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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: What Makes Us Tick
The age old question that each of us ponders at different times: what makes us tick? I gave this idea plenty of thought this past week while I had the good fortune to attend an exciting professional development workshop in Albuquerque, New Mexico put on by Cooperative Extension. It was Living on the Land: Stewardship for Small Acreages, a curriculum developed by a team of western states resource professionals coordinated by Sue Donaldson, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, and funded through a USDA grant. The curriculum is available locally to the public, usually offered by extension offices. The workshop I attended was for environmental education instructors who wish to learn how to teach and use the course materials.
At this training we learned about teaching subjects like wildfire management and small farm economics with a systems approach to land management. We reviewed curriculum developed by talented instructors who care about our land and its natural resources and enthusiastically share the message of good stewardship and caring with others. We participated in field trips to interesting, sustainable farms. I saw houses made out of straw bales and adobe, with a wide variety of innovative, sustainable practices including ceilings made from discarded pallets. I saw organic farms managed by young adults who cared as much about their business of producing organic vegetables as they did for conserving water and allowing basil plants to flower for the local bee community. I was part of many new and interesting ideas that challenged me and gave me an opportunity to review what was at the core of my interests and values.
My observations didn’t end in the present: my last day in Albuquerque I was still pondering this as I went with a Colorado State University friend for a hike through Riconada Canyon and Petroglyph National Monument. Most of the petroglyphs in this canyon are between 400 and 700 years old. Deep in cultural and spiritual significance, early ancestors interacted with nature and each other to carve mystical drawings on nature’s canvas, the igneous desert rocks. As you walk along, you can palpate the sacredness of the land, as if ghosts of people surround you, drifting past. Looking for petroglyphs was something of an Easter egg hunt, not knowing what surprise was around the bend or behind the next rock. It is said that petroglyphs choose to reveal themselves to the onlooker, at the right time. As we walked along, having driven mere miles from the heart of one of the busiest cities in the Southwest, the contrast between fast city life and these age-old drawings was mind-boggling. Here, in this exact spot, ages ago, perhaps someone also wondered about their existence, their purpose, and how they fit into the grand scheme of things. Perhaps their way to work through that question of what makes them tick was to sketch a simple, yet complex drawing onto a desert rock.
So what makes me tick? In my work and life I came up with three things in this order: horses and horse management, water quality, and natural resources conservation. How about you? Tell me, what makes you tick? I’m all ears!
Happy trails,
Alayne
Many TGH readers board their horse year around. For others, fall is the time when we think about lightening the winter horse care load at home either by sending a horse to training or just boarding. The added advantage to this approach is having access to a covered riding arena during the dark, rainy, cold winter months. Join Ellen Mosier from our Horses for Clean Water staff in this article to look at the criteria in selecting a proper boarding facility for your horse.
Home Sweet Home:
Choosing a Boarding Facility for Your Horse
Ellen and Tsina
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by Ellen Mosier, Horses for Clean Water
My horse lived at the same wonderful boarding facility for the first nine years that I owned her. The farm was like a second home to me, so when the boarders were told in late summer 2006 that we’d have to move our horses by spring 2007, I knew it would be a hard act to follow. It took many months and a lot of miles to find another stable that felt right to me, and I learned a lot in the process. In this article I’ll share my thoughts about what to look for and how to look for it, and what questions to ask. Horse owners moving their equines to an entirely new area or to their own acreage have even more to consider, as do owners with multiple horses, but these suggestions are a good place to start in any moving situation.
Give yourself time to look.
The other boarders and I were fortunate to have such a long lead time to look for a new facility. It took each of us several months to find the right place. Give yourself as much time as you possibly can—at least three or four months. If you need to move quickly, don’t settle for something you don’t like for the long term. Find a suitable temporary situation, and keep looking.
Describe your ideal place.
Write out your image of horse heaven. It will vary with every horse and owner. I will share many ideas you can include in your description, but you will have your own to add. Know where you’ll be willing to compromise when the time comes, but start out with a vision of the perfect place for your horse.
Determine the geographical area for your search.
Knowing the answer to the following questions will help you know how big this area can be: How far are you willing to drive from home? From work? How long will it take to get there? Is it convenient to riding with friends? Is it close to activities you enjoy, such as trail riding, horse shows, or team penning? Can your instructor easily travel to you, or you and your horse to him or her?
Find boarding facilities in the area of your search.
Check the web, the phone book, and community boards at local tack and feed stores and public arenas. Ask friends or others who live in that area if they know of a suitable facility. Take a Sunday drive and look around. If you see a place you like, check for a sign with a phone number to call later. If there isn’t one, you might leave a note in the mailbox or pull in and introduce yourself. Needless to say, don’t go through any closed gates to do this!
Check out every place that interests you in person.
You can only truly evaluate a place if you see it for yourself. Take along a friend for a different perspective. Together, you will not likely miss anything of importance.
Interview the facility owner and/or manager.
Bring a list of questions with you, and take time to write down the answers you receive. When you are visiting many facilities, there is a lot to remember. If someone else is in charge of actual horse care, talk to that person, and—if possible—talk to other boarders. Don’t hesitate to ask direct questions.
Ask how long the facility has been in business, what their methods of horse handling are, what kind of training people have, and whether someone is on site 24-7. There will no doubt be a contract for boarders to sign; ask to see one and read it thoroughly. What are the responsibilities outlined for you and the facility towards your horse? What are the rules you must follow? Some boarding places seem very informal, but if a conflict ever came up, the contract is there for your protection. Know what’s in it!
Take a thorough tour of the facility.
Check out everything, including the pastures, paddocks, barn, and outbuildings. Here are some things to check out about the location and living conditions:
Location
Is the facility on a busy road? Set back from the road? Easy to get into and out of with a horse trailer? On flat or hilly ground? In a flood plain? Open or nestled among tall trees? Know your preferences.
Living conditions
Where do the horses live? Are they on pasture 24/7 or in a stall most of the time? The following list will provide you with many more things to consider and questions to ask about the living conditions of your horse’s potential new home:
- Barn. Is the barn dry, clean, and well ventilated? If hay is stored there, is it dry and fresh-smelling, free of mold and mildew? Is there a tack room with a locked door where you can store your gear without worry about dust and theft? How much space will you have for your gear? Is there a wash rack with warm and/or cold water available? Are there cross ties or another safe method to tie horses in the wash rack and barn aisles? Is there a phone in the barn for emergencies? Are the barn doors left open at night? Is there an evacuation plan in place for fire or other emergencies? Is there a list posted with horse contact information for horse owners, farriers and veterinarians?
- Stalls. Are stalls large, with good ventilation? Are they clean and odor-free? Are walls smooth, with no stray nails, hooks or splinters? What type of bedding is used, and how often is it changed? Can horses see outside? Is fresh water available at all times? Is food laid on the ground, in a feed bin or in wall-mounted racks? Who cleans the stalls and how often?
- Paddocks. Do stalls have individual paddocks attached? What is the paddock made of, e.g., rolled steel, wood, vinyl? What type of footing is there? Is there sufficient drainage so horses are not standing in mud, water, and/or urine? How often are paddocks cleaned?
- Pastures. Do horses have access to shelter? Access to fresh water at all times? What type of fencing is used? Is it in good repair? Is it safe for horses? Are pastures well maintained and regularly dragged to spread manure, or are there weeds and/or toxic plants? Be sure to ask about winter conditions, too; is there sufficient drainage to prevent mud and standing water?
- Turn-out. When the facility advertises “turn-out,” does that mean into a paddock or a pasture? How often, and for how long? Is there room enough for the horse to run and exercise? Do you have to pay extra to have someone actually turn your horse out each day?
- Companionship. Are horses in a pasture or paddock with other horses, or in adjoining areas? Which horses are pastured together, and how are horses introduced to one another?
Amenities
Depending on your needs as a rider, there are several other things to consider when searching for a new facility:
- Places to ride. Is there a covered arena? Outdoor arena? Round pen? Can you ride to trails from the facility or will you need to trailer out?
- Horse trailers. Are you allowed to keep a horse trailer on site? Can friends visit with their horses? Is there adequate space for them to pull in, park and turn around? For how long can they leave their trailers on site?
- Instruction. Is there a trainer associated with the facility? Does your horse have to be in training to be boarded there? Are other trainers allowed to instruct there?
Food and Health Concerns.
These are important concerns for horse owners at all boarding stables:
- Food. What are horses fed, e.g., grass, alfalfa, complete feed? Where does the hay come from? Is it dry and fresh-smelling, free of mold, mildew or stickers? Are you allowed to provide your own feed if your horse has different needs? Will you be allowed to store it on site? Does this cost extra, or does it provide a discount in board fee? Do they charge extra to feed daily vitamins and minerals or monthly psyllium pellets?
- Deworming. Many facilities have a deworming program that boarders must follow. It may be that boarders are required to worm their own horses and provide a record, or the facility may provide the medication and service as part of a boarding fee. Be sure whatever program is used is appropriate for your horse, and/or that you can opt out if you need to. If you are moving to a new region, you will want to find out what types of parasites are prevalent there.
- Fly/pest control. What methods are used to discourage pests? Are there nest boxes and vegetation that attract pest-eating birds, bats, and insects? Does the facility practice good manure and mud management to reduce flies? Are there barn cats to keep the rodent population down? Some boarding places may require the use of feed-through fly control, which is added to a grain or complete feed supplement once a day, every day. Be sure you are comfortable with the methods used, and research anything you are not familiar with.
- Veterinary care. Ask if there is a barn vet boarders are expected to use, or if you may choose your own. Ask around for recommendations. If you are not moving your horse far, find out if your current vet can travel to the new place. I like to have two vets who work closely with my horse, so that one of them is likely to be available in an emergency.
- Farrier care. As with vet care, find out if you can choose your own farrier, and if your current farrier can follow you to the new place. Ask around for recommendations. People have strong feelings about hoof care, and will not hesitate to share what they like and don’t like about different farriers or barefoot trimmers.
- Other horses. Finally, check out the horses that are boarded at the facility. Seeing them will tell you a lot. Do they look and act vibrant, with shiny coats and alert, bright eyes? Do they smell healthy and fresh? Are their feet trimmed or shod nicely, free of cracks and thrush? Whether in a pasture or barn, are they able to stand contentedly with not too many bothersome flies? Are they at a healthy weight? Do they seem comfortable and curious around people? There will sometimes be less than healthy or well-adjusted horses at any given facility, but more than one or two horses that seem out of sorts may reveal an underlying, but unseen problem with the facility.
There is a lot here to remember and think about! But finding a new home for your horse is a big responsibility. Be as thorough as you can—take your time, do the legwork, ask questions, observe. You will find the right place, and your horse will thank you for it!
Preventing and Cleaning Up After Mice
Avoid Mice in Your Tack Room
Fall is the time that mice move inside, looking for someplace warmer and with shelter. You can eliminate mouse habitat in your tack room by keeping everything off the floor. According to HCW demonstration farm owner Debbie Proctor, “If you don’t want mice, things need to be off the floor and on the wall. Everything that’s on the wall in my tack room has never been touched by a mouse. Everything on the ground is fair game for mice.”
Debbie should know, her tack room is spotless, organized and everything is easy to locate. All sheets and blankets are bagged during the off-season and shelved “ If I don’t have the plastic bag they came in, it’s easy enough to purchase them on the Internet, in small medium and larger sizes, and for just pennies—maybe just 30 cents!” Bridles, halters and other tack are all hung on space-saving storage racks, which Debbie also located on the Internet.
How to Properly Clean Up Rodent Contaminated Areas
by Ben Hamilton, Health Educator, Washington Department of Health, Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Reprinted by permission from Washington State Department of Health’s ZOONOTIC DISEASE NEWSLETTER, VOLUME 2, Spring 2008
Clean-up of sheds, garages, pantries, or under kitchen sinks can result in the unpleasant discovery of rodent droppings, nests, or even the rodents themselves (dead or alive). Deer mice, the most common mice in Washington, often seek shelter in man-made structures during the colder months and are carriers of Sin Nombre virus, which can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in people, a rare but potentially fatal respiratory disease.
In Washington, 2 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome were reported in 2007 and 33 cases have been reported since 1993, 11 of which died from the infection.
Infected deer mice shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva, and people are most often exposed when they breathe in aerosolized virus particles. Proper clean-up of mice-contaminated areas will reduce the likelihood of virus particles from becoming airborne and then inhaled.
How to clean-up a typical mouse-contaminated area:
- Air out enclosed areas for at least 30 minutes before starting clean-up.
- Don’t vacuum, sweep, or dust—this can stir virus particles into the air where they can be inhaled.
- Spray and wet down nests, droppings, and dead mice with a disinfectant or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Let this soak for 5 minutes.
- Wearing rubber gloves, wipe up the contaminated materials with paper towels, rags, or mops.
- Place contaminated materials in a plastic bag and dispose of them in the garbage.
- Wash or disinfect gloved hands and then dispose of them or keep for reuse.
- Wash hands with soap and warm water after removing gloves.
- Make sure to seal up mice entry points and trap the mice that have already moved in. See link for more information on sealing, trapping, and cleaning rodent contaminated areas.
Hilarious Horse Companion:
A Money-Saving Alternative to Purchasing Another Horse
by April LaLande, Horses for Clean Water
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Scooter and Victoria |
Last spring, we found ourselves by choice down to one horse. Instead of going through the arduous and expensive process of finding another horse right away, we decided to look at getting a goat as an option to keep our guy from getting bored and lonely, and to mimic some sense of herd. We’d read stories about goats and horses, and how well they get along, but were a bit skeptical of whether a goat would work for us. Like many horses, ours can be a bit emotional and naughty at times, and we worried he might be a bit rough on a goat, actually terrorize the poor thing.
Friends told us about various ads that were posted around at feed stores, and we started looking on the internet to see what was out there. We did some research on different breeds of goats, deciding which breed might work for our situation. Something larger, quiet and well mannered sounded good—and after talking it over with our wonderful and knowledgeable vet, we narrowed it down to a couple breeds. During our search, we ran across ads on PetFinder from the local goat rescue organization, Puget Sound Goat Rescue, in Maple Valley, Washington. We had no idea there was a goat rescue close by, so we printed out a few pictures of available goats that matched our needs and pondered on it.
We contacted Barbara Jamison, who runs the rescue, with a zillion questions about breeds, suitability and if she had anything perfect for our situation. She was very patient with our questions and lack of knowledge. We arranged a visit, and true to her word, she had a suitable match. For a little more than $100 (yes that’s only two zeros), Barbara sent us home with Ms. Victoria, current vaccinations, complete instructions, a hoof trimming demonstration, encouragement, and best of all, a willingness to help us if this match didn’t work out. Barbara really cares about her goats.
Wow! We can’t ride her—but our goat has turned out to be the most entertainment we’ve had in a long time. Even doing chores can bring a smile. From the moment they met, horse and goat seemed to have an instant and inherent understanding of each other. I’ve never seen our horse, Scooter, be so gentle and tolerant even when Victoria tries to get him to play by jumping on his side or darting between his legs. Scooter barely bats an eye when she gets spooked (in the funny way only goats can) or makes a gigantic racket flinging her feed buckets around or jumping up on the stall walls. We’re amazed!
To learn more about these interesting and entertaining creatures, Alayne and I visited Barbara at Puget Sound Goat Rescue. It was fun and entertaining as the goats all tried various acrobatic feats to investigate us (and anything interesting we might be hiding on our person), to weasel in for a good scratch or to get to tree branches for a snack. Barbara has rescued and placed into homes more than 500 goats since she started the rescue seven years ago. This year has been particularly tough for goats due to skyrocketing prices on commodities like hay.
Why did you start the goat rescue?
Barbara: It all started when I got a goat to help with the blackberry problem in my pasture when I first bought my place. After that, I was contacted by a neighbor, who discovered two goats tied and abandoned at their business, which I took in—I was officially hooked on goats. They’re great. Then things just evolved. I would go around to auctions to buy chickens, and noticed that when I went, I could hear larger animals crying in the background. One day when I went out back to see what was going on, I saw goats and it broke my heart—this happens a lot. These animals are not just raised for meat, they have little bells or collars on, and are well socialized.
How do you find your goats?
Barbara: All of our goats come from the auction or the slaughterhouse. We rescue goats that are, or can be good pets or companion animals.
Who helps you take care of all the goats? How many do you have?
Barbara: Right now I have about four volunteers and a couple of foster homes who help out with the rescues. One foster home has eight in their pasture—in total, we have 21 that are looking for homes right now.
What makes goats and horses such a good match?
Barbara: I guess because they are both herd animals, and goats and horses both hate to be alone. Whenever I drive by a big pasture with a single horse, I feel bad, and wish I could go and suggest a goat to keep it company.
What kind of goat do you suggest for a single horse?
Barbara: Neutered boys make excellent pets. All of our goats are neutered, and contrary to popular belief, the neutered boys do not smell. Goats are very clean and easy to care for with minimal effort. And Barbara has a horse, so all of her goats are “horse friendly;” most breeds do great with horses.
If you’re interested in learning more about goats, or in volunteering to help goats in need, contact Barbara Jamison by e-mail or phone 425-444-6591, or visit the Puget Sound Goat Rescue web site.
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Goat Tips for Horse Owners
- Goats eat very little (compared to a horse!). Good quality hay, and some non-toxic roughage such as berry bushes or tree branches with plenty of fresh water and a mineral salt can be sufficient. Generally, goats can be fed the same diet as horses.
- Goats need a sturdy fence, both to keep them in, and to keep predators (especially dogs) out. It is important to keep goats locked in a stall or other predator-proof enclosure at night to keep them safe. Also, it’s best to have a wire mesh horse fence, or field-type fencing in paddocks or pastures so your goat is not tempted to escape and go browsing around the neighborhood.
- Goats need to be kept away from poisonous plants such as rhododendrons—contrary to popular folklore they do not digest tin cans. Trees not intended for goat chow need to be protected.
- If you take your horse away for long trail rides or weekend shows, two goats might be better than one, as they can get insecure and lonely for extended periods.
- Never stake out a goat or leave them in other vulnerable situations.
- Bonus: Besides being easy, entertaining and engaging, goats are great at weed and invasive plant control! For more information, see the June 2005 TGH article Controlling Weeds with Goats.
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Farm Focus: Managing Horse Properties in Winter
Saturday, November 8, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
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.
See and learn about:
- Designing a horse property from the ground up
- Gravel paddocks (formerly sand)
- Pass throughs on paddocks
- Geothermic, frost-free automatic waterers (environmentally friendly!)
- Simple, practical barn design with excellent ventilation
- Covered round pen
- Compost bins located for ease of daily pick up and pasture spreading
- Paso Finos horses
- Incinclot toilets—an environmentally—friendly option for barns without a septic system
- Trail riding on King County’s Taylor Mountain Park
FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail Paul Borne.
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.
Anchorage, AK |
Managing Alaskan Horse Properties Workshop |
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Friday, October 17th, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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At this daylong workshop, meet Alayne Blickle, life-long equestrian, reining competitor and creator/director of the award-winning program, Horses for Clean Water. As an environmental educator and media producer, Alayne has been working with horse and livestock owners for over 15 years teaching great ways to make horse properties chore efficient and safer for horses, humans and the environment. Alayne works with natural resource agencies, horse groups and individuals across North America, as well as writing for many horse publications including Equus, John Lyons’ The Perfect Horse and Horse & Rider.
Learn about management practices that can be implemented on Alaskan horse properties to help reduce mud, manage manure and make horse life easier. Get tips and ideas on French drains, footing options, geotextile fabrics and other ideas for horse paddocks. Learn about composting horse manure, rotational grazing, managing small grazing areas, what constitutes a “lush” pasture, ways to reduce chemical use, and much more! Improve horse and livestock health, owner convenience, farm productivity, neighborhood esthetics and the health of the environment.
Includes breakfast and lunch. Embassy Suites, 600 Benson Blvd., Anchorage, AK. Please register by October 3rd. Contact AACD at 907-373-7923 or visit AACD Fall 2008 Conference. Friday-only registration for Districts and Cooperators $115. All others and late registry $135. Sponsored by: the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts and the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District.
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Placerville, CA |
Livestock and Land Workshop: Manure Management for Horse Owners |
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CANCELLED
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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.
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Vashon Island, WA |
Workshops for Horse and Small Farm Owners |
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Thursdays, October 23 to November 13
Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, WA
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
FREE!
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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.
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White Salmon, WA |
The HCW Winter Horse Farm Management Workshop |
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Saturday, November 1st, 2008
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Saturday, November 2nd, 2008
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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.
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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, 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.
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Maple Valley, WA |
Workshop: Naturescaping on Horse Properties |
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Saturday, November 15th, 2008
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
FREE!
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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.
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Vashon Island, WA |
Farm Tours: Managing Horse Properties in Winter |
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Sunday, November 16th, 2008
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
FREE!
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Tour two Vashon farms to take an up-close look at cost-shared compost bins, mud-free winter paddocks, rotational grazing ideas for summer, stream protection and other chore efficient horse management techniques that make your horse life easier and reduce environmental impact.
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail.
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Shelton, WA |
Natural Ways to Manage Horse and Livestock Properties |
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Saturday, December 10th, 2008
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
FREE!
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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.
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Maple Valley, WA |
Workshop: Caring for Your Horse and His Home |
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Saturday, January 31st, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do you know what the regular health, dental and shoeing needs are for horses? Would you like to learn about shelter requirements and horse-safe fencing? Join Alayne Blickle and her horses on her Maple Valley, WA demonstration farm for an all day workshop geared towards novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse and handler safety, planning your horse facility, how to buy a horse, nutrition and feeding, veterinary and farrier care, and pasture, manure and mud management. Cost is $80/person.
Contact Alayne via e-mail or phone at 425-432-6116 to register and get course details. Special pricing available for families.
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