass Festival & Cattle Drive

May 13 - 16Richard Winters, All Women's

Horsemanship Retreat

MMay 16 - 22Richard Winters, Ride the Rancho, a True Horsemanship Experience

May 23 -27Sister's on the Fly Cattle Drive

May 27 - 29Parkfield Rodeo





































































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