By: Bryan Hebson

You can’t beat what you can’t catch and they couldn’t catch Ray Mitsuing at the Little Pine Race Track during the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Associations first show of the 2007 season.

The 2007 CPCA Pro Tour kicked off May 31st – June 3rd and it became evident early that Mitsuing made the most of his spring training. The five-time Canadian Champion driving for SIGA set a new track record Saturday speeding around the 5/8ths oval in 113.27.
continue reading "CPCA Kicks off ‘07 season"

by Tara Gamble

The Amberlea Meadows Beginner Hunter Schooling Show II in south Edmonton was held on April 1.

During this two-part show series, horses and riders of all ages and levels demonstrate their interest and skills in preparing their horses and themselves for competition.

Part I, which debuted on March 11, was the kick-off for novice hunter competitors, allowing them to try their hand in the show ring and get a feel for what is involved when competing.
continue reading "Learning the Ropes: Beginners Gain Experience at Amberlea Meadows"

In Trail Riding, Rhonda Hart Poe offers a complete manual of everything you need to know before riding off in the great outdoors. You’ll learn how to evaluate a trail mount, choose equipment, and pack up. You’ll discover ways to train your horse in everything from crossing rivers and encountering traffic to coming when called.

Whether you’re riding close to home or trailering and traveling far, camping out or competing, Poe’s expert advice will enhance your experiences.

Author: Rhonda Hart Poe
Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN: 1-58017-560-0
Price: $28.95 CAD
Soft cover / 325 pages /
b&w illustrations
To order: Contact Storey Publishing at (413) 346-2215,
write to 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247, USA,
or visit www.storey.com

Veteran rider and trainer Charlene Strickland takes you on a fascinating tour of Western contests, and teaches you the skills and practices that make Western judges sit up and take notice. From learning the rules to preparing to show to riding in show ring traffic, the author gives you everything you need to know for dressing the part and practicing the patterns.

Chapters include topics on Horse Show Basics, The Show Game, Showing for Intermediate Riders, Showing Your Working Horse, Timed Events, and Arena Contests.

Author: Charlene Strickland
Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN: 1-58017-031-5
Price: $28.50 CAD
Soft cover / 133 pages / b&w photos and illustrations
To order: Contact Storey Publishing at (413) 346-2215,
write to 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247, USA, or visit www.storey.com

by Carin A. Smith, DVM

Colic is the number one killer of horses, but it is not a disease. Rather, it is a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse.

Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. That’s because many of the conditions that cause colic can become life-threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic — and seeking qualified veterinary help — can the chance for recovery be maximized.
continue reading "The #1 killer of horses: Understanding and Controlling Colic"

by Carin A Smith, DVM

In the second part of our two-part series on equine surgery, we take a look at the inherent risks of surgery and what you can expect after your horse has undergone an operation.

What are the Risks of Surgery?

There are always risks associated with any surgical procedure.

An elective surgery is the safest of all, since the veterinarian has more control over the environment. Trained personnel can be summoned, an appropriate place to perform the surgery can be found, and the horse can be carefully prepared for the procedure.

With an emergency surgery, the risks rise. Fewer trained people may be available for assistance, or the veterinary specialist you desire may not be at hand. Maybe the horse can’t be transported to the best facility, or is in shock or very ill, raising the risk of infection or anesthetic complications.
continue reading "Equine Surgery: Part II - What You Need to Know"

By: Lisa Schiestel

Can you catch and throw with both hands equally? Probably not. Well, horses are a lot like people, and also predominantly right or left-handed (hoofed), which means that, for them, picking up the correct lead on cue is usually easier on one side than it is on the other.

With that in mind, AQHA Professional Horseman Lisa Schiestel, shows us an exercise that will help even the most awkward of horses pick up either lead properly when asked.
continue reading "Picking Up The Correct Lead"