This post is gonna be short and sweet today… My husband came home from the show this past weekend and told me I was crazy…
I don’t understand why he thinks that…?
(JK – people are welcome at any time :)
Halter-in-a-Hurry
MY STABLE LIFE May 24, 2012
Have you ever gotten yourself out to the pasture, with only a lead rope and due to a brewing emergency (for instance a horse in the wrong area, or a horse out of the pasture altogether) and were in need of halter in a real hurry?
I have. And thanks to a little trick my grandfather showed me, I have a neat little way of catching a horse and leading it back when the halter is a mile away.
Now before I go on much more, this blog comes with a disclaimer! The halter-in-a-hurry is by no means meant to replace a conventional halter in any way. And as the halter-in-a-hurry has a “tightening effect” if the lead is pulled on too much, it is not recommended for colts, horses that are head shy or don’t lead well. The halter-in-a-hurry is merely useful in situations where time is of the essence and with horses that lead well and are in need of being moved from one area to another quickly. This halter can be harsh in the wrong hands but if used properly and carefully, can be a very gentle form of control. Also important to note is that the smaller the size/diameter of the rope, the more severe the halter can become – which is why I use it only when I have a thick lead rope with me.
Okay, so enough of that. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to create a halter-in-a-hurry:
1. Start by clipping your lead rope back to itself, creating a loop large enough to slip the horse’s entire head through.
This loop will be placed at the horse’s throat latch…
Next, you will essentially create a secondary loop at the bottom of your first loop, intended for the horse’s nose. The following picture is to give you the idea, however it’s important to point out that the secondary loop needs to be done while the horse is wearing the rope:
So once you have the first loop over the horse’s throatlatch, pull the second loop through the first one, under the horse’s cheek bones.
Now slip the second loop over the horse’s nose, like so:
And snug it up on the bridge of the nose, where the horse finds it comfortable and the lead is taut.
The rope makes somewhat of a figure-8 under the horse’s cheek bones and the remaining rope can be used to lead the horse, as this is what the handler would hang on to.
Presto! The finished halter-in-a-hurry. And it took about 20 seconds to create with only a lead rope.
A Chance To See Kentucky Derby 138
MY STABLE LIFE May 22, 2012
The horses in the $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (the only race of that day, run on the grass track).
My best gal pal, Jaime, recently received the gift of a lifetime – a chance to go and see the Kentucky Derby! And since Derby 138 winner, I’ll Have Another, recently also won the Preakness, I thought her memento pics would be pretty cool to share on My Stable Life. So if any of you are wanting to life vicariously through Jaime as well, here goes…
The Churchill Downs Board captured all of the pre-race info and showcased a close-up of the starting gates for anyone who couldn’t see it very well:
The race held just prior to the Derby race.
Kentucky Oaks is the Kentucky Derby’s sister event, held this past May 4. On Oaks Day, the fillies race and in honor of the Oaks official flower (the stargazer lily) and cancer patients, the crowd is asked to wear pink. From hats to handkerchiefs and sunglasses to stilettos, Oaks guests came out in droves of pink. Of course, the sheer volume of people in the crowd is extraordinary as well.
The Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks race are the only sporting events that are also high fashion events. Of course, one of the event’s greatest traditions are the hats! Part Southern tradition, part spectacle, the Kentucky Derby hat parade is much of what makes “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” one of the greatest people-watching events in the world. From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits when it comes to choosing a Derby hat.
Jaime tells me that during the entire race weekend there were numerous planes flying over the track with advertisements and the like. And this plane, “…just decided to make a smiley face, I guess,” she said.
Super cute!
Jaime was lucky enough to get a chance to see the paddock and watch as the Derby horses made their grand entry.
Here is Rousing Sermon, a horse that had 40-1 odds of winning the Derby.
Unfortunately, he didn’t finish in the top 3.
However, Jaime was lucky enough to snap a picture of this chestnut fellow…
Ridden by “Marvelous Mario” (Mario Gutierrez), who has been the leading rider at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver prior to moving to Southern California for the winter, and owned by Canadian business man J. Paul Reddam, I’ll Have Another came to the Derby with a “…pedigree peppered with stamina influences, hinting that he could thrive with additional distance.”
I’ll Have Another stormed down the track to a 15-1 upset after he ran down pacesetter and the 4-1 favorite, Bodemeister, before a record crowd of 165,307 people. He won by 1 1/2 lengths on the wire at Churchill Downs.
Here, Jaime snapped a great shot of turn 1 in the Derby:
And here is Jaime doing her best to capture the finish line. Obviously, many other people also had the same idea:
Still, what a great memento shot for Jaime of I’ll Have Another taking the win with Bodemeister finishing 2nd!
Of course with all great events comes the aftermath of fighting through the masses and returning to one’s car…
And Jaime had a good chuckle over this – This shot was taken after the race. Prior to the race, people who lived close to the track offered guests parking on their lawns. She reported that, “…prices were between $10 and $50! It was kinda funny because the locals would offer parking and bathroom use, or cold drinks, to get people to park on their front yards! I guess it’s an easy way to make a few bucks.”
But if you’re in Kentucky next year and you’re looking for a great deal, parking after the race is the best way to save some coin…
5 Cool Equine Apps
MY STABLE LIFE May 19, 2012
Technology can either keep you sane – or make you crazy. But if you’re one of those people who prefers to ride the techno-wave long before anyone else jumps on the boat, here are 5 cool apps that will make your mobile device much more than just talk and music.
1. Equine Vet
The ‘Equine vet’ app is a veterinary app for horse owners. It contains 10 of the most common equine health, disease and illnesses you need to be familiar with as a horse owner. It also includes chapters on the expectant and foaling mare, and an Equine Veterinary Exam with over 120 questions. This app was created by registered veterinary surgeon Pat Power, M.V.B., M.R.C.V.S, from Ireland.
Content includes:
- An exam with over 100 multiple choice questions covering gastric ulcers, sweet itch, colic, parasites, lameness, dental care, mud rash, vaccinations, stranges, the expectant and foaling mare, and laminitis.
-Parasites, including large strongyles, small strongyles, ascarids, tapeworms, pinworns, bots and threadworms, common signs and management.
-Laminitis, including the causes, risk factors, signs of acute laminitis, signs of chronic laminitis and treatment.
-Gastric ulcers; symptoms and treatment.
-Vaccinations, including tetanus/lock jaw, influenza, rhinopneumonitis and rotavirus.
-Lameness; description and recommendation
- Strangles, signs, symptoms and treatment.
-Colic, including 16 signs of colic, what information to provide your vet when contacting them, steps to be taken the three main colic types explained, treatment options, and recommended management and preventative tips.
5. EquiCalc
EquiCalc uses your horse’s heart girth measurement and the length from point of shoulder to point of buttock to estimate your horse’s weight, which can be useful when administering dewormer and for feeding purposes. The app is designed to work with both imperial and metric figures. Developed by EquiApps.com.
4. iWhinny
Missing your horse, want to surprise and confuse your friends, or just want to see some photos of gorgeous horses?! Play 12 different horse whinnys, each with its own cute horse picture and saying. The perfect horse quick fix!
3. Horse Budget
Horse Budget allows you to keep track of your spending and let you know when to rein it in! This app can help you create a monthly spending budget and keep track of your weekly, monthly and yearly spending. You can record item spending by date, add detailed descriptions and view expenses in simple pie charts, illustrating a summary of your top 10 spending categories. Visual highlighting further increases your spending awareness by using a red or green light to show you if you over (red) or within (green) your budget.
Pre-loaded categories include; Alternative therapies, arena hire, bedding, books & mags, boots & bandages, cleaning, competition fees, show clothes, dentistry, driving equipment, farrier, feed / grazing, fencing, arena, footwear, grooming & clipping, ropes, insurance, prize money, purchase price, vet fees, blankets, barn supplies, transportation, fuel, vaccines, deworming, plus more.
Available on iTunes
2. EquiList 1.0
Developed by EquiApps.com, the EquiList app is a simple digital checklist that grooms and riders can use while preparing to attend a horse show. Items are organized into categories for travel, documents, grooming, tack and the rider. The pre-loaded list contains over 100 items. Users may then add, delete and customize the list to their particular show needs. There is a checkbox that can be marked off as each item is packed. Touch the Edit button to delete items from the list. Touch on an item to modify details of an existing item. This will take you to a detail screen that allows you to change the text, choose a section for the item and mark whether the item is packed. Click the Add button to add a new item to your list. Happy showing!
The Heart of a Mother
MY STABLE LIFE May 12, 2012
Sue Sears.
As today is Mother’s Day, it’s only fitting to post something in tribute to Mothers all across the globe. So Happy Mother’s Day all you wonderful ladies!
I also thought I’d share an inspiring interview I recently had the chance to conduct with Susan Sears – mother of Lindsay Sears.
With her National Finals Rodeo championships and plethora of other titles to her name, Lindsay has become a Canadian hero. Aboard her super horse “Martha,” you could pretty much say “Lindz” has reached rock star status with a following of stratospheric proportions.
Yet as is often the case, behind every great success story is a support system that stays true rain or shine. For Lindsay, that support system comes large in part, from her family. And especially from her mother. And when Sue is not busy with the family’s extensive cattle and farming operation – Sears Ranches, which, I might add, celebrated 100 years and 3 years of Ag business in 2010 – Sue Sears can also be found at the helm of the family’s horse operation.
Of course, Sue is quick to credit others and incredibly modest about her own contributions. But the world can see the quiet force she is, frequenting the behind-the-scenes action.
So without further ado, here’s my Q & A with Sue:
Q. Can you please tell me a bit about Sears Ranches / 76 Cattle Co?
My husband Rick and I, together with Rick’s brother Jeff and wife, Dode, and our son, Jordan, actively operate a farming/ranching operation in the Nanton, AB, area. The Sears family homesteaded in the Nanton area in 1910 and has been actively farming and raising cattle ever since. Our children are the 5th generation to farm the land. Over the years, the operation has grown and expanded into a multi-faceted business with a corporate office in Nanton.
Q. Can you please tell me a bit about your family?
Our son, Jordan, graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in AgBusiness and our daughter, Lindsay, graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics. Both of them were members of their respective College Rodeo Teams and received rodeo scholarships that assisted them with college expenses.
Upon graduation, our son, started a very successful Custom Harvesting/Silaging Business and worked on both sides of the border before returning home to take over the farming operation. Lindsay also returned home after graduation with the intention of becoming involved in the Commodity Trading end of our business. However six months later, in January 2006, the decision to purchase Sugar Moon Express, aka “Martha” changed her plans and, together they formed a partnership that has taken them to six consecutive NFR appearances. This has resulted in 2 World Championships and 2 Reserve World Championships.
Q. Is there a quote that you live by?
Success is based on the ability to focus on a goal and “stay” the course….. and to never confuse “good luck” with “good management.” To be successful in any endeavour you will need both!
Q. Lindsay has had tremendous success in the last few years. Many people have told me that you are the backbone to a very successful operation and play a very significant role in supporting Lindsay and therefore in part, to her success. Can you please tell me about all the things you help with on a day to day basis?
As far as playing a supportive role in Lindsay’s success, we are no different than any other parents. We simply provide support when needed, whether it be in helping her get down the road, out back in the practice pen or a simple word of encouragement when needed. I think the most important thing we’ve contributed in Lindsay’s success, is a work ethic. Success doesn’t come easy to anyone but if you work hard, stay focused and “stay the course” – your chances of achieving your dreams are much greater!
Q. Can you please tell me about your horse operation?
Lindsay and I decided a few years ago that we would selectively breed a few of the mares that she had been successful on and, consequently, we now have several young prospects! I have several in training with Clay Webster and Steve Dunham. As to how many will end up in the barrel racing arena – who knows. It’s too soon to tell. Patience is a virtue and one that I rely on every day. Martha is one of those “one-of-a-kind” horses that, if you are lucky, you may find once in your lifetime.
She is an amazing athlete. In fact, I think so much so, that she is probably a freak of nature. So, it is very difficult to evaluate the athletic abilities of these other young horses because in the back of your mind, you are always comparing them to her. One thing for certain, it’s been great fun watching her and Lindsay over the past six years. As for the future, who knows where it will lead them….. a 7th trip to the National Finals Rodeo and a chance to compete for a World title in 2012? ….Another opportunity to compete at the Canadian Finals?
Q. Lindsay has been quoted as stating that Martha is not only an amazing athlete, she is also a family member – can you elaborate on that?
After winning Houston this year, Lindz was asked in the interview how much would she would sell Martha for. Her answer was, “she’s not for sale!” However, Boyd persisted and asked Lindsay, “$100,000? $200,000? $500,000?”
Lindsay’s response was “Martha’s part of our family – would you sell your daughter????”
You can’t put a price on something that is a part of your life. That’s not to say that, at some point, Martha’s embryo’s won’t be for sale!
Q. What has been your proudest moments as a mother?
My proudest moment as a mother was when Lindsay was asked to fly to Kansas City to fulfill a young bull rider, Cody Stevens’ dying wish. He wanted to meet her in person. Cody’s doctors had given him two or three days to live. He was losing his battle with leukemia. Lindsay had been contacted about 8 weeks earlier by a friend of Cody’s, the night before his bone marrow transplant. His friend explained that Cody had always had a crush on Lindsay and loved to watch her and Martha compete. He wondered if Lindsay could perhaps call Cody and try to lift his spirits a little, as this was the last hope in his treatment.
So, Lindsay called and spent an hour on the phone talking about rodeo, life, and how one never knows what might lie ahead with Cody. Cody told her that he hoped that he would be able to go home and ride his horse again.
More recently, Lindsay was asked to come and spend Cody’s last days with him. There would be no last trip home for Cody to ride his horse. Lindsay stayed with Cody until the very end. They talked for hours. About the NFR. About horses. And they laughed at the funny things that happen on the road.
Cody died sadly, the next day. But the gift he gave to Lindsay was far more precious than a world title!
Horse Show Mamas
MY STABLE LIFE May 9, 2012
Yep, this pretty much sums up my life at horse shows! Dave Elston captured it perfectly.
As I think I already eluded to on My Stable Life once this week, Mother’s Day is right around the corner. (Perhaps it’s becoming one of my favorite days of the year…?!) And traveling out to some of the early horse shows of the year really got me thinking – it’s difficult enough being a horse trainer’s wife on some days. But toting along a family in that truck and trailer is an adventure all on its own! Along with hay and saddles and chaps, we’re busy packing diapers and strollers and Lord knows what else to keep our children happy. It’s a little bit of work. And it’s exiting all at the same time. Especially because we get to live the western lifestyle every weekend, as a family.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges! <grin>
So I decided to see how other “Horse Show Mamas” manage horse shows, with children in tow. I need to know their secrets!! And I’d thought I’s share their expert advice with y’all – just in case there are other horse show mamas out there who are balancing shows with motherhood.
Here’s what they had to say:
Teri Clearwater – Mother of 2 Little Cowboys
Teri Clearwater is married to professional cow horse trainer, Dale Clearwater. Together, they live in Hanley, SK, and have two children, Caleb who is 7 and Westin who is 3.
Q. When you head out to a horse show, what’s your secret for keeping them happy and entertained while the show goes on?
I pack a bag of toys for them to play with. If the arena has dirt or a sand pile anywhere, I show them where it is and that is the best babysitter. Since I have 2 boys, getting dirty is a given. I don’t even worry about it!
Now that we own a trailer with living quarters, I don’t think we could ever go back to a trailer without them. It is so nice to be at the show and not have to drive back and forth from the hotel. When my boys were still napping, I could just walk across the parking lot and lay them down. We eat healthier because we can pack along our own food, and that alone keeps my kids healthier and happier in itself.
Something else we try to always have in the trailer is toys. Especially tractors and trucks that they can move dirt around with. Every once in a while I will wash up the toys and donate them somewhere and replace the bin with new toys to keep things new and exciting, therefore keeping the boys entertained longer.
Q. What are your diaper bag essentials? Is there anything you can’t leave home without?
When my boys were little, Tylenol was a must. They were always bumping their head or banging something and I had it on hand. Also as my boys are growing, snacks is a big thing now. They are always hungry and if I can provide them with snacks and not let them get too hungry, they tend to be happier. We have a TV and DVD in the trailer and so I try to pick up new movies when I see them on sale. This gives them something to do during chore time, early in the morning or later in the evening, or when they have had enough and just need to get away from the show for an hour or so.
Q. Do you have a funny kid / horse show story you could share?
In 2008 when we were down in Stephenville, Texas, Caleb was not quite 3 years old yet. Dale was showing his horse in the reined work and we were watching in the stands,. Then right when Dale turned the corner to do his rundown for his stop, Caleb yelled out, “DAD CAN I RIDE WITH YOU YET??”
Everyone in the stands started laughing and you can even hear it when we play back the video.
Also in 2009 when we were down in Reno, Nevada, we were stalled down from Boyd Rice. Every time Boyd rode by Caleb would say, “Hi”. After about a week Boyd asked Dale if that was his boy and Dale said “Yeah.” Boyd replied, “One of these times I need to stop and BS with him, he is a cute kid!” That made his papa proud!
Kerri Mallett – Mother 1 Little Cowgirl
Kerri, Colin and Brooklyn Mallett.
Kerri Mallett is a non-professional reiner who lives in Okotoks, AB, with her husband Colin and their 16-month old daughter, Brooklyn.
Q. When you head out to a horse show, what’s your secret for keeping them happy and entertained while the show goes on?
Balancing my time between Brooklyn and riding… can be difficult. I’m lucky I have a husband who is very helpful around the house and with Brooky. And he understands my dreams of riding and the need for a woman to “get out of the house to keep her sanity!!” <smile>
I manage to get out 3 days a week and my trainer Clay Webster will pick up the other days that my horse needs to be riding! Balancing time at horse shows is a challenge as well, but my husband comes with me to all the shows and when I’m with my horse he takes care of our daughter. I find I don’t have the time to sit and socialize with other people or watch many runs as I used too. And once I’m done with my pony, I’m usually back at the trailer with the family. I’m very blessed to have a living quarters trailers. So it makes running back and forth at the shows easier!
Q. Is there anything you can’t leave home without?
My secret at horse shows for keeping Brooky happy is her love for her dad… she just adores Colin and wants to hang off of him! We call him the “Rockstar”!! Also, we bring our laptop so we can play movies for her like Sesame Street or Baby Einstein! Sometimes I will also bring my Exersaucer for times when I just need to confine her for a little bit.
Q. What are your diaper bag essentials?
Besides diapers and wipes, I need lots of snacks, juice and soothers. And I Love Love Love soother clips! Thank the Lord for whoever invented that one!!!
I can also never leave home without my cell phone. It sounds funny but my phone helps to distract a crying baby because you can play music on it anywhere, at any time. Like in the grocery store, mall or at a horse show!!! When Mom needs a few minutes to get something done – it’s my best friend!
Q. Any good tips for healthy horse show snacks?
I usually buy groceries at home before the show and stock up our fridge/freezer in our trailer. It’s so nice to be able to bring “home cooked meals” with us. I also make sure I bring Brooklyn’s favorite snacks such as Gerber Graduates melts! They come in all flavors and she loves them. Also, Cheerios!
Deanne Swales – Mother of 3 Little Cowboys
Deanne Swales seen here with Lane (right) and Tyree (on her lap). Deanne and her husband John also recently welcomed a third child into their family, Levi.
Deanne Swales is married to professional cow horse trainer John Swales and they live in Millarville, AB. Together they have 3 sons: Tyree – age 6, Lane-age 3 and Levi, age 2 months.
Q. When you head out to a horse show, what’s your secret for keeping them happy and entertained while the show goes on?
I make sure they have regular snacks (such as juice boxes and granola bars) and we pack along special “horse show” toys, including bikes if the weather/arena allows.
Q. What are your diaper bag essentials? Is there anything you can’t leave home without?
Lots of wipes! On long trips I wrap little presents for the times we are waiting for meals, or a late evening run… that really helps in a time of need! The other thing I always ensure to have is an extra set of clothes for each of my kids, as the sand and mud always finds my boys!
And we can never leave the house without their cowboy hats and toys.
Q. Do you have a funny kid / horse show story you could share?
When Tyree was about 1&1/2 yrs old, he was on his toy horse – which has wheels on it – in the trailer tack room. We had the screen door shut as we were saddling horses outside, tied to the trailer. Next thing we knew, Tyree had rode his horse out the screen door and dropped about 2 1/2 feet to the ground, landing face/hands first… luckily it was into a fresh pile of horse manure! He was lucky because the cushion prevented any scraps or bruises… we all had a giggle!
Stay tuned, as My Stable Life will return with some of these Horse Show Mama’s best secrets for healthy snacks at the horse show! Including personal recipes that really help to satisfy kids on long days, without requiring Mum to run to the show concession.
Horses, Ink
MY STABLE LIFE May 7, 2012
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to find that perfect gift. And if you’re looking for something that will accommodate a good chuckle, look no further than the new collection of horse cartoons recently released by Dave Elston!
Elston is the brilliant mind behind many of the sports cartoons you’ve likely seen in Sports Illustrated, on Hockey Night in Canada and TSN, and in a whack of daily newspapers. He is Canada’s only full-time sports cartoonist. And he’s actually had professional athletes tell him, “You’re my favorite cartoonist!”
On that note, he’s also had professional athletes tell him, “If I see you on the street, I’ll kill you!”
But there’s no denying Elston’s perspective is both honest and truthful. And when you look at things through his pencil, Elston’s perspective is laugh-out-loud hilarious.
“Running Late” in Elston’s newly released book is a perfect example. Horse people of all types will certainly be able to relate to this comical cartoon, (but you’re gonna have to buy the book if you want to see it!) <grin>
And since Elston has a philanthropic side, $1 from every book sold will go towards the Cochrane & Area Humane Society. However, if that doesn’t entice you to run out and find a copy of Horses, Ink, remember that drawing – is the only way Elston can get a horse to do what he wants. The world really needs to continue to support his habit. <smile>
For more info, check out: www.daveelston.com
Oreo, the Roping Steer
MY STABLE LIFE May 2, 2012
On a beautiful, sunny, recent day, I decided to take a walk down to the barn to see what was happening.
Turns out, I was just in time to catch a glimpse of the young ‘uns (namely, Nancy and Cory), practicing their roping skills.
The pair were preparing to compete in the Working Cowboy Competition which was being held at Lakeland College this past April 13.
So they pulled “Oreo,” our roping steer into the arena to test out a few loops.
Here’s Nancy. Getting organized, while Oreo patiently waits in the background.
Here’s Cory putting his mount through the paces, before actually throwing a loop.
Things were looking pretty good for a while.
Until Nancy caught herself…
…again, Oreo patiently waited in the background.
So, she tried a different approach.
“Come ‘ere lil Oreo… Here cow… “
“Here littttttttle cow…”
And when that tactic didn’t work, Nancy decided to regroup.
Finally, Cory and Nancy elected to work together. In pursuit of Oreo.
And Nancy threw a beautiful loop that landed cleanly around Oreo’s neck.
At which point, Oreo ran neatly down the center of the arena. And stopped. Square in the middle.
He was now patiently waiting for Nancy to remove the rope.
Good little cow!! Because that’s how we roll here at the ranch!
Next up, I’ll explain how we train our horses to do this…
Just kidding!
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