| HorseTrax The newsletter for horse lovers Please visit the HorseTrax website!! http://clix.to/horsetrax *************************************************************************************** HorseTrax Newsletter #6 February 28, 2002 In This Issue: 1*What's New? 2*Did You Know-Vesicular Stomatitis 3*Breed Profile: The American Cream Draft 4*Fun Facts 5*What's in a Name?: Results 6*What's in a Name? 7*Poems & Quotes 8*I've Always Wondered...How Much Do Horses Sleep? 9*Quick History: Justin Morgan 10*Horse Rescue: Sunny and Diamond *NEW* 11* Would You Rather...? Results & New Survey 12*Survey D Results 13*Survey E 14*What's Their Breed?: Results 15*What's Their Breed? 16*Stallion in the Spotlight: Windwalzer 17*Readers' Sites & My Favorite Horse Sites 18*The Reader's Input 19*A Final Neigh 20*References *************************************************************************************** What's New? I am beginning to wonder if I live in a house or a zoo!! In addition to our five dogs, one cat, and one horse, we have now acquired two Quaker Parrots: Kiwi and Newton. (We will also be getting a new batch of 50 chickens in May). They are quite entertaining and are quick to make me smile!! Newton is the more talkative of the two, and loves to mimic, whistle, and attempt to associate with the various wild birds outside the window by his cage. My dog Dini (German Shorthair) is going crazy having birds in "his house", for he is bred to hunt birds!! It has been a struggle to keep him away from them!! Anyways, I hope that you enjoy this issue. I was very happy to get so many responses from my readers, and I thank you all so much. Look for HorseTrax #7 on March 7, 2002. Thanks again!! Sincerely, Erin and Baron *************************************************************************************** Did You Know?-Vesicular Stomatitis This particular disease not only affects horses, but hogs, sheep, cattle, and even humans. The good news is that it is rarely fatal. However, it does cause a great deal of misery. It also can be mistaken for Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which can wipe out an entire herd of livestock. If you notice strange-looking sores around your horse's mouth, contact your veterinarian immediately for proper identification. Vesicular Stomatitis is first revealed by liberal dripping of saliva from your horse's mouth. He will appear depressed and sometimes will have a decrease in appetite sometimes to the point of not eating. This is a result of the severe pain in his mouth, making eating pure torture. If you've ever had a cold sore, imagine having several of them all over on the inside of your mouth. This is similar to what the horse is feeling. His temperature may rise as well in the first stages of the virus. The sores can be seen on the lips, resembling blisters or burns. Colorations of these sores include red, pink, and purple. In some situations, there will be no visible signs of the sores from the outside, but can be seen on the tongue. So what causes Vesicular Stomatitis and where is it most commonly found? It is caused by a virus that also attacks plants. But whether it is transferred from plants to animals or from insects acquiring the disease from plants and then transferring it to animals, is unknown. It can last for as long as two weeks, and use of the animal is not permitted. As for where it is found, the southern and southwestern states of the United States of America have had frequent outbreaks. In addition, areas near the Gulf of Mexico and the Canadian border are commonly affected. It ususally occurs in the summer and primarily in August and September. Mexico and South America can see this disease all year round, however. If you find yourself concerned with the possibility that your horse may have Vesicular Stomatitis, contact your veterinarian and request further information and testing. Do not panic, however, for as stated earlier, this disease is not fatal. *************************************************************************************** Breed Profile: The American Cream Draft The American Cream is known for being the only remaining draft horse native to America. It all began in Iowa with the first known American Cream: a mare called "Old Granny." She produced a colt, Nelson's Buck, who would begin the reproduction of the American Cream. The characteristics of the breed include a cream colored coat, pink skin, a white mane and tail, and illustrious amber eyes. Their size is a medium-heavy draft, and weight can reach 2,000 pounds, standing from 15 to 16.3 hands. Silver Lace, a descendant of Nelson's Buck, became the most influential stallion of the breed. A man by the name of C.T. Rierson is to thank for the existence of American Cream horses today. He was the force that founded the American Cream Horse Association of America. He bred Old Granny and her offspring to Belgians and Percherons to refine the breed, and distributed the get to others interested in breeding American Creams. By the 1950's, there were 200 registered American Cream horses by its 41 members. In 1982, the breed was proclaimed an endangered species. Yet since then, over 114 American Creams have been registered. In 1993, the Association changed its name to the American Cream Draft Horse Association. *************************************************************************************** Fun Facts *The variety of Paso breeds include: Peru, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. *The rack gait, if done for too long, can be harmful. *The Paint Horse gets the shape of its head from its Thoroughbred ancestors. *The Appaloosa, Saddlebred, Quarter Horse, and Mustang have a common ancestor: the Andalusian. *Swiss Half-breds are powerfully athletic horses with bloodlines refined by Holsteins. *In approximately four months, foals finally grow into the proportions of an adult horse, whereas ponies are born with mature proportions. *Mohammed believed that a man could get his sins forgiven one at a time for each grain of barley he fed to his horse. *A horse needs at least 12 gallons of water each day. *************************************************************************************** What's in a Name?: Results The bay Hanoverian in the last issue was given many suggested names. I had the most difficult time choosing one for him, but finally decided upon Mr. Push My Button, contributed by Emma. Thanks for your suggestion, Emma, and congratulations! Other excellent suggestions included: The Price of Perfection (Teresa), Flying Pacer (Dana), Dark Star (Tiffany), Espresso, On A Roll (both by Jaci), Elegant Dream (Nikki), High Standars (another by Emma), and all of the following by Erin: Hybrid Hero, Axelkool, Tetrad Alarian, Mudcat, Eagle Clash, Nytro Dragon, and Prowler Bang. Thanks for the overwhelming participation! Try again with this issue's What's in a Name? ! *************************************************************************************** What's in a Name? Name: ? Breed: Lipizzaner Age: 6 History: Parade Status: Trick Horse Colors: White Gender: Stallion Disposition: Being extremely mellow, this boy is a patient and intelligent show-stopper. *Do you have a name for this big guy? Send in your suggestions to me by March 5th, and perhaps your name will be featured as a winner! *************************************************************************************** Poems & Quotes "Wherever man has left his footprint in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization, we will find the hoofprint of a horse beside it." -John Trotwood Moore "You can tell a horse owner by the interior of their car. Boots, mud, pony nuts, straw, items of tack and a screwed-up waxed jacket of incredible antiquity. There is normally a top layer of children and dogs." -Helen Thompson "There are fools, damn fools, and those who remount in a steeplechase." -Bill Whitbread "That horse is not lame, he is just trying to get out of work." -Unknown "DRESSAGE, n: the passionate pursuit of perfection by the obsessively imperfect." -Unknown *************************************************************************************** I've Always Wondered...How Much Do Horses Sleep? It is known that humans need about 8 hours of sleep each night and cats sleep 16 hours a day, but what about the horse? Well, because the horse is a prey animal, they must constantly be looking out for predators. As a result, they only sleep for about 3 hours a day, only 45 minutes of this time spent in a deep sleep. They spend 19 hours and 15 minutes alert and awake and 2 hours dozing lightly. Yet these hours are not spent straight. They will sleep deeply for about 5 minutes before returning again to his stage of alert. As for dozing, they will do so for about 3 and a half minutes before again waking, breaking his sleep time into several segments throughout the day and night. He is able to achieve this because he can stand on all four legs and not have to fight with the force to have to lay down and sleep like humans do. *************************************************************************************** Quick History: Justin Morgan His given name was Figure, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the year 1789. When he was two years old, he was sold to a schoolteacher by the name Justin Morgan. He was used for plowing fields and pulling a carriage in Vermont. He was only about 14 hands, but he outperformed both racehorses and strong draft horses. He once pulled a log that no draft horse could move and outran the most well-known and winning racehorse in Vermont. He even got to carry the President, James Monroe, in a parade. He was soon famous. Throughout his life, he reamined in extremely good health. He was very eye-catching, with his deeply muscled quarters, large eyes, arched neck, straight legs, and a very thick mane and tail. He was beautiful. In addition, he had a very calm disposition, making him a very kid-safe horse. Because of his acquired fame, he was bred to hundreds of mares, and is now known to be one of the greatest studs of all time. All of his offspring received his talents and conformation. And today, every Morgan can be traced back to this little stallion. *************************************************************************************** Horse Rescue: Sunny and Diamond *NEW* This is a new section of HorseTrax, where horses available for adoption will be listed. Are you still looking for that special horse? That long-awaited companion? These horses need good homes, and perhaps that home could be yours. If you are unable to buy a horse at this time, you can sponsor one throught he Hooved Animal Humane Society for only $20 a month. Here are a couple horses who need your help. Sunny: This 8-year old Arabian gelding has been rehabilitating at the HAHS Farm. Sunny has light riding only in his future but will make someone a great "pasture pal" and keep you entertained. Diamond: Not quite 14 hands, Diamond is a 2 1/2 year-old bay appendix Quarter Horse filly that is fully recovered from her abusive background and ready for training. See them both by visiting this link: http://www.hahs.org/adoption/gallery.asp *************************************************************************************** Would You Rather?...Results & New Survey Results: Have a new saddle: 100% Have a new headstall/breastcollar/reins: 0% Wear breeches: 50% Wear chaps: 50% Own a western saddle: 33% Own an english saddle: 67% Have a new trailer: 83% Have a new corral: 17% Thanks to all of you who participated in last issue's Would You Rather...? !! This issue's Would You Rather...? This is like a survey, but you are only given two options between which you must choose. E-mail me your responses with the title Would You Rather in the subject line. 1.) Work as a: Horse Rescuer or Horse Rehabilitator (nurture the horse back to health)? 2.) Own a: Ranch or Stable? 3.) Become a: Horse Masseuse (massage therapist) or Horse Physical Therapist? 4.) Spend your day: Shoveling Manure or Stacking Hay? (*smiles) ************************************************************************************** Survey D Results 1.) What kind of saddle do you prefer? Trail:40% Pleasure: 40% Other: 20% 2.) What kind of halter do you prefer? Nylon: 40% Leather: 20% Show: 40% 3.) What is your preferred bit for riding? Snaffle: 80% Other: 20% 4.) Do you use spurs? Yes: 20% No: 80% 5.) How often do you wear a helmet? Sometimes: 40% Most of the time: 20% Always: 40% 6.) What kind of saddle pad/blanket do you prefer? Fleece: 60% Wool: 20% Other: 20% *************************************************************************************** Survey E 1.) Do you own or lease a horse? a.) Yes, lease b.) Yes, own c.) No 2.) How many horses do you own? a.) 0 b.)1-3 c.) 4-6 d.) 7-9 e.) 10 or more 3.) How many days a week do you ride? a.) 0 b.) 1 c.) 2 d.) 3 e.) 4 f.) 5 g.) 6 h.) 7 4.) How many years have you been riding? a.) 0 b.) 1-3 c.) 4-6 d.) 7-9 e.) 10 or more 5.) Would you consider yourself a: a.) Beginner b.) Beginner-Intermediate c.) Intermediate d.) Intermediate-Expert e.) Expert Please send me your responses by March 5th. Thanks!! ************************************************************************************** What's Their Breed? Results Thanks to Teresa, Tiffany, and Jaci who participated in last issue's What's Their Breed? !! Teresa got 2/4 (missing #s 1 and 4), Tiffany 0/4, and Jaci 2/4 (missing #s 1 and 4). Great try, you three!! It was a tough one!! Below are the correct answers: High Hand: Appaloosa Flight Time: American Saddlebred Naseem: Arabian Jay Farceur 17628: Belgian ************************************************************************************** What's Their Breed? Below are 4 famous horses and it is your job to guess their breed. Good luck!! 1.) Prime Timber a. Quarter Horse b. Thoroughbred c. Miniature Horse 2.) Poco Bueno a. Appaloosa b. Arabian c. Quarter Horse 3.) Cadet Commander a. Hackney Pony b. Welsh Pony c. Shetland Pony 4.) Samtyr a. Arabian b. Paint c. Belgian ************************************************************************************** Stallion in the Spotlight: Windwalzer Name: Windwalzer Breed: Trakehner Gender: 1986 Stallion Color: Black Sire and Dam: Saxon x Wonnedam Owned By: Flora Jean Weiss of Royal Dance in La Tuna Canyon, California Other: A very successful Grand Prix Dressage horse: USDF Gold Medal Rider Award, USDF Reserve Champion Grand Prix All Breeds, USDF Reserve Champion Intermediaire II All Breeds, USDF Third Place Grand Prix Freestyle All Breeds, CDS Champion Intermediaire II, USDF Region 7 Reserve Champion Intermediaire II, CDS Annual Show Reserve Champion Intermediaire II USDF/ABIG, Paddock Riding Club Champion Grand Prix, Valley Dressage Champion Grand Prix and FEI Freestyle. In addition, all of his foals can be nominated for Trakehner Futurity. See him at: http://alumni.caltech.edu/~gfh/windwalzer/ ************************************************************************************** Readers' Sites and My Favorite Horse Sites Hannah's Horsey Headquarters (placed here by request) http://www.angelfire.com/on4/headquarters/main.html Equine Rescue League http://erl.freeyellow.com/stolen.html Missing Pet Network: Horses http://www.jaxlostpets.org/horses.htm ************************************************************************************** The Reader's Input The following was submitted by Erin Olivera: I would like to dedicate this selection to one of my best friends I will ever know. The story of a friendship began 5 years ago when the new kid at the barn arrived in a red trailer. We were all really excited to see what he looked like. They pulled him out and what we saw made all of our jaws drop to the ground. What stood before us was a beautiful bay Standardbred right off the race track. He had a heart of steel and eyes that were enough to make you melt. That summer my (human) best friend was assigned to train with this magnificent animal. Three years went by and a friendship that no one could tear us away from grew between the three of us. Then as more time started to pass, the horse would start misbehaving around the barn manager. He got so bad around her that she finally decided to sell him. We all had our suspicions because a horse this sweet could never do anything so wrong. Well, needless to say, our priceless best friend was sold to someone who sent him to the slaughter house. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of this horse. Please help the prevention of horseslaughter. This could happen to anyone. Farewell, Ruffian. We will remember you always. Thanks, Erin, for your touching story. What a sad ending that horse met. I can't even imagine losing my Baron to such a fate! Do you have a story that you would like for me to place here as well? Send them to me immediately and share it with all of the other horse lovers out there!! ************************************************************************************** A Final Neigh Thanks to everyone who provided their input to this newsletter. What you see here would not be possible without you!! Again, look for HorseTrax #7 on March 7th, 2002. Until then...happy riding!! ************************************************************************************** References James, Ruth B. How To Be Your Own Veterinarian (sometimes). Wyoming: Alpine Press Mills, 1990. Morris, Desmond. Horsewatching. New York: Crown Publishers Inc., 1988. Oklahome State University Board of Regents, 1995, 1996. http://alumni.caltech.edu/~gfh/windwalzer/ ************************************************************************************** Home Past Issues |