Image borrowed from http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/0701cast.shtml

I recently received my latest issue of the Appaloosa Journal.  As I was perusing the pages, I came across a great little article on aiding a horse that is cast.   A horse becomes cast when he lays too close to a wall or other solid object and is unable to rise or roll over.  If you’ve dealt with horses much, you have likely encountered this scenario already.  If you haven’t, you will surely come across it at some point.  Most likely late at night when you are alone and have no help, if history holds true!  Even if you’ve dealt with a cast horse before, a little refresher is always in order.  So here it is, as referenced from the September 2009 issue of the App Journal, written by Michelle Anderson.

“Help a Cast Horse”

• Resist the Urge to Panic – Stay calm and relaxed and reassure your horse with soothing tones and unhurried movements
• Protect Yourself – Your safety is paramount!  Stay away from legs that may flail once he’s released.  Be sure you work from the horse’s back, keeping a safe distance from legs and hooves.
• Assess the Situation – Determine exactly how your horse is stuck and the best way to free him.  If it’s possible to remove panels or objects to enable him to rise, try that first.
• Protect his Eyes – Cast horses often toss their heads around in an effort to gain enough momentum to rise.  In the process wood shavings, dirt, or other foreign objects can injure your horse’s eyes.  Place a towel beneath his head to protect him as much as possible.
• Use Ropes to Move or Flip the Horse – Don’t tie ropes, simply loop them around your horse’s legs and chest.  Don’t ever pull on the horse’s halter or on just one leg.  Be sure to loop the rope around both front or rear legs so you don’t injure the horse.  As soon as the horse is free, release the ropes to avoid entanglement.  You’ll probably need help if it’s available.  If not, sometimes the added leverage of the rope is enough to help the horse rise.  Either try to flip the horse over or pull him away from the solid surface.  Be light on your feet – as soon as the horse is clear, he’ll jump up very quickly.
• Check the Horse for Injury – The horse may be scratched, swollen, punctured, or injured in some other way.  Carefully check him over and be sure he’s moving freely.

The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasureable, and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back.

Since I have begun this journey into the world of online horse blogs, I have enjoyed perusing the sites of many horsey writers.  It is amazing how much great  information is available and how many wonderful people are doing the very same thing that I have come to love so much!  In my travels through the World Wide Web, I recently came across a website that I felt compelled to pass along.  Sarah Andrews has a riding journal blog in which she posts details about her training sessions with her horses, titled Rock and Racehorses:  The Blog.  I have really enjoyed following her riding pursuits and have even picked up a few exercises to try with Tiny.  But the real reason I bring up this site is the photography.  Her photos are what drew me in to her site and they are what have captivated me since.  Upon reading her bio, I discovered that Sarah is a professional photographer of horses and rock concerts.  Well, no kidding!! She has a phenomenal eye and the ability to capture the most intriguing photos.  I have since visited her photography website (I’m not stalking her, I promise! It’s listed in her bio!), Rock and Racehorses and her Flickr photostream.  My favorite photos are here and here.  Although there are so many fantastic ones, it would be hard to choose only one favorite.  I desperately wanted to post some of her photos here to give you a taste, but I haven’t been able to receive permission so you’ll just have to check out the sites for yourself.  Even if you’re not a horse person, you WILL appreciate the beauty in these shots.  I promise. 

Image courtesy of Scott Robinson

First off, I’d like to say a GREAT BIG  “THANKS!!!” to Mugwump Chronicles for reprinting my post on the history of the Appaloosa horse.  Welcome to all of Mugwump’s readers and thanks for all the comments that were posted regarding my article.  I had no idea that there were so many Appaloosa lovers on this scene – it’s nice to see my favorite breed well represented.  Please check out Mugwump Chronicles, if you haven’t already.  It’s a great source of training tips and information. 

One of the comments that was left on Mugwump’s site regarding my post was very intriguing.  Justaplainsam included a link to a site about a registered Quarter Horse stallion that has an Appaloosa blanket!  What?!?!?  It’s true – Reminic in Spots is a fully registered Quarter Horse stallion that has been parentage verified.  There is no question that this handsome fellow is all AQHA.  This discovery shocked and fascinated me.  I’d never heard of this happening before, so I started looking into it to see what might cause such an anomaly.  The information I found surprised me.

Reminic In Spots, Courtesy of YOR Appaloosa

When I started researching this topic I quickly came across the term “cropout.”  This term refers to a horse born to solid parents in a breed that typically does not exhibit excessive white or coat patterns, such as the Quarter Horse.  The cropout horse may have Appaloosa type coloring or Paint type coloring.  It is caused when one or both parents -although potentially solid colored – contributes a gene for color.  For those of us (like me!) that need a refresher on our genetics knowledge, an Appaloosa coat pattern will be expressed in offspring if the offspring has at least one dominant color gene from at least one parent.  Make sense?  In the case of Reminic, at least one of his parents must have had a color gene which was passed on to him.  Ba-da-bing – out pops a colored QH colt!  Surprise!  However shocking this may be, the information I discovered next was even more so.  Back in the day of the newly formed American Quarter Horse Association, these spotted foals occurred but could not be registered and were commonly sold as grade horses.  The Appaloosa Horse Club and American Paint Horse Association, which were also newly forming, began to allow these “undesireable” Quarter Horses to register with the breed association that they most closely represented.  As a result, some of the most highly influential Appaloosa sires in the history of the breed are actually spotted Quarter Horses born of two QH parents.  The list includes Colida, Joker B., Bright Eyes Brother, and Wapiti.  While these horses’ colorations were a surprise, and often a disappointment to their breeders, it is no mystery how they came to have color. 

Image courtesy of bankerssilvermoon, Flickr

Appaloosa spots are controlled by the Leopard complex, or Lp gene.  This gene produces different visual characteristics depending on the number and type of gene copies a horse has, ranging from striped hooves to full leopard spots.  The Leopard complex is complicated and well beyond the scope of this article, but further information can be found through The Appaloosa Project, a genetic study being undertaken to uncover the mysteries of the many Appaloosa coat patterns.  The important thing to remember is that not all horses with the Lp gene are loudly colored – sometimes they are solid with some mottling, sometimes they are a Varnish roan (easily confused with a true roan, which is allowable in the AQHA registry).  Varnish roans tend to continue roaning over time, often until they are nearly white.  It is entirely feasible that these subtly marked horses were registered as Quarter Horses as youngsters and went on to contribute their Lp gene to the gene pool, only to have it emerge generations later in a situation like Reminic’s.  In fact, many of these horses can be traced back to the breeding program of Coke Roberds, a Quarter Horse breeder who had a number of roan horses.  This article on Wapiti gives a thorough background on the breeding program of Coke Roberds.

Now that DNA testing and parentage verification are so readily available, horses like Reminic are able to register as fully papered Quarter Horses.  This discovery does inject a great deal of spark into the already hot topic of acceptable Appaloosa characteristics and registration.  It is also interesting to note that the ApHC has headed off any potential competition from colored QH stallions by disallowing breedings to any QH stallion exhibiting excessive white or undesireable QH traits (ApHC Handbook, Rule 204.B.2.a.1).  Hmmmmm…. kind of interesting, considering that those spots originated from some of our foundation stock years and years ago. 

Image courtesy of bankerssilvermoon, Flickr

Addressing the Great “Spur Stop” Debate

Imagine yourself in the arena, loping softly down the rail.  The announcer calls for the walk, and you……press your heels into your horse’s sides?  Thus begins the Great “Spur Stop” Debate.  The spur stop is a training technique that is commonly used in stock horse breeds and especially western pleasure events.  This technique allows the rider to bring the horse to a halt using only the rider’s spurs or heels.  Spurs are not necessary to perform this technique, although riders at this advanced level often use them. 

The most common misconception about using a spur stop is that it confuses the horse, as leg cues are used to encourage forward movement.  However, this idea is not entirely accurate, at least not in this context.  Riders use their legs to establish forward movement, yes, but seat and body position are also important.  And don’t forget that you should be able to control your horse’s lateral (sideways) movement with your legs as well.  Different cues mean different things and a highly trained horse can distinguish whether a cue indicates to move forward, move over, or stop.  Falsely believing that legs mean to go forward and hands mean to stop is where a lot of riders get into trouble. 

It is important to remember that essentially all movements that the horse performs require impulsion - defined as a driving force that provides forward motion.  Wait!  Forward motion?  At the stop? Yes, in a manner of speaking.  Think about it like this:  what happens when you pull back on your horse’s face (without applying leg aids)?  Chances are, he raises his head, hollows his back, and stiffens.  Keeping your legs on him when you pull back keeps him driving forward into the bit and staying soft and round.  The spur stop is merely an advancement of this technique, in that the hand motion is eliminated and the horse is taught to soften, round, and slow or stop using leg aids.  If you would like to see an example of a highly trained  horse that responds to seat and leg cues, check out this video.  The entire video is shot bridleless and demonstrates the spur stop a couple of times.

In recent years the spur stop has incited controversy, largely due to its misuse as a shortcut in western pleasure training.  Western pleasure, in my opinion, has devolved into an event that is more about strategy and slowness than about showcasing a smooth, relaxed, pleasurable horse.  As as result, some trainers have increasingly developed tools to give them an edge in the show ring.  The spur stop fits the bill – the perfect way to slow or stop your horse without using your hands (which is often impossible due to the ridiculously long rein length that horses are often shown with).  Riders will sometimes lope while using the spur stop at each stride to keep the horse extremely slow.  Opponents of the spur stop frequently refer to it as “riding the brake” in a western pleasure class as it results in a jerky, halting lope.  Recently some trainers (like western pleasure legend Cleve Wells) and judges have spoken out against misuse of the spur stop.  Organizations like the AQHA have come together to penalize undesireable traits of the western pleasure lope – at the top of the list?  The spur stop.  This policy has trickled down to other breeds and now the ApHC specifies in western pleasure classes to “lope with forward motion” in an attempt to eliminate the misuse of the technique. 

Critics claim that a horse with a spur stop will be a one-trick pony, and that serious injury could result to riders that attempt to ride a horse with a spur stop over jumps or in a barrel race.  This idea is ludicrous to me.  This training technique is advanced and generally speaking, only top level horses would be trained in this manner.  While versatility is great, the reality is that there are very VERY few top level western pleasure horses that also compete in barrel racing or over fences.  In fact, I can’t think of any.  I rode a horse with a spur stop for years and I did all-around events.  The spur stop, when used properly, is extremely useful in pattern classes and trail, as well as western pleasure.  When you are in a class of 50 National caliber trail horses and you can lope your horse into a 12 foot box and stop using only your seat and legs, you score big points.  Additionally, my horse was trained to drop his head with a particular type of leg pressure.  That was a handy technique if his attention was caught by something while we were waiting for our turn to ride a pattern, or when we approached a trail obstacle that he wasn’t paying attention to. 

My opinion?  I think there is a place in the show ring for the spur stop if it is used properly.  I completely disagree with the idea of riding a western pleasure class with your leg dug into your horse’s side so he doesn’t run off with you.  But I do think that having that round, square stop achieved so effortlessly (at least from an observer’s point of view) adds a level of pizzazz to a performance and might score you a second look with the judges.  Just for the record, I have shown many horses that were not spur stop trained, and I did equally well with each of them.  One of them was even a western pleasure horse! 

What is your stand on this topic?  Ever ridden a horse with a spur stop?  Let me know what you think!

Thus far, 2009 has been a year of change for me.  The most recent development in my life has been a move from the woodsy, rural, small town feel of Geneva to a more suburban location.  While I will have a shorter commute to work and more access to conveniences, I will miss the sound of frogs at night and the wide open spaces.  As I have gone through the process of packing and moving, of course I began to think about horses!  Luckily for me, Tiny is staying at her current home in Geneva so I haven’t had to worry about finding a new place for her.  But I started thinking about when I moved Tiny to the area in 2006 and how difficult it was to find a great place to board.  Everyone has their own “ideal horse home,” but here are my tips for finding a suitable place for your horse to reside.

• To Stall or Not to Stall

First, you must decide if you want full/partial board or pasture turnout.  Facilities have different protocols for each, but generally pasture board is cheaper and you are more involved in your horse’s care.

• Fence Matters!

Check the property’s fencing in its entirety.  Make sure it is strong and appropriate for your horse and be sure you are comfortable with the materials used.  I do not recommend barb wire fencing for horses as I have seen numerous injuries as a result of it.  Other options are 3- or 4- board wood, pipe, vinyl coated wire, wire mesh, and others.  Some farms include a hot wire to discourage horses from disturbing fences.  Be sure that whatever material you choose, it is strong, well maintained, and safe for horses.

• Room to Roam

How much acreage does the property have?  And do they actually use it?  It may be hard to believe, but here in Central Florida it’s not uncommon to find gorgeous, lush pastures then find out that the barn owners do not regularly turn horses out on them!  On the other hand, you don’t want your horse to be standing in a tiny, dirt paddock for 12 hours a day either.  Good pastures require maintenance and financial investment.  If the farm you are contemplating won’t turn horses out on their fields because they can’t afford to reseed or fertilize regularly, it might not be the place for you or your horse.  You also need to question how often and how long horses are turned out – do they spend an hour on grass every day or are they out all day or all night?  Be sure you approve of the routine.

• Personal versus Professional

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?  Do you or your children compete or want to be in a show barn with others like you?  Do you like your riding time to be social and group oriented or meditative and solitary?  I have found two types of facilities to board at:  a professional boarding facility (which often doubles as a show/lesson barn) and a private barn with stalls for rent.  I have boarded at both and while I have been happy with both places, my personal preference is a smaller barn that is privately owned.  I find that with large show barns, it’s more of a job for them.  Little extras that you may want for your horse, like supplements or blanketing, are often additionally charged.  They often hire out employees to muck stalls and may not have as much direct contact with your horse to keep an eye on things.  There are often more rules and restrictions and less room for flexibility for your horse’s needs.  For many people, these facilities are fantastic, especially if you’re new to the scene.  However, I much prefer the individualized care and personal relationship my horse and I have at our small, family owned barn. 

• How Much Work do You Wanna do?

Do you want full board or partial board?  Some places may not give you a choice, so this may be a factor in selecting a barn.  Partial board will be cheaper, but you will be more involved in your horse’s care.  Keep in mind that there are generally rules regarding the care of your horse (ie. the stall must be cleaned daily or it will be done and you will be charged for it), and you are typically required to feed once per day.  Does this fit into your schedule?  It is tempting to save some money by choosing this route, but be prepared to commit to the care of your horse.  He won’t understand if you show up 4 hours late to feed him because you went to dinner and a movie on Friday night – and he’ll be even less pleased when he watches his neighbors being fed by their owners!

• Is Your Horse a Social Butterfly?

This has always been the Achilles heel of my boarding barn search.  Admittedly, I am a bit paranoid about turnout practices after my family lost our very first horse to a turnout injury.  However, all horse owners need to consider the turnout routine at the barn they visit.  Some barns will turn all their mares out together and do the same with their geldings.  Some only do individual turnout.  Know your horse and what makes him happiest and be sure that his needs can be accomodated.  Even if you have a sociable, friendly horse be aware of how many animals are turned out together and the pasture size they use.  The best tempered animals can get into scuffles if they are crammed into small spaces or competing for resources.  And sometimes, certain personalities just don’t mix.  What is the contingency plan if this occurs?

• What’s Your Style?

What is your preferred style of riding?  Do you jump?  Barrel race?  Trail ride?  Discuss your preferences with the barn manager and be sure that your riding style is encouraged at the facility.  I found it difficult to locate a barn that would allow me to set up barrels and poles for Tiny, so that was a big factor in my decision on where to board.  Do you need a riding arena?  Do you need lights for riding at night?  Do you want access to trails without having to trailer off property?  Think about your plans for your horse and what your requirements are to meet your goals.

• What is the Small Print?

Communicate with the barn manager to determine their expectations of their boarders.  Is there a grace period for late payments?  Who deals with the farrier and the vet?   What are their worming and vaccination requirements?  What are the barn rules and what is the penalty for not following them?  What happens if your horse breaks a fence?  Do they have any duties that you are responsible for?  I know of several barns that require their boarders to muck out the pastures weekly.  Is that something you are willing to do?  Before committing, make sure you understand what is required of you.

• Legal Issues

 Although no one wants to think negative thoughts, in the horse world you must be prepared for the worst.  When you board a horse, you are entrusting the care of your animal to someone else and relying on them to practice good horse sense.  Know your legal rights and responsibilities before signing a lease (and SIGN A LEASE!!!! Don’t ever leave your horse anywhere without a legal document in place – even if it’s a friend you’re dealing with).  You should know who is liable if someone is injured by your horse, or if your horse is injured as the result of negligence. 

Finding a home for your horse can be a fun and rewarding experience!  Before you set out, write down your needs and wants and have lots of questions prepared to ask.  A good way to find reliable places is to ask around – the vet and farrier deal with different farms every day and may have a recommendation for you.  Drive around if you live in a horsey area.  Check tack stores, online ads, or local horse circulars for ads.  But most of all, do your research!  Plan your move well and be informed and prepared and you will likely have a much better experience.  Happy moving!

As the 4th of July approaches, what do you suppose an Appaloosa lover thinks of?  Fireworks?  Nope!  American flags?  Uh uh…. Small town parades?  No way, man!  Give up?  ……..

The National Appaloosa Horse Show and World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show, of course!  For those of us that grew up in the world of Apps, Independence Day is celebrated each year among friends and competitors in towns far from home.  For many years in my family, fireworks were enjoyed after a long day’s competition, training and prep for the next day’s events, and maybe a quick shower.  If we could stay awake long enough, we’d head out to the parking lots outside the barns and watch the spectacle light up the skies of Oklahoma City or Columbus, depending on which city we were in that particular year. 

Now that I’m no longer competing at the National level, this time of year finds me glued to my computer like an addict, consulting the scheduled events and the webcam daily to see what I’m missing each day.  The ApHC website is a wealth of information on the National events.  One can watch the events live on the webcam, check the results of previous events and award standings, and even see photos of the class winners!  In fact, if you’re looking for a particular competitor, you can even see the class order of go online.  On that note, I’d like to give a big”Woot Woot!!” to Vickie Wharram and Holy Moly MMR for their win in Masters Showmanship and their 4th place finish in Limited Showmanship!!!  Congrats!  For those who may not have read the “Meet the Herd” page yet, Moe is one of my former mounts who is now living it up in Texas!  It is so rewarding to see that he is still kicking butt in the show ring.

As we approach this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, let’s consider how lucky we are to have our freedoms and the ability to ride and travel with our wonderful horses!  Happy Fourth to everyone!

By 9 30 am it was already hot in Tampa.  Glistening horses stood crowded together in the shade, their tails gently swishing in a sort of rhythm.  Trainers and grooms hustled from barn to arena, loaded with grooming supplies, fly spray, and tack.  Riders clustered in small groups defined by team, easily identified by their matching t-shirts and the logos on their saddlepads.  The arena rail was lined with spectators.  The intercom crackled with static and occasionally burst into life with the results of the previous event.  At first glance the scene looked much the same as it would at any horse show.  However, this event was very different.  It was the Special Olympics Florida State Competition.  These riders had qualified to compete at this event as a result of their placement at regional competitions, and had overcome physical and mental disabilities to do so. 

written by Michelle DiPiazza

“From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”  These words, spoken by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce people, marked the end of the 1877 Nez Perce war and the demise of the carefully bred spotted horses the Nez Perces rode.  After Chief Joseph’s surrender, those hardy horses were seized by the U.S. Calvary and either traded or shot.

The Nez Perce were one of the first groups to practice selective horse breeding.  They carefully chose the stock that would reproduce and either traded or gelded inferior animals.  Eventually, they developed a horse that was known for its hardiness, versatility, agility, and striking beauty.  After the war, the confiscated horses were carelessly interbred with horses of varying quality, and the spotted “Palouse” horse was almost lost.  In 1938, the Appaloosa Horse Club was formed and has since organized the redevelopment of the breed. 

The modern Appaloosa has been outcrossed over recent generations to enhance various attributes of the breed.  Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, in particular, have contributed to the current style of Appaloosas used in competition.  While the outcrosses have increased the average size and refinement of the horse, they have resulted in fewer horses with the color patterns so closely associated with the breed.  Changes to registration requirements in recent years have encouraged more frequent Appaloosa to Appaloosa breeding, and the obvious Appaloosa characteristics have become more apparent at horse shows once again.

  What are the typical Appaloosa characteristics?  Well, the most obvious is the colorful coat patterns that many Appaloosas sport.  A wide range of base colors is acceptable, from white to grulla to black and everything in between.  Coat patterns vary from roan (white hairs interspersed throughout the coat) to the classic blanket pattern or the easily recognizable leopard.  Appaloosas also have less obvious characteristics.  Mottled skin around the muzzle and genitals, white sclera around the eyes, and striped hooves are often found on Apps of any coloration.  Many people aren’t aware that solid colored Appaloosas can also be registered and shown.

Throughout the history of the breed, Apps have retained their versatility and are widely used for a variety of careers.  They excel in the show ring, performing in events such as hunter under saddle, barrel racing, jumping, western pleasure, and cutting.  Appaloosas consistently hold their own in all-breed pleasure shows such as Just for Pleasure, the Reichert Celebration, and the Tom Powers futurities.  Several Appaloosas have successfully competed in high level dressage and horse racing.  They are known as being sure-footed trail mounts and sensible parade horses and are gentle enough for family horses.

The Appaloosa Horse Club and Appaloosa owners in general have a certain degree of pride for their horses’ colorful past.  Every year, riders and their Appaloosas retrace a section of the path that Chief Joseph and his people followed on their attempt to reach Canada before being captured.  This historic ride holds a powerful spot in the hearts of those who complete it.  The history of the Appaloosa is also honored in the show ring with classes such as heritage, which includes native dress and a written historical summary of the pieces worn by horse and rider.  Even the gaming classes give a nod to the ancestors, with the Camas Prairie Stump Race (barrels) and Nez Perce Stake Race (poles) being run horse against horse at breed specific shows.

All in all, the Appaloosa is a fantastic all-around horse.  Their gentle, easy going nature, versatility and hardiness, rich history, and unique appearance make this breed an easy choice for many horse owners.  If you haven’t experienced an App and you “spot” one, check it out!  You won’t be sorry!