Teeth

I have been asked to send photos of Fancy's teeth in a response to an email. Here are some photos of them. Sorry he did not brush before we asked him to open his mouth.

Reference: Rebel Breeding

Rebel was purchased from Lucky Four Farms in NC in 2007.

Rebel's sire is Lucky Four Rebels Chasin Rainbows (shown on the right). Chase is by Sids Rebel out of Glenns Calico Kitten. I was not able to find a photo of this mare.

Rebel's dam is Glory Be Farms Painted Jingle (photo to the left) .

Jingle's sire is the World Grand Champion:Glory Be Farms Chocolate Chip. He is shown in the photo below.

IMHOA Show - Chariots

Another weekend, another horse show. This weekend, June 28th/29th was the IMHOA (Illinois Miniature Horse Owners Association) club show at Gordyville in Gilfford, IL. The order of showing was somewhat reversed so I got to see the two chariots show before my horse, Rebel was shown. To the left is Bo checking something on his chariot. Notice that there are two shafts made of tube steel coming from the chariot, and join as they reach the back of the horse, and then go up and connect on top of the horse to the harness.

To the right is a front view of the same chariot and hopefully you can see the way the shafts connect above the horse.

The two chariots were both built by Bo Step. Bo was showing that day (green outfit) and another exhibitor (I'll fill in the correct name after I get it) showed the second of Bo's two chariots.

These two chariots are similar in several ways...same wooden structure, wooden wheels and floor, but Bo was experimenting with the shafts to connect to the horse. I believe this may have been the same chariot he used at DuQuion in 2007 and at Nationals in Tulsa that year but he changed from the heavy wooden shaft to the tubular one.

Unfortunately during the exhibition, the one of the shafts at the bend broke during or just after the inspection by the judges, and Bo had walk the horse and chariot out ot the ring.
The next two slides show the inside of the chariot that was not finished with a lining. You can see the upright supports to the frame.

The other chariot Bo owns is finished in green and has a green lining inside.

A little about the chariot class in AMHR. As I have mentioned before this is a class that judges the appearance as well as the gaits the horse must execute.

There are three gaits that the horse is judged on. In my next blog I will provide a "word by word" transcript of the requirements, however for now I will just copy a few parts: "This class is intended as a display of horsemanship, with a team of horses hitched to a Roman style chariot, with emphasis on the authenticity of the chariot, harness and drivers apparel."

"Judging is 50 on manners and performance, and 50% on fit and appropriateness of vehicle and harness, over all appearance."

The gaits that are exhibited include: walk, collected trot, slow canter and hand gallop.
For a complete copy of the text for showing chariots read the blog: Chariot Exhibition AMHR Rules.

The next show I know for sure there should be chariots is at the DuQuion show on August 9/10.

A Class Act

This blog item has been on my mind for quite a few months. August 18/19, 2007 I exhibited at the North Eastern Wisconsin Miniature Horse Club (N.E.W.) show at Shawano, WI. There was one single thing that made this show stand out over all the other shows I had attended that year, the show catalog. Well maybe I have the wrong term. I have put in several pdfs to show the catalog. You will need to have Adobe reader installed for these links to work.

Catalog Cover Page
Welcome Page
Sample Entry Page
Sample Ad and Member Application Page
Miniature Horse Standard
Social Hour Announcement

Well done N. E. W. Miniature Horse Club, this catalog is outstanding.

It would be wonderful if other clubs could do something similar. I know it takes a lot of work, planning, money and effort but it was well worth it to me as an exhibitor to have. It also makes me want to come back and show again there.

This seems to be a very active, fun club to belong to. It's site is worth checking out and going to their show is fun. Also they have a charioteer as a member.

Thank you, thank you , thank you.!!

Chariot Exhibition AMHR Rules

The AMHR (American Miniature Horse Registery) rules about showing miniatures is available at: http://www.shetlandminiatures.com, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link to the rulebook I did not include that because it will download a pdf file that you can view and save on your computer.

On page 274, Part 26 the Roman Chariot Even rules begin. I will directly quote these rules, in case you do not want to look them up. Anything in red type are my comments and not part of the rules.

Part 16 - Roman Chariot Event

A. General: This class is intended as a display of horsemanship, with a team of horses hitched to a Romany style chariot, with emphasis on the authenticity of the chariot, harness and drivers apparel. There were several different types used for chariots in that era, such a fighting vehicles, racing, parades and transportation for royalty. Any of these themes may be used as a reenactment of this era.

B. The origin of parading of horse before a race or competition was said to have started with the chariot horses at the time. Therefore, at the discretion of show management and allotment of time, entries may be permitted to parade their horses and rigs in the area before the beginning of the class. Banners, flags and capes, represent stables, sponors, etc. may be displayed and carried by the drivers at this time. All entries may parade at this time at a collected trot only, for the audience to inspect. The entries will exit the area, shed their over robes, banners, flags, etc. and will be ready for competition. No flags or banners are allowed in or around the arena at the time of competition.

In my opinion a properly executed parade of horses is one of the most exiting times if properly done. The music has to be the correct arena music, the drivers salute the audience calling: "Hail Caesar," and the audience calls back to them, some drivers distribute candy for the kids or flower pedals which is probably more authentic. Done right this is worth the viewing. I have seen Hal Bryant drive his four matched black and white pintos in this exhibition and it is really neat to see.

C. Specifications:

1. Drivers must be 16 years old or older.
2. A driver may talk to his horse(s) as long as it does not interfere with other horses.
3. Manners and safety are of utmost importance in this class. Judge may disqualify any entry that is deemed unsafe or unruly.
4. Horses in the team must show in the same gait (not one trotting and the other cantering or walking).
5. Horses by be light shod.
6. Wipes of appropriate size are permissible, no bullwhips, etc.
7. Open bridles are permissible, side or over checks are permitted.
8. Open to 38: and under, class may be divided 34" and Under and 34" to 38" if four (4) entries of each division are entered.
9. Header is encouraged.

D. Chariot:

1. Chariot must be safe. Chariot deemed unsafe by Show Management, Steward or Judge may be disqualified from showing.
2. Chariots should resemble the Roman chariots and attire should resemble the Roman era and will be judged accordingly.
3. No weapons allowed on the chariots, drivers or horses.
4. Chariots and harness may have logos, farm names or sponsor names displayed.
5. Only four (4) chariots may be in the ring at one time and must stay well spaced and on the rail.
6. Judge may bring in the top qualifying chariots four (4) at a time for final workout.

E. Ring Procedure:

1. Horse are to enter the ring counter clockwise (to the right) at a collected trot. To be shown both ways of the arena at a collected trot, slow canter, hand gallop and walk. Horses to reverse at a walk on the diagonal. Must stand quietly, are not required to back. To be judged 50% on manners and performance and 50% on fit and appropriateness of vehicle and harness, over all.

• a. Walk: A free, regular and forward moving four beat gait. Horses must appear calm and well mannered.
• b. Collected trot: Horses to give an airy appearance while also showing that they have perfect manners, good mouths and under control at all times.
• c. Slow Canter: Horses must demonstrate a slow canter in unison, be calm and light mouthed. Racy appearance will be penalized.
• d. Hand Gallop: Horses must do a hand gallop in unison, not at full speed or racing or giving the appearance of being out of control. Manners are dominate at this gait and unruly horses or unsafe driving will result in disqualification. Horse must be called to a walk after a hand gallop and line up for final inspection. Header in at this time.

F. Single Roman Chariot

1. Chariot to be pulled by a single horse with class requirements and judging to be the same as the Roman Chariot hitch team specifications.
2. Drivers to be 13 years old and older.
   

After reading these rules, it just hit me. No where does it specifically say that a person cannot show a four horse hitch. Also, I checked the AMHA (American Miniature Horse Association) rules and it appears they do not have a chariot class.

Chariots At IMHOA Show

Another weekend, another horse show. This weekend, June 28th/29th was the IMHOA (Illinois Miniature Horse Owners Association) club show at Gordyville in Gilfford, IL. The order of showing was somewhat reversed so I got to see the two chariots show before my horse, Rebel was shown. To the left is Bo checking something on his chariot. Notice that there are two shafts made of tube steel coming from the chariot, and join as they reach the back of the horse, and then go up and connect on top of the horse to the harness.
To the right is a front view of the same chariot and hopefully you can see the way the shafts connect above the horse.

The two chariots were both built by Bo Step. Bo was showing that day (green outfit) and another exhibitor (I'll fill in the correct name after I get it) showed the second of Bo's two chariots.

These two chariots are similar in several ways...same wooden structure, wooden wheels and floor, but Bo was experimenting with the shafts to connect to the horse. I believe this may have been the same chariot he used at DuQuion in 2007 and at Nationals inTulsa that year but he changed from the heavy wooden shaft to the tubular one.

Unfortunately during the exhibition, the one of the shafts at the bend broke during or just after the inspection by the judges, and Bo had walk the horse and chariot out ot the ring.
The next two slides show the inside of the chariot that was not finished with a lining. You can see the upright supports to the frame.

The other chariot Bo owns is finished in green and has a green lining inside.

A little about the chariot class in AMHR. As I have mentioned before this is a class that judges the appearance as well as the gaits the horse must execute.

There are three gaits that the horse is judged on. In my next blog I will provide a "word by word" transcript of the requirements, however for now I will just copy a few parts: "This class is intended as a display of horsemanship, with a team of horses hitced to a Roman style chariot, with emphasis on the authenticity of the chariot, harness and drivers apparel."
"Judging is 50 on manners and performance, and 50% on fit and appropriateness of vehicle and harness, over all appearance."

The gaits that are exhibited include: walk, collected trot, slow canter and hand gallop.

The next show I know for sure there should be chariots is at the DuQuion show on August 9/10.

Regal Apollo Chariot

Ah the continuing saga of the chariot of today. I found an Australian company, R. J. Walsh & Sons in Padstow. that makes a chariot for larger horses. The R. J. Walsh and Son PTY Ltd company is an Australia sulky manufacturer, but they also have chariots and a sulky for dogs!!

You have to visit their site and see all about them. The photo above is from their site at Jim Walsh's permission. Take a look at the site. http://www.rjwalsh.com.au/models.htm

Off the Shetland Miniature Website

I know if you are like me, you don't always get to other sites such as the Shetland, Miniature Website (http://www.shetlandminiature.com) . Well I was there today, and read the article below. The movie is worth watching if you are wanting to see and know a little more about minis. I will leave the link as long as it works.

Below is a direct quote from that site.

Bob And Mary Sansevere and their family made the local ABC News with their miniature horses. The segment shows the whole family including Samantha, Sawyer, Spencer and little Shane getting in the fun with their miniature horses. Check out their news clip

Jeanne DeBruce’s Miniature Horses became supermodels when they were asked to pose with the human models for the new Hobby Horse Horse Clothing Company catalog. Those little horses give the glamorous human models a run for the money. Or as one person said “Their were people in the photos, too?”

Now when someone asks the ridiculous age old question , “What can you do with them?” be sure to add modeling, acting and making news to the long list of fun things owners do with their miniature horses

CSPA - Chariot

Saturday, June 21, 2008 went to the Central States Pony Association show in Gordyville - Gilford, IL. Rebel was being shown by Jason Prince so I wanted to see Rebel and just say hi to people I know.
I had a chance to snap one photo of a little girl ready to go into costume class.

While wondering around I noticed one chariot. What was impressive about this chariot was the obvious attention to detail that when into it.

The detailing included gold trim around the front hull, wooden trim painted and applied to the sides, gold sleeves on the axles between the frame and the wheels and gold painted washers to hold the wheels on before a cotter keys..

Chariot Racing Events: 2007-2008

Tired of watching boring hockey on TV? Like to go to see harness racing at the Meadowlands or Balmoral Park? Nothing to do in the winter? Consider going to see Chariot Races in Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Utah or Nevada. (No, I have connection nor will make any profit off this suggestion.) This list was found on Chariot Chick's website at http://chariotchick.ning.com/

2007-2008 Race Season:
November 10th &11th Gillette, WY
December 1st &2nd Glendo, WY
December 15th & 16th Dubois, WY
December 29 & 30 Hudson, CO
January 5th & 6th Douglas, WY
January 26th & 27th Torrington, WY
February 2nd & 3rd Riverton, WY
February 16th & 17th Saratoga, WY
March 1st & 2nd Riverton, WY(State Championships)

Please note that the club listed below is having website problems, so some of the links (suchs a photos are not working, but may get corrected).

Or go to the World Championships of Cutter& Chariot Racing Association and check out their 2007-2008 schedule of events. These occur in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Nevada:

• November 15 & 16 2007 - Wells Nevada invitational
• December 8 2007 - Ogden Utah Golden Spike Event Center Play day benefit race. Any one that wants to enter a team contact Jay Hancock 801-732-8618, Rick Johnson 435-245-0127, Tony Greaves 801-301-2845 Dick Gibson 731-0432 before draw on November 30, 2007. (Bear River, Beehive, Skyline, Wasatch slopes)
• December ?, 2007 - Idaho assn. National North & National South Play day. Teams that want to enter contact DelRay Page 208-745-8597 before December ?, 2007.
• January 5 & 6 -Afton Wyoming Homestead Log Home Builders and the All American Cutter Race Association first annual ($10,000 added) Cutter Race invitational for more information Contact Kelly Garland 307-883-2231or Connie Titensor 307-884-8985
• February 15& 16 2007 - Shiners day Invitational Jackson Hole Wyoming Proceeds from this race benefits shiners hospitals and people that need there help. Teams come from all different association to participate and help this worthy cause.
• February 23 & 24 2008 -Utah State Chariot Racing Championship in Ogden Utah at the Golden Spike Event Center.
• March 1 & 2 2008 -Wyoming State Chariot Racing Championship in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
• March 1 & 2 2008 -Idaho State Chariot Racing in Idaho Falls at the Sandy Downs racetrack.

World Championships Cutter & Chariot Racing Association

• March 22, 23 28, 29, and 30 2008 at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden Utah.Come witness the heart pounding excitement of a real horse powered drag race. This is continues excitement a race will be run every 5 minutes and over 30 races a day!

Some of these events do include miniature horses racing.

The War on Weeds

A couple weeks ago I had a mini that was colicky. Took her to U of I and among the usual tests was a liver enzyme test which came back was some bad numbers (watch for a later post). Bottom line she could have ingested some toxins from weeds. Key suspects were deadly nightshade or poison hemlock. So began the "War on Weeds". First I would like to say that with all the horses I have, I have had only two other suspicious cases that might have been attributed to noxious weeds, however they were never confirmed. This time, I decided to become proactive. So for the past four days we have been digging, cutting, and stomping (does not do any good) weeds. Deadly nightshade is an easy one to spot. Sorry no photos of it but there are some great ones at: kaweahoaks.com/html/nightshade.html .

Poison hemlock is another weed we have. Being originally from the east coast, I made the assumption all those pretty plants were Queen Anne's Lace...wrong!!

It can be distinguished from the benign plants by the purple blotches on the stems.The stuff has been growning all over the yard and in the fields and I never really worried about it. Occasionally the horses would nibble a bit on it, but it never seemed to affect them. You can read about it in many placed, but I will just use the Merch Veterninary Manual.

To quote the online Merck manual the toxic principles and effects are:
"Piperidine alkaloids (coniine and others) in vegetative parts. Acute course. Dilated pupils; weakness; staggering gait; slow pulse, progressing to rapid and thready. Slow, irregular breathing; death from respiratory failure."

Symptoms include nervous trembling, dilated pupils, salivation and coordination problems usually in the hindquarters. Check for week pulse and look for a bluish appearance of gums and mouth tissue.

I have read that in serious cases death due to respiratory paralysis may occur within ten hours of the beginning of symptoms. There are treatments for less serious cases, and these may include stomach tubing with mineral oil and immediate use of stimulants.

The last dangerous weed we know we have is cockleburr. This week is something that I have tolerated, and every fall end up cleaning manes on the horses for hours on end. Sure, I run them down with the lawn mower when they are small, but still the manage to grow in places I just can't quite reach. So back to the online Merck manual, and what did I find:

"Carboxyatractyloside (seeds and young seedlings). Anorexia, depression, nausea, vomiting, weakness, rapid weak pulse, dyspnea, muscle spasms, convulsions. Lesions include GI inflammation, acute hepatitis, nephritis."

Okay so a lot of big words, but obvious not good for horses, so I started in on them as well. Well below is one little load of many that I ended up digging out, piling and burning. Yes, there are still more around the place, and it has become a daily chore. So you are probably thinking, why not use a herbicide to kill all this stuff? Really simple, I own peacocks and I don't want to kill them with the poision chemicals I would have to use. So excuse me for now, have an appointment with another load of weeds.