wyo-braska spring 2014

S P R I N G 2 0 14 F R E E

WYOMING/NEBRASKA PANHANDLE EDITION

SPRING 2014 | Published by News Media Corporation2 EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2014 EQUINE ENTHUSIAST 3

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SPRING 2014 | Published by News Media Corporation4 EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

SPRING 2014

FEATURESHORSES BECOME TEACHERS FOR DISABLED YOUTH AT

TAPONI ANIMAL MENTORING ............................................................. 6-7, 9

SUMMER GRAZING ..................................................................................... 11

EQUINE EVENTS ALL YEAR LONG ........................................................ 12-14

BAKER’S GOLD ‘NUGGET’ ..................................................................... 16, 18

CHEYENNE TROTTERS: OVER 30 YEARS OF HORSE AND

RIDER TEAMWORK ................................................................................ 19-20

PONIES BECOME SENIOR PROJECT FOR LOCAL HIGH

SCHOOL STUDENT ................................................................................ 21-22

PREPARING YOUR HORSE FOR SPRING .................................................... 23

HOW IS YOUR HORSE’S SHEN? ....................................................... 24-25, 28

NO STRANGERS TO WINNING ............................................................ 29, 31

LEAVE NO TRACE ....................................................................................... 30

KEEP THE LANDSCAPE AS IT IS ............................................................ 32-33

HORSEMEN RETRACE RIDE OF CHIEF JOSEPH ............................. 34-35, 37

ON THE COVEREQUINE E N T H U S I A S T

Jayden Heltz visits with Hatch and walks Joey the lamb during a

Taponi Animal Mentoring session.

READ MORE ABOUT HORSES BECOMING TEACHERS FOR DISABLED YOUTH ON PAGE 6

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S TPublished by News Media Corporation.

www.EquineEnthusiast.com

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S Tis a FREE quarterly publication. 12,000

copies are distributed throughout the state of Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle

region. It is available at feed and retail stores, event centers, hotels and other

equine-related businesses.

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HORSES BECOME TEACHERS

FOR DISABLED YOUTH AT

TAPONI ANIMAL MENTORING

PAGES 6-7, 9

REREAAD M

S P R I N G 2 0 14 F R E E

WYOMING/

NEBRASKA

PANHANDLE

EDITION

EQUINE ENTHUSIAST 5

THESE BRONCS CAN BUCK ............................................................. 39, 42-43

A LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF A COLLEGE RODEO COMPETITOR ... 45,48-50

BIRTH CONTROL EFFORT AIMS TO MAINTAIN

MCCULLOUGH HERD ............................................................................ 52-53

VACCINATIONS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT COME SPRING ................ 54, 57

PHS STAGECOACH PROJECT WAS INSPIRED BY 1939

JOHN WAYNE MOVIE ........................................................................... 58, 60

HORSE INSURANCE GOOD FOR SOME, BUT NOT ALL ....................... 69-70

COLUMNSTRAIL TALK: CURT GOWDY STATE PARK ................................................. 10

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE .................................................................. 61-66

EVENT CALENDAR ................................................................................. 67-69

CHEYENNE TROTTERS: OVER 30 YEARS OF HORSE AND RIDER TEAMWORK

PAGES 19-20

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2014

PONIES BECOME SENIOR PROJECT FOR LOCAL HIGH

SCHOOL STUDENT

PAGES 21-22

HOW IS YOUR HORSE’S SHEN?

PAGES 24-25, 28

NO STRANGERS TO WINNING

PAGES 29, 31

HORSEMEN RETRACE RIDE OF CHIEF JOSEPH

PAGES 34-35, 37

THESE BRONCS CAN BUCK

PAGES 39, 42-43

A LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF A COLLEGE RODEO COMPETITOR

PAGES 45, 48-50

6 EQUINE ENTHUSIAST SPRING 2014 | Published by News Media Corporation

By Samantha Maxfi eldSTAFF WRITER

Horses have a way of helping individuals over life’s hurdles and have proven to be re-

markable teachers. The lessons taught through working with horses can be applied to real-life situations, which in turn can help anyone grow and learn.

Horses don’t lie or over-think their riders’ emotions, and over time the horse and rider create a powerful team, which can communicate non-verbally.

At Taponi Animal Mentoring, lo-cated in Mountain View, in southwest-ern Wyoming, the disabled youth in the community come to learn basic horse skills and build a relationship with their equine partner in ways best suited to their individual strengths.

A physical, cognitive or emotional special need doesn’t limit a person from interacting with horses. Interac-tions with the equine world have been proven to be highly rewarding.

Riding a horse moves the body in a manner much like the human gait. The horse’s pelvis has a similar three-dimensional movement to the human’s pelvis at the walk. In addition, the three-dimensional movement of the horse’s pelvis leads to a movement re-sponse in the rider’s pelvis, which is similar to the movement patterns of human walking.

Riders with physical needs often show improvement in flexibility, bal-ance and muscle strength.

“I have seen improvement in balance, speech and even attitude,” Taponi Ani-mal Mentoring owner Aubrey Andersen said. “One of my riders said ‘Hey, look what I can do,’ and he was balancing on one leg. Or I say turn the horse left, and they go left. There are so many opportu-nities to learn. The brain is a big muscle,

EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE

‘HORSES MAKE THE BEST TEACHERS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BIG HEARTS’

HORSES BECOME TEACHERS FOR DISABLED YOUTH AT TAPONI ANIMAL MENTORING

Courtesy

Jayden Heltz visits with Hatch and walks Joey the lamb during a Taponi Animal Mentoring session.

TEACHERScontinued on page 7

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EQUINE ENTHUSIAST 7Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2014

TEACHERScontinued from page 6

and while riding, blood gets pumping to the brain and endorphins are released re-sulting in a good attitude.”

The youths involved in the Taponi Animal Mentoring program also learn basic horse skills, including grooming, haltering and leading.

“We halter, we lead and we brush and bathe the horses. They look better now than they did when I was taking them to horse shows,” Andersen said. “One of my girls loves to braid, so we braid the horses’ manes and tails, working on fine motor skills as well as personal care.”

A horse’s healthy routine is enforced during the session, and each horse is provided with proper care and nutrition.

“The kids are involved in every as-pect. Right now we have a horse who put a stick through his hock, so they help doctor and give medicine,” Ander-sen said. “This gives them a sense of responsibility and pride.”

Over the course of the equine ther-apy, both the horse and the youth begin to form a partnership in and out of the saddle. A mutual respect between the youth and the equine teacher is built through safety.

Helmets are always worn. Saddles with a high back give the riders extra support, and special stirrups built by Andersen’s husband, Troy, keep the rider’s feet from slipping.

When the youth is mounted, a leader is focused on the horse and two side walk-ers are focused on the saddle and rider.

“The horses have grown to know these kids, and love them so they act appropri-ately,” Andersen said. “We do have one horse – and he is a good horse – he just doesn’t know how to act around the kids and seems almost afraid. For safety, we tie him up, and he enjoys watching. Troy has built all the special equipment we use, and on a larger scale the walkers are most important.”

The goal at Taponi Animal Men-toring is to have the skills learned in the program transferred to the youth’s personal relationships with family and friends. A positive social interac-tion with animals translates to positive

TEACHERScontinued on page 9

Courtesy

After several weeks of visiting and sitting next to the horse, Colton Robbins feels brave enough to get in the saddle. Troy and Aubrey Andersen are with Colton to make sure the experience is a good one.


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human interactions.“I want the kids to be successful,” An-

dersen said. “We set small daily goals so we can celebrate with high fives and picnics with the horses, and I set larger goals with the parents. I want them to want to come to Aubrey’s and ride.”

The steps taken in the Taponi Ani-mal Mentoring program include three stages to best improve the youth’s physical and psychological health.

During stage one, the young person and his or her family visit with Ander-sen to assess the appropriate therapy.

Andersen spends roughly four ses-sions getting to know the youth and al-lowing a relationship to form.

In stage two, the youth and the cho-sen equine begin to bond through motor skills, which includes feeding the ani-mal treats and grooming. A verbal in-troduction is also given to improve vocal skills.

“We spend a lot of time just sitting on buckets,” Andersen said. “It is im-portant the horses are comfortable, and the youth are comfortable around the horses. So we sit and feed them treats and watch.”

In stage three, Andersen views the animal and youth’s interaction and decides if the youth has progressed

enough for some independence to make choices for their equine partner.

“One of the boys sat on the trailer

next to the horse for weeks,” Ander-sen said. “This is where he felt most comfortable, so we sat and talked and petted the horse. And the horse just stood for us. Finally he (the boy) felt comfortable, and he sat up on the horse. It was a huge milestone. I don’t push the kids or the animals. We show each other patience, and it pays off.”

Equine-assisted activities and thera-pies can benefit a wide range of people with or without special needs.

Programs are offered throughout the world for individuals, children, teens, families, couples or businesses to build stronger communication and relationships.

Horses as teachers are utilized to help with various educational and human development goals, such as teamwork, leadership skills, bully prevention, be-havioral issues, anger management, communication, responsibility, self-confidence and much more.

Andersen is currently working to ob-tain grants to help all youths who can benefit from an equine teacher.

He said horses make the best teachers because they have a big hearts.

TEACHERScontinued from page 7

Courtesy

Clay Cantlin sits atop a big sorrel while practicing for the Special Olympics, using his safety helmet and non-slip stirrups.


EQUINE ENTHUSIAST | TRAIL TALK

Courtesy/ Curt Gowdy State Park

Curt Gowdy State Park has three reservoirs and a series of streams and waterfalls, some of which are visible after riding along some ofthe more than a dozen miles of trails open to horses in the west section of the park.

CURT GOWDY STATE PARKRIDING WITHIN A STONE’S THROW OF CHEYENNE, LARAMIE

Curt Gowdy Park is one of the most frequently used state parks in Wyoming, and it is

incredibly popular with mountain bik-ers, hosting the Stone Temple Moun-tain Bike Camp, but the trails are quieter during the week, when riders and their horses can explore the foot-hills of the Laramie Mountains.

There is a single trail system dedi-cated to horses for riders who don’t want to take the chance of rounding a corner and running into a pack of cyclists flying down a hill. The Lariat Trail is a three-mile loop that heads up a hill and passes around a peak by the Stone Temple rock feature before descending again.

Horses are only allowed in one section of the park, and the longest

trail in that area is the Stone Temple Circuit, at nearly four miles. Many of the trails intersect, however, and a rider looking for a longer outing can jump from one trail to another to ex-tend a ride and cover more ground.

The park has three reservoirs and a system of streams meandering through the area. The section open to horses is west of Granite Reservoir and includes trails that follow or have nice views of many of the streams. Crow Creek Trail, accessible off the Stone Temple Circuit and the Pin-ball Trail, takes riders out to Hidden Falls. El Alto, a trail rated for experts due to its incline, ends at a scenic overlook above the falls.

With the ability to mix and match trails, Curt Gowdy State Park has a

ride for any level of comfort and any timeframe, from a few hours to an all-day adventure.

Maps of the tails and the diffi culty level are available at the state park website, wyoparks.state.wy.us, to help riders plan a trip. The snow in the lower elevations should have melted by mid-April, and the higher eleva-tions should be clear by the beginning of May. For those traveling long dis-tances, the park recommends calling ahead to see which trials are clear.

Information about Curt Gowdy State Park is available at http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Site/SiteInfo.aspx?siteID=4 and http://www.wyo-mingtourism.org/thingstodo/detail/Curt-Gowdy-State-Park/2843.

TRAIL DETAILS

Diffi culty: moderate to diffi cult

Type: 1 mile and longer, depending on the trail

County: Albany, Laramie

Trailhead: Aspen Grove

Directions: The park is located halfway between Cheyenne and Laramie on Highway 210 at milepost 23 1/2. Parking for trailers is off Aspen Grove Road.

Base elevation: 7,000 feet

Elevation change: Approximately 600 feet.

Facilities: Campsites, drinking water, dump station, corrals, boating, boat docks and ramps, fi shing, ADA fi shing pier, group picnic shelter, playgrounds and an enclosed lodge.

Fees: Resident fees, $4/day, $10/night; nonresident fees, $6/day $17/night.

Season: Park is open year round; trails are clear of snow in mid-spring.

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By Ryan HermensSTAFF WRITER

As the spring temperatures quickly begin to melt snow throughout the region, many

horse owners will soon allow their animals to graze in pastures. While grazing is fine for most horses, veterinarians and feed store own-ers say it’s important to monitor horses throughout the summer to ensure they’re not eating too little or too much.

“For most horses, under most situations, summer grazing in Wyo-ming – especially with the cold sea-son grasses that we have – is more than adequate nutrition,” Marshall Kohr, an equine veterinarian in Gillette, said.

Horses evolved as natural grazing animals, Big Piney veterinarian Bob Beiermann added. While the quality and availability of grass and pastures should be considered, grazing is the preferred way to feed horses, he said.

The size of a pasture required to support horses during the summer months can vary dramatically, de-pending on conditions.

“It’s not enough pasture if there’s no grass left. You need to have grass out there, and if you’re talking about Wyoming in general, the range land really varies,” Kohr said.

Some areas that lack an abundance of grass could require up to 20 acres per horse, while in other areas of the state, two or three acres can be plenty, he said.

Before turning horses loose on a pasture, both veterinarians sug-gested a few preparations after the snow clears.

“If it’s a small pasture, it’s always a good idea to drag the pasture and rake up manure that’s left over from the year before,” Beiermann said. “Allow the manure to dry out and then spread it out – it helps the pas-ture and can reduce the parasite load in the soil and plants that are going to be coming up.”

Kohr warned there are poisonous plants in Wyoming, primarily loco-weed, and it’s important to make sure they’re not present in pastures where horses will be roaming.

“Know what you have and get with your extension agency; they’re great resources for that,” he said.

While grazing can provide a healthy diet for most horses, some owners prefer to feed their animals supplements.

Keeley Jensen, manager of Jen-sen’s Feed in Pinedale, said miner-als are a popular nutrient during the summer.

“A lot of people put mineral out all year, so the animals won’t lack any-thing – because that can cause behav-ioral issues if you don’t provide your horse with it,” she said.

Horses that suffer from equine metabolic syndrome should be moni-tored while grazing, Kohr said. And animals that have a repeated history of grass foundering shouldn’t be al-lowed to graze, Beiermann added.

Extreme weight gain can also af-fect some horses after they are left in a pasture following a long winter.

“Some horses can get fat, and then it’s important they are brought in at night and then turned out at day-time,” Kohr said. “For most, it’s not an issue, but can be for some.”

Because grass is particularly lush and full of carbohydrates early in the summer, Beiermann suggested tran-sitioning to grazing slowly.

“You may want to limit grazing early on – just allow them access to grass a few hours a day and then bring them in,” Beiermann said. “It’s always good to go between different feed types gradually, if you can.”

Both veterinarians also recom-mended vaccinations against mos-quito-borne viruses for horses who will be spending the summer outside in pastures.

“And if they’ve had a tough win-ter, if they’re thin, it’s always a good idea to have them checked out,” Bei-ermann added.


SUMMER GRAZINGKEEPING HORSES PASTURED AND HEALTHY


By Vicki HoodSTAFF WRITER

It is well-documented that when horses and people get together, many good things can happen. Re-

gardless of the discipline, the benefi ts from working with horses range from learning responsibility to gaining self-confi dence and a host of others. And regardless of age or ability, life with a horse can be one of the best relation-ships someone can have.

For residents in and around Platte County, there are a group of dedicated peo-ple who know plenty about those kinds of relationships and, more importantly, how to improve and keep them going.

The Platte County Horseman’s Asso-ciation was established in 1980 through the efforts of a small group of people who wanted to share their experiences and build an organization where entire families could participate in a variety of horse-related activities. Some of the

founding members included Bob and Donna Gilmore, Dick and Jean Thomp-son and Deanne Woods. The idea came from the Woods family, who moved to the Wheatland area and had belonged to similar groups in other places they had lived.

The group caught on and has had many members over the years. Mem-bership is open to anyone of any age and they do not have to reside in Platte County to join. With an annual member-ship fee of just $15 per family and $10 for an individual, the costs are kept as low as possible to make the membership available to more people and families.

Currently the group has 30 family memberships and is always looking for new members.

A nine-member board is the govern-ing body for the PCHA and they are selected from the membership at large. Elections are held each year during the banquet in November. Terms are stag-gered so that approximately half of the

board is replaced each year, allowing experienced board members to remain for continuity.

Financial support for the group comes from memberships and entry fees, as well as sponsors. Sponsorships are actively solicited each spring but the group will accept support any time it is offered. There are four levels of spon-sorships and all sponsors are recognized at each PCHA sponsored events, in newsletters and on their Facebook page. They are also acknowledged during the Platte County Fair Parade. The list of sponsors is a veritable who’s who list of businesses in the community.

Board member Kelly Brown said, “We’ve been very lucky that many of our local Platte County businesses sup-port our efforts. We understand these folks are continually asked to provide sponsorship or other support to many different activities and we truly appre-ciate that they feel the PCHA is wor-thy. The board strives to give back the majority of memberships, entry fees and sponsorships in prizes each year.”

The club holds a summer series and a winter series of events with showman-ship held on Saturdays and the riding competitions (or gymkhanas) on Sunday.

The summer series runs from June through September. The horse shows have classes ranging from halter and showmanship to western pleasure, rein-ing, and trail as well as English riding classes. One of the unique events is the Pairs Class. A team of two riders must compete next to each other, completing changes of gait, stops, turns and occa-sionally a pattern. The class is judged on how well the team completes each of the maneuvers and how well the riders match up throughout.

On Sundays, events involve riding for times in a variety of ways. They include barrel racing, pole bending, keyhole and two special events such as a fl ag race or running a pattern.

Entry fees of $4 for members and $6 for non-members are collected and pay


EQUINE EVENTS ALL YEAR LONGPLATTE COUNTY HORSEMAN’S ASSOCIATION HAVING FUN SINCE 1980

Keen Huston, an entry in the lead line divi-sion, runs the barrel, with a little help from mom and dad.

Courtesy/ PCHA

Kelsey Jenkins and Laurie Mueller compete in the Pairs Class during a Platte County Horseman’s Association event.

EVENTScontinued on page 13


EVENTScontinued from page 12

for a number of nice prizes for the win-ners. Volunteers also do the judging and are selected for their experience and abil-ity to provide assistance.

Prizes are awarded to the high point winner in each age division at each show and gymkhana as well as year-end prizes provided for the top six contestants in

each age division. At the end of the summer series, a

“Fun Day” is held, open to everyone, with no fees required. The events are designed for a good time, no times are taken and everyone ends up with a prize and, of course, some ice cream.

The winter series begins in December

and runs through April. In the winter se-ries events, all the competition is held on Saturdays.

Events are for all ages and levels of riders and horses. The lead line division has no age limits for the rider and any-one can be led by an adult if they are not comfortable riding by themselves. A walk-trot divi-sion is for riders who aren’t quite ready to lope or when a horse is just beginning. The re-maining divisions include PeeWee (ages 1-8 — riders must ride by them-selves) , Juniors (9-13), Seniors (14-18) and Adults (19 and over).

The PCHA elects royalty each year to represent the or-ganization in area parades and rodeo events. Anyone be-tween 9 and 18 may

try out.The 2014 PCHA queen is Jadea

Graves, who was crowned in November 2013, and the Princess is Gracen Mount.

Courtesy/ PCHA

Carson and Sonny Richards run the ribbon barrels race during the PCHA Fun Day last summer.

Sonny Richards, Danielle Brow, Carson Richards and Bobijo Cord-ingly talk at a PCHA gymkhana.

EVENTScontinued on page 14

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EVENTScontinued from page 13

SPRING 2014 | Published by News Media Corporation

Mount said, “I am most looking forward to riding in parades. I have never ridden in a parade before so the idea of riding my horse in a parade is exciting and a little scary. The week I was crowned as the PCHA Princess, I went to meet Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2013, Holly Kennedy. She told me her fi rst title was PCHA Prin-cess, so I have some big boots to fi ll.”

The PCHA has even been around long enough to have several generations in-volved and some who have come through the organization growing up have gone on to fi nd even bigger successes.

Brown said many previous members have gone on to compete at the state and national level in junior high, high school and college rodeo. Some have competed at the Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Miss Rodeo America, National Western Stock Show and other state and national events. Holly Kennedy, the 2013 Miss Rodeo Wyoming, is a past member. Mike Grant participated in PCHA events as a child and now brings his children to compete. Grant recently won the World Series of Team Roping held in Las Vegas.

Seth Brockman, another past PCHA contestant, is ranked in the top 15 com-petitors in the world in steer wrestling. Several members have gone to college on horse show scholarships and one of them won a national reined cow horse compe-tition and another has competed and won at the intercollegiate level.

Brown also spoke of a young girl who was autistic who competed in the gym-khanas. “Her mother told us that the PCHA did more for her than any other activity she was involved with.”

Brown added that the biggest benefi t of being involved in PCHA is the opportu-nity to spend time doing what she loves. “I always say that weekends spent horse-back keep me sane enough to go back to work Monday morning.”

Another member said she comes not only to ride, but to socialize as well. Many lifelong friendships have been de-veloped at PCHA events.

She says the majority of kids with the Platte County 4-H horse projects are ac-tive members of PCHA and says PCHA provides an opportunity for those kids to get real show experience, which gives them a leg up on the competition.

Board member Laurie Mueller, another long-time member, says “the PCHA has been a very important part of our lives for the past 25 years. My twins were raised horseback and there isn’t anything

better for the inside of a kid. It’s a great environment to raise a family; it teaches sportsmanship and brings out the best in them when they have something they are passionate about. I wish every commu-nity had an organization like PCHA that teaches camaraderie and competition at the same time.”

Brown, who’s been a member for the better part of past 25 years, also says that, although some things have changed since the early days of the PCHA, the group’s goal remains the same. “We want to provide a fun and safe, family-friendly learning environment for our members and others. The PCHA board really wants to create a good atmosphere for all our members. We are on hand to provide assistance of all kinds to our members. It makes us proud to see someone come up through the ranks of the PCHA and go on to bigger and better things. The PCHA has provided many hours of enjoyment, time spent with family and friends, as

well as helping me improve my horse-manship skills.”

Brown also gave high marks to those who make the program successful by handling a lot of behind-the-scenes jobs. “From swinging gates to setting pat-terns, announcing, recording times and entries, it’s the volunteers who keep this organization going. I would just like to thank everyone who has helped make the PCHA successful for the past 34 years.”

For anyone interested in becoming a member or a volunteer, you may contact any of the following board members: Kelly Brown (331-2013); Melanie Brown (331-1447); Jill Graves (331-1413); Roxie Harris (322-5743); Bill Klein (331-0136); Kim Mann (331-0597); Dixie Mount (322-4075); Laurie Mueller (331-0363) or Shawn Rupert (322-9020).

Their next event will be held June 7 at the Platte County Fairgrounds in Wheat-land, Wyo.

The Pudding Race is a fan favorite at the PCHA Fun Day. Jacob Mann picked chocolate!

Courtesy/ PCHA

Rayne Grant gallops through the favored Pudding Race during the last summer’s Fun Day.


*XP Sales Event offers valid 3/1/14 to 4/30/14, see dealer for details. Warning: The Polaris RANGER® and RZR® are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with

a valid driver's license to operate. Passengers must be at least 12 years old and tall enough to grasp the hand holds and plant feet firmly on the floor. All SxS drivers should take a safety

training course. Contact ROHVA at www.rohva.org or (949) 255-2560 for additional information. Drivers and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing,

and seat belts. Always use cab nets or doors (as equipped). Be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never drive on public roads or paved surfaces. Never engage in stunt driving, and

avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don't mix. Check local laws before riding on trails. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. Polaris adult models are for

riders 16 and older. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing, and be sure to take a safety training course. For safety and training information in the

U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887. You may also contact your Polaris dealer or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. ©2014 Polaris Industries Inc.

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By Lori HimesSTAFF WRITER

When you think about the Black Hills of South Da-kota, perhaps Mt. Rushmore

comes to mind, or leather-clad bikers riding chromed-out Harleys. But Dick and Connie Baker of Lusk, Wyo., have a different view. They think about elite performance horses from Bill and Deb Myers of Myer’s Training Sta-bles. Dick has grown up with horses and even showed horses in 4-H, but it wasn’t until he married Connie and had three children that they started to raise them out of necessity.

The kids were starting 4-H and finding suitable, gentle horses for them to show and ride at a reason-able price was almost impossible. They began the process of learning more about horses and pedigrees and

selected horses that were gentle but had speed and a little bit of “cow” in them. Most of the colts went to area ranchers and they did produce some very nice horses, but as the kids grew up there wasn’t anyone to show them anymore and with the declining horse market they became more difficult to sell. Then their stud broke his leg playing in his pen and had to be put down. This was a defining time for the Bakers.

They could get out of the breeding


BAKER’S GOLD ‘NUGGET’THE PATH TO FINDING A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME HORSE

NUGGETcontinued on page 18

Right - A 2007 AQHA Palomino Stallion, Guys Piece of the Pie, also known as Nugget, is the

offspring of Frenchmans Guy and Fleeting Pie.Courtesy

Right A 2007 AQHA Palomino Stallion Guys


April• 6 SBRC time only 10:30 a.m., race atnoon. Call Konra at (307) 360-7647 withquestions.• 11-13 Ed Wright Clinic. Call Shelly at(307) 360-7002 for information.• 12 HHA archery shoot in Event Center.Full 40 3D target shoot. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Call Jay at (307) 260-3546 with questions.• 12 Big Piney Library Easter Egg Hunt.• 25-27 Wyoming Junior high and highschool rodeo.• M.E.S.A Therapeutic riding – 14, 21 & 28

May• 2 Spring Fair Concert. More informationwill be on the fairgrounds’ Facebook page.• 3 Spring Fair in the Events Center. Look-ing for vendors; please call (307) 749-3546.• 3-4 Bits n’ Spurs horse show. Call Stewartat (307) 360-8273 for information.• 14-18 Pat Wyse Clinic. Call Sabine Hawkinsat (307) 386-2092 or (307) 749-8855.• 24-25 Outfitters Team Roping. Call Toddat (307) 360-8040 for information.• 24-25 Cowgirl Classic barrel race.• M.E.S.A Therapeutic riding – 5, 12 & 19

June• 6 Ranch roping. Call Todd at (307) 360-

8040 for information.• 7 Select gelding sale. Call Todd at (307)360-8040 for information.• 11 SBRC time only 6 p.m., race at 7:15.Call Konra at (307) 360-7647 with questions.• 21 UMB Mini Bull Riding Series. Call Timat (307) 349-6400 or visit www.howlbulls.com.• 25 SBRC time only 6 p.m., race at 7:15.Call Konra at (307) 360-7647 with questions.M.E.S.A Therapeutic riding – 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

July • 3 Lil Buckaroo Rodeo. More informationto follow.• 4 Chuckwagon Days Rodeo followingcommunity BBQ. Everyone is welcome.• 16 SBRC time only 6 p.m., race at 7:15.Call Konra at (307) 360-7647 with questions.• 18 MESA Therapeutic Riding horse show inAg Center. Call (307) 749-3979 for information.• 19 United Truck and Tractor Pulls 6 p.m.in the outdoor arena.• 19-26 Sublette County Fair. www.sublettecountyfair.com. • 27 SBRC time only 6 p.m., race at 7:15.Call Konra at (307) 360-7647 with questions.• M.E.S.A Therapeutic riding – 7 & 14

August• 6 SBRC time only 6 p.m., race at 7:15. CallKonra at (307) 360-7647 with questions.

• 13 SBRC time only 6 p.m., race at 7:15.Call Konra at (307) 360-7647 with questions.• 20 SBRC time only 6 p.m., race at 7:15.Call Konra at (307) 360-7647 with questions.• 23 UMB Mini Bull Riding Series. Call Timat (307) 349-6400 or visit www.howlbulls.com.• 27 SBRC time only 6 p.m., race at 7:15.Call Konra at (307) 360-7647 with questions.• 29-31 Ed Wright barrel racing clinic. Forregistration, call Shelly at (307) 360-7002.

September• 10-14 WCHA limited age event cow cut-ting. Call Cindy at (307) 320-6512 for infor-mation.

October• 11-12 Chasin’ Cans For Cancer barreljackpot. Call Shelly at (307) 360-7002 for in-formation.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS20 14

Looking to book an event this fall?

Give us a callFor more information, visit our

Facebook page or call (307) 749-3546

10937 Hwy 189 • PO Box 544 • Big Piney, Wy 83113

Questions on events? Call the fairgrounds office

(307) 749-3546.


NUGGETcontinued from page 16

business or purchase better stock. They had been attending the Myers horse sales and liked what they saw.

“Horses are like a drug; they become so addicting,” said Dick Baker. “We were very impressed with their horses. They had such nice dispositions and had accomplished so much. They were not only good barrel racing horses but also had a lot of cow in them.”

These were qualities important to

the Bakers. Once the decision was made to con-

tinue the operation, they made their selection carefully. They purchased Guys Piece of the Pie, or Nugget as he is known, as a weanling from a Myers sale in 2007. He possessed all the qualities they were looking for plus a magnificent bloodline. The pal-omino stallion’s sire is Frenchmans Guy, a $7 million producer, and the

dam is Fleeting Pie. Frenchmans Guy is well known in the world of rodeo for producing many of the premium roping and barrel racing horses in the industry. At the PRCA’s National Fi-nals Rodeo in December, offspring from Frenchmans Guy won close to $360,000 in prize money in steer wrestling, steer roping and barrels. A full brother to Nugget is Sky High Guy who has won over $60,000 in fu-

turity money.Futurity programs differ between

breed registries, but in general they are to encourage breeding for out-standing offspring. Futurity classes may be judged for conformation only or may be judged on performance under saddle or in harness.

Nugget is not just another pretty horse with an impressive pedigree. His stand of 16 hands and 1300 pounds is that of a working cow horse, and he can hold his own. He is designated as a 1D barrel horse and has won money in futurities and derbies. Not only do they stud him at home, but he stands at Northern Hills Veterinarian Clinic in Sturgis, S.D., and they also ship semen. The Bakers have six mares in their breeding program.

“We really focused on selecting horses for our operation that have a good disposition. If you can’t ride them and be able to control them, they aren’t worth a lot,” Baker said.

They save the best colt to sell at the Black Hills Stock Show Exiss/Sooner Horse Sale. The large crowd attending this sale provides the Bakers with im-portant promotion opportunities. Nug-get’s offspring is beginning to excel as evidenced by their high placing’s in their futurity classes.

While at the stock show, Nugget took his place on Stallion Row. The stallions are kept in pens with wire mesh so that they can be seen but are kept safe from the throngs of people who come to see them. Each day be-fore the sale, they are led to the sale ring for prospective clients to view them and sign contracts for breeding.

By the second day, most of the stal-lions were nervous and wearied from the attention. Nugget, however, ap-peared to enjoy the attention. A spe-cial needs teacher brought her students to see the horses. They asked if they could touch Nugget. Connie agreed, comfortable with the disposition of their horse. Nugget leaned against the mesh stall so that the students could touch him.

The Bakers said they will continue to improve upon what they have built, but there is a definite pride in their special palomino stallion.

“He’s like a once-in-a-lifetime deal to get one like him. We’ve had horses forever and he is by far the best one we’ve ever had,” Baker said.

Courtesy

Guys Piece of the Pie in action, ridden by Rod Grote of Harrison, Neb., winning second at the Dash & Dance in Spearfi sh, S.D. Grote has trained the horse and rides him for the Bakers.

80 Rees Road, Mountain View (307) 786-2277 • (800) 635-2475 • www.covolo.com


By Amanda FrySTAFF WRITER

Since 1978, the Cheyenne Trotters Drill Team has become a familiar sight in Wyoming, Colorado and

Nebraska. Specializing in horse and rider drill routines, the group entertains audi-ences that not only include local residents, but tourists from all over the world.

When the group started over 30 years ago, they simply participated as riders in local parades.

“Then we wanted to expand, and, in 1980, we started talking about a drill team, and did our fi rst performance in 1981 at Frontier Park,” Glenna Ross, one of the original eight riders who began the group, said. “We’ve been drilling ever since.”

Ross, who is the last living member of that original drill team, continues to be an integral part of the group today, act-ing as drillmaster both at practices and at performances.

Ross said the Trotters perform drills in three categories – parade, regular and cav-alry. All drills are performed with eight to 10 horses and riders.

Parade drills are performed at a walk, right on the parade route. These are performed throughout the region, from county fairs to the parades held during Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Regular drills are performed in an


CHEYENNE TROTTERS: OVER 30 YEARS OF HORSE AND RIDER TEAMWORKNOT JUST PARADES ANYMORE, THIS TEAM IS ELITE

TROTTERScontinued on page 20

Courtesy

The Cheyenne Trotters ride in formation during a performance at the Fort Laramie Historic site. The cavalry drills performed by the group are based on historic drills practiced by the U.S Cavalry.

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TROTTERScontinued from page 19


arena, last 8-10 minutes, and are done at a trot for the entire performance. Like the parade drills, these are preplanned.

Calvary drills are the most challenging type of drill. Formations executed during these drills are performed at a quick pace as drillmaster Ross spontaneously calls out which riders must execute immediately, in order to keep the routine going smoothly.

“They don’t know what I’m going to say; they just do what I tell them to,” Ross said.

The cavalry drills are based on historic military drills which Ross has researched. She said it is especially fun to perform at venues such as Fort Laramie, Wyo., and Fort Robinson, Neb., with the group riding on the original grounds where U.S. cavalry troops trained.

Performing any of these drills is no easy feat, considering 12 horses are moving in patterns and circling each other at close quarters. Ross said the performances re-quire teamwork within the entire group, including the horses.

Joining the group is a major obligation, Ross said. Riders and horses have to go through a tryout phase, and are encouraged to simply come and ride with the group a few times before they commit. There are

many travel and fi nancial obligations asso-ciated with being a member, so any riders have to be both passionate and dedicated to drill performances. The group meets

weekly at a local arena owned by Chey-enne residents Lanita and Otis Lovercheck, and also practices twice a week at Chey-enne’s Frontier Park as the summer perfor-

mances get closer.Cheyenne resident Gail Sundell joined

the group 11 years ago, and enjoys the va-riety of experiences that being part of the team has to offer.

Sundell said the venues where the Trot-ters perform offer a wide variety of ex-periences, from Cheyenne Frontier Days, to smaller venues such as Fort Robinson. Each location has something special to offer the riders.

For Sundell, joining the group was in some ways a life-changing event. When she was invited to a group practice by a friend, Sundell was about to sell her horses, as she was not riding them and working with them as she would like to.

Now, Sundell rides at least once a week at practice, and says her horses have ma-tured and benefi ted from the continuous training. For Sundell, members of the group have become fast friends.

“They are just a wonderful group of peo-ple to work with,” she said.

For more information on joining the Trotters, as well as a full schedule for their performances, please visit www.cheyenne-trotters.org.

Courtesy

Drillmaster Glenna Ross directs the Cheyenne Trotters during a recent practice. Ross is an origi-nal member of the drill team, which began in 1978, and continues to coach and direct the group.

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By Ed CloseSTAFF WRITER

Catrina Snow attends Evanston High School and has chosen an unusual senior project.

Snow, the daughter of Becca Erickson, in-tends to get her business degree, so she and her mother came up with a novel solution for her to learn how to run a business. They formed a small company, not yet in opera-tion, called Painted Ponies.

A custom-made carrousel is being con-structed and a small wagon is being built for the small business. The carrousel will have tie rings to which miniature ponies can be tied, so that the ponies can be led in a circle while children ride behind them in two-wheeled carts. The wagon is designed

so children can sit side by side while the po-nies pull it around.

A website is even being developed for the business. The idea came about because the family already had the miniature ponies to work with.

There is Sugar Baby, who will load right up in the family van and likes to go through drive-through windows because of a pen-chant for French fries. There is June Bug,


PONIES BECOME SENIOR PROJECT FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTPAINTED PONIES TO FEATURE CARROUSEL AND FUN

PONIEScontinued on page 22

Right - Hot Rod is saddled and ready for a spin.

Photo/ Ed Close

Ri ht H t R d i ddl d d d


PONIEScontinued from page 21


who is Sugar Baby’s offspring. There is Layla, who loves to run and, when she escapes her pen, will run all over the property as fast as she can. Then there are Hot Rod and Buffy, who both can be ridden.

The fi rst two-wheeled cart Erickson and her daughter owned was given to them by a girlfriend. It was rusted out and the seats were gone. The entire cart had to be rebuilt from the ground up.

“My brother is building us the wagon,” Er-ickson said. “We’re having the carrousel built.”

When asked why Snow chose this line of business for her senior project, Erickson ex-plained there were no pony ride businesses around Evanston.

“They have some in Utah but they don’t travel to where you are,” Erickson said. “You have to go to them. There’s nothing like that here.”

And when asked why they employ minia-ture horses rather than regular ponies, Snow said they are easier to work with.

“You just snug them up against your thigh and they just follow where you lead,” Erickson went on to say. “They’re really friendly and gentle and easy to handle.”

Erickson also talked about the amount of feed these tiny horses consume. They require

a half bale of hay per day where the regu-lar horses would consume two to three times as much. That’s a big savings in any type of horse business.

“When we got them, we didn’t know which ones we could ride and which ones we couldn’t,” Erickson said. “So, I just put saddles on all of them. They can all be ridden, though they haven’t worked since fall, so we start them slow until they remember what they’re supposed to do.”

The same applies to pulling a cart, Snow related, as she showed the cart with her broth-ers and sisters all around. Everyone in the Er-ickson family is involved with the mini horses and even the dogs like to play with them.

When asked what prompted Erickson to suggest this idea as her daughter’s senior proj-ect, she explained that they already had some of the equipment and the miniature horses.

“She wants her business degree and we wanted something for Catrina, where she could learn how to run a business,” Erickson said. “This seemed like a good idea. With no pony rides around the area and all the kids around, it seemed like a good fi t.”

The ponies will need some brushing up and grooming before they’re ready for such a venture as they still have long, fuzzy

coats this time of year, but Snow and her mother aren’t too worried about that. They still have to get the equipment fi nished and get the mini horses used to pulling carts and being ridden.

In the Evanston area, the business will likely only operate during the summer months as there is no indoor arena for such an operation, but Snow and her family are upbeat and carry positive attitudes about the venture.

Photo/ Ed Close

Catrina Snow and her daughter Alice along with Catrina’s mother, Becca Erickson, pose for pictures with Hot Rod as they explain the idea of a pony ride business for Snow’s senior project.

S e e o u r o n l i n e c a t a l o g a t w w w. w y o h o r s e s . c o m

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

31st Annual May Quarter Horse Arena, Ranch Broke

Gelding & Production Sale

The pictured gelding sells and his name is Smart Dry Tequita,

2004 palomino gelding, 14.2 hands, 1,000#

Selling 98 head: 67 broke geldings, 14 yearlings and 12 started two-

and three-year-olds.

Hot Springs County Fairgrounds

Thermopolis, WyomingFriday Night Parade of Geldings, 7pm, May 16

Sale Day Performance Preview

Featuring an outstanding selection of 69 sound broke geldings plus an exceptional set of started two- and three-year-olds and yearlings from the Bartlett/Smith breeding program.

For catalogs and information, contact Bill and Carole Smith, PO Box 642,

Thermopolis, WY 82443

email: [email protected]

FOR SALE: $7,500

100 Boxelder Rd, Glenrock WY

307-259-5010 307-259-5010 MOVING ~ Must sell!


By Deborah DemanderSTAFF WRITER

The smell of mud is in the air. Melting snow and warmer temperatures make horses and their riders anxious to get

out and stretch their legs. Before you take off for your fi rst ride, however, there are a few things you need to do to prepare yourself and your horse for spring riding.

One of the fi rst things to check is the health of your horse’s hooves. Make sure they are trimmed neatly, without cracking and the shoes are in good repair.

Much like you wouldn’t try to run a mara-thon in the spring without a little preparation, your horse also needs some prep work before you can begin riding him. A winter of resting and being in the pasture reduces your ani-mal’s athletic performance, and it’s important to start slowly, and build up his endurance, muscle tone and fl exibility.

Feet, muscles and tendons need to get back in shape slowly, and veterinarians recom-mend starting out with 20 minutes at a time. Taking your time with your horse will ensure a healthy return to an active lifestyle, with as few injuries to your horse as possible.

There are a variety of factors that go into determining how long it will take to get your horse into riding shape. How old is your ani-mal? An older horse will take longer to bounce back after a long winter off. Take some time to build endurance and conditioning slowly. Younger horses, while more able to get into shape quickly, will require additional mental training, to prepare for long rides. Don’t take a young horse out for an all-day ride until he’s accustomed to being ridden.

Other factors for getting your horse in shape include their winter activity level, and the horse’s weight. If your horse spent the winter in a barn with little exercise, he will need more time to get back in shape than a horse that roamed the pasture all winter.

Think of it in terms of getting yourself in shape after winter: If you spent the winter on the couch, watching TV and eating chips, it will likely take you longer to get in shape this spring than if you got outside during the win-ter for some activity.

If your horse is older than 15 years, it might be wise to ask your vet to conduct a general health check. Just as we seek medical advice as we age, it is important to have a vet check on the condition of your horse. Make sure to ask about the condition of the horse’s teeth, his hooves, his heart and lungs, and ask the vet to perform a lameness exam. A few extra minutes in the spring can go a long way to preventing problems down the road.

As you are getting your horse in shape, it is important to work on the training basics. This is essential for both you and your ani-mal. Spend your fi rst week reminding your horse to relax while being haltered, and to walk quietly by your side. Reintroduce basic groundwork skills, such as lowering the head, moving the shoulders, and backing. Taking the horse for a walk will help both of you get back into shape.

Once you’ve laid the groundwork, saddle him up and continue with your training. Start at the beginning to ensure that your horse hasn’t developed any bad manners or habits over the winter. If your horse doesn’t have is-sues, then both of you can progress quickly and you can start riding.


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By Bud PattersonSTAFF WRITER

Quite possibly the oldest adage of horse ownership is “There is nothing more expensive than a

free horse.” Common sense would dictate that, if offered a free horse, two questions would immediately need to be answered: “Why would someone give away a good horse?” and “What’s wrong with it?”

Usually the justification for giving away a “perfectly good horse” goes some-thing like this; “He’s a good, sound horse. My kids rode him and I wouldn’t put them on him if he wasn’t bomb proof. But I’ve got too many horses and need to reduce my herd. I just want to make sure that he gets a good home, someone who knows horses.”

There is no sharper hook than to ac-

knowledge and compliment a person’s horsemanship ability, whether such praise is deserved or not. Of course, the sell is much easier after several adult beverages have been consumed.

That is how, a few years ago, I became the owner of a “free” thoroughbred polo pony that didn’t much care for polo.

Truthfully, if I were a horse, I don’t believe I would care much for polo ei-ther – eight minutes of full out sprints and equipment, mallets and balls that are harder than last year’s fruit cake, travel-ing at speeds faster than a North Korean rocket, and with about the same degree of accuracy.

His name was Itsy, my daughter changed it to Gunner. I’m not sure why, but there is nothing “Itsy” about him. Don’t get me wrong, I like him; he’s friendly, stands still to be scratched, can

be hard-headed from time to time but isn’t big on being ridden.

It is because of Gunner I recently be-came acquainted with Ted Holman, self-taught horse chiropractor, massage therapist and acupuncturist.

But a little history is needed to under-stand the nature of the journey that even-tually led to Holman’s door.

From the fi rst day Gunner came to us, I noticed he dragged his hind hooves when he walked or trotted. So much so his toes are squared off. He looks like he’s wear-ing a pair of biker boots, the kind with the square toes. He doesn’t work well to the left in a round pen, often stumbling and looking uncoordinated and physically uncomfortable. I wouldn’t say he was in pain, just uncomfortable.

So like any good horseman, I asked our farrier what he thought.

“It could be that he has stifl es,” came the reply after several seconds of thought.

I asked exactly what that meant, since all horses have two stifl es that help hold the back legs together. Unfortunately, he couldn’t precisely explain what he meant by stifl es, just that he was stiff in his hind legs and the prognosis wasn’t good.

“You’ll probably never be able to ride him,” were the words of encouragement he left me with.

After a few hours of running Google searches on “stifl e problems in horses,” I certainly wasn’t encouraged.

The stifl e is much like the human knee, only longer and angled, whereas the human knee is smaller and upright. But both can suffer much of the same types of problems: arthritis, degenera-tive joint disease, fractures and ligament injury. There are a number of other diseases of the stifl e, all with very long names, like osteochondrosis. But usually, one telltale indication they all share is swelling of the stifl e, a condi-tion Gunner never displayed.

Tears of the cruciate ligament, me-niscus or meniscus ligament were also possibilities. But having suffered a few of those myself, I didn’t think that was the problem. When I had ligament tears, I didn’t drag my toes; I didn’t move my leg. And if I had to move my leg, I walked as though I was in a cast from my ankle to my hip. And I certainly wasn’t in any mood to run; Gunner drags his feet when he walks or trots, but at a gallop you wouldn’t know that there was anything wrong.

Accurate diagnosis of stifl e problems can involve anything from x-rays to ul-trasound and treatment is anything from intra-articular medication, which just sounds expensive, to surgery, which is defi nitely expensive.

“There is no such thing as a free horse.”After our move to southeast Wyoming,

I looked up a horse vet to vaccinate the horses. He watched Gunner walk around for a few minutes, pushed on his rump a few times and said he thought Gunner had


HOW IS YOUR HORSE’S SHEN?BALANCING A HORSE’S ENERGY MAKES FOR A SMOOTH RIDE

Photo/ Bud Patterson

Holman spent several minutes assessing Gunner’s movements around the corral before starting his hands-on treatment.

SHENcontinued on page 25

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Surprisingly, Gunner never reacted to the acupuncture needles.

“hunter’s bump.” After another extensive Google search,

the vet’s diagnosis started to make sense. “Hunter’s bump” most often occurs in horses used in demanding disciplines such as jumping, reining, roping or even polo –

anything that puts an unnatural amount of pressure on a horse’s hind end.

SHENcontinued on page 28

SHENcontinued from page 24


SHENcontinued from page 25

Medically, hunter’s bump is described as a “dislocation or partial dislocation of the sac-roiliac joint,” again, a condition that does not sound inexpensive to remedy.

However, to quote one Internet source on the subject, “Arriving at a diagnosis of hunter’s bump can be tricky: it is often a di-agnosis of exclusion.” It went on to say the most accurate diagnosis is achieved through “nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasonography and thermography,” none of which sounded in-expensive nor readily available in our part of the world.

Regardless of the technique used to di-agnose the problem, treatment for “hunters bump” was pretty much the same, stall rest so the ligaments can scar and Bute (phen-ylbutazone) or Banamine (fl unixin meglu-mine) for infl ammation and pain.

Again, the prognosis for being able to ride Gunner was not very good. It looked as though my “free” horse was, at best, going to be a pasture gnome.

A veterinarian in one of the articles I came across in my Google search did say that “acupuncture, chiropractic manipula-tion, and massage therapy should also be considered.”

Another Google search turned up nothing for horse chiropractors, massage therapists or acupuncturists anywhere close to south-east Wyoming. A search of the yellow pages produced the same results, zilch for homeo-pathic horse medicine.

Eventually, the horses needed their feet trimmed and my daughter is the one who usually sits with the farrier, especially if he’s cute (which this one happens to be), while he does his snipping and fi ling.

The farrier made a comment about Gun-ner’s unusually square toes and she ex-plained about the opinions we received about stifl es and hunters bump.

“Well, I know a horse chiropractor in the area and people seem to like him,” the far-rier said. “Wouldn’t hurt to give him a call. It would be cheaper than anything you’ve been talking about.”

And that is how I came into possession of Ted Holman’s phone number.

He drove to our place on a Tuesday from Lusk, Wyo., where he ranches and raised his family. All of his kids were involved in rodeo when they were growing up.

“I have always loved horses,” Holman ex-plained. “I love the smell and the feel of a horse, and I try to ride every day.

“When my kids were in rodeo, we’d have a few horses that would develop physical problems and we’d take them to the vet. They’d give medications and suggest stall

rest, but when it was all said and done, it seemed as though they still had the same problem. There had to be a way to get their rhythm back.”

It just so happened that Holman had a friend who was a physical therapist who specialized in sports medicine. After the therapist worked on a cowboy one day, the cowboy told the therapist that he should do the same thing to his horse. So he did. Then he worked on another horse. And then an-other. He found that physical therapy could have the same results for horses as it had for the cowboys who rode them.

Holman was sold. He began studying on

his own, reading everything he could fi nd about chiropractic medicine, acupuncture and massage therapy for horses and began using those techniques on his own horses with great success.

“It all about balancing the horse’s energy so the rhythm of the body is balanced,” he explained. “Once those are in balance, the body will heal itself.

“Part of the problem with horses is they are mismanaged. They become an outlet for people’s egos and they don’t understand it. I’ve seen roping horses tense up when the roper misses a loop because they are going to get blamed for the mistake. They start to de-velop negative energy and don’t know what to do with it.”

For Holman, treating a horse is about re-storing rhythm and energy. Those are the key elements in healing.

“A vet repairs the physical damage to a horse,” Holman said. “But there is a differ-

ence between putting things back together and actually healing. We treat horses and people as machines, we fi x what is broken, but healing is about restoring the energetic imbalance, restoring the rhythm the physical damage created.”

At the core of Holman’s work with horses is the ancient Chinese medical practice of shen harmony, or balance. Ideally shen is a healthy, harmonious spiritedness. The loss of shen is often displayed by spiritlessness and mental illness. In Chinese medical litera-ture, this condition is described as “shen dis-turbance” and includes mental and spiritual pathological conditions, which can prevent

the body from healing.“Ancient cultures understood the need for

balance in the body’s energy,” Holman ex-plained. “We often treat horses and people as machines, but the energetic imbalance is still there. People are peculiar in that they get distracted from the creative side to the intel-lectual side of of medicine.

“But when your life is rhythmic and bal-anced, it makes you feel at peace. When a horse is balanced, he is at ease and relaxed – a much better partner to have.”

During our Tuesday appointment, I wit-nessed Holman’s efforts to get Gunner bal-anced, and hopefully at ease.

After we fi nished talking about his philos-ophy of horses, healing and the ancient arts, Holman walked into the corral and observed Gunner walk and trot around the perimeter. After a few minutes, he tentatively walked up to Holman to investigate and was soon getting his shen worked on.

“I think Gunner’s problem is in his hocks,” Holman said. “He looks like there’s some scar tissue in them that he has learned to live with. If it was in his hip or stifl es, he wouldn’t even want to walk.”

I watched for about an hour as Holman massaged Gunner’s back, hips, legs and neck, pointing out those areas where he appeared to be most sensitive. Amazingly, Gunner never tried to escape or fi ght the massage.

Soon he had a few acupuncture needles placed in Gunner’s hip and left rear foot, just above the hoof. Gunner never moved.

He continued to massage on Gunner, and as he did, you could visibly see the horse relax more than I had ever witnessed. He was stretched out, head down, eyes blinking and he was licking his lips. Every once in awhile, he would breathe a deep sigh, like an infant or toddler might breathe just before he goes to sleep in his mother’s arms.

I was amazed when I realized that Hol-man had completely dropped the lead while working on him and all Gunner did was stand there and lick his lips.

Even more amazing was when Holman began working on each individual leg, pick-ing up the hoof and pulling and contorting the joints. Every once in awhile you could hear a loud “pop” as something snapped back into place.

Before I knew it, the other three horses in the corral lined up behind Holman as if they were waiting their turn. I didn’t know whether the massaging and popping and needles were going to do any good, but I was very impressed by Holman’s quiet and assured presence with the horses.

Finally, Holman walked over to me. “I think he’s in a good place for the fi rst visit,” he said. “There is a lot of negative energy in that horse. You can feel it in his neck and head. But I think we can get him back in balance.

“We won’t be able to fi x his hocks, they’re too scarred and the injury is too old, but he’s adjusted to it. You should be able to ride him. He won’t be doing any polo or roping. But I think we can get him balanced.”

Holman doesn’t advertise; he gets all the business he wants by word of mouth. His ranch keeps him plenty busy.

“I’ve never meant for this to be a busi-ness,” he said. “I don’t want it to be a busi-ness. I believe in the divine and whoever I’m supposed to help will get hold of me. Just like you did.”

I don’t know if it was providence, God or some other force of nature that brought Ted Holman to my corral that Tuesday, but I do know it was the best $80 I’ve ever spent on a free horse.


Notice that the lead has been dropped. Gunner never tried to get away from having his legs manipulated and popped into place.


By Jack HoltSTAFF WRITER

Two Kemmerer, Wyo., girls wrapped up the 2013 horse shows with out-standing results, and were ready to

kick off the 2014 season in mid-February.Eleven-year-old twin sisters Jami and

Jordan Roberts competed in fi ve differ-ent horse show circuits ranging from AQHA Nevada to the Eastern Idaho show circuits. They’ve even competed in the Wyoming Bits and Spurs Open Horse circuit.

Starting in May of last year, the girls traveled all over the western U.S., com-peting in 15 different shows during the season that ended in September.

Jordan qualifi ed for the World’s Cham-pionship through the state of Idaho in Youth Halter Aged Geldings. She also received reserve high point in Idaho and eastern Idaho. Jami won Reserve All

Around for Utah and Nevada Quarter Horse. She also won high point in Idaho and Eastern Idaho.

Besides smiles from achieving so much with their hard work, both girls have brought home a slew of saddles, belt buckles, jackets, tack, coats and dis-play cases. But, according to the girls, the awards aren’t the best part.

Both girls love to spend time on the road with their parents having family discussions in the early hours of the morning. The girls said they love to dress prettily, as well as spend time with their horses. Of course, winning isn’t so bad either.

The twins got their start in 2011 and are going on their third year compet-ing. According to their mother, however,


NO STRANGERS TO WINNINGKEMMERER TWINS KICKED OFF 2014 HORSE SHOW SEASON IN IMPRESSIVE FASHION

Photo/ Jack Holt

Jordan and Jami Roberts, two Kemmerer twins, stand with their horses during the winter. The girls spend many hours a week training and care of their horses, which has paid off – both are champion horse showers and have started off the 2014 season with high marks.

WINNINGcontinued on page 31


By Kathy CarlsonSTAFF WRITER

Leave-no-trace principles are important for every outdoor recreationist to master, no mat-

ter the sport. Horse riders especially need to know the seven key guide-lines to be environmentally conscious while recreating in the wilderness, to keep nature intact and horses happy on trail.

Horsemen need to properly plan and prepare for a trip by horseback. Poorly prepared riders are more likely to leave more impact if an unexpected

situation occurs. Riders need to have thorough knowledge of the area they will be riding through and learn where water sources are located. They should only take animals out that are fit, calm and experienced in the wilderness.

Backcountry riders should also know the best way to travel on trails and the importance of riding and camping on durable surfaces. Rid-ing and hiking on wet surfaces can trample organisms and also damage and erode trails. Stock should not be allowed to feed in wet meadows and they should also be tied up in a man-ner that prevents them from chewing

on tree bark.Riders need to know how to dispose

of waste properly and how best to pack out garbage while still being bear-aware. Everything must be removed from the backcountry, including trash and leftover food, and it might be best to consider using a bear-resistant pan-nier to store attractants.

Additionally, riders need to keep nature in the backcountry and to min-imize campsite alterations, such as permanently clearing the area of rocks and twigs. Just like backpacking, rid-ers also should learn how to minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife and

be considerate of other forest visitors.Horsemen need to share trails with

other outdoor recreationists and should take breaks with their stock off the trail to give other users room. As a rule of thumb, horsemen have the right of way on the trail and should politely ask non-horsemen to step to the side while they pass through.

Des Brunette, a member of the Mountain Men Back Country Horse-man, said leave-no-trace princi-pals could be used in every type of recreation. The organization occa-sionally teaches clinics tailored to horse riders.

“We [show] them how to make a highline and different ways of graz-ing,” Brunette said. “Hobbling and picketing verses leaving them in one spot. Scattering manure. All kinds of stuff.”

Brunette also thinks it’s impor-tant to give riders a review of how to pack their horses for long wilderness trips. She said young kids can prac-tice packing a horse on hay bails and should be familiar with tying hitches.

Brunette said a properly fitted pack would prevent a horse from becoming sore and tiring quickly.

“Its important to get the saddle to fit properly,” Brunette said. “There are different types of pack saddles, so we [go] over those and what is best used for what.”

The members of the Mountain Men Back Country Horsemen believe the leave no trace and proper packing skills are important for all backcoun-try riders. The main seven principles keep wilderness areas healthier and help ensure courtesy on the trail.

“Its just ethical things,” Brunette said. “Everybody doesn’t want to make their own path, where we have 25 trails up to the same destination. We don’t want everybody making their own campfire. We try to use the ring that’s there.”

The horsemen organization insists if animals are packed properly and every rider follows leave-no-trace guide-lines, summer pack trips will be more fun and more environmentally friendly.


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Photo/ Des Brunette

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they’ve always had a fondness for horses.“Jordan has always been into horses

since she was about two, and Jami since she was about four,” their mother, Robin Roberts, said.

Jordan got her start competing in pole bending, barrel racing, and goat tying events. During that time she gravitated toward horse showing, although she still competes in barrel racing events. Jami got her start with her fi rst-ever win, which happened during a county fair. According to her mom, she won the fi rst time she en-tered the arena and was hooked.

The girls have received bumps and bruises along the way but have yet to re-ceive a serious injury; although, Jordan is currently wearing a knee brace because of the possibility that she may have torn something in her left knee.

The only thing bad about running the horse show circuit is the early mornings, they said, but the two youngsters see even that as a positive aspect of the experience.

“The worst thing is having to get up at 2 a.m., but that’s not so bad,” Jordan said. “We have the best family conversations at three in the morning and spending time

together is great.”Even with an extensive training and

chore schedule for the horses – training or longeing the horses at least three times a week – the girls love to do other things. Jordan enjoys hanging out with her family and taking care of her horses while Jami

enjoys singing, playing volleyball and watching babies.

The girls started off the 2014 season by traveling to the Early Thaw Show, in Hur-ricane, Utah. The event took place from Wednesday, Feb. 19, through Saturday, Feb. 21. Jami received high point and Jor-

dan received reserve high point in their age groups at the Hurricane show. Jami received an embroidered horse blanket for her effort.

The girls and family spent a consider-able amount of time traveling. Getting home at around 2 a.m., they still had to be up and ready Monday morning for school. And even with their busy schedule, the girls do well in school.

“If their grades started suffering, we’d pull them out,” Robin Roberts said. “But so far, they haven’t had a problem.”

Jami, Jordan and family have a show family that they practice with, eat with, and spend time with while on the road. Show family aside, the girls said they will participate in the 2014 season with a large group of amazing friends, family and trainers who support them and follow their progress.

Their next event is a Bits and Spurs showing on Saturday, May 3, in Big Piney. That will be followed by the Utah Quarter Horse show the last week of May. After that, the girls will spend each week-end of their summer vacations traveling and showing.


WINNINGcontinued from page 29

Photo/ Jack Holt

Jordan and Jami Roberts walk their horses during a practice one March evening. The girls took high point and high point reserve at the Early Thaw Show in Hurricane, Utah, Feb. 19-21.


By Matthew Manguso STAFF WRITER

With spring on its way, most horse riders are going through tack sheds and rid-

ing equipment, making sure everything is in tip-top shape for the upcoming season. When it comes to taking a trip into the backcountry, there is one es-sential item riders should not overlook – feed. But backcountry landscapes can be fragile, and making sure that hay is certified weed-free is of the ut-most importance when taking a trip.

There truly is no greater experience than taking a trusted four-footed com-panion into the backcountry for an overnight or extended trip, but even before setting a date, a good horseman will do his or her research to make sure the destination, and trails leading there, are horse friendly and suitable for stock.

Good water and grazing are essential to keep a horse healthy in the back-country, but some areas do not offer ideal pastures or good, nutritional grass for horses. When that is the case, it becomes the rider’s responsibility to pack in the right amount and correct type of feed to sustain the horse with-out damaging the environment.

For decades, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has implemented orders to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and invasive plant species in national forests. The Bureau of Land Manage-ment (BLM) is also actively trying to stop non-native weeds from destroy-ing federal, public and private lands.

Each state has a list of weeds or plants that are considered noxious or invasive and while some overlap, Wy-oming alone has 30 species that are considered non-native and which pose a threat to the ecosystem.

According to the bureau, about 25 million acres of BLM-managed lands in the Western U.S. are infested with invasive weeds. More than six million acres of USFS-managed lands also contain harmful species. This invasion poses numerous threats to the ecosys-tem. Most concerning is the way non-

native plants, like cheatgrass, enhance the risk of wildfires.

“These grasses flourish immediately after wildfires, serving to increase the number and intensity of future fires because of their ‘fine fuel’ nature, thus paving the way for invasive grasses to spread even further,” a BLM fact sheet reads.

Other disruptive invasive plants include spotted knapweed, leafy spurge, yellow starthistle and scotch thistle, among others. The reason nox-ious weeds can be so troublesome to deal with is because these plants are “alien” to the U.S. and “have no natu-ral enemies to keep their populations in balance.”

“It is widely acknowledged that

these and other invasive plant species can destroy habitat, displace wildlife and significantly alter ecosystems,” the fact sheet reads.

While the USFS, the BLM and local conservation districts actively work to stop the spread and introduction of invasive plants into ecosystems, the general public, and especially horse owners and riders, can do their part, too.

Because some store-bought and even homegrown hay can contain nox-ious or invasive weed seeds, in most western states, including Wyoming, Colorado and Idaho, the USFS and BLM require hay be certified weed-free. This requirement affects anyone who uses pack and saddle stock, out-

fitters, ranchers with grazing permits, ski areas and contractors.

Non-pelletized hay, stray or mulch must all be tagged or marked as certi-fied weed-free when being transported onto federal or public lands and must meet state and county standards. Vio-lation of this requirement can result in a fine of $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, as well as imprisonment for up to six months. While punishment is a tool of the USFS and BLM, the emphasis is to educate and inform the public on why these plants pose such a risk to


THE IMPORTANCE OF WEED-FREE HAY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

KEEP THE LANDSCAPE AS IT IS

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Keeping invasive and noxious weeds out of the ecosystem allows natural wildfl owers and native species to fl ourish.

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fragile areas. Most feed stores carry certified

weed-free hay, and the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture maintains lists of known producers carrying those products. Individual forests and areas also keep track of local stores that sell the appropriate hay, and a list of those businesses can be obtained by contact-ing ranger districts.

Because some invasive and nox-ious plants can be found in neighbor-ing states, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Nebraska and Idaho have a regional certification program with similar certification standards so rid-ers traveling from one of those states to another do not have to purchase state-specific certified hay.

Just as hikers, backpackers and campers are expected to leave no trace when traveling into the back-country or other public lands, riders also need to take care when recreat-ing in these areas. A single bale of hay can contain hundreds of noxious seeds, and that can be disastrous for the ecosystem and the future of forests and grasslands.

File

Horses need to have the proper food when traveling in the backcountry. In order to keep horses and the ecosystem healthy, certifi ed weed-free hay is a federal requirement.


By Gib MathersSTAFF WRITER

It was out of the past, but at the same time, very much a part of the present.

A ride to remember: The fl ight of Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce people 136 years ago passed through northern Wyoming last year.

“Here they come,” said Mike Weiner, gazing through his binoculars at the rider/

horses, who, to the naked eye, resemble col-orful dots on a very steep and distant slope.

A tiny puff of dust on a patch of shale signaled the passage of a half-dozen or so riders. A group of 150 equestrians rode a stretch of the same trails Chief Joseph trav-eled on during his historic fi ght and fl ight from the U.S. Calvary in 1877.

Since 1965, the Appaloosa Horse Club of Moscow, Idaho, has ridden around 100 miles each summer of the approximate

1,300 miles that started for Chief Joseph in Wallowa Valley, Ore., and ended near present-day Havre, Mont. By riding in annual legs, they complete the ride every 13 years.

Last year’s trek embarked from Pilot Creek in the Beartooth Mountains on July 20 and concluded at Line Creek above Clark on July 26, about 16 miles from their location in the Clarks Fork Canyon on the day the Powell Tribune observed the riders.

Like the chief and his people who bred Appaloosas, all riders, brown and white alike, rode the unique spotted equines.

On a Thursday, Weiner and his wife, pho-tographer and western painter Pat Weiner, rode their Polaris Ranger up the stone-strewn Clarks Fork Canyon (Morrison Jeep


HORSEMEN RETRACE RIDE OF CHIEF JOSEPHRELIVING THE NEZ PERCE TREK THROUGH NORTHERN WYOMING

Photo/ Gib Mathers

In 1877 Chief Joseph led around 600 people down the Clarks Fork Canyon to elude U.S. Cavalry troops hot on his trail. Since 1965, the Appaloosa Horse Club of Moscow, Idaho, has re-enacted part of the ride each summer, completing it in 13 years.

RETRACEcontinued on page 35

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Trail) to meet and photograph the riders.The Weiners also raise Appaloosas on their

ranch outside Greybull. Rumor has it there is a trail above the river, but it’s likely mighty hairy, so they stick with the Jeep Trail.

While the Ranger ride was rough, it bog-gles the mind to think what the Nez Perce endured in 1877 when Chief Joseph led them away from American soldiers.

The famed Indian leader was named Jo-seph at the Lapwai Mission in Idaho where he was born in 1840. His native name trans-lated into English is “Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain.”

Joseph’s father helped establish a large Nez Perce reservation by treaty in 1855. However, a gold rush in 1863 caused the U.S. government to reduce the reservation to a small area in Idaho, according to the Oregon Historical Society.

With miners fl ooding the area, the govern-ment ordered the Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph and other tribal leaders, to relocate to a new reservation. To avoid violence, they agreed to the relocation.

However, when four settlers were killed by young Nez Perce, the U.S. Army retali-ated against all Nez Perce, including those who were not part of killings, according to

the society.To avoid defeat by the Army, Joseph

helped lead 600 Nez Perce toward the Ca-nadian border. They defeated the Army in several battles while en route, and their slow retreat drew national attention. But in the late fall of 1877, Joseph and his weary people were surrounded just south of the Canadian border.

The military was hot on Joseph’s heels, at times no more than a ridge away.

The hill above the river appears almost perpendicular, but all the riders on the re-enactment ride fi nally reach the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River.

It was a steep trail that the Army did not attempt 136 years ago, but Chief Joseph and his people did, and so do the modern-day riders.

It was “impassable,” according to the cav-alry, said Loretta Waltner of Sioux Falls, S.D., but the club members wanted to fol-low the historic trail, so they slowly descend down it. Maybe the breed of horses made the difference then and now.

“They (Appaloosas) are so tough,” Waltner said.

But even the spunky spotted horse has its Achilles heel just like its skittish cousins.

Waltner’s horse broke a shoe and later suf-fered a stone bruise on its foot, so Waltner hitched a ride for the last mile or so with the Weiners to rest her mount.

Back at the river, Rita Lovell crossed the river to chat with the Weiners.

Her handsome horse, “White Bird’s Fire,” towers over the folks on foot. He must be at least 16 hands at the shoulder, or withers, which equates to 64 inches. He has a milky coat, white mane and red-brown spots as though someone splashed him head to hoof with burgundy wine.

Sitting atop her mount, Lovell watched fellow riders negotiate the perilous slope she descended just minutes ago.

The switchbacks are so sharp her horse’s front quarters would nearly touch his hind quarters making the tight turns, Lovell said.

Watching her friends brings to mind the 600 to 700 riders and 2,000 Appaloosas on Joseph’s run. “There is almost something spiritual about watching them come down,” Lovell said.

Not all members of the modern-day party are white. Along with Europeans and riders from across the country, there are Lakota Sioux and Nez Perce making the ride too.

Pat Weiner had a very good day photo-

graphing and chatting with riders she knows. “I love reenacting history,” she said.

It was the scene of utter tranquility. The river sparkled invitingly as it must have for Joseph and his band. Riders ease their mounts into the current and the horses slosh about, reveling in the cool water while a trout snatches a fl y from the surface a few yards upstream. Other riders lounge on the bank as cottonwood leaves fl utter in the breeze like a million green butterfl ies yearn-ing to join the trek.

Lovell munched a sandwich and shared it with her horse. For dessert, White Bird gets his favorite, Fig Newtons.

Ron Fowler, of Wenatchee, Wash., joined Lovell and the Weiners. He was the chief scout. Riding drag are a medical doctor, a veterinarian, a farrier and wranglers.

“This is Day 4 and so far we have not had a single injury,” Fowler said Thursday.

Scuttlebutt coming down the line reported the only casualty was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich getting squished.

RETRACEcontinued from page 34

RETRACEcontinued on page 37


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Identical twins Julie Jepson of Spanish Fork, Utah, and Janet Smith of Park City, Utah, galloped up the river for the sheer fun of it. Any dude or westerner would easily conclude these gals are cowgirls through and through.

“We did this ride in 2000,” Smith said.“We’ve been doing it ever since,” Jep-

son fi nished.One couple celebrated their 65th wedding

anniversary riding the Joseph trail. For some, this ride is a major part of their lives.

“I will always do this,” Waltner said.In long lines the riders crossed the river.

Like a scene from a big budget western movie, the procession strung out heading down the canyon toward Clark. It was a beau-tiful and inspiring sight.

“You’ll not likely see this many horses and riders in one place again,” Mike Weiner said.

Waltner’s husband died in July of 2012. Later she met folks preparing for “the Joe” ride and decided to join them, Waltner said.

“Within a week you have a whole family of friends,” Waltner said.

It brought Chief Joseph’s effort to her mind.

“It was very spiritual,” Waltner said, re-ferring to Joseph and the men, women and

children dodging the army. “It just makes you think.”

Joseph and his people almost made it, but they were surrounded and surrendered about 40 miles south of the Canadian border in what is now Montana.

The chief reportedly uttered a memorable line upon his surrender. It has been used in history book, biographies, movies and TV shows for decades.

“Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fi ght no more forever,” he said, according to the Army account.

However, some of Joseph’s people actually eluded the troops and crossed into Canada, Waltner said.

The Nez Perce were exiled to Oklahoma before they were allowed to return to the Pa-cifi c Northwest. Chief Joseph gained national stature, and spoke with presidents, urging them to allow his people to be allowed back on their native soil.

But he was never to return to his homeland. Chief Joseph died at the age of 64 in 1904 and was buried on the Colville Reservation in Washington state.

At the mouth of the canyon, the riders lead their mounts to the river for a fi nal drink be-

fore making the last leg of the day’s ride to camp. Waltner said some of the riders along for this leg have a deeply ingrained reason for

coming along.“Those are all the Nez Perce kids,” she said

pointing out youth atop beautiful Appaloosas.

RETRACEcontinued from page 35

All Breeds,All Disciplines!

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By Dondrea BraunSTAFF WRITER

Just as others would breed for temperament or speed, a local family is raising a herd of horses

bred to buck.

“We raise bucking horses,” Britt Trumbull, of Trumbull Buckin’ Horses, said. “They’re bred to buck.


THESE BRONCS CAN BUCKTRUMBULLS PROVIDING QUALITY EQUINE

BRONCScontinued on page 42

Photo/ Dondrea Braun

Britt Trumbull shows how the soft side of a fl ank strap is placed next to the horse’s body when used on bucking horses. The fl ank strap is worn very loosely and causes no pain. Because the horse is not used to wearing the fl ank strap, it is an irritant and the horse kicks to try and remove it.


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Just like another horse is bred to be a cow horse, these are bred to buck.

“Our goal is to raise them and sell them, and provide other contractors with quality horses.”

The Trumbulls began breeding buck-ing horses about eight and a half years ago after Britt sustained a broken neck during the 2005 Mountain States Cir-

cuit Finals rodeo in Denver, Colo. The accident resulted in the 21-year-old being a quadriplegic, although he maintained some use of his arms.

“When the boys were in high school, we wanted them to have the right kind of horses to get on and practice and we didn’t have that here close,” Britt’s mom, Kathy said. “There were some

at Kaycee, but that’s a long way to take them to get on practice horses.”

After Britt’s injury, the family began breeding the saddle broncs. “I’ve al-ways liked bucking horses and wanted some around,” Britt said. “I knew I wanted to be in the rodeo business somehow after I got done rodeoing. Either picking up bucking horses or

having a few bucking horses around and raising them.”

There really isn’t any training in-volved in turning out a quality buck-ing horse, according to Britt. It’s all in

BRONCScontinued from page 39

Photo/ Dondrea Braun

The Trumbulls hope that several good bucking horses will come from this crop of weanlings. Trumbull Bucking Horses breeds and raises bucking horses in Goshen County, Wyo.

BRONCScontinued on page 43

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the breeding.“They’re bred to do it, so you don’t

want to take it out of them,” he said. “You just buck them and let them kind of learn how to buck correctly without hurting themselves. They just figure it out. The more outs that you give them, sometimes they get better and some-times they don’t.”

“It’s kind of like a race horse, you run them,” Kathy explained. “You continue to run them. You put them in a derby here or a futurity there and then you let them rest. And then next year, you run them again. And you just kind of have a feel for that.

“Young colts, when you buck them the first time, sometimes they have to learn to manage their feet. Because when they buck, they don’t know what to do with their feet. There again, it’s like a race horse learning to come out of the gates and putting all of that to-gether. That’s how I liken it, to a race horse. There’s nothing you can do to a race horse. It either runs good, or it doesn’t. That’s how they’re bred.”

Establishing a reputation as a buck-ing horse breeder is a process that

takes years, according to Britt. And a horse will be 6 or 7 years old before it is known whether it is a good buck-ing horse.

“They really don’t mature until they’re six, seven, eight years old,” he said. “So we try to hang onto them for quite awhile. At six or seven you’ll re-ally know what they’re gonna be. We participate in some futurities through-out the year.

“We start bucking horses at four years old with a rider on them. So we’ll go to those futurities as four and five year olds and then we go to Las Vegas to the bucking horse and bull sale and we’ll sell one out there.”

The Trumbulls co-produce three bronc riding competitions a year in Wyoming, one of them in Goshen County, but their ultimate goal is to build a national reputation for breed-ing quality bucking horses.

“We’re working on the national,” Kathy said. “It’s a process.”

Competition between breeders of bucking horses is growing, according to the Trumbulls.

“There are getting to be more and

more people raising bucking horses all the time,” he said. “It’s kind of behind the bucking bull business by a few years, but it’s headed that direc-tion. My biggest goal is to sell one and have it go to the National Finals.”

Since a bucking horse is not per-manently paired with a specific bronc rider in competitions, broncs are voted on by rodeo cowboys for the honor of making it to the National Finals, ac-cording to Britt.

“If we sell one to a contractor, he will haul him and he has to have eight outs throughout the year on that horse to be eligible to go to the National Fi-nals,” he explained. “And then, from there, the cowboys all vote on what horses go.”

“We’re in the baby stage,” Kathy added. “Britt has had the opportunity to take two horses to Las Vegas dur-ing the National Finals to the bucking horse sale. We went this past year and the year before. That is a big honor and a good ‘in’. But even still, that’s like being a two-year-old still. There still are a lot of dues to be paid.

“If Britt gets a horse in the National

Finals, it will be because another con-tractor has purchased one of Britt’s horses either by private sale from Britt, or through that bucking horse sale. So, it will come out of Britt’s herd, out of Britt’s breeding program, but it won’t have Britt’s name with it anymore.”

Good bucking horses can sell for sig-nifi cant amounts, according to Britt.

“Three years ago they sold a buck-ing horse for $100,000 at the Las Vegas sale,” he said. “Two years ago, they sold one for $50,000 and last year their top seller was $30,000 or $40,000.

“Hopefully within the next two or three years, we’ll have our name es-tablished as far as raising good buck-ing horses and be able to sell five to seven or eight to contractors.”

Until that day arrives, Kathy labels their bucking horse breeding opera-tion a hobby that is a money pit.

“We would take any of those num-bers, but we’re not there yet,” she laughed. “Right now, it is a hobby.”

“It’s kind of like that movie, ‘For Love of the Game,’” Britt added.

BRONCScontinued from page 42

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By Andrew TowneSTAFF WRITER

At Eastern Wyoming College (EWC), Trae Kautzman is in the middle of his third season as a

member of the defending chamption Cen-tral Rocky Mountain Region (CRMR) Lancer rodeo team.

It’s a busy lifestyle for the team roper and tie-down roper from Wal-cott, N.D., who majors in farm and

ranch management.He has to balance going to classes,

homework, practices and travel on top of being the president of the EWC Student Council.

But that’s the way of life for anyone on the college rodeo circuit.

Kautzman has been involved in rodeo


KAUTZMAN KEEPING PLENTY BUSY

A LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF A COLLEGE RODEO COMPETITOR

Courtesy

Trae Kautzman competes in tie-down roping along with team roping for the Eastern Wyo-ming College Lancers.

RODEOcontinued on page 48


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his entire life, and currently sits in 13th place in the CRMR team roping standings as a header.

“I’ve been involved in rodeo ever since I can remember,” he said. “My dad did it, my aunt and uncle and my grandpa, too. It’s been in the family for a long time.”

As in any sport, rodeo practice takes a lot of time as the competitors try to better themselves.

“We practice three to four times a week at the barn at the college, and you can bring down as many horses as you want,” Kautzman explained. [Coach Jake Clark] supplies the cattle for the roping, and you just try to better yourself.”

On a normal practice day, he will set all of his horses, getting them warmed up and legged up before he even makes

RODEOcontinued from page 45

Left – An Eastern Wyoming College bronc rider saddles up at the annual EWC Lancer Rodeo last April in Torrington.

Photo/ Andrew Towne


Left An Eastern Wyoming College

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a practice run.Once that is complete, there are two

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For Kautzman, the horse that he is on at the time determines how he will practice.

“On my good horses, I rope for my

horse, and on my practice horses, I prac-tice for myself,” he said. “Your good horses, you can score sharp and score lots of steers and only run a couple of times. On your practice horses, you score still, but you can rope a lot more on them.”

If he is struggling, he can turn to Clark for help.

The coach has been at EWC since 1996 and was the 2012-13 CRMR Coach of the Year.

“He’s there if you are having trouble or struggling with something,” Kautzman said. “He’ll help you out. You just have to go ask. Nine times out of 10, he’ll know what you’re doing wrong and how to fi x it.”

Same can be said for the horse.If Kautzman is having issues with his

animals, Clark can step in and help in that area, too.

Kautzman explains that he spends a lot of time with the five horses he has on campus.

“I’m continuously working with them

Photo/ Andrew Towne

The Eastern Wyoming College men’s team poses for photos after winning the Central Rocky Mountain Region Championship last May in Laramie. Trae Kautzman is third from the left.


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to make me better and them better,” he said. “If there is any daylight, many of the college rodeo kids are out riding.”

Once the rodeo weekend arrives, it’s time for Kautzman to mentally prepare for competition.

He said everyone goes about it dif-ferently, but for him, he likes to warm up by himself and visualize his run over and over.

“Mentally bring yourself up. Then you go there and just do it,” Kautzman said.

As a team roper, there is a second player involved in preparation – his heeler.

“He prepares himself, and I prepare myself,” he explained. “We’ve practiced

together. He knows how I’m going to turn the steer, and he knows where the steer is going to be. He visualizes it that way and sees himself in that position and goes and ropes.”

One of the issues that college rodeo par-ticipants face is the cost of the sport.

“It is expensive, but when you win, it pays for the whole weekend,” Kautzman said.

He added that winning one rodeo (the long round, short round and average) will cover the competitor for the rest of the season.

In addition to that, the college will help with some of the travel costs if you are on

the points team – a group that is selected by Clark, consisting of four women and six men who earn points that go toward the regional and national standings.

The competition in the region is tough, but it doesn’t faze the Lancer rodeo team, which is the defending regional cham-pions and went on to fi nish fourth at the College National Finals Rodeo last June in Casper.

EWC is a two-year junior college going up against four-year institutions like the University of Wyoming, Colorado State University and Chadron State College (Neb.) along with other junior colleges from Wyoming and Colorado.

“It’s really not any different,” Kautzman said. “It’s just like high school rodeo all over again. It’s all the top guys in college rodeo. The older kids are going to the universities so the competition is a little tougher, but it makes it better.”

Facing the best opposition will only help Kautzman down the road with his future goals of competing in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

“I want to win the rookie of the year award in the PRCA and see where that leads,” he said.

Throughout his rodeo career, Kautzman has learned a lot of life lessons, and one of those is to never give up.

“The next weekend is a whole ‘nother rodeo, and anything can happen,” he said. “You can go from the lowest low to the highest high. Rodeo is one of the most humbling sports there is because it’s you versus an animal versus other people.”

He also offered some advice for aspir-ing college competitors.

“Chase your dreams. Never quit trying,” Kautzman concluded. “You never know what is going to happen. You just have to go out and give it your all.”


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By Gib MathersSTAFF WRITER

A McCullough Peaks mustang mare named Dazzle may have dodged the dart Thursday, but very soon she will

be inoculated to prevent pregnancy for an-other year.

The horse will remain healthier to boot, thanks to the contraception, according to re-searchers Ada Inbody and Patricia Hatle.

Inbody belongs to Friends Of A Legacy, a group that supports the wild horses in the peaks. Hatle, a range/wild horse specialist with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, is tasked with looking after the animals. The bureau manages all wild horses and burros.

In a shallow draw, Dazzle grazes in bliss with the members of her band.

The sagebrush is short and dusty and the grass stunted. A little precipitation would be nice, but it is an iconic Wyoming image, just the same, of untamed beauty. Although not plump, Dazzle and her equine companions look healthy.

“It’s just amazing how good they look,” In-body said.

A peaks mustang was grand champion geld-ing at the Park County Fair this year, Hatle said with a hint of pride.

Inbody holds a dart gun containing porcine zona pellucida or PZP, a form of birth control that has been used on horses for the last 20 years.

In 2004, McCullough mares were treated with PZP. In 2009, during what the bureau calls a gather, 92 adult horses were removed and 24 mares were treated with PZP.

This year, fi ve foals were born so far. There were 46 foals in 2009, with 24 in 2010, 27 in

2011 and 14 in 2012, Hatle said.Sixty to 70 mares have received the airborne

inoculation for the last three years. This year, 65 mares are on the booster shot list, Hatle said.

“I’d rather see them do birth control than a roundup,” said Ken Martin, who operates Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours.

The herd has 140 adults this year. The bureau says the appropriate management level is 70 to 140 adults for the McCulloughs.

However, studies say the population shouldn’t drop below 100 adults to maintain good genetics in this herd, Hatle said.

Gathers will not be needed if the bureau can control the number of pregnancies. The bureau could use low-impact bait traps to catch fi ve to 10 horses from time to time when needed to control the population.

On the fl ip side, if foal recruitment is low,

mares can again become pregnant when the PZP wears off in one year, Hatle said.

Gathers often are controversial events, as helicopters can be used to drive the horses to a nearby location where they can be sorted and culled. The extracted mustangs are put up for “adoption.”

Most wild horses captured in the McCullough Peaks or the Pryor Mountains to the north are adopted at the auctions, but not all. When the horses are not bought, they can live out their lives on the taxpayers’ dime.

“Wild horses and burros have virtually no natural predators, and their herd sizes can double about every four years,” said the bureau.


BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT TASKED WITH CONTROLLING HORSE POPULATION

BIRTH CONTROL EFFORT AIMS TO MAINTAIN MCCULLOUGH HERD

CONTROLcontinued on page 53

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As of July, there were 47,723 wild horses across the West being fed and cared for at BLM short-term corrals and long-term pastures, ac-cording to bureau fi gures.

There are no worries if a PZP arrow hits the wrong target. The drug has no effect on studs or humans. Nor does it harm a fetus if a pregnant equine is treated, Hatle said.

The women gave a demonstration. A square of carpet with black spots was propped up 18 yards away.

While Hatle spotted with binoculars, In-body swiftly aimed and fi red the rifl e. With a pop sounding like one from a .22 short round, the dart left the barrel to hit the target dead center with a thump like a wrangler slapping a horse’s rump.

“We’ve never hit the wrong horse,” In-body said.

The dart’s range is up to 60 yards. The recipi-ent doesn’t know what hit them, often suspect-ing the prickly offender is a fl y, Hatle said.

There was no serum in the demo dart because the drug costs $26 a pop, Inbody said.

The mares are not simply numbers on a list of suspects.

“They’re all named,” Hatle said. “That’s how we tell them apart.”

Dazzle didn’t cooperate Thursday.To the right were the McCullough Peaks,

looking grassy and inviting above U.S. High-way 14-16-20 (Greybull Highway). Behind rose Red Point, a butte with rusty striped horizontal stone lines and a pancake-fl at top. A few hun-dred yards from her observers, Dazzle grazed

with four other bands that Hatle refers to as the Red Point group.

Hatle and Inbody eased down to the herd, but each time they were nearly within range, the fi ckle mare would drift just out of range. The game of cat and mouse continued for about 15 minutes until the women threw in the towel, temporarily.

They have been darting horses since January. “We have many days like this,” Hatle said with a laugh. It takes patience and persistence.

“You have to keep trying,” she said.If cattle were kept off, the range could sup-

port more wild horses. There were no grazing permit cattle on the range in 2012, and none this year. The bureau’s reason is to allow the land to recover from lack of precipitation in 2012, Martin said.

Thirteen domestic horses have been removed in the last three years after they were foisted on the herd. One man put his Nevada mustang in the McCullough herd, and he wound up with a $1,200 fi ne, Hatle said.

Domestic horses don’t fare so well fending for themselves in the wild and around a bunch of ornery wild horses that know the range ropes. Mustangs are a clannish, and clan hierarchy is strictly observed.

Domestics don’t understand mustang psychology, “so they really get beat up on,” Hatle said.

Allowing mares a chance to recover before impregnating them every year is improving their condition on a range with only fair condi-tions to begin with, Inbody said.

CONTROLcontinued from page 52

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By Whitney HelmSTAFF WRITER

Springtime is around the corner, which means rodeos and shows for our beloved equines. It also

means that the time is nearing to begin vaccinations so the horses are pro-tected against diseases.

Veterinarian Millie Roesch, owner of mobile clinic Twin Mountain Vet-erinary Service, said that the first

year that a horse is vaccinated, it is best to start in early March, especially for West Nile Virus.

According to the Center for Dis-ease Control, West Nile Virus is an arthropod-borne virus, meaning it is

transmitted through arthropod vectors,


WEST NILE VIRUS, RABIES AMONG WARM WEATHER CONCERNS

VACCINATIONS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT COME SPRING

VACCINATIONScontinued on page 57

Photo/ Vicki Hood

Since the advent of the West Nile Virus in the United States in 1999, veterinarians have recommended vaccinating for this mosquito transmitted disease. In the fi rst year, two doses should be given four to six weeks apart, then given a booster dose yearly. In the southern part of the country where mosquitoes are more prevalent, more doses per year are recommended.


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FALL 2011 | Published by News Media Corporation46 EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

By Virginia GiorgisSTAFF WRITER

Wyoming boasts the second larg-est wild horse herd in the na-tion, second only to Nevada.

Wild horses are symbols of the West – they are untamed spirits and have free range on a wide-open landscape.

Today’s wild horses are descendants of horses brought to the United States by the Spanish, as well as horses subsequently turned out by ranchers or led away by the wild horse herds.

As of February, there were 5,333 wild horses in Wyoming, according to June Wendlandt, Wyoming’s BLM wild horse and burro program lead. Currently, the number of wild horses is around 2,000 head over the projected management level, which is set at between 2,490 and 3,725 horses.

The wild horses are regulated under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. The act sets guidelines for main-taining the wild horses and their forage.

“We have healthy horses in Wyoming, and we want to keep it that way,” Wend-landt said.

Wild horses differ from domestic horses, as they have naturally bred for survival in the wild countryside. They are more compact and have thicker, sturdier legs to carry them over the open ranges.

Wendlandt said a large part of man-agement requirements for wild horses is determined by the vegetation and forage on BLM land. She explained the BLM is a multiple-use agency, so the land they manage is divided into multiple pur-poses, such as wildlife, wild horses, live-stock and recreation. BLM analyzes the “amount and type of forage and divides it into pieces of the pie.”

Wild horses are found in Wyoming on the western half of the state from as far north as the Cody area to the state’s southern border. Wendlandt said wild horses in Wyoming are man-aged in 16 manage-ment areas, with the largest number of wild horses in the southwest.

Wild horses can be seen from I-80 as motorists drive across the west-ern portion of the state. There are also a number of wild horses in the Red Desert area.

FINDING WILD HORSES

The two easiest places to view wild horses are in the Pryor Mountains outside Lovell and in southwest Wyoming, near Rock Springs. A loop tour has even been developed near Rock Springs, known as

the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour. The area is easily accessible and is on the top of Pilot Butte, which lies on the east side of Rock Springs.

The 24-mile self-guided tour can begin


WILD HORSES: A SYMBOL OF THE AMERICAN WESTTHE LARGEST NUMBER OF WYOMING’S WILD HORSES ARE IN THE SOUTHWEST

Courtesy of BLM

Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Tour.WILD

continued on page 47

Courtesy photos of BLM

Some of the scenes of the horses living in the wild make for worth-while touring.

in either Green River or Rock Springs. Travelers should plan on about 1 1/2 hours to complete the tour, most of which is on gravel roads.

“It is a good tour to take,” Wendlandt said, “and most likely the wild horses will be there.”

Another sizable herd is in the Adobe Town area, south of I-80 near Rock Springs.

The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Cen-ter features a museum. Visitors can learn about the horses there, as well as the cur-rent location of the herd before driving out to locate it. Another benefi t is often the sighting of other wildlife in the area.

Wild horse management tools include a count of the herds, maintaining the forage, roundups and adoptions, and managing the reproduction of the herds, Wendlandt said.

Other management tools for the wild horses include “gathering and removing excess horses, treating the mares with PZP – a form of birth control which pre-vents the mares from breeding for two years – and adjusting the ratio of the re-leased horses so more males are released than females. That helps maintain a slower growth rate of the herd so the time between round ups can be lengthened, Wendlandt said.

Another option that has been consid-ered has been spaying mares and neuter-ing studs. This option has been sidelined until it can be de termined what its impact would be on geldings being released back into the herds.

ADOPTING WILD HORSES

Roundups are conducted periodically if the wild horse numbers are deemed too large. The gathered horses are then put up for adoption. To adopt, applications must be submitted by interested parties that con-tain many specifi c, including what type of trailer will be used to pick up a horse, and what type of pen will be em-ployed. Re-quirements i n c l u d e m a i n t a i n -ing a fence six feet or higher, a 20-by-20 foot e n c l o s u r e constructed of substan-tial pipe or wood and connected to a shelter of at least 12-by-12 feet. Such speci-fi cations are required be-cause most of the ad-

opted horses are “untouched,” or have had little training, though some of the adopted horses may be halter or saddle broken.

In Wyoming, the process runs through the spring and summer, though in other states the adoption process is handled year-round. The corrals in southwest Wyo-ming were closed Sept. 30. There were 128 horses adopted in Wyoming this year, Wendlandt said.

The aim is to have 2,000 to 3,000 wild horses adopted nationwide; these num-bers were not met this year. Wendlandt blamed the lower adoption rate on the weak economy.

“It is hard for people to think about feeding a horse,” Wendlandt suggested, “when they are thinking about feeding their family.”

Wild horses have been adopted by a wide va-r iety of i n d iv i d u -als. Some are retirees who want to trail ride, others are y o u n g e r p e o p l e who need a good w o r k i n g horse for their ranch. Others just want to p l e a s u r e ride.

W i l d h o r s e s , Wendlandt said, are “very ver-satile and

can do almost anything.”She added a wild horse was “the best

horse I ever had. She would wait for me to get home from school. I could catch her with no halter, no lead line, and ride her to the house” after Wendlantdt got off the bus from school.

MUSTANG DAYS

A prime wild horse-related event in Wy-oming is Mustang Days. The event is held in conjunction with the Mustang Heritage Foundation, a non-profi t group. The event was most recently held at the Wyoming State Fair Aug. 16-20, and included com-petitors as young as 5 years old showing their wild horses.

Competitions consisted of mustang owners competing in things like halter, trail courses, western pleasure and free-style, which can include a theatrical bent. Cheyenne resident Kathi Wilson’s perfor-mance with her wild horse was “so cool,” Wendlandt said. Wilson “laid her horse down on the ground. It was done to music, and then she got on and road bareback.”

Another important part of Mustang Days is the competition between wild horse trainers. Members of the Honor Farm at Riverton work with some of the wild horses before they are adopted. Also, three members of the Mantle Wild Horse Training Facility competed against one another. The horses have been trained any-where from 20 days to a year. Jeff Martin of the Honor Farm earned the belt buckle for being the best trainer. The adoption rate was 20 out of 20 – 18 horses and two burros – at the Mustang Days. Wendlandt credited this to the fun and excitement of the event, which made others want to par-ticipate next year.

Published by News Media Corporation | FALL 2011 EQUINE ENTHUSIAST 47

WILDcontinued from page 46

Courtesy of BLM

BLM Wyoming Herd Management Areas (HMAs) for 2011.

14 EQUINE ENTHUSIAST FALL 2011 | Published by News Media Corporation

By Megan RawlinsSTAFF WRITER

Far out, on the edge of Sublette County, even out past the edge of the small town of Boulder, is a

ranch that, come early next spring, will welcome four registered racing quarter or paint horses into the world.

The small breeding outfi t of 7 Lazy K Quarter Horses is, despite its size, home to children of some of the nation’s top mon-eymakers in the fi eld of racing and barrel racing. The stud in residence is Dashing Move Fame, whose sire, Dash Ta Fame, was a barrel champion that produced mil-lions of dollars in race earnings.

Two of this spring’s foals will be Dashing’s, and owner, operator, breeder, trainer and all-around head honcho Heather Wells said she is already look-ing forward to meeting the young ones and gauging their potential.

This has been Wells’ fi rst year breed-ing Dashing, although she and her part-ner Bill Kelly have been breeding racing and barrel horses for eight years. Dash-ing’s previous offspring were too young to race the 2011 season, so no one will know how his progeny will perform until the 2012 season starts May 1.

But Dashing’s bloodline is solid. His father, grandfather and great-grandfa-ther, as well as his grandmother and great-grandmother, all have speed indexes over 100. A speed index of more than 80 earns a horse recognition for merit.

Wells and Kelly are among the more than 100 performance breeders in Sub-lette and Sweetwater counties, and Wells said they are much smaller than many of the other breeders.

“We do it for the fun of it,” she said. “We may make some supplemental in-come, and the horses we sell typically cover our expenses.”

But it’s clear by the smile in her eyes it’s the love of it that keeps her going.

It’s a lot of work monitoring mares to determine when they’re in heat, con-ducting the breeding and then monitor-ing mares to see if they’re in foal, not to mention raising foals from birth to when they are released into pasture. Kelly

works out of town much of the time, and many of these tasks are left to Wells.

Mares are monitored with an ultra-sound machine Wells has at the ranch. Images can tell her when mares are beginning their fertility cycle, to give Wells as much time as possible to ad-minister the artifi cial insemination to impregnate them. The ultrasound can also tell when fertilization has occurred, even before there’s a heartbeat.

The day-in, day-out work comes once the foals are born.

“It’s a lot for one person to halter-break, trim the hooves and pick up the feet of all the foals every day,” she said, explaining part of the routine to get the newborns accustomed to being around people.

But when the foals aren’t being han-dled, they’re running around the pad-docks, bucking and carrying on like the ability to walk was their own personal discovery, which, in a way, it was.

After 11 months and two weeks grow-ing slowly in a mare, foals are born and able to walk within hours. It’s not the most graceful walk, as their legs unfold from nearly a year curled beneath them. But they fi gure out what it means to be a horse.

Soon enough though, they’re walking and running – then racing. If Wells can’t fi nd buyers for her foals, she’ll keep them and race them when they’re a year old, with the hopes of selling them as fi nished racehorses.

Unlike thoroughbreds, who race be-tween 3/4 and 1 1/2 miles, quarter horses typically run between 300 and 400 yards, around one quarter of a mile – hence the name.

Wells takes her horses to Idaho to race, where there are fi ve tracks. The Rock Springs track recently opened, and she said she’s looking forward to doing some racing closer to home. But Idaho isn’t that bad, she said, when compared

to traveling to Oklahoma to race her paint horses. Quarter and paint horses belong to different associations, so their races are separate, although the races themselves are similar.

When their racing career is over, Wells’ horses transition into running barrels, and this is where Dashing’s bloodline emerges to take center stage. Wells said in the barrelracing world, Dash Ta Fame is a household name, and often all the promotion needed to get Dashing’s name recognized.

And with that should come demand for breeding opportunities. That’s all the more so, since Wells is keeping the stud fee at $650, when most performance stud fees exceed $1,000.

That may change, though, when Dashing’s potential, as realized through his offspring, is recognized. If his foals do well next season, Wells and Kelly may not be doing this all just for fun anymore.


BRED TO RUN, RACE AND BARREL7 LAZY K RANCH QUARTER HORSES BOASTS SOME OF THE NATION’S FINEST

Courtesy photo

Dashing Move Fame is the stud for Heather Wells’ 7 Lazy K Quarter Horses outside of Boulder.

EQUINE ENTHUSIAST 21Published by News Media Corporation | FALL 2011

By Amber Ningen STAFF WRITER

Before coming to the Kindness Ranch, RayAnne, a tall thorough-bred, was not adoptable. The mare

had been used in research and had behav-ior problems and no manners.

Today, she is able to run free through a pasture with other horses in rural south-east Wyoming. The once ill-mannered RayAnne now has good manners, thanks to the new culture that surrounds her.

RayAnne’s story is just one of the Kind-ness Ranch’s success stories. Located near Hartville, the Kindness Ranch Amer-ican Sanctuary For Research Animals is a 1,000-acre ranch that takes in all kinds of animals formerly used in research. Dr. David Groobman founded the sanctuary, which opened in the summer of 2007. Groobman dedicated 10 years of planning to the sanctuary.

Ranch manager David Sleeper said Kindness Ranch staff members are not animal activists.

“Our job is to provide the research labo-ratories a wonderful alternative to eutha-nasia,” he said.

In order to do that, the Kindness Ranch fosters a working relationship with the researchers.

While at the Kindness Ranch, animals

– which include horses, dogs, cats, sheep and pigs – are rehabilitated in a home-like environment.

Though Sleeper says he doesn’t con-sider himself a horse whisperer, he has a philosophy that has allowed him to form relationships with once untrusting ani-mals. The more afraid an animal is, the more powerful and “permanent” is the re-sponse to his techniques.

Although the philosophy is given in much better detail when Sleeper relays it to visitors at the Kindness Ranch, the bottom line is that animals mimic our behavior.

If a human shows respect by using cer-tain listening and intuiting techniques, coupled with an unwillingness to enter in to the animal’s “zone of intimacy” un-less invited, the fearful animal becomes attracted like a magnet to this energetic safety exhibited by the human. The human basically focuses on evolving themselves to their higher form with no agenda and the animal amazingly is attracted and mimics that behavior. The fearful animal ends up being the instigator and choreog-rapher of the deep bonding on an ener-getic level that emerges. Techniques then follow which encourage non-impulsive thinking behavior with the resulting boost in self esteem.

Sleeper said that he can’t tell who is the

lead mare at the Kindness Ranch. “They all have manners, squabbles are

rare and the pecking order seems to be non-existant,” he said. The former lead mare now has the most manners and per-haps the others are following her lead.

In RayAnne’s case, the thoroughbred had been getting treats and sweet feed be-fore coming to the Kindness Ranch and she was ill mannered towards people and equines. Sleeper’s idea is that having a re-lationship with an animal’s stomach leads to impulsive and addictive behavior with poor manners. Whereas relating the heart and mind encourages thinking and evolv-ing and good manners.

Sleeper said the 15 horses at the Kind-

ness Ranch now have their own culture that is based on manners and thinking. When a new horse arrives like RayAnne, instead of pecking order battle, the whole herd helps her to leave her impulsiveness behind and become a thinker with man-ners. “This sounds so strange and impos-sible until one sees it in action. It is a very rewarding for us folks to see animals that were subject to the trials of research end up living harmoniously with high self-esteem in a Wyoming paradise,” he said.

The Kindness Ranch welcomes visi-tors. It offers well-appointed cabins for its members to stay in while visiting.

For more information on the Kindness Ranch, visit kindnessranch.org.


KINDNESS RANCH: A SANCTUARY FOR RESEARCH ANIMALS PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH HELPS FORM RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONCE-SHY HORSES

Members of the Kindness Ranch are welcome to stay in “yurts” while visiting. For more information on visiting the ranch, visit www.kindnessranch.org. Ranch Manager David Sleeper demonstrates his First Lite technique on Stormy.

Photos by Amber Ningen

Horses at the Kindness Ranch roam a pasture on a sunny October morning. The Kindness Ranch is made up of 1,000 acres.

SYMBOL OF THEWILDcontinued from page 46

FALL 2011 | Published by News Media Corporation

ce, where there are five tracks. The fiock Springs track recently opened, ande said she’s looking forward to doing me racing closer to home. But Idaho n’t that bad, she said, when compared

y g , g ,Dashing’s potential, as realized through his offspring, is recognized. If his foals do well next season, Wells andKelly may not be doing this all just for fun anymore.

Published by News Media Corporation | FALL 2011

Members of the Kindness Ranch are welcome to stay in “yurts” while visiting. For more information on visiting the ranch, visit www.kindnessranch.org. Ranch Manager David Sleeper demonstrates

Published by News Media Corporation | FALL 2011

EQUINE ENTHUSIAST 31

STAFF REPORT

The Professional Rodeo Cow-boys Association is proud to announce the fi ve fi nalists cho-sen out of a stellar fi eld of nominees for the 2011 “PRCA Veterinarian of the Year Award,” presented by Purina.The field includes Dr. Norm Swan-son of Cheyenne, who was nomi-nated by Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo officials. The 2011 recipient will be an-nounced in late October and will be honored at the PRCA Contract Per-sonnel Banquet Wednesday, Nov. 30, in Las Vegas, and during the 53rd Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Sat-urday, Dec. 3, 2011, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.The award was created in 2010 to recognize dedication to the health and welfare of rodeo livestock by veterinarians across the country. The award is made possible by a partner-ship with Purina Mills to sponsor the award.

“Every nominee is absolutely de-

serving of this award, which makes the job of the selection committee very difficult,” said Doug Corey, DVM, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer and chairman of the PRCA Animal Wel-fare Committee “It is an honor to be associated with such a distinguished group of veterinary profession-als that advocate for the welfare of rodeo livestock.” The original field of 16 nominees was narrowed to these five distin-guished veterinarians:■ Dr. Joseph Coli, Reno, Nev.; nominated by the Reno Rodeo and Bob Feist■ Dr. Garth Lamb, Las Vegas, Nev.; nominated by Shawn Davis■ Dr. Norm Swanson, Cheyenne; nominated by Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo■ Dr. Jake Wells, San Antonio, Tex.; nominated by the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo■ Dr. Wes Wittman, Sonora, Calif.; nominated by the Mother Lode Roundup Rodeo and Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse


FRONTIER DAYS ARENA VET NAMED FINALIST FOR PRCA AWARDDR. NORM SWANSON KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT BIG-TIME RODEOS

Courtesy photo by Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo

Dr. Norm Swanson has been part of ‘The Daddy of ‘em All’ for 42 years.

Swanson has served as the arena veterinarian for the Cheyenne Frontier Days for 42 consecutive years. In this capacity, he has co-ordinated with the general com-mittee, the contestants chairman, PRCA judges and stock contrac-tors to oversee the health and care of all livestock on-site during the event. Cheyenne had nearly 1,700 competitors this year and the rodeo lasted twelve days with nine sections of slack and nine performances. The total number of livestock exceeded 4,000. Swan-

son has been an active member of the contestants committee in Cheyenne for more than 40 years, volunteering his time to ensure the contestants and hired personnel at Cheyenne are taken care of during their stay. His involvement with the committee has been focused on providing immediate medical attention to animals if needed. “I have personally witnessed Dr. Norm Swanson’s dedication to the sport of rodeo. He is extremely qualified for this award,” said PRCA stock contractor Harry Vold.

ABOUT DR. NORM SWANSON

ACE AND BARRELBOASTS SOME OF THE NATION’S FINEST

EQUINEEQUINE Q ENTHUSIAST | ENTHUSIAST | FEATURE

KINDNESS RANCH: A SANFOR RESEARCH ANIMALS

F A L L 2 0 13 F R E E


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or more commonly animals with ex-ternal skeletons, such as a mosquito. West Nile is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes and can cause inflammation of the brain, lining of the brain and spinal cord.

“West Nile can be a terminal dis-ease.” said Roesch, “We’re a society that is extremely mobile. Our horses go where we go; they could easily be bit by a mosquito.”

“You need to start early so that the body will have time to build immu-nity,” she continued.

Currently, the American As-sociation of Equine Practitioners recommends Tetanus, Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyeli-tis, West Nile Virus and Rabies as core vaccinations.

This year, there have been at least 25 cases of rabies reported in skunks in Goshen County, Wyo. Rabies is incurable and attacks the central nervous system, ultimately caus-ing death. The recent cases may cause additional concern for equine owners. Roesch said that rabies vaccinations are, as with all horse vaccinations, optional.

“If you want to do everything you possibly can for your horse and you’re close to an area that’s hav-ing some rabies, you don’t have any skunks around or bats then you may not want to vaccinate. It’s entirely up to you,”she said.

“Every horse is an individual; con-tact your veterinarian. They will have the best advice for you,” said Roesch.


VACCINATIONScontinued from page 54

Photo/ Vicki Hood

Worming paste is available at any feed or ag supply stores. Horses should be wormed every three months. The West Nile vaccination is often combined with three others, called a three-way, that prevents tetanus toxoid and Western/Eastern encephalitis, commonly known as sleeping sickness.





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By Tessa SchweigertSTAFF WRITER

Mark Twain once called the Con-cord Coach “an imposing cra-dle on wheels.”

At Powell High School, you can call it a work of art.

For months, students have worked during art classes, after school and in early mornings to create a realistic Con-cord Coach replica inspired by the John Wayne 1939 fi lm‚”Stagecoach.”

At the high school, the stagecoach sat surrounded by students’ lockers. The curved coach looks like it would be more at home on a dusty road in the Old West, drawn by horses and carrying folks across the open plains.

To make it look as realistic and histori-cally accurate as possible, students paid close attention to small details, meticu-lously working on each feature.

“A lot of it came as we went along. We realized more things that made it realis-tic,” said Austin Ouellette, a senior art student who helped lead the project.

Students built the stagecoach entirely from scratch, using some diagrams and scaling them down to 80 percent, said Jim Gilman, who teaches art at Powell High School.

Without blueprints or a how-to guide available, students researched stage-coaches, drew stencils for the various pieces and used their creativity.

“They had to fi gure out, ‘How are we going to make it?’” Gilman said.

One of the most diffi cult parts was bending the wood to create the stage-coach’s curved shape, said PHS senior Alvaro Acevedo, who also helped lead the project. Woodworkers often use steam to bend wood, but that wasn’t an option with the resources students had available. Instead, they learned how to bend wood with water.

“The most impressive thing is that they got the curve right,” Gilman said.

Figuring out how to bend the wood to an exact angle so the curved coach’s door would open and close presented another obstacle, Acevedo said.

“Alvaro spent a lot of time on that door,” Gilman said.

Windows also were a challenge.“There was a lot of problem-solving,”

Gilman said.The stagecoach project incorporated a

variety of subjects and skills.“It’s a lot of work, but you learn a lot

of new things,” Acevedo said.Art students learned how to do uphol-

stery for the stagecoach’s interior. The upholstery “took so much time. It was very tedious,” said Ouellette.

Students also had to use mathematics to determine correct measurements to build the stagecoach. In their scale, one inch equaled 13.33 inches.

Of course, students’ artistic abilities and creativity were integral to the project.


STUDENTS TEAM UP TO CREATE DETAILED WORK OF ART

PHS STAGECOACH PROJECT WAS INSPIRED BY 1939 JOHN WAYNE MOVIE

STAGECOACHcontinued on page 60


Get Connected: local feed/tack stor es, br eeders, events, services, r eal estate and more!Equine Enthusiast™ is produced locally and published by News Media Corporation and the Powell Tribune.

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PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY AT THESE LOCATIONSWYOMINGBASIN, WY Big Horn County Fairgrounds Cenex Overland ExpressBIG PINEY, WY Burney & Co. Jubilee Store Sublette Co. Fairgrounds Western Veterinary ServicesBOULDER, WY Boulder Vet Clinic Boulder StoreBUFFALO, WY Buffalo Livestock Auction Buffalo Veterinary Clinic Big Horn Co-op Picks Saddle ShopBURNS, WY Panhandle CoopCASPER, WY Casper Animal Medical Center Moss Saddles, Boot & Tack Lou Talbert Ranch Out tters Murdoch’s Ranch Supply Noland Feed Inc. Star-Line FeedsCHEYENNE, WY 287 Supply A & C Feed Barnes & Noble Boot Barn Bunkhouse Bar Burger Inn Cheyenne Depot Cheyenne Frontier Days City News Cowboy Dodge Frontier Veterinary Kubota LCCC Maverick Motorsports McDonalds East McDonalds North Murdoch’s Norco Construction Center Old West Museum Plains Hotel Sierra Trading Post Sutherland Lumber Tri State Large Animal hospital Wrangler Wyoming Equipment Wyoming HomeCODY, WY Buckstitch Canvas & Tack Cody Chamber Visitors Center Cody Feed Cody Meat Cody Night Rodeo Dude Ranchers’ Association The Barn The Boot Barn Seidel’s Saddlery Stampede Trailer Sales Sommers & VoerdingCOKEVILLE, WY Flying JDANIEL, WY Daniel Junction StoreDOUGLAS, WY City Shoe & Saddle Douglas Chamber of Commerce

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Big Horn Co-op Dan’s Boot & Saddle Fremont Motor Garvin Motors Homesteader Museum Lamplighter Inn Linton’s Big R Maverik Metzler & Moore Realty North West College Park County Fair Of ce Plains Tire Poor Boy Feeds Powell Valley Chamber/Comm Powell Vet Rimrock Tire Running Horse Realty Super 8 Three Amigos Clinic UW Ag Extension ServiceRALSTON, WY Jake & Kay Clark Red Eagle Waterworks IrrigationRIVERTON, WY Big Horn Co-Op/Cenex Boot Barn Fremont County Fairgrounds Linton’s Big R Riverton Chamber of Commerce Riverton Livestock Auction Western SupplyROCK SPRINGS, WY Boot Barn Paci c Steel Sweetwater Events ComplexSHERIDAN, WY C&K Equipment Sales Inc. Candlewood Suites Farmers Coop of Sheridan King’s Saddlery & Ropes Leather Out tters Perry’s Trailer Sales Sheridan Seed Co. Tom Balding Bits & SpursSUNDANCE, WY Cassidy’s Seed & FeedTEN SLEEP, WY The Hide OutTHAYNE, WY Lincoln County 4-HTHAYNE, WY Lincoln County FairgroundsTHERMOPOLIS, WY Hot Springs County Fairgrounds Remax Rount Top Realty White Horse Feed StoreTORRINGTON, WY American Inn Bear Creek Vet Clinic Bloedorn Lumber Bomgaars Century Lumber Co. Don Bruner Sales Frontier Mart Goshen County Fairgrounds Goshen Veterinary Clinic Holiday Inn Express HorizonWest inc Madden Bros/Frontier Realty Newman Realty

Pinnacle Bank Points West Bank Shoe and Saddle Torrington Livestock Torrington Travel Terminal Windmill Realty Z&W MillUPTON, WY Upton Co-op AssociationURIE, WY Bridger Valley Realty Bridger Valley Electric Association Covolo Auto-Farm ServicesWHEATLAND, WY Bloedorn Lumber Bob Ruwart Motors Harnish Veterinary Services Interstate Gas Laramie Peak Veterinary Services Platte County Chamber Wheatland Country StoreWORLAND, WY Big Horn Co-op Washaki County Fairgrounds

COLORADOBRIGHTON, CO Brighton Feed & SaddleryFORT COLLINS, CO Centennial Livestock Service Legacy Tractors Legacy Tractors Poudre Valley Co-opJOHNSTOWN, CO BeyBreze FarmLONGMONT, CO Saddle UpLOVELAND, CO Budweiser Events Center

NEBRASKA ALLIANCE, NE Alliance Tractor BomgaarsBRIDGEPORT, NE Double A Feeds Koke’s AutoCRAWFORD, NE Crawford SeedGERING, NE Sandberg ImplementHARRISON, NE Herren Brothers True ValueMITCHELL, NE Bunkhouse Ranch & Home SupplySCOTTSBLUFF, NE Animal Health Enterprise Bomgaars Floyd’s Truck Center HorizonWest inc Murdoch’s Ranch Supply Panhandle Coop FeedSIDNEY, NE HorizonWest inc 21st Century Equipment 21st Century Motor

Sports

UTAH MORGAN, UT Morgan Valley Polaris


STAGECOACHcontinued from page 58


“It’s a lot of work to get the color right,” Acevedo said. “We didn’t want it to have a ‘new’ look to it.”

A blend of paint and stain gives the wood an antiqued look.

When students watched the 1939 fi lm “Stagecoach” starring John Wayne, they noticed details to add to their stagecoach, such as the lights adorning the sides and the small inscription “U.S. Mail.”

The fi lm was released 75 years ago and was Wayne’s fi rst starring role in a fi lm by legendary director John Ford. It

is considered a Western classic.Beyond the art department, other PHS

students also had a hand in the stage-coach project. Welding students helped with all the steel work, and woodworking students helped make the wheels.

“We had about 50 students involved at various points in production,” Gilman said.

Most supplies came from local busi-nesses, but students repurposed some materials, too. To make hubs for the wheels, they used an old telephone pole

donated by Gilman’s father. Straps used in the suspension were made from an old fi re hose donated by the Powell Volunteer Fire Department. Aldrich Lumber do-nated some of the materials, Gilman said.

The stagecoach eventually will be suspended from the ceiling in the PHS library, but that may take several more weeks.

“It depends on how long it takes to get the cables rigged,” Gilman said Wednes-day. “It is now on display in the library, but still using a table for stability.”

Though it’s not built for actual passen-gers, students factored in that possibility and reinforced the seats and the fl oor.

“We didn’t intend for anyone to get in it, but we worried someone would try,” Ouellette said.

Acevedo and Ouellette would like to take the stagecoach to the Wyoming State Art competition this spring. But Gilman said they’re not sure if they can get it safely to Casper.

“We’re trying to fi gure out how to get it in a trailer,” Ouellette said.

Photo/ Tessa Schweigert

Powell High School students created a replica of the Concord stagecoach, paying close attention to each detail. Here, Austin Ouellette, a lead student on the project, places a wheel on the stagecoach. Now fi nished, the stagecoach is on display in the PHS library.


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ad TODAY!

AUTOMOTIVE

Reganis Auto CenterGreat deals on New or Used vehicles. Full-service Service Department 2006 E Overland,

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Covolo Auto-Farm Sales & Service 80 Rees Road, Moun-tain View, WY 307-786-2277,

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Big Sky FordFord, Lincoln Dealership

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Tons of trucks in stock.at Cowboy Dodge in Cheyenne. Work trucks, trucks with tow-ing power to get you and your

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AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

Bridgerland CARQUEST24 Mountain Meadow St.

Mountain View, WY 82939307-786-2400

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AUTO PARTSGreat people, great products, great prices!SM

Bridgerland CARQUEST307-786-2400

24 Mountain Meadow St., Mountain View, WY 82939www.bridgerlandcarquest.com


EDUCATION

Eastern Wyoming College3200 West C Street

Torrington, WY 822401-866-327-8996

ewc.wy.edu

Sheridan College 3059 Coffeen Avenue Sheridan, WY 82801

800.913.9139Sheridan.edu

Laramie County Community College Equine Department

307-778-1191lccc.wy.edu/programs/equin-estudies/trainingmanagement

ENTERTAINMENT

Evanston Rodeo SeriesEvanston, WY

307-789-5511 or 307-789-5512EvanstonRodeoSeries.com

Youth & Little Buckaroo Rodeo

Kemmerer, Wyoming307-727-7182

littlebuckaroorodeo.com

Fossil Country Classic Open Horse Show

Kemmerer, Wyoming307-727-7182

wyomingbitsandspurs.com

Sweetwater Events ComplexRock Springs, WY

www.sweetwaterevents.com

Platte Valley Riders Open riding and gymkhanas http://plattevalleyriders.com

EQUIPMENT

C & K Equipment, IncAuthorized Bobcat Dealer1851 Commercial Avenue

Sheridan, WY 307-674-6405

4Rivers Equipment7917 Hutchins Dr., Cheyenne,

WY, 307-638-8669www.4riversequipment.com

Bunkhouse Trailers & FeedMitchell, NE 877-623-9955

www.bunkhousetrailersales.com

High Country Motor Sports3320 E Lincolnway, Cheyenne,

WY 307-638-8307www.highcountrycheyenne.com

FACILITIES

SUBLETTE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

affordable pricing for equine, rodeo, meeting, and banquet events! 307-749-3546 ([email protected])

SUBLETTE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDSStirrup some fun at the the

Sublette County Fair, July 19th-21st, for more information call 307-276-5373 or email: [email protected]

The Park County Fair in Pow-ell, Wyoming - Join in the fun July 22-26, 2014. Grand Stand Events - Carnival - Livestock

Shows - Tasty Fair Food - Free Entertainment - Fair Exhibits.

www.parkcountyfair.com

Goshen County Fair GroundsFair: July 26-August 3, 2014

FARM EQUIPMENT REPAIR SERVICE

Floyd’s Truck Center60 Plus Years in business Truck & Trailer Alignment, Repair, Parts and

Service RV Service, Repair, and Towing Full Service Body Shop Sidney, NE, (308) 254-5956

Scottsbluff, NE, (800) 658-4052 Cheyenne, WY, (866)600-3911

Sandberg Implement Inc. Serving Western Nebraska, East-ern Wyoming and Northern Colo-rado for over 50 years. Offering the quality products, service and support for all your farm, ranch, commercial or residential equip-ment needs. 160085 Highway 71 Gering, Ne 69341 (308) 436-2179

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Heilburn’s Powersports and Trailer Sales

Large selection of trailers and ATVs. Repairs to all makes

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needs. Located in the Heilbrun Complex, 230340 Highland Drive, Scottsbluff, NE, 308-632-4040.

FARM SUPPLY

4G Ranch Supply, Inc.20098 US Hwy 16, PO Box 670, Moorcroft, WY 82721

[email protected]

Wheatland County StoreFarm, Ranch & Clothing

301 16th StreetWheatland, WY 82201

Tel: 307-322-3922www.wheatlandcountrystore.com

Big R StoresAlmost Anything, Big R’s Got It!

Three convenient locations in Powell, Riverton and their new-

est location in Jackson Hole! Linton’s Big R and Big R Ranch and Home offer Ag Supplies,

Clothing, Sporting Goods, Tools & Hardware, Automotive Sup-plies, Camping Supplies, Lawn

& Garden Supplies... It’s like ten stores under one

roof! Stop by in see us in Pow-ell, Riverton or Jackson or visit us online at www.lintonsbigr.

com.

White Horse Country StoreOld Fashioned Country Store with Saddles new and used.

Western Gifts, Jewelry, Home Decor and more.

180 HWY 20 South, Thermop-olis, Wy 1-877-864-3048

Big Horn Co-op - 90 years of serving the producers of Northern Wyoming. Fuel, Fertilizer, Hardware, Tires,

Convenience items and more! Located in Basin, Buffalo,

Greybull, Powell, Riverton and Worland.

Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply

3773 E. LincolnwayCheyenne, WY307-632-7888

www.murdochs.com

FARRIER SERVICES

Mike Sussex Farrier7425 Road 41, Torrington, WY

307-532-0640

Austin Eller1176 S. Glendo Hwy,

PO Box 395 Glendo, WY 82213307-359-0432

FEED & PET SUPPLY

Jackson Hole Feed & Pet Supply 1300 Carol Ln,

Jackson, WY 307-734-8182

Don Bruner Sales1304 E 13th Ave., Torrington,

WY [email protected]

HORSE BREEDING

J’s R Wild (TB)Cheyenne, Wyoming

307-679-2762

Gary Cooper Performance Horses

307-272-0782www.garycooperperformance-

horses.com

Dick & Connie BakerLusk, WY 307-334-3344 or

307-340-0146


Equine Enthusiast is produced locally and distributed quarterly to feed/tack stores,event facilities, hotels, fairgrounds and other equine related businesses.

It is also packaged with The Business Farmer, a weekly specialty publication that covers agricultural issues in eastern Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle, and available at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, Cheyenne Frontier Days and numerous county fairs. (12,000 copies total, each issue)


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Local Horseman & Facility Features | Event Coverage | Equine News Business Pro le | Calendar of Events | Regular Editorial Columns | Classi eds





• Gifts • Clothes • Feed • Farm Supplies

301 16 TH ST. • WHEATLAND, WY 322-3922

www.wheatlandcountrystore.com

L IMITLESS HORSE - SHOEING

Austin J Eller 1176 S. Glendo Hwy. P.O. Box 395 Glendo, Wy 82213

307-359-0432


HORSES FOR SALE

Rawhide Valley Quarter Horses

Garrett & Kristie SmithLusk, WY

Home 307-334-2337Cell 307-340-1751

Wyoming Quarter HorsesPO Box 642, Thermopolis, WY

307-864-5671 www.wyohorses.com

email: [email protected]

FU Horse Ranch 307-754-5497 or

307-272-0068

Star K Ranch100 Boxelder Rd., Glenrock,

WY 307-259-5010Bar CS Quarter Horses

75 Paradise Rd, Boulder, WY307-537-5473

[email protected]

Western Wyoming Horse Auctions307-367-6507

www.myhorseauction.com

HORSE TRAINING

Flat Broke Performance Horses Upton, WY

307-290-0027fl [email protected]

HOTEL/MOTEL

America’s Best Value Inn1548 S. Main

Torrington, WY 82240307-532-7118

www.bestvaluetorrington.com

Baymont Inn & Suitesin Pinedale, WY

Call for your reservation today!307-367-8300

MISCELLANEOUS

WIND RIVER STONE SCAPES - premier Hardscape special-

ists with over 25 years experi-ence! Call for a free estimate! 307-367-4793 (larry@windriv-

erstonescapes.com)

Benedict’s MarketNature Intended Produce950 North Highway 414

Mountain View, WY307.782.3581

METALMART Inc.800-947-0249metalmart.biz

Wyoming Pawn & Rental120 7th Street, Mountain View,

Wyoming 307-782-7286

Henderson Meat Processing, Inc. 2 locations to serve you.

39139 I-80 Business Loop 307-786-4577

70 N. 1st West 307-875-7611

SPORTSWORLD524 Front Street

Evanston, WY [email protected]

GET THE WORD OUT!Join the

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event to Megan at:[email protected]

MESA Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.

PO Box 516, Pinedale,WY 82941307-749-3979

[email protected]

REAL ESTATE

Wyoming West Realty“Your Real Estate Professionals”

40 S. Wyoming Guernsey WY 82214

307-836-2222www.wyomingrealty.com


307-532-2184

April!

Do you want a flat broke horse? • Horsemanship lessons & clinics

• Training services for all ages & classes of horses & mules

Flat Broke Performance Horses Upton WY • (307)290-0027

or [email protected]

Serving Mountain View, Lyman, Fort Bridger & Robertson, WY

307-786-4434Ranch, Residential, Vacant Land and Commercial Listings

Arlene Sweat, Broker, 679-3303Marilyn Hollis, Assoc. Broker, 679-1114

Toni Rinker, Sales Assoc., 780-6503

REALTY

Terry Kimbrel Realtor ® Terry Kimbrel Realtor ® Terry Kimbrel Realtor ®

Windmill Realty Windmill Realty Windmill Realty

Cell 307-575-5669 Website: www.buywyo.com

of

Your horse property connection in Torrington WY.

Horse Trader House House

Guns • Ammo • Jewelry • Tools • Autos • PropaneBuy • Sell • Consign

Something for Everyone • 307-782-PAWN (7286)


Blue Ribbon RealtyServing Mountain View, Lyman, Fort Bridger & Robertson, WY.

307-786-4434

Wyoming West Realty40 S. Wyoming, PO Box 490, Guernsey, Wyoming 82214

[email protected]

Agri Affi liates, Inc.North Platte Offi ce 308-534-9240

www.agriaffi liates.com

Jay Fear Real Estatewww.jayfearrealestate.com

RECYCLING

PACIFIC STEEL AND RECY-CLING - This region’s largest steel service center and scrap metals recycler for over 100

years! 1-800-735-8338

RESTAURANT

Coffee Cup Fuel StopOpen 24/365

Easy in and out for Big RigsMoorcroft, WY307-756-3493

SADDLES AND TACK

Moss Saddles, Boots & TackMost Major Brands of Tack

Plus a Whole Lot More4648 W Yellowstone Hwy

Casper, WY307-472-1872

Kings Saddlery Ropes & Museum

King Ropes184 N. Main

Sheridan, WY 828011-800-446-89191-307-672-2702

Fax 1-307-672-5235

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thusiast.com to get more information or to place your ad TODAY!

Wild Man RigginsCustom Built Chaps

Larry SandvickKaycee, Wyoming

Shop 307-738-2608Cell 307-696-2882

Probst WesternFull line of: Tack, workwear, cow-boy boots, clothing and jewelry.

Visit Probst Western and Outdoor Clothing Co in Greybull, Wyoming. Visit us online at www.probstwest-

ernstore.com

Frannie TackQuality Tack at a Great Price. Full

Service Repair Shop. Custom saddles and gear. More than 100

saddles in stock! The Frannie Tack Shop - 58 Lane 2 1/2 in

Frannie, Wy 307-866-2344 or 800-552-8836

Pick’s Saddle ShopPO Box 881, Buffalo, WY

82834. 307-217-0451

The Tack Room1311 South Third Street,

Laramie, WY 307-745-6135www.wyotackroom.com

Sheridan Leather2014 Coffeen Avenue

Sheridan, WY 307-674-6679www.sheridanleather.com

STEEL BUILDINGS

Cleary Building Corp800-373-5550

ClearyBuilding.com


We welcome our readers to submit editorial on

achievements, milestones, local equestrian

stories and organizations!

Do you know a local horse person who deserves to be

Equine Enthusiast’s featured local horseman/woman of

the year?

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or suggestions to help

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T best suit YOUR needs!

Travis Pearson307-532-2184

[email protected] Breeds, All Disciplines!™






Probst Western and Outdoor Clothing Co

If Not Corraled in Ten Days Return to

Full Line Of:

www.probstwesternstore.com

Moorcroft, WY 307 756-3493

Easy In And Out For Big Rigs

Hot Stuff Pizza • Deli Depot

OPEN

24/365

Repairs, tack, leather products, cowboy gear and

unique gifts!

P.O. Box 881 Buffalo, WY 82834

Bryan Pickeral (307)217-0451

Read & Recycle


TRUCKING SERVICES

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event to Megan at:[email protected]

UTILITIES/SERVICES

Briger Valley Electric Association 40014 Business

Loop I-80, Urie 307-786-2800www.togetherwesave.com

VETERINARY SERVICES

Casper Animal Medical Center

Veterinary Services4700 S. Valley RoadCasper, WY 82604

307-237-8387

MJB Animal Clinic2301 Wasatch Road, Evanston,

WY 307-789-4289

Western Skies Veterinary Services, LLC

Dr. Jared Sare, large animal exclusive, full-line of livestock

supplies and vaccine. 307-367-3185

Harnish Veterinary Services“Quality Veterinary Services For Large & Small Animals”

Laser Surgery Boarding172 W Frontage Rd

Wheatland WY 82201Tel: 307-322-3751

Goshen Veterinary Clinic Inc. Veterinary Services4548 US Hwy 26/85

Torrington, WY307-532-4195

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Harnish Veterinary Services 172 West Frontage Road Wheatland, WY 82201 Office 307-322-3751 Cell 307-241-0011

Dr. Daniel Harnish, DVM

Quality veterinary services available

for large & small animals

Cremations Available





All Breeds,All Disciplines!



Local Horseman & Facility Features | Event Coverage Equine News | Business Pro le | Calendar of Events

Regular Editorial Columns | Classi eds





APRIL■ Ride ‘em High 4-H, Mondays,

Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs.

For more information, contact (307) 389-7840.

■ Team roping, Tuesdays and Fridays, Sweetwater Events

Complex, Rock Springs.For more information,

contact (307) 350-8292.■ Sweetwater Ranch Sort,

Wednesdays, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs.

For more information, contact Carol Fritzler at (307) 389-4064.

■ Spring barrel series – Thar’s Feed, Tuesdays,

Cam-Plex, Gillette.For more information, contact

Stacey Thar at (307) 685-0149.■ Ed Wright Clinic, April 11-13,

Sublette County Fairgrounds, Marbleton.

For more information, contact Shelly at (307) 360-7002.

■ Thar’s ranch sorting, April 12, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Stacey Thar at (307) 685-0149.■ Spring series barrel race,

April 12-13, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs.

For more information, contact Marty Besso at (307) 350-5805.■ Roping school with Bobby

Harris, April 12-13, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Bobby Harris at (605) 870-0228.

■ Sublette County junior high and high school rodeo,

April 15-17, Sublette County Fairgrounds, Marbleton.For more information,

contact the fairgrounds at (307) 749-3546.

■ Powder Basin Equestrian Association clinic, April 18-20,

Cam-Plex, Gillette.For more information, contact

Teresa Craig at (307) 682-9429.

■ Sweetwater County high school rodeo, April 18-20,

Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs.

For more information, contact the event center at (307) 352-6789.

■ Central Wyoming Performance Horse two-day show, April 19-20, Douglas.

For more information, contact Shannon Lakner at (307) 251-6795.

■ Race for Dreams barrel race, April 25-27, Cam-Plex, Gillette.For more information, contact

Tanya Jolovich at (307) 686-8075.

■ Sweetwater Ranch Sort buckle series, April 26, Sweetwater

Events Complex, Rock Springs.For more information, contact

Carol Fritzler at (307) 389-4064.

■ Team roping jackpot, April 27, Sweetwater Events Complex,

Rock Springs,For more information, contact

Gary Brown at (307) 352-8292.

MAY■ Bar S Bar rodeo series, Thursdays, Teton County

Fairgrounds, Jackson.For more information, call the Teton County Fairgrounds at

(307) 733-5289.

■ Supermodel ropers, Sundays, Teton County Fairgrounds,

Jackson.For more information, call the

Teton County Fairgrounds at (307) 733-5289.

■ Bits and Spurs horse show, May 3-4, Sublette County Fairgrounds, Marbleton.

For more information, contact Brianne Brower at (307) 276-5373.

■ Team roping – national, all amateurs, May 3-4, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Ty Yost at (208) 863-4310.

■ Gillette High School Rodeo, May 9-11, Cam-Plex, Gillette.For more information, contact

Michelle Beck at (307) 680-4253.

■ Thar’s Ranch Sorting, May 9-11, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Stacey Thar at (307) 685-0149.

■ Spring series barrel race, May 10-11, Sweetwater Events

Complex, Rock Springs.For more information, contact

Marty Besso at (307) 350-5805.

■ Pat Wyse Horsemanship Clinic, May 14-18, Sublette

County Fairgrounds, Marbleton.For more information, contact

Brianne Brower at (307) 276-5373.

■ 2nd Annual Cowboy State Bull Games, May 17, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Sis Palmer at (307) 689-0060.

■ Outdoor barrel race, May 23, Sublette County Fairgrounds,

Marbleton.For more information, contact


■ Central Wyoming Performance Horse one-day show,

May 24, Casper.For more information, contact

Shannon Lakner at (307) 251-6795.

■ Cowgirl Classic Barrel Race, May 24-25, Sublette County

Fairgrounds, Marbleton.For more information, contact


■ Cruel Girls barrel racing, May 24-25, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Carey Mackey at (307) 680-4105.

■ Seven Bar Ranch summer cutting, May 24-26, Saratoga.For more information, email

Cindy Carnes at [email protected].

EVENT CALENDAR

EVENT CALENDARcontinued on page 68


EVENT CALENDAR■ Outfi tters team roping,

May 24-25, Sublette County Fairgrounds, Marbleton.

For more information, contact Brianne Brower at (307) 276-5373.

■ U.S. Team Roping Championships Red Desert

Classic, May 25-26, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs.For more information, contact Bill Cornia at (435) 793-5035.■ Kohr/Caldwell poles and

barrels clinic, May 30, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Lynn Kohr at (307) 687-1551.■ Bucking H Bash women’s ranch rodeo, May 31-June 1,

Cam-Plex, Gillette.For more information,

contact Heidi Huggins at (307) 682-0212.

JUNE■ Bar S Bar rodeo series, Thursdays, Teton County


(307) 733-5289.

■ Supermodel ropers, Thursdays, Teton County


(307) 733-5289.

■ Rodeos, Saturdays, Teton County Fairground, Jackson.For more information, call the Teton County Fairgrounds at

(307) 733-5289.

■ 4-H rodeo and timed event, June 2, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Jessica Gladson at (307) 682-7281.

■ Cowboys States Reining Horse Assoc. Energy City Classic, June

5-8, Cam-Plex, Gillette.For more information, contact

Joanie Broadbent at (406) 425-0399.

■ 4-H rodeo and timed event, June 9, Cam-Plex, Gillette.


■ Red Desert Futurity, Derby and 5D, June 13-15, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs.For more information, contact

351 Productions at (307) 260-3007.

■ 4-H rodeo and timed event, June 16, Cam-Plex, Gillette.For more information, contact

Jessica Gladson at (307) 682-7281.

■ Central Wyoming Performance Horse one-day show,

June 28, Casper.For more information, contact

Shannon Lakner at (307) 251-6795.

JULY■ Supermodel ropers,

Thursdays, Teton County Fairgrounds, Jackson.

For more information, call the Teton County Fairgrounds at

(307) 733-5289.

■ Rodeos, Saturdays, Teton County Fairground, Jackson.For more information, call the Teton County Fairgrounds at

(307) 733-5289.

■ 4-H rodeo and timed event, July 7, Cam-Plex, Gillette.


■ National High School Finals Rodeo, July 10-20, Sweetwater Events Complex, Rock Springs.

For more information, visit www.nhsra.com.

■ Powder Basin Equestrian Area horse trials, July 11-13,

Cam-Plex, Gillette.For More information, contact

Theresa Craig at (307) 682-9429.■ Seven Bar Ranch summer cutting, July 12-13, Saratoga.For more information, email

Cindy Carnes at [email protected].

■ Teton County Fair, July 13-30, Teton County Fairgrounds,

Jackson.For more information, call the Teton County Fairgrounds at

(307) 733-5289.■ 4-H rodeo and timed event,

July 14, Cam-Plex, Gillette.For more information, contact

Jessica Gladson at (307) 682-7281.■ Charmayne James barrel

racing clinic, May 17-20, Cam-Plex, Gillette.

For more information, contact Charmayne James at (210) 701-8913.■ Red Desert Roundup Rodeo, July 24-26, Sweetwater Events

Complex, Rock Springs.For more information, visit

rdrroeo.com.

Equine Enthusiast is produced locally and distributed quarterly to feed/tack stores,event facilities, hotels, fairgrounds and other equine related businesses.

It is also packaged with The Business Farmer, a weekly specialty publication that covers agricultural issues in eastern Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle, and available at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, Cheyenne Frontier Days and numerous county fairs. (12,000 copies total, each issue)


Looking to expand your coverage even more? Ask about our Equine Enthusiast publications in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and California.

All Breeds, All Disciplines!™

Local Horseman & Facility Features | Event Coverage | Equine News Business Pro� le | Calendar of Events | Regular Editorial Columns | Classi� eds

800-360-2103

Wyoming Owned Since 1971

Serving Wyoming, Nebraska & Colorado

Buy The Policy…Get The Agent!

For all yourFarm, Ranch

& Cropinsurance needs!

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4G Ranch Supply Inc. .......................... 50

4Rivers Equipment ............................... 38

Agri Af liates......................................... 9

Americas Best Value ............................ 33

Austin Eller .......................................... 63

Baker Quarterhorses ............................. 70

Bar CS Quarter Horses ......................... 31

Baymont Inn ......................................... 57

Benedict’s Market ............................... 44

Big Horn Coop ....................................... 7

Big Sky Ford .......................................... 3

Blue Ribbon Realty .............................. 64

Bunkhouse Trailer Sales ...................... 20

Burns Insurance ................................... 69

Bridger Valley Electric Assoc. ............. 33

C&K Equipment .................................. 11

Car Quest ............................................. 62

Casper Animal Clinic .......................... 50

Cleary Buildings .................................. 41

Coffee Cup Fuel Stop ........................... 65

Covolos ................................................ 19

Cowboy Dodge .................................... 72

Cowboy Motors Credit App ................. 27

Cowboy Motors Trucks........................ 26

Don Bruner Sales ................................. 48

Eastern Wyoming College ................... 19

Equine Enthusiat - Deadlines ............... 56

Equine Enthusiat - Drop Points ............ 59

Equine Enthusiat Classi eds ................ 62

Evanston Rodeo Series .......................... 2

Flat Broke Performance Horse ............. 64

Floyd’s Truck Center............................ 46

Fossil Country Classic Bits and Spurs . 39

Fossil Country Classic Horse Show ..... 25

Frannie Tack Shop ............................... 57

Gary Cooper Performance Horses ....... 21

Goshen Co. Fair Grounds .................... 71

Goshen Veterinary clinic ...................... 39

Harnish Veterinary ............................... 66

Heilbrun’s Power Sports ...................... 15

Henderson Meat ................................... 35

High Country Motorsports ................... 22

HorizonWest Inc. ................................. 16

Jay Fear Real Estate ............................. 49

JH Feed and Pet ................................... 53

J’s R Wild (TB) .................................... 64

Kings Saddlery ....................................... 9

KMER Riding Club ............................... 7

Laramie County Community College .. 25

Linton’s Big R Store ............................ 51

MESA Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc 45

Metalmart Inc. ...................................... 47

Mike’s Shoeing .................................... 35

MJB Animal Clinic .............................. 52

Moss Saddles Boots & Tack ................ 53

Murdochs ............................................. 36

Paci c Steel .......................................... 58

Park County Fair .................................. 40

Pick’s Saddle Shop ............................... 65

Platte Valley Riders .............................. 31

Probst Western Wear ............................ 65

Quarter Horse Sale ............................... 23

Rawhide Valley QH ............................. 37

Real Estate Arena ................................. 61

Reganis ................................................ 43

Remax .................................................. 23

Sandberg Implement ............................ 52

Sublette Co. Fairgrounds...................... 17

Sublette Co. Fairgrounds...................... 43

Sharp Bros. Seed Co. ........................... 58

Sheridan College .................................. 45

Sheridan Leather .................................. 22

Sportsworld ............................................ 8

Sweetwater Events ............................... 55

Terry Kimbrel ....................................... 64

The Tack Room .................................... 37

Todd Stevie .......................................... 29

Ulmer FU Bar Horse Ranch ................. 13

Western Skies Vet ................................. 25

Wheatland Country Store ..................... 63

White Horse Country Store .................. 48

Wildman Riggins ................................. 65

WR Stone Scapes ................................. 20

Wyoming Pawn and Rental .................. 64

A D V E R T I S E R S

I N D E XADVERTISER PAGE # ADVERTISER PAGE #


By Bryon GlatharEDITOR

Horses are used in a number of ways – anything from a lei-surely ride around the farm, to

long nature rides along nature’s beauti-ful trails. A sudden illness or accident, while devastating, won’t usually hit the owner in the pocketbook.

But what about those who make money from their horses? The financial impact of losing an animal unexpect-edly could cost hundreds of thousands

of dollars.“When you’re making your living off

of those animals, you have to make sure you take care of those animals,” Kim Elmer, a Farm Bureau agent in Evan-ston, said.

Elmer said her branch carries about five policies involving the lives of equines. It’s rare coverage, she said, but something many people don’t even


A CONSIDERATION FOR THOSE WHO EARN THEIR LIVING ON BACKS OF EQUINE

HORSE INSURANCE: GOOD FOR SOME, BUT NOT ALL

INSURANCEcontinued on page 70

Dick & Connie Baker Lusk, WY

307-334-3344 or #307-340-0146

Margie Jones (Northern Hills Vet Clinic)

#605-347-3606 or 605-423-6029 (cell)


know about. In fact, her branch has to work through an Idaho brokerage in order to provide the insurance for local residents.

“It’s one of those things that is really, really specialized,” Elmer said. “You have to go through certain avenues to purchase it.”

Though it may take a little extra time or a few more phone calls, she said it’s something horse owners should consider.

“We insure a few horses,” she said. “We can actually put them on [a cur-rent] insurance policy. That one basi-cally covers collisions or acts of God.”

The other policy, Elmer said, actually insures the life of the horse, similar to life insurance for humans.

But insuring your horse isn’t the best idea for everyone.

“You have to remember that it’s kind of spendy,” Elmer said. “But for those making money off of their horses – their roping horses, their barrel horses, their cutting horses – it can be a good thing.”

For several years a Riverton man took that route for his fleet of show mares. But now, about two years after dropping

coverage on all his equines, he cautioned owners about insuring their horses.

“We used to insure but we don’t anymore,” Steve Husted of Shield H Quarter Horses said. “It got to where it’s too much, then you have to get in a squabble with the insurance company.”

Husted said he insured some of his show mares for over $100,000, with companies out of Oklahoma and Texas. But the one time he made a claim, he said, it took four months of back and forth with the insurance company and the involvement of lawyers before his claim was paid.

“They play Russian roulette be-cause they make people jump through hoops,” Husted said, adding that some people are bound to just give up on a claim rather than deal with all the red tape. “They can cover you up with paperwork.”

He said that although he was insuring certain horses for certain amounts, and paying premiums at agreed upon rates, the burden of proof concerning how much the horses were actually worth fell upon him.

“Boy, they’re anxious to take your money, but they’re sure not anxious to give it back if something happens,” he said.

Husted estimates he’s saved $50,000 by dropping his coverage a couple of years ago.

He said if he could have found a local insurance company to handle his coverage, his experience may have been better.

“If you don’t have an agent to go to bat for you, it just makes things tougher,” he said.

After all was said and done, Husted said he received $68,000 for a fallen mare – a bittersweet ending since, he said, she was insured for over $100,000.

INSURANCEcontinued from page 69

We welcome our readers to submit editorial on

achievements, milestones, local equestrian

stories and organizations!

Do you know a local horse person who deserves to be

Equine Enthusiast’s featured local horseman/woman of

the year?

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or suggestions to help

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T best suit YOUR needs!

Travis Pearson307-532-2184

[email protected]

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EVENT CALENDAR

EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

GET THE WORD OUT! Submit a short description of your club,

business or organization’s event for our calendar. Be sure to include

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[email protected]

™


MAY 16-18, 2014GOSHEN COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS

TORRINGTON, WY

TR AV EL & TOURISM

Paid For in Part by Goshen County Tour-ism Promotions Joint

Powers Board

For more information: For more information: 307-532-1592 307-532-1592 or or 307-532-2525 307-532-2525

or email: or email: [email protected]@goshencounty.org

Photo by Fred McClanahan, Jr./I5v Rodeo Photography/Pictured is Wade ShoemakerPoster Design by Rodeo News/TheRodeoNews.com

wyo-braska spring 2014

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