Horse VA Is Launching A Weekly "Photo/Photos of the Week" Contest

Sarah Hinds

If you have a favorite photo of your horse, you and your horse or a nice farm photo with your horse in it, we might feature it as our "photo of the week" on Horseva.com
Please submit all photos to: Christina Lee at dakotagirl403@gmail.com

September Is A Crazy Busy Month For Horse Events!

Starting on Sept 3 through Sept 4 there will be a two-day Adult Hunter/Equitation Colleen Seely USHJA Clinic at Fox Pointe Farm. This is a great opportunity to really brush up on your Hunter Equitation.

For more info and registration log onto the link below:

http://foxpointefarmva.com/clinics.htm

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On Saturday September 4th is the 7th Annual Astride with Pride Benefit Horse Show at Green Hill Equestrian Park - All proceeds from this great horse show will benefit the Astride with Pride Therapeutic Riding Program.

This horse show has a class for almost every riding dicipline. This show is sactioned by the Blue Ridge Horse Forse (http://www.brhf.com/).

Click on this link for more info: http://www.brhf.com/ShowFlyers/AstrideWithPride2010.pdf

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Also Saturday September 4th is the Cornerstone Cowboy Challenge at Cornerstone Horsemanship.

This event is for Open, Amateur & Youth Divisions. Obstacles will be designed to challenge your horsemanship skills and skills of your horse.

For more information click on this link: http://www.cornerstonehorsemanship.com/cowboychallenge.htm

We Are Truly Lucky To Have the Virginia - Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine In Our Back Yard

We are so blessed to have the Virginia - Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in our area!

I can honestly say that I have never experienced the amazing professionalism and compassion shown to us and our mare Oglala Star (aka Reiny). Not only did they come out yesterday with their team but today they all came out again and brought their Certified Journeyman Farrior Travis Burns (this is the highest level of AFA certification). Travis can get a shoe off in record time when a horse has laminitis and is in a lot of pain like our mare Reiny was today (thank you so much Travis). They fitted Reiny with pads today and we have ordered special medical boots for her to wear. Her back right hoof is the worst and we are praying that we can stop this aweful vascular disease. As you can see in the last photo, the students practiced doing a body condition score on our other two horses so we don't make the same mistake twice. I highly recommend Virginia Tech for all of your equine veterinary needs. For more information on Virginia Tech - Harry T. Peters Large Animal Hospital, click on the link below:

http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/vth/la/index.asp

With All The Rain And Green Grass This Year Please Be Familiar With The Symptoms of Laminitis or Founder.

(photo - Virginia Tech Vet Team at Bluebird Farm this morning working on my horse Reiny - notice the mobile x-ray machine on the ground)

We got some bad news today from our friends from the Virginia Tech's Equine Medical team. Our 26 year old Appaloosa mare has been diagnosed with Laminitis in all four hooves. I noticed she was stiff and a little off and this morning she could barely walk. The Virginia Tech Vets were here in less then two hours with a team of 5 to check every inch of her beautiful (very round) glorious body. They x-rayed all four hooves and saw the Laminitis. In the next few days they will send out a nutritionist to test all of our hay and take samples of our pastures.We will do everything in our power to help her recover although her life will never be the same. Because she has insulin resistence, she will probably never be able to graze in the pasture of green lush grass. Every bite will have to be weighted, soaked and monitored. Since Southwest Virginia has had a lot of rain this year, the grass is very green and filled with sugar. Please take a look at this link and be aware of your horses weight, how much he eats and if he/she is looking a little stiff or not. If you catch Laminitis early, the horse has a much better chance of survival. Please share this information with your friends. It could save them a lot of money and heart ache.

Thanks, Christina Lee Horseva.com
Laminitis Info - click on the link below:
http://www.recoveryeq.com/laminitis_founder_pro.htm#01

Wonderful Video For My Horseva Friends - "it's just a horse"

URGENT - Mushrooms are Deadly to Horses, Cats and Dogs!!!

Please, please go out into your pastures today with a big bucket and pick up all the mushrooms. There has been so much rain many species of mushrooms bloomed overnight. Start in your back and front yards first to protect your dogs and cats. I have gotten up early two mornings in a row to hit my 2 fenced yards and 4 pastures. These are just a few of the mushrooms I came up with and unfortunately most of these are of the "poisonous species". A friend of mine has a dog that ate some mushrooms and now he is fighting for his life (it totally shuts the liver down). Please share this with all you friends....Thanks!  Christina Lee - Horse VA

Horse Racing - My Wife Knows Everything vs The Wife Doesn't Know!

Enjoy the outcome of this race my friends. It is very funny and ironic at the same time.
This race was destined to be a classic: 7th Race at Monmouth Park on Sunday 22, 2010.

Photos From the 4-H Show at Green Hill Park Equestrian Center on 8-21

The Western Pleasure classes had some beautiful show horses in them. My favorite photo is of the little cow poke in his big pickup truck hanging out with his daddy.

Here are some photos from the Botetourt Co. 4-H Show on Aug 21, 2010

Would You Like To Sponsor a Horse at the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue?

Together We Can Make A Difference In A Life"

Chris and I started sponsoring horses at the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue last year and it is truly a great organization. These folks give their heart and soal to save unwanted horses that would easily end up in the "kill pens". As the economy worsens, RVHR will see even more horses. There are some great companion animals and nice horses up for adoption (check their site under Available Horses). If you have always wanted a horse, but felt like you don't have the time or money, this would be a great time to sponsor a horse. For a small fee of $ 50 a month (or a $ 100 for 2  horses) you can choose which horse you want to sponsor. You can also go out to the RVHR and help out a couple of times a month and spend time with your sponsored horse and all of his/her buddies. It's totally up to you and there is never any pressure. I encourage all of my horse friends and the HorseVA community to consider a sponsorship. Thanks so much for your kind consideration. Christina and Chris Lee - HorseVA

Here is the info:
RVHR Sponsorship Program

Become a sponsor today! This is a great opportunity for businesses, schools, or any individual who would like to contribute but who may not have the facility to adopt or care for a horse. Your sponsorship will help with feeding and rehabilitating a horse and eases our financial burden which allows us to assist more horses who desperately need our help. Your donation will also go towards necessary medical attention, supplies, and vaccinations. We will keep you updated as to the progress and care of your sponsored horse and welcome you to visit ‘your’ horse as he or she awaits adoption.

RVHR encourages Sponsors to stop by the facility to visit and get there photo's taken with the horses here in our care. With your financial support RVHR can continue its efforts to help the horse in need.

Each horse is special in its own way as are their sponsors. With this program it gives the community and our sponsors the opportunity to become part of a community owned project.

Individual/Family Sponsorship Monthly - $50

Annual - $250

Business/Corporate Sponsorship $100.00
$250.00
$500.00

Facility Sponsorship a one time donation for the year or monthly. RVHR is a Non-Profit 501 C # Established in 2002.

If you are interested in sponsorship, donations, or volunteering your time contact Patricia Muncy at 540-721-1910 or email her at info@rvhr.com

Here is a link to their website:
http://www.rvhr.com/index.shtml

The Botetourt County 4H & Pony Show Will Be Held Aug 21 at Green Hill Park Equestrian Center

Coming up on August 21 at Green Hill Park Equestrian Center
Botetourt County 4H Horse and Pony Club Benefit Horse Show.
Riders must be at least 9 years old for all classes with the exception of Lead Line.
Hunter classes start in Ring 3 at 9AM, Western & Gated Classes Classes start at 10AM in Ring 1, Leadline, Costume, Trail, Games and Gymkhana will not start before 1PM.
Go to http://www.ghpec.org/ for a class list.

Stalls will be available for only $ 10 each with a $ 10 cleaning deposit. Any class with BRHF is Blue Ridge Horse Force sanctioned.

ALL RIDERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A HELMET WHILE MOUNTED.

Click below for class sheets, entry forms and contact information:
http://www.ghpec.org/ShowFlyers/BCHPC2010.pdf

The Campbell County Bits-n-Pieces 4-H Horse Show is this Saturday August 14

This Saturday the Campbell County Bits-n-Pieces 4-H Horse Show is this Saturday (Aug 14) at the Patrick Henry Girls Home located at 1039 Brookneal Hwy, Rustburg Virinia.
This show is a 4-H Show (with proceeds to benefit the 4-H Club) and is sanctioned by the Blue Ridge Horse Force.
The Show starts at 9AM - Class fees are $ 8 per class or $ 60 ride all day. You do not need to be a member of 4-H or The Blue Ridge Horse Force to participate. This show is open to all riders.

There will be Hunter, English, Western, Games, Gymkhana, Trail, Ranch Riding and Classes for Therapeutic riders.

***Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.

Click here for the show flyer:http://www.brhf.com/ShowFlyers/CampbellCounty2010.pdf

The National Barrel Horse Association Colonial Nationals are Aug 19 - Aug 22, at the Lexington Horse Center

What has over 1000 entries, $ 100,000 in cash and prizes, 36 wildcards and 12 saddles? The National Barrel Horse Association Colonial Nationals at the Lexington Horse Center starting Thursday August 19 - Sunday August 22. This is one of eight national shows that lead to NBHA World Championships.. The Colonial National attracts more then 1000 entries from 20 states to compete for $ 100,000 in cash and prizes. This show is open to all NBHA members in all districts.

Where: The Lexington Horse Center Aug 19-22

Location: All facilities of the horse center

Contact: Renee Jenkins at 706-823-3728

Website: http://www.nbha.com/

The Eastern Arabian Championships Are Being Held Now!

The Eastern Arabian Championships are being held now at the Lexington Horse Center in Lexington Virgina From Aug 4-8

This show is a direct qualifier for the National Championship Show held this October

Where else can you go and see all riding disciplines? There will also be venders displaying thier goods. Addmission and Parking are FREE. Contact Marty Kleiner at 717-866-8797.

The Lexington National Horse Show "AA" is Aug 11-15, 2010

The Lexington National Horse Show "AA" will be held Aug 11 - Aug 15, 2010 at the Lexington Horse Center in Lexington Virginia

This is a United States Equistrian Federation "AA" rated Hunter and Jumper Show

Location: VHC - All Facilities

Contact: Leslie Brown at 540-464-2961

Vender Contact: Tom Ginavin at 540-471-9178

or go to http://www.horsecenter.org/

Check out the Pioneer Woman!

Hey horse friends, I have to admit that this blog has been one of my guilty pleasures for many years. I have her cookbook and I love her photography. I think a lot of you horse folks can relate to Ree Drummund. Check her out at www.thepioneerwoman.com


Enjoy but be sure to go to bed before 3AM...once you start reading her love story you won't be able to stop!

Dressage Clinic With Matt McLaughlin at Cedar Creek Stables

What: Dressage Clinic with Matt McLaughlin

When: Sunday August 8th starting at 6:30PM

Where: Cedar Creek Stables in Staunton Virginia

Call: Melyni at 540-886-8442

Brush up on your Dressage riding. There are options to Audit and also ride in this clinic. Be sure to call Melyni at Cedar Creek Stables for availability.

Four Legged Equine Therapist Needed

Hello everyone-

It has been a while since Flying Changes has been in contact with some of you... we are sorry! There have been some changes with the organization but those have all been very positive. Flying Changes is now in partnership with New River Valley Community Services which has helped to stabilize us financially and provide us with a wonderful group of staff and clients for the program. We are still enjoying our time at Willow Ridge Farms off Route 8 in Riner and have a heard of 3 horses after a recent loss of a horse. We are providing services 5 days a week and staying very busy which is great for everyone except our 3 horses that are showing signs of being overworked and underpaid. 

We are looking for a wonderful substitute four legged therapist to join our family while we search for a more permanent horse partner. Ideally, we would like to find the perfect horse in the perfect time but we have been trying for that and have not found the fit yet. Instead of having our current horses get increasingly exhausted and grouchy while we keep looking, we are hoping to find a solid, stable horse that can join us for 2-3 months and help ease the burden of the horse team. If we come across the perfect horse while just trying to find a substitute, we would celebrate the perfect timing. Otherwise, we are looking for the 'horse in your back yard' that might enjoy a little vacation from home with kids to love and brush it while we pay for its' expenses.

 

Ideally, we are looking for a gelding with solid ground manners and basic riding skills (and we can refresh or brush off the dust if needed) that is an easy keeper with decent herd manners. (not asking for much!)

 

If you have that horse or know of someone that does(substitute or long term), please let us know as soon as possible!! We are very eager to find the substitute and/or the full time horse partner.

 

thanks for your thought and time in this matter... and you will hear from flying changes again soon with more information on our changes and upcoming website reintroduction.

--
Tiffany Slusher
Flying Changes
www.flyingchanges.net