SUPERIOR TRAIL RIDERS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Issue 53

November 2007

STR BROCHURE

The STR brochure is  still in a holding pattern as I got some good suggestions from some new contacts downstate.

LOST HORSE

As some of you may have heard, some fellow trail riders were up West of Rudyard riding when one riders horse got away from her and took off.  It was lost for a week or so, but a hunter found it and reunited it safely to its owner.  Some of our members took the initiative and loaded up and went riding looking for the horse.  Although one came close to getting a hold of it, it spooked and took of.  The owners wanted me to thank those who physically went looking for the horse and those who prayed for its safe recovery.   This is one way that we can use our group to help the community.  We may be able to help locate people lost in the woods as well as horses.

TRAIL SEMINAR

 I am trying to get a Trail Seminar up and running for next Spring.  It will have several sessions on preparing for trail riding, the different types of trail riding, courtesy on the trail, etc.   We would also like to have a formal session and open it to all individuals who ride or walk the trails, be it hikers, 4-wheelers, bikes, recreational vehicles, or horses.  I have a couple of people working on that. I have a couple of friends from down state that are willing to come up and help put on the seminar.  I need to know if there is support and suggestions for where and what format--day or weekend. Also, I could use some help in putting this on.  Would anyone like to help me?

CAMPSITE/TRAILHEAD

I am still planning on working with the USFS and USDA to get something done up at East Soldier's Lake .  We are probably going to start with a sign at the entrance and fixing the road as we go in.  Anyone want to make a sign? I will provide the wood.

Trail Riding Mileage Program

The forms are now finalized for our Trail Riding Mileage Program.  For the first 250 miles, the rider will be awarded a Certificate and a patch.  At 250 mile increments up to 1000 miles, riders will earn certificates. For every 500 miles over 1000 miles, riders will earn Certificates and prizes.  I am looking for someone to head this Committee.

 CHRISTMAS PARTY

 Our Christmas Party is tentatively set for December 14 th at the Cedar Log Restaurant again this year.  Everyone had a good feedback and enjoyed themselves this past year.

MEETINGS

NOTE THE NEW DAY: Our meetings are at Cedar Log Restaurant, (M-28 and Mackinac Trail) the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.    Come and join us.

CLUB APPAREL

Just a reminder as well, we have club jackets, shirts, caps, sweatshirts, etc.  If you haven't got any yet, get your order in so that we can be coordinated when we go to functions.  Call Norma and place your order!

PICTURES

If anyone has any pictures that they have of our trail rides, please e-mail them to Denise Conroy so that she can put them in the website.  Please list the date and location so that it can go in the correct album.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

The person that brings in the most new members this year will get a $20 gift certificate for Tractor Supply! Get out there and recruit new horseback riders!

CLOSING TRAILS

ATTENTION :   While I was downstate last weekend, I heard some disturbing news. There is a new management plan by the State that is going to close the Pigeon River Country state forest to horses because “they are responsible for the lack of elk sightings or the only use that could impact turkey hunting.” Most trails will be shut down and there will only be a couple of “designated” horse trails.   They are also talking of shutting the Goose Creek trails to horses as well.  Given the seeming focus on horseback riding, both the DNR and the Natural Resources Commission need to ensure that any new restrictions on horseback riding are reasonable and in proportion to the number of riders and other users.   

I also heard from a USFS person that this is becoming the trend even in the National Forests where they are closing “roads” that are not on the map.  These were logging trails that trucks and ORV's have kept open and have not let them grow up and go “natural” as they were intended to do.  This may impact us here in the Eastern Hiawatha National Forest .

If you have the chance or opportunity to talk to or write to State officials, let them know that we are not in favor of closing any trails to horses.  If we do not speak up, we may lose our ability to ride anywhere!

Does anyone have extra hay?   The 4-H H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Program is in dire need of some hay. If you have any hay, please contact Lisa Myers at MSU Extension 906-635-6368.  Thank you.

Issue 48

September 2007

 

Well, it is Fall once again, and time to review the past year and
discuss plans for the new year.

I have a recruitment program that I would like to implement this Fall
and hopefully we will have more than 15 paid members.   We have had a
lot of new people on our rides this year.  Each ride had different
people.  We have had people from Marquette, Engadine, Germfask,
Newberry, Strongs, Brimley, Rudyard, St. Ignace, Pickford,  and the
Sault. Unless there is a great deal of outcry, membership will not go
up this year.

The STR brochure is in final editing and should be ready to take to
the printer for a printing quote by the end of the month.   I had
hoped to have them for the Fair, but time just got away on me.

  I am trying to get a Trail Seminar up and running for this Fall.  It
will have several sessions on preparing for trail riding, the
different types of trail riding, courtesy on the trail, etc.   We
would also like to have a formal session and open it to all
individuals who ride or walk the trails, be it hikers, 4-wheelers,
bikes, recreational vehicles, or horses.  I have a couple of people
working on that.

I am still planning on working with the USFS and USDA to get
something done up at East Soldier's Lake.  We are probably going to
start with a sign at the entrance and fixing the road as we go in.
Still waiting on the USFS.

I am looking for two people to head up our ride-a-thons – one for St.
Jude and one for H.O.P.E.  We are going to do a ride-a-thon to raise
money for STR as well.  I will be able to oversee them, but, simply
put, I just don't have the time to spend doing it right.  Would any
one like to volunteer?

The forms are now finalized for our Trail Riding Mileage Program.
For the first 250 miles, the rider will be awarded a Certificate and
a patch.  At 250 mile increments up to 1000 miles, riders will earn
certificates. For every 500 miles over 1000 miles, riders will earn
Certificates and prizes.  I am looking for someone to head this
Committee.

  There are several more items in the process, but nothing finalized
as of yet.   I am hoping for a good turnout for our September,
October and November meetings so that we can get things started for
the New Year.  Our Christmas Party will be at the Cedar Log
Restaurant again this year.  Everyone had a good feedback and enjoyed
themselves this past year. Our meetings are at Cedar Log Restaurant,
(M-28 and Mackinac Trail) the second Thursday of the month at 7:00
p.m.   Come and join us.

Just a reminder as well, we have club jackets, shirts, caps,
sweatshirts, etc.  If you haven't got any yet, get your order in so
that we can be coordinated when we go to functions.  Call Norma and
place your order!

If anyone has any pictures that they have of our trail rides, please
e-mail them to Denise Conroy so that she can put them in the website.
Please list the date and location so that it can go in the correct
album.


            H A P P Y                 R I D I N G !!

Issue 47

July 2007

Scheduled Rides

   August 18th - Kinross
  September 8th - TBA
Sept 15th - Cedarville
   October 6th - Kinross

August 18th ride @ Kinross Fairgrounds on Fair Road by the horse barn.  We will meet at 10:00 and ride from there. 

We have instituted a Frequent Riding Program (FRP). It costs $25 to join and you will get forms to keep track of your riding. This is on the honor system - be TRUTHFUL ! We will have awards for different levels. Details are still in the process of being finalized. Contact Norma until we can get something on the website.

Norma Osborn, 5940 S. Shunk Road , Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, 906-632-3638, e-mail: nosborn@nmo.net

Issue 46

May 2007

Just a reminder, we have club jackets, shirts, caps, sweatshirts, etc. If you haven't got yours yet, get your order in so that we can be coordinated when we go to functions. Call Norma and place your order!

JUNE 12 th MEETING

CEDAR LOG RESTAURANT AT 7:00 P.M. (M-28 Mile and Mackinac Trail)

1.    May 26th - First ride of the year - Raco
2.    June 16th - (Possible overnight) Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - East Soldier's Lake, Raco, Michigan.  You must get sponsors for this ride. Forms are available from Norma.
3.    July 13th & 14th - Overnight - 4-H   H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program - East Soldier's Lake, Raco, Michigan.  You must have sponsors for this ride.  Forms are available from Norma
4.    August 18th - Kinross
5.    September 8th - Cedarville
6. Sept 15th - Cedarville
7.    October 6th - Kinross

MAY 26 TH RIDE

We are going to meet North of Raco and ride the Mission Hill area. Be at the Raco Lodge and Store by 10:00 a.m. We will trailer in from there. I would appreciate it if you would let me know if you are coming, so that we don't leave you behind. Bring a sack lunch to eat on the hill. Make sure that you bring a halter and lead to tie your horse during lunch break.

We have instituted a Frequent Riding Program (FRP). It costs $25 to join and you will get forms to keep track of your riding. This is on the honor system - be TRUTHFUL ! We will have awards for different levels. Details are still in the process of being finalized. Contact Norma until we can get something on the website.

We will be holding another Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . The ride will be June 16 th at East Soldier's Lake . Pledge sheets are now available. Cost is $35 to qualify for prizes. Minimum of $20 per person to ride. If you get a hard copy of this Newsletter, included is a Sponsor Sheet. Start making a list of people to contact. We have our first donation already! We need to surpass our goal last year of $2,000. Let's get people to come and get people to sponsor riders and let's set our goal for $3,000 for this year. Anyone wishing to help with the lunch afterward, please contact Norma.

Sponsor sheets for the H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program Ride-A-Thon will be available in June or you can contact Norma for sponsor sheets.

Some of us got together May 12 th and rode out at Kinross. We had fun. It was a beautiful day, no bugs! We will probably have more impromptu rides this Summer . If you would like to be on a call list, please let me know via letter, phone, e-mail, etc.

Don't forget to check out our website: www.superiortrail.fws1.com/ on a regular basis to keep in touch. Also, don't forget that we have a chat site as well on there.

Norma Osborn, 5940 S. Shunk Road , Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, 906-632-3638, e-mail: nosborn@nmo.net

 

Issue 46                                                                          April   2007

1.    May 26th - First ride of the year - Raco
2.    June 16th - (Possible overnight) Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - East Soldier's Lake, Raco, Michigan.  You must get sponsors for this ride. Forms are available from Norma.
3.    July 13th & 14th - Overnight - 4-H   H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program - East Soldier's Lake, Raco, Michigan.  You must have sponsors for this ride.  Forms are available from Norma
4.    August 18th - Kinross
5.    September 8th - Cedarville
6. Sept 15th - Cedarville
7.    October 6th - Kinross

2007 Members: Norma Osborn, Rhonda Elrod, Jessica Elrod, Harley Boone, Emily Boone, Maxine McCrory, Robert McCrory, Hali Behling, Suzanna Morisee. Angie Pfeiffer, Bill Pfeiffer, William Pfeiffer III, Anna Pfeiffer, Mia Munz, Linda Bourque, Dennis Campbell, Richard Smart, Laurie Smart, Peggy Suriano, Diane Serra, and Nick Serra, Denise Conroy. Thanks for joining and/or renewing your membership!

Just a reminder as well, we have club jackets, shirts, caps, sweatshirts, etc. If you haven’t got any yet, get your order in so that we can be coordinated when we go to functions. Call Norma and place your order!

 

MAY 26TH RIDE

We are going to meet North of Raco and ride the Mission Hill area. Be at the Raco Lodge and Store by 10:00 a.m. We will trailer in from there. I would appreciate it if you would let me know if you are coming, so that we don’t leave you behind. Bring a sack lunch to eat on the hill. Make sure that you bring a halter and lead to tie your horse during lunch break.

If anyone has any pictures that they have of our trail rides, please e-mail them to Denise Conroy so that she can put them in the website. Please list the date and location so that it can go in the correct album.

We have been asked if we would sanction a ride in Cedarville that would raise money for Camp Quality, a kids cancer camp in Harbor Springs. We agreed. This will be September 15th ride. There is a $50.00 FEE to ride with a chuck wagon LUNCH included at the 1/2 way spot. You can either pay the $50 yourself or get sponsors. Pre-registration is required. More information will be forthcoming in the May newsletter, or earlier on the website. For more information contact Karen Bennett at 906-297-8321.(Detour area).

We are going to institute a Frequent Riding Program (FRP). It costs $25 to join and you will get forms to keep track of your riding. This is on the honor system - be TRUTHFUL ! We will have awards for different levels. This is still in the process of being finalized. Contact Norma until we can get something on the website.

The 4-H Council is holding their annual Achievement Day and Open House in conjunction with a Small Animal Clinic at the Chippewa County 4-H Building on the Fairgrounds May 19th from 9:00 to Noon. Come out and see what 4-H is all about.

We will be holding another Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The ride will be June 16th at East Soldier's Lake. Pledge sheets are now available. Start making a list of people to contact. We have our first donation already! We need to surpass our goal last year of $2,000. Let’s get people to come and get people to sponsor riders and lets set our goal for $3,000 for this year.

Sponsor sheets for the H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program Ride-A-Thon will be available at the St. Jude Ride or you can contact Norma for sponsor sheets.

Below is a news item that I received that I think is very interesting, especially to us here at STR

HIPPA Legislation for Recreational Riders Introduced in Congress Representatives Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) recently introduced "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act" (H.R. 1076). HIPPA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

This bill would bar employers from discriminating against those who take part in legal recreational activities such as horseback riding, motorcycling, ATV riding, and snowmobiling in the health insurance programs they offer their workers. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced identical legislation (S. 616) in the Senate. Specifically, the bill provides that: a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan cannot deny benefits otherwise provided under the plan or coverage for the treatment of an injury solely because such injury was sustained while engaged in any particular mode of transportation specified in the plan, consisting of the use of a motorcycle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or other similar recreational vehicle, or horseback riding. The Senate passed identical legislation in the 108th Congress. The American Horse Council stated it supports this legislation and will work with a coalition of other recreational groups for its passage.

Don’t forget to check out our website: www.superiortrail.fws1.com/ on a regular basis to keep in touch. Also, don’t forget that we have a chat site as well on there.

Norma Osborn, 5940 S. Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, 906-632-3638, e-mail: nosborn@nmo.net

H A P P Y R I D I N G !

Issue 45                                                                          March  2007

Sorry, there was no newsletter for February.   I had too many obligations to put one together.  This is a little longer so as to cover some of February as well.   

DUES
Your 2006 dues expire December 31st and you must renew your membership..   Dues are $10.00 single or $20.00 for a family. Memberships go from January 1st through December 31st.   Our only income is memberships and riding fees. If you would like to join, or just see what we are all about, please check out our website:   www.superiortrail.fws1.com/   or contact me, Norma Osborn.  My address, phone number, and e-mail are 5940 S. Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, 906-632-3638 or nosborn@nmo.net .   Welcome new/renewing members: Linda Bourque, Denise Conroy, and Tracy Conroy.  Don't forget to get your memberships in soon.

TRAIL RIDES
We are going to have a minimum of 6 trail rides again this year.  More if somebody wishes to host one in their area.  We had a good turn out last year for our rides, let's see if we can't keep a consistent minimum of 20 riders.  I think that this is an achievable goal.  We have tentatively set trail rides for:

1.    May 26th - First ride of the year - Raco
2.    June 16th - (Possible overnight) Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - East Soldier's Lake, Raco, Michigan.  You must get sponsors for this ride. Forms are available from Norma.
3.    July 13th & 14th - Overnight - 4-H   H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program - East Soldier's Lake, Raco, Michigan.  You must have sponsors for this ride.  Forms are available from Norma
4.    August 18th - Kinross
5.    September 15th - Cedarville
6.    October 6th - Kinross

If you are not a member, then there is a $5.00 fee for each trail ride. Details will be posted on our website prior to each ride in the newsletter section.  Please check the website to see if a ride is cancelled.  If it is to be cancelled, I will post it the night prior to the ride.  If you don't have internet access, please call me.

PROJECTS
We have two major fund raising projects for this year.  Our annual Saddle Up! For St. Jude trail ride and a new trail ride designated for the H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program.  Their dates are listed above.

TRAILHEAD/CAMPSITE
We are still working with the USFS to establish a campsite/trailhead at Soldier's/East Soldier's Lake.  Updates will be posted on the website: www.superiortrail.fws1.com/ .  Norma, Laurie, and Rhonda met with Paula from the USFS and Marilyn Shy from the USDA Recreation Development Office to discuss plans and goals for the trailhead/campsite.  It was the consensus that it would be best to work toward implementing the original project idea of an independent campsite separate from Soldier's Lake.  We are waiting for Paula to give us particulars as to what environmental impact studies need to be completed and other studies before we can start construction.   It does look like we will be able to get the entrance road graveled and widened.

We are in need of somebody to write a grant.  Anyone know how?   Does anyone have access to a book that lists all available grants?  Anyone want to research to see what grants are out there that we may be able to use?

NEWS
At the February meeting we discussed the following:

We will be needing volunteers to help this Spring/Summer to check trails and do clean-up.  More information will be coming at a later time as to dates and location. We also need to give the USFS the number of volunteers and hours worked.  This helps with their allocation.

We also are in need of some signs to give directions to the trail.   Small "saw horses" (approx 6 will be needed) will work quite well.   We will put signs on to let people know that the road is coming up to turn.  We will put these out and take them down at each ride.

We are thinking of introducing a Frequent Riding Program for members.  We have Log Sheets for participants to keep track of their riding.  There will be a fee and there will be awards at the end of the year.  I need a committee of three people to oversee this project - any volunteers?

We are thinking about having a Poker Run as well.  Any feedback?

We are also thinking about getting the group together for the July 4th Parade.  It would be nice if we had a banner on a horizontal pole with our club name on it and two people carrying it in front of our riders.  This could be family members that don't ride.  We might even carry flags, so if you are interested, start working with your horses now so that they won't spook if the flag goes over their head.

Just a reminder as well, we have club jackets, shirts, caps, sweatshirts, etc.  If you haven't got any yet, get your order in so that we can be coordinated when we go to functions.  Call Norma and place your order!

If anyone has any pictures that they have of our trail rides, please e-mail them to Denise Conroy so that she can put them in the website.  Please list the date and location so that it can go in the correct album.

Issue 45/ January 2007

Well another year has come and gone. We sincerely hope that you had a Merry Christmas

and that you will have a joyous and prosperous New Year! Well, to get on with business...

MEETINGS

Our Christmas Party/December meeting was a success. We met at the Cedar Log Restaurant and enjoyed some good food and fellowship. Regular meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 5940 S. Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, at 7:00 p.m. Meetings will resume in February. Please call and let me know you are coming.

DUES

Your 2006 dues expire December 31 st . Dues are $10.00 single or $20.00 for a family. Memberships go from January 1 st through December 31 st . Our only income is memberships and riding fees. If you would like to join, or just see what we are all about, please contact me, Norma Osborn. My address, phone number, and e-mail are 5940 S. Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, 906-632-3638 or nosborn@nmo.net .

 

TRAIL RIDES

We are going to have a minimum of 6 trail rides again this year. More if somebody wishes to host one in their area. We had a good turn out last year for our rides, let's see if we can't keep a consistent minimum of 20 riders. I think that this is an achievable goal. We have tentatively set trail rides for:

May 26 th - First ride of the year - Raco

June 16 th - (Possible overnite) Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - East Soldier's Lake, Raco, Michigan

July 13 th & 14 th - Overnite - 4-H H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program - East Soldier's Lake, Raco, Michigan

August 18 th - Kinross

September 15 th - Cedarville

October 6 th - Kinross

If you would like to lead a trail ride, please contact me, Basically, you chose a trail to ride (or we can pick one) that is a minimum eight mile ride. Let me know so that we can get the word out, and you're the Trail Boss. Let me know as soon as possible so that I can put it in the Newsletter. We will again be coordinating dates with Tri-County and EUPHA to avoid overlapping events.

Our fees are the same as 2006. If you are a member there is no fee. If you are not a member, then there is a $5.00 fee for each trail ride. Details will be posted on our website prior to each ride. We also put out a newsletter with all details regarding the club, trail rides, and information on our website: www.superiortrail.fws1.com/ . Members that do not have an e-mail address will be sent the Newsletter via mil. Please let us know if you want to keep updated on our events. If not, we will take your name off our mailing list.

PROJECTS

We have two major fund raising projects for this year. Our annual Saddle Up! For St. Jude trail ride and a new trail ride designated for the H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program. Their dates are listed above.

 

We are still working with the USFS to establish a campsite/trailhead at Soldier's/East Soldier's Lake. Updates will be posted on the website: www.superiortrail.fws1.com/

NEWS

Welcome to new/renewing members: Norma Osborn, Mia Munz, Harley and Emily Boone, Rhonda and Jessica Elrod, Angie, Bill Jr, Bill III, and Anna Peiffer, Susanne Morisee, Maxine and Robert McCrory and Hali Behling.

H A P P Y R I D I N G !

 

SUPERIOR TRAIL RIDERS

NEWSLETTER

Issue 44                                                                      December 2006

Issue 43                                                                      November 2006

2007  TRAIL RIDES

Tentative dates and locations for 2007 rides are as follows:

1.    May 26th - First ride of the year - Raco
2.    June 16th - Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Raco
3.    July 13th & 14th - Overnite - 4-H   H.O.P.E. Therapeutic Riding Program - Raco
4.    August 18th - Kinross
5.    September 15th - Cedarville
6.    October 6th -Kinross 

2007- EUPHA SHOWS

May 19th - Show  / May 20th - Clinic   
July 21st & 22nd
August 11th & 12th
June 9th & 10th

Check our Newsletter on our website for further details. www.superiortrail.fws1.com/

MEETINGS

Our next meeting will be December 12th 7:00 p.m. at the Cedar Log Restaurant (formerly the Sharolyn) at the corner of Mackinac Trail and 9 Mile.  This will be our Christmas Party.  Phone 632-3638 to make reservations ASAP. Anyone interested on serving on the committee?

     EMBROIDERED CLUB CLOTHING !!

Clothing with our club logo is available.  Call Norma for prices and descriptions.  There are two kinds of hats, denim shirts, denim jackets, sweatshirts, tee-shirts, etc.   

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Our sympathy and prayers go out to Jeni Williams children.  Jeni died Halloween morning.  She is survived by 5 children.

It appears that there will be a new 4-H Program Assistant at the Extension Office in January.   Our best goes out to Becky McDonoff and we thank her for all the valuable help she has given to the 4-H members in our area.

Point of Interest:  

Be very careful if you get a phone call soliciting help for horses/animals that were hurt/injured in the Southern California fire.  Check out the organization and ask for information to be sent to you.  A friend got a phone call and checked in to it and found that it was a scam.

If anyone would like to put a classified ad on our website, e-mail Denise at tdmister4@yahoo.com

Does anyone need a set of Easy Boots, size "0"?  I bought a set and have never used them, and now Thunder's feet are too big for them and I need to buy a size "1".  I paid $77.90 plus s&h - I'll sell them for $50. E-mail nosborn@nmo.net

Issue 42          October 2006

TRAIL RIDES

Our September 23 rd trail ride was at East Soldier's Lake. Laura arrived from East Jordan around 3:00 and set up her camp. She used a three-paddock portable electric fence system. Erin, Denise, and Laura kept their horses in it. I was a little skeptical, but ended up being surprised at how their horses responded to it. I kept mine in the trailer. We had our campfire and sat around and talked until it started to rain and then we broke up and went to our own campsites until Laura had the chili nice and hot. We ate in the "Chariot" (Laura's van). It was cozy. The chili was very good and the company was even better. Even with the horses moving about and chewing their hay, the night was peaceful. Yes, it did rain, and we saw some high lightning, but we were nice and cozy and had a good night's rest.

We got up in the morning and rode to the road to check the sign that had been posted the night before indicating where the trail ride was and then rode around the proposed campsite area where I showed everybody where things would be. We went down to the Lake to give the horses a drink and Erin's mare, Abby, and Laura's mare, Chick, loved to splash in the water! We heard a vehicle coming in so we rode back to camp and met Connie. Erin's mare was tied to Denise's trailer and started pawing and broke the valve stem on the tire. Having no jack that would work and no spare that would fit, we left it and went for our ride. The colors were fabulous! Denise and Connie got some good pictures! The sun was shining, there were no bugs, and it was warm. Since there were only 5 of us, we altered the trail and went on a different one. We went the back way into Soldier's Lake and the horses went swimming in the lake. Pictures are on the website www.superiortrail.fws1.com/

After the ride, we all loaded up with Connie taking Reese and Abby from Denise's trailer and Denise and Connie went to Mark's tire to get the tire fixed. Laura and I followed. After the tire was fixed we reloaded the horses and everyone left.

For those of you who did not make this ride, you missed out on some beautiful scenery, peaceful moments, and good company. And even though we only raised $100 for the HOPE Program, we had a wonderful time.

Our October 7 th ride was awesome. The weather was wonderful and there was lots of good company and good fun! There were only 4 of us, Denise Conroy, Jane Carmichael from Marquette, Karen Bennett, and myself. It was a pleasure to meet Jane and here horse Sadie. She is an awesome lady. She rides all around the US. This was our last organized trail ride of the year. Some of us will still get together and get some rides in before snow comes. If you want to go on a ride just call or put it on our chat site www.superiortrail.fws1.com/ ( Thanks to all who came to our rides and who helped out this year - your help was greatly appreciated.)  

MEETINGS

Our next meeting will be December 12 th 7:00 p.m. at the Cedar Log Restaurant (formerly the Sharolyn) at the corner of Mackinac Trail and 9 Mile. This will be our Christmas Party. Phone 632-3638 for further info or confirmation of meetings and locale.

EMBROIDERED CLUB CLOTHING !!

We now have available, clothing with our logo on them. If you are interested, please contact Norma and place your order. I would like to see everyone get something. That way we can be seen and it is advertising for our organization!

TRAIL SEMINAR

Please give Norma feedback (at nosborn@nmo.net) if you would like to have a Trail Seminar . It would be a one-evening meeting or a one-day event. It would cover everything from what are the different kinds of trail riding, sharing the trail, conditioning and training, camping, gearing up, safety, emergency preparedness which would entail safety measures, and emergency first-aid (for both horse and rider). There will be a booklet handed out as well. I think that this is something that is needed and may generate more interest in trail riding. There would be a slight cost to cover the materials. (Probably $10)

UP EQUIFEST

Did anyone attend the UP Equifest in Escanaba the 22-23-24th? Can you give us a feedback/report? We will put it on the website.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Congratulations to Norma for winning the grand prize in the Superior Horse Talk magazine drawing. She won a beautiful equine first-aid kit and got mentioned in the magazine.

CONDOLENCES - Our sincere condolences goes out to Denise Conroy and her family on the loss of her father. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to them. Please keep them in your prayers.

Our condolences to member Emily Boone who lost her riding mare the middle of September. When you have been partnered with a horse for that length of time, it is very hard when you lose them.

Half way through the October ride, Norma completed 3500 miles while a member of the Michigan Horse Council. Congratulations!

The USDA's new National Surveillance Unit (NSU) has established a web site on which the public can see where equine diseases such as equine infectious anemia (EIA) and vesicular stomatitis (VS) have been detected. Before the launch of this web site, finding the disease status of a state might have meant contacting several sources or playing phone tag with a handful of agencies. In addition, each state's health requirements for transported horses are available on the site. The site appears at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine .

URGENT:  Some of you have read or heard about the House Bill 503 and Senate Bill 1915 "The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act". This has passed the House and is headed to the Senate to be voted on after the election. This bill will end the federally-supervised humane euthanasia of unwanted horses and result in the closing of U.S. horse processing facilities. While no one wants to see horses destroyed, there must be some provision for the 90,000 unwanted horses sent to processing facilities each year. Let's be honest - some horses should be put down. While this bill tugs at our heart strings, Congress has already mandated that humane, veterinarian-supervised euthanasia take place before processing. There is no provision in this bill as to what is going to happen to these unwanted horses. The Horse Welfare Coalition is fighting this Bill. The Coalition consists of Livestock Marketing Association, American Veterinary Medicine Association, AQHA and the Nation Association of Counties. Please register for free at www.commonhorsesense.com the official website and meeting spot for the Horse Welfare Coalition, so that you can stay updated on this issue and gain access to important materials and information that will aid in the fight to shut down this legislation. It is important for Senators to hear from you. You can also contact Charlie Stenholm, former Ranking Minority Member, Agriculture Committee, US House of Representatives. His address is Olsson, Frank & Wends; 1400 16 th St. NW; Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036.

 

 

Issue 41           August 2006

TRAIL RIDES

No trail ride August 5 th

August 19 th - Kinross

September 16 th - DATE change: Sept 23rd - Overnight at East Soldier's Lake **

October 7 th - no location yet

(All dates and locations subject to change. Check our website http://superiortrail.fws1.com/ )

August 19 th , we will meet at the Fairgrounds. Ride will start at 10:00a.m. Bring a sack lunch. Contact Norma for details. 906-632-3638 or e-mail her (nosborn@nmo.net).

ST. JUDE RIDE

We have had an additional $120 donated to our St. Jude funds, bringing the total to $880.

MEETINGS

Our next meeting will be September 12th at 5940 S. Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie (Norma's) at 7:00 p.m. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Phone 632-3638 for further info or confirmation of meetings.

EMBROIDERED CLUB CLOTHING !!

We now have available, clothing with our logo on them. If you are interested, please contact Norma and place your order. I would like to see everyone get something. That way we can be seen and it is advertising for our organization!

JULY 15 TH RIDE

We had 9 riders on the ride. Connie DePlonty hosted the ride. We rode the trails and roads behind Cross Country Ski Trails. It was a little on the warm side, buy not bad. There were a few flies but they weren't bad either. However, both horses and riders were glad to get back to the trailers. But a good time was had by all! Thank you Connie !!

FUND RAISER FOR H.0.P.E

On July 22 nd , the Rough Riders 4-H Horse Club held a Fun Show at the Fairgrounds to raise money for the new therapeutic riding program (HOPE) in Chippewa County. They also held a raffle and people got a lot of neat items. I hope that our members were able to go, participate, and help raise money for this worthwhile endeavor. If you would like to volunteer for this program, please contact Lisa Myers at MSU Extension (906-635-6368).

BE PREPARED

We all love to trail ride. However, are you prepared? It is OK to simply saddle up and hit the trails, but what happens if an emergency comes up? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Carry a cell phone to call for help, waterproof matches in case you need to light a fire, flashlight, first aid kit for minor injuries, and a map (if you aren't sure of the area) so that you can let people know where you are and how to get to you.

2. Buy a large Christmas-type bell and tie it to your horse's halter/bridle/or saddle. It will help you locate your horse should you become separated.

3. Water

4. NEVER go riding without letting someone know where you are going and approximately what time you will be back.

Most of us carry these items, however we usually put them in a horn bag or our saddle bags. Unfortunately, they will not do us any good if we get separated from our horse. Experts suggest that you carry a "fanny pack" with these items in it and a water bottle holder and snap it on your belt or belt loop. This way, if you fall off and your horse takes off, you still have some way keeping safe and won't become dehydrated. If you have to spend the night, please remember to clear all underbrush away before starting a fire. You don't want to go from the "frying pan into the fire".

TRAIL SEMINAR

Please give me feedback (at nosborn@nmo.net) if you would like to have a Trail Seminar . It would be a one-evening meeting or a one-day event. It would cover everything from what are the different kinds of trail riding, sharing the trail, conditioning and training, camping, gearing up, safety, emergency preparedness which would entail safety measures, and emergency first-aid (for both horse and rider). I would schedule this for Fall. I think that this is something that is needed and may generate more interest in trail riding. 

 

 

Issue 40   JULY NEWSLETTER

TRAIL RIDES

July 15 th - Kinross

August 5th ride CANCELLED

August 19 th

September 16 th

October 7 th

We will meet at the Malmute Saloon and trailer down Wilson to the ski trails. Bring a sack lunch. Contact Norma for details. 906-632-3638 or e-mail her. All rides start at 10:00 a.m. sharp!

ST. JUDE RIDE

We had a beautiful day for our St. Jude Ride! Even though there were only 9 riders, we raised $760 for St. Jude. If anyone would like to donate or has any money to turn in, please do so immediately so that we can send it in and get credit. Deadline will be June 30 th . We had a good time of riding and fellowship. Check out our website for photos of the ride. The only incident on the ride was when Tami's gelding decided that it was too hot and decided to sit down in the water. The picture is on the website. We finished our ride at the Lake and were back at the trailhead by 1:15. For those of you that missed the ride, you missed some wonderful scenery, trails, and friendship! Thank you to all who made it possible.

MEETINGS

Our next meeting will be July 11 th at 5940 S. Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie (Norma's) at 7:00 p.m. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Phone 632-3638 for further info or confirmation of meetings.

EMBROIDERED CLUB CLOTHING !!

We now have available, clothing with our logo on them. (Listed Below) If you are interested, please contact Norma and place your order.  I would like to see everyone get something. That way we can be seen and it is advertising for our organization! click here to see left chest logo. click here to see full back logo.

STYLE	LOCATION	PRICE	2X	3X
Denim Jacket	Full Back Only	$85	$87	$89
" "	Left chest only	$60	$59	$62
T-Shirt	L. Chest	$18.50	$19.50	$21.50
Sweat-shirt	L. Chest	$25.50	$27.50	$28.50
Hooded Sweat-shirt	L. Chest	$29.75	$32.25	$33.25
Denim shirt	L. Chest	$30	$35.50 (short sleeve - mens only $24.50	N/A
Cap	Front	$15	N/A	N/A
Desert Wash Cap	Front	$19	N/A	N/A

NOTE:

ALL CLUB INFORMATION IS NOW BEING SWITCHED OVER TO OUR NEW WEBSITE:

www.superiortrail.fws1.com/

FUN SHOW

For those of you who do have not heard yet, Chippewa County is starting up the Therapeutic Riding Program in Chippewa County again after a number of years. Lisa and Amber Myers will be heading it up.

Due to the fact that most of our equipment is 30 years old, a lot must be replaced and added to. Therefore, the Rough Riders 4-H Horse Club is holding a "Fun Show" on July 22 nd at the Kinross arena. EUPHA has graciously donated their timer, PA system, other equipment as well. Julie McKenzie has volunteered to announce. There will be High Point and Reserve High Point, raffles, and lots of fun. 

It is a "come as you are" affair. The only requirement is that youth under 18 must wear helmets. If someone needs a helmet, one will be available. There will be halter classes, pleasure classes (English and Western), however, the majority of the classes are gymkhana type classes. Ride-A-Buck has garnered a lot of interest because you ride bareback with your dollar bill under your thigh. You will walk, trot, canter, do figure 8's, etc. The last one with their dollar will get all the money for the class. A full class list is available on our website.

DOWNLOAD FUN SHOW FLYER HERE

HEALTH UPDATE

This is the time of year that we notice cracks in our horse's feet. Below is some info I came across by Bill Moyer, DVM, professor and head of the Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at Texas A&M University. I thought I would pass it on.

The horse's feet are some of the most important structures contributing to his performance ability, and most people do what they can to keep them healthy. Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong with your horse that can cause hoof cracks to form. Maybe he pulled a shoe in the pasture or grabbed his heel during a competition. Perhaps conditions have been muddy or icy. Sometimes you don't know what happened. Still, there it is: A crack. What can be done about it?

Most cracks are superficial and grow out without consequence. However, there are instances where the crack is more severe, or what appears to be superficial becomes more serious. Then you could be looking at lameness, infection, and a much longer recovery time.

Hoof cracks can occur at any time and are not breed or sport specific. Horizontal cracks, while more unusual, are usually due to injury or the result of an abscess that ruptures at the coronary band thus interfering with normal hoof wall growth. They are often minor and will grow out in time. Much more common are vertical cracks, which, according to Moyer, have not received much attention with regard to research and thus most "information" is based on experience. The cracks can be complete (ones that run from the coronary band to the ground), or incomplete (shorter ones), and they can happen at the toe, quarter, heel, or bar.

A crack can vary from only affecting the external wall to involving its full thickness and the underlying sensitive tissues, notes Moyer. The latter likely cause pain and lameness and can bleed and/or be infected. "Hoof wall cracks can occur suddenly and presumably from focal abnormal stress or the result of previous damage to the underlying horn making the wall more likely to fail (crack) over time," he added. "Previous damage could be the result of wall separation, laminitis, and other problems affecting the deeper structures.

"Hoof cracks create wall instability and thus motion at the crack site may occur," continues Moyer. "It is generally the motion (and thus need for stability) that can create the pain. The instability cause may allow what was a small crack to propagate and be more extensive with time."

It is helpful, particularly when it comes time for repair, to know the cause of the crack. "You have to address the reason," Moyer says. He mentions poor foot conformation, such as a club foot, long toe/low heel, sheared heels, and thin hoof walls with a flat sole as predispositions for cracks. In those situations, the foot's landing pattern causes inappropriate forces to be placed on it, which often leads to a distorted hoof capsule or a dished foot and eventually a toe or quarter crack.

"It is very, very rare to see a horse with a quarter crack that does not have a sheared heel," he says.

In addition,Moyer cites trauma to the coronary band, pre-existing damage to the laminar corium from infection, focal foot imbalances, and short shoes as additional causes of quarter cracks.

Most central toe cracks have underlying damage and that the crack is a result of the weakened structure. This often is the result of damage via laminitis, club feet, or simply excessively long toes.

Damage resulting from previous injury to the coronary band or damaged horn can be difficult to repair, and permanent solutions are not likely. The amount of scar tissue growing down is proportional to the amount of damage that exists at the site of injury. Thus, these can only be managed, not cured.

While many hoof cracks are minor, repairing one should be considered when the horse is lame, the crack is infected, or the damage is extensive enough that lameness is likely to result.

Prior to determining the repair method, it is recommended to note the type, location, and degree of involvement at the crack site. The costs involved, time, and horse's job can also all impact the repair choice. Finally, it is very important that the vet and/or farrier have experience in the given technique because doing a poor job can do more harm than doing nothing at all.

Foot preparation is crucial to successful repair. The feet should be properly trimmed and balanced so that they strike the ground evenly. If poor landing pattern is not addressed, chances are the crack will keep breaking open. Then, every time it heals, it does so with more scar tissue. After trimming, all dead or loose horn is removed. The crack is cleaned with a motorized burr or modified hoof knife and explored to determine the extent of damage and infection (if present) because that can have a significant impact on the chosen method. Any infection should be cleared up before attempting a repair.

There are many techniques and materials available to repair cracks, and no single technique will solve all problems. According to Moyer, the techniques currently being used for hoof crack repair include: "Remove hoof wall (make it non-weight-bearing below the crack); remove the offending wall and thus the crack; bum or rasp across the top of the defect; stabilize in one of a variety of means (nail across the crack, clamps of various designs, suture with various materials across the crack, patch the defect with various materials, placement of screws and wires to stabilize the crack); or apply shoes (a wide variety are used). There are also tapes and other methods I have failed to mention."

The goal of repair is to stabilize the crack, protect the damaged wall, eliminate pain and bleeding, and prevent further progression and possible infection.

The simplest and least costly repair technique that Moyer suggests is fitting the horse with a bar shoe (usually an egg bar) with or without clips to anchor the shoe to the wall for more hoof stability, reduced work/rest, and time to grow out with an anticipated average growth rate of one-quarter-inch per month. This method is relatively inexpensive and is best for reasonably stable cracks that are not extensive.

Moyer suggests that to fix a toe crack, one first needs to correct the hoof capsule distortion through proper trimming. Once the hoof wall is corrected, the crack might stabilize on its own, but he stresses that no stabilization will work if the distortion isn't addressed. If he chooses to repair a full thickness toe crack, Moyer prefers a metal band with screws because the crack needs some kind of stability. However, he warns that the practitioner needs to be experienced to use these methods. Toe crack repair should be done with the foot off the ground so the crack is open to prevent pinching when weight is on the foot.

Prevention

Horse owners can't necessarily keep their horses from getting hurt, so it might be difficult to actually prevent hoof cracks. However, supplements and topical applications have little effect on the quality of the hoof. Having a good farrier who properly manages the feet and maintaining plenty of exercise for the horse are the best preventive measures.

Even though the majority of hoof cracks are minor, they are still worth the attention of your farrier and sometimes your veterinarian. Addressing one promptly might prevent bigger problems. However, when a crack is severe, it is best to contact your farrier and your veterinarian. The two should consult on the best way to proceed. If the repair procedure is complex, make sure you find someone experienced and comfortable with the task.

Most of all, be patient. It can take a long time for hoof cracks to heal and grow out, but taking the appropriate amount of time will help ensure your performance horse is back on four solid feet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA !

 

JUNE NEWSLETTER

Issue 40        June 2006

ST. JUDE RIDE

We will be holding another Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The ride will be June 17 th at East Soldier's Lake. Pledge sheets are now available. Start contact people and businesses for sponsorships. Our goal this year is $3,000. We can do this if 30 people each raise $100. Remember if you don't want to raise pledges and still want to ride it is $20 per rider. In order to qualify for prizes, you must bring in at least $35 per rider. St Jude has nice prizes -- Patches, T-shirts, caps, totes, and sweatshirts for bringing in varying amounts of money. But more than that, it is the children that have to go to St. Jude that win. No one is ever turned away and no child ever goes without treatment. The money we help raise pays for the child's treatment, doctors, medicines, etc.  The family never gets a bill !!

Get your ST. JUDE'S RIDE PLEDGE FORM HERE
ALSO Side two of form

MEETINGS

Our next meeting will be June 13 th at 5940 S. Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie (Norma's) at 7:00 p.m. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Phone 632-3638 for further info or confirmation of meetings.

CLUB CLOTHING !!

We now have available, clothing with our logo on them. Attached is a flyer with the information. If you would like to order, please contact Norma and place your order. We need at least 6 of one item to order. I would like to see everyone start out with a Denim Jacket or Sweatshirt. That way we can be seen and it is advertising for our organization!

MAY TRAIL RIDE

We met at the Raco Lodge and Store on M-28 and trailered about 5 miles in to start our ride. The ride started out as 8 miles and ended up 10 ½ miles. There were only 4 of us on the ride - Tammy, Dale, and Alanna Wojnaroski and myself. We went up to Mission Hill and had lunch and then decided to take a different way home. Tammy took a couple pictures and hopefully they will be on the website soon. It was a beautiful day - not too hot and not too cool. No rain. NO flies or bugs! My little Arab had quite a time keeping up with the three Tennessee Walkers, but we made it! Good fun, good fellowship, and a good time!

LEGISLATION

There currently are two bills before the House of Representatives that should be of great interest to horse owners throughout the state. These are House Bill 4072 and House Bill 4271. These bills will affect the manner in which horse operations are taxed within the state of Michigan.

Each of these bills would amend the General Property Tax Act to classify certain types of agriculture related property as being "agricultural real property". Under the act, "agricultural real property" includes parcels used partially or entirely for certain "agricultural operations," which the act further defines to mean the following:

. Farming in all its branches, including cultivating soil

. Growing and harvesting any agricultural, horticultural, or floricultural commodity

. Dairying

. Raising livestock, bees, fish, fur-bearing animals, or poultry

. Turf and tree farming

. Performing any practices on a farm incident to, or in conjunction with, farming operations

House Bill 4072 would add that "agricultural operations" include raising , breeding, training, or boarding horses.

House Bill 4271 specifies that raising livestock would include raising horses and cervidae (deer, moose, elk), but would not include pay-to-hunt animal farms or game preserves. This bill would qualify horse owners for the exemption from the 18 school operating mills. 

Horse owners should contact their state representatives to encourage their support of these two bills, as both will benefit Michigan Horse operations.

NEW EQUINE SURVEY

MSU is conducting a new Michigan equine survey this Spring. The survey will be used to estimate the number of equine in Michigan, where they are located, their ages and representative breeds. It will also help identify what purposes people use horses for and how horse properties are zoned.

Any news to share, contact Norma Osborn at 906-632-3638 or nosborn@nmo.net.

HORSE BUYING SCAM STILL EXISTS! There have been numerous cases of supposed horse buyers scamming sellers of horses on equine websites. These "buyers" Send cashier's checks that are counterfeit! This scam supposedly originated in Africa, but now exists from all over, including Europe and the US! BEWARE of buyers who are willing to purchase your horse sight unseen. If you are sent or given any type of check, including a cashier's check, check with your bank and lawyer. Most of these fraudulent checks look real and your bank may not be able to tell they are counterfeit. DO NOT WITHDRAW FUNDS OR WRITE CHECKS AFTER YOU DEPOSIT A CASHIER'S CHECK UNTIL YOU ARE VERY SURE (AND SO IS YOUR BANK) THAT IT IS NOT COUNTERFEIT! THIS MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS! DO NOT RELEASE YOUR HORSE TO A BUYER OR SHIPPING AGENT UNTIL YOU ARE SURE THE CHECK IS LEGITIMATE! Most "buyers" in scams involving internet horse sales send a check for more than the purchase price of the horse and ask the seller to refund the difference to the "agent" as a "finder's fee" . The scammer is interested in this "finder's fee" not your horse! HOWEVER WE SUGGEST UTMOST CARE BE TAKEN WITH ALL INTERNET SALES!!

NOTE:

ALL CLUB INFORMATION IS NOW BEING SWITCHED OVER TO OUR NEW WEBSITE:

www.superiortrail.fws1.com/

TRAIL HEAD NEWS

Laurie Smart and I had the opportunity to meet with a representative of the USDA Rural Development and Conservation office. We toured the proposed campsite and discussed the proposed plans. We are in the process of filing an Application with the USDA for assistance in coordinating planning, funding, and implementation of this project. The USFS will be doing an environmental study on the area next. Hopefully that will turn out OK and we can start working on the campsite.

==========================================

As you can see by the pictures in this newsletter, we are celebrating the new equine mothers and foals. If you have a new foal, let us know by posting pictures and information on our website. 

MAY NEWSLETTER

Our first ride will be in the Raco/Mission Hill area. We will meet at the Raco Lodge and Store on M-28 at Raco and trailer from there. Bring a sack lunch. Contact Norma for details. 906-632-3638. All rides start at 10:00 a.m. sharp!

ST. JUDE RIDE

We will be holding another Saddle Up! For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The ride will be June 17 th at East Soldier's Lake. Pledge sheets are now available. Start making a list of people to contact. We have our first donation already!

Get your ST. JUDE'S RIDE PLEDGE FORM HERE
ALSO Side two of form

Enclosed please find a sponsor sheet. Please call Norma and let her know you are soliciting funds. She will give you the proper credentials and materials necessary. We would like to set a $3,000 goal. Can we do it? Yes, we can with your help.

MEETINGS

Our next meeting will be May 9 th at 5940 S. Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie (Norma's) at 7:00 p.m. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Phone 632-3638 for further info or confirmation of meetings.

TRAILHEAD NEWS

Having contacted the Forest Service, we have a go ahead on our equestrian campsite/trailhead at East Soldier's Lake. We are in the planning stages - getting site plans approved, finding out what resources are available, where we can get volunteers, etc. This is exciting!

Once we get the campsite/trailhead established, we can then get a date and host our competitive trail ride(s) and host other equine functions.

New and Renewing Members 2006

William Kibbler

Laura Kibler

Willie Kibler

Rylee Kibler

from East Jordan, MI

USDA - NAIS MICROCHIP

The USDA plans to make every owner of even one horse , cow, pig, goat, sheep, chicken or pigeon register in a government database and subject their property and animals to constant Federal and State Government surveillance.

The National Animal Identification System will be established over time through the integration of three key components: premises identification, animal identification, and animal tracking.

To track animals as they move from premise to premise, animal health officials must have a standard way to identify them. Animals will be identified either individually with a unique Animal Identification Number (AIN) or, if they are managed and moved through the production chain as a group, with a Group/Lot Identification Number (GIN).

Every homeowner with any animals must obtain a 7-digit USDA ID number keyed to Global Positioning System satellite surveillance coordinates, with all the property and owner's information permanently stored in a USDA database.

Every animal must be tagged with a Radio Frequency tag or chip, readable at a distance, with a 15-digit USDA ID number. The first 3-digits are for the country, the second three are for the breed, and the last is the animal ID number.

The transponders or microchips used in horses are passive devices, meaning that the transponder carries no battery and remains inactive most of the time. The transponder's tiny electronic circuit is energized by the low-power radio beam sent by a compatible reading device. The transponder sends the ID number as a radio signal back to the scanner, which then decodes the number and displays it on a small screen similar to that on an electronic calculator. Since the transponder contains no battery, there is nothing to wear out.

The transponder is usually glass and therefore biochemically inert, it is also very smooth, which, in rare instances could allow the transponder to move around in the animal's body once injected. Therefore, they are now coating some of them with a polypropylene shell. This coating offers a surface with which fibrous connective tissue begins to bond within 24-hours of the injection, thereupon keeping it from moving.

It will be injected in the nuchal ligament on the left side of the animal in the middle third of the neck, just below the mane.

The owner must report within 24-hours every sale or purchase of an animal, every death or slaughter, every missing animal, every placement or loss of an ID tag, and every time an animal leaves or returns to the owner's property.

THIS PLAN WILL DRIVE SMALL FARMERS OUT OF BUSINESS and WILL PREVENT CITIZENS FROM RAISING ANIMALS FOR FOOD OR PLEASURE.

Contact: Bart Stupak @ 202-225-4735 (US House Rep)

Carl Levin @ 202-224-6221 (US Senate)

More information can be found at USDA.GOV/MAIS "Draft Program Standards" and "Draft Strategic Plan". The NAIS site also has pertinent information.

Currently is costs approximately $60 to implant the microchip and the scanner costs approximately $2,500. Every equestrian event, border crossing, etc., will be required to purchase one and scan every horse. 

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION CLARIFIED

The Federal Highway Administration has published clarification that "Equestrians and other non-motorized recreational users may be allowed on shared-use paths and trails that use Federal aid transportation funds.

The Recreational Trails Program encourages trail management practices to serve a wide variety of trail users including equestrians.

HORSES ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL EMERGENCY FUNDS

There is a bill before the House of Representatives that will end the disparate treatment of the horse industry versus other businesses under the federal tax code and other federal provision.

It would: (1) make horses eligible for capital gains treatment after twelve months (2)Place all race horses in the 3-yr category for depreciation purposes, and (3) make horses eligible for federal emergency assistance under circumstances presently enjoyed by other livestock and crop producers. Horses have been ineligible for federal emergency funds, although losses from natural disasters affect horse breeders just as they affect other livestock and crop producers.

NEW EQUINE SURVEY

MSU is conducting a new Michigan equine survey this Spring. The survey will be used to estimate the number of equine in Michigan, where they are located, their ages and representative breeds. It will also help identify what purposes people use horses for and how horse properties are zoned.

Any news to share, contact Norma Osborn at 906-632-3638 or nosborn@nmo.net.

 

Happy Riding!