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Febuary 2009 Newsletter |
 Funny how a day or two with temperatures above freezing, coupled with a few more minutes of sunlight each day, sure helps to give us hope for spring. Too bad those goofy ground hogs had to see their shadows, though! Six more weeks of winter. Then again, the way things have gone this winter, we might be lucky if it’s only six weeks! |
| Looking Back…… Jefferson Co. Tack Sale As usual, there were plenty of HONs at the tack sale on Sunday, January 25th. I know there were at least a few members that went home with more money in their pockets than when they went in, thanks to selling things at our HON sponsored tables. Then again, there were those that took advantage of the good shopping and picked up things they either needed or wanted. Either way, it was a good excuse to get out and see people. It was also a great opportunity to start getting the word out about the HON Ride for the Cure Pink Ribbon Ride. |
| Speaking of the October Fundraiser Katie has designed a great flyer for the October 4th Ride for the Cure Pink Ribbon Ride that we are sponsoring. You can go to our calendar and download the flyer to give out and post as kind of a “teaser” for things to come. Thanks, Katie. Donna has been busy getting things off and running. She was able to meet with Lynn, the gal that organized the Bong Ride for the Cure for years, and was given lots and lots of tips, as well as goodies. We’re hoping to have more details to present in time for the Midwest Horse Fair. |
| Speaking of the Midwest Horse Fair. Mark your calendar for April 17, 18, and 19. The theme for this year’s Midwest Horse Fair is “Super Horse” and it is sure to be a super good time! If you visit the website, you’ll see that Monty Bruce has been selected to ride in the Reined Cowhorse $10,000 Shoot Out. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because he is the clinician that we are hoping to secure for a Hags on Nags clinic. Jessie is working on the details…watch for more information to come later. |
Looking Ahead…. Bling It! Let’s get together on Sunday, February 8th to create some fun caps, visors or ?? We’ll meet at 10:00 a.m. at Diane Finney’s place…the “clubhouse” where we had our January meeting. Shirley M. is bringing the fixins’ to do some serious “bling” decorating.Please contact Shirley at and let her know if you are coming. Bring your own beverage along and we’ll order a pizza for lunch. Everyone’s invited…contact Diane F for directions and Shirley with your RSVP. See you Sunday, February 8th! |
Meeting to Plan a Horse Seminar for HONS On Saturday, February 14th at 1:00 the Filly Forum and I will meet with Shirley H. and her friend John A. to plan a day of horse related experiences for Hags on Nags members. We hope to include topics such as emergency hoof care, equine acupressure, stretching and perhaps saddle fitting and equine rescue. One of our new members, Rhonda C. is a certified large animal rescue technician and we are hoping that she can be part of our seminar also. Especially useful would be her presentation dealing with trailer accidents. If you have ideas for this special Horse Owner Seminar and/or would like to be part of this planning meeting, please contact me as soon as possible. . |
| Waukesha County Tack Sale The following Sunday, on February 15th, it’s the annual Waukesha County Tack Sale. The sale begins at 9:00 and ends at 3:00. There are always lots of popular vendors as well as plenty of local horse people selling lots of different horse related items. It’s another excuse to get out of hibernation! |
| Field Trip..... Remington Art  Are you familiar with Frederick Remington, the noted western artist? I was fortunate to see many of his paintings and sculptures when I visited the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma several years ago. On my trip last weekend to Green Bay, I noticed advertisements in the Oshkosh area for “The Treasures from the Frederick Remington Art Museum.” It seems that the Paine Art Center in Oshkosh will have a collection of 26 Remington masterpieces on loan from now until May 17th. What do you think of making a trip up there to see the Remington collection and maybe take in some shopping at the nearby outlet mall or visit some of the other attractions in the area? I’m thinking maybe sometime in March? Please let me know if you would be interested. |
The HONs Store.....  The Hags on Nags 2008 cookbook entitled Cowgirl Stir-Ups has been re-ordered due to popular 2009 demand. We will be getting 100 books and this will be the last order forever! If you are interested in getting a cookbook(s) before we run out again, please send $7 to Sherri T. at Attn: Cookbook Order, 8235 County Rd KK Milton WI 53563. |
New Feature..... Training Tips By JESSIE !!  DEAR JESSIE: Every time I try to de-worm my horse, it turns into a twenty minute struggle. I end up with paste everywhere but inside my horse’s mouth. Could you please give me some advice to make things easier on me and my horse? Signed, PASTEY IN JANESVILLE DEAR PASTEY: Your struggle is a common one, and I’ll throw a few options your way. First, here is a great article written by Clinton Anderson regarding several steps you can take to get your horse accepting the de-wormer. This is a great method if you have days, and possibly weeks to commit to training and desensitizing your horse to something that should only take seconds. In my opinion, if your horse can accept the bit, he should be able to take de-worming without a problem. It’s what I expect of my own horses and they do not resent me for de-worming them, so I’ll show you how I go about it. The only equipment I recommend for de-worming is a nylon halter and a lead rope. If you are right handed, take the tube, ready to dispense, in your right hand and stand close to your horse on his right side at his head. You should be facing straight ahead in the same direction as your horse with your left arm holding on to your horse’s halter. Keep your left arm bent at the elbow and close to your body. This position allows you to keep hold of your horse if he does decide to struggle, but it’s also a non-threatening position because you are parallel with your horse, not facing him directly. Now, take the tube, insert it into the corner of his mouth, pointing back towards his throat and depress the plunger. I promise you, most horses won’t even know what hit them. The key to this method is your position. It is non-threatening and also blocks the horse’s view of the de-wormer. I know it sounds simple, and it is, but that’s all it takes to have a drama free de-worming day. Please watch the video for a further understanding of the important role position plays in de-worming some horses. |
| New Feature..... Check It Out! Websites from Amy Your Horse Matters  Online Rentals of Horse Training Videos Anyone who's shopped around for videos of their favorite trainer or clinician is almost sure to wince at the price tag. Local libraries often don't carry what you want, and even if you can find a friend with a copy, they probably aren't willing to let it out of their sight! Your Horse Matters has put together a very large library of horse DVD's for rent, sort of like Netflix, but for horse people! There is a one time $25 lifetime membership, and then you only pay a small fee when you rent the video. Videos may be checked out two at a time or one “series at a time. Take a look! |
New Members.....
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News From Our Members.....  ***** from Ronda S. “Knee surgery is worse than child birth!” Here’s hoping that every day is easier! ***** Linda P. and her husband are in Florida with their horses! They plan to be gone a couple of weeks and are surely soaking up the sunshine and warm temps as they enjoy some interesting riding. ***** Donna M. is also going to be off to a warmer climate too! Donna has plans to go to Arizona to visit her daughter and granddaughter. |
REMINDER.....  If you have not sent in your 2009 membership dues, please do so before the end of the month. We will be removing names from the mailing list at that time. If you would like to be removed from the mailing list at any time, please let me know.We have lots of great things planned for 2009 and welcome everyone’s involvement….at what ever level of activity you can do. Dues ($10) can be sent to Sherri T. at Attn: HONs Membership, 8235 County Road KK Milton, WI 53563 |
| Birthdays..... HONs that celebrate birthdays this month are Marise F. Feb 2nd, Patti M. Feb 8th, Lynn L. Feb 9th, Ellen P. Feb 12th, Shiley H. Feb 13th, Vicki S. Fort Atkinson, Feb 14th, Dee S. and Cindy A. Feb 18th, Jessie W. Feb 20th, Julie F. February 22nd, Vikki S. Orfordville, Feb 28th. Remember, birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live!!! Happy Birthday to you all! |
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