Blister Beetle Poisoning in Alabama

Reports of blister beetle poisoning in Alabama are true. All cases believed to have come from a common hay source/broker that appears to have originated in Eastern Colorado. Blister beetles unfortunately go with alfalfa. This outbreak reminds us to watch hay carefully & buy from reputable sources. Good hay growers handle the problem well. The current shortage of local hay in the region leads to alfalfa that may have originally been intended for cattle consumption winding up in the horse markets. Also hay may get diverted in transit via broker trades due to local shortage/demand. A toxin carried by the beetles causes painful blisters when it touches skin or mucous membranes. Symptoms of blister beetle poisoning are salivation, colic, diarrhea, frequent urination, shock and death. It only takes a small number of dead beetles in a bale of hay to kill a horse or other livestock. The poison has no antidote. The beetles are easy to see in hay, so livestock owners are encouraged to be vigilant.

Carousel Charity Horse Show - March 15-18, 2007

"Magic of the Carousel"
Music, Horses and Children of All Ages

Featuring performances of the Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra
and Arizona Elite Dance Institute
Saturday, March 17, evening exhibitors will compete to the sounds of the Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra playing live and there will be exciting performances by the Arizona Elite Dance Institute. Tickets for spectators will be $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children. Exhibitors will receive passes. This promises to be a unique and elegant event that you will not want to miss!

March 15-18, 2007
WestWorld - Scottsdale, Arizona
Mark you calendars now!
Carousel Charity Horse Show Information

White Jumper Carousel provided by: Brandi Jasmine's Art Gallery

I Just Found My Ex-husband's Next T-shirt

I just came across this design and it says a lot. For those men who aren't horse lovers and can't deal with a wife who is, here's the shirt for you. "My next wife won't own horses"

So Ladies, step up and get that former non-horse-loving husband a great gift for his birthday, Father's Day, Fourth of July...you get the idea.

Valentine's Day Designs for Horse and Mule Lovers

We have new Valentine's Day designs for horse lovers. Now you can let everyone know that your favorite gaited horse is right at the top of your sweetheart list. We have several designs available for Tennessee Walking Horse, Paso Fino, Peruvian Horse, Spotted Saddle Horse, American Saddlebred, Gaited Mule, Rocky Mountain Horse, Missouri Fox Trotting Horse, Icelandic Horse, your favorite horse and some of your favorite horse people, too.

Get your favorite horse Valentine's Day design on T-shirt, Keepsakes, Sweatshirts, Gifts, buttons, magnets and more.

Missouri Fox Trotter Clinic - Jan 20-21, 2007

Mark your calendar for January 20-21, 2007. The Arizona Fox Trotter Association is sponsoring this important clinic. Renowned Fox Trotter trainers Lothar Rowe and Simone Guenther, of Miller Ranch, will conduct a hands-on seminar limited to 10 participants with their horses. Observers (auditors) are also welcome.

Cost is $150 per rider with horse. Auditors total $20 for the 2 days. Lunch is provided. Stabling is available for an additional fee.

Location is Miller Ranch, Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information visit the AFTA website (http://www.azfoxtrotter.com/06-foxtrotclinic.htm). For reservations contact Clare Ross at 928-925-6596 before Dec 13, 2006. After Dec 13, call Lothar Rowe at 480-683-2104.

Gaited Horse Clinic - Scottsdale, Arizona

Bucky Sparks Clinic - January 13-14, 2007.
To be held at Miller Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona

Cost is $140 for the 2-day clinic. Clinic is limited to 12 riders and 24 auditors. Audit cost is $35 for both days or $20 for one day.

I am told that Bucky Sparks is a wonderful TWH trainer and generally an excellent trainer using all natural methods with no gimics or special equipment. He does a lot of work for FOSH and any money over cost will be donated to FOSH.

Bucky Sparks will also be in town for the December Equistar Horse Show (http://www.equistarshows.com/). You can read more about Bucky on the FOSH website (http://www.fosh.info/index.html).

If you are interested or have any questions please contact Lynn Tompkins at rtompkins22@cox.net or call 602-531-5248.

New Paso Fino Designs

New Paso Fino designs have been added to the A-Z Gaited Horses Online Store. In addition to our popular Paso Fino horse designs, we have added some new ones just in time for Christmas. Be sure to take a look at our two new color versions of our most popular design. Now in addition to the Bay and Buckskin horses you can choose from a liver colored Paso Fino horse with a flaxen mane and tail, and our fiery red chestnut Paso Fino horse.

Take a look at the new designs today.

Vets investigate 2 dozen Texas horse deaths

The Bryan-College Station Eagle > Local

TRAIL RIDING ARIZONA by Wynne Brown

AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) rider Wynne Brown has written "Trail Riding Arizona; A Guide to Fifty of the State's Best Trail Rides," just published by Globe Pequot Press. Many of the rides are good conditioning rides and all the trail in the bok have clear maps with distnaces, elevations, descriptions, water availability, along with some terrific photos. Cost is $14.95. This book is a great resource for southwest trail riders and anyone wishing to be. The book is available through Amazon and other bookstores.

Horse body parts found on Valley freeways

Horse body parts found on Valley freeways