King County Executive Horse Council

Transcription

1 King County Executive Horse Council Preserving The Equestrian Way Of Life Feb KCEHC PO Box 2904, Woodinville, WA Tel.: web: Officers President- Open Vice President Kelly Boyd NE 150th St Woodinville, Wa Tel.: Director - Open Secretary Jennifer Duncan nd Ave Kirkland, Wa duncan66@msn.com Treasurer Isabella Schober th Ave NE Redmond, WA Tel.: i.schober@verizon.net Legislative Analyst Judy Willman th Ave NE Redmond, WA Tel.: rayjudywillman@verizon. net Newsletter Editor Kelly Boyd NE 150th St Woodinville, Wa kboyd@grayservices.com Kathryn Taylor Equestrian Park Update by Jennifer Duncan I am happy to report that we are on the home stretch for this ambitious project. It has taken quite a few years, stubborn persistence and careful planning but we have persevered! On Saturday, April 5 th the Kathryn Taylor Equestrian Park will open its gates to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony that will include local dignitaries, refreshments and equestrian entertainment. Please mark your calendars and join us at 1:00 pm to celebrate this wonderful new facility. The vision of this site as an equestrian park was first proposed by KCEHC President Kathryn Taylor in 1987 during early meetings with Weyerhaeuser and Siler/Port Blakely who were planning two master plan developments which eventually became Redmond Ridge and Trilogy. Her dedication and persistence continued as she worked with various agencies within King County government to finalize the concept and ensure the vision was realized. Kathryn passed away in 2002 and it was with heartfelt dedication to her dream that KCEHC, in partnership with Northwest Parks Foundation, made that dream a reality. Northwest Parks Foundation, specifically, Executive Director Kristen Bush led a committee consisting of KCEHC members Judy Westall, Joan Fleming, Kelly Boyd, Jennifer Duncan and Northwest Parks Foundation members Suzanne Kagen and Jan Burnette. This group, called the Kathryn Taylor Equestrian Park Sub Committee, planned and managed the construction of the horse amenities. We had the pleasure of working with Northwest Dirtworks who performed the construction. (cont. on page 2) Meeting Schedule Meetings are on the second Monday of the month. Meetings start at 7:00pm and end at 9:00pm. The March meeting is March 10 at Simpatico Stables in Redmond (18669 NE 106th St, Redmond, WA) Directions: 106th St is a small street off Avondale Rd between the Shell Station on 116th and the traffic light for 104th Ave (Education Hill). Turn onto 106th, go over the small bridge and take the first right into Simpatico Stables. The house on the right is the clubhouse. You can call or look on the website for more detail.

2 (cont. from page 1) Construction has been completed and includes a 100 x 200 outdoor arena with sand footing, a 60 ft round pen, and a parking lot designed to accommodate horse trailer parking for approximately 7-9 rigs. The site provides access to the Tolt River Pipeline trail. We are in the process of receiving the permit for the site and are working on signage and other finishing details. Use of the facility will be first come, first serve with rules posted. This new King County Park will benefit from a small maintenance endowment provided by Quadrant as part of the agreement. The endowment will be held and managed by Northwest Parks Foundation. We recently met with King County to discuss their maintenance plan for the site and it quickly became apparent that the endowment alone will not be sufficient to maintain the park. Consequently, the committee will be working to secure the support of volunteers to help with maintenance and create a fund raising program. Luckily, Northwest Parks Foundation is a 501c3, making tax deductible donations a possibility. So in a time when equestrian facilities are disappearing and urban development is spreading throughout the County we have real cause for celebration. We have a new facility that will provide equestrians throughout the County with a safe and enjoyable location in which to enjoy the horses we love. Please mark your calendars for 1:00pm on April 5 th and come see this wonderful new facility (please do not bring your horse on that day however). We really need your support to attend this event and demonstrate to King County that this park, and KCEHC, has the support of the horse community. We look forward to seeing you there! KTEP Grand Opening Ceremony! Everyone is invited to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Kathryn Taylor Equestrian Park on April 5, 2008 at 1:00pm. Come see the new horse park, arena and round pen named in honor of Kathryn Taylor whose early work and dedication made this park possible. There will be equestrian entertainment and refreshments to kick off the new King County Park. Please leave your horses at home, this time, as space will be limited. The park is at 232nd Ave NE and NE 142nd Pl east of Woodinville off the Tolt Pipeline near Trilogy and Lake of the Woods communities and north of the Redmond Watershed. 2

3 Bridlecrest Trail Update Users of the Bridlecrest Trail which runs east from l48th Ave.N.E. and links Bridle Trails State Park to Marymoor Park, were recently shocked to find a "pathway closed" sign and fist-size rocks covering almost the entire width of the popular trail segment for several "blocks". After receiving numerous calls, Redmond Parks was contacted and after checking with their Maintenance Dept. we were informed that the rocks had been necessary to access a broken main sewer pipe connection which required large truck access. As promised, the large rocks have now been covered with a fabric liner and probably 4-6" of 3/8 minus. And it's gorgeous! Saw several walkers, bicycle tracks and even horse poop several days after it was restored. Thank you Teresa Kluver and others at Redmond Parks! It s renewal time!!! Please use the enclosed, pre-stamped envelopes to renew your membership. Or, if you like, we will be accepting Paypal on our website for membership renewal soon! Keep checking at You can now place your classified ad in the KCEHC newsletter. Classified Ads: Member - Free Non-Member - $10.00 ¼ page Ads: Member - $10.00 Non-Member - $15.00 Commercial - $20.00 ½ page Ads: Member - $15.00 Non-Member - $25.00 Commercial - $30.00 Full Page Ads: Member - $20.00 Non-Member - $35.00 Commercial - $40.00 To place an ad please contact the editor at kboyd@grayservices.com. 3

4 What is the Round Pen for and how do I use it? by Sue Shecket Round pen work is a valuable part of horse training, where your horse is given an opportunity to establish respect for your leadership position and increase his understanding of your requests. The goal is to develop a cooperative partnership and improved relationship between horse and human - a benefit in any riding discipline. Round penning is not about mindlessly longeing a horse around and around (we're not there to wear out or over-exert the horse) but it is about directing their movement using clear communication and cues to ask your horse to make changes in position, direction, speed, gait and activity. All horses learn what it is you want from the release of pressure, not from the pressure itself. Through the process of elimination (trying options) the horse will learn through the release of your pressure that he made the right choice. Your responsibility is to make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult. By knowing when and how to apply pressure to ask for an action or a change, starting with the lowest volume and increasing until you get what, you will let the horse seek the correct response/behavior (the right answer). When they find it, take off the pressure immediately to say yes, thank you. Your body language, focus and intent play a big part in this communication. It s not only what the horse is physically doing that is important it s also whether he is truly with you in the pen. A horse's feet want to be where his thoughts are, so if his mental focus is outside of the pen, he can't fully look to you for guidance. You will need to create a motivation for him to get his brain back inside the pen to you, such as asking for changes in gait or direction to engage his mind. A horse is more comfortable and relaxed when he understands and follows the direction of a competent leader. The only emotions one should ever bring into the round pen are: patience, empathy and a sense of humor. Anger, impatience and brutality have no place in the round pen or in any horse training. Learn to recognize and reward a try - don t nag and be firm as necessary but gentle as possible. When done properly, round pen training will help your horse relax mentally and physically and want to be with you - his respected leader. For illustrated instructions on how to work with your horse in the round pen, see Sylvia Scott s comprehensive article at: And for more on how use the round pen correctly, read an interview with Harry Whitney: 4

5 (round pen use cont.) The Rules for the Round Pen The Round Pen is a Classroom NOT a Gymnasium: Use for training not turn out If others are waiting, limit your time to 30 min. Leave No Trace: Remove manure Fill in holes and rake footing in from rails Safety First: Use it Properly Or Lose It Round pen at Kathryn Taylor Equestrian Park. Horses must be attended at all times. No activities endangering the welfare of horses or humans. Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital now has a wonderful newsletter. If you are interested in receiving their newsletter please contact them at Their website is 5

6 Colic: What should you know? James Bryant, DVM, Diplomate ACVS Colic is a word that no horse owner wants to hear, particularly as it pertains to their beloved equine companion while you are enjoying their company either at home or on the trail. Having an understanding of the clinical signs, the risk factors and first aid measures for the horse with colic are an important part of responsible horse ownership. No one wants to experience the need for treatment of their horse for colic when riding or showing or the possible loss of their horse related to colic. This article will discuss some common causes of colic, the recognition of clinical signs, treatment and preventative measures for colic in horses particularly as they relate to activities such as trail riding and showing. Colic is the general term for abdominal pain in the horse, regardless of cause. In the horse population colic is a common cause of morbidity (illness) and mortality (death). In recent studies the risk of a colic event was 4.2 colic events per 100 horses. Of these colic events the fatality rate was 11 % of the affected horses and 1.4 % of the colic events required abdominal surgery. Other research studies have found certain factors that are associated with an increased risk of colic. Several of these are directly related to the use of horses as trail or show horses. These include a recent history of travel, recent changes in the feeding schedule or type of feed, changes in water intake and a recent history of a change in exercise level (i.e. a strenuous exercise event). These factors are obviously important to any horse being used for any athletic activity. As we look at colic and preventative measures we will see how important you, as the owner, is to controlling the risk factors and allowing your athletic horse to perform well and free from the negative effects of illness and treatment. The clinical signs of colic are varied and because of this may be missed at first, when only mild signs are present. Clinical signs can include loss of appetite, depression, flank watching, pawing, lying down to roll and more violent behavior. In the exercising horse often mild pain or the loss of appetite are the most common initial signs. Abdominal pain (colic) is caused by either distention of the intestine with gas, feed or liquid or a pull on the blood supply (mesentery of the intestine) by distended or twisted intestine. Twisted intestine is associated with the most acute pain and often quickly results in compromise or death to the affected portion of intestine. These types of colic are the most serious and painful. There are many types and causes of abdominal pain and not just those associated with the rigors of an exercise. Included in this group are enteroltihs (stones formed in the intestine), bowel that has been strangulated (twisted) with a lipoma (fat growth) or types of tumors (cancers) that involve the intestinal tract of horses. These types of colic can occur at any time and are coincidental if they happened to be associated with the timing of an athletic event. Looking specifically at an exercise event (i.e. trail riding) there are certain types of colic that are associated with these events and require recognition by the owner and appropriate first aid measures. (cont. page 7) 6

7 These include impactions of feed, ileus (lack of intestinal motility), and gas colic s (excessive gas build up). Colic symptoms can occur at any time during the event including prior to or leading up to the ride, during and after the ride as well as shortly after returning home. The most common cause of colic s associated with trail riding or showing horses would be gas colic s or large colon impactions. Large colon impactions occur because of the physical changes in water intake, ileus (lack of intestinal motility), and/or dehydration that can be associated with exercise. Impactions may not appear clinically until the horse has left the ride site or is at home for one or two days. If your horse has shown any signs of colic it is important to monitor the amount of manure produced, especially if an impaction is suspected. The diagnosis of colic and determination of a particular type begins with the accumulation of the clinical data, associated with the history, physical examination findings, rectal exam findings, nasogastric intubation and blood work then the veterinarian arrives at a tentative or working diagnosis. Awareness of the clinical signs and risk factors allows for you the owner or rider to recognize the colic episode early and provide and seek appropriate treatment early. When you suspect a colic episode you should watch the behavior of the horse for 1 to 5 minutes. If the behavior is rapid, i.e. trying to go down then begin walking the horse to prevent them from going down. If you carry a stethoscope then getting the heart rate at this point can be helpful (normal is 28 to 44 beats per minute). At this point initial first aid should include removing any food, walking the horse for 5 to 10 minutes and then stopping and observing the clinical signs. If you are on trail in addition try to walk the horse back toward the trailer or to the nearest road site where you could get your trailer too. Have a friend or the people you are riding with go retrieve your trailer. If you are far from your trailer then make your best efforts to get back. If the horse is not improving try to avoid any strenuous riding on the way back to the trailer. Once back to the trailer assess your horse s pain level again and determine if you can load and drive home or if you should call a veterinarian first. At all times whether at home or on the road if the pain is persistent for more than 30 minutes you should call a veterinarian by that time if you have not done so already. If you regularly ride on trails for extended periods of time you may want to discuss with your veterinarian what first aid items, including anti-inflammatory and analgesics you should carry with you and when and how to administer these medications. The most important preventative measures for colic when you are traveling or even at home are to ensure an adequate water supply, regular feeding schedule, regular exercise and good health care including de-worming and dental care. When traveling make sure that you have a water supply available especially if you go on a trail ride and are not familiar with available water. If you are prepared and monitor your horse closely you will be able to prevent or at least recognize early most colic episodes allowing you to enjoy your equine companion on whatever endeavors you take together. Dr. James Bryant is an equine surgeon and partner at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish, WA. Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital is a full service hospital able to meet any medical needs of your equine companion. 7

8 Discover great ways to increase your chore efficiency, reduce mud, compost manure and make your horse life more pleasant this winter. Check out the website, for new events added regularly. IN FEBRUARY: MAPLE VALLEY, WA Saturday, February 16 th FARM TOUR: It s a Guy Thing Here! This horse owner, an endurance competitor, set up his farm 7 years ago after attending HCW & KCD events -- & he testifies it s continued to be chore-efficient since then. See mud management in place and working, even in the dead of winter. View easy-to-use compost bins with unique aeration and cover, wildlife hedgerows, uniquely shaped paddocks designed to encourage horses to move, a horse-safe feed storage area and more! Saturday, February 16 th, 10 noon, Maple Valley, WA. FREE! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. MAPLE VALLEY, WA Saturday, February 23rd Caring for Your Horse and His Home Workshop Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do you know what the regular health, dental and shoeing needs are for horses? Would you like to learn about shelters requirements and horse-safe fencing? Join Alayne Blickle & her horses on her Maple Valley, WA demonstration farm for an all day workshop geared for novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse & handler safety, planning your horse facility, how to buy a horse, nutrition & feeding, vet & farrier care, and pasture, manure & mud management. Cost is $95/person. Contact for special pricing for families & more course details. 9am to 5pm, Saturday, February 23rd. To register or for more information contact Alayne@horsesforcleanwater.com or ISSAQUAH, WA Thursdays, Feb 21 to March 13 Workshops for Horse & Small Farm Owners Hands-on workshops on livestock management practices. See a variety of options & work with technicians to discover ways you can have less mud, better pastures, manage manure and deal with wetlands. Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, Issaquah, WA. Thursday evenings, Feb 21, 28, March 6 & 13; 6:30-9pm, FREE! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. TOPICS: Streams and Wetlands: Living with Livestock near Water. February 21 st Mud Management: Record Rainfall / Record Mud. February 28 th with Alayne Blickle as a guest speaker Manure Management: Got Livestock? Got Manure! March 6 th with Alayne Blickle as a guest speaker Pasture Management: Becoming a Grass Farmer. March 13 th (cont. on page 9) 8

9 (cont. from page 7) IN MARCH: AUBURN, WA Saturday, March 8 th FARM TOUR: Paddock Paradise. Join us on a farm tour adventure to look at a new, creative approach to managing sacrifice areas. Modeled after author Jaime Jackson s approach to managing paddocks in his book, Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding, this farm has designed uniquely shaped, large, grassy paddocks that encourage movement. See the innovative designs firsthand & join in on a discussion on the pros and cons of this technique. Saturday, March 8 th, 10 noon, Auburn, WA. FREE! BONUS: Come early to see demonstrations by students of Parelli Natural Horse-man-ship. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. COVINGTON, WA Thursday, March 27th Spring into Growing Great Grass! Join HCW to learn basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, using a sacrifice area, implementing rotational grazing, spreading compost, weed control, fencing options and small farm equipment. Does your horse have metabolic issues? Alayne will also discuss lush pastures & how to manage horses & grazing so a horse doesn t become fat. Learn what you can do now to prepare for productive pastures this summer & healthier horses! Thursday, March 27 th, 6:30 to 8:30pm. KCLS Covington Library, SE 164 th Ave., Covington, WA, Registration not necessary. IN MAY: MAPLE VALLEY, WA Saturday, April 26 th FARM TOUR: Horses for Clean Water Visit the working horse farm belonging to the director of Horses for Clean Water, Alayne Blickle, and her husband Matt Livengood in Maple Valley, WA. In addition to running an environmentally friendly horse farm, Alayne and Matt ride and show reining horses. Five acres is set up for 5+ horses with 2 riding arenas, grassy pastures, mudless paddocks, composting areas, garden, barn & shelters. An additional 5 acres is wooded with trails, creek & wetlands. The property is in the Public Benefit Rating System property taxes are substantially lowered in exchange for keeping the property as open spaces. Learn how this farm coexists with a herd of 15 majestic elk and the concessions made to enjoy the Northwest Trek feeling. Saturday May 3 rd, 10am to noon. BONUS: Come early to visit, check out barn sale items & learn about adjacent riding trails on state land. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. IN JUNE: KIRKLAND, WA Saturday, June 14 th FARM TOUR: Urban Horse Property with a European Flair This architect horse owner designed and retrofitted her small, urban house to become a comfortable horse property. Hear how the she worked with neighbors and the community to blend in and ease concerns. See composting & manure management, paddocks, small grazing areas (formerly the back yard) and see trail access to Bridle Trails State Park. Saturday, June 14 th, 10 noon, Kirkland, WA. FREE! BONUS: Learn about the nearby equestrian park, Bridle Trails State Park and the club that supports it, the Lake Washington Saddle Club. To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at ext. 122, or paul.borne@kingcd.org. 9

10 Membership Dues Individual Family $15 Club/Organization $25 Membership is based on a calendar year of January 1 through December 31. After October 1, new membership will be applied to the following year. Please make check payable to KCEHC and mail to: King County Executive Horse Council, P.O. Box 2904, Woodinville, WA Name/Organization Telephone FAX Mailing Address address City State Zip Code Date 1. Do you want your name excluded from the membership directory? Yes No 2. Do you want to receive your newsletter by ? Yes No * Please make sure that you have provided us with your correct/current address * Education Committee Kathryn Taylor Horse Park Maintenance committee Publicity Committee Membership Committee Newsletter Committee Trails Committee Equestrian Issues Committee Watchdog Committee At this time I can only support the KCEHC with my membership Comments: King County Executive Horse Council PO Box 2904 Woodinville, WA Mailing Label 10