Sandpoint Idaho

I did not realize it, but this year was the first for Sandpoint to have ski joring at its Winter Carnival January 15-16, 2011. From the sounds of it, it went well!
Matt Smart of Mountain Horse Adventures, who acted as event organizer, assisted me with my research for my post Keep Ski Joring Alive!  About Sandpoint's 2011 Winter Carnival, Smart said, "The general vibe from the crowd was, it was much more exciting then they imagined. And many said they'll compete next year." That sounds like a good report!

Welcome to the sport of Ski Joring Sandpoint!
I hope 2012 will be bigger and better!

Leadville!

I realize that it has been over five months since I last posted. Although this - maintaining this blog - was a class assignment and the class is over, I have thought several time about updating it. Several farriers and athletes responded with their thoughts or knowledge after I completed the assignments -- too late to be included in the pieces. Even so, I aim to post them up here soon!

Driving home from school this past summer, my dad and I passed through Leadville, Colorado! I was so excited. It was beautiful! Since my dad picked the route we drove, I didn't realize we would pass through until we were approaching Leadville. Even though we didn't stop, we drove through an area with a long standing skijoring tradition - one of the oldest skijoring traditions! That made me happy. Now I want to go back!

The water looked frozen!

One mile outside of Leadville!

Breckenridge, I think?

Leadville's ski joring takes place in March - so start planning now!
Start planning for March 3rd and 4th in 2012!

If you want to know what happens in Leadville off-skijoring season here is a tourism site that looks pretty informative and has some pretty pictures.

Retirement Options...

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
~ Cecil Frances Alexander

Standing along the fence at the Asbury Equine Center I watched as Diamond, the senior horse I adopted through the Asbury University's Adopt a Horse program, ambled away, pausing here and there to grab a bite of grass. He used to be a child's show horse and then a lesson pony, but a few years back, he decided to retire. When you can't keep a rider on an old horse, you get the idea he has had enough. For him, retirement means living his last days out in the pasture, coming up to the barn only to be fed, groomed, and occasionally stalled in bad weather. No more girths tightening around his middle. No more cold metal bits eased behind his teeth. No more bratty children on his back. For him, retirement means living like a horse and being cared for like a pet. Now leaning against the rough black fence, I began to think about horses in Kentucky.

Kentucky is known for its horses and its equine industry—the world round. The first Saturday in May kicks off the start of the Triple Crown races right in Louisville with the Kentucky Derby. Across the country television viewers tune in to watch, the fast, the sleek, the beautiful Thoroughbred horses run. It inspires those who are not even partial to the animal. The World Equestrian Games were held in Lexington last year. Not only was Lexington honored as the host city, HRH Princess Haya bint al-Hussein, the FEI President, highly praised Kentucky and its equine industry. Considering its self the horse capital of the world, Kentucky is proud of its horses. However, these events and circumstances focus on useful, healthy horses.

What options are available in Kentucky and around Jessamine County for horses when they are no longer useful to their owners?

For sure, two simple and relatively cheap options exist. One option is euthanasia. Sometimes referred to as mercy killing, it is the act of killing of an animal. When an animal has an untreatable injury or is suffering, or if the owner cannot afford treatment, some feel euthanasia is the best option. Another option is the slaughterhouse. While since 2007 no longer do slaughterhouses exist for horses here in the United States, they exist just outside the borders in Mexico and Canada. In other parts of the world, horsemeat is eaten like beef or pork. To other cultures it is simply meat.

Here in Kentucky, people feel differently. In fact, some people feel very strongly that those first two options should not be options at all. When horses are no longer useful or wanted, or when treatment is unaffordable, they should not simply be put down. Some of these people have made great efforts to make other options available for Kentucky's beloved animal.

"It is a difficult economic time and horse owners are feeling it," said Robin Murray from the Public Relations office at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington. "Unwanted horses are a problem no matter the breed. They have always been a working companion—ranch work, racing—we’ve always had them because they have a job to do." As Murray points out, if people cannot keep them or sell them – it is a very complex thing. There are shelters, but not as many as dog and cat shelters, and that is very difficult for horses.

At Rood & Riddle, employees have taken initiative to raise support for at least one center, the Kentucky Equine Humane Center in Nicholasville. Last year, employees bought discounted gift certificates from the hospital pharmacy and then donated them to the Center. In effort to support several charities, over the last seven years Rood & Riddle has sponsored Hats Off to Kentucky’s Horse Industry Day at the Kentucky Horse Park each summer. As Murray said, "It is a big horse day to celebrate the horse and raise money for horse charities."

Beyond employee initiatives, and the annual Hats Off Kentucky event, Rood & Riddle has recently begun awarding the Rood & Riddle Thoroughbred Sport Horse of the Year Award. On the Rood & Riddle website Tom Riddle, DVM, says, "Through this award, we hope to decrease the number of unwanted horses in the U.S. by demonstrating [Thoroughbreds] value in these non-racing disciplines.” They hope this award will help make people aware that racehorse Thoroughbreds can have second careers.

Sheila Woerth, Kentucky Dressage Association Show Chairman, said, "We feel horses shouldn't go to the slaughter house.” She explained that the KDA, like Rood & Riddle, chose to support the KyEHC because they are a rescue organization that gives the horse, like the Thoroughbred track horse, a chance at a second career. "They are given a second life," she said. Because of this opportunity at a second life, the KDA gives charitable donations to the KyEHC.

"I approached another horse rescue organization and it's bazaar, they didn't want to do something like this," said Polly Singer with disbelief in her soft voice. Singer is a hat designer who decided around Derby time last year to promote horse rescue with three charity hats. For each handmade hat sold, she would donate $30 to the rescue organization. She didn't give up. "I was talking to my client, Governor Beshear's wife, and she suggested the KyEHC," explained Singer. "I like that they do horse rescue, but not just Thoroughbreds, but all breeds." By selling at least 10 hats, Singer raised over $300 last year. She says she’d like to own a horse, but it takes a lot of work, also admitting it is very expensive. "So, I thought I'd do what I could," says Singer, who also encourages other people to help in any way they can.

Rood & Riddle, the KDA, and Singer all support the KyEHC, and while it is not the only one in Kentucky, it is a prominent one in Jessamine County. Opening their doors four years ago, Lori Neagle the Executive Director said, "We provide an option for people who have nowhere to go, who can't keep their horses. [The horses] might not be marketable, and sometimes they are injured. Sometimes [owners] simply don't have time to sell them." Some of the reasons for not keeping the horses include bankruptcy, high costs of living, and other stresses in the lives of the owners. Whatever the reason, the Center is committed to giving second chances to horses. Part of their mission statement found on their website says they seek, "To provide humane treatment and shelter while working as a clearinghouse to seek adoptive homes for all of Kentucky's unwanted equines, regardless of breed."

Neagle explains how the horses come from all different areas – from the racetrack, animal control, as well as farms. "They all deserve a second chance," said Neagle. A few horses, like Courageous Comet, who received this year's Rood & Riddle Thoroughbred Sport Horse of the Year Award, will go from racing on to sport careers like eventing. However, most horse coming through the Center will go on to be pleasure or trail horses because injuries will prevent them from jumping. According to Neagle, the horses that have the greatest challenge gaining a second chance are the horses that are limited by injury or those that are not trained. Horses that are in good health and well trained are easier to adopt. They are the ones that will almost certainly go on to a good second career, whether it is as a sport horse or simply someone's trail horse.

Because it costs about between $250 and $665 a month to keep a horse at the Center while it is waiting to be adopted, money must be raised. The KyEHC is a beneficiary of Hats Off Kentucky at the Kentucky Horse Park. Money is raised through charity events as well. For the third year, the Center is hosting the All Breed Charity Horse Show, a schooling show for all breeds and disciplines. Neagle said, "It's a good way to raise money and get out into the community. It is low key, more laid back, a lot of fun." They receive private donations from people like Singer and groups like the KDA. KyEHC has also received grants from Thoroughbred Charities of America.

Thoroughbred Charities of America is a national organization attempting to make options available for Thoroughbreds. According to their website, the mission is: "To provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue and research and by helping the people who work with them." TCA does this by raising money and then providing grants to non-profit organizations that fulfill this mission.

Erin Crady, Executive Director of Thoroughbred Charities of America, said, "Racehorses getting a second career is a big problem—a hot button issue right now. Many of them are young and in good condition. They could go on to hunter jumper careers." Places like the KyEHC, that rehabilitate and adopt racehorses are eligible to apply for a grant.

TCA holds it biggest fundraiser, Stallion Season, each year in December. As Crady explained, "For Stallion Season—we get donations of breedings from farms across America. We then have a telephone auction of the donated seasons. The best one are auctioned in person in January at Keenland." Some of the best this last year included: Winstar Farm's Super Saver—the 2010 Kentucky Derby winner, Darley's Street Sense, Lane's End's Smart Strike. Because the majority of the horses at KyEHC are Thoroughbreds, with an estimated 70%, the Center was eligible for to apply for a grant from TCA. They have received grants from TCA since 2006, and this year was one of the 81 non-profits that shared $860,672 in grant money.

Sadly, here in Jessamine County like in counties across America, there are unwanted horses. Many horses are not as lucky as my Diamond, who has been given the chance to retire to pasture. Horses don't ask much. As Neagle said, if they had an audible voice, all they'd ask is: "Give me an opportunity."

Kentucky Equine Humane Center

The question about what happens to unwanted horses has been on my mind and heart for the last week or so. Pursuing the answer I called Lori Neagle, Executive Director of the Kentucky Equine Humane Center.

Lori told me, "We [KyEHC] provide an option for people who have nowhere to go, who can't keep their horses." People can't keep their horses for many reasons and must do something with their horse. Some of the reasons include bankruptcy, high costs of living, and other stresses in the lives of the owners. Usually, the horses are not sellable. Sometimes they are old, sometimes they are injured, but other times, the owner simply does not have time to sell the horse.

Lori went on to explain most horse coming through the Center will go on to be pleasure or trail horses because injuries will prevent them from jumping. They come from all different areas – from the racetrack, animal control, as well as farms. "They all deserve a second chance," said Lori.

What really pulled at my heart was when Lori told me, every horse that comes through simply asks one thing: "Give me an opportunity."

320 Guest Ranch

Tomorrow April 2nd there will be an nasja non-sanctioned event in Gallatin Gateway Montana at the 320 Guest Ranch. It begins at 11:30am tomorrow morning, so that doesn't give me a lot of time to get there, but if you live in near Montana, Gallatin Gateway is only about 100 miles south of Helena.
Spectators are free and entree per team is $50.

Btw - MSNBC featured 320 Guest Ranch during their Today Show.
It looks good.

A thought to ponder...

The temperature is warming up and, at least here in Kentucky, spring is really on its way. While some people might still have snow to ski jor with, NASJA sanctioned events are over for this winter.

While some ski-jorers are gearing up for sand joring and summer training, I have thought to pose. Here is Kentucky there is a plight that is sadly common to any area where horses live in great numbers. Unwanted horses and horses belonging to owners unable to care for them, have a plight. Where do they go? What do they do next? When a horse is no longer useful to its owner, what is in its future? When a racehorse's career is over, does it get a second career? When a family must find a new home for their horse member, where does it go? Without an easy answer I ask you to ponder this dilemma.

One group of caring souls attempting to do something to answer this question is a group of horse-lovers involved with the Kentucky Equine Humane Center. By phone conversation I asked Sheila Woerth, the Kentucky Dressage Association Show Chairman, why the KDA supports the KyEHC. She said, "We've tried to support them [because] we believe in horses not going to slaughterhouses." Woerth went on to explain, "We give part of our profit [each year] to another non-profit like ours. We chose the Humane Center because they are a rescure organization. They give the horse, like the Thoughobred track horse, a chance at a second career at something like dressage or eventing -- they are given a second life."

Keep Ski Joring Alive!

Since the first days of harnessing all types of animals, from dogs to caribou to horses to pull a skier many years ago in Scandinavia, the activity made its way across to America. The sport of Ski joring, like any sport, has had its share of ups and downs, and the only way any sport keeps going is if people participate. Participation supports the life of the sport. If you are like this student, you may have wondered what it takes to start ski joring or how to go about getting an event started.

Snow and Course

One important basic requirement for ski joring is snow. While a ton makes it that much better, a mere six inches of snow is all that is necessary. That is not a lot. However, it needs to be packed firm and level. As Vernon Kiser from Whitefish Montana says that at the Whitefish Winter Carnival they use a groomer, but a tractor will do, to pack the snow. "The main thing is to have solid footing for the horses. Even if you just scrape the snow away so that it is about 4-6 inches deep that will work," describes Kiser. And Geoffrey Smith, president of the North American Ski Joring Association agrees, "A foot of snow is plenty." However, Smith goes on to strongly caution, "We are very particular about the foot of the horse." He says that the footing needs to be firm. "We use a Snow Cat from a ski area to pack the course. You don't want the hoof sinking or anything to cause tripping. You can do this even if you only have six inches, as long as it is firm pack."Matt Smart, organizer of Sandpoint's sanctioned race in January, adds to what Kiser and Smith say, " You only need about 4in to 6in of packed snow. The harder the snow, the faster the horses can run."

As an individual enjoying the sport, no course is needed, but in competing, a good level course is a must. Courses across America vary in shape, length, as well as the number and size of jumps and other features. A course can be many shapes from a horseshoe shape to J-hook to straight, and the length can very from 600 feet to 1,200 feet. "There are a lot of different ways to set up course," explains Kiser. Smith says, "Each venue has its unique spin and has the ability to be unique. That's the fun about the sport." Kiser describes,"[In Whitefish] we do a U shape course with 3 jumps, skier goes in and out of gates. Our course is about 800 feet long." In Wisdom, Montana according to Denise, member of the Big Hole Valley Tourism Group, "We use a straight track 900 feet long. We have 3 jumps and 7 or 8 gates, Slalom style; two on right, one on left. The jumps are 30-36 inches high. We keep them low because we have beginners involved."

No matter the length, a couple hundred feet of a straight slow down stretch is necessary. Denise explains, "On the straight course we have a run out of about 500 feet beyond the track to slow down." He explains that you don't want to be asking the horse to slam to a stop. The horses full out gallop achieving speeds as fast as 40mph. Jumps tend to be slalom style and the height and width depend on how much air, how high, the designer wants the skier projected. Other features include rings the skier is to gather or obstacles for the skier to navigate.

Participants

Prepared horses, riders, and skiers are obviously required participants. For an event, judges and farriers are needed as well. And at events you will have spectators.

Horses need to be comfortable with ropes around them and with pulling something, or in this case someone, behind them. According to Smith, most horses are fine with such a set up, once they realize they are never going to out run the skier. Smith encourages people to start training before the winter, to get the horse used to the idea.

While the rider controls the horse, the skier being pulled behind needs to be prepared. The skiers need to be ready to sink their weight low, shins against the boots, taking in and letting out on the tow rope as necessary to keep in contact with the horse and clear the obstacles. "[The] skier moves up and down rope to make gates, [which] are set up like a slalom course," describes Kiser. For this type of event ski gloves are best left at home. Smart recommends that skiers should use work gloves due to the rope burning good ski gloves. Skiers also need to be prepared with a good helmet and sturdy goggles. "Flying ice balls and horse shoes coming off the horse come flying at the skier. The helmet is more for the flying debris from the horse. Being close to the horse you never know what will happen," explains Smith who does not see ski joring nearly as dangerous as eventing.

Judges are needed at the starting line, end, and at any jumps or other features of a course. When seriously competing, farriers are needed for applying traction to the shoes, like borium or studs. As Smith strongly advises, "When racing competitively, traction shoes and studs are a must. We use borium, but other people use the screw-ins." Smart strongly feels, when racing, "Most importantly for the horse, use studded shoes!" Alone, ski joring for pleasure, bare hooves can be fine as long the horse is not working hard, impacting the hooves on the frozen ground. Smith says, "With soft snow, when you're starting out, no shoes are fine." To clarify, no shoes are fine for the horse who is pulling a skier around at a slow pace in soft snow, not racing on packed snow.

While watching is encouraged, to maintain safety the track needs clearance. "Just warn spectators to stand back. Keep them back from the track a bit," advises Denise.

Equipment

• Something to create and pack a level course, like a tractor or SnowCat or groomer.
• Tack for the horses. Smith recommends Western tack with a breast collar and D-ring. "You want the weight being pulled off the chest, not the saddle," Smith explains. Smart recommends bell and splint boots as well as a breast collar for the horse.
• Ski equipment for the skier.
• Hand-timer. In Wisdom they're using hand-timers and flaggers, but other places use electronic timers.
• A good cotton rope. 33feet long for a straight track and 50 feet for a curving one are standard lengths. "Use about a 5/8" cotton rope, like in a lead line; its friendlier on gloves. Don't use ski rope or plastic rope – that will burn gloves," advises Smith. "You can use up to a 1" line. We'll knot ours with a splice, so the skier can grip." However, as Smart advices, "Do not use a tow rope with a handle. These can be very dangerous if they wrap around the skier or horse at the start."
• If an event is to be held, other details that need to be considered include the same as "a rodeo" as Denise put it. Sponsorship, insurance, concessions, and maybe an ambulance should be considered.

By joining in participation, participants join a group of fun loving people all across America and become a part of keeping the sport alive.

Last piece of advice: As Smith, President of NASJA, will tell you, "People doing ski joring are friendly and fun loving people. So just get people together and try it. Take baby steps." If you, like myself, take Smith's advice, we will have questions. But as I have found, ski joring people are really helpful and willing to answer those questions.

Good luck and welcome to ski joring!