All Work and Some Play

Winter time is usually a tough time for me to get in the saddle and hit the trails.  The weather where Trovao is kept is usually pretty rough.  Deep snow and open fields make it cold and unpleasant.  Lucky for us,  Christina has obtained permission from the lady who owns her farm for us to come over and use the arena.  Let me tell you what an experience it is.  We don't ride in the arena, we play!  It's a great way for the boys to stretch their legs and be silly, but still learn.  Not sure if I have mentioned this before, but Trovao is scared of everything.  Chairs, tarps, bouncing balls, you name it.  At times, I think he is scared of his own shadow.  Garbage bins, that are out every Thursday, that he has seen a thousand times, they are going to kill him.  So, we use the time in the arena, to attempt to desensitize him.   All this started last winter. 

We usually start off "play time" by chasing them around the arena to stretch, but then rein it in to free lunging them.  I love watching how Trovao behaves.   He becomes so attentive.  I wonder if it has a lot to do with when I first began to train him.  On the lunge line, I would give him 5 minutes to each side to buck, be silly, and gallop around, then it was business.  It seemed to be a method that worked for us.  Until now I've never had an arena to free lunge in, so it's been amazing to see how well he actually responds.   He has his cheeky moments, but he is learning.  

We do a lot of different things when we play.  For example, after we have got them warmed up and paying attention, we bring out the trotting poles and have them go over them down the long wall.   In the beginning, Trovao would do everything he could to avoid going over them.  Christina would say "over" and over Rusty goes, but not Trovao.  We would think that would just follow Rusty over, but at the last second, he would skip around them.  Eventually he started to go over them.  The nice thing is that they are the same poles used to set up jumps, so I think this has helped him associate them with jumps in the field.  Two weeks ago, Johanna and Apollo joined us in the arena and she set up some up as an actual jump on the opposite wall.   So the boys had to go over the trotting poles, then over the jump.  

Other times when we have worked in the arena, we have brought out tarps and different sized balls, and barrels.  Trovao doesn't like tarps, so one day we decided that it would be a good idea to play with one.  We started with it on the ground.  It took a bit of coaxing, but I actually got Trovao to walk on it. I was leading him of course, and treats were a definite reward.  Soon, I had him walking on it beside me without me holding him.  He would follow me on it.  I was pretty happy about this.  After accomplishing this, I decided that I would try to put the tarp on him.  He wasn't overly amused about it, but he trusted me.  I began by holding him and rubbing the tarp all over his body.  I would toss it up and have it make noise, as that's what scare him.   He didn't like it much, but again, trusted me.  By the end of the exercise, I had the tarp up and over his head.  While this was amazing, I'm still sure that if we come across one on the road, it will try to kill him.  

Other things that I have done with Trovao involve lunging whips.  In the beginning, I began with only one whip.  I would do the same thing I did with the tarp and run it up and down his body, flicking it over his back.  Quick movements would startle him a bit, but he accepted it.  I then began to swing the whip around at his sides, and eventually helicopter around his head.  The biggest challenge has been to not hold on to him while I do this.  Every time we play in the arena, I make sure to work on this.   Last week, when I went up to play, I tried two whips.  I couldn't believe it.  He stood right in front of me and let me swing both whips around his body and over his head!  This amazed me because I've only done this a few times with him.  My boy never ceases to amaze me.  

The next thing I want to work on him with is to kick a soccer ball.  He already expresses some interest in the ball.  While he hasn't figured out how to play with it, he does like to go and sniff it.  I have taken to kicking the ball to his front hooves and making him walk forward saying "Kick it".  He has done it a couple times.  Shocking enough I got the idea to kick the ball up and over the boys for fun.  While Apollo wasn't impressed with my idea, Rusty and Trovao weren't bothered by it.  That made me happy that it didn't spook him.  I have been able to kick balls under his feet, bounce them off his back, and play catch with Christina over his back.  Who knows, maybe I will be able to make a soccer star out my boy yet.  

I have been lucky to get some arena time with my boy lately.  While it doesn't compare to time in the saddle, it's still a great bonding experience.  I definitely recommend that every horse person take some time to just play with their friends. 

Well, until next time my friends.  Thanks for reading.

Ashley and Trovao

Trovao decided to be a paint after a nice roll in the arena.  

Up and Over

Well what can I say, work is such an inconvenience when it comes to me wanting to get back in the saddle.  But I'm sure Trovao doesn't mind not having to carry me around for a few hours on some trails.  OK, I'm sure he does miss it, and me, a bit.  I definitely do.

In my last post, I introduced everyone to our friends, Christina and Rusty.  I began to tell you about how they have been such an amazing influence on us.  Our first time out, Trovao and I were in a rough spot with each other.  Years of nothing but boring flat work resulted in fights and both of us souring. Getting ut on the trails and away from the arena was the best thing that could have ever happened.  We have finally reconnected.  When Trovao met Rusty, I couldn't believe how well they got along.  Trovao trusted Rusty and he would do anything with him.  Rusty and Christina have seen us through a lot of firsts.  I didn't think that we would see these firsts, but we have and it's a great feeling.  I think the first story I want to tell you about is our first time jumping.

Now, Trovao and I have jumped before, but it was not graceful, nor was it actually over a jump.  When he was about 5, we jumped a ditch because a truck was coming up the road.  OK, so maybe I shouldn't count that one.  I've always wanted to try jumping. All I've ever known in the equestrian wold was Dressage, so the thought was kind of scary, but also intriguing. The ride started out like any other ride Christina and I had been on.  She met me at the top of the driveway and we headed out to the neighbour's bush.  Our neighbour has a team of Clydesdale horses that he drives through the forest at the back of their property, so they have a really nice trail that we incorporate into our outings.  Near one of the entrances, Christina had set up 3 jumps, as she used the trail frequently.  When we approached them, she asked if we would want to try going over them, or we could go around them, but she would be taking Rusty.  I thought about it for a second and decided why not, lets do it.  So after a few pointers about seat position, we were off.  Rusty broke into a canter and Trovao followed suit, only he wasn't calm, he was anxious.  Approaching the jumps, I kept thinking "don't spook, don't refuse, and don't dump me!" But Trovao was amazing!  One, two, three and we were over them all.  I was so proud!  He did not miss a beat, and I'm sure he cleared them much higher than he needed to.  It was at that moment that I felt a huge change in my horse.  He had discovered something new and he loved it!  He walked with such an attitude after that, so proud of himself for doing it.  Christina took us over another log jump that was higher than the first ones, and again he just soared!  What a rush!  The ride ended up on riding on the trails behind Christina's barn, where she had a few more jumps set up.  Well you guessed it, we went over those too with no problems (following Rusty of course).  The only problem I have now, is that I have created a monster.  Now when I ride the trails, and Trovao sees the jumps, he becomes like a kid in a candy store.   You can just feel the excitement coursing through him.

After a few rides on these trails and going over these jumps, Christina suggested that we go to her friend's property, where they have a jumping course set up.  Why not!  Let's see what Trovao can do!  Well for anyone who knows my boy, these ones were scary.  If it doesn't look like a natural log, well it's just going to eat him.  The trotting poles on the ground may jump up and bite.  But, after a bit of circling around, and convincing, he gained the confidence to go over.   Before I knew it, we were jumping over plastic rain barrels, tires, and coloured jumps!  Today I don't even need to follow Rusty!  Trovao has found something that he really loves!  And because he loves it, so do I.  Secretly, Trovao is not the only jumping monster that was created.

On that note, I'm going to end this one for now.   I'll be back soon to recount another story for you all.  Thanks for reading.

Ashley and Trovao

Equine Therapy... A Great Way To Help With Special Needs

This blog was inspired by a friend of mine.  Her child has special needs and she has involved him in Equine Therapy.  This inspired me to write about it.  Many people do not realize that there is this option for therapy when their child is diagnosed with a disability.  A wonderful option for taking the stress out of going to therapy.

Developed in Europe in the 1950's, therapeutic riding was used as a tool for improving the lives of those with physical disabilities.  Today, it is used for children and adults with a variety of disorders. They range anywhere from autism, to speech problems, to substance abuse. Equine Therapy is fantastic for stretching, strengthening, and toning different muscles.  The natural movement of the horse mimics the way the pelvis moves when we walk, therefore training the body to move in the correct way.  It helps to develop the proper muscles that coordinate and assist the way we stand and walk.  

For a child with a speech problem, being around the horses works wonders.  The child is encouraged to talk to the horse in order to give commands and tell it what to do.  As the child begins to use the proper words, they gain confidence.  This leads to further development, not only in their speech, but in their social skills, the child is learning to interact.  

Equine Therapy does not just involve riding.  The children are taught to groom the horses as well.  This helps to teach them how to care for a living thing and strengthens their problem solving abilities.  One of the best benefits that Equine Therapy has to offer is the simple fact that horses do not judge. Horses do not care what you look like, how you speak, or what is wrong with you.  They like you for you and will take care of you, if you take care of them.  This helps children with behavioural and emotional issues.  They find that they can learn to trust, express feelings, and just to talk.  Working within the barn helps children learn how to develop and stick to a schedule, and also how to handle the situation if the schedule has to be rearranged.  

Horses are an amazing self esteem boost, especially when a child, that struggles to control his or her own mind and body, realizes that they are able to control something that is around 1,000+ pounds and has a mind of it's own.  

Horses have wonderful healing powers.  Just ask anyone who owns a horse, or rides.  It is truly remarkable what an hour or two with a horse can do.  

Sources:

http://www.equine-therapy-programs.com

Winter Care Tips

Hey NEIGHbours, it's that time of the year again, winter time.  You know what that means.  It's time to bust out those big blankets, water trough heaters, and it's going to be cold!  Here are some tips on how you can make sure your horses are prepared for the season.

Tip #1

Make sure that your horse has plenty of hay to eat in the paddock.  The bulk of their diet should be hay as by digesting it, the hay produces heat and helps to keep the horse warm.  A normal horse will consume roughly around 20 pounds of hay per day in warmer weather.  During the winter, that same horse may need 25 to 30 pounds a day.  

Tip #2

Ensure that your horse has an ample water supply.  Make routine checks to the paddock to make sure that the water trough is free of ice.  If you have electricity out near the paddocks, you could put in a bucket heater to help keep the water warm.  If the water is kept slightly warm during the winter, water consumption typically increases.  Add salt to your horse's feed, or provide them with a mineral salt lick to help increase water consumption. 

Tip #3

Show your horse some love in the winter and don't ask him to accept a freezing cold bit.  Keep the bridle in a heated area until it is not cold to the touch before putting it on your horse.  Hold the bit in your hand, under your arm, or inside your warm jacket to heat it up.  

Tip #4

Keep your horses feet free of snow.  A neat trick is to smear petroleum jelly on the bottom.  Make sure that you keep up with regular trimmings.  Clipped hooves will help provide a better grip on slippery ground, and are less likely to chip.  

Tip #5

When cooling down your horse after a ride, make sure he his ears are cold.  Cold ears mean a cold horse.  Make sure he is dry before putting him away.  Towel him over, roughing up the hair.  You can also use a hair dryer, if he is not afraid of them.  (Not a luxury for me, my horse would have heart failure.) Once dry, curry and brush him to separate the hairs and keep him warm.   

Tip #6

Ensure that you provide your horse with some form of shelter.  Trees help to provide a natural wind barrier, but the best protection comes from a run-in.  Make sure it is adequate enough to provide shelter for all the horses in the paddock.  When choosing a turnout blanket, make sure it is appropriate for the weather conditions.  Ensure that it fits properly and all straps are secure and safe.  

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  Be sure to check out my other blogs at http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca, and follow me on my respective social media sites.

Sources:

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/30899/winter-horse-care-tips-for-owners

http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Horse-In-the-Winter

http://horses.about.com/od/seasonalcare/qt/winterhorsecare.htm

Percherons... The Gentle Giants

Recently I have developed a love for the gentle giants of the equine world, draft horses, particularly Percherons.  I thought I would do a write up on these beautiful draft horses.

Percherons originated in the Huisane river valley in northern France, part of the former Perche province. La Perche is one of the oldest horse breeding regions in the world and is where the Percheron name developed.  In the 8th century, Arabian and other oriental horses were mated with heavy native horses and cob stock, producing the first Percheron horses.  In the Middle Ages, the Comte de Perche introduced Spanish blood into the breed, followed by the importing of Andalusian stallions by Comte de Rotrou.  Arabs and English Thoroughbreds were mixed into the bloodlines in the 18th century.  The gray colour in the Percherons can be traced all the way back to 1820, to two imported, gray Arababian stallions.  All the Percherons around today, can trace their lineage directly back to 1823 to a horse named Jean Le Blanc.

Percherons were originally bred for use as war horses, and artillery horses.  They have also served as carriage horses, pulling stage coaches.  Later the breed began to be used as a working horse, hauling heavy goods on the farms.  Breeders became more interested in using the breed as a work horse, rather than a carriage horse.  In the middle of the 19th century, heavy mares were brought in to mix with the breed in order to focus on breeding the heavier Percheron people are accustomed to today.  The first Percherons in North America were imported to the United States in 1839.  Canada imported their first Percheron from the United States. All Percherons in Canada and the United States remain genetically pure, as all horses can follow their ancestry back to the originating stock from La Perche.

The Percherons found in North America today, stand, on average, between 16.2 and 17.3 hands.  The range can vary from 15 to 19 hands, and they weigh in, on average, 1900 to 2600 pounds.  Typically they are black or gray in colour, but have been known to be roan, bay, or chestnut.  White markings have been known to appear on heads and legs, but the registries consider excessive white undesirable.  The Percheron head has a straight profile, broad forehead, large eyes, and small ears.  The chest is deep and wide, and croup is long and level.  Feet and legs are heavy muscled.

Percherons are known for their intelligence, ease of handling, equable temperament, and willingness to work.  These horses are an elegant heavy horse, and are active, showy and easy movers.  Although they adapt to different climates well, they are not as hardy in extreme winter conditions as other draft types.  Today the breed is still used as a working horse on small farms.  When they are not working on the farm, they are used for hayrides, sleigh rides, and parades.  Many people show the breed in hitching lasses.  Some even use them under saddle for both English and Western riding.

On that note, I definitely think my next horse is going to be a Percheron.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  Please remember to subscribe to receive an email informing you of my next post.

Don't forget to check out my other blogs posts http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca, and follow me on my respective social media sites.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percheron
http://www.percheron.ca/history.htm

Rally For The Thoroughbreds At The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

As many of you have read in my earlier blog, the horse racing industry is suffering the effects of the government, mainly Dalton McGuinty and his ingenious idea to take the slots out of the racetracks.  This Saturday, a rally is being held at the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair to help raise further awareness of this situation.  The rally will take place at 10am just out front of the main entrance between the Coliseum and the National Trade Centre.  All business professionals, horse owners, breeders, and general fans of horse racing are welcome, and encouraged to attend.  

For those who are unaware, McGuinty's decision results in a significant economic, social, and cultural blow to the horse racing industry.  The Ontario Horse Industry is a 2 billion dollar industry that created employment and wages for 60 thousand full-time and part-time employees, and also created 30 thousand jobs for green energy.  Not only is this decision putting employees out of a job, but the horses as well.  The future has forecast a mass slaughter of up to 13,000 Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and Quarter Horses by early next year if the industry were to completely collapse.  It is estimated that two-thirds of Ontario tracks will close, there will be fewer racing days, less money in in the prize pots, and therefore, less of a reason to own, breed, and maintain these horses.  

The ripple effect from this decision will be dramatically felt by the Horse Industry. Owning a horse for pleasure or show will no longer be financially feasible, for the average person in Ontario.  As it is, the cost of hay has tripled.  Many of the veterinarians and medical professionals will be forced to head down to the United States, where the horse racing industry still thrives.  As a result to the removal of gambling funds, many rural taxpayers will be asked to compensate for the 20% loss in municipal tax base. At this rate, it will not be long before those beautiful horse farms that we see when we are driving in the rural areas of Ontario are a distant memory.

So please, please, please, come down to the main gate at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for 10 am on Saturday November 10, to show support for the Horse Industry, and show that we will not stand for this decision!

Thank you for reading.  Be sure to check out my other posts.

Nurtural Bitless Bridle - http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/11/nurtural-bitless-bridles-dawning-of-new.html#.UJmQlo4spAQ

Equine Controversy -  http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/equine-controversy.html#.UJXMOY4spAQ

Every Horse Deserves A Second Chance: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/every-horse-deserves-second-chance.html#.UJXMco4spAQ

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken... Or Can They?: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/wild-hearts-cant-be-brokenor-can-they.html#.UJXNBY4spAQ

A Day At The Races: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-day-at-races.html#.UJXNJY4spAQ

A Bit Of MINIATURE Information: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-bit-of-miniature-information.html#.UJXNUo4spAQ

They're At The Post... And They're Off: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/theyre-at-post-and-theyre-off.html#.UJXNm44spAQ

Sources:

Why We Should Fight for the Horse Racing Industry?

Nurtural Bitless Bridles... The Dawning Of A New Era

As I was wandering around the Royal Winter Fair yesterday, I came across a booth that sells bitless bridles, called Nurtural Horse.  Curiosity took over, and I stopped in to inquire.   Eventually I will need to switch over to a bitless bridle with my horse Trovao, as recently melanoma has developed in his mouth.  Let me tell you that I am definitely interested in this bridle.  I would like to give it a try.

The Nurtural Bitless Bridle was designed by Gerry Guy and Zoe Brooks, on their farm in Northern Ontario.  Both Gerry and Zoe love to ride and have horses of their own.  They had tried a few of the other bitless bridles on the market and found that they did not work at all.  Working with the design of the bitless bridles and with the help of their Canadian mare, Hazel, they developed and patented their own bitless bridle.  Many hours were spent just listening to their horses, learning about their behaviours.  For example, how in order to have another horse back off, they stare at a spot on their nose.  So by applying pressure on the nose, you are able to indicate to your horse that you would like it to "back off" or stop, or back up.

So what is unique about these bridles?  The Nurtural Bitless Bridle has a solid crownpiece that ensures that the reinstraps do not slip, and provide gentle poll pressure that slows or stops your horse.  The reinstraps are held securely under the jaw by their patented Circle-X, which is adjustable so you are able to position the reinstraps properly on the cheek.  This design applies pressure on the horse's face only when you pull on a rein.  It also provides a constant pressure point under the jaw when you pull back on both reins that signals the horse to stop.  Nurtural reinstraps are shorter than most reins, however, they are able to provide clear consistent signals.  They attach close to the horse's mouth, giving you the same feeling as riding with a bit. The Nurtural reinstraps do not twist, tangle, or pinch the nose.  Each noseband has a rubber grip that stops it from slipping.   The final thing that makes this bitless bridle unique is that it gives better control of the horse than any other bitless system.  

If you are interested in purchasing the Nurtural Bitless Bridle, they are manufactured in 5 different materials, 6 sizes, English, Western, Driving, and Custom.  The 5 materials are nylon, synthetic, impressive, elegan, and ranchman.  The synthetic and nylon are available in a variety of colours.  Take a look on their website at www.nurturalhorse.com, or if you are in the Toronto area you can visit them at the Royal Winter Fair until November 11.  

Thanks for reading and don't forget to check out the rest of the blogs on my page:

Equine Controversy: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/equine-controversy.html#.UJXMOY4spAQ

Every Horse Deserves A Second Chance: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/every-horse-deserves-second-chance.html#.UJXMco4spAQ

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken... Or Can They?: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/10/wild-hearts-cant-be-brokenor-can-they.html#.UJXNBY4spAQ

A Day At The Races: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-day-at-races.html#.UJXNJY4spAQ

A Bit Of MINIATURE Information: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-bit-of-miniature-information.html#.UJXNUo4spAQ

They're At The Post... And They're Off: http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca/2012/09/theyre-at-post-and-theyre-off.html#.UJXNm44spAQ

Sources:

www.nurturalhorse.com

Equine Controversy

Controversy... If you think that it does not exist in the equine world, well you are sorely mistaken.  It does exist.

One of the most recent controversies to take place in the equestrian world was at the 2012 London Olympics.  One of the Canadian jumpers, Tiffany Foster was disqualified by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).  During a random ground check, her horse, Victor, was found to have a hypersensitivity in the left front leg, above the hoof.  The team tried to convince the vets to let them bring the horse out of the stall and jog him, but they did not allow it.  As a result, our olympic team was forced to compete with only three riders.   As for Tiffany Foster, her olympic dreams were shattered, as she was sent home. Equine Canada issued a statement thanking the FEI for its conduct in the affair.  Olympic rider Eric Lamaze has taken a stand and announced that he will never again compete under Equine Canada's authority unless the federation reverses its position.

Another recent controversy in the equine world is over the dressage stallion, Totilas.  This owners and rider are being accused of unethically treating this horse.  According to one welfare organization lawyer, the horse suffers from forced hyperflexion when ridden and from constant isolation in a box stall when not training.  The German branch of PETA has filed these charges, as they have found that Totalis has been trained using the rollkur-method and lives the majority of his day in his stall.  They have also requested a total ban of the rollkur in Germany, and a nationwide ban of animal torturing training methods.  It will be decided by the German prosecuting office whether further investigations are warranted to determine if the animal welfare laws have been violated.

We will have to wait to see how this turns out

Sources:
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/08/05/canadas-olympic-equestrian-team-outraged-by-controversial-disqualification/
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20819&src=VW
http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2012/10/22/german-branch-peta-files-charges-against-totilas-owners

Every Horse Deserves A Second Chance

Every year there are thousands of horses in Ontario that are in need of assistance.  Some come from families that are no longer able to afford the upkeep, while others have run their course on the racetrack.  Some have been neglected and starved, leaving them terrified and untrusting.  Others are lame and are unable to continue their showing career.  Whatever the reason, theses horses deserve a second chance. There are many people across the country that feel the same way and have opened their farms and hearts in order to try and provide happy endings to many of these horses.

Rescue centres exist all across the country with a common goal in mind... to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home as many horses as possible.  These centres receive no funding from the government and depend on donations and the proceeds from fundraisers to provide food and care for the horses they take in.  If you are looking for your first horse or a new horse, take a moment to look online for these centres before going to the breeders.  They post pictures and stories behind all the horses they have rescued.  Give a rescued horse a second chance.   

Here are a few rescue centres:

Heaven Can Wait Equine Rescue - www.heavencanwaitequinerescue.org

Horse Rescue Ontario - www.horserescueontario.org

Refuge RR - www.refugerr.org

Canadian Horse Rescue Links - www.ghostfleetfarm.com/canada.htm

Horse Rescue Centres - www.tracs-bc/horserescuecentres.html

Cannington Horse Rescue - www.cannington-horse-rescue.com

Adopt A Preloved Horse - www.adoptaprelovedhorse.com

Freedom Valley Horse Rescue - horseadoptontario.blogspot.com

Rainbow Valley Riding Center - www.rvrc.ca

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken....Or Can They?

Alberta Canada is home to Canada's wild mustangs.  Today there is a threat facing the wild horses..... Capture then slaughter.   It has been noted that 99% of all wild horses captured end up slaughtered.  A study done by Sustainable Resources and Development claims that around only 770 wild horses remain in the wild.  It is also believed that the numbers are much closer to 500 than to 1000.  

Forestry companies are constantly complaining about the wild horses, claiming that they are damaging the environment.  According to spokesman Tom Daniels, Sundre Forest Products plant about five million seedlings are planted in a year and an unknown number are damaged by grazing horses.  He also claims that the horses are a potential traffic hazard, and problem for employees, as they have had staff threatened by horses while working in the field.  What theses forestry companies need to remember is that the land does not belong to them, but to the Albertans.  Many Albertans share a strong emotional connection to the wild horses because of their part in settling the West. 

The wild horses in Alberta are descendants of the horses used to help work the fields and the mines back in the 1900's.  They used to improve the quality of life and provide a means of transportation.  Once they were no longer needed, the horses were set free to roam the lands.  The number of wild horses has increased over the years, not only because of breeding, but because of escaped and illegally released horses.  

There have been that many attempts made to capture the horses, that in order to ensure the humane treatment of the horses, the government created the Horse Capture Regulation.  This regulation also allows the government to regulate the issuance of licences for horse capture, and also restricts the inhumane methods of capture.  Over the past couple of winters, trappers have caught and sent more than 350 wild horses to slaughter.  That is 31% of the total wild horse herd.  

Many are crying out for the government to create an Alberta Heritage Species Act, which will change the status of the wild horses from feral, and have them protected through legislation.  Both Saskatchewan and Newfoundland have brought in legislation to protect their wild horses, now Alberta needs to do the same.  

Sources:

http://www.srd.alberta.ca/LandsForests/LandManagement/FeralHorses/Default.aspx

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/08/04/calgary-wild-horses-forestry.html

http://www.ndpopposition.ab.ca/node/3424

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Featured+letter+Alberta+needs+halt+cull+majestic+wild+horses/7292585/story.html

They're at the Post... and They're Off!

Hello NEIGHbour!
Welcome to my blog. Over the next 12 weeks, I will be blogging about all things horses. I would like to start my blog with a very important matter in the equine world, the racetrack industry.

An announcement was made in March of this year that the government has decided to terminate a program SARP (Slots at Racetracks Program), that sent $345-million from slot-machine revenues to tracks and horsemen in 2011. The removal of this program would lead to the closure of 11 of the 17 racetracks in Ontario, three of which are already closed.  For many of the tracks in Ontario, the slots make up more than 90 percent of the purses.  At the moment, the president of Woodbine Entertainment Group is unsure of the fate of the $1-million purses for next year's Woodbine Mile and Queen's Plate.  Although they do not plan to reinstate the SARP, the government has said that they will fund the racetracks with $50-million for the next three years.  Knowing this amount is not enough, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association has asked for $210-million.  A final report is due at the end of this month that will state a final amount that will be funded.  It is estimated that five or six tracks will be able to stay open and remain successful.

 As a result of this decision, there will be a loss of 3,600 to 6,300 jobs. Not only will many people lose their jobs, but many of the race horses will lose their lives. A report was issued by a government panel indicating that 7,500 to 13,000 horses could be euthanized by early 2013.  We have Dalton McGuinty to thank for this.   In an interview conducted by CTV Toronto, McGuinty claimed that the government is concerned about the mass euthanasia of the horses and that they do not intend to support it.  However, he has quoted in saying "We're Listening very intently.  But at the end of the day, we've also made a decision: We've got to put schools and healthcare ahead of subsidizing horse racing in Ontario." I don't feel that he really cares about the horses.

The situation with the tracks is also affecting life on the farms.  Breeders don't know whether to breed their mares again and owners are reluctant to buy when they don't know what is going to happen to the industry.  The average price of Thoroughbred yearlings has decreased by 22 percent from last year.  Gross sales have declined by 61 percent.  It is tough for owners to spend the money if the potential to profit is disappearing.  Without the tracks to compete on, many of these horses have no where to go.  Many have been given a second chance and are being trained in other disciplines.  However, the rest of the equestrian world is not prepared to accommodate the massive influx.  There just is not enough homes.


Sources:
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/up-to-13-000-horses-could-be-euthanized-in-ontario-report-says-1.941358
www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/horses-put-down-as-industry-declines/article4547462
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2012/08/20/decision-to-cut-racetrack-slots-funding-backed-by-controversial-report