1. sports
2. rodeo

Raising Your Equine Experience To A Higher Level
2015 SPRING EDITION VOLUME 16, NO. 2
Giving you more Horsepower…
– See their ad on page 3
P.O. Box 722, Ottawa, KS 66067
2
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
3
4
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
Plenty of Spring Events
Coming your way in 2015!
Hello friends!
I hope all is well with you and you
are getting to enjoy your horse or horses.
It has been great seeing many of you at
Equifest of Kansas and HorseFest in
Springfield, Mo.
We’re getting ready to make the trip
to the Hoosier Horse Fair in Indianapolis,
which I always look forward to attending.
If any of you will be close to Scottsdale,
Ariz. on April 24, please join us at
Al Dunning’s for a Free Clinic and
Open House.
Better Horses Radio’s sponsor, Purina,
has a great opportunity for you to try
Purina Horse Feed. If you are not
presently feeding Purina Horse Feed,
and you have at least five horses, give me
a call at 785-418-6047 or email me at
[email protected].
Better Horses Radio continues to grow
both on the AM/FM Stations and our
Digital – Better Horses Radio
World-Wide Show. Make sure you
check us out on our website:
www.betterhorsesradio.com.
If you have a local station that you would
like to have carry our radio show, contact
me at [email protected].
It has been great teaming up with the
Family Center Farm & Home. They have
four locations; located in Harrisonville,
Mo., Butler, Mo., Paola, Kan. and
Winterset, Ia. Make sure you visit their
website at www.fcfarmandhome.com
where you soon will be able to shop from
the comfort of your home. They have a
couple of great events scheduled for this
June 12 and 13 and Oct. 16 and 17 that
you need to plan to attend.
The Better Horses Radio Dream Ride
is ALIVE & WELL! Mark your calendars
to attend on Sept. 25, 26 and 27 at the
Robbins Ranch near Cottonwood Falls,
Kan. Because of popular demand we are
going back. (See ad on page 11)
It is always great to see or hear from
you. Let me know if I can be of any help.
Happy Trails and God Bless,
– Ernie
Inside this
Issue…
5
TODD WRIGHT – Brings Reining Horse Operation back
8 home
to Ottawa, Kan.
FALL DREAM RIDE IN THE FLINT HILLS – Returns to
11 Robbins
Ranch, September 25-27
12 PAIGE WISEMAN – Paola, Kan. Cowgirl Crowned “Iron Woman”
LAWRIN – Only Kansas Bred Horse to be Crowned
15 Kentucky
Derby Champion
NFR CHAMPIONS – To Compete in Memorial Day Roping
16 Event
near Carthage, Mo.
BETTER HORSES NETWORK INFORMATION:
For Advertising Information contact:
Call Connie at 785-418-2615
email: [email protected]
Call Joan at 316-210-4042
email: [email protected]
Call Bonnie at 574-386-3811
email: [email protected]
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT
OUR NEW WEBSITES!
Bundle your advertising efforts with the
Better Horses Network Publication, Better Horses Radio,
Electronic Newsletter & websites!
Call Connie at 785-418-2615
email: [email protected]
DIRK BLAKESLY – Famed Cutting Horse Trainer is at home
in Kansas
Call Joan at 316-210-4042
email: [email protected]
www.betterhorsesnetwork.com
www.betterhorsesradio.com
Call Bonnie at 574-386-3811
email: [email protected]
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
5
Dirk Blakesley…
Famed Cutting Horse
Trainer at Home in the
Sunflower State
by Joan Stibal
Step into Dirk Blakesley’s “office” at his
ranch near Augusta, Kan., and the first
thing you notice is that nobody’s spending
any time sitting down. A few chairs are
pushed behind a table and covered with a
layer of barn dust, and the walls are covered with all kinds of bridles and biting
and horse equipment. All the action is with
the fancy mare in the cutting pen outside;
and about a dozen or so horses are tied
out, waiting their turn to work cattle, or
cooling off on the walker.
The second thing you notice is a white
board near the office door, with, “I ’heart’
Blakesley Cutting Horses” drawn on it –
obviously the work of his 11-year-old
daughter, Delaney, who “rides quite a bit,”
and is sure to be a contender in the cutting
pen in years to come. Son, Trace, a
high-school freshman, is more interested
in team sports at school.
Blakesley’s wife, Annette, is his backup
on every front. “She can do about anything,” Blakesley says. Annette manages
their home, keeps the business books,
chauffeurs the kids to school and events,
rides horses, works with cattle or anywhere
at the barn where needed and is the first
one to jump in when somebody doesn’t
show up for work.
Blakesley has solid credentials – he has
lifetime earnings of $1.25 million-plus
with the National Cutting Horse
Association (NCHA), he’s in the NCHA
Riders Hall of Fame and he is an NCHA
accredited judge. His accomplishments
come almost entirely from showing horses
he’s trained in the 3- to 5-year old aged
horse events. He says he enjoys training
and selectively showing them; and he freely
admits he has no interest in being on the
road all the time and being part of the
“numbers game” like some of the guys who
haul multiple horses in the same age
category to shows almost every week of
the year.
His passion for every aspect of training
cutters, managing the cattle required and
coaching amateurs is clear. Blakesley also
appreciates his location in Southcentral
Kansas, where he built his facilities from
the ground up. “There are good roads in
any direction,” he says, and he’s relatively
close to major events in Oklahoma City,
Tulsa, Texas and Louisiana.
Raised around horses in Princeton,
Now, if you are looking for prime Kansas horse properties
south of Kansas City, contact me at 913.731.8301!
Dirk Blakesley showing CR Reys Meow in the 4-year-old open finals at the
2015 Arbuckle Mountain Futurity in Ardmore, Okla., in late February. CR Reys
Meow is owned by Lyle and Janet Winter of Letts, Ia.
Mo., he earned an internship in cutting
(almost by default) from the horse-training
program at Lamar Community College in
Colorado. He started training with Dean
Smith in Council Grove, Kan., and then
spent almost a decade In Wilmore,
Kan.(near Medicine Lodge), where he had
a number of Wichita customers who eventually attracted him to relocate to the
Wichita-Augusta area.
Blakesley’s training regimen includes
working his horses on cattle some days and
other days, on the flag. He takes a new
semi-load of heifers about every 45 days,
processes and vaccinates them, gets them
fed up for use in the cutting pen and about
six weeks later sends them down the road
in exchange for another load. He has an
indoor arena but prefers to ride outside in
a larger pen. “It takes pressure off the horse
because there’s more room,” he notes.
His assessment of what makes a good
cutting horse is this: “They gotta want to
cow and be smart. They can have all the
athletic ability in the world, but they gotta
cow. If you have a horse that can read a
cow, when you get in a bind, they can get
you out of it. Of course, it’s good to have
both - you need that to be competitive.”
And with the tough competition
today, “They better have one thing
that stands out.”
Blakesley recalls a few of his most
memorable horses: Little Acre Doc, Wiley
Cat and Cat’s Live Oak, who number
among his favorites. But for pure speed,
Desires Some Cat comes to mind as well.
She was hard work to ride - “Wilder than
the wind,” he says, big grin spreading
across his face. “Ton of cow, lots of ability,
faster right and left and wilder through the
turn than I wanted. She’d get low and
‘Whoo, whoo!’ Looked pretty, feels like
your hat’s gonna blow off. She had a big
stop, smooth moves and every time I
looked between her ears, there was the cow.
It was fun, but you had to ride the wheels
off her.”
The sport of cutting has changed a lot
since Blakesley first competed. Back in the
day, the cutters worked in a half-moon,
defensive way. Now, the strategy is more
offensive, he says. You work in a straight
line, maybe push in a “V.” “You’re not
going to win anything riding defensively,”
he says. “You’ve got to step up and control
the cow.” He studies the cattle intently at
shows, and writes down the cows he’d like
or not like to work.
“It’s about a 50/50 deal no matter how
much you watch ‘em,” he says of picking
See DIRK BLAKESLEY continued on page 7
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
6
Better Horses Radio Show
www.betterhorsesradio.com
Hosted by
Ernie Rodina
and Co-Hosted
by Dawn Dawson
ON THE RADIO
Tune-in to one of these radio affiliates airing our show:
KWBC 1550 AM
Navasota, Texas – Sunday 6 am
WQQW 1510 AM
Highland, Ill.; – Saturday 7 am
KMA 99.3 FM
Shenandoah Iowa – Sunday 5:05 am
KMDO 1600 AM
Fort Scott, Ks. – Sat. 8:30 am
KCMO Talk Radio 810 AM
Kansas City, Mo. – Sunday 9 am
KMHT Radio 103.9 FM
"The Heartbeat of East Texas"
Marshall, Texas – Saturday 5:45 am
WEZO 1230 AM
Augusta, Ga. – Saturday 7 am
KOFO 1220 AM
Ottawa, Ks. – Sunday 4 pm
KOMB 103.9 FM
Fort Scott, Ks. – Saturday: 8:30 am
KCMO Talk Radio 103.7 FM
Kansas City, Mo. – Sunday 9 am
KRVN 880 AM
Lexington, Nebraska– Sunday 8 pm
KQAM 1480 AM - Big Talker;
Mid America Ag Network
Wichita Ks. – Sat. 7 am
KGGF 690AM
Coffeyville, Ks. – Saturday 9 am
106.9 FM - Country Legends
Topeka, Ks. – Sunday 7 am
KMRN 1360 AM - U.S. Country
Cameron, Mo. – Saturday 7 am
KQLX 890 AM - AG News
Fargo, North Dakota – Sunday 4 pm
KGYN 1210 AM
Gymon, Oklahoma – Saturday 7 am
KMA 960 AM
Shenandoah, Iowa – Sunday 5:05 am
KFRM 550am
Clay Center / Salina / Wichita
Sunday 4 pm
KYRO 1280am
Troy, Mo. – Saturday 7 am
KFEQ 680 AM
St. Joseph, Mo. – Sunday 6:30 am
KGGS 1340 AM
Garden City, Ks. – Saturday 7 am
Paola, Ks. Regional Radio
ON THE WEB
Better Horses Radio Worldwide
Go to: www.radiostarworldwide.com
and look for Better Horses with Ernie Rodina
Download Shows FREE 24/7 on all mobile apps!
SMM Cattle Co.
mykansascityhorseproperty.com
KW
CATTLE COMPANY
FCFarmAndHome.com
SPRING2015
BETTER HORSES
Dirk Blakesley takes his Success in Stride
continued from page 5
the best cows to ‘cut.’ “An average horse can
make a good cow look sorry and a smart
cow horse will pull the cow to them and
make the cow look good.”
Advice to amateurs:
“It’s best to buy an old horse and go to
weekend shows to start learning,” Blakesley
advises. “Amateurs need to learn to relax,
drive the cow out quietly, put the hand
down and retrain the mind to sit still and
go with the horse. Some people pick this up
quickly and some struggle.
“Then I sure try to get them on a good
horse. Put kids on good horses and they are
tough to beat.”
Blakesley says he prefers riding mares
because they have a little more energy than
geldings. He likes the ones that move their
ears a lot, you can feel their body sink in
front of a cow, and they go slow motion
through the turns. If you want to train your
horse for cutting, 18 months should be the
minimum time to expect from start to
show. Longer is to your advantage he says,
and it’s ideal for a horse to be with the
trainer for about four years. “That keeps
them honest,” he says. “Amateurs can teach
bad habits to a horse pretty quick.”
On to 2015
Blakesley is fresh off a good run in
February at the 2015 Arbuckle Mountain
Futurity in Ardmore, Okla., where he and
4-year-old CR Rays Meow made the finals,
9th out of 104 horses. Next the pair head
for the Super Stakes in Ft. Worth at the end
of March.
Blakesley’s philosophical about his
success: “There always are ups and downs
in this business – times when finances
are tight, horses leave that you really like –
and I rely a lot on my faith that everything’s
happening for a reason and it’s going to
work out the way it’s supposed to. I have
my faith, my family, my calling training
cutting horses and I look forward to doing
this for many years to come.” ■
7
8
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
Making the ‘Wright Choice’…
Todd Wright to
bring Reining Horse
Operation back home
by Joan Stibal
It’s big news for Kansas! NRHA
Professional Trainer Todd Wright will be
relocating around June 1 from Oklahoma to
Ottawa, Kan., where he plans to base his
operation and bring his considerable
expertise in reining horses to play with
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Brent Wright
for clients around the country. Todd’s wife,
Catherine, brings another skill-set to the
table, with a background in breeding
operations and special training in embryo
transfers, artificial insemination, sonograms
and operating breeding programs.
“I am glad to be coming back home
and getting back in touch with customers
and friends we know there,” Todd says.
“The doors always are open. And we look
forward to next year, helping others with
their breeding stock.”
Todd’s wife, Catherine, is expecting
their second child around May 1. Their
first, Nathan, is a year and a half old.
Jan Wright, the better half of Brent Wright
Reining Horses, is looking forward to
having their grandkids close to home.
The Todd Wright
Training Philosophy
With a patient, yet competitive
approach, we give our colts a good
foundation and put them on a path
to meet our customers’ goals.
We have an excellent program for
futurity and derby prospects and also
specialize in nonpro/youth instruction.
Whether just getting started or
looking to show a futurity or
derby-aged horse, we have a program
to meet each individual’s needs.
“I can’t wait!” she says. “I’m so excited about
being around them and watching them
grow up.”
Todd has been around horses all his life
and grew up in the reining horse world.
After high school, he graduated from Kansas
State University, where he earned a degree
in Animal Science with a business minor.
Todd never had any doubt about his
career path he says, and went right into
horse-training full time – first in Kansas,
and then moved on to a year with Million
Dollar Rider Tim McQuay in Texas.
“I learned a lot from my dad,” Todd
says, “and learned some things that were
helpful at McQuay’s.” McQuay was an
influence, “for sure,” he says. “It didn’t
change everything I did, but gave me more
to choose from. Of course, you learn things
on your own, too.”
Todd has operated his own business
since 2006. For the past few years, he has
worked and shown out of Newcastle, Okla.
He met his wife, Catherine, in 2011; and
they married a year later. Catherine, who is
from Quebec, Canada, also has been around
horses her entire life; and was an assistant in
the breeding program at Mike McEntire
Reining Horses in Selma, N.C. Catherine
loves to show and ride, and was 2014
reserve champion at the Ariat Reining
Classic Derby in Tulsa and reserve nonpro
champion on Brent’s “Lucky Berry Lena”
at the Kansas Sunflower Slide.
Todd has had many show-pen successes
in the past few years. In 2011, he made
the Level 4 finals at the National Reiners
Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas on “Next
Best Step”; and also made the finals at the
NRHA Derby. The same year, he won the
open futurity at the Kansas Sunflower Slide
and made the NRHA Futurity finals on
Ernie Rodina’s horse, “Self Wrighteous.”
Todd Wright and NRHA Futurity finalist “Arc Prized Walla,” shown stopping at the
NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City. “Walla” is owned by Karen Krin of New York City.
His recent successes include qualifying for
the 2013 NRHA Futurity finals on “ARC
Prized Walla” and winning the 2014 Kansas
Sunflower Slide Open Futurity, Levels 2,
3 and 4 on “FM Master Stepper.” In the
2014 NRHA Futurity, he won the novice
open Level 1 championship and tied for
reserve Level 2 championship on “Nimble
Walla Walla.”
“I love the futurity and derby horses and
showing them myself,” Todd says. “I also
enjoy training reining horses and the
coaching aspect of working with nonpros.
It is that time of year, time to start colts
and plan the coming show season! We have
several spots available for anything from
colt starting to legging up a seasoned show
horse, and anything in between. Two and
3- year-olds are more than welcome as well;
and of course, any assistance you might
need – coaching, training, tips… Just give a
us a call, we are here for you.”
For his part, Brent is looking forward
to working with Todd again and having a
hand in furthering Todd’s career. “It’s fun to
have somebody to ride with,” he says.
“It’s helpful. We get along pretty good.
I can ask, ‘How’s that look?’ and he’ll say,
‘Looks like ….’; well, he’ll tell me straight
up, somebody else won’t.”
If you’ve watched Brent show and win
titles since he first ventured into the NRHA
show pen in 1989, you might think he’s
always been right there – at the top of the
reining horse world. Although he’d been
around horses as a youngster because his
grandfather had horses, he never had any
reason early on to think he could make a
career out of horse training.
Brent and Jan Wright graduated from
Baker University in Baldwin, Kan., having
married between their junior and senior
years. Brent originally gave thought to
coaching as a career, but they actually ended
up farming for 15 years. Brent broke colts
for many people, getting interested in
performance horses in the mid ‘70s. Around
that time, he went to the AQHA World
Show and watched all the cutting, reining,
cow horse work – “It was the first time I’d
seen quality horses,” he recalls. Their son,
Todd, was born in 1977 in Uniontown,
Kan., and by that time, Brent was training
rope horses and starting colts full time.
They moved to Ottawa in 1987, the
same year Brent attended his first NRHA
show at the Lazy E. “That was an eyeopener,” he says. He decided that reining
was what he wanted to do going forward.
After the kind of success Brent has had
in the reining pen, has his philosophy
changed any over the years? “It sure has,”
Brent says, jokingly. “I don’t want to ride as
See TODD WRIGHT continued on page 9
SPRING 2015
Todd Wright
continued from page 8
many as I once did! I still enjoy the horses,”
he adds, sincerely. “I’m a sucker for a good
one. Of course, I enjoy the people and
horses both.”
“When I think back over the years at
all the blessings we’ve had,” Jan concludes
9
BETTER HORSES
thoughtfully, “I give the Lord all the glory
for it.”
Brent Wright Reining Horses is located
at 2789 Montana Road, Ottawa, Kan.
Contact Brent at 785-229-2647. Contact
Todd at 785-229-7874. ■
Kansas Sunflower Slide Futurity in September of last year, where Todd won Levels
2, 3, and 4 on his own mare, “FM Master Stepper.”
Proof that
Purina Works!
Three and a half years ago I took the
Purina challenge and switched to Purina
Senior. I am so happy that I made the
switch! My horse, Bobby (Sunuva Tari Dan)
is 32 years young now. Due to the loss of
several molars he is unable to eat hay and
now even grass is a problem. Purina Senior
has been a blessing! By getting the proper
nutrition in a highly palatable form I am able
to still ride him. In fact, last year was a very
successful year for us in the North Missouri Show Circuit. Overall we placed
3rd in Showmanship and Adult English Pleasure; 2nd in Ladies Ranch Horse
and two pleasure classes; and won the Costume Class (we make quite the
handsome couple). As a result we were the Champion High Point 19 & Over.
My daughter, April Brown, also competed in the circuit on him in the 19 &
over division, placing 4th in flags, 3rd in barrels, and 2nd in poles (he was still
running 23 second pole patterns). This earned Bobby the title of NMSC All
Around Champion 2014! What a horse!
This fall I was concerned that he was reaching the end of the trail as he
started to lose weight. I don't know what the problem was but over the winter
he started to gain it back. Unheard of! I know that Purina changed something
in their Senior feed that brought about the increase. Thanks Purina! Most
importantly, I'm thankful to God for allowing me to have such a great horse
and for giving him a long life!
Now that the weather is warm we are starting to ride again and it feels
great to be back on my old friend. Who knows, maybe he'll go to some shows
this year too.
– Cindy Brown
Platte City, MO
10
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
11
BETTER HORSES
Presents
Presents
Beautiful Robbins Ranch, Chase County, Kansas
September 25-27, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
Directions: From Strong City, west to Diamond Creek Rd. and 10 miles to ranch.
Free Purina STRATEGY and EQUINE SENIOR Horse Feed.
Water available. Bring your own hay. “VERY LIMITED” number of pens available at $40 per pen.
Friday, September 25
3:00pm – 7:30pm – Check-in, pen assignment,
Free STRATEGY, set up camp.
NO CHECK-IN AFTER 11 PM.
ENTRANCE GATE MONITORED!
6pm - 7pm – Complimentary hamburger and hot dog
reception at the Ranch. Or come to Cottonwood Falls
and enjoy small town Friday night! Stroll Broadway and
enjoy live music everywhere!
Call Suzan Barnes, Grand Central Hotel and Grill for
information. Dinner Reservations Required.
Call (620) 273-6763 or [email protected]
Saturday, September 26
7:30am – 9:00am – Check-in continues.
Coffee and rolls served.
7:30am – 8:30am – Horse care. Free STRATEGY
8:30am – 9:00am – Welcome and orientation.
DOOR PRIZES!
9:00am – 9:30am – Horse Clinic – Safety on the Trail!
9:30am – Noon – Saddle Up! Ride in the Flint Hills
(approximately 2 hours)
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Hot BBQ Brisket Lunch at
Campsite
1:30pm – 3:00pm – Saddle Up! Afternoon Ride in the
Flint Hills (approximately 2 hours)
3:30pm – 5:30pm – Horse Clinic – To Be Determined
5:30pm – 6:30pm – Feed and water horses.
Free STRATEGY
6:30pm – Steak Dinner with all the trimmings.
SPONSORED BY
THESE PURINA
DEALERS:
FCFarmAndHome.com
Harrisonville, Butler, & Paola, Ks.
MORE INFORMATION:
CALL TOM PEERY
816-304-2311
FUTURITY CLASSES:
OPEN 2 YEAR OLDS,
STUDS & GELDINGS,
OPEN 2 YEAR MARES
Saturday, September 26 (cont.)
7:00pm – Equine Nutrition with Ernie Rodina.
DOOR PRIZES!
7:30pm – Live Cowboy Campfire Music
• YEARLINGS
• OPEN – AMATEUR
& YOUTH
Sunday, September 27
7:30am – 8:00am – Coffee’s on.
Horse care. Free STRATEGY.
8:00am – 8:30am – Cowboy Church with
Pastor Steve Stafford
8:30am – 9:30am – Hot Breakfast Served!
9:30am – Noon – Saddle Up! Last ride in the
tallgrass prairie (approximately 2 hours)
Noon – 1:00pm – Break camp. Happy Trails!
$2500 ADDED TO THE
SHOW! BUCKLES!
PRIZES!!
COST: Three Beautiful Rides, Great Food, Door Prizes,
STRATEGY© Horse Feed, Equine Clinics, Entertainment:
$200.00/rider – $85.00/non-rider
Lots of Camping Space! (No Hookups) Bring Your Lawn
Chairs! Over $2000 in Great Door Prizes!
TRAIL RIDE LIMITED TO 50 RIDERS. NO STALLIONS.
NO DOGS. SHOES RECOMMENDED.
NEGATIVE COGGINS TEST REQUIRED.
FOR INFORMATION CALL: SUZAN BARNES 620-273-6763
OR [email protected]
Please make checks payable to Purina Dream Ride and
mail to Suzan Barnes, Grand Central Hotel,
215 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas 66845
Purina Dream Ride does not accept credit cards.
Registration occurs upon receipt of your check.
Bluestem
Farm & Ranch
Emporia, Ks
SPONSORED BY
FCFarmAndHome.com
Harrisonville, Butler, & Paola, Ks.
Pleasant Hill Pet
& Livestock Center
Pleasant Hill, Mo.
Brummel
Farm Service
Garnett, Ks.
mykansascityhorseproperty.com
Brummel
Farm Service
Garnett, Ks.
12
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
Paola High School Senior
All-Around Champion Cowgirl
Crowned ‘Iron Woman’
by Frank J. Buchman
“It was awesome, so cool. But, very
nerve wracking. It came down to team
roping, the last event, and I hadn’t team
roped since I was a freshman. I had to
borrow my brother’s horse and even his
rope, but it all came together.”
She is the Iron Woman Champion.
That’s her wrap-up of the highly touted
all-girl competition hosted by the Kansas
State University Rodeo Club, attracting
cowgirls from throughout the Midwest,
competing in four cowgirl events.
This year’s winner is Paige Wiseman of
Paola, Kan., the youngest contestant there,
just a high school senior. But final results
easily verify she was the most deserving,
placing in every division.
“This is the first year I’ve entered the
Iron Woman event at Manhattan, yet I’d
been looking forward to competing in it all
year. I was having a good day, and it really
came to a climax when Michelle Wilson of
Osage City heeled for me in the team
roping. We placed third, which gave me
enough points for the championship,”
Wiseman noted.
Top contestants in each event receive
payback and points toward the all-around
title. “Not all contestants compete in all
four events.” Wiseman said.
“Honestly, I don’t know what my
total payback was, but I got $250 for the
championship, and the Iron Woman
buckle, that’s what counts,” she said.
Of course, there’s never anything like
the thrill of being a champion, but Paige
Wiseman is not a newcomer to the rodeo
winner’s spotlight. She’s been collecting
titles for many years, actually following in
boot steps of her parents, Kevin and
Mandy Wiseman.
“My dad and mom and grandpa have
been my inspiration. I couldn’t do anything
without them helping me all of the time
with everything I do. They have all been
winners in the rodeo arena, and know what
it requires to compete at the winning levels.
Dad still competes all of the time in calf
roping; and my brother, Logan, is a
freshman, but a top roper, and a big help
to me, too,” Wiseman acknowledged.
Wiseman has been riding since she
can remember and going to rodeos with
her parents all of her life. She started
competing in junior rodeos just about as
soon as she was eligible, collecting awards
in every event at one time or another.
“I was the all-around winner in the
Kansas Junior Rodeo Association two years,
and also went to the National Little
Britches Finals two times. I ended up third
in barrel race and was rookie champion
senior cowgirl at the Little Britches Finals
in 2012, and was third in breakaway
roping in 2013,” she remembered.
“Logan was the goat tying world
champion in Little Britches and goat tying
reserve champion in the National Junior
High School Rodeo Association. So he’s
earned his recognitions, too,” Wiseman
added, as proudly as if her own feats.
Wiseman’s primary concentration
during the past four years has been in the
Kansas High School Rodeo Association
and working to qualify for the National
High School Rodeo Association Finals.
She has won state high school titles in
cutting, breakaway roping, pole bending
and goat tying; and most prestigiously has
been named the all-around cowgirl in the
Kansas High School Rodeo Association for
the past two years.
“Of course, it’s every high school rodeo
contestant’s goal, but I’ve really been
fortunate to qualify all three years for the
National High School Rodeo Finals. I hope
to qualify for the nationals in several events
again this spring,” Wiseman speculated.
Qualifying in several events each year,
the Kansas cowgirl was 11th in the goat
tying at the National High School Finals as
a freshman; seventh in the National Finals
Paige Wiseman is on Sailing Harlan in the barrel race last summer at the National
High School Rodeo Association Finals in Rock Springs, Wyo.
pole bending as a sophomore, after
winning the short go-round; and she also
qualified for the short go-round in the
National Finals girls’ cutting last year.
Wiseman competes in five events in the
Kansas High School Rodeo Association:
girls’ cutting, breakaway roping, goat tying,
barrel racing and pole bending. “It gets
pretty hectic, but I’ve really been blessed,”
she confessed.
Presently ranked high in the standings,
depending on the spring rodeos, Wiseman
could readily end up in the year-end top
four, qualifying for the National High
School Finals Rodeo, in all five events.
Of course, all-around cowgirl ability is
essential, but Wiseman readily admitted
horsepower is an equally important
ingredient to winning championships.
“I’m so fortunate to have outstanding
horses to ride. I ride a different horse in
each event. With my brother’s team roping
and calf roping horses, we take seven horses
to the Kansas high school rodeos,” she said.
The family has a five-horse trailer, and
sends the other two mounts with another
family that has trailer space.
Obviously, singling out a favorite horse
would not be easy; and Wiseman wouldn’t
claim one readily.
“They’re all very good. I love them all.
They all do their specific event better than
others, yet some of my horses could be
very competitive in several events if I
didn’t have another horse that was better,”
she emphasized.
“’Chicken’ is absolutely phenomenal in
breakaway roping. I grew up roping on
him. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to
ride such an awesome equine athlete,”
she said.
Riding Chicken last year, Wiseman was
the state high school breakaway roping
champion, and also the breakaway roping
champion at the Junior Lewis Challenge of
Champions. Previously on Chicken, the
cowgirl has won breakaway roping at the
Future Stars and Joe Beaver Junior
Superstars Roping competitions.
“’Ironman’ is my pole bending horse –
the one who ran 19.7 seconds at Nationals
when I was a sophomore. ‘Horton’ is just
outstanding for goat tying.
“’Sailing Harlan’, known as Harlie, has
been a five-year project, but he’s really
coming into his own as a top barrel horse,
also one of the best. My cutting horse,
‘Pace,’ actually is the only horse that came
completely trained, but he has taught me
the ins and outs of the cutting world,”
Wiseman admits.
Still, there’s much more to winning
then even pairing a talented cowgirl and an
outstanding horse.
“We are really big on nutrition for all
of our horses. It’s really important that the
horses have the correct Purina rations with
Prime Performance supplements all of the
time, so they perform every time at their
See PAIGE WISEMAN continued on page 13
SPRING 2015
13
BETTER HORSES
Walton Wisdom
Bill’s tip for this issue is …
Choosing the right sole:
Rubber sole boots vs.
Leather sole boots.
While trying to make the boot more comfortable for
walking and the soles last longer, you see many boots
with rubber soles instead of leather. Rubber is also
being placed in the stirrups so the rider has some
cushion and so they don't lose their stirrups as much.
Rubber is made to grip; and in doing so, can prevent the boot from coming out of
the stirrup. While this may seem like a good thing, it is actually a very dangerous
thing. This can be very dangerous while getting off or getting bucked off!
So, be safe and choose the right “sole”.
If you are going to walk, wear rubber soles.
If you are going to ride, wear leather soles.
– Bill Walton
williamcooperwalton.com
1(816)223-3469
Paige Wiseman: All-Around Cowgirl Crowned ‘Iron Woman’
continued from page 12
best. Mom is very conscientious about how
we feed every horse to keep them at their
peaks,” Wiseman said.
Although her horses are highly trained
and have ample ability, “Correct
conditioning is essential.” she says.
“My grandpa (Larry Wiseman, former calf
roping champion) is a big believer in the
Chris Cox training systems, and he does a
lot of work with my seasoned horses in the
round pen. It really seems to help their
minds, and makes the horses more eager to
do their best when I get on them in the
arena. It gives me a competitive advantage,”
Wiseman stated.
Feeling fortunate to have an indoor
arena and practice cattle right at the home
ranch headquarters, Wiseman is able to ride
and keep her horses fit throughout the
winter, whatever the conditions outside.
“That makes a big difference, and Mom
also helps me a lot with keeping my horses
conditioned,” Wiseman credited.
A winner in United Rodeo Association
events and a year-end finals contender (along
with her dad) Wiseman and the family also
successfully compete in a number of jackpot
rodeo events throughout the country.
Pleased with her recent all-around arena
accomplishments, most important now on
Paige Wiseman’s mind is the upcoming
spring run of Kansas high school rodeos,
qualifying for the nationals, and doing her
best, hopefully better than ever – her last
chance on the high-school level to set a
lifetime record of achievement.
“Since Mom (the former Mandy
Barnes) was the National Barrel Racing
Champion when she was in high school,
that’s always been my biggest goal to be a
national champion,” Wiseman stated
emphatically.
Receiving a number of rodeo
scholarship offers, Wiseman has accepted
the opportunity to be a member of the
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
in Weatherford.
“I’m really excited to be going
there and be on their team. They call
themselves the Champion Factory, and
prove it true, as they are one of the very
best in the National Intercollegiate
Rodeo Association. I plan to compete
in all of my events, and qualify for
the college finals the next four years.
‘Go Dawgs!’” Wiseman exclaimed.
Wiseman intends to major in
accounting. “I want to become a
Certified Public Accountant and work in
the oilfield business, like my dad has,”
she said.
Wiseman turned 18 on March 7,
and has bought her Women’s
Professional Rodeo Association card.
She’s entered in her first professional
rodeo at Springfield, Mo., in late March.
“My ultimate goal is to qualify for the
National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. I’ll
always compete in rodeos,”
summarized the Iron Woman Cowgirl,
Paige Wiseman. ■
Paige Wiseman (center) of Paola, Kan., won
the past Iron Woman competition sponsored
by the K-State Rodeo Club at Manhattan. She
received her championship buckle and award
money from K-State Rodeo Team Coach Doug
Muller and Mikhayla DeMott, president of the
K-State Rodeo Club.
14
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
Preparing Food over the Open Fire…
Dutch Oven Cooking
The Challenge
Preparing good food over an
open fire.
The Game
Open fire cooking is more than hot
dogs on a stick. Campfire cooking calms
the mind, nourishes the body, and brings
people together. Accomplishing that
takes a pinch of planning, a tub of good
tools, a bit of good weather, and an
appetite beyond ordinary campfire food.
Ask Dr. Mike – Cast Iron Cookware
“I hear the secret to outdoor cooking is
using cast iron cookware. How do I know
what to buy?”
The reason cast iron cookware
works well, is the mass, or weight of the
cookware. If you were to place a piece
of food in aluminum foil into the fire, in
minutes the food can go from cooked to
burnt. That same food in a Dutch Oven
would need a much longer time to cook
and even longer to burn. In a camping
environment this allows you to control
the heat, as well as the cooking and
holding time.
When we say “cast iron cookware,”
we are referring to “native” cast iron
cookware, not cookware coated with
enamel or any other coating, or aluminum “cast iron.” True cast iron
cookware must be seasoned with oil
before using and dried thoroughly after
washing to prevent rust.
You’ll be placing hot coals both
under and on top of pans. So pans
should have sturdy handles and lids
made of cast iron or steel. And, lids need
to fit tightly to hold in moisture.
Cast iron cookware can be heavy, so
be cautious about filling a large pot with
food. You have to remember it comes
off the fire for serving. In our book we
have a chart of various sizes of cookware,
capacity, and the types of food that work
well in each size.
Dr. Michael Stachiw and his son
Michael, Jr. have authored, Dutch Oven
Cooking, The Best Food You Will Ever
Eat Over a Campfire. Both have devoted
countless hours to Boy Scout functions,
cooking outdoor meals for groups from
4 to 60. Dr. Stachiw earned a Ph.D. in
food science specializing in meats and
sausages. Michael Jr. is an accomplished
Eagle Scout. They combine their
knowledge and practical experience to
give campers meals to remember.
Can’t resist making your next
camping trip a bit more luxurious?
Order your copy before the next trip
at http://www.dutchovenbooks.com. ■
Prairie States success is based on helpful customer service and secure,
affordable coverage through four A+ rated American-based companies for:
Farm/Ranch, Livestock, Horses, Alpacas, Exotic Animals,
Liability and Event Insurance.
Please give us a call at 1.800.627.4677 or visit our website at
www.prairiestatesinsurance.com to learn more about our coverage.
For more information, you may email [email protected]
or [email protected]
We are licensed in every state!
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
15
The only Kansas-bred horse to win the Derby…
Kansas has a Kentucky Derby Claim to Fame
by Joan Stibal
The 141st running of the Kentucky
Derby is coming up May 2, and did you
know that Kansas has a shining star in
Kentucky Derby history? He was a brown
stallion named “Lawrin,” the only Kansasbred horse to win the Derby.
Lawrin, foaled in 1935, was owned by
Herbert M. Woolf and trained by Ben A.
Jones. He was sired by Insco, who sired 19
stakes winners. Today, he rests next to Insco
in a beautifully designed memorial in Prairie
Village, Kan., that once was part of Woolf’s
200-acre Woolford Farms.
Lawrin had 26 starts in his brief career:
Nine wins, eight places and two shows.
Lawrin counted the Hialeah Stakes, the
Hollywood Trial Stakes, the American
Invitational, the Flamingo and the Derby
among his wins.
An 8-1 long-shot in the 1938 Kentucky
Derby, Lawrin ran the mile and a quarter in
2 minutes, 4 and 4/5 seconds under the
urging of Jockey Eddie Arcaro. He beat out
Menow, the American Champion 2-year-old
male horse who had set a world record at
6 ½ furlongs. He also beat Bull Lea, who
set a Keeneland Race Track record for
9 furlongs. Bull Lea of Calumet Farms was
to become one of the greatest sires in
Thoroughbred racing history.
Hollywood made a movie in 1938 titled,
“Bluegrass,” the story of a long-shot
racehorse. The footage from Lawrin’s win in
the Derby was the film’s climactic moment.
Lawrin did not run in the remaining
Triple Crown races. In 1939, he was training
to race the great Seabiscuit when he
sustained a tendon injury that took him
out of racing. He died in 1955. A few
months after Lawrin’s death, his owner sold
the 200-acre Woolford Farm. ■
In memoriam – Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in Prairie Village, Kan., is the grave of
Lawrin, the only Kansas-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby. He is buried beside
his sire, Insco, who sired 19 stakes winners. Insco, sired by Sir Gallahad III, was
purchased as a 5-year-old in 1933 for $500 by Herbert M. Woolf, who owned the
200-acre Woolford Farm in what is now Prairie Village.
Eddie Arcaro wore the maroon and white silks of Woolford Farms when he rode
Lawrin to victory in the 64th running of the Kentucky Derby. Arcaro went on to
win two triple crowns; one on Whirlaway, and ironically, one on Citation, a son of
Bull Lea, who Lawrin out-ran in the 1938 Derby.
16
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
NFR Champions Compete
at the “Best of the Best”
Memorial Day Roping
by Joan Stibal
A quarter million dollars is a very big
deal, and that prize money is drawing top
ropers from around the country to the Best
of the Best Memorial Day Roping at the
Risen Ranch Cowboy Church arena near
Carthage, Mo., on Memorial Day, May 25.
The Memorial Day event opens with
Cowboy Church at 10:30 a.m. Preliminaries
start at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 24.
“We welcome all our old friends who
have enjoyed this outstanding event with us
in the past and we look forward to seeing
Ryan Jarrett of Commanche, Okla., won
the “Best of the Best” championship
buckle at the Memorial Day Roping two
years in a row – 2013 and ’14. Jarrett
is a five-time National Finals Rodeo
qualifier in calf roping, steer wrestling
and team roping. He is the 2005 PRCA
All-Around World Champion and was
inducted into the National Cowboy and
Western Heritage Museum’s Rodeo Hall
of Fame in 2010.
new faces and making new friends this year,”
says Pastor Steve Stafford of Risen Ranch
Cowboy Church.
This big-time roping allows folks to rub
shoulders with the top 15 ropers in America
plus 15 more, including 8-time World
Champion Fred Whitfield of Hockley, Texas;
three-time World Champion Tuf Cooper of
Decatur, Texas; 2013 NFR World
Champion Shane Hanchey of Sulphur, La.;
and up-and-comer with a “run-and-gun”
roping style, Hunter Herrin of Apache,
Okla. on 11-year-old “Rambo,” 2014
AQHA/PRCA Tie-down Roping Horse
of the Year.
All the roping action is caught on a
big screen hauled in on an 18 wheeler,
which has the advantage of instant replay
to really maximize the crowd’s experience.
In addition, all ropers will be available for
meet-and-greet, with caps and t-shirts on
sale that can be autographed. Don’t miss this
opportunity to see the best NFR ropers in
the country and the great horses they’ll
be riding!
The family-oriented event will feature an
authentic Chuckwagon camp supper on
Memorial Day with brisket, ham and beans
and more – “Everything is cooked on the
fire,” says Pastor Stafford. There will be
plenty of concessions with burgers, dogs
and drinks and shopping opportunities at
the Cinch tent and others. The 9th Annual
Roping is a benefit for the Risen Ranch
Cowboy Church ministries. Weekend passes
are $20 per person; children 10 and under
are free.
“We put on this roping for two reasons,”
says Pastor Stafford. “One, it brings people
here to see the roping; with the arena and
church right here together, lots of times we
see folks come back for services. Secondly,
the proceeds will help pay for facility
expansion and our children’s ministry.”
One of the Church’s biggest
undertakings – and one that shows its
Three-time World Champion Tuf Cooper (right) of Decatur, Texas, pictured with
dad, eight-time World Champion Roy Cooper (Super Looper.) “He is down at the
ban every time I practice, helping me become a better roper,” Tuff wrote. “He’s the
best coach I could ask for.” Tuff’s mom, Shari, “…has been part of my team for
25 years and is always there when I need something.” Tuff plans to compete at the
Memorial Day Roping in Carthage, Mo.
commitment to youth – is the Horsemanship
Bible Camp that is held two weeks after the
Roping. “It’s our version of Vacation Bible
School,” Pastor Stafford says. “We have 75
kids, 7-18 years of age come for a week. We
have chapel two times a day, lots of music,
many Bible instructors and 12 instructors
for all kinds of horsemanship, roping and
barrel lessons. At the end of the week, we
have a big bar-be-cue and the kids put on a
horse show. But I want to emphasize that it’s
Cowboy Church first, rodeo second.”
2015 marks the Church’s 9th year to put
on the camp. It takes 40 church-member
volunteers that start planning in January to
put on the camp, and during camp week
they spend 24-hours a day, cooking, feeding,
housing and teaching. “They have a smile
on their faces and joy in their hearts,” Pastor
Stafford says. “This is a kid-friendly church
and we invest heavily in our children.”
There now are young people who
attended the camp for maybe six or seven
years who are over 18, and they are giving
back as teachers and leaders. “It’s really cool
stuff,” Pastor Stafford says. “An 18-year-old
can understand and talk better with a
See BEST OF BEST continued on page 17
SPRING 2015
17
BETTER HORSES
‘Best of the Best’ Ropers to compete on Memorial Day
continued from page 16
Eight-time World Champion Fred
Whitfield will compete at the 2015 Best
of the Best Memorial Day Roping.
Whitfield, who has won in excess of $3
million in PRCA-sanctioned events,
recently has published his biography,
“Gold Buckles Don’t Lie.”
14-year-old than a 60-year-old can. It’s just
wonderful. We’re excited.”
He also believes that while the church is
first, all the events and effort toward youth
“make us a stronger church family. We are
of importance to each other and support
each other.”
It is expensive to operate a week-long
camp with 75 growing youngsters and
keep them fed three meals a day with a
campfire snack at night, Stafford admits.
“The proceeds from this roping sure helps.
It pays 75 percent of the expenses,” says
Stafford, who is the founding pastor of
Risen Ranch Cowboy Church.
The church started out in 2007,
“With four guys under a tree.” It’s grown
to more than 400 members. “This is a
culture … a horse culture, cowboy culture,
blue-collar, all-American people. A large
percentage of folks coming here were not a
part of a church before. I’ve heard
2013 NFR World Champion Shane Hanchey of Sulphur, La., is shown with Reata,
testimony – they felt like they didn’t fit in.
the horse he rode in Vegas to his title. Hanchey plans to compete at the “Best of the
“We are meeting people where they
Best” Memorial Day Roping in Carthage, Mo. (Photo courtesy GAC)
are at – in the arena, in the machine
shop, in the fields. That’s what Jesus did.
and for them.”
Church and arena is: 10697 Cimarron Rd.,
It’s a simple thing. It works for the church
The address of Risen Ranch Cowboy
Carthage, Mo., 64836. ■
ANDERSON COUNTY FAIR
Rusty
Rierson
Saturday, August 1st
Anderson County
Jr/Sr High School Auditorium
High school is located on 31 highway;
from highway 59, turn west on Park Road (31 highway).
Del
Shields
Concert
presented by
CONCERT: 3 pm & 7 pm
FEATURING:
Rusty Rierson & Del Shields
$10 IN ADVANCE • $15 AT THE GATE
ACJSHS AUDITORIUM
Ticket
Locations:
ANDERSON COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE
BANK OF GREELEY
FARMERS STATE BANK
GARNETT STATE SAVINGS BANK
- ALL LOCATIONS
PATRIOTS BANK - ALL LOCATIONS
LANDMARK NATIONAL, N.A. - KINCAID
SANDRA'S QUICK STOP
LOCAL FAIR BOARD MEMBERS
TO PURCHASE TICKETS BY MAIL SEND
SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE WITH CHECK TO:
ANDERSON COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 301
GARNETT, KS 66032
18
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
Roo Fifty Two
2002 Bay Stallion
Sire: Gallo Del Cielo / Dam: Dox O Lena Love
AQHA Superior Reining Horse
2014 AQHA Reserve World Champion
in Amateur Ranch Horse Pleasure,
and AQHA Superior in Open Reining.
Roo Fifty Two
Standing to a limited
number of mares in 2015
Stud fee: $ 1000
THURSDAY MORNINGS:
between 9:15am & 9:30 am on
KCMO Talk Radio 710AM & 103.7 FM
FRIDAY MORNINGS:
between 7:22am & 7:30am on
102.5 NASH ICON
Your Map to Equine Events!
Great Horse Information!
Send your event to our Calendar: [email protected]
Sponsored by
SMM Cattle Co.
mykansascityhorseproperty.com
KW
CATTLE COMPANY
FCFarmAndHome.com
Contact information: Mark Gratny Quarter Horses
25616 183rd St. • Leavenworth, Kansas 66048
913-683-3838 (cell) • 913-351-1799 (farm) • email: [email protected]
web: www.markgratnyquarterhorses.com
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
19
KU Equestrian Team: Horseback Competition and Education
For over a decade,
the Equestrian Team at
KU (KUET) has been
providing opportunities
for riding, competing,
and education for students at the University of Kansas who want to participate in
equestrian activities while attending college. Open to riders
of any discipline, the team is a group of students that are
dedicated to the love of horses and horse sport. The KUET
works to provide students at KU with the opportunity to
be involved in an equestrian program, to make friends with
similar interests, and develop leadership skills. Despite the
activity of the team on campus, it is still not widely known
to the surrounding community. Members are often asked
questions such as “Where do you ride? Where do you keep
your horses?” and “Do you compete as a team?” Because
the KUET does not have the magnitude of most equestrian
programs, not many people know how the team works.
The KUET is a recognized student organization at the
University of Kansas. Because it is not a sports team, the
amount of involvement depends solely on the participation
of the members. The team does not have facilities that are
provided by the university, nor does it have designated
stables for team horses. However, this does not mean there
are no opportunities for team involvement at KU. A strong
local community around the university ensures students
will have facilities to board horses of their own; students are
also provided with the opportunity to take lessons with the
team coach. As a result, the KUET accommodates riders of
all ability levels, including beginners. For competition,
members are able to compete on local show circuits on an
individual basis or in the Intercollegiate Horse Show
Association (IHSA) as a team.
Central to the team’s existence is community outreach.
Volunteering in equine events is a key aspect of each
member’s team participation and goes toward promoting
the local horse community that gives the team help and
support. Team members participate in community events,
volunteer to help at local shows, and stay involved in
campus activities to represent the Equestrian Team where
they can. The focus on group participation is what allows
the KUET to grow as a team, not just as individual riders.
The KUET exists to provide students at the University
of Kansas with the opportunity to develop valuable
horseback riding skills, compete on an individual or team
basis, as well as make friends with a common interest. To
learn more about the team, visit “Equestrian Team at KU”
on Facebook or send an email to [email protected] for
additional information. ■
20
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
21
22
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
23
Equine Laparoscopy
by Anne Nicholson,
DVM,
MS, DACVS
You may have heard
of laparoscopy or
laparoscopic surgery.
It is used in people for
such procedures as gall bladder removal,
ovariectomy and hernia repair. But did you
know that this minimally invasive surgery is
used in horses too?
Laparoscopy is a technique to perform
surgery of the abdomen or chest cavities
through small incisions (less than an inch
each!) using a specialized camera and
instruments. A long, narrow and rigid scope,
called a laparoscope, is placed through a
small incision to view inside the body.
The image is transmitted to a camera for
viewing on a monitor. Specialized,
long-handled surgical instruments are
inserted through separate small incisions
to assist in the surgery.
In horses, one of the most frequent use
of laparoscopy is performing surgery of the
reproductive tract. Removal of a mare’s
ovaries (ovariectomy), due to disease/tumors
or behavioral issues, is best performed
laparoscopically. For cryptorchid stallions,
the retained testicle is ideally removed
laparoscopically. Other common uses
for laparoscopy include evaluation and
treatment of certain types of chronic colic.
One type of colic (nephrosplenic entrapment
of the large colon) can even be permanently
prevented with a laparoscopic procedure!
Hernia repair and assessment and biopsy of
internal organs also can be performed
laparoscopically in the horse.
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery over
regular (or open) surgery include having
several small incisions versus larger incisions,
resulting in less discomfort, less scarring and
a shorter recover time. Many laparoscopic
procedures can be performed with the horse
under standing sedation, avoiding the risks
and costs associated with general anesthesia.
Also, direct visualization of the structures in
the body by the surgeon allows for a safer
surgical procedure.
The only negative to laparoscopic
surgery is the need for the specialized
equipment and extensive surgeon training
and skill. Luckily, Dr. Anne Nicholson has
brought her surgical expertise to the area,
and laparoscopic surgery is now being
performed at Wilhite & Frees Equine
Hospital in Peculiar, Mo.!
So, the next time you hear of a cranky
mare, or a stallion with only one dropped
testicle, think – laparoscopy! ■
24
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
25
BETTER HORSES
Sidetrails …
Things a Horse Would Never Ask
by D.K. Hewett
How ya doin' today?
Does this guy have enough run?
What time is it? Is that Daylight time
or Standard?
Did you see that Paint the blonde
was riding?
Where have you won?
What is the protein content of this
feed anyway?
What does this judge like?
Do you really think screaming helps
me understand?
Mind if I stop here to answer
nature's call?
Didn't you think we were faster
than that?
I'm fixin' to spook; are you ready?
Got any more of that goo for my mane?
How are you bred?
Can you take those corners a little
faster when I'm in the trailer?
How could you embarrass me like that?
Are you limping?
Do these splint boots match my
saddle pad?
Have you ever been to a Rodney
Reiner clinic?
Isn't it about time for another Coggins?
Do you really believe that I'm
the reason we're not winning?
If my lips are sensitive enough to pick
through my feed, do you really think
it's necessary to yank on those reins?
Does this saddle pad make my butt
look too big?
And many more… ■
26
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
27
28
KRHA presents
Rookie Day and
Reining Clinic
April 25 -26
APRIL 25 – Rookie Day Schedule
8 am - All participants must check in no later than 8 am.
Small group assignments (teams) will be drawn after all
participants have checked in
8:45 am – Riders saddled and in the main arena.
12:00 – Lunch break. There will be educational
information about reining and a “town talk” with trainers
and fellow non pros.
No later than 2 pm – The All Rookie Horse Show
NRHA rules will apply. All rookies will run a pattern, be
judged and given a score. You will be competing for your
“team.”
LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS AND HATS ARE
REQUIRED IN ORDER TO SHOW. Chaps are optional.
Prizes will include Champion and Reserve Champion
buckles, from Classic Equine: saddle pads, bell boots, ball
caps, bucket straps and Legacy boots, Boot Angels from Boot
Angel Clothing, etc.
APRIL 26 – Clinic and Fun Show
You are welcome to stay and participate in the clinic
and fun show April 26. The clinic is offered to rookie day
participants at the reduced rate of $100. ■
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
Winged Cross A Ranch
2 STALLIONS:
Both AQHA reg, Neg on panel tests, EAV tested neg and vaccinated
ATP SlickernAWhistle, son of Special Effort, unraced due to injury
Eighty Niner Leo Sox, 41% Joe Reed II foundation
$750
"Raising athletes today for tomorrows Champions"
Racing and Foundation Quarter Horses
Susan Peterson • Winged Cross A Ranch • 660-267-3133
8292 NW St Rt 18 • Adrian, Missouri 64720
29
30
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
31
BETTER HORSES
Inquisitive Innocence
of Children
by Frank J. Buchman
“How many of you have a horse?”
Maybe a half-dozen raised their hands.
JD Holland Rope and Performance Horse Training
Ready to take your horses today.
“How many like to read?”
$650 a month, including boarding and training
Indoor training facility conveniently located South of Kansas City off of I-35
Four times as many arms up.
“How many want to be a cowgirl or a
cowboy?”
About 40 arms excitedly lifted into the
air. That was all of the legs-crossed children
on the floor.
It was the weekly gathering of
preschoolers and kindergarteners at the
Silver Lake Library, where we were talking
about cowboys.
All eyes popped as the old cowboy in
typical attire – touched off with scarf
around the collar of his red snap-shirt and
century-old spurs on boots with still a tinge
of barnyard on one heel - shuffled to the
front.
Kickoff was the debut reading of our
first “children’s book.” Written in a jiffy,
but revised concisely upon the advice of a
little cowboy’s mom, “Frankie Gets A
Horse,” didn’t seem to appeal to the alreadygetting-fidgety listeners as much as to the
writer-reader. Guess that’s not our calling
either.
A couple dozen pictures of our horses
from the past five decades kept attention for
a bit, and got a few hands raised with
questions, actually more statements, such as
a couple: “I have a horse, too.” The pictures
of us and our son standing on horses’ backs
drew comments, as well.
When we talked about our spurs, and
passed around a pair along with trophy
stirrups and our bridle (bought new 53
Also offering private roping lessons
JD is a 2x AQHYA World Champion, top 5 AQHA Finalist and 2x PRCA Prairie
Circuit Qualifier
years ago), attentiveness brightened.
BB Jake the Practice Steer, attracted
immediate attention. Jake was made
specifically for the program in red sawhorse
fashion, with fiberglass horned bovine head,
rope tail, and BB brand on his right hip.
Attempting to demonstrate our lariat,
we threw, missed Jake, dropped our chin,
and shrugged. But the second loop catch
drew vivid children’s applause, and reprieve.
Smiles abounded as youngsters personally
examined the rope.
A sack full of past summer’s horseshow
ribbons, one for each, made all the cowboy’s
friends.
Every child identified our Bible when
we showed it, and joined seemingly faithful
in prayer. The librarian even said the
cowboy might be invited back, if we talked
about our hat.
Reminds us of Job 35:2: “Children are
perfectly innocent before God.” Thus,
Deuteronomy 4:9: “Lest the things your
eyes have seen, depart from your heart and
teach them to the children.” Because, First
John 4:6: “Children listen, perceive, recognize, understand by observation, and
experience we share.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
Contact JD at [email protected]
or by phone at 913-908-8024
32
BETTER HORSES
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
33
BETTER HORSES
CAMPFIRE DISCIPLESHIP
by Dave Putthoff,
Cowboy Pastor
"Social networking" used to be
round the campfire! And what
cowboys said round the campfire,
stayed round the campfire!
Nowadays, anything and everything gets posted on Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, and the like. But there IS "good news"
(that's what "gospel" means), never meant to stay 'round
the campfire.’
Speaking of social networking and good news, go "like"
the Open Range Campfire Discipleship page on Facebook for
posts and resources!
Having been a church network leader and pastor-topastors for many years, I've found when I press for change
and paradigm shifts – that's really when spiritual truth in
people's lives can make a break for it, whether they thank me
or cuss me! So, here goes …
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “Come, follow Me
and I'll make you fishers of men” (4:19) and “Go, make
disciples” (28:19); “I will build My church” (16:19).
Our role is not to get all tied up in "organized religion"
or unbiblical organizational forms of church that slow
down or stifle disciple-making movement. More than
80 percent of American churches are plateaued or in decline.
Many of the remaining churches really are not multiplying
disciples, but adding people – many by transfers from the
over 80 percent in some form of decline. This can be sheep
stealin' ... or sometimes a compliment to a church that's got
it goin' on. A church alive is worth the drive!
My point is: When we merely open the doors of a church
building on Sunday morning, we don't always get disciples;
especially new disciples who make more new disciples and
so on – that's movement!
Founding Open Range, we led out with fishing-for-men/
disciple-making without front-loading forms of church
(gathering in barns, rodeos, horse shows, biker rallies,
town parks, etc.) and followed Jesus as He built a wild and
wonderful work! I double-dog dare you to look for where God
is at work … You'll want to follow the Guide to "fish for men"
as He builds His church!
Comment to Dave on Facebook or email at:
[email protected]
From the Heart of Open Range
“The Battle for Planet Earth”
by Pastor Frank Slaughter
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
– Ephesians 6:12
*************************
It seems as though there is a battle raging on for planet earth. A battle against good and evil. Oh, it’s not anything new.
As a matter of fact it’s been raging since the fall of mankind (Genesis 3) and will not be over until the 2nd coming of
Jesus Christ to set up His Kingdom. When we realize that most of our biggest battles are in the unseen world it makes
it much clearer that we need a champion … Jesus Christ to protect us. Just like one of my favorite songs says; “The
earth will shake and tremble before Him … Chains will break as Heaven and earth sing … Holy is the name of Jesus.”
As far as the battle between light and dark goes….have you picked sides yet? Have you picked Jesus?
*************************
Our Prayer for today
“Lord, we need You more now than ever because we see that we have no control in this world. Come and place Your
hand of favor on Your children today….in the name of Jesus!” AMEN
To learn more about Open Range Fellowship visit our website at: www.openrangefellowship.com or visit us on Facebook
34
BETTER HORSES
UNITED
MOSQUITO
& FLY
CONTROL
• Installation of New Automatic
Insect Control Systems
• Sales and Service on Existing Systems
• Dedicated to Customer Service
• Local Ownership, Paul Friedrichs, Owner
UNITED MOSQUITO & FLY CONTROL
5427 Johnson Drive • #144 • Mission, KS 66205
(913) 558-3814
www.unitedkc.com or email: [email protected]
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
35
BETTER HORSES
National Finalist Roper…
Oklahoma Rancher Back to Championship Form
Following Stem Cell Therapy
by Frank J. Buchman
A cowboy must have use of his arms.
Certainly one of them, or he becomes
useless to his profession.
There are stories of cowboys with use
of only one hand, and others who have
one limb become incapacitated; and who
are able to retrain themselves to use the
other sound appendage.
When the right arm’s frozen, it
becomes impossible for a cowboy to throw
the saddle on his horse from the left side,
and then the cowboy is still unable to
mount the horse from the left. So, saddle
the horse from the right side, throwing
gear as a southpaw; and mount from the
right side, too.
Then arises an ever bigger dilemma; a
major part of the cowboy profession is
roping the sick one for doctoring. That’s
impossible when the right shoulder pain
is so excruciating that even a lifelong
tough cowboy just flat can’t resist the
throbbing agony.
And when this happens to a
world-class roper, a former National Finals
Rodeo contestant, and the cowboy can’t
rope due to the intolerable pain – what
could be worse?
Well, everything. It became
insufferable to get any of the chores done
on the ranch, feeding, opening and closing
gates, the truck door, let alone getting in
and out, and even raising the right hand to
bid as a cattle order buyer.
“I’ve experienced pain, but nothing
like that. I went to the doctors, took
medications, went through their
recommended rehabilitation programs,
and nothing seemed to work,” explained
Clark Victory of Chelsea, Okla.
Raised on the ranch where he’s
headquartered today in Rogers County –
not far from where Will Rogers grew up in
northeast Oklahoma – Clark Victory said,
Heading or heeling, Clark Victory, Chelsea, Okla., is back in championship form as verified by collecting checks at team roping
events in recent months. The rancher had successful stem cell therapy to his right shoulder that had become completely
incapacitated from lifetime stresses of being a cowboy, including roping at the National Finals Rodeo.
“I’ve worked with cattle all my life. That’s
all I know.”
Victory also has been a lifetime rodeo
cowboy, collecting awards on all levels
since an early age.
“I qualified for the National Finals in
tie down steer roping in 1982, and then
got busy with the ranch and cattle
dealings, so really didn’t compete in the
roping arena much from 1985 through
’95,” Victory said. “But, I started roping
again with my boys, doing some team
roping, going to the local ones around,
and some distance on occasion; and we
did win a little here and there.”
Actually, it’s a humble analysis, as
Victory has qualified for the United States
Team Roping Championship Finals in
Oklahoma City as well as the World Series
of Team Roping in Las Vegas.
“All of the strain of roping all of these
years took its toll, and my right shoulder
pain got so bad, I gave up, and decided I’d
go to the doctor in July 2013. He was able
to diagnose the shoulder ligament injury,
and put me on some injections, but there
was very little relief, if any,” Victory
remembered.
Intolerable pain was apparent as he
competed in both team roping National
Finals that fall, and it continually
worsened. “If you can’t saddle your horse,
can’t get on, can’t rope and catch one,
that’s bad; but then not be able to sleep,
I had to do something,” Victory said.
In January 2014, Victory went to
doctors in Tulsa, Okla., and asked if they
could perform surgery on his shoulder to
relieve the pain. But after thorough
examination, the doctors determined that
they didn’t think surgery would work to
correct the shoulder problem.
“Nonetheless, I went through all of the
recommended rehabilitation four weeks,
three times a week; and the shoulder
continued to get worse,” Victory cringed.
Doctors said to keep at it, and the
See RANCHER continued on page 36
36
BETTER HORSES
Roper Back to
Championship
Form Again
continued from page 35
cowboy did, but there was no relief. “It was pain like I
would never have imagined. Not only could I not ride, get
my ranch work done, I’m a cattle order buyer four days a
week, and my shoulder even throbbed sitting in the sale
barn seats. I was at a loss of what to do,” the cowboy,
now 57, admitted.
“Then, I was visiting with a friend of mine, John
Farley, a rancher at Manhattan, Kan., who told me about
his recovery from a similar problem after undergoing stem
cell therapy. John was as good as he’d ever been after that,
no pain, complete use of his arm and shoulder. John’s
brother, Pat Farley, had the same kind of results after
having steam cell therapy on his shoulder that was
previously completely incapacitated,” Victory reflected.
“Those guys were such believers in the results, and
their healing recovery from stem cell therapy, that they
formed a company, Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center
in Manhattan. Their doctors specialize in adult stem cell
regenerative medicine in order to help people suffering
from a variety of inflammatory and degenerative
conditions,” Victory said.
“Now, I really don’t know all the technical and
medical information about stem cell therapy, but I decided
I’d give it a try. Nothing else had worked, I was still in
such pain, unable to do much of anything, I really didn’t
have anything to lose.”
Victory arrived at the Manhattan clinic for his
appointment in the morning. Under local anesthesia, he
had his own stem cells collected in the fat from the lower
part of his back. “I don’t understand all that took place,
but the stem cells were processed and injected back into
my right shoulder, and the doctor also put some of my
own stem cells into my left shoulder,” Victory stated.
Insisting that the procedure was quite simple, virtually
painless, Victory said, “We were driving home by 12:30 in
the afternoon. I told my wife I could already feel the relief.
I slept better that night than I’d slept in more than a year,
loaded cattle the next morning, and my shoulder has
absolutely done nothing but get better every day.”
Doctors expect recovery to take from three to five
months, and improvement to continue even after that.
“Well, three months to the day, I felt like I could do about
anything I could ever have done. There wasn’t anything
See STEM CELL THERAPY continued on page 37
SPRING 2015
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
Stem Cell Therapy gives Roper a Second Chance
continued from page 36
I did that made my shoulder hurt. Being my age,
I’m still amazed at the difference the stem cell therapy
made,” Victory said.
Extreme cold and weather changes have had
no detrimental effects. In addition, Victory said,
“My roping is better than it’s been for a long time.
My range is better, sharper, and maybe the best it’s
ever been.”
Of course, he’s back in the competition pen,
heading and heeling. “My friends who I’ve roped with
can’t believe the change. Several of those cowboys are
looking into stem cell therapy, too,” Victory noted.
“Now, the stem cell doctors say all results from
stem cell therapy aren’t always as complete and fast as
mine was. Sometimes more than one procedure is
needed, and then the therapy sure isn’t guaranteed to
work on everyone. But, there’s no major surgery,
no risk,” he said.
Living on the ranch where his grandmother
moved with her family nearly a century ago, Victory
and his wife, Cindy, have four grown sons all living
nearby and involved somewhat in ranch operations.
“One of my sons lives at the place where my
grandma lived. His son, my grandson, is the sixth
generation of our family in that ranch house,”
Victory added proudly.
“I’ve had a good life here on the ranch, but this
stem cell therapy has made it better again. I’m roping
with the boys, and sure intend to go to a bunch more
competitions this year.
“But now, we have to saddle up, and move some
cattle around the ranch today, and burn some
Bluestem this afternoon,” Victory emphasized, as he
left the Oklahoma ranch house just before 8 o’clock,
at a pace like that of one maybe 40 years younger. ■
Clark Victory, Chelsea, Okla.
37
38
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
What to Look for in
Good Quality Hay
A Special Invitation
for YOU!
by Stacy Oney
by Ernie
Rodina
www.FCFarmAndHome.com
Hello Friends!
I’ve just found out that a local event
and marketing company called Little Joe
Inc. will be producing two MASSIVE
Equine and Cattle Consumer events this
year! Family Center Farm & Home,
along with Better Horses Network, will
be your presenting sponsors of these
events. Every exciting!!
I wanted to personally invite your
business to participate in the Family
Center Farm & Home Better Horses
Spring Concert and Fall Round Up
Equine and Cattle Consumer Trade
show! The spring concert will be held
Friday, June 12th at 7pm in the massive
open field behind the Family Center
Farm & Home in Harrisonville, MO. This
concert will feature a MAJOR country
act (to be announced) promoted in
partnership with country radio station
KFKF 94.1 FM! This will be a FREE
concert event, with tickets available
only at Family Center Farm & Home
locations. Listen for the announcement
as to when tickets will be released
very soon!
Then later this year, in October
2015, Better Horses Radio and Family
Center Farm & Home will be part of a
MASSIVE Equine and Cattle Consumer
Trade Show called “The Family Center
Farm & Home and Better Horses Fall
Round Up.” We are anticipating over
50 equine and cattle exhibitors, in-door
and out-door seminars, Cowboy Café
with food and drinks, entertainment
stage with outstanding local acts,
Kids Activities area, Hay-rack rides,
and Clinician, Curt Pate will be
providing “Effective Stockmanship”
demonstrations involving low stress
cattle demo’s, along with Horse clinics in
the Priefert Pens and much, much more!
The Fall Round Up will be held Saturday
and Sunday, October 16th and 17th at
the Mill-Walk Mall within Family Center
Farm & Home.
See SPECIAL INVITATION continued on page 39
What is OCD!
By EM Gaughan,
DVM, Diplomate ACVS
Merck Animal Health
What is OCD? This acronym stands
for “osteochondritis desicans” and has
somewhat become slang for a broad array
of disorders that can occur in the young
growing horse skeleton. Osteochondritis
desicans actually is a very specific type of
developmental problem that occurs at joint
surfaces. It may be best to back up a bit
and look at the big picture before
narrowing the focus to OCD.
What often were thought to be
separate diagnostic entities in young
horses, now are understood to be closely
related. Concerns such as, “contracted
tendons,” “epiphysitis”, swollen joints and
even “wobblers syndrome” actually may be
closely related to problems that occur as
the bones of young horses grow. A broad
term that we use today is, “developmental
orthopedic disease.”
If you consider that all bone originates
from a cartilage template during fetal
development, this helps you understand
how things may not go perfectly for all
horses as they grow. The process of
transition from cartilage to bone is known
as, “endochondral ossification” or “from
cartilage develops bone.” This process of
endochondral ossification is the normal
process that ultimately develops the final
form of adult bone with the ability to
support the large and dynamic functions of
the equine skeleton.
The families of developmental
orthopedic diseases we recognize in young
horses often are related to not progressing
normally through endochondral
ossification.
The failure of
normal
endochondral
ossification can
result in abnormally
formed bone and
joint cartilage, result
in bone and joint
pain and then
secondarily,
influence the
Fig.1
development of
abnormal limb or
spine structure.
The term,
“osteochondrosis,”
is used to umbrella the Figure 1: Notice the
fluid distention or
common syndromes
that occur with failure swelling of the hock.
The second photo
of endochondral
demonstrates a flap of
ossification.
bone and cartilage
Anatomical locations consistent with OCD.
that develop joint
cartilage and underlying bone – and the
growth plates or “physes” that develop bone
elongation and circumferential growth –
are the sites of concern.
When osteochondrosis occurs at joint
surfaces, two syndromes can be observed.
The first occurs when the developmental
processes at the joint surface are abnormal.
This results in abnormal bone under joint
or articular cartilage (subchondral bone) or
abnormal cartilage on the joint surface. The
abnormal development can be observed as
irregular joint cartilage, thin joint cartilage,
missing joint cartilage or flaps of cartilage
on a joint surface that are not attached to
the subchondral bone. These flaps of
cartilage are the classic presentation of
OCD. (See figure 1)
See OCD continued on page 39
Do you know if your
horse is eating good
hay? Good quality hay is
important for your
horse’s health. Making
sure that your horse is being given the
best hay possible can be quite tricky.
Whether it be by color, appearance or
consistency, good hay can be hard to
spot. Hopefully this article will have your
horse prancing around the pasture in
gratitude in no time!
First things first, the color of the hay
you choose has a lot say about the
quality of that hay. For example, good
hay can either be dark green or
light-to-medium green. Dark green is
representative of well-grown alfalfa.
Light-to-medium green is the color of
well-stored grass hay and bright lime
green denotes alfalfa hay that has been
treated with propionic acid. Don’t worry
though, this will not harm your horse!
Bad hay will either be light or medium
brown, dark brown or black, or light
golden yellow. Good hay could be a bit
sun bleached, but is still ok for your
horse. Each color represents different
scenarios that the hay has been through
and should NOT be used. Feel free to
research more about any bad colored
hay you may have online!
Secondly, the appearance of your hay
is also very important! The texture of
good hay is malleable, not stiff or brittle.
On the other hand, the texture of bad
hay is stiff and brittle, making the stems
very easy to crack when bent. Hays with
higher amounts of leaves are more
nutritious than hay which is mostly stems.
Also, the bale should be light and easy
to lift. Although the weight of each bale
is influenced by the baler, heavy bales of
hay may indicate that there is moisture
involved which could easily lead to mold.
Rocks and dirt may have even been
baled into it! Always check the
appearance of your hay.
Lastly, there are a few other
important things to note when searching
for the good quality hay your horse loves
and deserves. Look for consistency. Find
See QUALITY HAY continued on page 39
SPRING 2015
OCD: Understanding the Disease and
how to Successfully Treat it
continued from page 38
You may not know these issues
are occurring until excess water
(known as joint effusion), which
makes an affected joint look swollen,
or lameness occur in a young horse.
Another manifestation of
osteochondrosis is the subchondral
bone cyst. The name describes what
this abnormality is; a cyst, or hole,
in the bone that lies under the joint
surface. (See Figure 2)
Failure of normal bone
development in this location can
result in absence of normal bone and
cartilage, which looks like a hole on
an x-ray or radiograph. Subchondral
bone cysts can be very frustrating,
as lameness often is the very first
outward sign that a problem exists.
When this failure of normal
endochondral ossification or
osteochondrosis occurs at a growth
plate or physis, various developmental
disorders can occur – dependent on
which bone or bones are affected.
When this problem happens in the
long bones of a limb or limbs,
angular limb deformities or crooked
legs can result, as can flexural
deformities (often mistakenly call
“contracted tendons”). When
osteochondrosis occurs in the
vertebral bones of the neck, the
spinal cord can experience abnormal
compression and “wobblers”
syndrome can occur. So the entire
complex of developmental
orthopedic diseases we see in
young horses can be similar in
origin and typically relate to how
bone grows and develops.
As frustrating and frightening as
developmental orthopedic disease
can be for a young horse, there are
several management and treatment
steps that can be taken to avoid or
address the problems and hopefully
get a young horse on track for a
normal adult life. One of the first
39
BETTER HORSES
considerations must be an
understanding of what causes
osteochondrosis.
Unfortunately the answer is not
a simple one. There are multiple
factors involved that result in clinical
disease. Genetic origins have been
investigated and some evidence is
present that in certain linages of
some breeds, osteochondrosis is
more prevalent. In most horses we
see in the United States, the
occurrence of developmental
orthopedic diseases cannot be related
directly to inheritance of genetic
traits, but we do encourage attempts
to breed away from any
abnormalities in parental lines.
Nutritional influences can be a
very real influence on the occurrence
of developmental orthopedic
diseases. Excess calorie intake and
trace mineral imbalances are the
most frequently implicated dietary
problems for young horses. Skeletal
growth does not occur as a smooth,
continuous process. Instead, bone
growth and development can be
considered a ratcheted, step-wise
progression from fetal to adult
skeleton.
Excessive caloric feeding and
mineral imbalances during rapid
bone development can exacerbate
any abnormal tendencies in the
endochondral ossification process.
Consultation with equine nutrition
experts and your veterinarian is
highly encouraged. Today we are
fortunate to have commercially
prepared and appropriate life stage
feeds and feeding programs that
have resulted from years of intense
research. Nutrition advice is
available, and it is hard to over
emphasize the importance of this
consultation, as it is much better
to avoid developmental orthopedic
diseases in young horses than to
be faced with finding a successful
treatment.
Your
veterinarian
can help
guide any
needed
diagnostic
and
treatment
choices if
Figure 2: Notice the
you find
round cyst present in
yourself
the femur of at the
questioning stifle of a young horse
with a subchondral
if your
bone
cyst consistent
young horse
with osteochondrosis.
may have
osteochondrosis or a
developmental orthopedic disease.
A thorough veterinary examination
may be all that is required for a
successful diagnosis. Other tools
your veterinarian may use include
radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
blood work, evaluations of mare and
stallion linages, and assistance with
analysis of feeding programs.
Treatment can be wide ranging.
Some cases can have successful
outcomes with exercise and dietary
management changes, some may
require medication and others may
require one of many surgical options.
The key to success is early
recognition and timely intervention.
Have your newborn foal evaluated
and continue to consult with your
veterinarian through each life stage
as your foal grows through weaning
and into the yearling year. Your
veterinarian, in consultation with
nutritional professionals, can help
you make good decisions and
hopefully avoid, or successfully
treat, any potential problems with
osteochondrosis or developmental
orthopedic diseases – it’s not
all OCD! ■
A Special Invitation
for YOU!
continued from page 38
If you like Horses, Cattle, and the Western Way
of Life, you will not want to miss these two days!
If you’d like to be part of the Spring Concert and/
or the Fall Round Up, please contact
[email protected] or call her at 312 953 1702.
Hurry, booth space is limited!
In my 36 years of being involved in the Horse and
Cattle Business, I have never seen a dealer wanting to
be a part of your industry and give back like the
Family Center Farm & Home. Better Horses Network is
very excited to be a part of such a great organization,
and we look forward to helping the Family Center
Farm & Home bring you some exciting events and
opportunities. More than just products, you will soon
find out that the Family Center Farm & Home is truly
YOUR EVERYTHING STORE. Hope to see you soon at
the Family Center.
Quality Hay:
What to Look for
continued from page 38
a reliable dealer in your area that will supply you
year-round from the same fields and stick with them!
This can help reduce the possibility of sickness
and will ensure that your horses are receiving the
same quality hay year after year. Always check
the middle of the load! Some dealers may try to
pull one on you by hiding bad bales of hay in the
middle of the load you pick up. Be sure to check that
all bales are equally healthy bales. Most importantly,
always be sure to inspect your hay. Always check a
few bales before purchasing from someone. Cut them
open and inspect them thoroughly. Smell your hay!
The smell of hay is very important in determining
good or bad hay.
Also, be sure there is no mold, weeds, dirt, insects
or any other harmful items you wouldn’t want your
horse eating. Happy hay hunting!
GOT QUESTIONS?
Contact Stacy at Family Center Farm & Home –
fctack@familycenter
CHECK OUT
FAMILY CENTER
FARM & HOME
FCFarmAndHome.com
40
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
UPCOMING BARREL BLAST EVENTS
APR 17-19, 2015
GUTHRIE, OK LAZY E
JUNE 12-14, 2015 – BONUS RACE FINALS
LINCOLN, NE LANCASTER EVENT CENTER
SEPT 5-7, 2015
TOPEKA KS KANSAS EXPO CENTRE
OCT 30-NOV 1, 2015
GIFFORD, IL GORDYVILLE USA
APR 30-MAY 2, 2015
FREMONT, NE CHRISTENSEN FIELD
JULY 17-19, 2015
RAPID CITY, SD CENTRAL STATES FAIR
SEPT 18-20, 2015
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA IOWA EQUESTRIAN CTR
NOV 20-22, 2015
ADA, OK VICTORY FARMS
MAY 23-25, 2015
CARTHAGE, MO LUCKY J ARENA
JULY 24-25, 2015
MINOT, ND ND STATE FAIR
OCT 9-11, 2015
LINCOLN, NE LANCASTER EVENT CTR
NOV 27-29, 2015
TOPEKA, KS KANSAS EXPO CENTRE
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
41
42
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
PERRY STATE PARK OPEN HOUSE &
4th ANNUAL HORSE TRAILS
FUNDRAISER
SATURDAY, April 25, 2015
HOSTED BY FRIENDS OF LAKE PERRY HORSE TRAILS
$10 per rider. $5 for non-riders.
FREE entrance to State Park on April 25, 2015.
Funds raised will go toward campground & trail improvements.
You may ride the trails on your own or follow one of our guides.
We will split into a suitable number of groups based on the number
of participants. We’re excited to show you the new Rocky Top trail
heads, trail markers, trail maps and other improvements since last year.
•
•
•
•
•
•
9:30 AM – Registration begins.
10:00 AM – Leave Wild Horse Campground for a guided ride
on the Rocky Top Trails.
This is approximately a 3 hour ride with open meadow areas
for gaited horses to gait.
10:30 AM – Leave Wild Horse Campground for a guided ride
on Perry State Park.
11:30 AM – Leave Wild Horse Campground for a short guided
ride on Perry State Park.
1:00 PM – Covered dish dinner. Hamburger & hot dogs, buns,
condiments, chips,
paper plates, napkins, plastic ware, tea & water provided by
Friends group.
1:30 PM – Report on projects completed since last year, future
projects and financial report followed by live auction.
Please bring any item you would like to donate to the auction, a
covered dish for the dinner and your lawn chair. Cash donations
graciously accepted. Primitive horse camping is encouraged.
Contact Perry State Park, 785-246-3449, for fee information or to
reserve an improved camp-site.
**Please join us for Crossroads Cowboy Church (CCC) Services Sunday,
April 26, 9:00 AM, Williamstown, KS (East of Perry) on the corner of Hwy 24
& 59. Biscuits & Gravy for $2 sold by CCC Youth to provide Rodeo School
Scholarships. Plenty of trailer parking is available.
Questions?
Contact Jo Turner or Dewayne Burgess, 785-484-3033.
or [email protected]
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
43
44
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
LEMON BREAD
Each issue featuring recipes
from the kitchen of
Connie Rodina.
LEMON BREAD
1 cup sugar
6 Tablespoons Butter
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Milk
1 1/2 Cup Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon Grated Lemon Peel
Cream together sugar ,milk, butter,
and eggs. Combine. dry ingredients,
lemon peel and blend into egg- sugar
mixture.
Put batter into a 9x5 inch bread pan
that has been greased and floured
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven
for 60 minutes.
Cool slightly, turn out onto foil. Pour
hot lemon glaze slowly over bread. Cool
before slicing.
LEMON GLAZE
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
Combine sugar and lemon in a small
saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar
is dissolved and glaze is hot.
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
45
46
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
If you enjoy receiving
BETTER HORSES
KANSAS DEALERS
BEACHNER GRAIN CO.
Bennington, KS
©Robinson Feeds*
(785) 820-0282
Bonner Springs, KS
Greeley, KS
Beachner Grain Co.*
(785) 867-2140
©Feldman’s Farm & Home*
Harris, Kansas
Beachner Grain Co.*
785/448-6808
©Centerville Feed & Farm*
LaCygne, KS
Beachner Grain Co.*
(913) 757-4567
Council Grove, KS
©Adams Lumber & Home*
(620) 767-5818
Mound City, KS
Beachner Grain Co.*
(913) 795-2311
DeSoto, KS
©DeSoto Feed & Garden*
(913) 585-1112
Andover, KS
©Williams Ace Hardware*
(316) 733-0023
Baldwin City, KS
©Baldwin Feed Co.*
(785) 594-3351
(913) 721-5561
Centerville, KS
(913) 898-2260
Edgerton, KS
©Holton Ranch Supply*
(913) 893-9972
Emporia, KS
©Bluestem Farm &
Ranch Supply*
(620) 342-5502
… please let these Purina Dealers know —
Their support makes this publication possible!
Gardner, KS
©Trails West Hardware
& Feed*
(913) 856-4536
Garnett, KS
©Brummel Farm Service*
(785) 448-3161
Goddard, KS
©Williams Ace Hardware*
(316) 550-6147
Harveyville, KS
©Harveyville Seed Co.*
(785) 589-2497
Lawrence, KS
©Midland Farm Store*
(785) 841-8544
©Lawrence Feed &
Farm Supply*
(785) 843-4311
Louisburg, KS
©Hometown Feed & Supply*
(913) 837-1440
Maize, KS
©Woodard Mercantile*
(316) 722-0216
Manhattan, KS
©MKC Co-op*
(785) 776-9467
Marysville, KS
Valley Vet Supply*
(785) 562-2484
Mound City, KS
©Mound City Ag
(913) 795-2222
Newton, KS
©Chisholm Trail
TruValue Hardware*
(316) 283-3276
Topeka, KS
Paola, KS
©Family Center Farm
©R Bar B Saddle Tack
& Home*
(913) 294-4800
& Trailers*
(785) 286-3006
Partridge, KS
Washington, KS
Dr. Philip Bentz
Animal Health Center
(785) 325-2838
©Burling Mills Inc.*
(620) 567-2421
Princeton, KS
©Princeton Quick Stop*
THE GRASS PAD
(785) 937-2900
Olathe, KS
©Warehouse*
913-764-4100
Stilwell, KS
©Grass Pad*
913-681-8948
Bonner Springs, KS
©Grass Pad*
913-422-4433
Barry Road
©Grass Pad*
816-891-9100
Lee’s Summit, MO
©Grass Pad*
816-525-8885
Spring Hill, KS
©Farmers Union Elevator*
(913) 592-2339
Stockton, KS
©Central Vet. Services*
(785) 425-5100
Olathe, KS
©Lifetime Pet*
(913) 764-4626
©Reyer’s Country Store*
Ottawa, KS
DIY Supply
(785) 242-8200
©Premier Farm & Home*
Strong City, KS
(620) 273-6229
Topeka, KS
(785) 862-2505
MISSOURI DEALERS
Butler, MO
Harrisonville, MO
©Family Center*
©Family Center*
(660) 679-3600
Farm & Home
(816) 884-6100
Blue Springs, MO
©Feldman’s
Farm & Home*
(816) 229-2221
Chillicothe, MO
T&R Soil Service
(660) 646-2589
Grandview, MO
May Milling Co.
(816) 761-5511
Kansas City, MO
Blue Parkway Bait,
Dog Supplies & Feed
(816) 861-0041
Liberty, MO
©Feldman’s
Farm & Home*
(816) 792-0994
Meadville, MO
Nevada, MO
54 Feed & Seed LLC
(417) 667-7333
Oak Grove, MO
©STG Feeds*
(816) 625-1018
Pleasant Hill, MO
©Pleasant Hill Pet &
Livestock Center*
(816) 987-2097
Trenton, MO
©Hoffman & Reed Inc.*
(660) 359-6180
©Butterfield & Assoc.
Grain*
(660) 938-4116
© Certified
Expert Dealers
* Certified Ultium Dealers
SPRING 2015
BETTER HORSES
Or go to
betterhorsesnetwork.com
47