Southwest Sport Horse

Great overview of bringing in Native American cultures to the 2023 FEI World Cup.

2023 FEI World Cup™ Finals Theme Acknowledged Native American Culture In April, the 2023 FEI World Cup™ Finals in Omaha, Neb., served as an exciting equestrian event on U.S. soil. The event had a theme that incorporated Native American culture and their involvement with horses.

For those in Parker, CO area -- stop by the Rusty Spur Saddle Shop THIS Thursday from 4-7pm. Should be a great time!

You're Invited to Our Happy Hour / New Brands Release Party! Join us on Thursday, November 16 from 4-7pm and enjoy food, drink and the first to view new products!

In-store special - buy 2 NEW products, get a 3rd New Product at 50% Off!

• Justin (jewelry, bags, purses)
• Catchfly (baseball caps)
• Cruel (Western wear)
• Roper (shirts, boots, shoes)
• Tin Haul (boots and shirts)
• Sterling Creek (clothes and jewelry)
• Lacey Boots (women's cowboy boots)

Check out the online auction to support USDF Region 5 FEI Youth!

Some good tips!

How to Keep your White Breeches White - The Plaid Horse Magazine Constantly finding yourself with brown, stained breeches that once sparkled white? Members of The Plaid Horse Adult Amateur Lounge shared their best tips and tricks to keep your white breeches stain-free.  The winning products? Fels Naptha Laundry Bar and Stain Remover, Out White Brite Laundry Whit...

A great overview of the horse brand inspection requirements in the West.

Stole this from another gentleman that did a fantastic job on writing up manifest/permit requirements.

There seems to be a lot of confusion around the subject of Brand Inspections as it applies to horses and mules. Let me see if I can simplify this so that it makes more sense.

When you live in a brand inspection state, your horses and mules will have individual brand inspection certificates and you will be required to carry these with you as proof of ownership. Currently Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota (west of the Missouri river) require brand inspection for horses and mules. This is also the case for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia in Canada.

For those of you living outside these states or provinces who plan to travel to these locations, you will have to obtain a brand inspection for each horse or mule. If you live outside the western states or provinces, then your home state or province may not require or provide brand inspections. If so, then you will have to call ahead to the first brand inspection state you are planning to visit and make an appointment with a brand inspector.

But what if my horse doesn’t have a brand?

That’s where a lot of the confusion begins. Brand inspection is not about whether your horse or mule is branded, but rather about providing proof of ownership. Your mount may or may not have an actual brand, regardless the animal must go through a brand inspection process when entering a brand inspection state.

The brand inspector will ask to see your proof of ownership which will include a bill of sale signed by the seller with a description that adequately describes the animal(s). Once you prove to the inspector that you lawfully possess the animal in question, they will issue brand inspection certificate for each animal. These certificates show the animals markings, brands if applicable and or distinguishing marks.

How much does it cost?

Fees vary by state, but let’s use Montana for the example. The inspection fee for a 1-year permit in 2023 is currently ten dollars. A lifetime horse inspection permit is thirty dollars. In Idaho a lifetime permit is fifty-three dollars. The lifetime permit is good for as long as you own the horse or mule and is non-transferrable.

Do I need one for every state? That could get expensive!

No, brand inspection permits are reciprocal. Once you are issued brand inspection certificate it is valid in all the other BI states for the term of the permit.

What if I am just passing through?

The law requires anyone transporting livestock into or out of a brand inspection state to have a current brand inspection.

What if I elect not to get a brand certificate for my horse?

Brand inspectors are peace officers by statue, carry a firearm and have the power to arrest with or without a warrant. If you are stopped by a brand inspection officer, they will expect you to have brand inspections for every horse and mule in your trailer. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and your animals could be impounded until you can show proof of ownership. If you are hauling horses with no bill of sale or brand inspections you could even be arrested if the BI feels the animals are stolen. It’s absolutely NOT worth the risk.

Fine . . . how do I get a Brand Certificate?

You can use the Internet to Google “Brand Inspection” and the name of the FIRST brand inspection state you are traveling to. From these pages there is generally a “Find a brand inspector” link to a page that will usually be broken down by county or some kind of district. Contact the closest inspector to your point of entry in that state and tell them that you would like to make an appointment. They will direct you on how to proceed from there.

It sounds like a lot of hassle!

The actual process is really quite simple. The inspector will review your bill of sale and make notations about your animal’s brands, socks, blazes, scars or other marks that would uniquely identify them on the certificate. It doesn’t typically take very long and the more polite and cooperative you are the faster it will move along. For a one-hour investment you can get a lifetime of security for your horses and if stopped it will prevent you from being detained along your way.

What if I don’t have a Bill of Sale, are my registration papers enough?

Typically, registration papers are not considered proof of ownership. If you cannot produce a Bill of Sale, then contact any Brand Inspection office for assistance.

For more information contact one of the agencies below;

Montana – Montana Department of Livestock (406) 444-2045
Idaho – State Brand Inspectors Office (800) 772-8442
North Dakota – North Dakota Stockmen’s Office (701) 223-2522
South Dakota – South Dakota Brand Board (605) 773-3324
Wyoming – Wyoming Livestock Board (307) 777-7515
Colorado – Brand Inspection Division (303) 869-9160
New Mexico – New Mexico Livestock Board (505) 841-6161
Utah – Utah Livestock Inspection Bureau (801) 982-2240
Alberta – Livestock Identification Service (866) 509-2088
British Columbia – Livestock Brands, Registry and Inspection Service (250) 314-9686
Saskatchewan – Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (306) 546-5086
Manitoba – Brands Registry (431) 271-0161
Travel safe out there!

UPDATED TO ADD: if you are from a non brand state just traveling thru a brand state you DO NOT need to seek out a brand inspector. If you are traveling from a non brand state to a brand state AND staying permanently or for an extended period of time then you'll want to reach out to the local inspector.

Thanks to Vanda Werner and Mile High Horse Ranch for making sure this theft issue is known, contacting a newspaper journalist, and pushing for Walmart to remove the prepaid gift cards from near self check-out.

String of 20 thefts at horse ranches across Colorado's Front Range has stables on alert Thieves smashed the windows of cars parked at Front Range horse stables, stole purses and drove to Walmart stores to buy prepaid gift cards.

Always important whether horse trainer or boarding facility, of how to protect yourself from liability exposure. Read entire article in the March issue of The WRANGLER Horse and Rodeo News.

Horse Trainer Liability - The WRANGLER As a horse trainer you should consider several ways to protect yourself from liability exposure. Whether you are training horses (or their owners) at your own facility or training at other locations, you should always have liability insurance, a well-written contract, and waivers and/or releases as....

Dates for Spring Gulch!

SAVE THE DATES! Here are the dates for SG horse trials in 2023. Our first event will be the combined test coming up quickly on April 22nd. Notice we will also be doing volunteer tailgates the day before horse shows!

This year the CCE will no longer allow individuals to gift their hours. All competitors must volunteer to be eligible for end of year awards. Please create a profile at https://www.eventingvolunteers.com to join the fun and help out in 2023!

We can’t wait to see you all this year!

From Pair Pace to jumper and dressage schooling shows, check out what's happening at Mile High Horse Ranch this summer!

Make sure you read the USEF rulebook and know any changes or new rules for this year!

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/F3p8pgrWgAo/dr-dressage-division

Comments for proposed rule changes must be in by 12/31/22.

Deadline approaching! Visit the USDF website at the link below to see the current Standard Rule Changes being considered by the US Equestrian Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to provide comments on changes to the rules that affect the sport of dressage.

Comments must be provided by December 31, 2022.
https://www.usdf.org/competitions/usefrulechanges.asp

Photo by Chelsey Burris

Bucas Power Turnout Extra Turnout - Size 84 - NEW - FOR SALE

The Bucas Power Extra Turnout has a ballistic nylon outer that is waterproof and breathable and has a heat reflective inner aluminum coating. Shoulder darts and the Click'n Go front buckle system helps always the perfect fit. With the Stay-Dry Anti-Bacterial lining, the rug can be put on a wet horse the same way as a sweat rug. It will quickly dry the horse and can be left on, avoiding extra rug changes. Silver with navy trim. 300 gm fill -- Heavyweight.

Ballistic nylon outer for ultimate strength
Waterproof and breathable
Heat-reflective aluminum coating
Stay-Dry lining
Anti-bacterial lining
Silk-feel lining on shoulder area to prevent rubbing
Click'n Go Front Buckle with magnetic Snap-lock
Reflective strips on tail flap and front corners
Elastic leg straps
Attachment points for Combi-Neck (Neck/Hood sold separately)

Retails $473. ON SALE $350 includes shipping!

Does not include neck piece (although I may have neck piece available for sale - please ask, if interested)

Very important!

It might be a chilly morning today, but nothing like it’ll be in less than 48 hours 🥶 Here’s some considerations for helping your horses stay warm and happy during the icy blast:

1. Water: Access to fresh, clean and, if possible, warm water at all times.
2. Shelter: Access to a stall, barn, shed or other wind break.
3. Movement: If it’s safe to do so, continuing normal turnout routines or going a short hand walks in the barn are good for warmth and GI motility.
4. Extra Forage: Keep them eating — provide 1-3 extra small meals of your horse’s regular hay diet.
5. Blankets: Medium to heavy weight, breathable, waterproof blankets can be considered even in horses that don’t usually wear blankets when it’s this cold. Please do not blanket a wet horse. Please monitor and change/remove blankets as needed.
6. Electrolytes: Adding oral electrolytes to feed or water or giving paste electrolytes 1-2 times daily can encourage increased water consumption. This should be started 12-24 hours before the major weather change occurs. If any feed aversion occurs by adding electrolytes, please stop administering immediately and return to regular diet. If added to water, always offer a plain bucket of water as well.
7. Mash: Warm water can be added to your horse’s regular pelleted diet for a warm treat and to increase water intake. Please wait for all pellets to absorb water completely before feeding.

Want to know more… We just shared 5 posts from The Horse with more ideas for cold weather horse care.

If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our veterinarians or veterinary technicians.

Helmet fitting is so important! Check out this very informative article.

Equestrian Helmet Fitting and Safety Equestrian Helmet Fitting and Safety Charles Owen’s team of experts offer their top tips on selecting and professionally fitting the helmet that will work best for your particular equestrian discipline—and on knowing when to replace your helmet. by Glenye Cain Oakford | Nov 7, 2022, 2:30 PM EST ...

2023 US Dressage Tests are ready to go! Link below.

The 2023 US Dressage Tests are now available! These tests will take effect December 1, 2022 & be utilized through November 30, 2026. Start learning them by reviewing the new tests here: https://www.usdf.org/competitions/competitors/tests.asp

Photo by Chelsey Burris

Fantastic article about saddle fit and female anatomy. A great read.

Fitting the Rider

Anatomy in general is a crucial factor in saddle fit, as is gender. Males generally have it much easier when trying to find a saddle that fits, because saddles have been traditionally built by males, for males. While females may have an inherent conformational disadvantage, with exercises and muscular development (and a saddle that takes their anatomy into consideration) they could compensate and achieve a similar position on horseback to the male.

Especially in dressage it is difficult for females to achieve the classic "shoulders-hips-heels" straight line, due to the fact that the articulation of female hips is different than a males. It is painful to sit on the p***c bone, and as a result, most females collapse at the hip to escape the pain. The leg shoots forward, and time is spent fighting the position instead of concentrating on riding. The male hip sockets are much further forward, so that their legs can hang naturally straight down. Additionally, for most males, the upper leg (hip bone to knee bone) is pretty much the same length as the lower leg (hip bone to ankle bone), which means that their legs will hang down straight using a ‘normal’ stirrup bar placement. (For females, the stirrup bar generally needs to be extended to allow their legs to find their centre of gravity, since most females’ upper legs are longer than their lower legs, which causes them to hang forward and pull them into the chair position even more.

Position and balance of the rider are the key ingredients in all riding disciplines; in dressage more so than in other disciplines, because the majority of time is spent sitting. The seat bones are the key structure for the foundation of position and balance, but the gluteal muscles also play a role here. Since a man’s tailbone is longer and his glutes are lower, he will not need as much support ‘behind’ at the cantle as many females will. The female almost has to ‘slouch’ in order to get the same support from her saddle. This then leads to backache, because the natural four curves in her spine cannot be properly used as shock absorbers when she rides.

For males, the position of their seat bones does not provide the obstacle it does for the majority of females. Males have two “V” shaped seat bones set close together, giving them a bipod axis. Although saddle manufacturers in the past have afforded special attention to that skeletal structure given that traditionally more males rode, it is not as complex as the female requirements. Unfortunately, too many females ride in saddles built for males, which is why again you often have the above-mentioned “chair seat” as a result. Females have a broad range of hip shapes, all of which need to be accommodated when constructing a saddle. Unlike the “V” shaped male seat bones, females are usually flat. In addition, females have a more prominent and lower p***c bone. This combination of three skeletal structures causes females to sit as on a tripod. Herein lies the problem for most females - unless the pelvis is straight, the pommel of the saddle will inevitably interfere with the p***c bone, and unless the abdominal muscles are used, it is almost impossible to sit balanced in a saddle – with the proper support from behind.

The traditional ‘male’ saddles are built fairly widely in the crotch area but are narrow in the seat. Females find themselves sitting with their legs pushed outwards from the hip, and/or painfully sitting on the seat seaming. The anatomy dictates that the structure for females should be exactly opposite – narrow in the crotch area (twist – which is defined as that part of the saddle between the upper inner thigh) and wider in the seat area.

For males, it should be generally easy to find a saddle that fits them, because the majority of English saddles on the market today are still made as they have always been made, and will allow the male anatomy to sit comfortably and balanced. Generally speaking, you are looking at a fairly wide twist and a smaller seat to accommodate his pelvis – but of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Is important that the rider feels comfortable first, and then the saddle needs to be fitted to the horse (which means more than simply moving the flocking around – it needs to fit at various other key performance indicators as well such as the gullet channel, the length, etc.,.) But if the saddle does not fit the rider and he is comfortable, then it doesn’t really matter how well the saddle fits the horse – because he will never perform to his full capability as the rider’s discomfort will translate down.

Unfortunately, for the most part, saddles have not evolved terribly much over the years, except maybe cosmetically. Most companies still use the same trees, the same technology, and the same manufacturing process as they always have – with a few exceptions. This does seem somewhat paradoxical when you consider that especially in dressage the majority of riders are female – the adult amateur female rider is the market – and thankfully they are beginning to realize that a) riding doesn’t have to hurt; b) there are alternatives available and c) if they are vocal enough in their demands the industry will change!

Colorado Springs/Monument/Larkspur Peeps!

Once Upon A Horse in Monument is now offering Tack Cleaning Services! Everything from saddles to bridles and boots. Prices are VERY reasonable and Denise does a FANTASTIC job! Drop her a message or call her store for more information.

ADDRESS:
213 WASHINGTON ST. MONUMENT, CO
PHONE: 719-487-7433

Good information to stay safe in this hot weather!

Every year horses & riders get heat stroke, get, or die from being over worked in the heat.
If you are unsure of what the limits are this is a great guide to give you a base idea.

Don’t forget to take into consideration WHERE & WHAT you are working, how LONG you are working, and what COLORs your horse and you are wearing!
If you’re riding out towards the bookcliffs in the dessert there’s less humidity from lack of water sources, if you’re riding around Fruita there’s much more humidity due to irrigation, if you’re riding up on the Mesa there’s cooler temps and less humidity, if your riding out in Whitewater it’s definitely hotter and humidity varies on location again.

Use the Heat Index app to help you calculate you current locations heat and humidity and give yourself and your horse a safe and healthy ride!



www.thehorseinsport.com
2685 Hwy 50 GJ, CO
970-263-0101

RMDS needs help for their Championship show!

We've heard that there has been some confusion as to what is LEGAL and what is NOT in regards to the new rules for dressage show apparel.

US Equestrian and United States Dressage Federation Official Page have provided an excellent resource with LOTS of PHOTOS!

Please review and make sure you aren't eliminated at your next show by having questionable show apparel.

For complete document, go to: https://www.usdf.org/docs/ShowFlash/web/TechnicalDelegate/A%20Visual%20Guide%20to%20the%20Dressage%20Attire%20Rules%201_23_2022%20USDF.pdf?t=2%2F12%2F2022%2011%3A33%3A55%20PM&fbclid=IwAR3z8Vmf3TOepASDIWj1T_0o3hcxzCt6PrJFiYeYLXackEcWOSp7fFOfYSs

Mile High Horse Ranch is jumping in with all 4s this summer!

Schooling Shows include: 2 Pair Paces, a series of Jumper and Dressage shows called “Double Down” as they are on the same day and, of course, the annual Derby.

www.milehighhorseranch.com

Many trainers donated lessons to RMDS with all funds going to the RMDS scholarship fund and club operations. Please visit the RMDS website tomorrow to learn more and purchase a lesson!

Rocky Mountain Dressage Society RMDS

First Annual RMDS Lesson Fundraiser
Going Live Tomorrow Morning

We are excited to bring present many amazing trainers who are dedicated in helping RMDS raise money for our scholarships and organization! This would not have happened without THEIR support, and we are VERY grateful to all those trainers who have donated lessons!

You will be able to purchase a donated lesson from these trainers starting tomorrow morning at 9am. Here is your chance to try a new trainer, learn a different perspective or purchase lesson from your current trainer. All proceeds go to RMDS!

Lessons are FIRST COME FIRST SERVE with payment needing to be sent via the RMDS ONLINE PAYMENT (PAYPAL) page. You will be responsible for sending correct amount AND list trainer name in DESCRIPTION BOX (of the RMDS Payment). All lessons must be paid for IN FULL. In the event that a lesson is already purchased, your payment will be refunded. First payment received (with correct payment amount and trainer name in description box) will be considered “first” purchaser of the lesson(s).

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the trainers who donated to this fundraiser!

LAURA BACKUS

MEGAN BRETEY

JUDY CARNICK

JOAN CLAY

CAROL CUNEFARE

SHANNON DAHMER

KRISTIN FORTUNSKI

VIRGINIA GILES

JESSICA GREER

DOLLY HANNON

GABRIELLE HILBERT

MIMI JUNICK

AMANDA MOORE

GLENDA NEEDLES

AMELIA NEWCOMB

MONIQUE POTTS

JESSICA SCHUERING

INKA SPATAFORA

JENNIFER THURSTON

SIMONE WINDELER

Anyone able to help out and volunteer at Dressage for the Cure? Link below...

Dressage for the Cure 2022 SignUp.com makes it easy to coordinate school events & classroom activities, fundraisers, snack schedules, potlucks & more!

Rule Refresher! Don't get disqualified after all the time and money you spent getting to an event!

https://useventing.com/news-media/news/rule-refresher-how-can-i-be-disqualified?fbclid=IwAR1F__NzToxOz7IXA6Dqgtz-GAPJBW1yDRlMMFU56XkTSb_UvFxQA_n22D8

Rule Refresher: How Can I Be Disqualified? Rule Refresher: How Can I Be Disqualified?

It's Friday! Who had a perfect ride this week?

Show refresher! Make sure you know the "rules" of the show ring.



https://dressagetoday.com/instruction/rules-ring-universal-dressage-ring-etiquette?fbclid=IwAR3MfgSOXddd6p6OUn8d-2Wbhjyqbz4I4FZDJlknuZ363pEkY01uCn3ofPo

Rules of the Ring: Universal Dressage Ring Etiquette Beth Beukema shares 12 rules to help riders determine who has the right of way in a crowded arena.