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Veteran's Day

  Veteransday_wktv 

EasyCare would like to remind everyone to take a moment today to say a big thank you to all the men and women both past and present who have served our country to keep us "the land of the free and the brave." The United States currently has 170,000 men and women stationed in Iraq, 26,700 in Afghanistan and another 92,000 in other areas of the world.

If you would like information on how to help our troops you can go to www.uso.org or to www.nationalserviceresources.org.

November 11, 2009 in Current Affairs, Fun, Quotes of Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: EasyCare, Veteran's Day

Barefoot Hoof Care Clinic with High Performance Hooves

Jay and Q DeHart from High Performance Hooves will be hosting a lecture and hands on cadaver hoof trimming clinic on Saturday, November 14th 2009 in Florence, Montana.   This clinic will provide a rare opportunity to trim and dissect a cadaver hoof and learn how your trimming affects the internal structures of the hoof.  Participants will also learn how nutrition, proper trimming, good pasture management can help your horse grow a healthy hoof.

Topics to be Covered:

Equine Nutrition, Pasture Care, Hoof Boots, Barefoot Trimming.  They will also cover Safe Horse Handling by Ethan & Lorri Zimmerman, 1* Certified Parelli Natural Horseman Instructors.

Cost:  $90.00 per participant - hands on class is limited.   Auditors are welcome - the cost is $40.00.

Location:  The Natural Horse LLC, Florence

Date:  Saturday, November 14, 2009

Time:  9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

If interested in attending please contact Jay and Q DeHart for more information at 406-777-1256.

Please Note:  Dress appropriately for handling and trimming cadaver hooves.  Required tools; rasp, hoof knife, hoof pick and gloves.  Recommended tools; nippers and trimming chaps.

October 28, 2009 in Barefoot Horses, Current Affairs, Educational, Hoof Boots, HoofCare | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: barefoot hoof clinic, barefoot trimming, equine nutrition, High Performance Hooves, hoof boots, Parelli Natural Horsemanship

Pat Parelli Named Humane Society Horseman of the Year

Pat Parelli has received the Human Horseman of the Year Award presented by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).  The award recognizes Parelli for his work with the HSUS through a program centered on the trainability and adoptability of rescued horses.  Keith Dane, director of equine protection for the HSUS, presented Parelli with the award during the Parelli Celebration, held recently at the Will Roggers Memorial Coliseum in Ft. Worth, TX.

"We are thrilled to have the oportunity to work with Pat Parelli to celebrate horses and help find adoptive homes for rescued horses across the country," said Dane.

Throughout 2009, the HSUS and Parelli have been traveling the country to hold Parelli Celebrations in seven different cities.  Each Celebration features an adoptable rescued horse working with Pat Parelli and his team for the three-day event, after which the horse is available for adoption.  The final 2009 U.S. Celebration will take place in Lakeland, Florida, Oct. 9-11. 

October 07, 2009 in Current Affairs, Informational Article | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: horse rescue, Humane Society of the United States, Parelli Celebration, Pat Parelli

Super Sized Burros

090831-fat-burro-hmed-8a_hmedium In Oatman, Arizona, burros wander around the town and are a major draw for the half-million tourists that visit the tiny town annually, but it is the tourists that are making the burros - chubby!  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has asked the tourists to kindly refrain from feeding carrots and other goodies to the portly beasts as reported by MSNBC recently.  The BLM is hoping that a reduction in the "all-you-can-eat" lifestyle will encourage the critters to return to their natural habitat and a healthier diet in the desert.

Jerry Love, of the Oatman Chamber of Commerce says, "It's a matter of educating the public, but it is not going to happen overnight".  The BLM's efforts include asking storeowners to stop providing treats, telling tourists not to feed the animals, and putting up signs like "Give Burros Care, Not Carrots."

Store owner Jolene Brown said the burros aren't taking kindly to their new weight-loss regimen--some of the grumpy burros kicked in the door of her shop and chewed on some of her books.  "I'm sure they can learn to forage, but people come from the entire world to feed the burros," Brown told the AP.

September 09, 2009 in Current Affairs, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: AP, AZ, BLM, burros, MSNBC, Oatman

Happy Labor Day Weekend


Laborday18


Happy Labor Day from EasyCare!  EasyCare will be closed on Monday, September 7th for the Labor Day holiday.  For all you riders needing spare parts or maybe some new Epics or Old Mac's, it is not too late to give us a call.  We do have next day shipping available for all your last minute accessory or hoof boot needs!

Happy Trails!

September 02, 2009 in Current Affairs, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: Easyboot Epic, EasyCare, hoof boot accessories, hoofboots, Old Mac's

Zebra Attacks Gorilla in Kansas?

Zebra_Mouth

A college football player in Kansas will miss this season due to injuries sustained in a zebra attack. 

Yes, Zebra attack. Kansas.

It seems that the player, Joe Windscheffel a linebacker/safety for Pittsburg State Gorillas was working at a farm near Lawrence, Kansas when he was asked to move four Zebra to another pasture, MercuryNews.com reported.

The male Zebra charged the 225-lb, 6'2" linebacker and bit his arm, dragging him until two other farmhands came to assist.  Windscheffel sustained a compound fracture. 

August 19, 2009 in Current Affairs, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: Kansas, Pittsburgh State Gorillas, zebras

Good News for Competitive Trail Riders!

The ACTHA (American Competitive Trail Horse Association)  has decided to allow hoof boots that come above the hairline on their rides!  This means riders can now use their Epics, Edges, Bares and Glove boots on these rides.  The NATRC (North American Trail Ride Conference)  still does not allow any type of protection above the hairline, but the ACTHA and a few smaller organizations are starting to allow them. 

Please check with the organization that is sanctioning your ride for the latest information.

July 22, 2009 in Barefoot Horses, Current Affairs, Easyboot Bare, Easyboot Edge, Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Glove, Informational Article | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tags: ACTHA, Easyboot Edge, Easyboot Epic, Easyboot Glove, hoofboots, NATRC, trail riders

USRider Encourages Use of Pre-Trip Checklist

USRider Encourages Use of Pre-Trip Checklist

Based on accident research, checklist helps improve safety

Lexington, KY (July 9, 2009) – After several years of analyzing accidents involving horse trailers, USRider, the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for horse owners, has developed a checklist to help equestrians avoid accidents on the road.

“We believe you can never over-prepare for a trailering trip with your horse,” said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider. “Even if you are only going to travel a short distance to a local event, an accident  – or some other emergency – could occur, leaving you stuck on the highway unexpectedly for an extended period.”

Through its Equestrian Motor Plan, USRider provides emergency roadside assistance and towing services, along with other travel-related benefits, to its Members in the lower 48 states as well as Canada and Alaska. With an annual fee comparable to that of other roadside assistance programs, USRider offers many services geared especially toward horse owners.

Working with Dr. Tomas Gimenez, retired professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson University, and Dr. Rebecca Gimenez, an animal physiologist and a primary instructor in technical large-animal emergency rescue, USRider has been gathering and analyzing data about horse trailer accidents for the last six years. From this data, Drs. Gimenez and USRider have gleaned some pertinent recommendations for preventing accidents and enhancing the safety of horses while traveling.

This information has been compiled in a handy Pre-Trip Checklist for Horse Trailers. The checklist is conveniently available to Smartphone users on USRider’s mobile website. Simply access www.usrider.org from any Smartphone and the list is handily at your fingertips to check prior to each trip.

Items to check before starting a trip include:

  • Wheel bearings (Be sure to have bearings serviced annually, or 12,000 miles, regardless of mileage due to possible moisture buildup. It’s also important to carry a spare wheel bearing set in case of premature failure.) 
  • Tires (Look for dry rot, uneven tire wear, overall tire wear and damage. Be sure to replace tires every 3-5 years regardless of mileage).
  • Tire pressure (Don’t forget to check spares and inside tire on dual wheels as well).
  • Hitch (Ensure that it is locked on the ball and that correct sized ball is being used.)
  • Safety cables/chains (Check to see that these are securely connected.)
  • Electrical connection (Make sure it’s plugged in and secured.)
  • Breakaway system (Ensure that this is connected and secured as well.)
  • Emergency battery (Check to see that it’s charged.)
  • Trailer lighting (Check lights for the brakes and turn signals, as well as running and perimeter lights).
  • Brake controller (Test to ensure that it’s working properly.)
  • Trailer (Before loading horses, check the trailer for any hazards.)
  • Horses (Don’t forget to put shipping boots and head bumpers on horses.)
  • Doors (Secure and latch all trailer doors. Place a snap hook or carabineer to prevent accidental opening.)
  • Headlights (For greater safety, drive with highlights on.) 
  • Drive safely - allow greater braking distance, and travel at generally slower speeds.

Be sure to check the contents of their equine and human first aid kits. Any depleted and out-of-date items should be replaced. A list of recommended items for first aid kits is posted on the USRider website at www.usrider.org. 

USRider advises horse owners NEVER to depend on others to hitch their trailer.

“The driver is ultimately responsible. Even if someone else actually does the hitching, the driver should always go behind them to double-check that the trailer is properly hitched.” said Cole.

“Trailers that are properly hitched do not come unhitched. It is amazing how many trailers are sitting on a ball from tongue weight alone, but the hitch mechanism is not latched, or locked on the ball. Trailer accidents where the trailer comes loose from the trailer have a high incidence of human and equine fatalities. Worst of all, these kinds of incidents are highly avoidable,” he added.

USRider also encourages horse owners to use ICE, which stands for In Case of Emergency. This initiative was designed to aid emergency responders in identifying victims and determining who needs to be notified. Implementing ICE is easy. Program your emergency contact information into your cellular phone and designate it with the acronym ICE.

Horse owners should be sure to store their emergency contact information in their tow vehicle. To facilitate this, USRider has developed an In Case of Emergency form and posted it online for horse owners to print out. Simply fill in the blanks and store the paper in the tow vehicle as well as in the trailer. Additional safety recommendations as well as a Power of Attorney form are posted on the USRider website at www.usrider.org.  

To gather further accident information, USRider is continuing the trailer accident study. USRider encourages all horse owners, trainers, emergency responders, veterinarians and others who have somehow been involved in horse trailer incidents to participate in the survey. Visit www.usrider.org to download the survey form.

The information being collected includes type of transport, type of towing vehicle, number and type of horses in transport, cause of accident, results of accident, extent of human and equine injuries, and type of personnel involved in rescue.

Designed for horse owners, USRider provides nationwide roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to its members through the Equestrian Motor Plan. For more information, visit www.usrider.org online or call (800) 844-1409.

July 10, 2009 in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: horse trailer, trip, USrider

TV Commercial with Old Mac Boots

EasyCare's Old Mac G2 boots were recently used during the filming of a TV commercial in Sydney, Australia!   The commercial was filmed at Central Station in Sydney and featured knights jousting in the Old Mac boots.

Thanks to  Michelle in Yetholme, Australia for sending the video below to EasyCare!  She said everyone is still talking about how great the boots were, they sounded fantastic on the tiled floor.


 

July 01, 2009 in Current Affairs, EasyCare, Fun, Old Mac's & OMG2's , Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tags: Australia, EasyCare, Old Mac G2, Sydney

Montana Horse Slaughter Bill Becomes Law

A measure promoting privately-owned horse processing plant development in Montana became law on Friday, May 1st, when Gov. Brian Schweitzer allowed the bill to lapse into law.

HB 418 insulates prospective plant developers from permit and licensing challenges on environmental and other grounds, and awards attorney and court fees to plaintiffs in cases that District Courts deem harassing or without merit.

The measure automatically became law after Schweitzer declined to sign or veto it 10 days after it reached his desk.

Schweitzer previously vetoed the bill, and sent an amended version back to the legislature.  But legislators returned the bill to it's original form and sent it back to Schweitzer a second time.

"The Governor made his opinion on this bill known, the legislature did the same.  No action was taken and the bill has now become law," said Schweitzer's Communications Director Sarah Elliott.

HB 418 sponsor Rep. Ed Butcher said he was not suprised Schweitzer allowed it to become law by default.

"People in rural areas really got behind this legislation.  I think this was the best move he could make considering the spot he was in," Butcher said.

May 07, 2009 in Current Affairs, Informational Article | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tags: Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Montana Horse Slaughter bill

The Equine Foot, Recession-Proof Business Strategies

The Equine Foot, Recession-Proof Business Strategies are Focus of AAEP Summer Education Meetings

The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ summer education event, Focus on the Foot and the 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar, will provide a comprehensive continuing education package for equine practitioners July 19-21 in Columbus, Ohio.

Focus on the Foot will explore the intricacies of one of the most crucial components of equine anatomy—the foot. The 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar program is designed to equip practice managers will the business skills to build a recession-proof practice.

Held concurrently at The Columbus, A Renaissance Hotel, these three-day programs feature leading experts in equine foot treatment and practice management strategies. With this two-for-one continuing education event, participants can attend sessions from both programs for one registration fee.

  

Featured topics at Focus on the Foot include:

·         Radiology and ultrasonography

·         Biomechanics of the foot

·         Medical and surgical treatment of the foot

·         Laminitis

·         Therapeutic shoeing

·         Diagnosing foot disorders

·         Etiology and treatment of club feet

·         Pain Management

Sessions during the 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar include:

·         Employee coaching

·         Managing finances

·         Client communication

·         Preserving practice value

·         Associate compensation

Focus on the Foot is sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Bayer Animal Health. The 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar is sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Boehringer Ingelheim.

Multiple registrants from a single practice can save $50 on registration.  To register for the meetings, visit www.aaep.org.  The deadline for early registration is July 6.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.


April 24, 2009 in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: American Association of Equine Practitioners, equine, recession

Welfare of the Horse is Forum Focus

 

 

AHC Issues Forum to Focus on Welfare of Horse

 

 

The American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum will focus on the “Welfare of the Horse.”  The Forum, which will feature speakers from segments of the horse community as varied as competition, sport, work and entertainment, will be held June 16, 2009 in Washington, DC as part of the AHC’s annual meeting.

The forum will focus on the many welfare and safety initiatives that various segments of the horse industry have in place or are instituting.  “This will be an opportunity for the industry to provide reports on all the safety initiatives in place and being undertaken to ‘Put the Horse First’,” said AHC president Jay Hickey.  “We must let our fans, the general public, the media, and elected officials know how important the safety and welfare of the horse is to the horse community and what the industry is doing.”

Dr. Scott Palmer, a nationally-know veterinarian and past-president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, will deliver the keynote address. Other featured speakers will be Gary Carpenter, executive director of the American Quarter Horse Foundation, Cindy Schonholtz, president of the Animal Welfare Council, and Dr. Tom Lenz, chairman of the Unwanted Horse Coalition.  Additional speakers will be announced as they are named.

The forum will also include panels on racing, showing, competition, sport, and horses used in work and entertainment.  Representatives from national organizations involved in all these activities will provide an update on their welfare activities.  “We believe that this will be the most inclusive presentation on safety and welfare ever assembled in terms of its breadth and the activities and organizations involved,” said Hickey.  The forum will not only involve racing and showing, but also veterinarians, endurance riding, sport horses, rodeo, carriage operators, horses in entertainment and work.  It will be an opportunity for attendees to learn about welfare initiatives in other segments of the horse world and how they might be adapted to their activities.    

The horse industry is a broad and diverse community; sometimes one segment is not aware of what other segments are doing.  “There is much we can learn from each other,” said Hickey. “The AHC hopes that this National Issues Forum will be an opportunity to discuss the common goal of being good stewards of the horse and facilitate our all working together to that end, regardless of our particular activity.”

More information on this Forum and the entire AHC annual meeting, including registration and hotel information, can be found on the AHC’s website, www.horsecouncil.org.

April 24, 2009 in Current Affairs, Informational Article | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Quarter Horse Foundation, Animal Welfare Council, Dr. Scott Palmer, The American Horse Council, Unwanted Horse Coalition

May 3rd Clinic - Hoof Care for Horse Owners

Horse-hoof-anatomy Susan Walker, one of our hoof care professionals in Poland, ME is hosting a "Hoof Care for Horse Owners" clinic on Sunday, May 3rd.  There are two times;  10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.  The topics covered will be routine hoof care, what a healthly hoof should look like, how to pull a shoe, how to deal with chipped/torn hoof walls and abcesses - symptoms and possible treatments.  The fee for the clinic is $20.00 per person.  For more information or to sign up, please contact Marissa Stewart at [email protected] or call 207-892-2813 ext 21.

You can find Susan Walker listed on our EasyCare Hoof Care Providers search by clicking here.

April 15, 2009 in Barefoot Horses, Current Affairs, HoofCare | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: EasyCare, hoof care professionals, hoofcare, hoofcare clinic

ABC Hoofcare Starts New Barefoot Yahoo Group

Header_C3_R1_1 ABC Hoofcare, located in Jacksonville, OR has started a new Yahoo group for learning about barefoot trimming and equine care.

The group is dedicated to the education and welfare of our barefoot equine friends.  A great resource for the professional trimmer with advanced case studies and topics, as well as the non-professional needing help in understanding the hoof.  Topics will include all barefoot trimming methods with results through humane care. 

This forum encourages open discussion for the greater good of equines.  Opposing ideas are welcomed and you should feel free to ask any question you might want help with regarding our equine friends hoof and health.  This site encourages individuals to feel safe to provide their experience or help, and share with others who will appreciate your time.

They encourage farriers, veterinarians, beginners and professionals interested in learning about hoofcare and problem solving for our equine friends.

To sign up for this great new Yahoo group click here.

February 06, 2009 in Barefoot Horses, Current Affairs, HoofCare, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: ABC Hoofcare, barefoot, barefoot trimming, hoofcare, Yahoo

One Horsepower Fiat

Pony in fiatThis week in Poland, police pulled over a driver who had stuffed a pony foal into the back of his Fiat Uno, according to an article from the Austrian Times.  The driver had purchased the foal and was transporting it to his farm, about 150 miles away!

According to the report, the driver tried to outrun the cops, but between the backseat being strapped to the roof of the car, the three men wedged into the front seat, and the 260 lb pony in the back, the poor Fiat just couldn't take it and the engine conked out.

Police fined the driver and confiscated the pony until it's owner can arrange for proper transport.

January 30, 2009 in Current Affairs, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: Austrian Times, Fiat, foal, pony

Inaugural Parade Horse Sustains Minor Injuries

Capt_7d195d118654454698360beac8d9169e_obama_inauguration_dckw119The Southern Ladies Aside team is counting itself lucky after an accident involving one of their horses and a Secret Service truck.

Mouse, an Appaloosa ridden by Deb Fuller, was just entering the parade route when an opening car door spooked him.

Instead of spinning, Mouse backed up right into a truck!  The gelding slid his hind leg between the bumper and the vehicle and was trapped.  Workmen had to take the truck apart to free him.  Veterinarians arrived on the scene immediately and sedated the horse. 

The vets were able to get Mouse in the horse ambulance and back to the equestrian center where they determined that nothing was broken although he did need a few stitches. 

(AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

January 27, 2009 in Current Affairs, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: Appaloosa, Inagural Parade, veterinarian

Your Horse Nose Best

A United States horse trainer is showing the world that scent-detecting horses Your horse nose bestcan take their place alongside dogs in search and rescue operations.

Terry Nowacki, of Minnesota, has been running courses for the last seven years showing how horses can be trained to follow scents-anything from people to narcotics.

"It works so good it is unbelievable," says Nowacki, who recently completed a course for search and rescue personnel in British Columbia, Canada.

Nowacki, a horseman with 48 years of experience, says riders generally take more training than the horses.  Horses quickly learn through reward-based training what to do, but up to 80% of the effort goes into teaching the riders.

"To the horses it is just a game," he says.  "They have known all their lives how to follow scents.  What we do  is show people how to read the signs and allow the horse to follow the scent.  The reason it hasn't caught on is that people don't understand how to read the horse correctly.  This is the whole key to it."

Nowacki says it is important to distinguish between ground scent, which the likes of bloodhounds are trained to follow, and air scent, which is the horse's forte.

"In traditional horsemanship, we make them do what we want," he says, pointing out that riders of air-scenting horses need to drop their reins and let the horse get on with the job.  "It kind of goes away from traditional horsemanship."

Horses in normal conditions have an effective scent range of up to 60m, more than enough for finding people alongside forest trails, or in long grass or brush.  The range can be nearly 400m in ideal  conditions.


January 21, 2009 in Current Affairs, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: scent-detecting horses, search and rescue, Terry Nowacki

University of Minnesota Offers Webinars for Horse Owners

Horsepicture

The University of Minnesota Horse Team will begin offering quarterly "Lunch and Learn" Webinars (Web-based seminars) on a variety of horse-related topics.  The Webinars will be held on the third Wednesday of January, April. July, and October from noon to 1:00 p.m., Central Standard Time.  There is no charge to participate in the Webinars.

The Webinars will feature University of Minnesota faculty presenting research-based information on a variety of topics including horse health, nutrition, forage utilization, manure management, and general care.  During the webinar, participants can submit questions via an online chat that presenters will address at the end of the Webinar.  The Webinars will also be archived on the University of Minnesota Horse Web site and can be viewed at any time.

The January Webinar (Jan 21) will feature Krishona Martinson, PhD, University of Minnesota equine extension specialist, presenting "Optimizing Your Hay Supply."  The April webinar (April 15) will feature Molly McCue, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, presenting "Equine Genetics."

To participate in the Webinars, participants will need an Internet connection (DSL/Cable or higher recommended; dial-up is not recommended), a supported operating system and web browser, Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher (Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher for Linux and Solaris), a sound card, and a computer with speakers to hear the audio.  Test your web browser.  If you are having difficulty, make sure the URL is correct, and make sure your mute is off and your volume is turned up.  Contact [email protected] with additional questions or problems. 

To join the Webinars, go to umconnect.umn.edu/horseWebinars  and enter as a guest.  Please login to the Webinar 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

January 19, 2009 in Current Affairs, Informational Article, Web/Tech | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: equine health, Krishona Martinson, Molly McCue, University of Minnesota, Webinar

Equine Hollywood Endings

Everyone talked about Barbaro when he was euthanized in January of 2007.   (Yes, it was two years ago this month although it seems like only yesterday.)   However only two months ago in October/November of 2008, we lost two more celebrity horses.

Hightower, (1982-2008) star of The Horse Whisperer passed away October 29, 2008.   This 26 year old died in his pasture of natural causes.   Hightower was a sorrel American Quarter horse who was bought as a ranch horse by the renowned trick trainer Rex Peterson.  Hightower made his film debut at 6yrs of age in the 1988 movie, Winter People.

You may not have known, but he played the part of a mare in Black Beauty (1994). During one scene, Hightower played the mare Ginger.  His trademark star was extended with makeup to show as a blaze for this role. Julia Roberts can be seen in the beginning of Runaway Bride galloping away from her wedding mounted on him and then he was FedExed back to New York and trailered the rest of the way to Maryland to film the closing scenes with Julia Roberts.  Other film credits include  Jill Ireland Story,  Kilrone,  Simpatico,  Elizabeth Taylor Story,  Blue Dog,  Black Stallion Adventure,  Princess Diaries II,  Amanda,  Last Best Place  and Buddy.

Anyone who wishes to share their memories and photographs of Hightower should send them to Rex Peterson ([email protected]) to be included in a book, “Hightower, One in a Million.”

Beechnut was Billy Crystal's mount in City Slickers (1991) and City Slickers 2 (1994).   Although there was no white blaze on the horse Billy Crystal rode in City Slickers 2, this was Beechnut.   His white blaze was dyed black to make it appear that Crystal was riding a different horse.

Beechnut was purchased by Billy Crystal after their first film and was rode on stage by Billy Crystal during the 1991 Academy Awards.  Beechnut was humanely euthanized on November 16, 2008.  He had an incurable infection invade his liver.  He was 28 years old.

January 16, 2009 in Current Affairs, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: Amanda, American Quarter Horse, Barbaro, Beechnut, Billy Crystal, Black Stallion Adventure, Blue Dog, Buddy, Elizabeth Taylor Story, Hightower, Jill Ireland Story, Julia Roberts, Kilrone, Last Best Place, Princess Diaries II, Rex Peterson, Runaway Bride, Simpatico, The Horse Whisperer, Winter People

MULES AND MARINES.....EVERYONE HAS A PURPOSE IN LIFE

Whether good times or bad......God's creatures, human and animal.....all have a purpose in life.

Happy Holidays to All.........The mule & the marine

December 19, 2008 in Current Affairs, Mules and Donkeys, Quotes of Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: happiness, marines, mules, soulmates

New Book - "Equus" by Tim Flach

  Tim flach                                                                                                                                                 

Tim Flach,  an award winning photographer pays homage to the diverse faces and moods of the horse in a stunning compilation of 200 full color photographs that capture the equine world from a variety of perspectives, from purebred Arabians in the Royal Yards of United Arab Emirates, the purebreds of Iceland, the zebras of Kenya, the Haflingers of Austria to a herd of wild Mustangs racing across the Utah plains.

This book is a must-have for any horse lover and would make a great Christmas gift!

December 10, 2008 in Current Affairs, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: Equus, Haflingers, horses, purebred Arabians, Tim Flach, wild Mustangs

Your help is needed to help correct the problem of unwanted horses

Calling all horse owners, equine associations, veterinarians, breeders, state and local law enforcement, rescue/retirement facilities and other facilities using horses. Please complete a survey on Unwanted Horses.

Data The American Association of Equine Practitioners defines the term "unwanted horse" as:   Horses which are no longer wanted by their current owner because they are old, injured, sick, unmanageable, fail to meet their owner's expectations, or the owner can no longer afford or is incapable of caring for them."

This is a fast growing problem with tens of thousands of unwanted, neglected and abandoned horses in the United States. No accurate figures document how many unwanted horses actually exist, their age and sex, the breeds represented, how many are purebred versus grade, their most recent use, their value or what happens to them in the long run.

This problem of unwanted horses is being studied through a nationwide initiative of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) with help from you. The survey will be helpful in filling gaps with actual data.   "A comprehensive view of the problem depends on representation from all corners of the horse industry" says Chairman of the UHC, Dr Tom Lez. President of American Horse Council, Jay Hickey, states "The downturn in the economy, rising costs of hay, the drought, the costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal, and the closing of the US's slaughter facilities have all made the problem worse".

No one knows the magnitude of this problem but the first step toward getting a solution is toSurvey gather and examine the facts. The goal of this survey is to get the input, observations, opinions and suggestions from anyone and everyone involved with horses.  The data collected will help bring awareness of the problem and detect any trends. This data may also provide solutions that could bring an end to this problem. 

Make sure you tell your friends about this survey.  Just send them a link to this blog and ask them to participate.   An independent research firm developed the questionnaire and is hosting the online survey site at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/


 

November 21, 2008 in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: AAEP, AHC, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Horse Council, survey, UHC, Unwanted Horse Coalition, unwanted horses

Gracie Looking for Honey

HoneyhorseThis young filly needed to be freed from the tree after curiosity got the better of her and she wedged her head between separate sections of the trunk.

The horse, called Gracie, was unable to free herself and could have been in danger were it not for a passer-by who was able to come to the rescue after he heard the horse whinnying.

Jason Harschbarger, a neighbor in the town of Pullman, WV, arrived at the scene which resembled the image of Winnie the Pooh getting stuck in the honey tree.  Mr. Harschbarger was  able to carefully set Gracie free by using a chainsaw to slowly cut the wood around her neck.  Fortunately for Gracie, she was able to escape her ordeal with only a few minor injuries and, according to Mr. Harschbarger, is on the road to recovery.

It remains unclear why Gracie put her head into the gap.





Honeyhorse2

November 19, 2008 in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tags: horses, Pullman, WV

Equine Affaire - W. Springfield, MA

Equine affaire   Join EasyCare at the Equine Affaire! The 11th annual Equine Affaire in the northeast is November 13th-16th at the Eastern States Exposition Center. EasyCare will be located in the Better Living Center in booth 434. The hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

Stop in our booth and say hello to Cathie and Chris, and let them know if you have any questions about any of the EasyCare product line. If you have any boot fitting questions or problems - they are there to help!

To get more information about this exciting event just click here. Hope to see you there!

November 13, 2008 in Current Affairs, EasyCare, Fun | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: EasyCare, Equine Affaire, hoofboots

"Wild Horse Annie" Inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit of the American West.

Velma B Johnston ,"Wild Horse Annie" ( March 5, 1912 -- June 27, 1977), was a tireless pioneer in establishing legislation for the protection of wild horses and burros across the United States. Her campaigns resulted in the federal legislature passing Public Law 86-234 which became known as the "Wild Horse Annie Act". This banned air and land vehicles from hunting and capturing wild horses on state land.  Her continued efforts were also instrumental in getting the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act passed through Congress which requires the protection, management, and control of wild free-roaming horses and burros on public lands.

On October 9, 2008 in Fort Worth Texas, Dawn Lappin accepted the award on Annie's behalf.  She and Annie worked together with WHOA (Wild Horse Organized Assistance).  Annie was nominated for induction into the Hall of Fame by the Mustang Heritage Foundation. The Foundation works closely with the Bureau of Land Management in promoting public understanding of and support for the purpose of the Act.   

You also can watch the movie made in 1973 "Running Wild" which had Wild Horse Annie depicting herself. 

Our horses today benefit from Wild Horse Annie's actions.  Various individuals are now studying the wild mustangs and learning from them the way nature intended our horses to be.  Without these wild mustangs we would not have the Mustang Roll, our own barefoot horse, and the natural trim.  We have even started to mimic their terrains in order to keep our barefoot horses sound.  These changes have been made by one individual who stepped up to save the "living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West." 

October 31, 2008 in Current Affairs, Informational Article | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tags: Bureau of Land Management, burro, Fort Worth, Mustang Heritage Foundation, mustangs, National Cowgirl Museum, Velma Johnston, Wild Horse Annie

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