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The official newsletter of Horses for Clean Water, http://www.horsesforcleanwater.com
Published on the 10th of each month by Alayne Blickle, Director of Horses for Clean Water
Message from Alayne: The Dance
Bob and Alayne
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Sometimes we can keep on learning even from teachers who are no longer with us.
At a recent reining show, my reiner, Bob, and I performed a musical freestyle routine, something I had never before attempted. In freestyle reining, you create a riding routine that is performed to music of your choosing and that includes certain reining maneuvers. I chose Garth Brooks’s song, “The Dance,” in tribute to my special horse, Pepper, who died earlier this year. There’s a line in the song that says, “I could have done without the pain, but I would have had to miss the dance.” This seemed so fitting to describe the pain of losing someone as special to me as Pepper was, as well as the incredible times we had together. I composed the routine with some dressage movements in mind, as well as symbolism for how I felt about Pepper and how we shared our lives. Bob was just the right horse, too. Pepper didn’t much like other horses, and Bob was the only one on our place she really cared for.
I found that doing our routine was uplifting and inspiring. I couldn’t wait to ride Bob and practice each day. Through the performance, I was able to express some of the joy I felt from having Pepper in my life. Pepper was also my inspiration to try this new aspect of reining so, in a way, I could still feel her with me, giving me fresh ideas and ways to sharpen my skills as a horsewoman.
When my performance was over, one of my friends surprised me at the gate with a single rose. Another friend videotaped it for me. Though it may not look like the incredible dressage and reining videos that get passed around on the internet, it felt like a million bucks to Bob and me and I’d like share it with you this month.
Happy dancing!
Alayne
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Ice Cream Social and Horse’n Around!
Saturday, June 21st, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lakewood, WA
Join the Snohomish Conservation District and Horses for Clean Water at Dove Hollow Farm in Lakewood, WA for an old fashioned ice cream social, along with some up-to-date information on different aspects of manure management and trail riding. A great combination, wouldn’t you agree?
Alayne Blickle, from Horses for Clean Water, will be on hand to share the new SCD/HCW publication on trail riding, Stewards of the Trail.
Other educational opportunities include:
Farm tour of Dove Hollow Farm Watershed information Information on pet waste disposal Information on how to maintain a healthy septic system
Have some yummy ice cream, pick up free copies of Stewards of the Trail, learn about manure management and tour a farm. See you there!
Become a “true green” watershed resident by learning how to reduce the imprint that you, your family, and your horses can make on the environment.
For registration and directions to this event, or to receive a copy of Stewards of the Trail contact the Snohomish Conservation District at 425-335-5634x108, or 425-335-5634x123 or by e-mail.
Funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology Centennial Clean Water Fund.
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Tips for Greener Trails
Part 1 of a 3 Part Series
It’s summer and time and time to hit the trails! While you’re riding, remember that even on the trails there are things we horse owners can do to reduce our impact on the environment and be good stewards of the land. Horses for Clean Water recently collaborated with the Snohomish Conservation District to produce a new brochure, called Stewards of the Trail, with ideas on how to reduce our impact on the land we ride on.
Over the summer, TGH will highlight some of the information from this brochure. We begin this month with ideas for the start of your trail ride.
At the Trailhead
Your Horse
A good trail ride starts with a good horse. Know your horse and be able to anticipate and handle his behaviors. A young horse with a skilled rider can be safely under control while an older horse with little experience and inadequate horsemanship can be an accident waiting to happen. Accidents happen when a rider tries to force their horse through a situation that the horse is unfamiliar with and unprepared for.
Be sure your horse will stand tied to the trailer, both alone and with other horses. This is necessary so you can properly tack and un-tack your horse. If your horse paws while tied, he will do damage to the parking area and possibly to your trailer. If he does dig a hole, be sure to fill it before leaving.
Carry a manure fork in your trailer. Take home everything: manure, old hay, spilled bedding.
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Even the calmest pond or lake can present a challenge because of reflections.
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Give each horse in your group a chance to get a drink before leaving the watering point.
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Know whether your horse will cross obstacles such as a log on the trail or a bridge.
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Rail trails using old train trestles can be extremely unnerving for horses and riders.
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Steep trails can present challenges with both footing and fitness.
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Practice tying at home...
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...so that when you are on the road you don’t have issues.
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Make sure your horse can stand quietly, both alone and with other horses. Pawing can cause damage to the parking area and possibly your trailer.
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Make sure your horse is prepared for the terrain with either shoes or protective boots.
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Be able to mount and dismount your horse from both sides. If you have to dismount while out on the trail you may not have an option for which side you’ll mount on.
Be sure your horse is properly shod, trimmed or booted up for the conditions of the trail. Broken-down hoof walls and sole bruises can result from improper hoofcare.
Be sure your horse has properly fitting tack for the conditions of the trail. A cinch or girth that cuts into a horse’s belly or an ill fitting saddle can make a horse sore and give him an (understandably!) poor attitude.
Be sure your horse is in good physical shape for the conditions of the trail, such as steep climbs, obstacles, length of the trail and water crossings.
Teach your horse to walk when going up and down hills. An inexperienced horse will want to run, potentially causing erosion. This also isn’t a safe habit for your horse to get into and walking will help him develop muscle tone and balance.
Know whether your horse will cross obstacles such as a log on the trail or a bridge. Be sure your horse is controllable in case you encounter wild animals, dogs or other trail users.
You
Be prepared for the weather and wear appropriate clothes. Rapid changes in weather can occur, and if you aren’t within a quick return to your vehicle you could risk getting very cold and/or very wet. Hypothermia can happen quickly, even in the mild Pacific Northwest climate. Consider appropriate rain gear, waterproof gloves and hat and, especially in the winter, insulated boots. Always carry a coat in case of unexpected bad weather, even in summer.
If you are riding in a hunting area during hunting season or at dusk, be sure to wear blaze-orange reflective gear.
Know the route you are taking as well as when to turn away from an unsafe condition, such as deep water or a broken bridge.
Manure Management
Parking Lots
Carry a manure fork in your trailer. Take home everything: manure, old hay, spilled bedding. If possible, throw a bucket of water on urine puddles to help dilute them further. Smelly piles of manure and urine attract flies but are not attractive to other riders or users.
On the Trail
Teach and then encourage your horse to keep walking when they defecate on the trail. This helps to avoid manure piles. If a group of riders stops for any length of time and there is a build up of manure, dismount and kick manure around to disperse it.
Next month we’ll talk about what can be done while you’re on the trail. And we’ll finish up with some rules of the road as well as resources. Until then, happy trails!
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Quote of the Month
In the month of the assassination Robert F. Kennedy (November 20, 1925— June 6, 1968), I thought I’d share one of his quotes that was recently given to me and still stands the test of time. — Alayne
Too much and too long, we seem to have surrendered community excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things. Our gross national product... if we should judge America by that - counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for those who break them. It counts the destruction of our redwoods and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and the cost of a nuclear warhead, and armored cars for police who fight riots in our streets. It counts Whitman’s rifle and Speck’s knife, and the television programs which glorify violence in order to sell toys to our children.
Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages; the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage; neither our wisdom nor our learning; neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country; it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it tells us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans.
—Robert F. Kennedy Address, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, March 18, 1968
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Enjoying Wildlife on Horse Properties
One of the treasures we horse owners get to enjoy is communing with nature—the relaxing trail ride where you caught a fleeting glimpse of a fox or listened to the hauntingly melodic song of the Varied Thrush. Or how about sitting on the back deck watching the colorful Rufous-sided Towhee scratch the ground for food or a Song Sparrow systematically bending a dandelion over to gently pluck off the seeds?
If you are interested in sharing a bond with some beneficial wildlife, here are some techniques to encourage them! All living things need 3 things: food, water and cover. When trying to encourage (or discourage) an animal, it is helpful to know what they like to eat, where they eat and drink and where they rest and nest. By offering these conditions (or avoiding having them if you are trying to discourage wildlife) you can help create habitat to encourage your particular species.
Here are some simple suggestions for techniques you can set up on your horse property this summer:
FOOD
Leave some grasses un-mowed
In corners of pastures, along fence lines or under trees are a few good places to leave grasses alone. Birds then can hide and forage in the protective habitat, which prevents larger animals, such as hawks, from preying on them. The tall grass also seed-eating birds, such as Gold Finches, will increase.
Plant crops you can “share”
Berries, nuts, flowers, herbs and fruits are all good for sharing with birds, butterflies and bees.
Go native
Abundant selections of native plants provide the most reliable cover and food for wildlife in all seasons. This is especially important around streams, ponds and lakes.
Plant for each season
Native Red Flowering Currant is one of the best early season shrubs for attracting hummingbirds. Do a little planting research and increase your wildlife diversity!
Limit or eliminate chemical usage
Many grub eating species (like robins) will stay away if you contaminate their soil with synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.
Don’t let the cat out
Cats and dogs provide many useful functions for unwanted wildlife around barns and houses, but every bird and mouse they kill is one less for our native predators.
WATER
Birdbaths
These will provide water at the right depth and are easily hosed out weekly to prevent algae and mosquitoes. Alternately use some shallow plant saucers right on the ground.
Water barrels
You can put your roof to work by placing barrels under your downspouts and sharing with the birds. Pond plants and non-toxic mosquito dunks can be added and put in little board or stick as a “float” for smaller critters like the beautiful dragonflies!
Ponds and fountains
The sound of running water is a great attractant for birds—and humans too!
COVER
Provide the right nest boxes
Use boxes specific for swallows, bats, butterflies, bees, small birds, owls, flickers and more. The right box ensures that babies and eggs are protected from predators.
Provide brush piles
Great for little birds such as chickadees, also frogs and other small wildlife.
Provide rock piles
Loved by snakes, lizards and other helpful bug and rodent catchers!
Leave snags and downed trees
Provides cover and/or food for birds such as woodpeckers, ravens, hawks and eagles.
Plant hedgerows
Great for birds like quail and small animals to live in or to get from place to place.
Provide nesting materials
Little piles of horsehair, sticks, hay, etc. left strategically around will be appreciated.
Happy nature watching!
Weed Tips for June
Reprinted by permission from the June 2008 KC Weeds News published by King County Noxious Weed Program.
Pull tansy ragwort before you see yellow.
Bolting tansy ragwort is taking energy from the roots. Bolting is the growth of an elongated stalk with flowers grown from within the main stem of a plant (souce: Wikipedia). This means weak roots that are easy to pull out of the ground. Before the yellow flowers open, pulled tansy ragwort can be left to compost without risk of seeds forming. Make sure to keep pulled plants away from livestock—tansy ragwort remains toxic when dry and is more palatable after being pulled. Look for tansy ragwort anywhere it was growing last year—seeds last up to 16 years in the soil, so you are sure to get new plants where it was last year. Remember to look for low-growing rosettes as well as tall, bolting plants.
Make flowering noxious weeds your first priority.
Flowers are quickly followed by seeds and that means many more years of work! Some flowers can go to seed even after they are cut, so it is important to remove flowering noxious weeds before mowing fields and roadsides or to thoroughly clean equipment after mowing. In June, the following noxious weeds begin to flower:
sulfur cinquefoil, tansy ragwort, diffuse knapweed, giant hogweed, goatsrue, Spanish broom, and policeman’s helmet. Noxious weeds that are continuing to flower include: meadow knapweed, spotted knapweed, Dalmatian toadflax, orange hawkweed, yellow hawkweed, and milk thistle. By late June, we might start seeing flowering perennial pepperweed and purple loosestrife.
County, city and state crews are all busy working on noxious weeds along roadsides, trails and parks. However, even with their hard work and our own efforts to send them locations of regulated noxious weeds, we can't be everywhere and some sites get missed. If you see a patch of tansy ragwort or any other regulated noxious weed growing on public land or a roadside, please contact our office and we will make sure the right agency or property owner gets notified quickly. We can be reached at 206-296-0290 or you can use our online infestation report form.
Upcoming Weed Workshops for King County Residents
In addition to working individually with landowners, the King County Noxious Weed Control Program offers free workshops on invasive and noxious weeds. There are classes scheduled throughout the county in June and July. All classes are free and open to the public. Details are available at Workshops and Classes.
North King County Pasture Weeds Workshop |
June 13, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Woodinville Library
17105 Avondale Road N.E.
Woodinville |
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Seattle Backyard Invasives |
June 21, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Northgate Community Center
10510 5th Ave. N.E.
Seattle |
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East King County Pasture Weeds Workshop |
June 26, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Maple Valley Library
21844 S.E. 248th St.
Maple Valley |
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Burien Backyard Invasives |
June 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Burien Community Center
425 SW 144th St.
Burien |
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King County community associations are encouraged to contact our program if they would like to schedule a presentation on noxious weeds in their area. For more information on any of these workshops or to schedule a presentation contact Sasha Shaw at 206-263-6468 or by e-mail.
Weed Information at Farmers Markets and a Garden Fair
The Noxious Weed Program will be giving out information and advice at two farmers markets and one garden fair this month. On June 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., we will be at the Covington Water District’s WaterWise Garden Fair (18631 S.E. 300th Place, Kent). On June 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., we will be at Pike Place Market in Seattle for Farm Friday and on June 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Issaquah Farmer’s Market at Pickering Barn. We’ll have lots of great literature on weeds and we’ll try our best to answer all weed identification and control questions that come our way. Stop by and say hello if you are in the neighborhood!
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HCW Reader’s Tip: More Critter-proofing Water Trough Ideas
Cathy Weaver in Sherrills Ford, NC writes...
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Easier than a ramp or steps or cinder block steps is hanging a section of some kind of rope into the water trough, which gives wildlife a “ladder” to escape on. I use ski rope and tie it to the adjacent fence. Braided plastic bailing twine works well, too. We’ve saved many a squirrel’s life this way!
Cathy Weaver
Holly Run Stables, Home for Retired Classroom Pets
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Farm Focus: Maple Leaf Farm
An urban horse property with a European flair in Kirkland, WA!
FREE! Saturday, June 14th, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Join HCW and the King Conservation District for a sunny (hopefully) Saturday morning to tour a unique urban horse property. This architect/horse-owner designed and retrofitted her small, suburban, non-horse property to become a charming horse place. Meet this architect and hear how the she worked with neighbors and the community to blend in and ease concerns.
See and learn about:
- Manure cart for off-site removal
- Mudless paddocks
- Small grazing areas (formerly the back yard!)
- Edible landscaping
- A European courtyard for horse care
- Protection of and access to septic field
- Trail access to Bridle Trails State Park
BONUS: Learn about the nearby equestrian park, Bridle Trails State Park, and Lake Washington Saddle Club which supports it. Bridle Trails State Park, a 482-acre day-use park, is well-known for its horse trails and equestrian shows. The beautiful, forested park is on the northeast edge of the Seattle metropolitan area. The LWSC and the Bridle Trails Park Foundation are committed to preserving, improving, and maintaining Bridle Trails State Park. LWSC runs Hunter and Jumper Fun Shows, Play-days, Dressage Schooling Shows, rated Hunter Shows and other equestrian activities at the park.
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122, or e-mail.
Educational Events
Spring your horse property into summer with great ways to manage pastures, tips on composting, ideas for insect control and more. Check out the web site, www.HorsesforCleanWater.com, for new events added regularly.
Kirkland, WA |
Farm Tour: Urban Horse Property with a European Flair |
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Saturday, June 14th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
FREE!
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This architect horse owner designed and retrofitted her small, urban house to become a comfortable horse property. Hear how she worked with neighbors and the community to blend in and ease concerns. See composting and manure management, paddocks, small grazing areas (formerly the back yard) and see trail access to Bridle Trails State Park. BONUS: Learn about the nearby equestrian park, Bridle Trails State Park, and the club that supports it, Lake Washington Saddle Club.
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail.
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Olympia, WA |
Farm Tour: Managing Small Acreage Pastures to Increase Production and Reduce Weeds |
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Wednesday, July 16th, 2008
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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Join HCW at this small Olympia suburban farm and learn how to make your place healthier for your animals, more productive this growing season, less bothered by nuisance insects, AND more chore-efficient! This special farm tour will be held at an award-winning urban small farm with excellent pasture management techniques. See how rotational grazing can be used to actually improve your pastures and eliminate weeds.
Registration and directions, Sara Carter at 360-754-3588x136 or e-mail or Karin Strelioff at 360-427-9436x22 or e-mail.
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Ravensdale, WA |
Farm Tour: Managing Droughty Pastures, Outdoor Washracks and Innovations |
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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This exciting horse property is 3 acres of dynamic horse happenings! This property owner has the “internet bug” and has researched and come up with many innovative designs for chore efficiency and farm productivity. See self-coiling sprinkling systems, an on-demand portable water heater for the 3 season outdoor wash rack, a low-cost drivable dump cart for ease of stall cleaning, great ways to organize a small-space tack room—and many more cool ideas for horse’n around! Join HCW on a summer evening to discuss horses, horse pasture management, chore efficiency—and much more!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail.
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Enumclaw, WA |
Understanding Forage, Hay and Equine Nutrition |
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Rockin’ Circle C
FREE!
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Learn how pasture management and horse health come together in managing horse properties. See a demo of a hay probe you can borrow for free from the King Conservation District, hear from knowledgeable speakers on hay forage analysis, and listen to a veterinarian about pasture management and horse health. Get hands-on help on how to weave all this together.
Details contact Alayne via e-mail or by phone at 425-432-6116.
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Issaquah, WA |
Farm Tour: Living Without Horse Pasture |
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
FREE!
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This five acre two horse property faced lots of design challenges in its creation, including steep slopes, heavily wooded areas, wet areas and no suitable areas for conversion to pasture. In spite of challenges, the owners have woven together mudless paddocks, a lunging area, chore-efficient composting bins, and a charming, hand-built barn, along with copious flower gardens and vegetable beds all in a beautiful, manageable set up. Hear about creative pasturing arrangements done with a neighbor as well as local trails on Tiger Mountain.
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail.
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Olympia, WA |
Fencing Workshop |
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Sunday, September 7th, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
FREE!
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Fencing is a key tool for good pasture management. Come learn the whys and hows of horse fencing. Learn about the differences between power and electric fencing, as well as what makes a fence safe for horses. Work with fencing experts to build a short segment of fence and learn how to build a fence on your property.
Registration and directions, Karin Strelioff at 360-427-9436x22 or e-mail.
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Olympia, WA |
Fall in Place: Preparing Your Horse Farm for Winter |
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Sunday, October 5th, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
FREE!
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Join Horses for Clean Water for a workshop on how to prepare your farm so it will be easier to care for in the coming winter with less runoff, mud and manure. Learn techniques you can put in place to improve horse health, make chores and horse life easier and improve the health of the environment.
Registration and directions, Karin Strelioff at 360-427-9436x22 or e-mail.
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Hobart, WA |
Farm Tour: Managing Horse Property in Winter |
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Saturday, November 8th, 2008
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
FREE!
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Visit Hobart, WA, often referred to as the horse capitol of South King County, to see mud-free and chore-efficient management techniques in place on this new farm. The owners designed it from the ground up and only recently moved in. This property owner recently moved into their new horsey property. Hear why choices were made including gravel vs. sand paddocks. See a covered round pen. Learn about Paso Finos. Find out about Incinclot toilets—an environmentally-friendly option for barns without a septic system. BONUS: Pick up maps for trail riding on King County’s Taylor Mountain Park.
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail.
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