Art by Lucinda Knowlton

It may seem odd seeing help for horse owner's and horse rider's on an art site but I'm hoping to use my artwork to rescue a horse from auction and if you benefit from the information you may consider buying one of my products http://www.zazzle.com/lucindaknowlton/gifts - even buying a postcard or a keychain would bring me that much closer to my first rescue or buy a print of my work on http://www.artistrising.com/galleries/Lucinda_Knowlton so I'm able to rescue a horse from auction. It's been a dream of mine for awhile to save a horse from slaughter and retrain it to be a gentle rideable horse and then when it's gentled enough to be ridden by anyone then find it a good home and start the whole process over again with another rescue. If you dont find any of my product appealling but appreciate the information you've gotten from the site perhaps you could consider a small donation to and of the following rescues that I'm sure would put the money to good use for their rescued horses. I personally volunteer at Horse Rescue Ontario.

www.horserescueontario.org (variety of Ontario's unwanted horses are rescued by them - I volunteer with them) or s.a.d rescue in Alliston (they rescue mainly draft horses - or CanningtonRescue (they rescue a variety of horses and ponies) http://horsemenforhumanity.blogspot.com/ (Elli mostly rescues thoroughbred but also others for the OLEX) www.newhorizonsequinecenter.com (They rescue mainly standardbreds from the racetrack and retrain them for riding.)
Thanks Lucinda

Also there's a wonderful organization that runs a therapeutic riding program that's very noteworthy.
http://www.card.ca

Please keep checking back for more articles

Wonderful organization that runs a therapeutic riding program

http://www.card.ca

I was recently told about a great organization that runs a therapeutic riding program. They do such great work.
I felt it better to use their own words to describe what they do so the below information describes what they do.
I thought in my small way I'd pass it on in hopes that they can gain some more support

"The Community Association for Riding for the Disabled is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities through quality therapeutic riding programs. For almost 40 years, CARD’s therapeutic riding programs have had a direct and positive impact on the lives of thousands of children and adults with disabilities. Founded in 1969, CARD (the Community Association for Riding for the Disabled) was the first therapeutic riding centre in Canada. Today, CARD works with specially trained physiotherapists, equine experts, 19 therapy horses and more than 350 volunteers to help more than 500 children and adults with disabilities a year gain greater physical, cognitive, psychological and social skills. CARD is 100% self-funded through public grants, private donation and fundraising events"

Check out their website and consider supporting them with either a little time or money.

Youtube videos I like

I think these videos are cool. Love Wilbur the donkey/pony baby that was the "Little surprise that arrived" at Epona Horse Rescue when they rescued his mom a little black pony. For those pro-slaughter people out there if you can actually look at this little guy with so much life and such "Hoospa" and still think that he isn't worth saving then you should check yourself in to the nearest hospital because obviously your heart has stopped working!

Nice Thoroughbred Elli Ross has for adoption

Just thought I'd post a really nice 3 year old TB mare that Elli Ross rescued from OLEX on Tuesday night. She can be adopted for 500.00 and looks and sounds like she'd be worth every penny. The link to Elli's blog is below the title and photo of the horse if anyone is interested in contacting her about adopting this beautiful horse.

Overcome Your Fear of Riding

At 5, I was a horse crazy kid. I rode my pony, Sandy, everywhere. I didn't own a saddle, so I rode bareback , staying on with the same comfort level as a monkey sitting on a branch, without fear of falling off my precious little haflinger. We wandered aimlessly, saving the world from demons and dragons. Stopping now and then, I lay dreaming, while he protected me from all the demons as he grazed. He was my best friend in the world. One day my father came up behind us without speaking and spooked Sandy by smacking him on his rear end. Sandy reared up in terror and as I was getting up from falling off his back I looked up. The last thing I remembered was seeing his back hoof coming directly at my face. I awoke in the hospital with a bad headache and a skull fracture. By the time I got out of the hospital, my parents had sold the “dangerous animal” that would surely kill me. I never saw my little blonde friend again.

Years passed and when the opportunity arose for me to ride again as an adult, so did a great deal of fear. My fear of horses had developed to the degree that most psychiatrists would consider it a phobia. I was petrified, scared for my life, by even seeing the sight of a horse! My mouth became bone dry, my heart pounding and I would break into a sweat the closer I came to a horse. Despite my phobia I had always been amazed and intrigued by the big beasts with their incredible beauty and grace. How did my love turn into this?

I did get back on a horse and rode years later, with a stubborn desire to heal from this phobia. Now I ride every chance I get. I’m too old now to play games of fighting demons and dragons on my horse but my intense love of them has returned to replace the fear. I managed to work through the terror that had grown in my head. I'd like to share some of what I found worked in learning to cope and eventually to ride again.

This was a slow process for me. I began by getting close enough to just see the horses but didn't touch them. Then as my comfort level increased I reached up to pet a horse named Romeo, a stallion. As stallions are known for their fiesty, agressive natures this may seem quite surprising that this was the first horse I made contact with. But Romeo was special he almost seemed human in his intelligence and seemed to sense that I was terrified and instead of taking advantage of it he was very gentle around me. I pet him more, fed him carrots and grass that I picked for him. Eventually, I moved on to grooming him. I cleaned the stables with the other horses near me as they were coming in and out with their riders and eventually developed the courage to attempt to ride again myself. These are what helped me increase my comfort level:

Slow and steady

1. Take lessons from a qualified instructor. Honestly explain your fears and concerns. If the instructor pushes you to go too far beyond your comfort level, find another riding school or at the very least make it very clear to your instructor that you are not ready to do what they are asking.

3. Make sure that you are riding what experienced horse people refer to as a "confidence builder". This is a horse that doesn't bolt, fidget much, or prance around and is very, very quiet and possibly even too lazy to move fast.

4. Don't worry about appearing foolish. Focus on your own goals and be proud of your accomplishments.

5. Work on doing things the right and safe way. Feeling secure in the saddle will be the quickest and best way to overcome your fear. Make this clear to your instructor. Ask him or her about the three points of contact that makes your seat most secure. These are the pubic bone and your two seat bones and if these three are in contact with the saddle it gives you better balance and security. Get them to show you the most balanced way to hold your body in the saddle and the correct form.

6. Relax. If you tense up your body will be tense and you will lose your 3 points of contact. Try some breathing exercises where you breathe deeply through your diaphram.

7. For the first few lessons with the horse at a walk focus on your position NEVER let anyone bully you into anything you aren't ready for. When you are comfortable and not as nervous you can then take a leap of faith and trot a few steps. Go slow though - you'll get there.

8. When you're riding concentrate on the technical aspects of riding. eg. Are my feet in the stirrups in line with my ears? Is my posture correct? Are my reins held correctly in my hands? Are my arms holding the reins at the correct angle? Am I leaning too far forward or too far back? If you remember to breath and think of other things besides your fear it will go a long way to conquering that fear.

9. A good way to gain confidence is to have a friend use a lunge line with the horse going in circles so that you only have to focus on a few things at once.

10. Try closing your eyes for short periods while you ride and just feel the rythm of the horse and work on balancing from just the feel of its movements. This also develops more of a connection and trust between you and your horse.

11. Try some exercises to improve your balance such as holding your arms straight out to the side and bringing them back to touch your shoulders. Without raising yourself from the saddle reach back and try and touch the horses tail and then reach forward towards his ears. This alsoincreases your flexibility.

12. Spend time grooming your horse. Talk to it when you're riding or grooming because if you're talking to it you're focusing on what you're saying rather than on the fear you're feeling. Constantly talk to your horse whether you're on his back or working with him on the ground.

13. Become comfortable with your horse on the ground, leading it, grooming it and putting its tack on. These all help increase your confidence.

14. Research horse riding and handling. Books and videos are available at your local library about riding, grooming and handling horses as well as caring for them, first aid and training as well. Knowledge is another key element to reducing fear.

16. Take the time to study and watch riders that you admire for their skill and note how they hold their bodies and other elements that you think might improve your own skills.

Good luck and enjoy yourself. I hope you grow to love horsesas much as I do!

If an emergency occurs with your horse it's a good idea to have already set up your own emergency kit as you can find it easily and often in an emergency situation those few seconds you spend searching for the right supplies to help your horse really could make a difference. I suggest strongly that you have one made up for your barn as well as another for in your horse trailer if you plan to trailer your horse anywhere. In addition to what's on the list I would suggest you also try to keep ice or cooling blocks in your freezer at home ready at all times.

Catching Laminitis or Founder Early

Overweight, easy keeping horses and ponies as well as horses that have had laminitis in the past are susceptible to laminitis, which is also commonly known as founder. During times when the grass is richer and fructans are higher in the grass these horses should be kept away from grazing. Grass with high amounts of sugar are large contributors to founder. Since the timeline of treating founder is very short before permanent damage can result I would suggest that you have a record of your horses blood pressure and heart rate as one of the earliest and most telling ways of identifying laminitis in it’s early stages is that the horse will have a sharp increase in blood pressure/and or heart rate. If you find it’s heart rate or blood pressure has gone up abruptly then immediately contact your vet.

What are the Vital Signs for Horses

Temperature:
Normal body temperature of a mature horse at rest is 99 to 101 degrees F.

Heart and Pulse Rate:
Normal mature horses - 28 to 40 beats per minute. Newborn foals - 80 to 120.beats per minute
Weanlings - 60 to 80 beats per minute
Yearlings - 40 to 60 beats per minute

Determine Pulse Rate:
Horse should be calm, rested and relaxed to obtain an accurate heart rate.
Press your fingers against an artery. There are several locations where an artery can be felt.
1. back edge of lower jaw
2. inner surface of the groove under the jaw
3. inside the elbow, up and forward against the
chest wall.
4. under the tail, close to the body
5. the inside or outside pastern.

Dehydration:
Check skin pliability for dehydration. Pinch a fold of skin on the neck and release it. It should quickly return to its original position. If the horse is dehydrated, the skin returns slowly and tends to stay in a fold.

Mucous Membranes:
Gums, inside lips of a mare's vulva and nostrils should be pink. A fire engine red color usually denotes illness. Anemia causes a pale color. Lack of circulation causes a bluish-purple color.

Quantity and Condition of Circulating Blood:
Rate of capillary refill (the rate blood returns to an area) indicates the quantity and condition of the circulating blood. Capillary refill can suggest anemia, colic, congestion and shock. You can determine capillary refill time by pressing your thumb on the horse's gum and releasing it. It should take about two seconds for the blood and normal color to return to the area. Longer capillary refill times can be indicators of dehydration or a circulatory problem.

Below I've listed a suggested reading list for horse owners:
These are suggestions but if you plan to keep a horse these books or reasonable facsimiles will definately be helpful.

Calling All Canadians!
http://www.nwhorsesource.com/news/2009/08/canadian-recommended-code-of-practice.html
The Canadian Recommended Code of Practice for Care and Handling of Farm Animals:
Transportation of Horses is not enforced, horses not properly stunned before slaughter, etc…

In June 2008, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) released a second investigative report on horse slaughter practices at Natural Valley Farms (NVF) in Saskatchewan. This report proved conclusively that horses experienced cruel abuse and suffering throughout the slaughter process there. NVF went into receivership soon afterwards, but the plant continued to operate as Natural Meat Co. (NMC). In December ‘08, NMC was ordered by the CFIA to cease operations due to food safety concerns. Operators of the plant decided to walk away and closed the plant in February ‘09. However, every week there remains over 2,000 horses that will meet their awful fate in Canadian slaughterhouses. The number jumped to nearly 113,000 horses in 2008, a 225% increase over 2006. The number of slaughter plants has grown from 3 to 6 since that time. About half of the horses are exported from the U.S., where slaughter plants have closed, but exports still continue. Horse slaughter has been in Canada for years, but the increase new is a result of the 2007 closure of the last U.S. plant. U.S. citizens fought hard to close the industry. However, until H.R. Bill 503 is passed, horses will continue to be exported to Canada and Mexico. A market for horse meat for human consumption exists in Europe and Asia. However, the majority of Canadians do not support it and an Ipsos-Reid poll reveals that 64% do not believe in killing horses for human consumption. The CHDC asks Canadians and Americans to contact Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency – the federal agencies responsible for the business of horse slaughter in Canada.

Speak out for the horses. Tell them why it is wrong and demand that horse slaughter end! These agencies are directed by:

Horses have not traditionally been raised for human consumption in Canada. In our country, horses are considered sport and companion animals. Many Canadians believe that this industry must be abolished on humane grounds. 64% of Canadians do not support it.

• There are now 6 federally licensed horse slaughter plants in Canada (3 more than in 2006).

• Horses are shipped in crowded trailers over long distances, and often arrive injured, sometimes fatally.

• The CHDC has compelling evidence of horse abuse and suffering as a result of rough handling and poor slaughter practices at horse slaughter plants.

• Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and Member of the Leadership Council of the Humane Society Veterinary Medica Association, said of our June ’08 report: “horses experienced sheer terror”, “some horses were not properly stunned”, and “this practice should be banned”.

• The Federal Health of Animals Act is not enforced, which would protect sick, pregnant and unfit horses, and prohibit overcrowding.

• The Recommended Code of Practice for Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Transportation of Horses is not enforced.

• The CFIA does not enforce their own weak rules that slaughter bound horses must not be transported for longer than 36 hours straight and must be provide with feed, water and rest at required intervals. Double decker trailers are still allowed.

A CALL TO END HORSE SLAUGHTER IN CANADA YOU ARE THE HORSES’ VOICE – SPEAK OUT FOR THEM
One Response from my Wordpress BLOG
edit this on September 2, 2009 at 4:09 am | Reply Barbara Ellen Ries
Click Here to visit The Cloud Foundations YouTube page.
Famous Wild Horse Herd Granted Two-Day Reprieve from Massive Roundup Monday, 31 August 2009 21:06

BILLINGS, MONTANA- AUGUST 31, 2009: The Pryor Mountain Wild Horses, perhaps best known from the popular Cloud: Wild Stallion of the Rockies PBS Nature series, have two more days of freedom before an unprecedented round up could begin. The Pryors roundup has been delayed for two days to allow Judge Sullivan of the Federal District Court to hear the case brought against the BLM by The Cloud Foundation and Front Range Equine Rescue.

The Bureau of Land Management, responsible for managing wild horses on public lands in the United States, plans to round up all the horses in Montana’s only remaining wild herd and remove 70 horses plus four or more foals. This will leave a non-viable herd of only 120 horses according to respected equine geneticist, Gus Cothran, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University. The Pryor Mountain wild horses are a unique Spanish herd renowned for their primitive markings, historical connections, and spectacular habitat.

BLM is dispatching National Wild Horse and Burro Program staff for this round up, perhaps because they expect trouble from humane advocates who are currently being prevented from observing this roundup. “Never before in my experience have plans been so vague and operations so secret in the Pryors,” says Ginger Kathrens, Volunteer Executive Director of The Cloud Foundation.” The BLM will be closing down roads to the mountain top where the majority of the herd spends their days grazing peacefully in their subalpine meadows. Young foals, only days old will be driven by helicopters and are in serious danger of being hurt or killed. Billings BLM Field Manager Jim Sparks told one advocate that they would expect a loss of 2% or six horses as a result of this operation.

The BLM has always had signs posted at the entrances to the horse range that tell the public to ‘report violations of harassment, death or removals.’ “Why are they above the law?” Asks Crow Tribe Historian and Elder, Howard Boggess. “Everything that is against the law for me they are planning to do to these horses. This is a very sad thing as far as I’m concerned. The horses have lived here for over 200 years. Even under the harassment of the BLM they’ve survived since 1971.”

The BLM claims that it is necessary to remove 70 horses in order to “maintain a thriving ecological balance.” However, the range is still green in late August following three years of above average precipitation after a multi-year drought. The horses are fat, preparing to go into winter. “Why are they removing nearly half the horses after the drought is over? I’ve told them [the BLM] if you take these 70 horses you’ve destroyed the bloodline, the gene pool will no longer be there,” continues Boggess. “Their whole goal is to get rid of the horses.”

“What they are proposing to do is criminal— people locally and all across the Nation worked so hard to save these horses from eradication in 1968,” explains Kathrens. “This range was specially designated for wild horses, the first of its kind in the nation. This is their refuge and it is about to be invaded.”

The BLM plans to remove 17 horses over ten years old and by BLM’s Standard Operating Procedures, “old, sick or lame horses shall be destroyed.” “When they take out the old horses they remove the ones that know the way to the water, the good grass, the way around the canyon – they’re taking out all of the knowledge of the herd,” Boggess explains. “It is really sad to sit there and look at the horses and think that in the next ten days they’ll be taken off this range and they’ll never see it again.”

This case is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, September 2nd, and thousands of people around the United States and the world await the decision of Judge Sullivan which will decide the fate of the unique and beloved Pryor Wild Horse Herd.

WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE! KEEP CALLING
We’ve just been told that BLM Director Bob Abbey is meeting with other officials regarding this round up due to the number of calls and e-mails they are receiving. KEEP IT UP- KEEP CALLING, FAXING AND E-MAILING.
These are our wild horses living on our public lands!

BLM Director Bob Abbey
Call: 202-208-3801 or 866-468-7826
Fax: 202-208-5242
Robert_Abbey@blm.gov This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Help us keep you updated– join Cloud on Facebook and Twitter now! 11th Hour for Cloud’s Herd – Act Now!!! Wednesday, 26 August 2009 13:11

Please act now to stop this unnecessary and cruel round up— the BLM still plans to move forward on September 1st
The Bureau of Land Management is rounding up and eliminating 12 herds (650 horses) off 1.4 million acres in Nevada right now– next they plan to destroy Cloud’s herd with a massive removal of 70 horses that would include OLDER HORSES and YOUNG FOALS.
Many of the horses you have come to love in the Cloud shows and will meet in the new Cloud show on October 25th will lose their families and their freedom next week. By zeroing out whole herds and reducing others to below genetic viability, the BLM is circumventing the will of Congress. The House just passed the Restoring of American Mustangs (ROAM) act and the Senate will review this bill (now S.1579) when they return from recess in September. Is BLM just trying to do as much irrevocable damage to America’s wild horses as they can before Congress can act?
This round up will start on September 1st unless we can stop it. Removing 70 horses will destroy this unique little Spanish herd, leaving them well below the bare minimum for genetic viability. The range is in great condition and the horses are healthy. This removal should be stopped. Please do all you can to help! Listen to Ginger Kathrens on Endangered Stream Live– a special edition show “Angels for Cloud”

National Call in Day for Cloud is Friday, August 28th — SPREAD THE WORD! Have your kids call in and write too– These horses need to be preserved for future generations and we must act NOW

1. Call/write/fax President Obama as often as you can—this herd is a national treasure and should not be wiped out by a government agency. Please flood the phone lines with calls! Phone: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-9000 Fax: 202-456-2461
E-mail Obama

2. Ask Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to stop this round up
Call: 202-208-3100
Write: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

3. BLM Director Bob Abbey, tell him to halt this round up– he must reconsider his agency’s actions
Call: 202-208-3801 or 866-468-7826
Fax: 202-208-5242
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

4. Call and write your own Senators and Congress people- tell them that Montana is allowing the destruction of Cloud’s unique and historical wild horse herd. Politely express your outrage and ask them to help stop this round up. Find your state offices here

Art by Lucinda Knowlton's web site consists of helpful how to tips for horse owners, horse riding tips, first aid tips for horses, help for horses, sale of personalized mugs, aprons, prints, cards, t-shirts, postcards, shoes, skateboards, pet clothing, bags, keychains, bumperstickers, stickers, postage stamps, mousepads, hats, magnets, buttons, drawings, oil paintings and pastel drawings by the Canadian artist. Her interests in fine art and realistic art covers wildlife art, portraits of people, horses and pets, abstract art, still life, the human figure, as well as a variety of subjects that inspire the artist. The web site also includes free tutorials, helpful links for artists, book reviews and is constantly being updated with more information and artwork. She aims to promote wildlife preservation, environmental protection through her work. This site includes her oil paintings and pastel of horses and ponies. Her wildlife page consists of drawings of elk, black bear cub, owl, swan, fox, eagle, fawn of a white-tailed deer, racoon, penguins, cougars or puma, elephants, tiger and alligator. The pets page consist of drawings, oil paintings and pastel paintings of beagles, cats, greyhounds and other dogs and cats. Other works of Lucinda include, a pastel painting of a homeless man titled lost soul, flowers, roses, portraits of children, baby, cherries, boatwreck, seascape, harpist, artist, cityline, abstracts, small sculptures, and nudes.