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

	Recently reduced to $600,000 Alayne’s Maple Valley horse farm

	In this issue... Message From Alayne: Hello, Change Tips for Greener Trails, Part 3 Disaster Preparedness for Livestock Owners Recycle Your Old Electronics Tip of the Month: Fall Is Time To Spread Compost! Educational Events

Message From Alayne: Hello, Change

This month marks a big change for me, either the end of a chapter or the beginning of a new one, depending on how you look at it—my long time reining trainer, Inger Helsen, has moved to a new home in central Idaho. She found a special someone and decided it was time to say goodbye to the trainer life, a particularly challenging one for a single woman with a child. So this past weekend Matt and I helped Inger move her horses over to be with her future husband, a wheat farmer and cattle rancher in the Camas Prairie area of Idaho.

Inger has been my trainer, coach and good friend for more than eight years, and I am very happy and excited for her in her new life. But I can’t help feeling a bit sad and apprehensive, too. I look back on where I was when I started with her, in the entry level reiner classes at small schooling shows. And I think of how very hard we worked to make our way up to qualifying and competing in Las Vegas at the Western States Affiliate Finals in 2006. She was with me through it all. We trail rode together, shared our life stories, hung out together day and night at shows. Now I’m on my own.

I am the kind of person who likes having a coach or mentor to work with, so I will find a new teacher. New trainers, new ideas, new approaches. Life is all about change, and it’s good for us. It challenges us to new levels and opens our hearts and souls to new learning opportunities. But I will always be grateful for the time, experience and friendship with Inger. In honor of all she has taught me, I will continue to grow and learn, and build on the strong foundation she gave us.

Inger will always be my friend. I wish her all the best, and open my heart to what comes next for me.

Happy trails,
Alayne

	Quote of the Month “It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.” —Anonymous

Tips for Greener Trails

Part 3 of a 3 Part Series

As we roll into fall, we wind up this 3-part series on ways to reduce our impacts on the environment while trail riding. This series is from a new brochure entitled Stewards of the Trail, a recent collaboration with the Snohomish Conservation District, which offers ideas on how to reduce our impact on the land we ride on. This month we finish up with rules of the road as well as resources.

The Rules of the Road

While trail riding, follow Backcountry Horsemen’s motto of “Leave no trace.” This means, leave what you find, carry out what you brought and take all litter with you.

It is paramount that as we ride we make every effort to preserve the past: look at and enjoy but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species of plants and animals. Never build things, such as fire pits, chairs or trenches.

Share the trails with other trail users when you come upon them. Bicyclists, runners and hikers should all yield to equestrians. While other users are supposed to defer to horses, it is smart to be polite and courteous when approaching others; what you do reflects on other horse owners. If there’s any question and when possible, give the other user the right of way. Speaking to them will often help settle an uneasy horse startled by the sudden appearance of a new object. Friendly conversation helps keep both horses and equestrians in a positive light. Remember that while you are riding you serve as an ambassador to non-riders. Common sense and courtesy are more important than who has the right of way.

Keep your horse under control and at a safe speed at all times. A fast gait on wet soils degrades a trail, potentially causing further erosion. Plus, it can be unsettling to other trail users if you ride up behind them at a fast speed.

It is best to keep trail rides to a small group so you can manage safety concerns as well as trail riding etiquette. Smaller groups will also have less impact on the trails. Unless the trail is wide enough, it is best to go single file, keeping a horse’s length between riders.

And finally, do not smoke or drink alcohol while trail riding.

What Can Be Done to Help Maintain Trails?

There are some simple techniques you can do to help keep trails open and safe for both yourself and others. Carry a small, foldable handsaw and clippers. Clip or remove small branches that lean into the trail (10 to 12 feet above the trail). When a newly fallen tree blocks a trail and if someone else can safely hold your horse, consider moving the tree to make it safer for the next rider.

If you see unapproved trails being started, like a corner cut on a switch back, consider blocking the trail at both ends to prevent or discourage access. Blockage can be done with branches, rocks, old trees, or stumps.

Carry a spare plastic bag with you in order to pick up and carry out any litter you come across on the trail.

If you belong to any kind of a riding group, formal or informal, perhaps you can volunteer as a group to do trail maintenance. Backcountry Horseman of America is an excellent organization that works with different government agencies volunteering time and work to keep trails open for equestrian use. BCH has a lot of great expertise in building and maintaining equestrian trails. Contact them to locate a chapter near you, but any riding group you belong to can make a difference in helping to keep trails open.

Conclusion

Following basic trail stewardship can help ensure the safety of you, your horse and other trail users as well as keeping the environment healthy. It also helps keep the trails open to horses. Many trails are closed to horses because of riders who abuse trail-riding privileges. You and your horse are always an ambassador wherever you ride; what one horse and rider do reflects on all. Abusing privileges makes it difficult to receive support for maintenance of existing trails, as well as for building new trails. Please, help your fellow horse owners preserve this privilege for generations to come. Only YOU can make a difference!

Happy trails!

Resource Section

There are many wonderful resources out there to provide guidance on trail riding issues as well as on horsemanship, trail maintenance, equestrian trail locations, horse property management and other natural resource issues.

Resources for Horse Owners and Rural Landowners

Snohomish Conservation District, 425-335-5634. Conservation Districts are non-regulatory, non-enforcement natural resource agencies in every county. The SCD provides education and technical assistance to landowners on a variety of natural resource issues. Contact the SCD for farm plans, technical assistance (provides designs, answers questions, educational handouts available), educational workshops and events, tree sale, stream restorations, monthly newsletter and more!

WSU Cooperative Extension Snohomish County, 425-338-2400, is available for technical assistance (answers questions, handouts available) and they offer classes on a umber of topics such as the Livestock Advisors training. Extension also offers the excellent 4-H program which includes a 4-H Horse program in Snohomish County.

Horses for Clean Water, a program run and supported by horse owners promoting environmentally sensitive horse keeping. HCW offers consultations on ways to manage manure, reduce mud, improve pastures and incorporate wildlife enhancement techniques. HCW also offers classes, farm tours, workshops and products for sale. For more on HCW educational opportunities, or to be on listserv to be contacted about future educational events contact Alayne at 425-432-6116, by e-mail.

Backcountry Horseman of Washington is a Washington State organization that works with different government agencies volunteering time and work to keep trails open for equestrian use. BCH has great expertise in building and maintaining equestrian trails.

Backcountry Horseman of America is the parent and national organization for all BCH chapters. Contact them to determine your local chapter.

Corkery, Jennifer. Lead-Horse Trail Etiquette. Equisearch.com. December 22, 2007.

Davis, Bonnie. Trail Riding Etiquette. Bay Area Equestrian Network.

Joseph, Bunny. Trail Etiquette. Connecticut Horse Council, Inc. 2007.

Trail Riding Etiquette. Outfitters Supply. October 2005.

Resources Used in Preparing This Document

Backcountry Horseman of Washington

Codling, Melinda. Horse Sense for the Trail Rider. Washington: Backcountry Horseman of Washington, Inc, Tahoma Chapter, 2002.

Gimenez, Rebecca. “You Can Build a Horse Trail.” John Lyons Perfect Horse. August 2006: 43-46.

N2Dirt Organization, in association with California Off-Road Vehicle Association. “Trail Riding Basics, Riding on Public Lands” Adobe Acrobat PDF. January 2005.

“Trail Riding Etiquette” Adobe Acrobat PDF.

Training; Common Sense on the Trail. Natural Horse Supply.

Washington Trails Association

William, Carey, PhD and Elsishans, Janice. Trail Riding Etiquette for Horse Enthusiasts. Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experimental Station Cooperative Extension. August 9, 2005.

Wood, Gene W. Recreational Horse Trails in Rural and Wildland Areas: Design, Construction, and Maintenance. South Carolina: Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Clemson University, 2007.

Disaster Preparedness for Livestock Owners

	Suggested First Aid Supplies Antibacterial ointment Betadine (or other product) Wonder Dust First Aid Powder Cut-Heal First Aid Antiseptic solution Bandage materials: Telfa pads, Sanitary napkins 1 lb. roll fluffy cotton 4" stretch gauze 4" rolls Vetrap 4" rolls Elastikon or 4" rolls Expandover 2" roll duct tape Bandage Scissors Chemical cold pack Combination pocket knife/tool kit Commercial poultice * Horse Health Icetight Poultice * Vapco Pol-Cat¨ Poultice Anti-Inflammatory * Antiphogistine Poultice * 3M Animalintex Poultice Pad Cotton swabs Electrolyte powder or paste * Electro-Plex Paste Electrolyte Supplement * Lyte Now Electrolyte Paste * Farnam Apple Elite Electrolytes® * ElectroDelyte Electrolyte * Electrocharge Electrolyte Paste * Vive Electrolyte Nutrition Bar * Ascend¨ Performance Electrolyte Gel Eye wash solution First aid book Flashlight and batteries Fly repellant for open wounds * Farnam Swat Fly Ointment Gauze sponges Latex or rubber exam gloves Rectal thermometer * Digital Thermometer * Equestrian Thermometer * Veterinary Thermometer 2 pack * Horse Magnet Thermometer * Pavia 6 Second Rectal Thermometer * 5" Veterinary Thermometer Saline solution Stethoscope Sunscreen/zinc oxide Tweezers Review this list with your veterinarian and ask for suggestions. Also consider these additional products: SLT First Aid Kit by Animal Legends Dr. Kellon’s Guide to First Aid Video

Fellow East coast and gulf state horse owners and livestock owners have been facing disaster preparedness for their animals with the threat (or actuality) of hurricanes. With fall and winter storms just around the corner for many of us, there is no time like the present to review and consider your own disaster preparedness for your farm, ranch or horse property. The following tips were developed by Greta Cook. Greta is the current Vice President of Washington Animal Response Team (WASART) and a former employee of WSU Cooperative Extension King County.

Step #1 - Assess the potential hazards in your area by familiarizing yourself with the types of disasters that can occur—earthquake, fire, flood, ice/wind/snow storm, hazardous material spill, mudflow, power failure, volcanic eruption.

Step #2 - Develop a plan of action. You may be isolated for a week or more. Survey your property to find the best location to confine your animals in each type of disaster. IF you must evacuate you need a place to go and a way to get there. Determine several locations and several routes to use. Leave early to avoid roadblocks. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Step #3 - Keep your trailer well maintained and always keep at least half a tank of fuel in your towing vehicle. Train your animals to load easily day or night, and with a stranger in case you are not available.

Step #4 - Be able to identify your animals:

• Permanent identification methods: freeze brand, micro-chip, tattoo, ear tag, photograph (four views: front, rear, left and right side and/or drawing). Include the age, sex, breed, registration number, distinguishing marks, and color with these records. Keep a copy of this information with your important papers.

• Temporary identification methods: if you find yourself at the time of a disaster without any of the above permanent identification methods, use spray paint or grease pen to write your phone number on the side of your animal or permanent marking pen for writing on hooves.

• Photographs of you and the animal showing distinguishing marks may help to reunite you later.

Consider prioritizing the order in which animals will be evacuated, and what will be done with those left behind. Inform all family and farm personnel of your plans in case you are not available during a disaster.

Step #5 - Prepare an emergency kit for your barn and a smaller kit for your trailer. Store emergency supplies in a secure and easily accessible location and keep at least a three-day supply in your trailer. Things to include:

• Water, hay, grain, supplements, medication for at least three days, preferably two weeks

• Containers for feed and water

• Permanent tag with your name and phone number and the animal’s name on each animal’s halter

• Fire resistant non-nylon halter and lead rope or appropriate control device as needed for each animal

• Blanket, leg wraps, brushes and shampoo (to clean off harmful substances)

• First aid book, supplies (see suggested supplies on reverse)

• Portable radio, flashlight and extra batteries

• Wire cutters, sharp knife, hammer

• Tarps, shovel

• Gloves, face mask or bandana

• Records—copy of medical history showing current vaccinations, medications and dosage being given, and any special feeding instructions. Include permanent ID numbers and any insurance information

• Phone numbers—vet and an alternate vet, farrier, animal control, county extension service, friends, family members

Step #6 Develop a neighborhood plan—learn what resources are available (i.e., arena, generator, trailer, tractor, bulldozer, medical experience, livestock experience). Set up a buddy system with a neighbor who can check on and feed your animals if you are away when a disaster strikes and vice versa. Fill out a release form, to be kept with your vet, authorizing emergency medical treatment if you can not be reached. Agree to help neighbors who may be in need.

Review plans yearly and also when you get a new animal. Rotate feed and water every three months to keep fresh. Rotate medication as often as needed.

Helpful web sites

Disaster Preparedness For Livestock Adobe Acrobat PDF from King County Pet And Livestock Support (PALS) Group

Emergency Information Stall Poster Adobe Acrobat PDF from Dr. Hank Greenwald, DVM

Emergency and Distaster Preparedness from American Association of Equine Practitioners has quite a bit of useful information on emergency preparedness, including a planning workbook

Disaster Guidelines for Horse Owners

Hurricane Season...Are you Prepared? Tips for safely getting through the hurricane season with your horse. by Georgia Brown

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness from FEMA

The Role of the Equine Practitioner in Disasters Adobe Acrobat PDF from AVMA

Recycle Your Old Electronics

It may not be directly about horses, but these days everyone has electronics in their lives. But what to do with all this cool stuff when it breaks or it’s time is up? Check out this article on how to recycle most any electronic stuff. You may even be able to get a little cash back for some of it—a plus in these penny-pinching times! At the very least you’ll be reducing the solid waste stream and saving valuable space in our landfills.

	Tip of the Month: Fall Is Time To Spread Compost! Compost is a rich soil enhancement that improves the health of both plants and soil and helps to retain moisture. Early fall is a great time to spread compost because cool season grass plants are growing vigorously again and can benefit from the added nutrients and organic material. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when spreading: It is best to spread only composted stall waste (to avoid spreading parasites, pathogens and weed seeds) Only spread during the plants’ growing season, late spring to early fall Spread 1/4 to 1/2 inch at a time, avoid smothering grass by spreading it any thicker Spread no more than 3 to 4 inches of compost per season in the same area Use a manure spreader or simply spread it with a shovel from the back of a pickup truck Purchase HCW’s Tip Sheet on Five Easy Steps to Compost and coming soon a new Tip Sheet on Spreading Compost.

Educational Events

Time to fall in place for winter! Discover great ways to reduce mud, handy ideas for composting, exciting ways to encourage birds—and more! Check out the web site, www.HorsesforCleanWater.com, for new events added regularly.

Langley, BC, Canada
Fall in Place: Prepare Your Horse Property for Winter!
Saturday, September 20th, 2008 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. FREE!	Join Horses for Clean Water and Langley Environmental Partners Society for a Saturday workshop that will help get your horse property ready for the upcoming rainy season. HCW will lead you through a checklist on how you can winterize your horse property to beat mud and become chore efficient—at the time of year when all that really counts! Get tips and techniques on choosing footings for paddocks, getting gutters and downspouts in working order, chemical-free ways to eliminate pesky rodents, ideas to keep water supplies from freezing—and more! Learn how to compost horse manure, see different 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. Get a jump on winter and learn how to make the coming rainy season easier to live with for you, your horses, and the environment! PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED and seats are limited. Contact LEPS at 604-532-3515 or by e-mail.

Maple Valley, WA
Fall Tips and Techniques for Managing Horse Manure Workshop
Saturday, October 4th, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon FREE!	Fall is a great time to get manure piles under control. Join Alayne Blickle at this workshop on her Maple Valley farm to learn about composting, spreading compost and other manure management options. View the latest techniques for reducing stall waste in barns, see various bedding examples, and find out how you can borrow the KCD manure spreader for free. Make your place healthier for horses, reduce the insect population, help your farm become more productive next summer, AND make it a chore-efficient for you this winter! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail.

Olympia, WA
Fall in Place: Preparing Your Horse Farm for Winter
Sunday, October 5th, 2008 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. FREE!	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.

Anchorage, AK
TBD
Friday, October 17th, 2008	Meet Alayne Blickle and learn about management practices that can be implemented on your horse property in to help reduce mud, manage manure and make your horse life more chore efficient! Details TBD. For more information e-mail Alayne.

Placerville, CA
Livestock and Land Workshop: Manure Management for Horse Owners
Saturday, October 25th, 2008	Join Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water and Peter Moon of O2 Compost in El Dorado County, CA for this workshop on horse property management. Make your place healthier for horses, reduce the insect population, help your farm be more productive during the growing season, AND make it a chore-efficient place for you to enjoy this winter! Learn how to compost horse manure, see different 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. For information or registration: 530-295-5630 or e-mail. Sponsored by: El Dorado County and Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts, and Ecology Action of Santa Cruz.

Vashon Island, WA
Workshops for Horse and Small Farm Owners
Thursdays, October 23 to November 13 Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, WA 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. FREE!	Hands-on workshops on livestock management practices. See a variety of options and work with technicians to discover ways you can have less mud, better pastures, manage manure and care for your streams, wetlands and drinking water sources. Topics: Streams and Wetlands: Living with Livestock near Water. October 23rd Mud Management: Record Rainfall/Record Mud. October 30th with Alayne Blickle as a guest speaker Manure Management: Got Livestock? Got Manure! November 6th with Alayne Blickle as a guest speaker Pasture Management: Becoming a Grass Farmer. November 13th To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail.

White Salmon, WA
The HCW Winter Horse Farm Management Workshop
Saturday, November 1st, 2008 and Sunday, November 2nd, 2008	Join Horses for Clean Water and the Underwood Conservation District for a day of workshops and another day of farm tours. Learn how to prepare your farm so it will be easy to care for this winter with less mud and manure problems, as well as less dust and weeds next summer. Learn techniques you can put in place now for reducing run off, composting horse manure, managing small pastures, reducing fly and mosquito populations, creating wildlife enhancement areas and much more! Improve horse health, owner convenience, farm productivity, neighborhood aesthetics and the health of the environment. Details: Contact Adrianne Zuckerman via e-mail or call 509-493-1936.

Hobart, WA
Farm Tour: Managing Horse Property in Winter
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon FREE!	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, designed by the owners from the ground up. 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.

Maple Valley, WA
Workshop: Naturescaping on Horse Properties
Saturday, November 15th, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon FREE!	Reduce chemical use on your property while making it healthier for your horses, your family and wildlife. Inviting wildlife to your farm and landscaping with native plants can have many wonderful benefits for horse owners. Join Alayne Blickle in this workshop at her Maple Valley farm to see examples of natural insect control, mud reduction, dust barriers, visual screens between neighbors, cooling of buildings, summer shade for horses, low-cost/low care landscaping and more!. Plus, now is the time to plan for the KCD Native Plant Sale which begins in October! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail.

Shelton, WA
Natural Ways to Manage Horse and Livestock Properties
Saturday, December 10th, 2008 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. FREE!	Learn how to control dust, mud, bugs and weeds naturally while reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Learn practical ways to put low-cost native trees, shrubs and animals to work for you. Pick up free designs for bird and bat nesting boxes which can be used as great holiday presents! To register and receive directions contact contact Karin Strelioff at 360-427-9436x22 e-mail or Kandi Bauman at 360-754-3588x136.

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