a Midwest Reining Horse Association publication Issue 11

3 Year Old Jackpot Futurity, Friday Night!

MWRHA will be holding a Silent Auction at the Extravaganza

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Contact Dottie Smith for donations

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Newsletter July 2016

ARTICLE SHARED FROM EQUINE CHRONICLE || http://www.equinechronicle.com

Summer is a great time to ride, but summer heat can be dangerous for horses, resulting in dehydration, lethargy, and general malaise. Severe heat stress may cause diarrhea, or even colic. Following these 10 tips and using common sense will help keep you and your horse safe and comfortable during the hot days ahead.

Dr. Janet Johnston, an Emergency and Critical Care veterinarian at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center, offers the following tips as we approach the first day of summer:

1. Choose cooler turnout times. If your horse has a stall, but is turned out for part of the day, provide turnout during the cooler hours. Overnight is ideal, but if that’s not possible, then have the horse go outside as early as possible during the day. Remember the summer heat can also take a toll on the quality of your pasture. You may need to provide additional feed as the grass becomes sparse to maintain proper body condition and energy.

2. Provide shade. If your horse lives outdoors, or if it must be outside during the day, provide relief from the sun. A run-in shed is best. Trees are a source of shade, but as the sun moves, so will the shade. Make sure that, regardless of the time of day, available trees are offering shade.

3. Move the air. Fans are a great way to help keep the air moving in the barn, but use them wisely. Your horse will benefit most if the fan is pulling the hot air out of the stall, not pushing air into the stall. And always ensure that your horse cannot reach cords and plugs.

4. Mist your horse. If you are fortunate enough to have a system to mist your horse, use it. As the moisture is absorbed from your horse’s skin, it will take away some of the heat. Frequent mistings are far more effective than a single dousing with a hose.

5. Provide fresh, cool water and an electrolyte source. Make sure your horse has plenty of fresh, cool water. A bucket hanging on a fence will get warm, and the water will no longer be appealing. Left long enough, the water will also become stagnant and unhealthy. If you are providing clean, cool water and your horse doesn’t seem to be drinking, then encourage it by providing a salt block, or even by misting hay with salt water. If your horse is sweating a great deal, water laced with electrolytes can help keep its body in balance. Whenever you offer electrolytes, however, be sure to offer fresh water, as well, because too many electrolytes can be harmful.

6. Slow down the work. Don’t think that because your horse has been working intensely at 1:00 pm every day that it can take the heat when the temperature tops 90 degrees. If you have to work your horse in the heat, lighten the work or spread it out over a couple of short sessions. This is especially important when the humidity is high, contributing to the poor quality of the air your horse is breathing. Cool your horse down slowly, and offer frequent sips of cool, not cold, water. Take the tack off as soon as you’re done and sponge the horse off again with cool, not cold, water.

7. Stick to a schedule. Within the parameters of keeping your horse cool, try to stay as close as possible to a normal schedule. Too much change at one time can be an invitation to colic.

8. Avoid sunburn. Horses, especially white horses, can suffer from sunburn. Even those with white socks and blazes, pink noses, or hairless patches from scarring can be susceptible. Using a fly scrim can help. In addition, applying sunblock such as zinc oxide, to small, particularly vulnerable areas can be effective. Staying out of the sun’s harmful rays will, of course, be best. (Also be aware: if a horse has excessive sunburn, it could indicate a rare, underlying liver disease).

9. Clip horses with longer hair coats. Clipping is important, especially for those with Cushings disease. While some coat can provide protection from the sun and insulation, a long, thick coat tends to hold heat and makes it difficult for the horse to cool down. Be careful not to clip the hair too close, as it provides some protection from damaging rays.

10. Know your horse and signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke can happen anytime your horse is exposed to excessive heat and its body cannot handle it. Heatstroke obviously can happen if exercising in hot conditions, but be aware that it can also happen if standing in a hot stall or trailer.

You should know your horse’s normal temperature, heart, and respiratory rates. To find the heart rate of a horse, simply find a pulse and count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply that number by 4, which will give the beats per minute. Count the breaths per minute in a similar way.

Signs of heat stroke can include:

· An elevated heart rate that does not return to normal in a reasonable period of time

· Excessive sweating OR lack of sweating

· Temperature that persists above 103 degrees F

· Depression, lethargy

· Signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes, poor capillary refill, and poor skin turgor

If you are concerned that your horse is suffering from heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately and get your horse into a cooler environment.

* Equine Chronicle, “10 Tips to Protect your Horse During the Summer Horse Show Heat.” 2016, http://www.equinechronicle.com/10-tips-to-protect-your-horse-during-the-summer-horse-show-heat/

ARTICLE SHARED FROM NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION || NRHA1.COM

For Immediate Release- July 2,2016-Oklahoma City, Okla.- Four riders from 14-18 North American Affiliate Championship (NAAC) and four riders from National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Top Ten 14-18 competed in the annual NRHA High School Reining Competition today. These eight distinguished riders from across the country drew for the ‘ultimate catch ride.’

Annabeth Payne was the first rider in the pen, riding Chexy Whiz owned by Michelle George. This pair set the bar high, starting the competition with a score of 213.0. Payne’s score was quickly beat by the following draw, which resulted in her taking the Reserve Championship at the end of day.

Terri June Granger rode the 2016 NRHA Collegiate Catch Ride Champion, The Boominator owned by Jim Hotz, to a 213.5 and won the competition by a hair. Granger, a senior in high school, has verbally committed to Auburn University, coincidentally where the Collegiate Champion Blair McFarlin attends. Her plans for the future include riding on the equestrian team and majoring in physical therapy. Granger explained her catch ride experience, “I was really excited to be here. This was my first year ever coming out to the Derby, and it was definitely a great experience being able to take part in and show at the Derby.”

Following Granger, Emily Morris riding Making Sparks Fly, owned by Mallory Vestal, was third in the competition, scoring a 207.0 and placing fourth.

Kaitlyn Baker drew up forth on Nics Rooster, owned by Daniela Bernabeu. Baker started with a great run but unfortunately ended up with a zero after going off pattern.

Claire Streeter followed Baker atop Gangster Chic, owned by Renee D’Ambrosi, and brought in a third place win with a score of 210.

Emily Sitzman and South Side Spook, owned by Randy Reecer, were number five in the draw and scored 202.0, placing them at fifth.

Mckenzie Duncan, riding HR Dun By Whiz, another horse owned by Reecer, scored a 195.0, putting them in seventh place.

Kenleigh Wells brought up the end of the competition. Wells rode Captain Jesse, owned by Jacob Cliver, and scored a 201, putting her sixth in the catch ride competition.

NRHA would like to thank all of the extremely generous horse owners and donors who allowed these accomplished riders an opportunity to compete.

*National Reining Horse Association, “A Hair Raising Win During the NRHA High School Competition.” 2016 http://reiner.nrha.com/?p=12444

Upcoming Shows!

coming Events and Shows:

2015 MWRHA Extravaganza Highlights!

Member Classifieds!

Horses and Tack For Sale

Clinton Anderson – WalkAbout Tour

July 9-10 - Milwaukee, WI - Case IH Coliseum,

Wisconsin State Fair Park

Learn the Method from master horseman Clinton

Anderson. Flourish with one-on-one instruction. Gain

confidence in yourself as a horseman as you develop

your groundwork and riding skills. Learn how to read

and train your horse. Know that you can handle your

horse safely both on the ground and under saddle.

See results.

There are no behind the barn secrets with Clinton. He

will teach you how he uses the Method to train his

own horses.

Congrats to Diane Sibley on the birth of Remi! A GSN x Reminic & Dunit/Great Pine Mare being

offered for sale. Please contact Diane at (309) 253-8191

This is a Jose Suetter Continental reining saddle 16.5 inch seat double padded. Only used twelve times. Excellent shape.

Medium brown with Corner plates. Silver stirrups. Very comfy.

$2,800 OBO

Contact: Gigi Challas at 708-476-0461

Mega Peppy Jac (Marthas Mega Jac x Janets Lil Peppy)

2013 AQHA Gelding Buster is nominated for NSBA and NRHA Futurities and Derbies!

He has a great stop, consistent circles, and snappy spins! He just needs the finishing touches for the show pen! His sire, Marthas Mega Jac, is sire of NRHA earners of over $704,000 and is an all-time NRHA leading sire,

as well as a sire of 1,078 AQHA points! Don't let this nice young prospect slide right by you!

$15,000 Located in Princeville, IL - www.bbreinebach.com Please contact Diane at (309) 253-8191

Please feel free to contact Gigi Challas with suggestions or additions to our

newsletter!