Why horses are GREAT for kids
Better character, better student, better health… and FUN!
By Jennifer Forsberg Meyer |
courtesy of ELCR.org
Riding offers much more than equestrian know-how. Here’s why horses can be a life-enhancing choice for your child.
Margaret Coon learned a lot about first aid and crisis management during her time with the United States Pony Clubs. So much so, in fact, that when she grew up and was dealing with her own child’s bump on the head, someone from her pediatrician’s office mistook her for an RN.
“No, I’m not,” explained Margaret, who’d wowed the staff by having her baby’s pulse, res-piration, and pupil size available for the doctor. “This is just what you do before you call the veterinarian.”
That degree of composure under pressure is common among Pony Club kids. Margaret’s mother, Ruth Harvie, says the incident is but one of many involving her children, all raised with horses.
The July ‘In Gate’!
‘Horse Human Connection’ symposium returns to Pomona
From the Horsetrader sales staff
Back by popular demand, the Human Horse Connection 2 will be coming to the Kellogg West Conference Center in Pomona Nov. 1-2 for two exceptional days of insights into how your horse thinks. The California Western Dressage Association is presenting the symposium, which will feature a roster of internationally known speakers for attendees of all disciplines.
The older horse
By Sheryl Lynde | Horsetrader columnist
I pointed out the human tendency to shy away from situations of uncertain outcomes. In his book “Think like a Rocket Scientist,” author Ozan Varol states “our obsession with uncertainty leads us astray; all progress takes place in uncertain conditions.”
When we place the horse in unfamiliar situations, holes in their training are uncovered. We are able to focus our efforts on their areas of weaknesses. Similarly, human character flaws are also revealed when the heat is on. It is when we are tested that opportunities present themselves to get better, be better, go deeper.
Summer Sores
By Daniel H. Grove, DVM
Summer sores are a big problem for horses in climates that are warm and moist. We discussed them a few years ago, but I think it is time to revisit them. I am seeing them very frequently, and so are many other practitioners. Let’s delve into what they are, some treatment strategies and prevention.
Habronema and Draschia are the names of the nasty little parasites that causes this sometimes-challenging-to-deal-with disease. They are two of the stomach worms of horses. and in their normal life cycle, do not seem to cause much harm. When the parasite gets deposited in an area of the skin or other external area, they can wreak havoc. They cause a non-healing wound that often times increases in size. It can be bordered by a layer of scar tissue that makes it challenging to get drugs to the source of the problem to kill them off. Often times, small granules are associated with the lesions. If in doubt, a simple biopsy of the lesion can often diagnose the problem. This can be an important part of the diagnosis, as some lesion can mirror other problems.
A memorable Memorial
Both new and familiar faces shine at Jimmy Flores, Sr. Show
By SUE CARTER / for the Horsetrader
TEMECULA — Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association held its annual Jimmy Flores, Sr. Memorial Horse Show May 9-11 at Green Acres Ranch. The show commemorates a great horseman, Jimmy Flores, Sr.
The career of Jimmy Flores, Sr. spanned eight decades and touched thousands of people. Flores first trained professionally in the late 1940s, hanging a shingle in the San Gabriel area. In 1960, he and his family briefly moved to Oregon, then returned to California in 1963, eventually settling in the Perris area in 1966. His highlights in the show pen often featured his Quarter Horse stallion, Skunkface, an AQHA High Point Working Cow Horse who also was part of an international exhibition in Mexico that Flores was asked to perform by the AQHA and the governments of both Mexico and the U.S. in 1968.
The June ‘In Gate’!
A true ‘bucket list’ item: 2025 Catalina Ladies Ride
From the Horsetrader sales staff
Las Caballeras is a group of horsewomen that gather together every fall or spring for a multi-day vacation with their horses on beautiful Catalina Island. Plans are under way for this year’s trip, and there will be two ride options: a short five-day ride Sept. 26-30, and the full seven-day ride Sept. 26–Oct. 2. Either one is a “bucket list” adventure on horseback. Some notes:
Bring your horse or rent one from the ride’s professional wrangler
• Cowgirl campground is at beautiful Little Harbor
• Horses/camping gear is barged to the island
• Enjoy small group rides in a unique, protected ecosystem
Facing Rezoning
Someone wants to rezone local horse property; now what do you do?
By Christine Hughes / courtesy of ELCR.org
There are so many layers to consider when determining if horses are considered livestock and if horse farms are considered agricultural uses. Here are a few things to consider if you are facing local challenges to your equine operations, especially if your local or state regulations leave you in a grey area.
Fly control
By Daniel H. Grove, DVM
If you have horses, you likely have to deal with fly problems at least part of year. Flies are necessary to the environment. They help to breakdown waste products and can even be beneficial in cleaning up infected wounds. Flies also can transmit diseases and spread infection to wounds. They also can cause stress to our animals just from their annoyance. This month, let us discuss some methods for controlling flies.
Fly Sprays
Fly sprays come in either concentrated or ready to use forms. I find they do not usually last very long. It can be helpful to switch brands periodically as the flies become accustomed to one mixture so trying a different one is sometimes helpful. There are also all natural solutions that some owners prefer.
Living the Dream
Spencer Rose Litwack has ridden a childhood passion for trick roping to the Cavalia center stage
Spencer Rose went from Riata Ranch to Cavalia
Horsetrader reprint from February 2011 issue
BURBANK – Of all tricks Spencer Rose has done on horseback, she still remembers her first one in front of a crowd.
She was 12, and her folks were among parents gathered to watch their daughters as they revealed what they had learned during a week-long trick riding camp at the Riata Ranch in Exeter. The routines were simple, slow and very safe – but still quite challenging for a girl who had ridden for the first time that week.
Carolyn Read, 1932-2025
California Horsetrader founder, equestrian advocate leaves legacy
SAN MARCOS — Carolyn Read, who rode her passions for horses, agriculture and historical preservation to a legacy for generations to come, has passed away on her ranch home of 63 years, her family said. She was 92.
In 1979, Carolyn blended her publishing background with her lifelong love for horses and created the California Horsetrader. She served as publisher until 1990 when she sold the business to her son, current publisher Warren Wilson.
“She is, and will be, profoundly missed. She was a difference-maker who had many gifts — her character, her abilities, her tenacity,” Wilson said. “She had an artist’s eye, a businesswoman’s mind, and a strong heart for her land and everything on it, especially her horses. Her opinions were strong, and so was her care and commitment to everything she loved. “
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