Despite the cold, it is time to plan a new year of rid- ing adventures. That "bucket list" of that place you wanted to go, or just a get-a-way you really deserve should be on your calendar for this year. Below are some suggestions that may help you plan. (By the way, we are always looking for opportuni- ties to be your dinner speaker at your horse club, event, or just to visit with you and your local friends as we travel through your area. Email me at [email protected]if you wish for us to visit you on our travels.) First, in your travels, if you come through Virginia, you may stop over at our home and farm as our guest. That means we do not charge anything to hook-up, use stalls, and park. The only exception is if we are having a scheduled event. We are at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can ride for days. You are also welcome to ride our farm and enjoy farm life. Even if you are just traveling, it is nice to have a place to rest without fees or costs. You are our guests and we welcome you as family. Second, as you plan your travels, maybe we can help. Our website has past episodes of places we have visited so you can be familiar with what to expect (www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/ shows-by-state). We have approved places on a state by state list that you can consider (www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/riding -destinations). If you want to talk to us in person, consider dropping by our booth at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD at the Maryland World Horse Expo on January 22-24, or on Febru- ary 27 -28 at Cowboy Stadium during the "American" event, or in Virginia at the Virginia Horse Festival at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA on April 1-3. Your access to all things related to Best of America by Horseback ISSUE 60 / January 2016
Transcript
Despite the cold, it is time to plan a new year of rid-ing adventures. That "bucket list" of that place you wanted to go, or just a get-a-way you really deserve should be on your calendar for this year. Below are some suggestions that may help you plan. (By the way, we are always looking for opportuni-ties to be your dinner speaker at your horse club, event, or just to visit with you and your local friends as we travel through your area. Email me at [email protected] if you wish for us to visit you on our travels.) First, in your travels, if you come through Virginia, you may stop over at our home and farm as our guest. That means we do not charge anything to hook-up, use stalls, and park. The only exception is if we are having a scheduled event. We are at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can ride for days. You are also welcome to ride our farm and enjoy farm life. Even if you are just traveling, it is nice to have a place to rest without fees or costs. You are our guests and we welcome you as family. Second, as you plan your travels, maybe we can help. Our website has past episodes of places we have visited so you can be familiar with what to expect (www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/
shows-by-state). We have approved places on a state by state list that you can consider (www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/riding-destinations). If you want to talk to us in person, consider dropping by our booth at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD at the Maryland World Horse Expo on January 22-24, or on Febru-ary 27 -28 at Cowboy Stadium during the "American" event, or in Virginia at the Virginia Horse Festival at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA on April 1-3.
Your access to all things related to Best of America by Horseback
Finally, consider riding with us on our scheduled locations but also to come to Virginia to our home for our working farm cattle drives (each month) or perhaps the historic re-tracing of Virginia's first Governor's Knights of the Golden Horseshoe Ride. A week long event called Cowgirl Week is another great time for any gal and her horse. Life is short and unpredictable. My father worked hard and often said that "someday" he wanted to go see or vis-it some particular place. He put it off and that special trip never happened. There is never a perfect time. If I had listened to advice from folks in the past, I would still be planning my Atlantic to Pacific ride and especially my Mexico to Canada ride. Get out your calendar and choose the date to do things you wish to do while you can do them and enjoy your horse, your life and your family. As always, if I can help you, contact me directly at my personal e mail at [email protected].
Warmer days are coming, and we are on the long side of the short days. I am excited as I think about warmer weather getting closer. Our Kansas winter has been pret-ty mild for the most part, and we have had the opportuni-ty to do some riding. Ole Naked turned 11 years old this year, and it is hard to believe so much time has passed since I first saw him out in that pasture when he was just a long yearling. We have been a lot of miles together and I long for many more. This brings me to a subject I'd like to remind you of, though you already know it, it sometimes gets by us with-out notice. As our horses approach this middle range age, things begin to change. Although they are still very much in their prime, we begin to see changes in their teeth, which leads to the way they may eat, which leads to the amount of nutrition they receive, which begins to lead to their overall health breakdown. We also see the shape of the hoof sometimes change from here on out which may very well be due to joints and bone growth breaking down or wearing down depending on nutrition or wear and tear. This can begin to lead to soreness in joints and muscle or lameness in the hoof and lower extremities. While most horses don't lame up at this point, the alert I am giving is that these things have to start somewhere and by the age of 12 and up we should become diligent about watching for signs. We have such a wide variety of feeds that have been developed to care for our horses, as well as products to keep them strong and healthy for many years that we don't have to be without help in this ar-ea. We can educate ourselves tremendously and for free if we take advantage of the re-sources available to us. For instance, to mention only a few, Tom continually shares his years of knowledge of learning what works as well as bringing in folks who are specialists in certain areas. I’ll mention only two of many radio programs I know of that are designed for the equine
world. Ernie Rodina has Better Horses Radio out of right here in Kansas and Louisa Barton has The Horse Talk Show in Florida in which these seek to bring is the best and latest information on horses for our benefit. There are many more Plus publications and Television programming that are geared for exactly this. I know I am probably preaching to the choir, but learning these things helps us have better awareness of the ever-changing con-ditions of our horse friends as they age. Just as our health and body needs change as we age, so do our animals. As they can-not tell us how and where they need help, it is up to us to do this job for them. Spending time with them daily can be a good thing/bad thing as well. Seeing them daily may let us see things we need to see. It may also cause us to over-look things because we are so up-close and familiar with them. This is where vet checks come in handy, or having friends come to visit who are horse savvy. They may see something you have missed. Just a little reminder I hope helps as your horse has another birthday.
On the music scene, I am very excited to announce that I have set a contract to do a new CD. I will be recording at Revealed Studio right here in my backyard where I grew up in Chanute, KS. I am presently working on the song list I will be recording, trying to make some final selections of songs I have written with a couple I will borrow from other artist. It is quite a process working out musicians, instruments, and getting the songs mastered so when we get into the studio, we can "KNOCK THEM OUT" as they say in the music world. So during the next couple months I will be busy working on this project and I know you are going to enjoy the new music I have coming your way. Overall, I am looking forward to a very good year of traveling and entertaining. I have a number of slots open yet, so if you know of an event or venue you would like to see me per-form at, please feel free to contact me about them. Tom has some GREAT events lined up for this year as well and I hope to see you at some of these. Make sure to set your travel plans to be with us. We love seeing you and riding with you. And you know, we always have fun.... Along with the music CD, it is my desire, The Lord Willing, to also put out a poetry CD this year. Hopefully, I will have more of my music and Poetry being played on the Radio this year than ever before.
I want to wish each and every one of you a very Blessed 2016. I pray for your health, your joy and prosperity, but most of all your walk with God from Whom all blessings come. Ride Hard! Be safe! Live! Laugh! Love! And....
ALWAYS RIDE THE HIGH TRIAL,
Del
Visit Del’s website to see his tour schedule or to purchase his CDs:
delshieldsmusic.com
LIKE Del on Facebook
Del Shields
If you have suggestions for Del about where you would like to see him perform,
Does your horse want to be with you? This is a new year, and an opportunity to make some changes for the better. As we spend time with our horses, we should always try to be better for them. As we do this, they can be better. If things are not going the way you want, step back and ask yourself if you are pre-senting something the horse would be willing to follow. Do not get upset if they don't, make a change in yourself. The only thing we can control is ourselves, and make changes to al-low the horse to willingly change. If you have a realistic expectation, present yourself as someone they would want to be with, the relation-ship can grow. The more this is practiced, the stronger the bond, and unity is achieved. Just remember to be consistent in what works and change what does not, be positive, create draw, and allow the time it takes to build the leadership role. This will help the horse under-stand that you care, and you will see that they want to be with you. Training tip for January: before each training session always clear your mind, have a realistic expectation, and present yourself as someone the horse would want to be with. This takes time and practice; you have a whole year. Get out there and be the leader your horse deserves! Happy New Year, Love to all,
Winter months tend to bring a lot of time out of the saddle due to weather and temperature factors. But we still want to be at the barn and with our horses. What is a great way to do that? Well, let’s do Spring Cleaning now, so when the warm Spring weather shows up, we can go out and ride. Here are some tips to help you knock out your cleaning: Go through your medicines, salves, and ointments. If they are expired - toss them. Or if
the weather has affect them (high temps or freezing has discolored) - check with your vet or the company to make sure they are still good and potent.
Spurr’s Big Fix is a great way to have one bottle that takes care of lots of differ-ent issues such as hoof problems, skin issues, and wound care.
This is a great time to make a first aid kit for traveling and riding. Or take the hard work out of creating a kit and let EquiMedic USA, Inc. help you be pre-pared if an injury occurs with one of their first aid kits designed for horses.
Clean your saddle pads and blankets. CSI Saddle Pads are reversible and can be easily cleaned. Whether you have a CSI Saddle Pad or not, their cleaning tips may be helpful to you to clean your saddle pad. csipads.com/care-and-cleaning
Check all of your tack for defects or possible issues that may occur in the future. Now is a great time to go through everything. If you need to replace or fix an item, you are not missing out on riding time as it is most likely too cold or bad weather.
While are you checking all of your tack for defects, you might as well clean it while you have it out. It is so important to clean your tack. Leather needs to be nourished and cleaned to maintain its in-tegrity and to help it last. If you haven’t cleaned or oiled your leather recently, it’s a great project to do while you are in a blizzard or if it plans to rain a few days in a row.
Now that you have taken apart your tack room and/or trailer, you need to organize it and put it back together that will work for you. Keep things you use frequently close to where you use it or in the front of a shelf Do you hang your bridle on a bridle hook? If not, you may want to switch it to one. Bridles will last
longer if they are hung on bridle hooks because the leather doesn’t flex as much as when it hangs on a nail or hook. Or use a Saddle Pal to keep your bridle and reins neatly together. Hang the clip on the nail and when you are ready to tack up, just grab the Saddle Pal with the bridle. No need to worry about if you grabbed the reins in your hands too or if they are dragging behind you.
Where are your lead ropes kept? Are they easy to access but more importantly are they easy to use quickly if you need to grab it and run? Saddle Pal might have been made for the saddle, but it can be a great way to organize lead ropes in the tack room or trailer. Those nails or hooks that you hung your bri-dles on would be a great place to hang up lead ropes that are neatly placed in the Saddle Pal.
Hopefully these tips will inspire you to do your Spring Cleaning now, so when its warm to ride, you can enjoy the ride.
Travelers can Practice Healthy Lifestyles or Explore New Ones at DRA Member Ranches By: Colleen Hodson
Travelers can Practice Healthy Lifestyles or Explore New Ones at DRA Member Ranches Travelers committed to practicing their own version of a healthy lifestyle can do so at a number of traditional West-ern dude ranches. Many ranches cater to modern guests with spa services and treatments, yet some are going fur-ther by adopting holistic menu plans or adding spiritual elements to their activity menus. Guests can find a ranch compatible with their own lifestyle through The Dude Rancher’s Association, or DRA.
The organization provides details of each of its’ more than 100 members in the Western US and Canada, details like those associated with The Echo Valley Ranch & Spa in British Columbia’s spectacu-lar Cariboo Country where healthy living is the man-tra. Ingredients used by the Executive Master Chef are hand-picked. Mushrooms, local berries and veg-etables from the organic garden go into every dish. The entire staff follows a diet based on particular blood types outlined in a popular book authored by a renowned physician. Guests detoxify and decom-press with Thai massages and the ancient Thai art of Ruesri-dat-ton, similar to yoga but considered gentler and so easily adapted by individuals of any fitness level.
At one stateside ranch even the horses get into the act. “Equestrian Yoga for Women Only” fills up quickly at The Home Ranch in Clark, Colorado. Participants are instructed in hatha yoga breathing and postures that address the specific physical needs of riders. The intent is for guests to achieve more balance and better communication with her mount. The result, according to ranch literature is a “deeper level of trust between horse and rider. At Bonanza Creek we are taking it a step further to experience a different kind of relationship with a horse; about empowering yourself, about wanting more out of life. If you are a horsewoman, you are surely aware of how horses can know you so well without you ever uttering a word. Your be-havior, energy, intent, touch, soul. . . . All are read continually by the horse. That level of sensitivity and knowledge makes horses excellent partners for self-exploration. Supported by coaches, hors-es, beautiful country, and new friends, you’ll have an experience that may change your life.
To find a ranch where one can engage in a preferred fitness routine, or explore new practices for a healthy lifestyle, consult the DRA website or request a de-tailed catalog of member ranches. The DRA has set the standards for a quality dude ranch vacation since 1926.
To find your perfect ranch or learn more about what it takes to be a
Dude Ranchers’ Association Member, visit their website:
Deciding on Planning a Trip? State Parks can be a great get-a-way, whether its your state or a different state. When looking at new places to visit, consider some of these places in Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, and Alabama. In Louisiana, Sharon Stroud Broussard of the Louisiana State Parks suggested several plac-es and said there are no plans to close any state park. www.crt.state.la.us
Bogue Chitto State Park (985-839-5707) - A 14-mile trail winds through some of the most interesting topography of southern Louisiana, with gul-lies and bluffs hosting a variety of wildlife to encounter. The trailhead is located near Fricke's Cave, just inside the park. Bogue Chitto State Park is located off Hwy. 25, about 5 miles south of Franklinton. Chemin-A-Haut State Park (318-283-0812) - Located 10 miles north of Bastrop in Morehouse Parish, this park has an eight-mile equestrian trail loop. Beginning at the campground where riders can overnight with their horses, the trail goes through a mixed pine and hardwood forest, bottom-land cypress flats and along Chemin-A-Haut creek.
Hodges Gardens State Park (318-586-4020) - The White Horse and South Lake Trails, to-
taling about 15 miles, are open to the public while the rest of the trails are closed due to their proximity to the Foundation timber farming areas. The corral at the former land-ing strip area is still available, and overnight unimproved campsites are available. Hodges Gardens State Park is located about 25 miles north of Leesville
Lake Bistineau State Park (318-745-3503) - On the recently-opened equestrian trail at
Lake Bistineau State Park, a variety of wildlife can be seen as the trail winds 6.5 miles through pine and hard wood forests and along Bistineau Lake. The relatively flat terrain allows for a relaxed, comfortable ride. Stalls, a paddock and corral are provided free of charge to accommodate horses overnight. Lake Bistineau State Park is located 40 minutes southeast of Shreveport in Webster Parish.
In Minnesota, Andrew Korsberg of the Minnesota State Parks shared the detailed website that Minnesota State Parks has created for trail riders to enjoy the State lands by horseback. www.dnr.state.mn.us/horseback riding/index
See our online Shop at www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com
Coffee Mug
In Missouri, Steph Deidrick of the Missouri State parks has a brochure of a comprehensive list of agency-managed horse back tours for you to consid-er. Try looking at www.mostateparks.com/sites/default/files/Equestrian%20Brochure.pdf
In Alabama, Kevin Jones of the State Park system has these recommendations for you to consider. (copy and paste from below)
Bucks Pocket State Park – Portion of the parks are closed, but the trails are still accessible. All the trails are also available to horseback riders. This park is not set up for and does not have the horse facilities of the parks below. Lake Guntersville State Park - will be improving their existing trails in the future but are still accessible
Oak Mountain State Park - Coming Soon! - A roof will soon be installed over the stalls, thanks to a grant awarded to the Central Alabama Chapter of the Backcountry Horse-men of America. Watch a video about riding at Oak Mountain State Park.
Paul Grist State Park – This park has been transitioned to a County park, where we still own but they operate and maintain.
Wind Creek State Park Of course, visit our website for places on a state by state list (www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/riding-destinations) or see videos of places we have produced shows (www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/shows-by-state).
