Given the current state of the world and the continuous sweeping panic surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable how horse owners are especially dealing with frightening uncertainty. According to CBS News, 4.4 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits as of a week ago. Since the COVID-19 outbreak started, more than 26 million Americans have lost their jobs. It is not only a health crisis, but an economic and social crisis as well.

The Horse posted an article over a month ago about the severe impact this outbreak had on horse owners regarding living expenses, feed supply and the added stress of tax season happening at the same time. Not only will the costs of owning and taking care of a horse escalate, but with spring moving with cautious footsteps, the financial and personal strains could push some horse owners to where they can no longer afford to keep their horses. Although there are resources to help those who are struggling, some of these resources might choose to instead criticize America’s poor preparation and refuse to help. However, one helpful resource is The United Horse Coalition (UHC), which is currently working on a searchable database of all resources and safety net programs to help those who are struggling. The Horse also recommends reaching out to local equine industries and physical or virtual communities to see if they can provide assistance. It is critical now to plan, budget and reach out to loved ones and friends in the equine industry to support each other during this difficult time.

On April 24, The Horse published another article regarding the impact on horses - specifically with public land and trail closures. Washington state started a trend of trail closures that many other states are following. Some are taking more extreme measures, such as Baltimore, Md., where horseback riding is illegal in state parks. Alayne Blickle, the article’s author, recommends, “Before you set out on public land, check with the land manager about what is open, including parking, turnarounds, and trails. While trails might open back up, trailhead parking for vehicles may still be closed.”

This is not exclusive to America either - CBC Canada reported on how horse owners may go into debt trying to care for their horses. Equine therapy facilities and ranches that own many horses can spend thousands of dollars per month, which can amount to hundreds of dollars per day depending on the number of horses and their dietary needs. According to CBC Canada, some people in the equine world cannot qualify for the same government assistance as other industries because their facilities “may not meet certain operational criteria.” And with millions of people around the world financially struggling, one cannot simply sell horses to mitigate bills and other costs of living.

If you are a horse owner and are struggling due to the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit this website of resources provided by the United Horse Coalition (UHC), which contains everything from safety net resources to activities for kids. You can also click here for more information and resources provided by US Equestrian. Stay safe, everyone.

With COVID-19 at large, much of our Arabian and equestrian community are under shelter in place or quarantine orders. In this unprecedented and trying time, the Arabian horse community has remained innovative and cohesive. From virtual farm tours, to free online learning opportunities and videos, to contests and online entertainment, we are coming together to offer support and a little light in the darkness.

In addition to continuing weekly updates to the blog, Arabian Horse Life is pleased to join the fun and offer a Coloring Contest, sponsored by Purebred Arabian Stallion, Dartagnan SBA.

Download Dart’s coloring page HERE and see below for contest details.

Dartagnan SBA (Om El Al Azeem x Dubravka), or as he is known at home, ‘Dart’, is a Regional Champion Sport Horse stallion and a Region 9 Junior/Amateur High Point Halter Champion. He is also a family horse who is amateur-owner trained. Dart is well-known within the community for his beauty, inside and out, and his work as an Arabian horse ambassador.

“In today’s busy world of iPads, iPhones, iSomethings, we are finding it more challenging than in the past to expose and encourage young children to become involved in our beautiful Arabian horses”, says Arabian judge Samantha Hilliard. “We have had to get a little more creative in finding ways to let children experience not only the beauty, but also the amazing kindness and intelligence of this noble horse.” “Dart has a Facebook page that is followed by over 1800 people (many non-Arabian or non-horse owning). Through this page, Dart has encouraged many children to come to horse shows or their farm to meet him and have an opportunity to be hands on with an Arabian. He is teaching children about trust, kindness, and responsibility. He has participated in parades and other events in Texas. He is often the only Arabian and without a doubt the only stallion that participates. He has shown and won at the Regional level and Class A level in multiple states. Dartagnan SBA is the horse to make little girls and boys fall in love with our breed again.”

“We were very excited to have the opportunity to sponsor the Coloring Contest,” Dart’s owner, Emma Doherty, shares. “Dart is a family horse above all. We hope the coloring page, and the opportunity to win gift cards and a breeding, is something many families can enjoy. We can’t wait to see the entries.”

The Coloring Contest is open to readers of all ages, with prizes available to the winning youth and adult entries. The coloring page art is based on a Nancy Pierce photograph, used with her permission.

For full contest details, please see below.

How to Enter

The coloring page can be downloaded as a pdf file from this link. Entries can be colored by hand, or digitally.

Please submit your completed entry to editor@arabianhorses.org for judging. Please include your name, age and state. Youth entries are welcome to include a photograph of themselves with their completed page if desired.

Entries must be submitted by May 10th, 2020. Winners will be announced on the Arabian Horse Life and Dartagnan SBA’s Facebook pages no later than May 15th.

Prizes

Youth entries (18 and under)

1st place $30 Amazon gift cardAll youth entries will receive Dartagnan SBA themed goodies

Adult entries (Over 18)

1st place $25 Amazon gift card AND one FREE breeding to Dartagnan SBA for the 2020 or 2021 breeding season2nd place one FREE breeding to Dartagnan SBA for the 2020 or 2021 breeding season

All entries will be compiled and displayed in an album on Dartagnan SBA’s Facebook page. Breeding inquiries may also be directed there.

If you have questions are need help downloading or submitting your page, please email dartagnan.sba@outlook.com.

Happy coloring from Arabian Horse Life and Dartagnan SBA!

The Arabian Horse Association is committed to recognizing and rewarding the riders who work with and enjoy Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian horses — in all types of non-competitive riding and driving. Enter the Frequent Rider Program (FRP)!

The best part of the FRP is that the type of riding doesn’t matter as long as it is non-competitive. Whether you use an Arabian or Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian horse to trail ride, do ranch work, participate in parades, take riding lessons, train under saddle or just ride or drive for pleasure, you can be recognized and awarded for what you love most. By accumulating the hours that you spend riding and reach the following milestones, you will receive prize incentives. Awards Recognition Concepts (ARC) is the official sponsor of the FRP program.

FRP members are also eligible to win the Year-End High Hour Trophy. Only one person can win so start logging your hours today!

Riders who would like to compete in the FRP must fill out the Incentive Program Sign-Up Form and pay a one-time $25 processing fee to join.

A program participant is defined as an individual rider, not a specific horse and rider combination. This means that as a rider, you may ride any number of horses, regardless of whether you own them or not, as long as they are all Arabians or Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabians registered with the Arabian Horse Association.

NOTE: Participation in any Arabian Horse Association program requires a current membership with the Arabian Horse Association.

The FRP will recognize any activity with a registered Arabian or Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian horse, as long as the participant is riding/driving the horse. Some examples are:

• Trail Riding

• Parades

• Riding Lessons

• Training Under Saddle

• Ranch Work

• Demonstrations

• Pleasure Riding

• Pleasure Driving

Hours that do not count are any non-riding activities that might include:

• Groundwork

• Feeding

• Cleaning Stalls

• Tacking Up

• Trailering

• Veterinary Care

*Be sure to contact AHA if you have questions about which activities are allowable. Hours spent riding prior to enrollment in the Frequent Rider Program are not eligible, even if they were accumulated during the same calendar year.

After you have enrolled in the FRP program, you can access and update your account at any time online. Because all of the AHA Incentive Programs are online, you can update the number of hours you’ve ridden and make changes to your account whenever it is convenient for you.

As soon as you log your hours in the online FRP Log they will be permanently recorded with the Arabian Horse Association. When you reach a FRP milestone, AHA will send you the appropriate award.

For more information or to register for the program, visit www.arabianhorses.org.

With spring underway, or rapidly approaching depending on your location, now is a great time to tackle some seasonal chores and get ready to enjoy one of equestrians’ favorite seasons.

A few simple steps can get your spring off to a great start and set you up for a successful year.

Schedule a spring check-up

Spring is a great time to schedule your horse’s annual check-up, including season specific vaccinations such as West Nile, and Coggins test if due, so you’re ready for the coming year.

Check pasture fences

As the green spring grass comes through, horses may be more likely to seek greener pasture and test fences. With everything thawing out, now is a great time to spend a day checking and repairing fences for peace of mind.

Check your trailer

Before heading out for those spring clinics and trails, it’s important to check your horse trailer for winter damage from the cold, salted roads, or sitting unused. From the floor to the lights, the tires and the bearings, giving your trailer some seasonal maintenance means you can head out with confidence to enjoy the warmer weather.

Clean and check tack ready for riding season

Maybe you rode all winter, or maybe your tack has gathered a little dust during the colder months - either way, now is a great time to pull everything out for a thorough clean, condition and safety check.

Plan an exercise program

If your equine partner has enjoyed being a pasture puff through winter, it’s a good time to devise a plan to bring them (and you) back to work slowly. If you’ve been riding year round, it’s also a good time to set some new goals and make a plan for riding in the warmer weather with the new opportunities and challenges this brings.

Launder winter blankets and store

With temperatures rising, soon it’s time to take the plunge and wash those winter blankets. Vacuum bags or totes can help keep them clean and fresh. Future you, and your horse, will thank you next fall.

Get ready to fight flies

With longer days and better weather comes our least favorite pest - flies. Last year's fly spray is probably depleted, and fly sheets may be dirty or in need of repairs. Now is a great time to get your fly gear in order and start some prophylaxis if you use a feed through supplement or Fly Predators.

Whether you and your horse are coming back from some time off, or just changing with the seasons, a little prep can help you both get the most from the warmer weather and enjoy all the good things we as equestrians love about spring.

Several years ago I had a client who entered into the business of breeding horses for the purpose of sale at a profit. The IRS audited his return and declared his horse farm to be a “hobby” rather than a business and disallowed his farm loss deductions. The IRS argued that my client, being a wealthy lawyer, was not engaged in the horse farm business as it was not his primary occupation, and that he was merely a “gentleman farmer” engaging in a “hobby” that gave him great personal pleasure. The greatest evidence that it was a hobby, said the auditor, was the fact that it had not turned a profit in recent years.

I took strong issue with the government’s position and appealed the auditor’s decision. My client is a lawyer who makes his home on his horse farm in Georgia and does indeed earn his living as a lawyer. My client employs hired help at the stables and regularly consults with veterinarians at considerable expense. Financial books and records of the horse operation are maintained apart from their other financial activities by my client and his wife. There is a separate checking account just for the horse operation.

He devotes 20 to 25 hours a week to the work and business affairs of his stables. He is actively engaged in care and maintenance of the horses, barns and stables. My client attends to his stables on a daily basis and devotes many of his weekends almost exclusively to the care of the horses and stables. Tax losses in prior year audits had never been questioned or disallowed. Expenses incurred in the operation of the stables included the ordinary and necessary expenses of: veterinarian services; services of professional trainer; feed; repair and maintenance of stables; insurance; property taxes; and transportation for the horses.

We successfully argued that, in the matter of losses deducted on the federal income tax returns pertaining to the operation of a horse farm, he was in compliance with statutory law and case law. We forcefully and vigorously argued that he met all the tests and criteria laid down by the federal courts in the several circuits of the United States with regard to being “engaged in trade or business for gain or profit” and not engaged in a “hobby” as the IRS auditor argued.

My client was in compliance with the law in all material respects, to wit:

*Losses were the result of the excess of “ordinary and necessary” expenses over revenues.

*Expenses were incurred in the conduct of business engaged in for profit.

*Expenses represent actual cash outlays or expenses incurred during the tax year.

The operation of a stable and breeding farm is in essence a risky business, frequently generating consecutive loss years, and has given rise to considerable tax litigation over the years.

Although horse breeding is indeed a hobby for some, it can nevertheless constitute a business for other taxpayers. The existence of substantial financial risk in the conduct of such business does not necessarily convert it to a hobby any more than in the case of any other adventurous business such as oil drilling or stock trading. All of these businesses involve a substantial risk factor and frequently occasion periods of continued losses.

In Farish v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, the court held that, as in the case of other activities, the determination of whether a breeding stable is a business or a hobby is the intention to derive income therefrom and the expectation of a profit. The court went on to say that the intention of the taxpayer at the outset is the dominant factor in determining whether he engaged in the venture for profit or merely for pleasure. The court ruled in favor of the taxpayer and allowed the loss deduction. The court held “It is not at all improbable that men in the oil business, having ample capital, would engage in the enterprises here involved with the hope and expectation of ultimately making a fair return on the investment.”

With regard to years of continuous losses the court allowed that “One who plants a fruit orchard must wait a number of years before the trees produce fruit in sufficient quantities to show profit, but the expense of cultivation goes on every year before that.”

While the profit motive continues, it is immaterial whether the expectation of profit is reasonable so long as it is bona fide.

The tax court held, in Morken v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, “A taxpayer engages in the breeding of horses in a businesslike manner if he researches and plans horse purchases, advertises, consults trainers or breeders, and becomes knowledgeable about the horse raising and breeding industry and its profitability.”

Although my client showed losses for 6 out of 7 of the total years of operation, the government could not automatically presume that he was not engaged in business for profit.

In pursuance of that appeal we relied on the definition of “business” as handed down by the Supreme Court in Flint v. Stone Tracy Co: “Business is that which occupies the time, attention, and labor of men for the purpose of livelihood or profit.” Clearly my clients were engaged in business under this definition.

In the case of Widener v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, the facts are identical to the situation my client was in. In ruling for the taxpayer, the court said: “If it be a fact, as it is earnestly urged by the government, that the taxpayer was a sportsman in the sense that he is fond of racing horses, it cannot change the character of this undertaking. Success in business is largely obtained by pleasurable interest therein.”

This shoots down the IRS argument, and they always make it, that if an activity is fun then it must be a hobby and not a business, therefore they will try to deny all loss deductions.

If you have a farm, whether it be a horse farm or some other type of farm activity, and have not been taking deductions on your income tax return, it might be wise to review your position. You need not be a full-time farmer. If you have been taking the deductions, you would be wise to tailor your activity to meet the criteria laid out by the courts as cited in this article.

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as looking over your well-kept, spotless barn filled with happy horses. But you can’t do this alone. Finding the right horse equipment, tools and barn supplies is critically important. The following essential list of horse tools, horse supplies, and equipment to keep your barn spotless and your horses happy comes from Green Hill Land and Timber.

Feeder

All horses need to eat. A horse feeder is an essential product to have. There are a wide range of various sizes, styles, and types of horse feeders one can buy. The most basic, and certainly reliable and affordable, is just a basic rack horse feeder. Start here, and then also look at auto feeders. An auto-style feeder can really reduce your labor in the barn, so it is something you definitely want to consider.

Waterer or Bucket

Giving your horses water is, unsurprisingly, a very important task. A simple bucket will do, but you can get more advanced and buy a waterer. A waterer is like an auto horse feeder, it automatically dispenses water throughout the day so you don’t have to. Waterers can also come with heaters or water consumption meters, but these may need continued maintenance. If you can’t afford a waterer, a water bucket works just as well and perhaps better at times, and a water bucket gives you more time to be one-on-one with your horses.

Manure Fork, Broom, and Pitchfork

The manure fork, a simple broom, and trusty pitchfork are all barn essentials to care for your horse and to create a good, healthy environment for them. Manure forks are for cleaning manure out of your barn. Never underestimate the importance of the manure fork. A pitchfork manages the hay in your barn. A broom is essential for keeping your barn tidy, perfect, and spotless for visitors and yourself alike.

Wheelbarrow

The importance of having a good wheelbarrow on a horse farm can’t be overstated. You are moving hay, manure, feed, and other things every single day; sometimes even multiple times a day. Having a reliable wheelbarrow is a barn essential that you will be thankful for on a daily basis, and your horses will be too. A happy farmer leads to a happy horse, and vice versa.

Hoof Pick

The hoof pick is a famous and particularly useful little barn tool to make your horses happy. You have likely seen them around or already have one. If not, look them up online now. A hoof pick is essential for keeping your equine friend happy, clean, and healthy. It is used to clean mud, rocks, snow, and other debris from a horse’s hooves.

Fire Extinguisher

Barn fires are a very real threat and the worst disaster that could happen to you as a horse owner. This is an event you need to avoid, so we can’t overstate how essential it is for your barn to have a functioning fire extinguisher in clear reach and, importantly, for you to be knowledgeable on what to do and what not to do. The Humane Society of the United States released thisguide on preventing barn fires. They inform you about the leading causes of barn fires in the U.S. and how to intelligently respond to one if it so happens to you.

Equine First Aid

This is one of the most important barn essentials for taking good care of your horses: a quality first aid kit. What constitutes a good first aid kit for horses? This is a long answer and one worth a whole article, but the major essentials for horse first aid supplies are Vet Wraps, gauze pads, a thermometer, a stethoscope, and safety scissors.

Having a working and well-rounded first aid kit for horses is critical. Accidents happen, and we urge you to be prepared and have everything ready for use in your barn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of your barn and keeping your horses happy is not easy, but it’s just plain hard without the right tools, equipment, and supplies for the job. This actionable, consumable guide gives you the essentials of barn management and maintenance supplies, tools, and equipment you need to have at hand to keep your horses happy and to be prepared in-case of emergency. This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are all kinds of unique, interesting horse and barn products that can provide huge utility to horse farmers. Shop around the many online and offline stores to hunt down the best barn products for your farm.

JR Frankhouser grew up on a large family-owned farm in Southeast Georgia. He worked with cattle, hogs, row crops, and more. He now works as an accredited land consultant, land broker, and registered forester.

As we all know, coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is running rampant in what is now a worldwide pandemic, not to mention spurring global panic. The virus has galloped into the United States, which has left society fearful, wary and uncertain. Much of this uncertainty and fear has propagated concerns regarding if animals can also contract and spread coronavirus.

However, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted from animals to people. While it is still too early to tell if animal-to-people spread should be a concern, so far, it seems unlikely. The main issue is prevalent people-to-people spread. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “Transmission primarily occurs when there is contact with an infected person's bodily secretions, such as saliva or mucus droplets in a cough or sneeze. Transmission via touching a contaminated surface or object (i.e., a fomite) and then touching the mouth, nose, or possibly eyes is also possible, but appears to be a secondary route. Smooth (non-porous) surfaces (e.g., countertops, door knobs) transmit viruses better than porous materials (e.g., paper money, pet fur) because porous, especially fibrous, materials absorb and trap the pathogen (virus), making it harder to contract through simple touch.”

Even if you are not sick, maintaining good hygiene is crucial to ensuring your animals and you are healthy and happy. For extra cautionary measures, the AVMA recommends to “limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.”

It is important to know that coronaviruses affecting domestic pets such as dogs and cats is still up for debate, but horses and cows do have a history with equine coronavirus (ECoV) and bovine coronavirus (BCV), respectively. Equus Magazine wrote about a novel coronavirus outbreak affecting not just foals - which had previously been the virus’s main target - but adult horses as well. While some strains of coronavirus can wreak havoc on the entire body, “many strains tend to attack only epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract or the intestinal wall, creating localized infections in those places. In the intestine, the viruses tend to damage the villi - the fingerlike projections that line the tract - leading to malabsorption and diarrhea.” However, in most cases, horses completely recover. Like humans, old age and other health conditions can factor into how serious a horse’s case will be, but horses generally show symptoms within 48 to 72 hours, and most cases are not severe.

There is no cure for coronavirus, but it can be diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which means creating numerous copies of a DNA segment. Usually, supportive care is given for horses that test positive for coronavirus. As of now, the best method to prevent its spread is to quarantine the sick horse. Equus Magazine advises to keep the sick horse separated from the healthy horses, have different people care for the healthy and sick horses, and use good hygiene to keep yourself healthy. This is especially important if you are the sole caretaker of your horses.

Be mindful, be safe, and most importantly, stay healthy and kind. If you suspect your horse may have coronavirus or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your horse’s health, contact your local veterinarian.

For generations, horse owners have seen the benefits of coating hooves with various substances for their protection and flexibility. Additionally, some old-time farriers have reported success in improving the hoof condition by abrading the coronet band to increase blood flow to the hoof.

We do not recommend this procedure today because of the chances of infection. However, the fundamental scientific principles they were trying to achieve, such as increasing blood flow, maintaining the internal moisture of the hoof wall, and repelling harmful substances, are as valid today as they were then.

Does your horse have soft, mushy hooves, dry, brittle, cracked feet, seedy toe, slow-growing hooves, structural damage, diseased hooves, or other problems? Is the current environment wet or dry, cold or hot? Knowing some basic biology and functions of the hoof will help influence your decision.

The Composition of the Hoof Wall The hoof wall is the weight-bearing structure of the hoof and composed of thousands of tiny hollow fibers called tubules. These tubules run vertically from the coronary band and are cemented together with a protein substance called keratin. Layer upon layer of these tubules act like springs to absorb tremendous amounts of concussive force while retaining the necessary tensile strength. The elasticity of these tubules and the hoof wall, in general, is dependent on its internal moisture content. Moisture is not merely water, but a mix of salts and electrolytes such as found in an I.V. solution. Without this essential moisture, the hoof wall would dry up, crack, become brittle, and generally fail at its job of a leaf spring/shock absorber. Too much moisture, on the other hand, can make a hoof too soft, mushy, and fail to absorb its concussive load. We now understand that a hoof conditioner should help maintain the natural moisture balance found within the hoof wall.

Do Wild Horses Have Hoof Problems? You may ask, “Why don’t wild horses have hoof problems? Why do I need hoof protection if I don’t have any hoof problems now?” The simple answer is in the domestication of the horse. The periople is a natural protein protective covering on the hoof wall that protects the feet against harmful contaminants. Thus the hoof makes its natural, delicate hoof sealant.

This natural sealant serves wild horses well, but it is lost in a domestic environment. It is inadvertently removed during the shoeing process when the hoof is trimmed, balanced, leveled, and shod. Domesticated horses can no longer roam free over miles of open space but are confined to smaller pastures, paddocks and stalls.

Now, with little or no natural sealant left and with the horn tubules opened from nail holes and rasping, hooves are exposed to higher concentrations of destructive uric acid and other contaminants. With the protective outer covering removed, the introduction of these agents into the hoof wall can lead to the breakdown of its protein, keratin. It is important to remember that because the hoof is protein, it is potentially biodegradable. Domesticated horses need a hoof conditioner that effectively replaces the periople.

Early Hoof Conditioners Tiny openings on the hoof wall, from cracks and nail holes, are the main pathways for infection from bacteria, fungus, or other contaminants. Your grandfather and his grandfather before him intuitively used a type of hoof conditioner called pine tar. This product acted as a precursor to modern hoof conditioners as it helped to retain moisture in the hoof wall. Pine tar, unfortunately, had its drawbacks, but Grandpa was on the right track.

Later came various products that contained oils and petroleum-based ingredients that were used with limited success to coat the hoof and fill in the nail holes. Hoof conditioners that contain pine tar, salves, and oils usually stay fluid (wet) after they are applied and breakdown quickly when exposed to the environment. These dressings are usually sticky, and as such, attract contaminants instead of repelling them.

Their applications actually may be counter-productive because they can serve as a bacterial and fungal growth medium when they decay in a small crack or nail hole. These organisms produce enzymes and exotoxins that can break down collagen and protein in the hoof wall. If you do not get disease of the hoof wall, the least that can happen is that the hoof can get soft and punky at the nail holes. If this happens, your horse will throw more than its fair share of shoes.

For years, dentists have been coating children’s teeth with synthetic sealants to keep them protected against tooth decay. Someone had the idea to try this same technique and apply it to horses’ hooves. Others tried fingernail polish to provide a cosmetic shine. These synthetic coatings, such as methyl cellulose (fingernail polish) and urethane polymers, can outperform hoof oils, salves, and pine tar, but they have their limitations on hooves.

Synthetic sealants are impervious to moisture and do not allow the beneficial transpiration (water vapor transmission) to occur through the sole and frog where the foot needs to breathe. As a result, synthetic sealants can only be used on the hoof wall, not on the sole and frog, where serious protection is also needed.

The latest scientific methods have given us dual-action hoof conditioners that coat and protect the entire hoof capsule (horn, sole, and frog). They are not synthetic substances made from petroleum chemicals. They contain natural protein emulsions that help maintain the hoof’s natural moisture balance. Unlike hoof oils, salves, and pine tar that remain fluid (a sticky liquid), the new modern coatings dry/cure to a battle-hardened finish, and last longer.

They are called “dual-action” hoof conditioners because they also contain the scientific ingredients known to provide the hoof with an antiseptic barrier against infection. Grandpa would have been proud to use these products had the technology existed in his day. Thanks, Grandpa, for getting us this far! For more information and articles, visit SBS Equine.

In the previous blog we met some of the Youth Volunteers working to support Love This Horse Equine Rescue (LTH), who specialize in taking in forgotten, neglected and abused Arabian horses from law enforcement seizures, local animal shelters, distressed owners, and from low-end horse auctions.

In this post some of the rescue’s youngest volunteers explain in their own words how they contribute, and why they love Arabian horses.

BROOKLYNNE BANKS, AGE 6

“I learned to ride when I was four and a half. The lesson horse was an Arabian, and my mom grew up with Arabian horses so she was determined to adopt one for me for my fifth birthday. She found Vera and LTH and took me out to ride a horse naked Karim. I got surprised with him when I turned five. He's my best boy and what everyone calls an ‘oldie but goodie.’

“Karim had a problem with his legs so we had to give him a girlfriend and let him retire and not be ridden anymore. Now he lives with Georgia a mini mule and gets lots of treats and love. Once we adopted Karim we would go out all the time because we became family with everyone at the rescue.

“Then my mom met Daisy Duke and said she had to bring her home. She's my mom's horse, but I get to ride her too, but my mom said I couldn't steal her horse, so after Karim had to take a break we adopted Zeenah. She's the best horse I could of ever wanted. She listens to me and keeps me safe, she lowers her head for me when I put her halter on.

“We actually have four Arabians. I love them all. I've never had any other kind of horse so I don't know how they are different from other horse breeds.

“Our horses are our family, and we take them to the beach, to the mountains and ride them in horse shows. Sometimes Vera will ask me to try out horses for kids because I'm not afraid and have a really good riding teacher in the arena with me. We got all of our horses from Vera because she saved their lives from people who weren't taking care of them or didn't want them.

“My mom said we would adopt them all if we could, but that's a lot of poop to clean.”

MILA, AGE 8

“My name is Mila, and I’m 8 years old. I like horses. I don’t like boys. I have a dog and three chickens.

“My mom made me volunteer because I love horses, but she wanted me to do the hard work of taking care of them before I could get my own.

“I love Arabians because they’re cute, and everybody says they’re crazy. I like to prove them wrong.

“My horse is Kittara, and we just adopted a colt named Jazz. Grandpa, aka Saint, aka St Liberty Tyme, is my mom’s horse, but I help care for him.

“At LTH I did the waterers when I first started. Now I do that, plus help feed. My mom and I go about once a week. My favorite part is watching adopters meet horses for the first time and ride them.

“I care that the horses are rescued so that none are abused or lost.

Kittara is the best pony I know (she can say cheeeeeese on command), and I know her all because of LTH Equine Rescue.”

To learn more about Love This Horse Equine rescue, visit them at their website, Facebook or Instagram: lovethishorse_rescue, and stay updated on the progress of their horses and adventures of the volunteers alike.

Hope, Healing and Hooves, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is now in its fifth year of serving our community. Hope, Healing and Hooves, Inc. (“HHH”) was created from a passion for helping at risk and low-income children by providing an equestrian program that encourages school attendance, increases self-confidence and improves school performance. Our program reaches children in the Spring Branch area of Houston, Texas, through consistent weekly interaction with horses.

The mission of HHH is to reach, inspire and improve the quality of life for at-risk and underprivileged children through continuous interaction and training with horses.

Using the unique connection between horse and rider, HHH gives underprivileged and at-risk children a path that promotes healthy self-esteem, patience, accountability and confidence and fosters independence through discipline and the relationship between horse and rider. Through consistent and purposeful partnership with horses, the children are encouraged to be successful in life, beginning with an emphasis on emotional health, school attendance and academic improvement. By sharing this opportunity to bond with horses, HHH promotes taking the road less traveled for greater personal achievement.

In September of 2015, we identified a need in the At-Risk and underprivileged children population. These children tend to have poor attendance and poor performance in school. With her background in business and in the horse industry, Granger Durdin recognized a unique way that she could help in the community. The idea of having at-risk and underprivileged children come to the horse barn was the beginning of HHH. They would have the opportunity to learn and experience some of the life changing elements that the horses brought to Granger’s life. Over the course of two months, the program was developed with the help of a few key members of Texas Capital Bank. Because of the desire to help and the belief in this program, Texas Capital Bank became a Platinum sponsor with both monetary contribution and volunteers. The program was started with 50 students from Spring Shadows Elementary in December 2015. HHH was able to grow the program to 60 students in 2017 and in 2018 was able to branch out to two other schools. HHH is currently serving Spring Shadows, Shadow Oaks, and Thornwood Elementaries. The HHH program is hosted by Magic Moments Stable, which is also located in the Spring Branch ISD.

We focus our outreach in Spring Branch ISD because 56 percent of Spring Branch ISD students are economically disadvantaged, and 59 percent of the students are Hispanic. Many of the students come from apartment housing and predominately low-income neighborhoods. The schools that we initially incorporated into the program have no PTA and very little to no parental involvement. As the barn is located in Spring Branch ISD, transporting the students by bus is easily feasible.

Each lesson includes a place and time for snacks, instruction on routine care and handling of the horses, proper care for the necessary equipment, and riding time. Two students and a volunteer are assigned to one horse, so that each student gets plenty of one-on-one attention, and an instructor oversees the program. The program also includes lots of fun activities for the students in a safe and familiar environment – Trick-or-Treating, Christmas photos with a horse they decorated, and community service opportunities to list only a few.

HHH hopes to expand the program beyond the Spring Branch district to other Title one schools in Houston and Harris County and would eventually like to include other counties and needy school districts. There is enough need that in the future, we would hope for nation-wide coverage with internal oversight from our original board.

From inception of the program, all but three of the horses used in HHH have been either Purebred Arabian or Half-Arabian. Currently we only have one out of 14 horses that is not a Half- or Purebred Arabian. Our riders are taught mostly in dressage saddles and are taught to walk, trot, rise the trot and to steer and guide the horses around the arena obstacles. We have had a couple students over the years that were so withdrawn, they would not even talk. After spending time in the program, they started talking and expressing themselves to us, their teachers and their class mates.

It is the kindness and care that these horses show the HHH students that brings out the trauma in the students to allow then to start processing what has happened to them. A few of the horses currently in the program are:

- Rustaleta++ (Noble Prize++ x HL Bandaleta, by Bandos PASB) who has an extensive show record in Sport Horse and Dressage with Amateur and Junior riders.

- Uforia (SR Rico x Ucrania de Plata, by Bariata De Washoe) who is a Spanish-bred Arabian.

- Wendula (Erros x Wigana, by Camerton), a Pure Polish mare.

- Unanimous Vote (Eldans Wotan x by Chilkat Pass *El Paso), a former racehorse that then did Dressage and Competitive Trail. He is a multiple regional award winner.

- Tsorcerers Aura (Raje Tsorcerer x Khem-Aura, by Khemosabi), a 30-year-old gelding that is a multiple regional title winner.

- Uforic Storm MM (Thunder Bay May (Appaloosa) x Uforia, by SR Rico), a Regional Champion Sport Horse Half-Arabian mare and Regional Top 5 in Western Dressage.

- Mi Apasionata, an Arabian lesson mare

- Ima Spotlight (Accent x Johnnie Scott Two (Appaloosa)), a full sibling to multiple National title winners

Learn more about HHH by watching the following videos:

For more information or to help, please contact HHH at 281-932-3643 or email at HHHDirector2015@gmail.com.

Guest blogger Denise Shannon has a master’s degree in Equine Breeding Management, 30 years of experience in the Arabian industry and currently the Academy Manager at Bay Area Equestrian Center. She also owns DS Equine Management, a consultancy for business and breeding management in the horse business.

According to their website, “Love This Horse, Equine Rescue Inc. (LTH) is a horse rescue specializing in taking in forgotten, neglected and abused Arabian horses from law enforcement seizures, local animal shelters, distressed owners, and from low-end horse auctions.

They bring the horses into a safe and nurturing environment where they are brought back to health, gentled and loved. When the horses are strong enough, they are evaluated by Director Vera V-Abdallah and trainer Isaias Ocegueda and, if possible, started or restarted for a new life as a riding horse.

LTH believes that every horse deserves a job and permanent adoptive home. Some of their horses become great trail, endurance riding, hunter/jumper, dressage or lesson horses. Others are destined to become therapy horses, helping kids and adults healing from their own deep wounds. LTH works hard to take care of these horses, all the while knowing that the horses are secretly taking care of them.”

Critical to the operation of the rescue, currently home to 63 horses, are volunteers, and one special subset of LTH’s volunteers are youths. “I think that because I have two young daughters who are involved with the horses, it has been a welcoming environment for our young volunteers,” Vera, explains. “Volunteers are essential to make our rescue work simply because of our limited resources. However, volunteers also showcase how well our horses ride and how personable they are. We reward our regular volunteers with free riding lessons, and we also focus on teaching horse care. Many of our volunteers and parents come to learn more about horses, and often they are thinking about owning a horse eventually. Being around horses is a positive experience, and the young volunteers love being featured with our horses on social media.”

It is well known that Arabian horses make fantastic mounts and companions for children and families alike. Vera agrees, saying, “Arabians are very sensitive horses and seem to really like children. I have observed it more than once that the horse is very careful with the child.”

In this two-part blog post, we meet some of the young volunteers devoting their time and energy to help Arabian horses in transition find their forever homes or enjoy their days at LTH.

ERNA VALDIVIA, Age 12

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Erna Valdivia, and I am 12 years old. My mom is the founder and executive director of Love This Horse, an Arabian rescue. I am in middle school and attend the 7th grade. One of the first horses we rescued after moving to the U.S. in 2010 is my personal horse, "Daisy". Her registered name is PS BASHA LILLY, but we did not find out until we did her DNA test. She was skinny and neglected when we rescued her, but now she is fat and happy.

How did you start working with Arabians at LTH? Why do you love the breed?

After we rescued Daisy, my mom and I started her under saddle. My mom taught me what to do, to start a horse under saddle, and I have been riding and helping my mom train ever since. I love Arabian horses because they take care of you. I mean, they bond with you, and they do not let you down. They are there for you! I also own a really special weanling gelding named AJF Silas (he was not a rescue). I am learning how to halter show him. It is a challenge to learn something new, but I am wanting to learn.

Tell me more about your work at Love This Horse?

My sister and I help my mom feed all the horses twice per day, and we make sure they have water and their stalls are clean. Now, that is not my favorite part, but it has to be done. I earn my horses' upkeep that way, but my favorite part is to ride at endurance rides and to show other people how well our rescue horses can do. I have ridden several horses that are ready for adoption at endurance rides. It makes me sad and happy at the same time when the horses find homes. I love the horses so much.

Why is rescue and the work you help with at LTH so important?

I really love it when we get updates and find out how well the adopted horses are doing and when the adopters are so happy to have one of our horses. It is sad too because I am like my mom. We always cry when a horse is adopted, and the horse leaves. We miss the horses so much, but we also know that they have good homes now and somebody loves them.

Anything else you want to share?

When I grow up, I want to be a veterinarian for horses. I want to compete with my own horses and also train horses. I was adopted by my mom, and I know personally how important adoption is and how it creates a family. People create families with their horses too, not just people.

KAITLYNN GILL, Age 13

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Kaitlynn Gill, and I am 13 years old. I am in middle school, 8th grade and I have been a riding student of Isaias Ocegueda for the past five years. He is the main trainer for Love This Horse, but he also gives riding lessons.

How did you start working with Arabians at LTH? Why do you love the breed?

I started learning to ride on thoroughbreds, but when Isaias started working with Love This Horse (LTH), I got to know Arabian horses. I ended up adopting my own Arabian mare that I fell in love with while I volunteered at the rescue. I love Arabian horses because they are so smart, and they have so much energy!

Who are the special Arabian horses in your life?

I met my Arabian mare "Benita" when I started volunteering at Love This Horse. She is not registered, but I do not care. She caught my heart, and I wanted her so badly. Vera and Isaias made it happen, and after I proved that I could and would properly take care of her, they let me adopt her for $1.00. Yes, you heard me! They knew that I would love Benita for ever and ever, and they made it happen. I have owned Benita for two years now, and we have won at hunter/jumper shows, and we also compete at gymkhana. She is absolutely the best horse EVER!

Tell us more about your work at Love This Horse?

I live with my mom, and we are not wealthy. I ride horse for Love This Horse and compete with them at the hunter jumper shows, but also in endurance rides. We have an arrangement that I earn the show fees to compete on Benita by competing on some of the LTH horses. It is fun and we have sleepovers at the rescue, and I am good friends with some of the other girls who help at LTH. Often, I come on the weekend and stay with Benita. Then on Sunday, Vera drives my horse and me back home. She does that for the shows too, but at the endurance rides, I don't bring Benita.

Why is rescue and the work you help with at LTH so important?

If I hadn't volunteered, I would not have met my horse Benita. I love her so much, and I want all of the horses to find their forever homes! I can help with that, and it makes me so happy.

In the next post some of LTH’s youngest volunteers share more about their experience with rescue horses and what they are learning through gifting their time to them.

To learn more about Love This Horse Equine rescue, visit them at their website, Facebook or Instagram: lovethishorse_rescue, and stay updated on the progress of their horses and adventures of the volunteers alike.

Liz Bentley comes from a family of horse addicts. From breeding to showing professionally and as a hobby, she is more than well-versed in the world of Arabian horses.

“As a family, we got into it when I was about five years old,” Bentley said. “We got a pony, of course. My sisters and brother then got another horse. We got involved in 4-H and started showing in local and open shows. Then we bred a Thoroughbred mare that was a Pleasure horse to an Arabian stallion, got our first Half-Arabian and started showing him in Class A.”

Bentley had just finished showing Khaberet PGA+//, a Multi-National Champion Western Pleasure and Sidesaddle horse.

“It was a family project,” Bentley said. “It was to keep the kids out of trouble. Keep them working and have leverage over them,” she added with a laugh. “It was effective, and it worked. I took it a step further. I was lucky.”

Bentley specializes in Western Pleasure and Hunter Pleasure, and she also does Show Hack. Although she has a background in English Pleasure, for the last 20 years she has enjoyed specializing in Western and Hunter Pleasure.

Her prodigious experience and boundless perseverance has led her to win several National Championships. Khaberet PGA was the unanimous National Champion Sidesaddle for the last two years, and he was the 2012 National Champion in Western Pleasure Open. She has also won National Championships in Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure and Half-Arabian Western Pleasure.

“It’s the only way I’d ever want to spend my life with horses and dogs,” Bentley said. “Especially Arabians. It’s just fun. It’s a challenging sport. The variables are innumerable, and when you master it or it all comes together, and you get to make those victory passes, it’s addicting and fun. The people involved that you go down the road with, compete with, or help achieve their goals with, are a lot of fun. You get really tight with them, and it’s like family. It’s a lot of support. It’s a hard way to make a living and hard work, but it’s also fun and rewarding.

“And the horses, especially Arabians and Half-Arabians, are so much fun to own,” Bentley added. “You can trail ride on them, and they’re personable, beautiful and versatile horses. Our family loves them.”

Even though Bentley and her family adored horses, Bentley admitted her favorite was the Arabian breed, especially Half-Arabians.

“Arabians were very intelligent, kind and forgiving,” Bentley said. “I was eight years old when he was born, and I had to be his trainer. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I just got on and tried, and he put up with me. They’re wonderful. We have a Quarter Horse, and I like them, but the personality on the Arabian won us over. And I like the people the best of the Arabians. They were friendly like the horses. So, it was a no-brainer for me. Arabians all the way and the Arabian people.”

She advised new and current riders to always keep improving, and keep an open mind about strengthening not just the horse, but the riders’ bodies as well.

“Just perseverance and patience,” Bentley said. “I try to get my clients that show to do inner core workouts, stretching and balancing. Not just riding horses, but they need inner core strength, balance and flexibility. Perseverance, patience and a good sense of humor will carry you far when you’re training and showing horses. I have to work on the last one.”

To further prove her love and admiration for the Arabian breed, Bentley is also an active AHA member.

“I’ve been an AHA member my whole life,” Bentley said. “I’ve been active as a delegate in the past, I’m on a committee, and I’m a judge. So, I’m active in AHA. I’ve been a judge for almost 30 years.”

When recounting her years of dedication in the judging world, she recalled all her experiences as being positive.

“It’s a good way to travel, meet other horse people, have a good time, and judge beautiful horses,” Bentley said.

As someone who has been in the industry for years, Bentley loves judging not only to improve herself, but to help others as well.

“I love it because I like to judge one week and go show next week,” Bentley said. “I think it makes me a better competitor. When I’m judging, I think it makes me a more compassionate judge because I understand the pain of what you go through. It makes you more human.”

Every year an online auction is held via Facebook. Breedings, services and items are provided by the Arabian Horse Community to be auctioned off, with half of the proceeds going to fund prizes at that year's Sport Horse National Championship Show. Conceived and organized by Laura Wood, the auction has already made significant contributions and looks set to continue to do so.

“This is the third year of the Sport Horse Auction. I got the idea from seeing similar auctions on Facebook, though they were not run as fund raisers, but as a way to sell stallion services by small breeders,” Laura explains. “I thought it would be an excellent way to raise money for our Sport Horses. I opened the idea up and included anything of value that someone may want to bid on, such as vacation rentals, award winning pies, professional show braidings, training and board, critically acclaimed equestrian books signed by the authors, and of course, champion stallion services. It is difficult for stallion owners to make ends meet, which is compounded by the burden of donating to auctions. So to reward the donors for their generosity, all donors keep fifty percent of the winning bids while the other fifty percent is donated.”

“The donated portion of the proceeds goes to the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) to award at the Sport Horse Nationals,” she explains. “The first year, about $3500 was raised. Half of it was added to the AHA awards given to the Super Sport Horse and half to a new award developed as a result of this fundraiser. The second year, all proceeds went to the new award, which is a Junior Horse Super Sport Horse award based on the highest cumulative points earned from the Junior Horse classes: Hunter Hack, Sport Horse Under Saddle, and Training Level dressage. A total of $7000 was awarded, with the overall Champion Sport Horse taking $2000 and the Reserve taking $1000 for both Purebred and for Half-Arabian divisions; and the breeder of each champion taking $500 each.”

As a breeder of sport horses herself, Laura saw a way to improve this section of the industry and acted to help. “In previous years, I’ve felt that the prize money programs offered by the Arabian Horse Association put the Sport Horses on the back burner, with less opportunity as compared with the classes held at the US Nationals,” she shares. “But it is prize money that draws the exhibitors to the shows, and encourages the owners to develop the training of their junior horses by giving a monetary incentive. The added prize money also generates excitement at the show, and it gives recognition to the best Arabian-bred Sport Horses in the country. Dressage and jumping horses are sought internationally as these disciplines have a wide appeal across the globe. This is why it is so important that we provide money winning opportunities for them.”

Grateful to have been able to assist in building better prize money programs for Sport Horses, Laura goes on to say, “ I want to thank all the donors of the items to the auction. Without the generosity of these stallion owners and service providers, we would not be able to have an auction at all.”

The Sport Horse Auction is held on Facebook in the group found here. Bidding closes on Leap Day, February 29th, 2020. More information on bidding and donating is available via the group.

Whether keeping a horse on your own property or boarding it, the cost of owning a horse can be so expensive. Although managing a horse on a tight budget isn’t always easy, there are many ways to trim expenses. It is never recommended to cut costs on anything related to your horse’s health, such as food, supplements, vet care, etc. And when it comes to anything that will be used topically on your horse, it is always recommended to consult with your vet first.

One of the many ways to be cost effective is to go to the Dollar Store for basic items that you need. Dollar Stores have really stepped up their game and carry so many useful items for equestrians that tack shops overprice. You can get items such as buckets, sponges, Vaseline, baby wipes, hairbrushes, bandages, topical wound creams and so much more. This can also be very convenient because depending on where you live, tack shops can be far and few between, so driving just a few minutes to the closest dollar store for those necessities also saves time and fuel costs.

Buying products in the off season is another great way to save! Although this doesn’t apply to all products, it applies to those that are seasonal, such as winter blankets and fly sheets. Shopping items that will be discontinued is another great option. Whether you’re shopping online or in the store, searching for a “discontinued items” section is never a bad idea!

Purchasing gently used tack is very cost effective. There are consignment tack shops that sell gently used tack as well as groups on Facebook that are specifically for the equestrian. There are many people that use Facebook as their number one source for buying used horse equipment. Another great perk of using Facebook is that sometimes people are willing to trade. If you have items lying around that you no longer use, trading is another great option to help save money.

In addition to saving money on products, don’t forget that you can also make a little money with your own skills or equipment. For example, if you own a horse trailer, consider leasing it out for others to use when you’re not. If you are skilled in a certain trade, say sewing, consider repairing saddle pads, gloves, blankets, etc. in exchange for riding lessons from a trainer. Go through all your tack and sell any unused items to help make extra money as well. Offering to help with farm work in exchange for a lower boarding fee is also never a bad question to ask and would help lower costs tremendously. When it comes to showing, learning to braid is a great skill to have and can both save you money by doing it yourself and make you money by doing it for others.

Another great way is to make things yourself. There are several ways that you can DIY many products that are otherwise so expensive when geared toward the equestrian. There are recipes out there for homemade horse treats and fly spray as well as ideas on how to make your own fly traps and lead ropes. Making things yourself can also be so fun, especially when done in a group setting, so it doubles as a great activity to do with fellow horse owners!

We all love our horses, but sometimes the expenses can get a little out of hand. Take comfort in knowing that there are so many ways to help save money. It just takes a little bit of research and time, and before you know it, you’ll start to notice that owning a horse doesn’t have to break the bank.

Horse showing season is upon us, so saddle up, riders. One of the most highly anticipated and popular horse shows, Arizona’s Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, is preparing to kick off its 65th year.

According to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, their first show in 1955 took place at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. During the mid-1950s, Anne McCormick, who adored Arabian horses, dedicated 150 acres of her ranch as an equestrian center. This center was Paradise Park, which hosted the show from 1956 through 1968. (For more on the history of the Scottsdale Show, see Arabian Horse Life Issues 1 from 2018, 2019, 2020.) From 1968 to today, the show has taken place at an events facility called WestWorld of Scottsdale, or WestWorld for short. While it used to feature 50 horses, today it is the largest Arabian horse show worldwide, with over 2,400 horses and skilled breeders, trainers and riders competing from all over the world, in addition to more than 300,000 visitors and over $2.5 million in prize money. As a nonprofit organization, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show donates more than $100,000 to charities around the area.

Although the show’s objectives are to encourage participation and increase competitor numbers, it also demonstrates flexibility by adding events and activities for children and adults to enjoy. Whether you want to wander and look at jewelry, boots, horseback riding gear, and gifts sold by one of the 350 vendors at the show’s renowned Shopping Expo, attend a barn tour or seminar, or take your child on his or her first pony ride, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has plenty of fun and entertainment to offer amidst the many competitive events on the schedule.

Some events featured in this year’s show include Western, English and Hunter Pleasure, Side Saddle, Western Seat Equitation, Reining, Ranch Riding, and Dressage. The full schedule can be found on the show’s website.

The show will take place February 13-23 of this year. Follow this link to learn more about other events, exhibitions, contests, and future show dates.

In the late 90s, horse-crazy Susan Dysart Sharp fell in love with the Arabian horses of her grandparents farm. Later, when introduced to the world of rodeo, she took this love with to earn multiple Rodeo Queen titles with her Arabian horse, HAAT Maraja. Her career culminated in being crowned Miss Rodeo Kansas, 2001.

Tell us about yourself and how you came to be involved with Arabian horses?

My mother is, and always has been, a huge horse lover. Our family has owned horses for as long as I can remember. My grandparents, though, were the big influencers into the Arabian world. It started with my grandfather purchasing a couple of Arabian Halter horses, and it took off from there and quickly became a hobby for my family. I remember going to the horse shows to watch our Halter horses show and then staying to watch the Performance classes after halter was over. As a young girl I, of course, had a dream of one day riding in those Performance classes.

After a fair amount of riding lessons, we purchased the first Arabian that I could call my own. His name was Bay El Saraf. He was an English Pleasure horse, and he and I had a connection that was like no other. He and I were a successful team while I showed him as a junior, but the competition got steeper in the Amateur classes. Younger horses with big trots were something that he just couldn’t hold a candle to, but we kept showing our little hearts out and having fun doing it.

It was around the age of 16 when the local Shiners in my home town approached me to ask me if I would be interested in running for their “Rodeo Queen” Pageant. They knew I rode horses so they thought I would be the ideal candidate. Little did they know that just because I rode a horse did not mean I knew anything about rodeo, so I did a little research. After finding out the details of what competing for this rodeo pageant consisted of, I felt that I would give it a shot. My next step was to find a Western horse to borrow, because no one rides an English horse in the sport of rodeo. That is when I was united with my Arabian rodeo horse, a mare by the name of HAAT Maraja.

Maraja was a Western Pleasure horse that was burned out in the show ring. She was a super smart, and very ornery, horse that had become bored of the walk, trot, lope, reverse, walk, trot, lope. Her intelligence came in handy when being asked to perform a Horsemanship pattern for the rodeo pageants. Maraja became quite the rodeo horse over the years. First thing we had to do was learn to run. That was new for both of us. She picked up on it quickly and loved it. I found myself holding her back more often than not. As a rodeo queen horse, we had to run the sponsor flags at a quick speed, and we had to run calves back after calf roping. That mare loved to herd those calves back. That was probably her favorite thing to do. I think she missed her calling as a cutting horse. But what Maraja was the most talented at was carrying the American flag. She still had that beautiful collected lope that made carrying the flag such an elegant presentation.

Maraja won multiple titles leading up to Miss Rodeo Kansas: 1996 Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen, 1997 Miss United Rodeo Association, 1998 Miss Beef Empire Days, 1999 Miss KVOO (radio station in Tulsa, Okla. sponsored pageant). Maraja helped me win several trophy saddles and even the horse trailer that I still haul today.

Tell us about Miss Rodeo Kansas? How was the competition run?

Miss Rodeo Kansas is a young lady, between the age of 18 and 24, that spends a year traveling and representing the sport of rodeo and the state of Kansas. There are rodeo appearances nearly every weekend during rodeo season, and during these appearances this young lady is asked to serve as a PR person of sorts for the event. She is requested to visit nearby schools, participate in radio interviews to advertise the event and sign autograph photos for children and for local businesses thanking them for sponsoring the event. The Miss Rodeo Kansas competition is judged on three main categories, horsemanship, modeling & speech.

Each lady is required to draw a horse that she has never ridden before, so I was not able to ride my mare for the competition unfortunately. This young lady is also required to prepare a speech about her state and the sport of rodeo, model Western wear, be up to date on current events (as impromptu questions will be asked in front of an audience), and she will sit down with a panel of judges during an interview process to show that she can think on her feet.

Even though my mare was not a part of the completion portion of the pageant, she was very much involved in my year traveling to rodeos. She carried more sponsorship flags and ran more calves back that year than she did in years prior. But her most important role was to carry the American flag. I will never forget the time that carrying the flag meant more to me than any other time. I was Miss Rodeo Kansas in 2001, the year of 9/11. I will never forget the first time I carried the American flag after the attack. It was at a bull riding in Lawrence, Kan. The emotion and gratitude from the crowd that night made that flag presentation one I will remember forever.

How was your Arabian received by others at rodeos?

Maraja and I got a lot of looks at the rodeos. Some turned their noses up at us, and others were just curious. People would ask me all the time if she was an Arabian, and sometimes it felt like I was being judged negatively for choosing to perform on an Arabian at the rodeos. But Maraja quickly turned a lot of heads and changed a lot of minds about the breed after the rodeo contestants could see what a great horse she was. I found it entertaining when competing in pageants with her.

The other contestants originally didn’t see me as competition when they saw me show up on my Arabian. They instantly thought I was no competition at all. But my mare, with her show background, absolutely killed it during horsemanship. She had excellent speed changes transitioning from her slow collected lope to an all-out run. It was phenomenal to watch her. I still like to go back and watch videos of her performing those patterns during pageants. This was the perfect job for her, and it showed. She handled things like a champ.

Arabians have the reputation of being spooky or flighty by most rodeo people, ironically enough at one rodeo in particular; there was a debacle that happened behind the chutes. It was Fourth of July weekend, and the rodeo committee hired a girl to carry the American flag for the event. This was no ordinary American flag as it shot sparklers out the top of the flag with the push of a button. Maraja and I did not carry that flag, but after the presentation was over a person behind the shoots relieved the young lady of the flag and in doing so, accidentally hit that button causing a bunch of sparklers to shoot out amongst me and a bunch of calf ropers on their horses. Maraja jumped slightly, turned and looked, but was level headed in her response to it. One of the cowboy’s horses, on the other hand, came unglued and the cowboy had a difficult time getting the horse under control. One thing about my mare was that I trusted her to take care of me and she did not disappoint.

What makes Arabian horses great for rodeo events?

I think the agility of Arabian horses makes them an ideal horse for rodeo. I know my mare could turn on a dime and out maneuver those calves, and I didn’t realize just how great she was at this until I had to borrow other people’s horses for this job. It was like driving a luxury sports car versus driving an oversized quarter ton truck. There were times when the rodeos provided me a horse to do my job, and it was always more comfortable to do this on my Arabian. As far as the rodeo events specifically, I didn’t see a lot of Arabians compete in the events. But I think it is definitely something that is possible. I think Arabians are fast learners and can pick up on anything if asked. I never ran barrels on my mare, but her ability to maneuver quickly and get up and go would have made her an excellent barrel horse.

Arabian horses are one of the worlds most versatile breeds, as proven by Susan and Maraja. From Main Ring showing to a successful rodeo pageant horse - Maraja demonstrated the ability of the Arabian to adapt to their riders wishes and enjoy a variety of work. Congratulations Susan for your accomplishments and for your contributions as an ambassador for the Arabian horse in Western sports.

In June 2019, 36 Arabians were brought to the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center in Franktown, Colo. for rehabilitation as the result of a law enforcement animal cruelty/neglect case from Westcliffe, Colo. The Harmony Equine Center is a private rehabilitation and adoption facility for abused and neglected horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

The Center has been working on improving their health via deworming, floating teeth, trimming hooves and providing free choice grass hay. Once the horses were in good enough condition to go into training, the Harmony Equine Center trainers evaluated their training levels and started working with them to improve their adoptability by starting them under saddle as needed. They also gelded the colts/stallions again to improve their suitability for adoption.

This herd included mostly mares, young stock and some mares in foal. Many of the older horses were previously registered, but it appears that all the horses under nine years old were not registered. All of them are assumed to be of Egyptian-related breeding based on the pedigrees of the horses who are registered. While papers were not transferred on these horses when they came to Harmony Equine Center, AHA has confirmed that if we can definitively match a horse’s markings and DNA to its registration, then the adopter can apply for new registration papers. AHA has also said that they will support registering the younger horses if their parentage can be confirmed based on DNA testing.

So far, eight have been transferred to another Horse Rescue organization for placement and three have been adopted. Of the remaining 23, most are ready for adoption for $500. Please consider helping these Arabians find good homes.

Before the adoption process can begin, Harmony Equine Center asks that you to agree to the following:

You will not sell the animal for slaughter.You will not use it for breeding purposes.

Harmony Equine Center believes in full transparency. They promise to represent their animals honestly, based on what they know of their past circumstances, what they observe and what they are able to accomplish while they are in their care.

Harmony has an amazing track record on rehabilitating horses and placing them in good homes. The average stay for horses at the Center is 146 days, and for law enforcement cases it is 164 days. This is based on the time it takes to get them back into good health and to provide training to make them more adoptable.

Please link to the Harmony Equine Center site for more information on these horses, harmonyequinecenter.org and help find all of these lovely Arabians new homes.

Author Debbie Helmick is a volunteer at Harmony Equine Center where she mainly cleans paddocks, washes buckets and forks and cleans the barn aisle. She is also an Arabian breeder and shows her horses in Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure and Halter as well as a board member of Colorado Arabian Breeders Alliance in charge of all the Breeders Challenge Nominations.

As the new year begins and schedules fill up again, horse-related shows and events start to rein in excited riders and the horses they have been working diligently to train.

The Palm Beach Classic Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Show is entering its second year in Palm Beach, Fla., and it will take place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The facility contains “a large oversized covered arena, numerous outdoor arenas with great footing, over 100 spacious stalls, wash racks, lots of grassy areas for grazing and miles of trails,” according to the Palm Beach Classic Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Show’s website. About 60 horses will be competing this year.

Marjorie Carr, the show manager, discussed why she thinks horse shows are so important to people.

“Working with animals teaches kids compassion,” Carr said. “Competing with horses teaches the values of hard work, focus, determination, drive, and sportsmanship. Involvement with horses and showing can open up many avenues for personal and professional opportunities.”

She added what she was anticipating for the upcoming show.

“We are hoping for a nice turnout, great weather and a few fun days for everyone,” Carr said.

The show goes from this Friday, January 24, to Sunday, January 26.

“The value I hope people take away is that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but if you always keep trying to improve, you will be successful,” Carr said. “Ride to win, but in the end, remember this is just about having fun with the animals we love.”

For more information and inquiries, visit their website here. Photos are used with the courtesy of the Palm Beach Classic Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Show.

The Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC), a nonprofit organization based in Longmont, Colo., has been assisting people with mental and physical disabilities through equine assisted therapy since 1980. Every year, CTRC hosts a fundraising event called Paint the Pony, where stripes are painted on a horse statue for every $10,000 raised. Mikey (short for Michelangelo), the name chosen for the horse statue, raised $130,000 for the center.

As Paint the Pony ends and a new year begins, the organization has become more committed to helping those who struggle with a

Watch more about CTRC and Paint the Pony.