Small Acreage Tour ~ June 7th

Click on the flyer above for a larger image.

Don't miss this upcoming farm tour. It will be a great opportunity to learn more about small acreage and resource management.

Horses for Clean Water Events

Most of these events happen pretty far North of those of us in Clark County, however, I think the classes might be worth checking out regardless of distance. All of us want to know how to manage our property better and make a better life for our horses.

PRESTON, WA
Wednesday, April 15th
CLASS: Creating Your Own Horse Property
Thinking of moving your horse home to save on costs? Want to make improvements to your horse property so it’s more chore efficient? Would you like to build an outdoor arena but don’t know if permitting is necessary? In this class Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water will cover considerations for siting and laying out a barn and horse facilities, as well as chore efficiency considerations. Learn when you need a county permit and how to go through that process. Talk with King County Rural Permit Coordinator, Joelyn Higgins, who can answer your permitting questions on building and zoning issues, including property setback requirements and grading for arenas. Join HCW to learn things now that will help you set up your horse property to be chore efficient and more enjoyable later on. Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 – 9pm, FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904 or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.

RENTON, WA
Saturday, April 18th
WORKSHOP: Caring for Your Horse & His Home
Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do you know what the regular health, dental and shoeing needs are for horses? Would you like to learn about shelters requirements and horse-safe fencing? Join Alayne Blickle for an all day workshop geared for novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse & handler safety, planning your horse facility, how to buy a horse, nutrition & feeding, vet & farrier care, and pasture, manure & mud management.
Renton Technical College, Renton, WA, room C113, Saturday, April 18th, 9am to 4:30pm. $50.
Register by contacting Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352 ext. 5727 or email her at jrock@rtc.edu.

RENTON, WA
Wednesdays, April 22nd to May 6th
CLASS SERIES: Green Horsekeeping: Mud, Manure & Pasture Management for Horses
Tired of seeing your horses slosh around in mud? Wondering what to do with all the flies and manure behind the barn? Are you new to horsekeeping on small acreage? Then join Horses for Clean Water for Green Horsekeeping! There are many great ways to banish mud on horse properties. Learn about French drains, footing options, geotextile fabrics & other great ideas for managing horse paddocks. Find out how to compost horse manure, see different compost bin designs and get tips for reducing stall waste in the barn. Study basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, weed control, fencing options & small farm equipment. Learn how to make your horse property chore-efficient, horse healthy, more productive during the growing season and a healthy place for the environment!
Renton Technical College, Renton, WA, room C113, Wednesday evenings, April 22nd to May 6th, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. $50.
Register by contacting Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352 ext. 5727 or email her at jrock@rtc.edu.

MAPLE VALLEY, WA
Saturday, April 25th, 9am – 5pm
CLINIC: Natural Ways to Manage Horses & Horse Properties
Barb Apple & Alayne Blickle team up to bring you hands-on help & information towards a holistic approach to managing your horse and horse property. Build confidence with your horse and strengthen your horsemanship by understanding horse behavior with the Northwest’s own Natural Horsemanship Clinician, Barb Apple. The morning session will be groundwork with your horse to help you understand your horse and build your partnership together. For the afternoon, join Alayne Blickle to tour her eco-friendly farm. Get tips and ideas on ways to set up and manage horse properties that are good for you, your horses and the environment. Learn about mud-free paddocks, composting horse manure, pasture management with less chemicals – and more GREEN horsekeeping! Horse & rider participants, $195, limited to 10 participants. Auditors, $35.
For more on Barb: http://www.barbapple.com/.
More on Alayne: http://www.horsesforcleanwater.com/
For more clinic pricing, stalling, registration details, guest horses or overnight accommodations contact mailto:Alayne@horsesforcleanwater.com or 425-432-6116.

ISSAQUAH, WA
Saturday, May 2nd
WORKSHOP: Spring into Pasture Management & Equine Nutrition
Learn how pasture management and horse health weave into managing horse pastures. Alayne Blickle from Horses for Clean Water will cover pasture management and how it relates to horse health. Learn basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, managing small grazing areas, weed control, fencing options and small farm equipment. We will also discuss what constitutes a “lush” pasture & how to manage horses & grazing so a horse doesn’t become fat. Harris Statema, a feeds expert from LMF Feeds, will speak on the horse’s digestive system and understanding forage and nutrition. Learn how sugar levels in your hay or pasture affect your horse’s health as well as carbohydrate intolerance in horses. Find out about hay probes and how to use them. Learn how you can borrow (for free!) the KCD hay probe to take samples of your hay. Meet resource staff from the King Conservation District who can suggest options for pasture management problems, soil testing, liming and other recommendations. Start the grazing season out right by learning how you can make your pastures become more productive & your horses healthier! Issaquah Salmon Hatchery Education Center, Issaquah, WA. Saturday, May 2nd, 9 am – noon. FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904 or the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904, or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.

PRESTON, WA
Tuesday, May 12th
CLASS: Holistic Approach to Manure Management
Learn the latest on manure management and horse heath. Hear from equine veterinarian Dr. Hank Greenwald and Horses for Clean Water’s Alayne Blickle about a holistic approach to parasite control and manure management. Learn how to compost horse manure, see the latest & greatest on bin designs. Find out about off-site options for dealing with stall waste and view the latest techniques for reducing stall waste in the barn. Then hear about parasite control, resistance to dewormers, use/overuse of dewormers and techniques to target parasite control. Learn what “natural” options are out there and how you can safely cut back on your deworming program. Save money, keep your horse healthy AND keep the environment healthy, too!
Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. Tuesday, May 12th, 6:30 pm – 9 pm. FREE! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904, or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.

For more information on any of these programs, please contact Alayne Renee Blickle Program Director Horses for Clean Water http://www.blogger.com/www.horsesforcleanwater.com 425-432-6116

Mustang Adoptions

I just received this schedule of BLM adoptions for Oregon and Washington and thought it was worth posting. There are a lot of great opportunities to own your own mustang!



The Burns BLM facility is open year round, Monday- Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00pm. Horses can be viewed and adopted during these hours. Information on adoption regulations as well as adoption applications can be found on the following link: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/burns/wildhorse/index.php



April 3-4
Ontario, Oregon, Malheur County Fairgrounds, 795 NW 9th Street-
30 mustangs

Friday, April 3
4-7pm: Preview and registration



Saturday, April 47
12:00 noon: Preview and registration
12-12:30.: Adoption through silent bid process
1pm: Loading
1-4pm: Walk-up adoptions



April 17-18
Oakland, Oregon, Holy Spirit Ranch, 918 Rice Valley South Road-
10 mustangs



Friday, April 17
4-7pm: Preview and registration



Saturday, April 18
7-12:00 noon: Preview and registration
12-12:30.: Adoption through silent bid process
1pm: Loading
1-4pm: Walk-up adoptions



April 25-26
Arlington, Washington, Black Raven Stables, 24717 43rd Ave NE-
18 mustangs


Saturday, April 25
8am-2pm: Preview and registration
10am & 12 noon: Gentling demonstrations
2-230pm: Adoption through silent bid process
3pm: Loading



Sunday, April 26
8am: Finish processing/loading as necessary


June 5-6
Cottage Grove, Oregon [THIS ONE IS STILL UP IN THE AIR...]-
30 mustangs



June 19-20
Joseph, Oregon, Joseph Rodeo Grounds, 405 West Wallowa-
10 mustangs



Friday, June 19
4-7pm: Preview and registration



Saturday, June 20
7-12:00 noon: Preview and registration
12-12:30.: Adoption through silent bid process
1pm: Loading
1-4pm: Walk-up adoptions


July 11-12
Longview, Washington, Cowlitz County Fairgrounds,
1900 7th Ave
[TENTATIVE; PENDING APPROVAL]- 30 mustangs

July 17-18

Arlington, Washington, Black Raven Stables, 24717 43rd Ave NE- 12 yearling mustangs, gentled and trained by Washington state 4-H members

Steve Rother Clinic

Did you see Steve at the Horse Expo last weekend? If not, there's another opportunity to check him out this coming weekend in Washougal at a four day clinic where he'll showcase many different horsemanship techniques.

Here's the outline from his website.

This clinic is designed to be an overall learning experience that builds on
several aspects of communication, confidence, respect, trust, impulsion, and
performance. The clinic is open to people of all skill levels and disciplines,
beginner to advanced are welcome. We also welcome horses of all ages and breeds.

This clinic builds on concepts that take several days to achieve. The best
format is to take the entire clinic. A minimum participation of 2 days is
required. If your horse is not rideable or too young, you can take just the
ground work class.

What you will learn:
• Confidence to overcome fears.
• Tools to keep your horse calm, curious, and respectful.
• Feel and timing to increase your horse’s try.
• Common mistakes of both the horse and rider.
• How to think from a horse’s point of view.
• What to do when your horse does the unexpected.
• How to accomplish incredible things with your horse.
• Key exercises to unlock your horse’s potential.
• Exercises to correct your horse’s bad habits.

Essentially we will be teaching you the building blocks for success!

Spectators are welcome - $20 per day
Friday Eve Demonstration $10 (buy one get one free)

I really enjoy watching Steve's clinics. He blends entertainment with information making it informative and engaging for both riders and spectators. His natural horsemanship methods are straight forward, easy to follow and are rooted in the Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman tradition.

Use this rainy weather as an opportunity to improve your knowledge and skill before you hit the trails (or arenas) this summer!

For more information on this clinic or to participate, contact Leeann at 600-4686.

A little bit of this ... a little bit of that

I'm a big fan of "horse multi-tasking". What I mean is that I want my horse to be well-rounded and able to handle any number of different sports and activities. This is primarily because that's how I am and I want a horsey-partner that can adapt to my changing mood.

We're all blessed to be living in a very active horse community where horse multi-tasking is a very real possibility.

We have beautiful trails that we can use year round, cow events at many different venues, drill teams, gaming, barrel racing, jumping, dressage ... well, you name it and it's probably happening somewhere in our county.

Along these lines though, I recently started sorting at the Silver Buckle on Thursday nights. It's a great environment to get your horse used to cows (beginners are welcome). It's a laid back atmosphere where horse and rider have plenty of opportunities to learn and play.

If you aren't sure of the rules, just ask! The group is great and willing to answer any questions you might have.

The activities start promptly at 7:00 pm so arrive around 6:30 pm to pay ($20 for 4 goes) and get settled in. If you don't have a partner, don't worry. There are lots of people that come each week that need partners so they'll be glad to find someone for you to ride with.

Just make sure you give Bryan (he's the gate guy) your name so that you're on the ride list. Or, like I found out my first night, you might be standing around on deck for an awfully long time!

In my opinion, sorting is a great way to get your horse in shape while keeping their mind occupied and alert. I don't know about you, but I'm gearing up for a great summer and that means I need to start getting my horse out now so that we're ready for warmer weather!

Anyway, I'll be there this week and hope to see some new faces!

Mustang Motiviation

I don't know how many of you had a chance to watch the Mustang Makeover at the Horse Expo last weekend, but let me tell you, it was inspiring!

I was lucky enough to watch on Saturday and was blown away by some of the horses and trainers. After 90 days, most of the horses could switch leads, had beautiful collection, could work cows, and one even laid down on command.

Hmmm .... I should be ashamed! Granted I'm not a trainer, but my goodness, I've had my horses for 5+ years and we're lucky to just now be working on leads and lead changes!

I find it motivating that these trainers were able to take wild horses and turn them into amazing mounts in such a short period of time.

Surely that means I should be able to get my already gentled (sometimes) horse to do some of the same things. Or, at the very least, to switch leads when asked!

Most of the trainers were from right here in the Northwest and the horses all came from BLM land in Oregon. At the end of the event, all the horses were sold and went to approved, loving homes.

I was humbled, inspired, and motivated watching this event. If you get a chance to watch an event like this in the future, I would highly recommend it.

Perhaps, as it did with me, it will inspire you to get down to the barn to work with your horse!

New Events on the Calendar

Ok, I admit I've been remiss over the last month or so and the calendar has fallen off my to-do list.

But no more!

Today I've updated the calendar with all the events I could possibly find throughout the County (and beyond). So, take a peek, let me know if I missed something important, and hopefully I'll see you all out and about soon!

Abandoned Horse Auction

It seems like there are horses in need everywhere right now. Just looking at Craigslist shows the sad state of the horse economy in our area.

But during this hard time, it's also an opportunity for us to open our hearts and minds and help some amazing horses have another shot at life.

Along those lines, I wanted to let everyone know about the horse auction on Saturday in Molalla.

Below is the Craigslist posting.

The Silent Auction for these abandon horses will be held from 1 to 3 pm just south of the 4 way junction outside of Molalla on hwy 213 towards Silverton. There will be yellow signs at Driveway.

There are purebred Arabains, pinto crosses and a quarter horse type. They range form 6 month (1) filly to (1) 24 yr old Quarter type mare. 2 geldings (1) purebred Arab Chestnut 6 years and (1) part arabain gelding 6 yrs old both in sadder shape. 1 18 yr purebred chestnut mare and 3= pinto, arab an arab cross at 2 to 3 yrs.

Please do not bring trailer as no room to park it.

Call Ellie at 503 637 3248 or email Ellie at wyndyacr@cascadeaccess.com.

Silver Buckle Horse "U"

Want to get out of the rain? Check out a few new programs happening at the Silver Buckle.

These classes will occur on Saturday, November 8th from 10 - 2.


10:00-10:45 Basic Horse Behavior—How does your horse feel today?
Understanding what your horse is telling you, will help insure a safe and fun experience for your family and your horse. Learn what to look for when considering purchasing a horse, learn some basic of why horses do what they do.


11:00-11:45 Love a horse—Love yourself– What a horse can teach us.
Horses Change Lives ! How horses can help you to become aware of details in your life and life lessons taught by horses.


12:00-12:45 Safety Awareness—Basic Ground Control & Grooming
Safety around horses! Safety the #1 concern when owning a horse. Learn foundational ground work tools to keep you and your horse safe while completing your day to day routines.

1:00- 1:45 Good Food—Horse & Human Food Pyramid
The basics of responsible feeding for your family horse. Comparing the food pyramid for your family to your horses nutritional needs.

Saturday, November 8th 10:00-2:00
Classes are Just $8.00 each, $20.00 for all 4 or a Family of 4 $25.00 all classes
Advanced Registration Required

Next Classes: Saturday, December 13th 10:00-2:00

360-260-8932

Silver Buckle 11611 NE 152nd Ave Brush Prairie

Horse Riding Lessons - Discount!

From the Silver Buckle -

Fall Special!

Riding Lessons $15.00 per week
Or
Purchase 3 months in Advance $120.00

Horses Change Lives!

Gift Certificates Available

Limited Time Offer Expires December 31st 2008

Arabian Auction in Molalla, OR

Thought I'd pass this along. It's a sad situation that got these horses into pretty bad condition but with the help and assistance of some volunteers, they are healing and getting back on track. Here's your opportunity to help out too.

Just to let you know, Dawn (503) 829-2152 has 22 of Virginia Winters' horses and they will be going on sale November 8th.

A total of 22 horses have been abandoned at various locations by Ginger Winter over the summer. There has been Chattel liens placed on every horse as required legally. They will all be up for auction by silent bid. Highest bidder takes the horse.

Viewing and bidding will begin At 1:00 and end at 3:00. Call Dawn 503 829-2152 for address and any questions. Dawn lives in Molalla.

Early on in this neglect case against Ginger I was able to sell several of her horses to new homes, I have one myself. Dee has turned out to be my kids favorite trail horse, she is the horse we put beginners on for a trail ride. Once she figured out she was going to have breakfast and dinner everyday she settled right in with the herd, she has become a sweet addition to our family, She seems truly thankful for her own family.

I have have had experience with several of these horses, Ginger bought quality Arabs and half-arab pintos, many of the horses are registered and can be transferred to the new owner thru the arab registry. Several of the horses have been ridden down the trail and a couple have even been professionally shown.

The goal is not to make a lot of money, but to get these horses in to a good home. Please forward this e-mail to all your big hearted horse friends.

Cindy Reaves (503) 475-7382

Tack Sale - Vancouver

Hi, all!

Here's a local tack sale that might be worth checking out. It's at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

Have a great weekend and happy trails!

Tailored to Ride 4-H group is having their annual tack sale at the Clark County fairgrounds in Ridgefield, Wa. this Sat. Nov. 1 from 8 to 4 pm. No cost to shop, new and used tack items.