At 86 years young, Didi Engler reenters
reining arena, shines at Cactus Classic

By Horsetrader staff

CHINO HILLS — When Didi Engler learned of a new National Reining Horse Association Legends Non Pro Division, it was the start of something new.

Actually, it was a restart of something quite familiar — and important — to her. It had been 10 years since she had competed in a reining arena, and new rules allowing competitors aged 70 and over to place their hand on the pommel horn was a difference-maker for her confidence.

“That opened up a whole new world,” she says from the breezeway at King Performance Horses, the barn she has been with since 1986. “If I could hold on to a pommel horn, I’d feel safe.”

By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

This year has been an extra wet one for most of our country. Some of us have needed it badly and others, not so much. This month I think it is prudent that we discuss some conditions that may become more prevalent this year due to the extra moisture in our environments. If we take some extra steps in care and observation, pests can be minimized, diseases can be prevented, and extra veterinary bills can be avoided.

Flies

Flies are a huge nuisance to our livestock. They also can transmit some diseases. With all the added moisture to our environment, we are likely to see an increase in flies. Last year I wrote an article on methods of fly control. I discussed some good control measures including fly sprays, fly bait, feed through fly control and fly predators. If you are not already including these in your husbandry, it may be a good time to evaluate your situation and see if additional measures are warranted. One horse with a bad case of summer sores will definitely make you think twice about neglecting to control flies.

Spectators are welcome to Brannaman L.A. clinic April 26-28

From the Horsetrader sales staff

If you are a student of horsemanship, you are familiar with Buck Brannaman, who will be conducting a three-day clinic in Los Angeles April 26-28. Bring your chair (but, please, not your dog) for the event, which will take place at the JPK Ranch in Agua Dulce. No reservations are needed to be a spectator, who can enjoy the educational environment for $30 per day. Each day will feature Foundational Horsemanship from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by a lunch break from noon to 1:30. Concluding the afternoon will be Horsemanship 1 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Food will be available on site, and for additional information, contact Sandy at (626) 524-3166, or by checking out the website at www.brannaman.com. Please see the ad on page 15.