The official newsletter of Horses for Clean Water, http://www.horsesforcleanwater.com
Published by Alayne Blickle, Director of Horses for Clean Water

	In this issue... Message from Alayne: Victory Lap Controlling Creeping Buttercup in Pastures Worm Queen, Mary Appelhof, Passes Away Diesel Fuel Farm Focus: Simpatico Stables Farm Focus: Rott-N-Ridge Ranch Educational Events

Message from Alayne: Victory Lap

by Alayne Blickle

This past Saturday was a grand day; warm temperatures and sunny skies made for the ultimate summer riding weather. It was made even more perfect by a special trail ride Matt and I took to the Snohomish River in Lord Hill Park, a 1500-acre multi-use Snohomish County Park. It was so much fun! My horse Pepper loves water and it was simply delightful to see her play, literally play, in the water. Being there with Pepper and watching her be so happy meant a great deal to me. In fact, as I sat there on her I realized it felt like a victory lap. And let me tell you why...

Every one of us loves all our horses, but there are some for us that touch that special heartstring. Pepper does that for me. Although I am honored and humbled by the many wonderful horses I’ve had the pleasure of having in my life, truly some great teachers and partners, my little Pepper-horse is so special to me. It gives me great pride seeing adults ride and enjoy her company as well as little kids. Recently Pepper packed around my trainer’s 6-year old daughter on an all-day trail ride. Not long before that it was my husband’s 18-year-old nephew, previously afraid of horses. By the end of the week he and Pepper were having private conversations together and the last days he rode he was even experimenting with cantering. But don’t be fooled; Pepper isn’t just a good ol’ horse—she’s great fun for advanced riders as well. She can sidepass or spin with just a light touch of a leg. She can run cows down a fence and you better hang on because when she rolls back, she rolls back hard! She’s just a great horse; there’s no doubt about it.

Some of you already know that last fall Pepper had a clostridia bacteria infection, better known as gangrene, that literally ate away most of her left hip. She was in a life-threatening state in the equine hospital for four weeks, then in a rehab center for two additional weeks. At that point we were able to bring her home—for four more months of stall rest and time-consuming daily wound care. Then there was the hand walking, the ultra sound therapy, the therapeutic riding and so much more she had to go through. There were complications, set backs and vet bills galore. I thought it would never end and I wondered if Pepper would ever be whole again or sound enough to even carry a child, much less me. But she went through it all patiently, stoic from the start. She has survived and thrived.

But there’s more to the story of Pepper, the little-horse-that-could. She is also the horse that several reining trainers turned down for training, saying she wasn’t talented enough. Since I had grown attached to her, I didn’t want to give up. So when my husband and I started with a new reining trainer I asked again for an opinion on whether Pepper might make it as a reiner. To my surprise our new trainer said, “Well, let’s see.” And that’s exactly what we did. Last fall, the-little-horse-that-could qualified for the National Reining Horse Association’s Regional Affiliate Finals held in Burbank, CA. I couldn’t have been more proud.

But not all victory laps are in the show arena. That’s why it meant so much to me to see Pepper playing in the water last weekend. Seeing her happy and healthy is the greatest victory I could have ever imagined.

	Quote of the Month “I don’t ride my saddle, I ride my horse.” Ray Hunt, Cowboy Logic

Controlling Creeping Buttercup in Pastures

by Dennis Chambreau, Noxious Weed Specialist, King County Noxious Weed Control Program

Yellow flowering weeds are a common sight in most pastures; some of them are relatively harmless while others can be dangerous to your horse’s health and the productivity of your pastures. For example, mustards or dandelions that can be tolerated and do not cause much damage. However, buttercups are something to watch out for—they are often ignored until they have become a major problem.

Buttercups are common in the Pacific Northwest and are usually found in moist areas. One clue for this is the genus name, Ranuculus, which is derived from the Latin rana, or frog. The native Ranuculaceae or buttercup family is large and contains many plants including clematis and delphinium. However, there are two kinds of buttercups that are wide-spread problems in western Washington pastures: tall buttercup (Ranuculus acris) and creeping buttercup (Ranuculus repens). Tall buttercup grows to 2 to 3 feet tall while creeping buttercup grows to only 6-12 inches.

There are two reasons to be concerned about buttercup in your pasture:

• Their weedy nature will reduce forage. Unpalatable plants such as buttercup will increase under grazing pressure, displacing grasses and favored forage. Creeping buttercup can even spread in healthy pastures.

• Both creeping and tall buttercup contain a toxin that can cause irritation in livestock. Buttercups are usually avoided by livestock, but a toxic glycoside in the flowers, leaves and stems can cause blistering of mucous membranes in the mouth and gut. Horses will exhibit signs of severe gastritis, with increased salivation, decreased appetite, colic and maybe even bloody diarrhea. This toxin is volatile and will not persist in dry plants or hay.

Controlling Creeping Buttercup

While clipping can be somewhat effective against tall buttercup, the low-growing, spreading habit of creeping buttercup can survive clipping regimes, making control difficult. Both these plants are perennials and can persist for years. While tall buttercup spreads mainly by seed, creeping buttercup also spreads aggressively by sending out 1 to 2 foot long runners in all directions that take root and make new plants.

The first key in any weed control is prevention. Identify and be aware of new infestations and control them before they become a problem. One plant can produce hundreds of seeds that will disperse and can persist in the soil for many years. When feeding hay, keep in mind that it may contain weed seeds. If possible, use a feeder and don’t throw hay out in the pasture. The second key is pasture management. Pasture grasses are not native to our forest soils and need management such as liming to increase the pH. Pick a grass and forage mix that is suitable for your soil and climate. Rotational grazing is a must to maintain grass vigor. For more information on rotational grazing and other pasture management techniques, purchase the Horses for Clean Water Tip Sheet, “5 Keys to Better Pastures.”

If creeping buttercup persists under good management conditions, or if you just need to get a handle on existing infestations, the following methods can reduce the problem.

• If possible, create drainage or divert water flow in wet areas of the pasture. Avoid and alleviate soil compaction. Keep livestock off wet areas. Buttercup likes moist soils and will not compete as well on well-drained and aerated soils.

• Be careful with activities like harrowing, clipping or other mechanical operations that may spread seed, plants or plant fragments that can grow into new areas.

• Herbicide treatments can be effective for controlling buttercup when used prudently and in combination with management techniques. Integrated pest management (IPM) means using mechanical, cultural, biological and chemical tools as necessary to control pests and weeds. An effective herbicide application often lulls one into forgetting that seed remains in the soil and the weeds will return if nothing else has changed. Be sure to emphasize management techniques after herbicide application. Clip to promote even grazing and control weeds. Interseed grasses in areas that were infested. Lime and fertilize to enhance grasses. Herbicide treatments with proper management should enable reducing herbicide use each year.

• For Buttercup control in pastures the Pacific Northwest Weed Control Handbook published by Washington State University and Oregon State University recommends MCPA, a selective herbicide that will not kill grasses, but can damage other broadleaf forage plants such as clover. Some clovers will survive a MCPA treatment. Application should be to actively growing plants before flowering. Fall applications have also been effective when leaves are still green. Spot spraying the infested areas or plants can avoid damaging the clover component of the pasture and reduces the amount of herbicide used. Glyphosate, or Roundup is effective for killing individual plants, but is a non-selective herbicide and will kill any grasses sprayed. Metsulfuron, or Escort/ Ally can be effective, but can damage some grasses such as rye and fescue.

• The county’s Cooperative Extension and your local Conservation District have knowledgeable people that can advise you about choosing, mixing and applying herbicides. Always be sure to follow the label directions and avoid spraying when it is raining or likely to rain. Because buttercup is often found in wet pastures, make sure that the herbicide does not end up in nearby streams, ditches, ponds or other waterways. When used properly, the amounts of herbicide used for buttercup should be safe and will be decomposed by soil bacteria on site if water movement is not excessive.

• Repeated tilling and reseeding may be necessary for severe infestations or run-down pastures.

This article was written in response to the following e-mail from Mary Jo, one of our readers:

We have an abundance of buttercups in our pasture. Is there a non-toxic way of reducing them? All I ever hear about are herbicides and I am not willing to do that to the watershed or my property. What are some green solutions to eliminating buttercups in order to increase my grass? Thanks.

If you have a question and would like to see it answered in an article, e-mail Alayne.

Worm Queen, Mary Appelhof, Passes Away

Many of you may have heard Alayne speak enthusiastically in her classes about worm bin composting and the “Bible” of worm composting Worms Eat My Garbage. Sadly, Horses For Clean Water has learned that Mary Appelhof, Worm Queen and author of the wonderful resource, died on May 4th, after a struggle with cancer. We were told that when she died, Mary was listening to cards that had been sent. What a wonderful contribution Mary gave to this world. If you are interested in learning more about the Worm Queen please see:

WormWoman.com

emilycompost.com article on Mary Appelhof

Biodiesel: Driving Down Your Dependence on Oil

by Alayne Blickle

Ever think about how that big rig you drive may not exactly be the best thing for conserving fuel and reducing our nation’s dependence on oil? Well, now your one-ton dually can actually be environmentally sensitive because biodiesel fuel is becoming increasingly more available in the Puget Sound Region.

Unlike petroleum-based fuels, biodiesel is a farm product made here in the good ol’ USA. No wars were fought to bring it to you, ANWR isn’t going to have to be mined for its resources over it and it doesn’t come from another country. Biodiesel is made from renewable agricultural resources including soybeans and used fryer oils (like from donuts or French fries).

Biodiesel is substantially cleaner then petroleum diesel and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 78% [Propel Fuels fact sheet on biodiesel]. It essentially eliminates sulfur dioxides and sulfate emissions altogether. It also smells great Ð it’s like standing next to a donut shop or a barbeque. Plus, because of biodiesel’s naturally lubricating nature, the use of biodiesel has shown to reduce engine wear and tear.

In most cases what is generally recommended is a 50/50 blend of standard diesel and biodiesel. No function of the engine should be affected, such as horsepower, torque or speed. Right now the information is that engines tend to run, idle and accelerate more smoothly when fueled with biodiesel. [Propel Fuels fact sheet on biodiesel].

Where can you buy biodiesel? Several places around Puget Sound! To begin with, Grange Supply in Issaquah is now selling it. “Every time someone comes in to buy it [biodiesel] they are so happy to see it and they give me a big hug,” says Grange General Manager Chip Perrault. “Everyone says this is so great!” For more information on The Grange visit the web site or call 425-392-6469.

For other Washington State sources of biodiesel visit the Fuelwerks web site.

In addition, the King Conservation District will be offering an educational class on Biodesiel, Saturday , November 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon in Carnation. For details or registration contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x125 or e-mail.

Simpatico Stables, A Dressage Boarding Facility, Redmond, WA

Thursday, August 25th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Imagine a commercial boarding facility with 6 hours of mud-free daily turnout for each of 43 horses! In downtown Redmond! With access to an indoor, outdoor arena, track AND trails! That’s what boarders and horses at Simpatico have. New owner, Rebecca Chatfield, purchased Simpatico in Aug of 2003 and began renovations then. Rebecca immediately began working with the King Conservation District implementing a farm plan to make her place better for clients, horses, employees AND the environment. Rebecca also worked with other agencies such as those to do plantings along Bear Creek. She removed horses that had previously been paddocked near the creek and established a policy of a 150+ foot buffers along the salmon-spawning creek. “I come from a long line of tree huggers as well as a sustainable housing background, so as long as I could protect my investment I was interested in helping the environment,” says Rebecca. Establishing and respecting this buffer area allows them to enjoy deer, eagles, coyotes, herons and other wildlife.

Come see the beautiful changes these property owners have made to their place—all good for the horses, boarders, chore efficiency, and beneficial for wildlife and water quality.

Tour this 17-acre dressage boarding and lesson facility to see:

• 43 turnouts used daily for all horses—made from a formerly muddy field

• Turnouts designed for drainage and chore efficiency—sloped, compacted, hogfuel footing and gravel walkways

• Regular manure removal—local composter brings fresh shavings and hauls off manure and stall waste

• Manure in paddocks and outdoor track is picked up regularly—to reduce mud

• Reduced stall waste by using stall mats and less bedding

• Aisle mats in barns for safety—vacuumed daily

• Chore-efficiency and employee safety in mind at all times

• Designed and made changes with “team members” involved to avoid misunderstandings

• Historic early 1900 hay barn—holds 70 tons of hay

• Management efficiency techniques—stall cards, baskets with pre-measured supplements

• “Self-serve” grass-grazing areas

• Extensive native plant plantings along Bear Creek with 150" self-imposed buffers

To register and receive a map contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x125 or e-mail. FREE!

Rott-N-Ridge Ranch Recycles!! Arlington/Smokey Point, WA

Saturday, September 17th, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

From recycling horse manure to rainwater harvesting this 5-acre farm definitely reduces and reuses! This farm, home to one Standard bred plus two Rottweilers, a Rhodesian Ridgeback and two humans, received the Snohomish Conservation District’s Merit Farm award. See new ideas for recycling and interesting ideas for small farm management. View cisterns used to collect 162,000 gallons of rainwater annually. Find out about Trex decking—decking made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Also see compost bins, pasture management, winter paddocks, a native hedgerow and more!

Highlights for this event will include:

• Rainwater harvesting with cisterns used to collect 162,000 gallons of rainwater annually

• Trex decking—decking made from recycled plastic milk jugs

• Manure compost bins and compost spreading

• Pasture management

• Mud-free winter paddocks with geotextile fabric

• A native plants hedgerow

To register and receive directions contact the Snohomish Conservation District at 425-335-5634x4. FREE!

Educational Events

Meet HCW Staff at these upcoming events this summer and fall. Visit the Educational Events page for detailed class descriptions.

Redmond, WA
Simpatico Stable Tour
Thursday, August 25th 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Simpatico Stable Redmond, WA	New owner, Rebecca Chatfield, has made wonderful changes to this 17 acre dressage boarding and lesson facility. See 43 turnouts used daily for all horses—made from a formerly muddy field. Other features include regular manure removal by a local composter who brings fresh shavings and hauls off manure and stall waste; management efficiency techniques; “self-serve” grass-grazing areas; extensive native plant plantings along Bear Creek, including 150 foot self-imposed buffers. All of this in downtown Redmond! Come see the beautiful changes these property owners have made to their place—all good for horses, boarders, chore efficiency, AND beneficial for wildlife and water quality! FREE! To register and receive a map contact the King Conservation District at 206-764-3410x125 or e-mail.

Marysville, WA
The HCW Winter Horse Farm Management Series
Tuesday evenings September 20th to October 18th 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Kellogg-Marsh Grange Marysville, WA	Back By Popular Demand! Join HCW in Snohomish County for this 5 week series to learn techniques for reducing mud, composting horse manure, managing small pastures, reducing fly and mosquito populations, creating wildlife enhancement areas and much more! Find out about ways to improve horse health, owner convenience, farm productivity, neighborhood aesthetics and the health of the environment. FREE or $10 for the manual which accompanies the class. To register or for more information contact the Snohomish Conservation District at 425-335-5634x4.

Arlington/Smokey Point, WA
Rott-N-Ridge Ranch Farm Tour
Saturday, September 17th 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon Arlington/Smokey Point, WA	Join HCW this September to see a beautiful 5 acre farm with one Standard bred plus two Rottweilers and one Rhodesian Ridgeback! This farm received the Snohomish Conservation District’s Merit Farm award. See new ideas for recycling and interesting ideas for small farm management, including rainwater harvesting. See cisterns used to annually collect 162,000 gallons of rainwater. Find out about Trex decking—decking made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Also see compost bins, pasture management, winter paddocks, a native hedgerow and more! FREE! To register or for more information contact the Snohomish Conservation District at 425-335-5634x4.

Snohomish, WA
Horse’n Around on Lord Hill
Saturday, October 1st 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon Snohomish, WA	Tour a small acreage horse farm with wonderful, innovative mud, manure and pasture management techniques. Learn how to get your property ready for winter—see ways to manage 3 horses on less than 2 acres of pasture. This cute horse property is located right on Lord Hill Park which is owned and operated by Snohomish County Parks Department and includes miles of equestrian and other non-motorized trails. Join us to learn about horse keeping on small acreage as well as great places in Snohomish County to horse around! COST: $5 per household or free to 4H households. To register and receive directions contact the Snohomish Conservation District at 425-335-5634x4.

Kirkland, WA
Winter Horse Farm Management Series
Bridle Trails area Wednesday evenings 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. October 5th to 26th	To register or for more information call 425-576-3851 or email.

Renton, WA
Workshops for Livestock Owners
Thursday evenings 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. October 13th to November 3rd	This fall join the King Conservation District for four FREE workshops on livestock management practices. Learn techniques that will help turn your farm into a more usable place for you, your animals and the environment—less mud, better pastures, and great ways to manage manure! To register or for more information call 425-576-3851 or email.

Brush Prairie, WA
Horse’n Around in Clark County
Saturday October 22nd 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clark Conservation District office	Join HCW and Clark Conservations District for a full day’s workshop on mud, manure and pasture management options. At this exciting event you will learn great ways to reduce mud, compost manure, and grow more grass—all while making your place nicer for you and more chore efficient! COST: $12 per person, which includes lunch and handouts. Registration is limited—to register or for more information call 360-883-1987.

San Juan Islands, WA
HCW Horse Farm Management Workshops
Saturday, October 29th details TBD	Pasture, manure and mud management workshop. To register or for more information call 360-378-6621 or E-mail.

If you have any questions or would like to submit an article for publication in The Green Horse, please e-mail info@horsesforcleanwater.com.