horse around new mexico july/august 2014

New MexicoJuly / August 2014

FREE

Special Travel Section • Events Calendar • Trainer Directory

Horse or Harley?Th e Biker & the Equestrienne

Trainers' Rally for RescuesWho will take the prize?

...plus lots more!

Horseback Adventures in Norway, Spain...and beyond

06 06 06 0606060606060606060606060606• Building Barns for over thirty years• Commercial training facilities, Breeding

facilities, Boarding facilities and personal barns• One stall or hundreds• Mare motels to fully customized show barns• High quality corral panels with or without

Welded Wire Mesh• Round Pens• Design assistance and/or complete

construction services

For more information, contact: Pine River Construction CompanyAuthorized DealerLicensed, Bonded & Insured NM General Contractor

866-869-8001(toll free) [email protected]

www.fcpbuildings.com

Many options, almost limitless

possibilites! MADE IN USA

16 28

22 13

06 Special Section: Travel

20 Events Calendar July & August

24 DirectoryTrainers, Clubs and Associations

25 From the Horse's MouthHumor from Lynne Maguire

30 The Tail End photo by Ozana Sturgeon

• Building Barns for over thirty years• Commercial training facilities, Breeding

facilities, Boarding facilities and personal barns• One stall or hundreds• Mare motels to fully customized show barns• High quality corral panels with or without

Welded Wire Mesh• Round Pens• Design assistance and/or complete

construction services

For more information, contact: Pine River Construction CompanyAuthorized DealerLicensed, Bonded & Insured NM General Contractor

866-869-8001(toll free) [email protected]

www.fcpbuildings.com

Many options, almost limitless

possibilites! MADE IN USA

PLUS:

All the opinions expressed herein are the sole opinions of the writer and do not necessarily refl ect bias or belief on the part of the editor, publisher, distributors,

printer or other contributors.

See our web site for submission standardswww.horsearoundnm.com

Submissions are Welcome

06 Norway: Horse Heaven A native New Mexican moves northward

10 Travel Journal Horseback in Cape Cod, Spain and Africa

13 Place Your BetsTh e Gimme Shelter Rally for Rescues

16 Horse, or Harley? Biker Chick & Dressage Queen: BFFs. 4-ever?

22 Shoo Fly! Free Yourself of Winged Pests

28 Lessons Learned ...From a Life's End - Hard Truths about Euthanasia

ARTICLES:

For horse lovers, travel is rarely as simple as throwing a change of clothes in a backpack and catching a train, but that doesn't mean we don't get the itch. From the hour-or-two trailer ride to a show or clinic, to the days-long ride out into the wilderness, horse lovers are on the move throughout New Mexico and beyond. We've dedicated our summer issue to travelers -armchair and otherwise - with an equestrian twist. A peek into Holly Casman's travel journal gives the rest of us a taste of her far-fl ung adventures; and we've put together a special travel section with resources for those intrepid folks interested in continuing their journeys here in New Mexico. Our old friend Jennifer Strand writes from Norway, where unrestricted opportunites for horsin' around are many. Closer to home, Cecilia Kayano caught up with nine NM trainers, all vying for the top spot in the Gimme Shelter Trainers' Rally for Rescues competition to take place on July 26th in Santa Fe. Vikki Chavez details strategies to handle those winged pests who follow us wherever we go; while Peggy Conger's essay on the end of the life for horses, and how their people can help or hinder that inevitable process, brings home the truth about another kind of travel altogether.Ever wonder what's going in in the heads of the motorcycle riders you see while you're out for a nice, quiet Sunday ride? Well, they've got their reasons - a few of which Kimberly McClintock points out in her essay on a couple of best friends who have diff erent ideas about "riding". Can the Biker Chick and the Dressage Queen fi nd common ground? May all your rides be safe ones! -Karen

Editor

Publisher

Cover Design

Cover Image

Contributing Writers

Staff Writers &Photographers

Graphic Designer

Advertising & Sales

Subscriptions

KAREN LEHMANN

HORSE AROUND USA

KAREN LEHMANN

OZANA PHOTOGRAPHY

HOLLY CASMANKIMBERLY MCCLINTOCKJENNIFER STRAND

VIKKI CHAVEZPEGGY CONGERCECILIA KAYANOOZANA STURGEON

KAREN LEHMANN

DENNIS [email protected]

$24/YR MAIL REQUEST TO:HANM * PO BOX 202*SANDIA PARK * NM 87047

Horse Around New Mexico©2014 All rights reserved. Horse Around New Mexico is a publication of Horse Around USA™. Horsearoundnm.com™ and horsearoundusa.com™ are also copyrighted, trademarked, and the sole property of Karen Lehmann,. All rights reserved. Individual content copyright belongs to the author or artist.

ON THE COVER

Hold on to your hat! Good advice for this Santa Fe Rodeo bronc rider. Th is gorgeous

piece of photographic art is by Ozana Sturgeon of Ozana Photography; fi nd more of

her work at www.ozanaphotography.com.

(On second thought: never mind the hat, a simple "hold on!" will do...)

www.horsearoundnm.com

525A Airport Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507505-474-7795

www.desertwindsaddlery.com

Bring in your saddles to sell. I have

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Come in to see what’s new.

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Your horse is ready to go . . .

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located on the NE corner of Morris & ComancheHours: M-F 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Owning a horse in Norway is actually very

similar to owning a horse in the USA. A nice barn and a good fi eld, hay and grain, shots and worming, horse shoes and tack - spending your money in all the same places! Th e breed of horses you might have is slightly diff erent - an Icelandic Horse or a Fjord Horse.

What's diff erent in Norway is the riding. A huge part of Norway is unpopulated. Even when an area is populated, there are laws that allow the public to access any lands - provided you stay away from buildings and planted crops. It's a horseback riders paradise! (continues on pg. 9)

Norway: Horse Heaven!

Story & photos by New Mexico native Jennifer Strand, now living (and riding) in the "Land of the Midnight Sun"

diff erent - an Icelandic Horse or a Fjord Horse.

| July / August 20146 | www.horsearoundnm.com

San Juan Valley Trail Riders

Purgatory CTRJune 27-29, 2014 - Near Durango, CO

Choose a one-day or a two-day competition and compete in the lush San Juan National Forest.

Kerry Bingham 505-215-0080Whether you come to ride or volunteer, please

come enjoy the San Juan forest with us. Ride camp is behind Durango Mountin Resort along

beautiful Hermosa Creek. Many new trails abound for this years ride.

You’re gonna learn something!www.NATRC.org

We’re in the middle of theride season now!

Where have you been?

...and don’t forget Chokecherry Canyon CTR

Sept. 19-21, 2014 - Farmington, NMChoose a one-day or a two-day competition in themost varied of all our rides. From the top of the

Piñon Mesa to the clay hill bad lands below.Chuck Smith 505-215-2625

Special

Section

At Starrynight Ranch, we cater to you, the horse lover! You will improve your riding and relati onship with your horse. Individuals, couples, families, and small groups are welcome!

Ride through stunningly gorgeous private and BLM land

Stay in a charming cabin, private room with bath, or your own rig

Bring your horse-crazy family members or friends (limit 8 people)

Enjoy home-cooked meals with all the fi xin’s

Bring your own horse or ride one of our expertly-trained mounts

Get on-the-trail lessons from expert horse trainer Julie Phillips

Check out our special youth and family camps, and ladies retreats

You will return home with the confi dence and skills to ride bett er. Both you and your horse will be happy you visited Starrynight Ranch.

Become the Rider of Your DreamsOn Your Dream Horse or Ours

At Starrynight Ranch, near Llaves, New Mexico

www. starrynightranch.com, 575-638-5661, 505-554-0577

July / August 2014 7 www.horsearoundnm.com |

Special

Section

Travel


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jane davis, lmsweagala certifiedgestalt equine psychotherapy

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4 Winds Equestrian Center is Celebrating

2014 - The Year of the Horse with Boarding Specials

Off ering a Summer Boarding Special One Horse: With a one year Boarding contract you will receive the fi rst and last month free Two or more horses: With a one year Boarding contract you will receive the fi rst and last month free plus the 6th month at half price!

Boarding fee is $400 per month - includes hay 2x a day.*Call for more details and availability 505-384-1831

Anywhere you start from, you can ride. You can ride for hours...days if you want. Pack a lunch, start off and explore. You won't hit fences, no trespassing signs, areas blocked off by humans - it's all open and accessible.

I own two Icelandic Horses. Th ey are short, chunky, thick-set, muscular animals - with a wonderfully calm disposition. Th ey are "go-anywhere, mountain and deep forest horses", which is great for the rocky wilderness of Norway. My horse will go wherever I point her - up steep embankments or through streams and large mud puddles. Th ick bushes, large branches hanging over the trail, a tree down in the path - no problem!

Icelandic horses also have 5 gaits - walk, trot and canter - the basics - plus two more: a tölt and a pass (pace). My horses are "natural tölters" - meaning that, when they get the chance, they fall into a smooth tölt and like to stay there. Th e tölt is wonderful to ride! It's a smooth gait, but moves very quickly. I recommend if you have a chance to try a tölting horse, you take it. It's an experience you won't soon forget!

Editor's note: the tölt is a very smooth, fast, 4-beat gait; while the pass, or pace - sometimes called the Flying Pace - is a pacing gait in which the two hooves on the same side of the horse touch the ground at the same time. It can be very fast, sometimes reaching the speed of a full gallop!

Jennifer Strand has owned and ridden horses for 18 years - getting her fi rst horse - an Arabian - in exchange for barn work at the age of 23. She moved from New Mexico to Norway in 2008, where she lives with her husband and 4 kids.



Three years ago I fi nally decided to meet Harriet, the woman who’s

lived across our Cape Cod salt marsh, since we were both children. I thought, “She’s right over there, has horses and rides on the beach—I want to meet her.” So I walked over and introduced myself. As easy as that, we became the best of friends. Now in the summers when I vacation at our old family cottage, Harriet and I saddle up her horses and ride on the beach early every morning before the National Seashore wardens start their patrols. It is pristine and cool and we only have to share the beach with the occasional dog walker, jogger or seal.

Harriet loves to travel and so do I. She had been on many riding vacations, and convinced me I needed to go too. So in 2012 we went to Spain and in 2013, South Africa. Th e following are excerpts from my travel journal.

April 2012, Trail Ride Catalonia Coast, Spain

Th is morning, the second day of the trip, we arose tired and sore aft er yesterday’s seven hour ride. Wind and torrential rain kept us awake most of the night and it was still coming down lightly in the early morning darkness. But we were excited for the day so we downed some coff ee, donned rain jackets and headed out to

Spain, cape cod & africa!

its owner left me hopelessly in love with these horses and I dreamed about owning one someday.

Aft er a fantastic dinner of paella, tomatoes, strawberries and buff alo mozzarella with basil—and a good Spanish wine, of course—I left our hacienda and went to visit with the stallions. Th ere was one particularly tall, dark and handsome guy who loved my attention, stretching his neck and quivering his lips as I scratched his chest and shoulder.

Th e next morning I was up at dawn visiting with the stallions again, then off to the yearling colt barn where about 15 rowdy youngsters eyed me curiously. When I heard a group of horses trotting by I rounded the corner of the barn in time to see the mares with their foals heading out to a pasture of thick green grass. I watched as group aft er group trotted out from their nighttime barns to their fi elds. What a beautiful sight! I could happily live here the rest of my life!

article and photos: Holly Casman

horseback Travel in ~

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

the small paddock to feed, groom and tack up our horses, mostly gray Andalusian/Arabian crosses. Th ese horses were extremely fi t, very forward and practically bomb proof.

Soon we were riding out through the sleepy town and the sound of hooves on cobblestone brought several people to their windows to smile and wave at us. As we reached the beach, the sun came out and the landscape glistened in the early morning mist. We took off on several long gallops, splashing in the waves and kicking up sand… what a blast!

We rode on the beach for about two hours, making our way up the coast until we fi nally turned off through the dunes and onto a dirt road. Aft er some fl ooded rice paddies and wheat fi elds we arrived at the beautiful Yeguada Senillosa, a P.R.E. stud farm.

P.R.E. stands for Pura Raza Española, the Pure Spanish Horse, and these were the most beautiful I had ever seen. As far as you could see were fi eld aft er fi eld of grazing horses: mares with young foals, yearling colts, yearling fi llies, 2 year olds and 3 year olds. All bays, blacks and chestnuts—no grays, which is the most common color for these horses.Th e stallions, about 20 of them, had their own barn with separate turn-outs. Th ey were absolutely magnifi cent, as timeless as a Renaissance painting. An aft ernoon tour of the farm by

Th e next morning I was up at dawn

July / August 2014 11 www.horsearoundnm.com | July / August 2014 11 www.horsearoundnm.com | July / August www.horsearoundnm.com | July / August

Spain, cape cod & africa! horseback Travel in ~

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• August 2013 “Wait-a-Little” Horse Safari South Africa

We awoke at 6:15 am, dressed and hurried to the lodge for coff ee and biscuits before riding out. Th e air was cold at fi rst and full of smoke from prescribed burns. It became hotter as we rode through thick, thorny bush. Aft er a while we crossed a wide but shallow river and on the opposite bank came up a hill to a grassy clearing.

Suddenly all the horses became tense. Several snorted and pranced and I could feel Beamish’s heart beating through the saddle. All these horses were well accustomed to the sudden appearance of wild animals and were impeccably trained, but lions frightened them tremendously.Horses smell a lot like zebras and they knew it!

Rusty took out his bull whip and we rode on, when suddenly the woman riding next to me exclaimed, “Look, there he is, Rusty, a lion!” To my right and crouched in the grass about 15 feet away, almost invisible, was a lion - sizing me up. My adrenaline surged and all I could muster was “Oh s%*#!”. Th e horses all spooked at once. Rusty, on a brave Friesian cross, trotted forward and cracked his whip authoritatively. Th e young male lion turned and ran off like a scared kitty. We re-grouped and kept going; tentatively, hearts pounding and senses heightened, to say the least.

You sure know you’re alive aft er you’ve been stalked by a lion.

Photo: malawiproject.orgPhoto: malawiproject.org

Later that aft ernoon it was very hot and we were getting stiff aft er 5 hours in the saddle. Rusty stopped us and signaled for us to be quiet. “Th ere’s elephants down there,” he said, pointing to the river.

We moved together and approached slowly. I could see large gray backs and an occasional raised trunk. We snuck in as close as we dared when a large bull came up the bank. He raised his trunk and fl apped his huge ears at us. We backed up and turned our horses away. Th en some others came up to look at us and we retreated. Th ese elephants were not used to people, were very shy but could be dangerous if they felt threatened.

We walked slowly along, paralleling the herd as it moved in the river below us. Th en they came up the bank and stopped briefl y to assess the situation. Deciding we were no threat, they crossed in front of us and entered the woods. It was a very powerful and moving sight, this herd of about thirty animals; cows, little calves, sub-adults led by a magnifi cent bull—a cohesive family unit of intelligent and sentient beings. How anyone could shoot such an animal for an ivory trinket is beyond me. I know I was not the only teary-eyed rider as we moved on.

The Ride of Your Life Clinics Balance as a Foundation | July 19

Ground Driving 101 | August 9

Got Seat? | October 25

The Inner Equestrian Tele-Classes FEAR: A 4-week Coaching Series | July 8, 15, 22, 29

Time Management for Busy Equestrians | September 30

Horses. Healing. Being. Women’s Mini-Retreats Unmounted for both equestrians and non-equestrians.

No horse experience needed. July 5, 26 | August 2, 16

Horses & Living...

...from the inside

Balance + Being

Questions or to register call 505.231.5353 or email [email protected].

Photo Tony Stromberg



Story and Photos by Cecilia Kayano

On theTrainer...On theHorse...

In the End, All Will Win as Eight Horses Go from Unbroke to Pro-Trained in 100 Days

It’s no secret that getting a well-trained horse starts with choosing the right horse.

Nine top trainers (two are a team) from the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area know that all too well. Th ey gathered at Th e Horse Shelter horse rescue near Cerrillos to choose an unbroke horse from a group of 16. Some of these horses had been haltered, but none had been saddled or ridden. Some had very little human contact. Others were used to people. Some were stand-offi sh. Others were like big puppy dogs.

Th e trainers had about an hour to observe the horses and make their choices on April 5. Th ey were given 100 days to train their horses to walk, trot, and canter. On July 26 at the Gimme Shelter Trainers Rally for Rescues competition they will demonstrate how far they have come. Th e winner will take home $2000. Th ere will be other prizes for each trainer. Th e horses too, will win. Each will have 100 days of training by a pro. Th ey will be off ered for adoption at the event, and will most likely be loaded up, and taken to new, caring homes.

Which trainer chose the winning horse? What training approach did they use? Read about what has happened so far, then show up on July 26 to witness the rest of this story with a happy horse ending.

Michelle DeCanditis, 15 years as a pro trainer, specializing in the movement of horses and humans. Known for riding in a very light manner, with almost indiscernible cues.

Who She Chose/ Why: Blue, 8-year-old gray mare, 14 hands. Her fi rst choice was Jackie O, but she was already taken. Blue was her second choice. “I wanted a horse that was balanced in feet and body.”

Why Michelle May Win: She believes in going at the horse’s pace. Yet Michelle is aware that she has only 100 days. If Blue agrees, and Michelle can move her along in the training, they will put on a beautiful show of trust and light riding.


Day 14: “I love her! She is more tentative than Jackie O, but she is interested.” Blue has been saddled, ground worked, and trailered. “She’s a clean slate.”

Day 50: Blue could possibly be older, maybe 13 years old. Her age makes Michelle respect her even more. “She’s getting her education later in life!” Michelle has been on her back about five times. Blue has a strong flight response, but it has diminished.

Who She Chose/Why: Hope, 4-year-old bay mare, 15 hands. She was a little standoffish and started to walk away, then turned around and came back. She seemed open, willing to work, and showed potential.

Why Kirsten May Win: Last year, Kirsten was the winner of the Walkin N Circles horse rescue training and adoption event, proving that she can produce an adoptable horse.

Day 14: “She’s getting easier to catch. She’s very smart and learns quickly. She’s better than I thought.” Kirsten has done groundwork and put weight across Hope’s back.

Day 50: Kirsten continues to be surprised by Hope. “She hasn’t been spooky at all. She only bucked with me once, because her balance was off.” Kirsten has ridden Hope about eight times. “I wish I could keep her.”

Who He Chose/Why: Athena, 6-year-old bay mare, 14 hands. She is noble,

interesting and not nervous.

Why Rogelio May Win: He says he talks to the horse, which is his secret to winning. Has experience training a wild stallion, and producing a relaxed, compliant mount.

Day 14: He has saddled and ridden Athena on short rides. She is very calm and there have been no issues.

Day 50: Rogelio has been riding her at a walk, trot, and canter in an arena, and on the trail. His two daughters and son have been grooming her.

Karen Evans, 30 years pro training, known for producing horses that have a solid base of training that makes them comfortable and peaceful.

Who She Chose/Why: Black Rose, a 14-year-old black registered Appaloosa mare, 14.2 hands. Karen loves the Appaloosa breed, knew Rose was a PMU mare, but wanted to improve her life.

Why Karen may win: Karen has a lot of passion for this horse. She has compassion for any underdog, any creature that has been misunderstood. Karen has invested her heart and feels she has already won.

Day 14: Black Rose was hard to catch and was disinterested in humans. After two weeks, she willingly interacts with Karen. She walks right up to Karen and lets her pick up her front feet, but not her rear.

Day 50: Rose’s feet have been trimmed! She lets anyone halter her, and lead her around. She had a saddle on once and went into a “bucking frenzy.” She will be ridden “soon.”

Ginger Gaffney, 25 years pro trainer, know for teaching natural horsemanship, and getting the horse to think, learn, and trust.

Why Ginger May Win: Great karma going on here. Ginger is not directly training: She is guiding a group of clients in a recovery center to train the horse. By doing this, the clients can give back -- to the horse, to society.

Day 14: The recovery center clients are doing all the training. “They love this little horse!” They have worked on desensitizing her, have ponied and saddled her. When she gets frightened, she rears. “She’s sweet, but has that self-preservation reaction.”

Day 50: Root Beer has quit rearing. “It started out sketchy,” says Ginger. “But they have gained her trust.” She has been ridden about 15 times at the walk and trot. She’s not spooky; she's very confident. But most of all, Root Beer gets a lot of attention because of her looks. “She is awesomely cute and I’m not even biased!”

Joost Lammers and Erica Hess, 20 years combined pro training, known for their team training including liberty training. Joost will be riding in the competition.

Who They Chose/Why: Pipi Longstocking, 5-year-old sorrel mare,15 hands. “She chose us. She said, ‘I want to go with you.’” Later, she walked right into the trailer. Plus, she was one of the taller horses. (Joost is six feet tall.)

Why They May Win: They have worked with rescue horses before and regard some of them as having Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Erica will use liberty training,

Kirsten Clegg, 3 years pro trainer, known for establishing very close relationships with her horses.

Rogelio Enriquez, 20 years pro training, known for having a quiet confidence that quickly gains the trust of fearful horses.

Who She Chose/Why: Root Beer, 5-year-old bay mare, 14.2 hands.Wanted a completely untrained horse that had been handled minimally.

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which will require Pipi to trust. Perfect method for a rescue horse.

Day 14: An apprentice has ridden her bareback with a halter at a walk, trot, and lope. She has also been ridden with a saddle.

Day 50: Pipi has become more confident. Erica does liberty training with her twice and week and Joost is riding her twice a week.

Clint Mortenson, 35 years of pro training, known for developing calm, consistent horses from the ground and from the saddle.

Who He Chose/Why: Jackie O, 7-year-old sorrel mare, 14.2 hands.Small size, quiet, a littler older than he wanted, but she seemed nice.

Why Clint May Win: Exposes the horse to many situations and disciplines, such as roping, polo, and trail riding. This horse will have a wide variety of experiences, and be a horse you can have fun on.

Day 14: ”She’s a lot spookier than I anticipated.” Jackie O has been saddled and ridden once. She’s athletic.

Day 50: Jackie O is not as spooky. “She has improved a lot.” Clint is riding her at the walk, trot, and canter. She is working off his leg cues and starting to neck rein. “She will have a big stop and will be super athletic.”

Loal Tucker, 15 years of pro training, known for having a style that makes everything he does on a horse look so easy.

Who He Chose/Why: Guerro , 3-year-old palomino gelding, 14 hands.“He came over and put his head in my lap.” And Loal thinks he will be adoptable.

Why Loal May Win: Guerro was wanted by two other trainers, but Loal got him. Trainers could see Guerro’s easy-going personality. This matches Loal’s personality. On July 26, they will both make everything look easy!

Day 14: Guerro has shown a lot of “try.” Loal has ridden him about six times, over various terrain, including in a river. Guero was a little nervous at first and did common spooks, but he is quickly overcoming his fear.

Day 50: Guerro has developed into a trustworthy, quiet horse. Loal continues to trail ride him and has followed cattle. He’s been riding him 4-5 times a week, on trails and cross country.

Cowboy Up!Attend the

Gimme Shelter Trainers Rally for Rescues

July 26; 3 pm (approx.) Part of the

NatioNal Day of the Cowboy 10AM -4PM

Mortenson Arena96 Bonanza Creek Rd. Santa Fe

info:505-471-6179

www.TheHorseShelter.org

Unable to attend? Find results at

www.horsearoundnm.com

Cecilia Kayano is a writer and photographer. She trail rides her gaited

horses in New Mexico and Washington. She can be reached at [email protected]

Celebrating 30 Yearsof being in business inRoswell and Albuquerque

3825 Osuna NEAlbuquerque, NM 87109

505-341-9401

2005 SE MainRoswell, NM 88203575-624-2123

They move in...

...they breed...

...then they take over!

Let us help you win theBattle of the Moscas -we have feed thru tosprays to baits to flymasks to fly sheets to

fly traps.


personal essay / by Kimberly McClintock

At my best friend Kate’s baby shower, her mother told a charming story about the time the mother-to-be stole a neighbor’s horse. Barely more than a toddler, Kate unhooked the neighbor’s paddock gate, and led the horse by its halter down a Massachusetts country lane to her own backyard where, she declared, he would much prefer to live. Imagining my good pal as a horse thief was not a stretch. Th e few dark threads in our respective back stories, those that would disqualify us for public offi ce, were early common ground. Imagining her as a horse person was an entirely diff erent thing.

Kate is a writer, arty and elegant in cute skirts and high heels. She can name the poet laureate, subscribes to Th e New Yorker. My conception of desirable lives for her did not include the horses she adopted when she moved to New Mexico a few years ago, but the beasts were a dream apparently nurtured since toddlerhood. I could tell you a lot about her, but I had no idea about this, and I could hardly approve. Horses stink, for starters. And they turn benign grass into a stunning volume of waste which someone must clean up. Most importantly, they’re dangerous: living things, weighing upwards of 1000 pounds, capable of kicking and biting, spooking and dashing to the ground even very talented riders. Did she know this?

I presumed she did, and didn’t mention any of it when I visited. I slathered on sunscreen and a pair of down-at-the-heel thrift store Frye boots and joined her in a trip “to the barn,” a place as new to me in this new life of hers as her new house and state. I didn’t balk or whine or pinch my face in disgust as I swatted fl ies. I gamely hung my 150 lbs.

from the side of an animal I could barely see over, and clambered up. Katie led us ploddingly around the paddock, and, aft er a few turns, her soft mutter calming the horse and me, I took in New Mexico’s dry gorgeousness opening all around us. For a moment, I wished deeply for the skill to leap the fence, gallop out into the hills.

But only for a moment. At least with regard to horses. Riding out into the hills alone, though, had a precedent in my own life, and riding Kate’s horse awoke fresh in me an old dream of my own.

“You’re scared to death of Jessie, walking, but you’ll strap a rocket to your ass and head out in traffi c?”

Th is was Kate’s response when I sent her a picture of me astride my silver and white Harley-Davidson Soft ail.

You're Going to do What in those Boots?

Image courtesy of Steel C

owgirl, w

ww.steelcow

girl.com

Biker Chick & Dressage Queen...best friends forever?

17

“I wasn’t scared of Jessie,” I said.

“Oh, please,” she said. “I know you.”

And I know you, I thought, but I didn’t know this about you, this horse thing.

“Except I didn’t know this about you, this motorcyle thing,” she said.

Irritated, both of us, and maybe a little afraid, as can happen when the people we love take us by surprise.

We listed the differences cold. Horseback riding is nobler, quieter; has a long, distinguished history. It’s a relationship with another living being. Motorcycles are a “guy thing,” and low-brow, less about relationship than about adrenaline. The only common ground we found at first was aesthetics: we each felt our “mounts” were gorgeous, and each readily saw gorgeousness in the other’s.

Aesthetics seemed the only point of connection until we talked about safety. Kate insisted that my motorcycle was infinitely more dangerous than her horse, and I’d have liked to argue, except that on the surface statistics corroborated that intuition. About 7 million Americans ride horses, coincidentally there are the same number of registered motorcycles. While the number of emergency room visits each year is also roughly equivalent, a biker is almost fifty times as likely to die as a result of injuries (riders4helmets.com and Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), respectively). Can’t argue with that, but dig a little deeper and there’s a surprise: injuries per riding hour are higher for horseback riders than for bikers—from four to twenty times higher, depending on the resource.

When we talked this through, we began to see meaningful commonalities between the sports. Both involve “equipment” outweighing the athlete by a factor of at least three, up to and exceeding ten. Both are sports executed fundamentally alone—no team for support. And both include, we conceded, an element of caprice. In Kate’s case, the passing whim

of a living thing, however well established the relationship. In mine, the possibility of mechanical failure at high speeds. Also common to both sports are unknowns like road or trail conditions, other riders or drivers, bad weather. Amazingly, the list of concerns went on, more overlap than not, each threat tied intimately to something we loved about our respective sports, about our lives - and in that, inextricable from what we love about each other.

And each risk, we discovered, can be mitigated in the same way: proper gear, skill and attention training.

Safety gear is very pricey, an inhibiting factor in both sports. Also ugly, which, to be frank, is an inhibiting factor for both Kate and I, and anecdotally, everyone we know. We came to refer to this as “aesthetics trumping safety,” which happens in the biker world in spades. Different types of motorcycles

have developed different costumes. In the Harley world of cruisers the look might be described as “as little clothing as possible,” especially for women.

Kate and I both wear the minimum safety gear—long pants, boots, and helmets—wistfully forgoing the sensual pleasure of wind in the hair. Helmet hair can feel distinctly unsexy, but a little dry shampoo in combination with a healthy attitude, the memory of the ride and a few good-looking hats goes a long way.

We each have a few good-looking hats these days, and numerous pairs of very cool boots.

Ultimately, though, safety is relative. No helmet or boots can stand in for skill, and Kate and I both leverage books and lessons and practice to enhance our skill sets. Even that knowledge, we’ve both discovered, is only so useful without calm attention.

Kate practices natural horsemanship, and we’ve come to see one type of riding as a metaphor for the other.

While any sort of riding a live being can be argued to be unnatural, horses, like dogs, are thought to have chosen us. In which case, they might be said to “want” to work with us, and have a say in the terms of that work.

Horseback riding is nobler, quieter; has a long, distinguished

history. It’s a relationship with another living being. Motorcycles

are a “guy thing,” and low-brow, less about relationship than about adrenaline. The only

common ground we found at first was aesthetics: we each felt our “mounts” were gorgeous, and

each readily saw gorgeousness in the other’s.

| July / August 201418

It’s interesting and provocative to think about. As is the related question, why do we wait? Many of us, apparently. Why do we wait?

We haven’t talked about that yet, but that’s okay. Th is conversation isn’t over. Even while we’ve been led again and again to see that these seemingly disparate impulses arise from the same aspects of our lives that have connected us for years—an appreciation of beauty, meditation, independence, good stories, great shoes—the mystery of our friendship has deepened. What more can a person reasonably hope for from a long relationship than that an early intuition be proved out year by year with a deeper connection, and enlivened by new questions? Speaking for myself, I’m grateful that here, in the middle of my life, there is still so much to surprise me.

I rode my bike through the candy-colored cliff s of northern New Mexico just a few weeks ago, met Kate in Albuquerque. She’d just come from the barn. Behind each of us was a stinking, muddy, sweaty pile of gear and a nice hot shower. I hugged her fi rst, then stepped back to take in her sun-kissed face, her helmet-fl at hair, her gorgeous König dressage boots.

Kimberly McClintock writes and rides primarily on Colorado's Front Range.

Which is how Kate answered the question I asked that fi rst day out at the barn: “Why should I believe Jessie will allow me to sit on her?”

In a similar vein, a vehicle moving at highway speeds and weighing about seven hundred pounds could be said to “not want” to fall over. A biker attentive to her surroundings can leverage countersteering, and the bike will move quickly and smoothly around and, if necessary, through or over obstacles that could otherwise cause problems.

One signifi cant diff erence we have happened upon is what we think of as qualities of fear. While a motorcycle may be touchy and the biker has an obligation to her own safety and the safety of those around her to know how to handle it, the situation is fundamentally she against herself in terms of fear. While on a horse, though, the rider has not only her own fear, but the awkwardness of another’s fear to consider as well. Th ese permutations necessarily take the riders to diff erent places, but they are places nonetheless where the practices of curiosity, generosity and calm are relevant.

It’s a stretch to call motorcycle riding meditative, but just like a rider with an independent seat has a looser, and therefore more responsive, upper body - whether for reins or handlebars - a rider who concerns herself with marshalling her attention will be surprised less frequently by a change in conditions.

Th is is the precise territory of meditation,

of which we have both long been practitioners.As meditators, Kate and I recommit regularly to a practice of dropping our stories, and being aware of what’s actually happening. As writers, though, we can’t help but appreciate a good story, which is partly why we continue to

congratulate ourselves for being badass counter-culture outsiders even aft er we discover as part of this research that we land squarely in the typical rider/biker demographic: the median age of women riding motorcycles is 41 (BTS). According to horsenation.com, the median age of women in dressage is 38.

Do the math, and that means we’ll be riding ‘til we’re sixty, or older. And there are great stories to support this: the one about the Olympian dressage rider, Lorna Johnston, who competed until she was 72.

Or how about Gloria Tramontin Struck who, in 2011 at age 86, rode a Harley Soft ail from New Jersey to South Dakota, where she was inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame?

Is that why we did it? Chose powerful mounts to counter the failing strength of our aging bodies? It’s an arguable point, but we prefer to think of it as each investing fully in a story in which we thrive as we age, fl exible, independent and fi erce.

Which (sort of) brings us back to the question of why we held these obsessions - which each of us claim are fundamental - so close, until we’d already acted on them.

...we’ve been led again and again to see that these

seemingly disparate impulses arise from the same aspects of our lives that have connected us for years—an appreciation

of beauty, meditation, independence, good stories,

great shoes—and the mystery of our friendship has

deepened.

of which we have both long been practitioners.As meditators, Kate and I recommit regularly to a practice of dropping our stories, and being aware of what’s actually happening. As writers, though, we can’t help but appreciate a good story, which is partly why we continue to

congratulate ourselves for being badass counter-culture outsiders even aft er we discover as part of this research that we land squarely in the typical rider/biker demographic: the median age of women

Get out On the Trail with the next issue of Horse Around New Mexico, on shelves in September!

Submissions deadline: July 26thAd Submissions: August 4th

www. horsearoundnm.com for more information on

submissions, ad prices and specs...and lots more!

Call: 505.926.1120


july august2

Women's Mini-Retreat with Lynn CliffordHorses. Healing. Being. Info: 505.231.5353 [email protected]

2-3Peruvian Horses at Las Golondrinas Summer Festival, Santa Fe www.golondrinas.org

9Ground Driving 101 Clinic with Lynn Clifford; Santa Fe Info: 505.231.5353 or [email protected]

9-10 Chama Days Rodeo, Chamainfo: nmrodeo.org

10NMDA Schooling Show: location TBAInfo:www.nmdressage.net

15-17The Event at Santa Fe Info: [email protected]

16 Women's Mini-Retreat with Lynn CliffordHorses. Healing. Being. Info: 505.231.5353 [email protected]

16-17 EDS Driving Clinic w/ Craig Kellogg Bernalillo Cty Sheriff 's Posse Arena [email protected] www.enchantmentds.com

16-17NM Paint Horse Club: Red Chile Fiestainfo at www.nmpainthorse.org

24 NMDA Schooling Show to benefi t Juna Tomas Hounds: TopForm Arena, CorralesInfo: Penny Giller: [email protected]

29-30 Socorro County Fair & Rodeoinfo: nmrodeo.org

9/5 - 9/21 Ass't. Shows at the NM State FairInfo: exponm.com

9/7 NMDA Schooling Show at Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena, Bosque Farms

9/12 - 9/14 * Mark Rashid ClinicForTh eHeartofTh eHorse.com 505.474.5480

9/19-9/21 Chokecherry Canyon CTR1 or 2 day trail competition, Farmington NMInfo: Chuck Smith 505.215.2625 www.NATRC.org

9/19-9/21 Zen Horse, Zen Mind author Allan Hamilton at Riders of the Sage in Santa Fe

events

CHRISTENSEN

PETRA

5Women's Mini-Retreat with Lynn CliffordHorses. Healing. Being. Info: 505.231.5353 [email protected]

5 - 6 NMDA Show – Horses Unlimited Fiesta de Dressage, NMDS USEF/USDF Recognized Show. www.nmds.us www.nmdressage.net

10-13 Philippe Karl Ecole de Legerete at The Trinity Ranch. Contact Terry Flanagan at 505-231-5180 or [email protected]

13Educational Day with Petra Christensen10-3 Arrowhead Ranch, Santa Fe www.redhorsecoaching.com 970.731.2200

13-19Ft. Stanton Pioneer I & II Endurance Rides AERC sanctioned www.aerconline.org

19Balance as a Foundation Clinic with Lynn Clifford; Santa Fe Info: 505.231.5353 or [email protected]

19-20NM Paint Horse Club: Green Chile Classicinfo at www.nmpainthorse.org

20EDS Summer Fun Arena Driving Trial Edgewood ArenaContact Linda for info:[email protected] or enchantmentds.com

19-26Arabian Youth Nationals; Expo NM www.arabianhorses.org

26Women's Mini-Retreat with Lynn CliffordHorses. Healing. Being. Info: 505.231.5353 [email protected]

26National Day of the Cowboy 10 AM - 5 PM at Clint Mortenson Ranch 96 Bonanza Creek Rd. Santa Fe

26Gimme Shelter Trainers' Rally for Rescuesapprox. 3 pm @ Day of the Cowboy eventMortenson Ranch 96 Bonanza Creek Rd.Santa Fe www.thehorseshelter.org

9/5 - 9/21 Ass't. Shows at the NM State Fair

Preview: September Events

2013 S&H Duster 6’ x 14’ 2H Slant

$5,585!

Sale on S&H Trailers

www.sandiatrailer.com1435 Route 66 Edgewood, NM 87015

(505) 281-9860 (800) 832-0603

Stock # SH009775See the New

All Aluminum S&H Now in Stock

The Horse Shelter 505-471-6179 • [email protected] • www.thehorseshelter.org

Eight trainers took a Horse Shelter horse into training for 100 days and will be showing them at this event! All horses will be up for auction (adoption require-

ments apply, please get pre-screened if you want to take a horse.)

National Day of the Cowboy, Saturday July 26th at Clint Mortenson’s Ranch, 96 Bonanza Creek Rd, Santa Fe, NM

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Horse Shelter horses will be shown starting at 3 p.m. More fun events, such as roping, jumping, music, chuck wagon, kids horse show and more… Free to the public. More information on our website. Event Sponsors:


JMHA OFFERS FOR ADOPTION GENTLE MUSTANGS.

These are beautiful, loving , good minded and good sized.

Capable of cart work, endurance, family horse or ?

Jicarilla Carson mustangs. Call us at 505-360-5996

or go to our website. ADOPTION DAY TACK SALE 8/16/14.

Jicarillamustangs.org

F o r T h e H e a r t o f T h e H o r s e . c o m

9:00 am ~ 5:00 pm3 day clinic ~ auditors welcome $40 at the gate

F O R I N F O R M AT I O N : 5 0 5 . 4 7 4 . 5 4 8 0

Horsemanship ClinicSanta Fe - Sept. 12 - 14, 2014

Driving Clinic with Craig Kellogg

August 16 & 17

Shoo Fly!by Vikki Chavez

Fly Masks

A fl y mask is a summer must-have for horses. A fl y mask with ears is a great choice for gnat protection. Make sure the style you choose is long enough for your horse’s ears; the tips can get rubbed and raw quickly. A fl y mask with a long nose is perfect for white faced horses in the blazing sun, or horses that get muzzle area bites while grazing. Catch-masks are perfect for leading your horse to turnout and back, with a secure area for a lead rope snap. Keeping a mask on can be challenging for some horses, but the good news is there are plenty of styles to choose from with double locking straps and velcro. Look for a well-fi tting mask that off ers good visibility, keep it clean and check it daily to make sure there are no rubs. Masks that allow the forelock to pull through (instead of being trapped under mask) are preferred by many horses. Fleece around the edges off ers additional comfort. It may take some trial and error to fi nd the right mask for your horse, but it is well worth the eff ort.

Fly Sheets

Pros: Fly sheets can prevent sunburn on light colored horses and paints, fading on dark horses and off er UV protection from the sun. Th ey can help reduce sweet itch, tail rubbing and side biting. Fly boots can help with stomping and the leg and hoof impact of doing so repeatedly. Most fl y sheets have satin lined shoulders to prevent rubbing, maximum air fl ow and a huge

variety of styles that include belly bands, tail covers, neck covers and super light fabrics; they can help your horses survive fl y season more comfortably.

Cons: Fly sheets can rub, tear, twist and shred. A horse with high withers may have the sheet pull back and cause pressure, a stocky confi rmation may get shoulder rubs and an active horse may end up tangled up in the straps and get injured. Herd mates and fl y sheets can be an unsuccessful combination; it depends on how hard your horses are on them.

Are you ready for the fl y invasion? If you have inhaled or swallowed your share of fl ies, or watched your horses stomp, swish, twitch and itch; here are some options to

help ease the pain of fl y season.


Fly sheets can be too hot to wear. In 90+ degree heat or direct afternoon sun, those satin lined shoulders will be drenched and uncomfortable. Sweating under a fly sheet can fade black horses instead of protecting their color. Fly boots can slip down and bunch up around hooves, and are easy for a horse to tear off if they are so inclined. For some horses (and owners!), fly sheets are more trouble than benefit, which leads us to the next option.

Topical Products

Fly spray is great for legs and belly area, or an overall light misting. Despite the ‘Lasts for 17 days!’ and other similar claims, I have yet to find one that does not require another application by evening. The oil-based sprays last longer, although they will fade dark coats and

attract dust and dirt. Some sprays contain sunscreen, others have coat conditioners. Water-based sprays are not as long lasting but may be easier on sensitive skin. Some sprays are designed to last through sweat and wet conditions. Natural sprays are better for you, the horse and the environment,

however, they may not work as long as some others do. Neck bands and spot-on treatments work but may irritate the skin. Fly Armor reduces risk of skin irritation while offering a variety of bands and products to keep flies at bay. Swat and similar wound treatment products are excellent for keeping flies out of scrapes, cuts and sores. They can be rubbed on noses, ears and around the eyes for horses that do not keep masks on well.

Premise Control

For those lucky enough to have a fly spray system installed, or breezy barn aisles with fans going 24/7, flies are probably not a problem. For the rest of us, fly predators can help control fly population. They eat fly larvae, and work best when placed around heaviest fly gathering areas. They need to be covered lightly and sheltered from contact with birds, horses and fly spray (it can kill them).

Fly bags really work, just keep in mind they attract flies, so place them far away from your barns and tack rooms or you will be pulling tons of flies to you! Fly tape attracts and traps flies in a specific location; fly repellant strips keep flies away from a specific location. Premise sprays work well for stall floors, tack rooms and around the barn. Take precautions for dogs, hummingbirds (they can get caught in fly tape) and other critters when you use any premise fly control products, and make sure water tanks, hay stacks and feeders are not in contact with chemical sprays.

Feed-Through Supplements

There is some debate whether feed-through products are safe to use long term. They often contain garlic, vinegar, yeast or diatomaceous earth. Some horses do attract more flies than others and some are more bothered by flies than others. Feed- through products aim to make horses less attractive to flies, or work to prevent insect breeding in manure of the horse taking the supplement. Some do both. There are horse owners who swear by feed-through products, and others see no difference at all when using them.

On-The-Go Protection

While there is no way to avoid being bugged by bugs, there are plenty of options to help ease the irritation for both you and your horse so you can get out and enjoy the great riding weather. Try fly spray, ear nets, riding fly masks and fly bands to keep you and your horse happier in the saddle. Don’t forget to spray yourself with mosquito protection when heading out down the trail, and have a wonderful ride!

Se habla español

24-hour mobile emergency service

DR. ANDRES ESTRADA, DVM (505) 363-5063

www.santasofiaequine.com New Mexico’s only board-certified specialist in animal repro-

duction, Dr. Estrada offers the full array of veterinary services, including Coggins, health certificates, dog and horse vaccinations,

dentistry, lameness, trimming and shoeing consultations, plus emergencies such as colic, lacerations, and dystocias

Serving Albuquerque and Central New Mexico


Trainer DIRECTORY

Jane Davis, lmsw***The horse is our guide***

Combining humans and horses, on the ground, for experiential work in

communication, contact, congruency and authenticity. Meditation practice, team

building, stress management, trauma/grief505.983.6677

[email protected]

Dennis Brazeal * Bosque Farms 505.400.5492 www.dennisbrazeal.com

Eric Bravo * ABQ+ surrounding areas 505.293.4652 * [email protected] DeCanditis * 505.615.7016 www.3HIntegrated.webs.comJT Jones * 314.686.1754 Corrales, ABQ & surrounding areas

[email protected] & Cat Parks * Santa Fe505.466.3849 * www.johnandcatparks.comErlene Seybold-Smythe * Espanola 505.603.6016 [email protected]

Total Horse Training * East Mountains Laurie Boultinghouse 505.974.7317 & Kirsten Clegg 505.250.3185

Toby Orona *Albuquerque * 505-573-9440

lynn ClifforDThe Ride of Your Life

Life Coaching, Clinics and Consulting

Santa Fe & by arrangement505.231.5353

www.lynnclifford.com

New Mexico Paint Horse Clubwww.nmpainthorse.org

NM Palomino Exhibitors Associationwww.nmpea.com

New Mexico Quarter Horse Associationwww.nmqha.com

Northern NM Horsemen’s [email protected]

Rio Grande Mule and Donkey Association www.rgmda.com

San Juan Valley Trail Riderswww.NATRC.org

Santa Fe County Horse Coalitionwww.santafehorse.com/

Santa Fe County Sheriff's Possehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Santa-Fe-County-Sheriffs-Posse/112123912184660

Santa Fe Pony Clubwww.SantaFePonyClub.org

Single Action Shooting Societywww.sassnet.com

The Horse Shelter 505-471-6179 www.thehorseshelter.org

Tularosa Nat’l Horsemanship Fellowship facebook.com/TularosaHorsemenFellowship

Walkin in Circles NM Horse Rescuewww.wncr.org

Arabian Horse Association of New Mexicowww.nmarab.com

Back Country Horsemen of New Mexicowww.bchnm.org

Buffalo Range Riders Mountedwww.brrmounted.com

CHAMP - Corrales Horse & Mule Peoplewww.champnm.com

Enchantment Driving Societywww.enchantmentds.com

Equine Protection Fundwww.equineprotectionfund.org

High Desert Riderswww.highdesertriders.com

Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliancejicarillamustangs.org

Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding505-424-9924 www.listeninghorse.org

New Mexico Bucksin Horse Associationwww.nmbha.com 505-869-9198

New Mexico Dressage Associationwww.nmdressage.net

New Mexico Gay Rodeo Associationwww.nmgra.org

New Mexico Horse Council505-603-6016 nmhorsecouncil.org

NM Mustang and Burro [email protected]

Petra ChristensenRed Horse Coaching

505-384-1831 www.redhorsecoaching.com

for the heart of the horse sanctuaryConnecting Horses and Humans

through the Arts of Liberty Training, Horsemanship and Dressage

Erica Hess and Joost LammersPlease visit our website or call us for info

www.fortheheartofthehorse.com 505-474-5480 Santa Fe, NM


Clubs & ASSOCIATIONS

SAN MARCOS FEED STORE

HayHardwareFeedWe stock the area’s largest

selection of Farrier Supplies

tel: 505-471-9298 fax: 505-471-34263877 State Rd 14 Santa Fe NM 87508

From the Horse's Mouth by Lynne Maguirewww.lynnemaguire.com


Fiesta of Fun TrainingShow Series

next show - May 17thfinal show - October 4th

Spring Salsa SensationApril 26th & 27th

approvedPaint &

Appaloosa

Green ChileClassicJuly 19th& 20thapprovedPaint

Red ChileFiesta

August16th & 17th

approvedPaint & PalominoSpeed Events

Year EndHigh Point

All shows are APHA approved with full slate of All Breed Classes

For further details - www.nmpainthorse.org

Youth Classesare FREE forALL SHOWS!

2014 SHOWS

Join Generations of Horse Enthusiasts

mortonbuildings.com

For over a century Morton Buildings has provided exceptional quality and service to our customers. From stall barns and riding arenas to storage buildings and shelters, Morton Buildings are constructed to keep both you and your horses safeand comfortable.

To learn more and to get started on your project, contact Morton Buildings today.

©2014 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. NM License #016516 Reference Code 043

Stall Barn | Riding Arena | Equine Facility | Pasture Shelter | Hay Storage

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J. Craig Shanks 806-922-4449Brandt Delaney 806-382-0027

Peruvian Horses at Las Golondrinas (for the last time) - So many have enjoyed the Peruvian Horse shows at Las Golondrinas in Santa Fe over the years; if you haven't seen them you might want to make the trip this August. Barbara Windom of La Estancia Alegre, along with trainer Roberto Quijandria, are planning a lovely fi nale, as they wrap up 18 years of spectacular Peruvian Horse displays at LG's Summer Festival. Saturday & Sunday, August 2nd & 3rd.

Let's Hear it for Hearts for Horses!Local kids with Down Syndrome, their siblings and parents took part in a Blue Ribbon Rodeo event staged by Hearts for Horses, organized by John Colangelo, and held April 12 at Triple Th reat Feed in Carnuel. Th e kids rode a barrel course and weave poles. Members of New Mexico Mounted Search & Rescue provided horses and assistance.Th ere were also some minis on hand for kids to work with on the ground. It was the 10th anniversary of Hearts for Horses, and some of the kids riding have attended all 10 years!

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photo by Ozana Photography


N eWS

� e mare couldn't get up. � e man who fed in the morning said she was down then. Now it was 11 am, and it was clear she was never getting up again. She'd been kicked hard the day before, but looked okay after and ate that night. Now it appeared the 27 year old horse had been fatally hurt in the confrontation.Her owner sighed, and went to get his pistol.

Lessons Learned ...from a Life's End

by Peggy Conger

and had been retired for a couple of years. Th ere was no way, I told her, I was putting that old horse through a tough surgery and recovery.

So she laid him down in the corral, gave him the shot, and I watched the life fade from his eyes. I saved my tears til later, when I wailed on the phone to my best friend as the killer truck came to haul his body away.

When my Missouri Foxtrotter Jake stepped on a pipe shard left by drillers working in my pasture, an infection shot up his tendon. Recovery, the vet said, was not likely. Th is time, and I am not proud to say it, I was a coward. Th e vet warned me Jake might break a leg going down aft er the shot. I turned and left . "Don't you want to say goodbye?' the vet called aft er me. "I already did," I said, without looking back. But that wasn't the truth. I knew I was failing Jake, that I hadn't said goodbye, that I hadn't even done right by this horse. In those days, I was a horse owner, not a horse person. If I had been watching closer, known more, educated myself on horse care, I might have seen that wound

before it festered. Th at is when I learned that guilt makes this decision feel like murder.

I made a deal with the third horse in this story, and I truly believe he held up his end of it. Missouri was a rescue horse. I didn't adopt him, but I lavished love on him. He had arrived at the rescue ranch with hips and ribs and spine showing, his eyes dull and his nose running. Don't fall in love with him, the ranch manager warned. He won't last the week. But I did fall in love with him, he did last the week, and when he recovered, he was a huge favorite at the ranch.

One day years later I found him bloated and miserable. Esophageal cancer, the vet said. Zouri recovered from that episode, and another, but ranch management said the third would be his last. I had a talk with Missouri. "Don't you die on any day but a Th ursday," I told him. "I want to be here."

One day I got a call. On a Th ursday. Zouri was sick again and the vet was coming at 4. Could I be there?

I have had to put down four horses in my life, three that were mine, and another who was mine in spirit. I wish I could say I have gotten better about it with experience, but that is actually very far from the case.

When I lived outside Denver, my horse Coco twisted his gut in a colic. Th e vet was young, pulling holiday duty on Memorial Day weekend, and she was game to take Coco up to Fort Collins and see what they could do about it. I told her no. Coco was my fi rst horse, but he was 25 years old,


As I said, Zouri held up his side of the deal. He was standing in a corral surrounded by weeping volunteers when I got there. I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried. Th e vet seemed to take forever getting there. Missouri looked alone and, to our eyes, sad in the corral. We kept cycling back to hug him and cry. When the vet did arrive, he did a kindness for us mourners. He doesn't let horses fall; he gives them the shot and makes them move so they sort of glide to the ground as the drug takes eff ect. Th at's what happened with Missouri. In a moment he was gone. No broken legs. And not too many regrets. He had had a good second act, well cared for and surrounded by love.

Th e last horse I put down was a wonderful trail horse named Cisco. Th is is the parting I regret the most, both for the way it happened and for the way I behaved. Cisco was a great old gelding with a problem. He’d had cancer and, though it was in remission, his continued health depended on constant vigilance and regular, sometimes messy, aft ercare. It was a pain in the neck. But Cisco was a rock solid old trail horse, and I was a beginner trail rider, a match made in heaven. I learned so much in one summer on Cisco. He was my favorite kind of horse, smart, confi dent, non-reactive, the word spook not in his vocabulary. He wasn't a lover of people, he was a tolerator, and he tolerated me pretty well.

We ended the summer on the Lincoln County Sheriff 's Posse Pony Express ride. I won a talent contest singing a comic little ditty I wrote about my horse’s idiosyncracies. Aft er the last day of riding, Cisco passed blood. I was worried, but it stopped. We went home. A week later, I got a call from where he was boarded: Come right now, there is something wrong with Cisco.

It was a horror to arrive at the barn and see Cisco, my dear Cisco, eating hay unconcernedly while his gut drooped

between his legs. A rupture, they said. I became hysterical. Here I took this horse on a long ride, to impress people, and myself, with my newbie trail skills. And I ruined him. I wasn't a horse person. I was a hack who had killed her horse. Th e vet told me the rupture had been inevitable, that Cisco had far outlived his prognosis, and it was good he'd had a chance to be out and about on a big adventure before he died. But it would be months before I let myself believe any of that.

Even worse was the way I acted that day, screaming and crying hysterically in the barn, in front of my horse, who, whether he knew it or not, was dying.

I regret it still. Th e fact is, a lot more than this horse dying was going on. My personal life was in a mess, my marriage splitting apart. As I said, guilt makes this decision feel like murder. So do unresolved feelings about other things.

But it's a decision we should not shrink from making. While I regret my behaviour and lack of savvy with some of these horses, I don't regret their euthanasias. Where we fail our animals is in being afraid to let go, afraid to face loss, afraid to accept our failures, or at least to accept reality.

And we really fail when, in the face of tragedy, we stop being the leader our horse expects and needs us to be. A friend told me about a woman who had her dying horse kept alive for two days so she could drive home and say goodbye. Two days of equine suff ering to satisfy a human need. I think of a woman I knew in Denver who refused to put her weakening horse down. "I want him to die on his own," she'd say. Meaning, I'd feel too guilty to put him down.

We take horses, we keep them in pens, we restrict their nature in every way we can dream up. And if we are going to do all that, the very least we can do is release

them, without hysterics or drama or selfi shness, when the time comes.

Th e best we can do is be their leaders to the end.

If I could unspool time back to that day with Cisco, I would thank him for all he taught me, tell him goodbye, and take my guilt and hysterical self-recriminations home, where they belonged. I would feed Zouri cookies, smile at him and pet him just how I knew he loved to be petted. I would stifl e the tears. If I could go back to Jake, I would stand there until he fell and pay tribute to a good horse.

Th e other day, the guy who owned the dying horse had us move her companions out of the pen. I went to get hold of my own horse in case the shot spooked him. When it rang out, all the horses fl inched just a second, then when back to whatever they'd been doing.

I walked to the pen where the owner stood quietly over the mare. Th e shot was expert, clean, right where it should have been. Blood gushed from her mouth and nose in a fast stream. We stood there watching. Aft er a few seconds, her legs thrashed in a mighty paroxysm and then she was still. "Th at's the heart stopping," he said. We walked away.

Later, I asked him why he'd stood there aft er the shot.

"It's important not to walk away while the soul is leaving," he said. "Th at way they know that you cared."

Whether you believe in your horse's soul or not, we all need to remember this at the end: Show that you cared, not with hysterics or human drama, but with all the leadership and dignity you can muster.


Acacia Riding Adventures

The Tail End

Photo: Ozana Photography

Looks like Bo Alcott and his mount have a pretty good chance of roping that calf. Wherever you and your horse gallop off to this summer, we hope you'll be safe and have as much fnn as he is!

Saddle up for a canyon ride & explore the most breathtaking scenery in New Mexico. Bring your horse or rent one from ARA. Only 45 minutes south of ABQ.

ACACIARIDINGADVENTURES.COM 575.517.0477

Acacia Riding AdventuresAcacia Riding Adventures

ARA The view is always better on a horse!™

Acacia Riding Adventures

Saddle up for a canyon ride & explore the most breathtaking scenery in New Mexico. Bring your horse or rent one from ARA. Only 45 minutes south of ABQ.

ACACIARIDINGADVENTURES.COM 575.517.0477

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horse around new mexico july/august 2014

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