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Happenings of the Sacramento Horse Community

Mark Thompson

Western States Horse Expo Returns to Murieta Equestrian Center

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If you are in to anything horses then you know all about the Western States Horse Expo (or HorsExpo per their website address or logo), one of the largest equestrian events certainly in the West if not the whole United States. This year’s Horse Expo will take place once again at the Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Murieta, California, their new home for the past two years since leaving their longtime venue, Cal Expo, in 2018. Horse Expo will run from June 11th through the 13th.

The Horse Expo has it all. This year’s Horse Expo features clinics, demonstrations, competitions, and, of course, world class shopping. New to this year’s Horse Expo will be the Wine Concourse. Wineries from El Dorado and Amador Counties will be pouring a selection of favorite wines for your to discover. The Wine Concourse will be offered Friday and Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm and tickets are $48 daily.

If you feel your horse knows his or her way around some difficult obstacles, they can tackle the challenge of the Western States Obstacle Buckle Series. The Obstacle Buckle Series will run all three days of the Expo. If you attend all 3 events, you will automatically be in the Buckle Series! A beautiful silver buckle from Molly’s Custom Silver will be awarded to the high point in Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced! You can register for the Series by clicking here.

One of the favorite exhibits for horse lovers is the Horse Expo Breed Pavilion. The Pavilion allows breed associations to education the public about the benefits of their favorite horse breed. You’ll see many different types of horses here including paso finos, andalusians, and gypsy vanners. Which one is right for you?

For a complete schedule, click here.

Tickets for Horse Expo are $30 for a single day pass. Parking is $10 per day. Kids 10 and under are free. For more information, please visit https://horsexpo.com/. Up to the minute information is available on Horse Expo’s Facebook page.

Popular Programs Return to the 20th Anniversary Western States Horse Expo!

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Popular Programs Return to the 20th Anniversary Western States Horse Expo!

(April 16, 2018 – El Dorado Hills, CA.) 2018 is the 20th Anniversary year for the Western States Horse. For the last two decades this exposition has celebrated the spirit of the horse, the equestrian and rural lifestyle with all that they encompass. Happening June 8-10, 2018 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, this has been the premier event of its kind, and had been one of the most trusted resources for innovation, inspiration and education within the equestrian community unlike any other! On Friday evening, June 8, 2018, after a full day of demonstrations, lectures and amazing shopping, attendees will be able to witness the Magnificent 7 All Around Stock-Horse Championship where seven of the best horse/human teams in the country will be competing in four events, in one evening, on the same horse. This is an event sure to thrill everyone!

The Western Select Barrel Race is happening on Saturday evening, June 9, 2018 and Sunday morning, June 10, 2018, This race has a jackpot of $10,000 making it one of the largest purses west of the Mississippi. Riders will be racing for cash ($10,000) and prizes and the excitement of the crowd!

Of course, the Western Select Ranch & Barrel HORSE SALE is going to be an exhilarating event happening on Sunday June 10, 2018. Managed for the Western States Horse Expo by Parnell Dickenson, this sale will showcase some of the very best horses on the market today. Grab a bid paddle and be part of the excitement as you bring home your new horse!

That certainly is an exciting program, but the Western States Horse Expo is not stopping there. Not by a
longshot. ART OF THE HORSE EXHIBITION and SALE is happening all weekend long at the 20th Anniversary Event! Artists who focus the subject of their work on the horse and the rural lifestyle associated with the horse, in whatever medium they work in, are invited to participate in the ART of the HORSE Exhibition and Sale. A$1000.00 prize will be awarded to the Best of Show Winner, and $250.00 prizes will be awarded to each of the Division First Place Winners. Spaces in the exhibition are limited. Deadline to submit Artist Application for this juried exhibition, is April 27, 2018. For more information and an application packet, please visit the Western States Horse Expo Art of the HORSE event website at: https://horsexpo.com/events/art-show/. Artists who wish to be part of the Mane Market Mall at the Western States Horse Expo can purchase a 10 x 10 booth space for just $500.00. To reserve a booth space please call 800-352-2411 Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST.

CLINICANS UNMOUNTED is a great opportunity for attendees to sit down with their favorite clinicians, such as Julie Goodnight, Jonathan Field, Warwick Schiller, Robert Gage, Gina Miles and Scott Purdum, away from the arena and in a casual setting to gain instruction, advice, insights and learn more about their horsemanship journey. Clinicians Unmounted happens all three days of the Western States Horse Expo. Access to these wonderful opportunities are part of the general admission ticket. This learning opportunity has become incredibly popular with attendees.

HORSE EXPO UNIVERSITY is another great learning opportunity on the 20th Anniversary celebration program. Attendees will be able to meet and learn from Equine Health professionals and industry leaders such as Dr. Nancy Loving, DMV, Jim Masterson, Darrell Nephew, Bryan Owen, Kat Chrysostom and Zachary Rhodes, EqD IAED/C. Attendees should come prepared with a notebook and be ready to take their knowledge to new heights in this great classroom-like setting happening all three days of the Western States Horse Expo.

HORSEINTEREST is much like Pinterest, but focuses on hands-on crafting of great items for horses! This year attendees can learn to make mohair cinches with Pop Wagner at the Western States Horse Expo! Cost is $150 for one day, $275 for two days and $350 for three days. Cost includes material for one basic 17 strand tied cinch per day (material for other types of cinches may cost a little more). NOTE: This is a LIMITED opportunity for only three people per day. Advanced registration is highly recommended! To reserve your spot and register for the workshop, please email Pop Wagner at popwagner@aol.com or call him at 612-817-5898.

TRAIL SYMPOSIUM is the place to take your trail riding, horse camping and the preservation of our natural equestrian riding resources – the amazing trails – to new levels. The majority of horse owners are trail riders — and trail riders today are continuously challenged with losing trails throughout the country. The Trail Symposium will help you make your trail outings longer, safer, new and exciting for seasons to come. Do not miss out on the great demonstrations and talks happening all three days of the Western States Horse Expo.

YOUNG RIDER PARK is the place for all young equestrians to gather up and enjoy some fun activities!
Sponsored by Young Rider Magazine, everyone from tykes to teenagers, anyone who is an aspiring rider can have fun with the wide variety of activities available. Sponsored by Young Rider Magazine, the Young Rider Park is a safe and fun place for anyone enthusiastic about horses. Some of the scheduled activities include:
Clinicians presenting to Young Riders (check schedule), A Horse Cookie Kitchen, Horse Painting, Grooming by CSHA. Horse Shoe Painting and much more. Attendees should check the schedule to see what is happening in the Young Rider Park all three days of the Western States Horse Expo.

BREED REVELATION will inspire and exhilarate attendees as FOURTEEN (14) different breeds of horse will
be on hand to show what they can do and how versatile they can be. Some of the breeds that attendees will be able to meet are: Kiger Mustangs, Friesians, Tennessee Walkers, Haflinger, Highland and Fell Ponies, American Mules, Andalusians/ Baroque Horses, Akahal-Teke, Morgan, Peruvian Paso and more. This “attendee favorite” event is truly impressive and should not be missed. Bring you camera!

CALIFORNIA COWGIRLS will be on hand all weekend long demonstration their amazing drill team skills,
exceptional horsemanship and will be hosting an informative Question and Answer session all three days of the Western States Horse Expo. Do not miss out on their exciting performances.

If that were not enough to get the equestrian and rural lifestyle community to load up and show up, the Western States Horse Expo team has recently announced the creation of SEVEN (7) new Ticket Packages! These packages cover single attendee/ one day to family members/ multiple days as well as special evening event admissions and parking which can all be purchased online at the Western States Horse Expo website. The 20th Anniversary Western States Horse Expo is one that anyone interested in horses, the equestrian and the rural lifestyle should not miss! With so much on the schedule and so many amazing exhibitors sharing their topnotch, innovative products and services, attendees may find it challenging to fit the Western States Horse Expo Experience into a single weekend…but they certainly should try! Load up, show up and be prepared to be amazed as the 20th Anniversary gets underway on June 8-10, 2018 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California.

About Western States Horse Expo
Presenting two of the best Horse Expositions in the United States, California’s Western States Horse Expo in Pomona and Sacramento are a must-attend events for any “equine and rural lifestyle enthusiast’ no matter what their level! In three short days Attendees can catch up on the latest training and education, shop the nation’s premier equine vendors and connect with your horse friends. Attending the Western States Horse Expo is a low-cost, high quality way to stay engaged in the horse industry, making sure you have the tools, knowledge and products to help make the most of your investment (and enhancing your experience) in the equine and rural lifestyle year round! Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2018, these events will celebrations that you will not want to miss!
Information our 2018 Sacramento event: https://horsexpo.com/

What Bridle Should I Use With A Snaffle Bit?

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The illustration above shows what happens when a snaffle bridle is used without a throatlatch. When the reins are pulled, the bit is pulled up in the horses mouth causing the cheek pieces of the bridle to bow out. This can cause the bridle to have enough play to slide over the ears of the horse and fall off, especially if the horses head is lowered or he goes to shaking his head. A properly adjusted throatlatch will prevent this from happening. There should be no more than a few fingers width between the horse jaw and the throatlatch. If the throatlatch is too loose it will not be any better than not having one at all. However, be cautious not to over tighten a throatlatch, because when a horse flexes or tucks his head, a too tight of throatlatch could compromise air supply.

 

 

Why Is There A Curb Strap on a Snaffle Bit?

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Why would someone use a curb strap on a snaffle bit when a snaffle bit does not work off of leverage? For safety of course! The strap keeps the bit centered in the horses mouth, and prevents the bit from sliding through the horses mouth when you pull on one side. A curb strap when used with a snaffle should never be made of chain, it moves too much, and can bang on your horse’s chin and drive him crazy. Also, if the bit does get rotated in the mouth the chain could injure your horse’s lips or bars of his mouth. So, stick to leather, nylon, string, or even baling twine ( not wire) for your curb straps. Your strap should be adjusted so it can not flop over his chin, but not so tight that is makes contact with the curb area of your horse’s jaw, and put unnecessary pressure on the bit. Your reins should attach behind the curb strap, just like the drawing shows.

 

Halter & Showmanship Class Check List

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Here is a handy list of supplies you need for showing in hand classes. Please note that the links are affiliate links. If you end up shopping for the items through those links, SacHorse makes a little bit off the sale. No additional cost to you.

 

 For Handler

  • Hat/helmet
  • bobby pins
  • hairspray
  • hairbrush
  • earrings/necklace
  • show shirt/Jacket
  • Belt
  • pants
  • boots
  • gloves
  • safety pins
  • clip on/magnet number holder
  • show number
  • class list
  • Amateur/youth card
  • water/snacks
  • chap stick
  • cash
  • show entries
  • breed registration papers
  • show association papers
  • mirror
  • trailer keys

For Horse

    • show halter
    • silver cleaner

Mayflower Polishing Cloth for Cleaning Silver, Gold and Platinum Jewelry – NON TOXIC- Jewelry Cleaner – Size 11″ X 14″ – Tarnish Remover- Layer of Protection for Jewelry – Includes A Jewelry Bag (assorted colors)

    • lead shank
    • halter/lead rope
    • sheet/sleazy hood/blanket

Sleazy Sleepwear For Horses LYCRA Horse Hood Solid Colors M Black

    • neck/jowl sweats

Tough-1 PVC Neoprene Jowl / Throatlatch Sweat

    • leg wraps/boots

Back on Track Therapeutic Polo Wraps 4pk 9Ft Black

    • longe line
    • stud chain

Basic Brass Plated Stud Chain 20 Inch

    • longe whip

Intrepid International Horse Training Lunge Whips

    • tail bag

Mustang Tail Sack – Waterproof – Works with Braided Tails also (Black)

    • rubber mane/tail bands

Rubber Braid Bands

    • show sheen

Absorbine 32 fl oz Showsheen Showring Shine Original Hair Polish & Detangler Horse Products Mane and Tail Care

    • fly spray

PYRANHA 001GWIPEG 068022 Wipe N’Spray Fly Protection Spray for Horses, 1 gallon

    • green spot remover

Charmar Land and Cattle Cowboy Magic Pet Greenspot Remover for Horse

    • clean brushes
    • detangler
    • mane/tail comb/brush
    • scissors
    • face goop/baby oil

Silverado Face Glo, 8 oz Black

    • hoof polish
    • hoof polish remover
    • sand paper
    • hoof pick/hoof brush

Hoof Pick With Brush

    • clippers
    • white marking spray/chalk

Shapley’s Show Touch Up Color Enhancer, White

    • vetwrap for top of tail
    • Cooler for staying clean ringside

Tough-1 Softfleece Traditional Cooler Navy Blue Horse

    • clean rags
    • baby wipes
    • fake tail
    • Water bucket
    • water (if horse is picky about horse show water)
    • hay/grain/supplements
    • hay bags/nets/grain feeder/bucket

Tough-1 Slow Feed Hay Bag Black

    • bute/banamine
    • vetwrap/gauze/betadine solution/wound ointment etc…

Misc

    • Trailer spare tire
    • tire caulks for trailer
    • tire ramp (to fix flats)

Trailer Aid Plus Tandem Tire Changing Ramp

    • twitch

Tough-1 One Man Twitch

  • pocket knife
  • Truck/Trailer emergency kit
  • Tack repair kit/chicago screws/leather pieces/hole punch
  • magnets to hang up class lists

Feel free to add your showing essentials in the comments below!

Photo by Mandi Thompson Photography

Martingale Safety

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While a running martingale, or training fork, is a common and widely used training aid, there are a few things to remember when using one. I prefer the martingales with a neck strap. I don’t like the idea of having the fork swinging in front of their legs when they are traveling with their head down. A wrong step could get a leg tangled up and cause a wreck. I also like the center ring to sit close to chest, so everything is adjusted close to the body, so there isn’t a bunch of leather to wiggle around.

Anytime you use a neck strap you need to tie it up to your saddle. This will keep it from slipping down and getting locked up behind the horses ears. I just use a piece of twine and tie it to the ring on my pommel.

One of the most important things to remember when using a martingale is if you are using snaps on the reins or a shanked bit, or anything else that could get hung up on the ring, you must have martingale stops. These prevent the rings of the martingale from catching over the snap on reins, or the ring on the shanked bit, which could cause the reins to get stuck in a position that could make the horse panic and flip over backwards.
As for adjustment, that can be personal choice. Ideally, if you lift the rings of the fork towards the throatlatch they should just about reach. However, many people prefer their martingales adjusted tighter so it pulls on the reins even when the reins are sitting in “neutral” position. This causes a pulley type action when the reins are pulled and can significantly increase the pressure put on the bit, so this technique should be used with discretion. If the martingale is too loose it simply will just be useless, because it won’t put any pressure on the reins no matter how you pull.

I typically use a martingale to tune up a older seasoned horse that needs a little reminder to steady their head and neck, or a green colt that is starting to learn a little fine tuning about headset and body control.

-Mandi Thompson Training

Hunter Under Saddle/English Pleasure Checklist

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For the Horse

    • Saddle
    • Pad/show number pad/riser pad/gel pad

Medallion by Toklat All Purpose Competition Saddle Pad

    • Number holders/fasteners
    • Bridle
    • Bits
    • reins
    • breastplate
    • fake tail
    • zip ties
    • rubber bands/yarn for tail and mane
    • Halter
    • Lead rope
    • Trailer Ties

Weaver Leather Nylon Trailer Tie, Hurricane Blue

    • Longe Line
    • Longe whip
    • Stud chain
    • leg wraps/boots
    • Water bucket

Fortiflex Flat-Back Bucket 5 Gallon Purple

    • water (if horse is picky about horse show water)
    • hay/grain/supplements
    • hay bags/nets/grain feeder/bucket
    • bute/banamine
    • vetwrap/gauze/betadine solution/wound ointment etc
    • Sheet/blanket/sleazy hood/tail bag/cooler/shipping boots
    • clippers

Wahl Pro-Series Dog / Cat Grooming Kit, Rechargeable, Cord or Cordless Operation, 9590-210

Grooming

  • Clean brushes
  • mane comb
  • tail brush
  • tail and mane bands
  • spray bottle for water
  • fly spray
  • hoof shine/polish
  • polish remover
  • show sheen
  • hair spray
  • green spot remover
  • hoof pick/hoof brush
  • clean rags
  • baby wipes
  • Scissors
  • Braiding Supplies

Misc

    • Trailer spare tire
    • tire caulks for trailer
    • tire ramp (to fix flats)
    • twitch
    • pocket knife
    • Truck/Trailer emergency kit
    • Tack repair kit/chicago screws/leather pieces/hole punch

General Tools 72 Leather Hole Punch Tool, 5/64 Inch to 3/16 Inch

  • magnets to hang up class lists

For Rider

    • Shirt and ratcatcher collars
    • collar pin
    • undershirt/tank top
    • string for tying on back number
    • hunt coat
    • gloves
    • breeches
    • belt
    • socks
    • boots
    • boot polish
    • spurs

Prince of Wales Spurs with Straps Ladies

  • hunt cap/helmet
  • earrings
  • makeup
  • hair ties/hair net
  • hair spray
  • bobby pins
  • water
  • snacks
  • cash
  • show entries
  • breed registration papers
  • show association papers
  • mirror
  • trailer keys

Photo by Mandi Thompson Photography

How To Measure An English Saddle

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While browsing Ebay for saddles, I came across an auction for a english saddle that the seller claimed to be 15 inches, but it really didn’t look that small in the first picture. So I check out the other pictures and find out that they are measuring the wrong way. When measuring a english saddle it should be from the middle of the cantle to the middle of one of the nail heads on the side of the pommel. I did a little quick photoshop, and I can guess this saddle is closer to 16.5 inches. That is quite a difference in size!
First the original image:

Next the Photoshopped image:

The ruler reaches to about 15.5 inches and if you imagine it reaching to the middle of the nail head, it would be about 16.5 inches.

Western Show Checklist

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For the Horse

  • Saddle
  • Pad
  • Show Saddle Blanket
  • Number holders/fasteners/safety pins
  • Bridle
  • Bit
  • curb strap
  • reins
  • fake tail
  • zip ties
  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Trailer Ties
  • Longe Line
  • Longe whip
  • Stud chain
  • leg wraps/boots/bell boots
  • water bucket
  • water (if horse is picky about horse show water)
  • hay/grain/supplements
  • hay bags/nets/grain feeder/bucket
  • bute/banamine
  • daily medications if staying overnight
  • vetwrap/gauze/betadine solution/wound ointment etc…
  • Sheet/blanket/sleazy hood/tail bag/cooler/shipping boots
  • Silver cleaner
  • clippers

Grooming

  • Clean brushes
  • mane comb
  • tail brush
  • tail and mane bands
  • spray bottle for water
  • fly spray
  • hoof shine/polish
  • polish remover
  • show sheen
  • hair spray
  • green spot remover
  • hoof pick/hoof brush
  • clean rags
  • baby wipes
  • Scissors

Misc

  • Trailer spare tire
  • tire caulks for trailer
  • tire ramp (to fix flats)
  • twitch
  • pocket knife
  • Truck/Trailer emergency kit
  • Tack repair kit/chicago screws/leather pieces/hole punch
  • magnets to hang up class lists

For Rider

  • Show shirts
  • undershirt/tank top
  • pants
  • belt
  • socks
  • chaps
  • boots
  • spurs/spur straps
  • hat/helmet
  • earrings/necklace
  • makeup
  • hair ties
  • hair spray
  • bobby pins
  • water
  • snacks
  • cash
  • show entries
  • breed registration papers/amatuer or youth cards
  • show association papers
  • mirror
  • trailer keys

 

Simple Coat Supplements

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Coat supplements are most likely one of the most popular supplements used with horses. There are many ingredients and brands to choose from, but here are some of the main ingredients used in commercial supplements, that can be purchased in bulk and fed by itself at significant less cost. Always consult your vet or equine nutritionist before altering your feeds.

Flax Seed- Common ingredient for many supplements. Most effective when ground, but should be used immediately because it quickly goes rancid. However, it can be fed whole. No more than 8oz should be fed per day.

Rice Bran-Comes in powder or pellet form. Stabilized should be fed unless the bag is used within a week. No more than 2 pounds a day. Popular and easy to feed. Rice bran has a high fat content, so avoid storing it where it would bake in the sun and go bad.

Black Oil Sunflower Seed (BOSS)- Found in the Wild Bird Food aisle these black seeds provide great nutrition towards a shiny coat and weight gain. For coat feed .5-1 cup a day, and for weight gain feed 2 cups. These should not be fed to HYPP positive (n/h or h/h) horse due to their high potassium content. Make sure you get the Black Oil Sunflower Seeds, and not the striped seeds we commonly eat for snacks.

Paprika- The main ingredient in color enhancing supplements, Hungarian paprika is the preferred type to use. Feed 1-2 tablespoons a day. Warning: it contains capcasin, which is an illegal substance in some show associations. It will test, so use with caution.

Oils-Corn, vegetable, soy, and other oils marketed to horses are a simple way to increase calories in your horse’s diet. Oil can top dress grain or hay. Talk to your vet about the proper amount to feed. It can vary from oil to oil.