Ranch roping is a method of roping and doctoring cattle in a low-stress environment with the emphasis on the well-being of the livestock and the skill of the riders and their horses that have learned the traditional methods of roping and doctoring cattle.

As a spectator and participant event, this method of roping is just coming into popularity in rural communities with the formal development of the Canadian Ranch Roping Association (CRRA) in 2004.
continue reading "Ranch Roping on the Rise"

by Misty Reberger

The 23rd annual Super Stakes competition was held July 21 to 23, 2006 in Claresholm, AB.

Over $68,000 was paid out in the various classes. Judges for the event were Debbie McGregor from California, and Jeanie Smith from Oregon.

Featured were the Four-year-old Open and Non-Pro Super Stakes Class; Open, and Non-Pro High Five; and Working Cow Horse Four- and Five-year-old Derby, Open, and Non-Pro.
continue reading "Superior Talent at Super Stakes"

by Karen Briggs

Know that old saying, “It takes a hundred falls to make a rider?” If true, then the vast majority of us have executed more than a couple of ungainly spirals into the air in our riding careers.

Most of us, fortunately, have also learned to take the inevitability of a few falls in stride, especially after we’ve accumulated a large enough sampling of them to realize that the injuries are generally pretty minor (along the lines of bruised tushes and wounded pride!).

However, if a rider should fall from a horse in your company, would you be prepared? Would you know how to assess their condition and administer correct first aid?
continue reading "First Aid for the Rider"

by Johanne Elsener, D.V.M., M.Sc., Professional Services, Wyeth Animal Health

Some people hold the misconception that horses are able to thrive on a little pasture and water and a lot of luck. Horses can exist that way, but they rarely thrive.

One reason is the insidious damage being done by parasite infections that range from growth retardation to colic and deaths. Control of parasites is important because it helps reduce this damage, and gives the horse the opportunity to reach its full potential – whether as a performer or as a companion.
continue reading "Deworming: Controlling the Parasite Within"

With 104 members from 21 Alberta 4-H light horse clubs, one British Columbia club, and over 50 volunteer leaders, the 2006 Provincial 4-H Horse Classic held August 2 to 4, 2006 was a resounding success.

“The way this program is run encourages participants to use their knowledge and experience as much as possible,” says Janet Kerr, 4-H specialist for Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
continue reading "Everyone’s a Winner at 4-H Horse Classic 2006"

by Sheryl Hilton

There was no lack of colour in Drayton Valley, AB, on the weekend of July 14, 15, and 16, 2006. The forested town west of Edmonton was the setting for the Big West Colour Classic Paint (APHA) and Appaloosa (ApHC) approved horse shows.

Competitors showed their horses to one judge, Fred Adams of Nebraska on July 14, with the day co-sponsored by the Saskatchewan Paint Horse Club. July 15 and 16 had three judges: Doug Lasota of Arizona, Rick Evans of Georgia, and Rick McMasters of Tennessee, which offered a three-point opportunity per class.
continue reading "Painting the West: The Big West Colour Classic Show 2006"

by Kathryn Kincannon

Dear Alpha Mare,

I am having trouble getting the bridle on my mare. She is 16.1 hh and I am 5’4”. When I go to put the bridle on, she will wait nicely while I try to get the bit into her mouth, and then she puts her head up so high that I can’t reach. Then the bit falls out, and we have to start over. I have watched Chris’ videos enough to know that I should be blocking alternatives to her keeping her head up so that keeping it down is her choice, however, I haven’t been able to figure out how exactly to do this! Any suggestions?
continue reading "Feeling Good"