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.

No obstacle, even a lost eye, could keep a determined trio — horse, trainer and owner — from reaching the 2020 NRHA Derby Open Finals

By Warren Wilson / Horsetrader staff

TEMECULA — Marty Bales saw White Tye Affair’s potential as a National Reining Horse Association Open Finals horse the first time she saw the yearling in a sale video. What she didn’t see—what nobody could have imagined—was the 4-year journey that would get him there, on the floor of the Coliseum in the NRHA Open Derby last June.

After a promising start through his 2-year-old year, White Tye Affair (Smart And Shiney X Cowgirl Affair) hit a series of setbacks that would demoralize most horses, not to mention their trainers and owners.

DEL MAR—Even before the horse community had a chance to raise its collective voice, hundreds of residents near the Del Mar Horse Park are protesting a concept to bring temporary homeless housing to the show facility.

The 65-acre Horse Park, under the purview of the 22nd District Agricultural Association that manages the Del Mar Fairgrounds, apparently is not under any immediate impact.

BURBANK—Griffith Park, the largest urban park in the United States, has 56 miles of horse trails and supports a thriving horse community of trail users. Every day, equestrians can be found riding, from early morning into the evening, on a trail system that provides a quiet riding experience in a natural and safe environment.

With plans heating up by city businessmen and leaders to construct an aerial tram to view the Hollywood sign, equestrian advocates met virtually with Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu to present concerns.

From Horsetrader sales staff

Ranch horse popularity continues to grow, and growing along with it is West Coast Ranch Horse, offering new events and programs all the time. Two Southern California events on the calendar after summer will be the Ranch Horse Rendezvous Oct. 24-25 at CRC Ranch in Temecula and the Winter Ranch Horse Buckle Series at Green Acres Ranch in Temecula on Nov. 7, Dec. 12 and Jan. 16.

The Ranch Horse Rendezvous will feature a clinic, an open and amateur futurity for 3/4 and 5/6 year-olds, and a barbeque dinner with wine tasting and music on Saturday, and the horse show with divisions for all levels on Sunday. The Buckle Series will award division high points, best 2/3 shows to count. Come on out and check out the ranch horse classes in August at two WCRH-sanctioned events, the Southern California Professional Horseshow at Green Acres Ranch Aug. 15-16, or the “Slots of Fun” Summer Circuit Show at the Rolling Hills Equestrian Center in Corning Aug. 28-30. For more info, see the ad on page 17, or go to westcoastranchhorse.com.

By Sheryl Lynde | Horsetrader columnist

Years ago, I purchased my first mare, Missy. We got along really well as I tested her out at her previous owner’s place. However when I brought her home, she became aggressive.

As I entered her pen the next day, she pinned her ears, bared her teeth and charged me. This was such a departure from her behavior while at the owner’s place. I never felt that I had been misled – I just thought the behavior was due to the change in her environment. I needed to establish my authority, not necessarily for disciplinary action, but in order to create a familiar hierarchy that made sense to her and restored order.

More than 1,000 entries vie in five days of WCRHA shows

Eileen Maxinoski / for the Horsetrader

RANCHO MURIETA — Nearly 200 exhibitors recently beat the COVID-19 pandemic blues by competing in the successful, well-run third and fourth affiliate shows of the West Coast Reining Horse Association.

With over 1,000 actual entries, it proved to be the largest show for the WCRHA in years. Five days of showing June 24-28 gave trainers, non-pros, and youth plenty of opportunities to get ‘in the pen’ under the watchful eyes of NRHA judges Kelly Sapp of North Carolina and Mark Turner of Indiana.

The double-affiliate show, held at the beautiful Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Murieta, started the week off with a full slate of classes going through mid-Friday, at which time the Fourth Affiliate show, with duplicate classes in a different order, began.