From Horsetrader sales staff

A recently released book written by Jennifer Forsberg Meyer, the longtime award-winning Publisher of California Horse Review magazine, is being well-received by the animal-loving community — and for good reason. In Friends With Four Legs, the native Californian and lifelong animal lover brings to life moments with her animals that touch, teach and — above all — entertain readers. Her chapters with horses are especially easy to relate to, the familiar details written in a clean, conversational style. Here’s an excerpt from a chapter entitled, “Sure-footed Saviors”:

When we unloaded our horses at the trailhead that lovely summer morning, everything was just as I had envisioned it. Green meadows rolled out in every direction, with towering cottonwood trees and broad dirt paths. Only, as I soon discovered, this was just the staging area. Our real journey —- the part for which T-shirts (“I Survived A Ray Fine Trail Ride”) actually exist — was a series of high-mountain switchbacks.

These cut into the steep sides of the volcanic rock that leads up to the 9,000-foot-elevation lake, and they are heart-stopping. They reminded me of the walls of the Grand Canyon. They also made me wish I and my novice-level-equestrian husband were riding sure-footed mules. Yes, our geldings were good guys, but still…mules stick like glue.

See the author’s ad on page 13 for info on ordering the book on Amazon.com. If you would like to read more excerpts, you can get a free sneak peek of three chapters on horsetrader.com with this link: http://bit.ly/friendswithfourlegs

By now, you should very well know that the Western States Horse Expo is back! After a two year wait, the West Coast’s leading equestrian event will enliven the beautiful Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Murieta on June 11-13. There is plenty to see, experience and learn from at every Western States Horse Expo, and this year is no exception. For tickets, go to horsexpo.com, or see the ad on page 12.

One of the gems at this year’s Horse Expo can be found in the wide-ranging vendor area: Pharm-Aloe Equine. To be able to purchase the product directly at the show (at great prices!) is attractive in itself, but the truly special part about the weekend will be that customers can meet the founder and driving force behind the company. Debra de la Torre, who launched Pharm-Aloe Equine after witnessing the benefits of aloe vera on her own horse, is passionate about improving horses’ health with her product. You can start learning about Pharm-Aloe Equine with a look at the testimonials on their ad on page 7. Horsetrader Media also did a video for Pharm-Aloe Equine with more details into the product, how it works, and also Debra’s experiences with her own horse that launched her mission to help horses everywhere. Here’s the video link: http://bit.ly/pharmaloe

On Saturday, May 22, Girl Scouts gathered at Laughing Pony Rescue in Rancho Santa Fe for the Girl Scout Merit Badge Program. The troop spent the entire day learning the meaning of rescue and care for horses and farm animals. All in attendance had the opportunity to learn about and experience riding, grooming, leading a horse and equine communication. In order to receive their badges, the troop also learned how to tie their horses up using a quick release knot and were educated on the equipment and “rider lingo” vocabulary needed when riding.

Laughing Pony Rescue has a successful history of providing unique camp experiences for children ages 7 through 11. The camps help the children build confidence, self-esteem and social interaction while gaining useful knowledge about the care and feeding of equines and farm animals. Every camp allows the children to experience a real working horse rescue ranch. Since 2010, Laughing Pony Rescue (LPR) has saved over 1,300 horses, donkeys and farm animals from abuse, neglect and slaughter. Rescued horses in LPR’s therapy program have helped numerous individuals struggling from a variety of challenges. These educational programs continue to bring awareness of animal abuse and protective programs to communities throughout San Diego County.

To find out more about Laughing Pony’s ongoing Horse Rescue Camps and other programs offered by the organization, you can go to LaughingPonyRescue.org. Laughing Pony Rescue is a 501(C)3. Laughing Pony Rescue, located in Rancho Santa Fe, participates in the rescue and rehabilitation of equines.