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The official newsletter of Horses for Clean Water, http://www.horsesforcleanwater.com
Published on the 10 of each month by Alayne Blickle, Director of Horses for Clean Water
Message from Alayne: Happy Birthday to Matt!
I bet there are some of you out there who might be interested in the horsey birthday party we recently staged. It was for my husband, Matt (fondly referred to as “Mattie” by many of us), in honor of his 50th birthday. His actual birthday isn’t until January 1, so we caught him off-guard with this event on December 7.
It was a private cow sorting party. A trainer in Enumclaw, Duane Hebert, rents out his cows and arena for all-day, private sorting events. When I learned of this a few months ago I thought it would be a novel idea for a party. So I invited about 10 of our friends who have horses to join us and we all got experience playing with cows, something few of us get a chance to do.
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In case you’ve not familiar with it, sorting, often called 2-person ranch sorting, is similar to team penning. It’s in a smaller environment, though, and requires more balance and quick reflexes by both horse and rider. The event is run in 2 attaching round pens with a 12 foot opening between them. A team of 2 riders enters one side of the pen, while a dozen numbered cows are in the other. A single cow’s number is called and that cow is to be “sorted” from the herd and driven, by itself, through the gate. Successive cows are sorted through the gate, by themselves, until all 10 numbered cows have been sorted and moved across in order. One team member is responsible for sorting the target cow, the other stays at the gate to prevent the rest of the herd from coming through. Matt and I have occasionally done competitive sorting in the past, usually during the winter when it’s off-season for reining shows. We find that doing something different like this with our horses is a good diversion for them as well as for us.
Real competitive sorting events are timed and cows must be moved in order. The beauty of our special day was that we could do things the way we wanted, giving folks as much time as they needed to play with the cows and get themselves and their horses comfortable with the situation.
I had to find an excuse to get Matt and our horses to the arena but that was easy: “This place allows haul-ins in their covered arena. Let’s go early Sunday morning and ride there.” One friend decorated the arena. Another brought drinks and ice. Another made homemade cheesecake, Matt’s favorite, and I ordered pizza ahead of time to be delivered. When we arrived, there it all was: a decorated arena full of round pens and numbered cows. And there were all of our friends on their horses. Matt was so surprised, the look on his face was priceless!
It was a blast to eat, be with friends, ride horses and chase cows all day until you are tired and ready to go home! What could be more fun to a horse person?!
Happy 50th, Matt!
Alayne
P.S. - If you’d like to wish Matt a Happy 50th feel free to e-mail him.
Holiday Shopping at Horses for Clean Water
Shop with HCW this year and get more mileage from your gift giving. We have exciting suggestions for you, your horses, and your farm that will benefit HCW in the process!
- Shop with HCW’s Program Partners via the links on our web site. Our partners include Amazon.com, Cabela’s, REI and many more! These fine companies will donate a small portion of their sales back to HCW at no extra cost to you, and we will use it to support HCW programming.
- Buy HCW products through our CafePress store. We have new items to check out, like bumper stickers and clothing. Show your support for green horsekeeping and HCW!
- Purchase the beautiful new Demonstration Farms of Horses For Clean Water 2009 Calendar featuring recent farm tours and helpful tips.
- HCW gift certificates are available for any amount, and can be applied towards a site visit consultation, courses such as “Caring for Your Horse and His Home” or clinics like the upcoming Barb Apple one in April. E-mail Alayne for purchase details.
- HCW Tip Sheets are reasonably priced and make useful, information-packed gifts for the special horse person in your life. Topics include composting, building mud-free paddocks, pasture management, dust and mud controls and the new “Planning and Building an Outdoor Arena.” If you wish to purchase an actual printed version of this Tip Sheet for $6.97, please visit this link to it for sale in out CafePress store.
- Give an “experience” gift this year, one that creates lasting memories, fosters learning and helps prevent waste! Alayne now offers Annie’s Pony Rides, a fun hour of horsin’ around for your family. Alayne and her beautiful palomino mare, Annie, provide an introduction to horses and safety, a grooming and saddling demo, and safe, assisted pony rides, all on site at Alayne’s enviro-friendly farm. If you live in Western Washington, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity! Call 425-432-6116 or e-mail Alayne.
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Especially around Christmas, a thoughtful short story like this invokes passion and hits home for many of us.
Just a Horse
From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a horse” or “that’s a lot of money for just a horse.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a horse.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a horse.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a horse,” but I did not feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a horse” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a horse” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you, too, think it’s “just a horse” then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise” or “just a promise.” “Just a horse” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy. “Just a horse” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of “just a horse,” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a horse” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a horse” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a horse” but a living, breathing being that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a woman.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a horse” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”
—Author unknown
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Western Washington Baling Twine Recycling Program On Hold
International recycling markets have taken a stunning nosedive over the past few weeks along with the rest of the economy. This means, unfortunately, that HCW’s ag plastics recycling program is now on hold. Reber Ranch and Avoco Plastics are no longer able to accept bailing twine, used tarps or other #5 plastics. We hope things will change in the spring, so if you’d like to hang onto your materials until then, there may be a chance to recycle them. As always, HCW will keep you posted!
In the meantime, many of you wrote to suggest good alternative uses for baling twine and #5 plastics. Here are some of those ideas:
Pam Bradford:
King County Solid Waste has a program called “Online Exchange.” People post all kinds of useful things and maybe these items would be welcomed by folks there. If you’re interested, visit KC Solid Waste Online Exchange.
Happy Recycling...
Pam and Dave Grudin, Arlington, WA:
I wanted to mention that very often folks who grow dahlias and irises will gladly take your baling twine. Some nurseries want it also.
Editor’s Note: Your local conservation district might use baling twine to bundle seedlings together for their annual tree sale.
Corinne Logan, Willows Edge Farm, Bothell, WA:
So the man came and picked up EVERYTHING we had, including twine and all the bags. He
is using them for construction site clean up. Just thought I would pass this along as an idea on how to get rid of them. The bags would also be great, free yard clean up bags to “advertise.” One more idea: Bothell Feed takes in used bags and fills them with hay scraps to sell for bunnies, etc. Maybe other feed stores as well?
Thanks all!
Gayle Nordholm, Greensleeves 4-H Club Leader, Snohomish Co. 4-H Education Committee Chairman, Little Wonders Montessori:
It’s so good to see how everyone is thinking GREEN! But I’d feel better if I knew the plastic wouldn’t end up in our landfills. Using it a second time for construction debris is great, but did you know Bobby Wolford Inc, Rinker, and Pacific Topsoils take cement, brick, lumber, re-bar, rock, tar and pavement chunks for recycle? That’s for homeowners and construction companies alike! We recently did a major clean-up from the old farmer who owned our land before us, and I hauled off old car parts, old wire, lumber, cement chunks, and black top chunks to Bobby Wolford.
Like many of you, I’m trying my best to keep “garbage” to a minimum. I collect soft plastic wrap, rinsed zip locks and baggies, plastic grocery bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, and dry cleaner plastic. Then I deposit them in the plastic recycle bins at grocery stores like Albertsons, Fred Meyer, QFC and Safeway. I was told by Waste Management that I could put Kleenex, toilet paper, napkins, and paper towels in our yard waste bin for curb-side pickup. It may take a little change from what you’re used to doing, but I don’t feel like I’m working any harder. I’ve managed to reduce our actual “garbage” down to 1/3 of the previous amount and that’s feeding 10 people a day (I run a small Montessori on our farm).
Alayne, I’m willing to hold on to my twine and plastic until I can give it to the right organization, one that wants to keep our world as green as possible. Isn’t there any other recycler that will take our ag plastics?
Gayle Nordholm, Greensleeves 4-H Club Leader, Snohomish Co. 4-H Education Committee Chairman, Little Wonders Montessori:
The more we get people on board with this kind of thinking, the better for our planet. I wanted to mention one other thing but thought I might be getting too carried away. If you’d like to use this idea, you may add it. How many times have you thought “I need to stop at the grocery store for a couple things, but I don’t need my canvas bag.” If you’re like me, then I always find something else and need the bag. Simply ask the clerk to replace the groceries in the cart and bag them yourself when you get to the car. If the canvas bag is at home, do it when you get home or make a couple trips. Resist the idea of plastic! And who wouldn’t benefit from a little more exercise? I see it as a win/win for my health and my environment!
Tip of the Month: 5 LED Cap Hat Light
This month’s Tip of the Month is from HCW Demonstration Farm Owner and TGH reader, Neal Friedman, of Woodinville, WA.
Alayne,
Here is a really nifty LED headlamp product: 5 LED Cap Hat Light
. It is really handy. I found it at my local feed store, but Amazon sells it for less than half what I paid. I keep one on my favorite barn cap by the door for emergencies. Just be careful not to break the clips when attaching to the cap visor. Slightly curved visors are best.
The headlamp takes 2 CR2032 button-style batteries that retail for about $3 each and have about 10 to 15 hours of use. Lithium batteries have a 10 year shelf life and are available from various mail-order and internet firms for less than $1 each if purchased in quantity. I bought a bunch at Vetco in Bellevue, WA for 10 cents each and have not exhausted my supply yet. I also did a web search and found several vendors. One sells the batteries for 78 cents each, quantity 10 to 49, and cheaper with free shipping in larger quantities. It comes out to about 15 to 20 cents per hour of light.
Amazon has several other brands of visor lights, but this one I know from personal experience and the price is good (another brand is $15). One of the other listings is a 4 for $15 deal, but is a brand I know nothing about.
Not only do I have one for the barn, Serena also uses hers to read in bed. Great stocking stuffers too. And what self respecting barn/horse person doesn’t have a few ball caps?
Cheers,
Neal
Find a Local Christmas Tree Farm and Support Your Nearby Grower
Still looking for the right tree? Don’t have one of your own that you want to cut? Buy local! For a list of U-Cut Christmas Tree Farms in the Puget Sound area, go to Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association or Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association.
Building Projects: Alternatives to Treated Wood
The Benefits of Using Ipe, A Naturally Durable and Sustainable Hardwood Lumber
If you’re planning a project such as building new compost bins, or replacing rotten posts, kickboards or trailer floors, ipe is a great alternative to treated softwoods, cedar, non-biodegradable, non-recyclable and petroleum based products.
Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is a readily available, sustainable and affordable lumber that is produced from the Brazilian tree, tabebuia spp. Ipe is marketed and sold under many trade names, including Iron Woods® in the Northwest, and can be purchased at your local lumber yard.
Ipe’s unique characteristics and features include:
- Superior Class A fire rating. This is the same rating as steel and concrete.
- Longevity. Its useful life is 25 years plus in wet and humid applications.
- Low maintenance if stained. No maintenance if a silver grey color is preferred.
- Superior strength and durability, so less material is needed in many applications.
- 100 percent natural and sustainable. Iron Woods® brand, for example, is a long time member of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council); TTF (Timber Trade Federation) Implementation of Low Impact Logging Programs, Chain of Custody Certificate, and is founder of: Fields to Forest Tropical Reforestation Program.
- Termite and insect resistent.
- Outstanding resistance to mildew, decay and rot.
- Recyclable and biodegradable.
- Can be used “in ground” with no preservatives or treatments.
- No leachates.
Special cutting tools, bits and fasteners are needed due to ipe’s strength, and respiratory safety procedures should be followed to avoid dust irritation. As with any building product, do not allow horses to chew on it!
Bringing a Horse into the Family
Reprinted by permission from The Humane Society of the United States
You would be hard pressed to find a little girl who would not be thrilled to have a pony. For some, an interest in horses is a passing fancy, eventually replaced by another hobby. For others, that first pony ride at the county fair is the beginning of a lifelong love of all things equine.
Having a horse in the family can be a rewarding experience. The therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses—in and out of the saddle—can have a positive impact on your child’s growth. Young horsemen and women learn personal responsibility, problem solving, self-confidence and communication skills through riding and taking care of their equine charges. It gives them a productive outlet for their energy, plenty of exercise and a greater understanding and appreciation for the outdoors.
For most budding equestrians, the first step of horse ownership is riding lessons at a local barn where your child will learn how to safely lead, groom, tack up, and ride correctly. Many barns offer young riders opportunities to participate in horse shows, giving them a taste of the rewards and challenges of creating a winning partnership with their horse.
It is in riding stables and backyard barns where the echo of “I want a pony” often begins. While riding lessons are a great intro to the world of horses and a low commitment way to gauge your child’s true interest in horses, they typically do not teach your child everything he or she needs to be a successful horse owner.
Of course bringing a horse into your family will impact not only your child’s life, but that of your family. Being a successful owner requires a great deal of time, money and a lasting commitment to the care and well-being of your horse. The keys to a long-term, successful relationship with your horse are twofold: making sure you choose an appropriate horse for your goals, skill level and resources; and having the knowledge and understanding to properly care for your horse daily.
A great source to help families prepare for the realities, joys, responsibilities and challenges of horse ownership is The Humane Society of the United States’ Horses: Companions for Life program. For potential, new and veteran horse owners, the program gives access to information and resources they need to have a long, successful relationship with their horse.
The new book “The HSUS Complete Guide to Horse Care” is an indispensable resource where families can turn to understand what it takes to own a horse—as well as options like lease vs. buy... breeder vs. adoption and rescue, and more. It also looks at ways to have horses in your life but not necessarily own one! The HSUS wants people to understand that a horse, just like a cat or dog, is part of the family and deserves humane care for his entire life.
Here are some of the most important things to consider before adding a horse to the family.
- Does my child need a horse of her own? Riding lessons are a great introduction and a wonderful way for kids to develop confidence and learn responsibility. However, riding lessons do not give you all of the information necessary to be a horse owner. A good way to test the waters is by leasing a horse which typically involves paying a portion of the boarding costs for someone else’s horse in exchange for riding and care privileges. By leasing, you can get a better sense of how willing your child is to schlep to the barn in cold weather to make sure the horse has fresh water, or deal responsibly with sudden lameness or behavior challenges. If leasing isn’t an option, consider gaining some valuable hands-on experience by volunteering at a local horse rescue, therapeutic riding center or community stable.
- Do we have the resources to care for a horse? Whether you keep your horse at home or at a boarding barn, basic care costs a few thousand dollars per year. In addition to food (hay and grain), water (8 to 12 gallons/day) and shelter, horses require regular hoof care, dental care, de-worming, vaccinations, tack and equipment and more. Training, lessons, transportation to shows, show fees and attire quickly add up. Horse owners must also be prepared to deal with injuries, illnesses and special needs as they occur. The purchase price is usually the cheapest part of having a horse. It is the ongoing financial outlay for care/training that can add up.
- How will we choose our horse? Horse shopping should be approached with the same careful consideration, thought and planning as buying a home or car. First-time horse owners should not foray into the world of horse shopping unassisted. A horse-savvy friend or teacher is a good resource as are the hundreds of horse rescue organizations across the country. These rescues take in adoptable horses from a variety of circumstances and match them up with appropriate adopters. Unlike breeders or trainers who stand to gain from selling a horse, rescues are primarily interested in ensuring the horse and rider are a good match. They have a variety of horses to choose from of all breeds riding ability and temperaments—and if a horse does not work out, they will typically take the horse back.
- Am I willing to provide a permanent home for our new equine companion? Horses can live well into their thirties, and many remain rideable well into their twenties. For a twelve-year old girl who wants her first horse or pony, a horse in late teens/early twenties would be an appropriate age. You never want to pair a young inexperienced horse with a young rider. Even if you choose a horse in his twenties, he could live an additional 10 years or more. Are you willing to provide care to the horse for the remainder of his life? If you cannot, are you willing to find another loving home for the horse? Many new horse owners do not realize that horses sent to weekly livestock auctions run the risk of being sold to middlemen for slaughter plants.
For more information visit Horses and Other Equines
Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Companionship
An interview with Keith Dane, director of equine protection at The Humane Society of the United States in conjunction with the release of the book “The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Horse Care”
Q: I ride horses and am thinking of owning one. Besides the money and time to commit involved what else do I need to know?
A: While riding lessons are a great introduction to the world of horses, being a horse owner requires a level of skill and knowledge you do not typically learn through riding lessons. Horses require care and commitment from their owners 365 days a year. A good way to learn about basic horse care and get some hands on experience is through leasing, or through volunteering at a riding stable, a therapeutic riding center or at a horse rescue.
Before making the leap to become a horse owner, you should ask yourself:
- Am I willing to take the time to learn basic horse anatomy and care before acquiring a horse?
- Do I have the time and financial resources needed to properly care for my horse?
- Why do I want a horse? For riding? For companionship?
- Am I willing to invest in training, avail myself of resources to have a successful relationship with my horse?
- Am I willing to care for my horse for the rest of his life? (Horses can live well into their 30s)
Q: What does it mean to “lease a horse”? How do you do that and who is the right person for leasing?
A: Leasing is a great way to enjoy the benefits of having a horse in your life without taking on the expense and responsibility of becoming a horse owner. Leasing involves having access to someone else’s horse for riding and companionship for a set period of time. The specific terms of leases vary, but typically involve the lessee paying a portion of the horse’s monthly board expenses in exchange for a certain number of days where they can ride or otherwise spend time with the horse.
Leasing is a great option for the horse enthusiast who wants to “test the waters’ of horse ownership, before taking the leap of purchasing their own horse. The ideal lessee would be someone who has taken some riding lessons, and is comfortable and confident around horses.
Q: Is there such a thing as adopting a horse rather than buying one?
A: Choosing a new equine companion is a big decision—one that takes time and effort. There are many advantages to adopting a horse vs. buying from a breeder. While breeders are focused on promoting their horses and ultimately selling them for a good price, horse rescue organizations are concerned with making successful horse-owner matches that will last a lifetime. Horse rescue groups typically have a wide variety of horses of all breeds and training ability and can help you choose a horse appropriate for your goals, level of ability and resources.
There are hundreds of wonderful riding and companion horses available for adoption at horse rescue organizations across the country. Just like with dogs and cats, horses at rescues come from all walks of life: some are former show or race horses looking for second careers and others are victims of neglect or abuse that have been rehabilitated. By adopting a horse from a rescue you are giving a horse a second chance at being a “Companion for Life”.
Q: How do you adopt a horse?
A: The process of adopting a horse is very similar to adopting a dog or cat from a shelter or rescue. The first step is to locate the horse rescue organizations in your state or community. There are more than 400 horse rescue organizations across the country, that have horses of all ages, breeds, colors, and riding ability available for adoption. Members of The Homes for Horses Coalition lists rescues and organizations all over the United States.
Once you locate a rescue, you can make an appointment to visit with the available horses. The rescue staff will be able to show you horses that are appropriate for your riding level, goals and resources. If you find a horse you are interested in, the next step is to fill out an adoption application. Many rescues require a site visit to verify you are able to provide adequate living conditions for your new horses. After your adoption application is approved, you will be able to take your new horse home. Adoption fees vary, but are usually less expensive than buying a horse from a breeder.
Q: If I can’t find the horse I want through adoption, how do I find a reputable breeder?
A: Similar to dog and cat breeders, there is no governing body or regulatory agency for horse breeders, so finding a reputable one can be a challenge.
Qualities to look for in a reputable horse breeder include: a breeding program that emphasizes quality over quantity; one who is knowledgeable about each individual horse and has concern for the well-being of their horses, for the duration of their life. A reputable breeder won’t pressure you into buying a horse that is beyond your ability; will allow a trial period where you can test the horse to make sure it’s a good match; and is willing to take their horses back, at any time, should you no longer be able to care for the horse.
The best way to locate a reputable breeder is by asking around among local horse owners and trainers. Word-of-mouth recommendations is a common and proven way to find good services of all types in the horse community.
Q: What are the basic costs of owning a horse?
A: Adopting or purchasing a horse is usually the least expensive part of owning a horse. Horses need a large amount of food, space and ongoing care from a variety of professionals to stay happy and healthy. Costs include:
- Board ($200- and up, per month): whether you keep your horse at home, or board him at a barn, your horse will require safe, fenced pasture for grazing, exercise and socializing; clean, well-ventilated shelter from the elements; food (forage, pasture and hay) and water. You will need a place to store tack, feed and other supplies and a safe place to ride and provide care for your horse.
- Hoof care ($35-$200, every six to eight weeks): Horses require regular visits from a farrier to maintain healthy hooves. Many horses can go “barefoot” and just require a regular trim; others need shoes on all four feet, and some need corrective shoeing to maintain correct movement. In addition to visits from the farrier, horse owners need to clean their horse’s feet a few times a week to prevent disease and deterioration.
- Vaccinations/Coggins test (approximately $100; two times per year): Just like dogs and cats, horses require vaccinations against diseases like Rabies, West Nile Virus, Influenza and other diseases. In order to participate in horse shows and travel across state lines, horses are required to have paperwork showing they are not carriers of Equine Infectious Anemia. The test for EIA, administered by your veterinarian, is called a Coggins test and typically costs around $25.
- Other veterinary care ($50 and up, per visit): Horses, like dogs and cats, can injure themselves, suffer from allergies and infections, and “come up lame,” requiring a visit from a veterinarian for treatment. Equine veterinarians typically charge a “farm call” just to show up and evaluate your horse. Some ailments, like severe colic or injuries may require surgery at an equine hospital. Added to the cost of care at an equine hospital, is the cost of transporting your horse to and from the hospital.
- De-worming ($8-$13, every six to eight weeks): Horses are susceptible to worms, and need to be dewormed regularly to avoid health problems. Your veterinarian can help you determine an appropriate worming schedule for your horse.
- Training/equipment/supplies ($300 and up): If you plan to ride your horse, at the very least, you’ll need a saddle, bridle and saddle pads. If you plan to show, the costs rise significantly, as you will need show attire as well as tack for your horse. Even if you don’t plan to ride, you will need various grooming and first aid supplies for your horse. Depending on your and your horse’s level of ability and your goals, you may need the services of a horse trainer. They typically charge by the hour, and fees can range from $35 and up.
Q: My daughter loves horses. How can we take her riding hobby to the next level and bring horses into our family life without the expense and time commitment of owning our own?
A: Leasing is a great option for young horse enthusiasts to have more access and time with a horse than weekly riding lessons allow, without having to incur the expense and responsibility of becoming a horse owner. While many young equestrians continue their love of horses throughout their life, and eventually become horse owners, for many, once they realize the time and financial commitment associated with actually owning a horse, their interest wanes and they move on to another hobby. By leasing, both the child and parents can get a realistic view of what it takes to be a horse owner, before purchasing a horse, and later regretting it.
Q: If we do move forward and own a horse, can we keep him on our property rather than at a stable or away from our house? What conditions are best for a horse’s home?
A: In order to be healthy and happy, horses require large amounts of space, food and water; shelter from the elements and companionship from other animals and people. Horses are very social, herd animals, so it is usually best to house your horse where he will have other horses to interact with. If it’s not possible to keep your horse with other horses, a pig or goat could provide friendship for your horse. How much space and the type of living conditions needed for a horse largely depends on the part of the country you live in. A general rule of thumb is to have one acre of land, per horse. Another important consideration when deciding to keep your horse at home or at a boarding stable is the daily care required by a horse. Unless you have the means to hire a barn manager, you will be charged with providing the daily care for your horse if he lives at home. At a boarding stable, the staff will provide for your horse’s basic needs on a daily basis, giving you greater flexibility and more time to spend riding and playing with your horse.
For more information visit Horses and Other Equines on the HSUS web site.
Educational Events
Learn about GREEN horsekeeping techniques to make your farm life easier and more eco-friendly by coming to the following educational events. Check out the web site, www.HorsesforCleanWater.com, for new events added regularly.
Maple Valley, WA |
New Partner and New Event! |
Class Series: Green Horsekeeping: Mud, Manure and Pasture Management for Horses |
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January 28 to February 11, 2009
Wednesday evenings, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tahoma School District’s Tahoma Learning Community
Exact location and cost TBD
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Tired of seeing your horses slosh around in mud? Wondering what to do with all the flies and manure behind the barn? Are you new to horsekeeping on small acreage? Then join HCW for Green Horsekeeping! There are many great ways to banish mud on horse properties. Learn about French drains, footing options, geotextile fabrics and other great ideas for managing horse paddocks. Find out how to compost horse manure, see different compost bin designs and get tips for reducing stall waste in the barn. Study basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, weed control, fencing options and small farm equipment. Learn how to make your horse property chore-efficient, horse healthy, more productive during the growing season and a healthy place for the environment!
For details and registration contact Joanne Werner at 425-413-3405.
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Maple Valley, WA |
Workshop: Caring for Your Horse and His Home |
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Saturday, January 31, 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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Vashon, WA |
Farm Tour: Paxhia Farm |
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Saturday, February 7, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
FREE!
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Tour a 12-acre Vashon commercial horse property that works hard to maintain the health of its natural features as well the health of its Dutch Warmbloods. See beautiful cedar and fir trees, pastures, mud-free sacrifice areas, winter turnouts and a covered arena. An ecology block bin collects stall waste for give-away to Island growers. Learn about chore efficient horse management techniques that make life easier and reduce environmental impacts. BONUS: See and hear about a plug-in electric neighborhood car!
Register and receive directions from King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail Paul Borne.
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Hobart, WA |
Workshops for Horse and Small Farm Owners |
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Thursdays, February 19 to March 12, 2009
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 to have less mud, better pastures, manage manure and care for your streams, wetlands and drinking water sources. Topics include:
- Streams and Wetlands: Living with Livestock near Water.
February 19, 2009
- Mud Management: Record Rainfall/Record Mud.
February 26, 2009 with Alayne Blickle as guest speaker
- Manure Management: Got Livestock? Got Manure.
March 5, 2009 with Alayne Blickle as guest speaker
- Pasture Management: Becoming a Grass Farmer.
March 12, 2009
Register and receive directions from King Conservation District at 425-277-5581x122 or e-mail Paul Borne.
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Renton, WA |
New Partner and New Event! |
Workshop: Caring for Your Horse and His Home |
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Saturday, April 18, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
$50
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Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do you know about horse health, dental and shoeing needs? Would you like to learn about shelter requirements and horse-safe fencing? Join Alayne Blickle for an all day workshop geared for novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse and handler safety, planning your horse facility, how to buy a horse, nutrition and feeding, vet and farrier care, and pasture, manure and mud management.
Get on the Horse Care Class Contact List for early registration. Contact Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352x5727 or e-mail.
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Maple Valley, WA |
New Partner and New Event! |
Clinic: Natural Ways to Manage Horses and Horse Properties |
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Saturday, April 25, 2009
Wendesday July 15, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Barb Apple and Alayne Blickle team up to bring you hands-on help and information on a holistic approach to managing your horse and horse property. In the morning session, build confidence with your horse and strengthen your horsemanship by learning about horse behavior from the Northwest’s own natural horsemanship clinician, Barb Apple. In the afternoon, join Alayne Blickle for a tour of her eco-friendly farm. Get tips and ideas on ways to set up and manage horse properties in a green way that works for you, your horses and the environment.
Horse and rider participants, $195, limited to 10 participants. Auditor, $35.
For more on Barb, visit Barb’s web site, and on Alayne visit . E-mail Alayne or call 425-432-6116 for details on registration, stalling your horse, and more.
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Renton, WA |
New Partner and New Event! |
Green Horsekeeping: Mud, Manure and Pasture Management for Horses |
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Wednesdays
April 22 to May 6, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Renton Technical College, Room C113
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Tired of seeing your horses slosh around in mud? Wondering what to do with all the flies and manure behind the barn? Are you new to horsekeeping on small acreage? Then join HCW for Green Horsekeeping! There are many great ways to banish mud on horse properties. Learn about French drains, footing options, geotextile fabrics and other great ideas for managing horse paddocks. Find out how to compost horse manure, see different compost bin designs and get tips for reducing stall waste in the barn. Study basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, weed control, fencing options and small farm equipment. Learn how to make your horse property chore-efficient, horse healthy, more productive during the growing season and a healthy place for the environment.
Get on the Horse Care Class Contact List for early registration. Contact Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352x5727 or e-mail.
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Maple Valley, WA |
New Event! |
NEW!!! Horses for Clean Water Presents Horse Camp! |
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June to September 2009
Please contact for specifics!
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Coming this summer! Join our award-winning, environmentally sensitive horsekeeping program for some good, clean horsing around. Beginning in 2009, Horses for Clean Water will offer 3 great horse camp programs.
Cowgirl Horse Camp for Women
Participate by the day or the week. These 4-day sessions offer you a chance to work cows, trail ride and relax. Bring your horse or ride one of ours. This camp offers women a chance to try new experiences with their horses in a fun, safe, and positive environment. We provide 3 meals a day, with nighttime HCW lectures or other speakers. At night, soak in a hot tub under the stars, while your horse grazes peacefully nearby.
Kids’ Horsemanship Day Camp
Give your children an opportunity to learn about horses, horse care, and the environment in this safe, fun program. Alayne, an environmental educator, will direct this structured, closely supervised program that gives kids a half day with horses to about horse care, and ends with pony rides. Includes snack time and an environmental lesson.
Horse Camp for Adults
Come enjoy an extended stay as a working guest. Ride one of our well-trained horses and enjoy trails, camping, cows and an assortment of activities in a fun, safe and positive atmosphere. Learn about horses, horse care and horsemanship, as well as about HCW and green horsekeeping. At night, relax in a hot tub under the stars, and listen to the serenade of nearby coyotes. Room and board provided.
For details on all 3 camps, e-mail Alayne or call 425-432-6116.
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