Sun Country Article - Published November 2007

Well, nothing like great publicity to help spread the word. Delaney Seiferling's very well written article in the November issue of Sun Country has created tremendous response. Only problem is, I have changed jobs since I spoke to Delaney and the phone number published in the article is my old work number. The number to call is; 938-5450 (evenings) or the best way is by e-mail at justhorsearound@gmail.com.
Despite the error, we've got a good group starting up in January. Some folks have called to order gift certificates for their favourite horse crazy person so I've got my very creative hubby busy doing up gift certificates. "All Done"



The "Boys" and I are starting to wind down for the Holiday Season, although there are a few devoted students who want to keep Horsing Around through the holidays. That is just fine with me because there isn't anything I'd rather be doing.

I think the "Boys" are enjoying all the attention they have received this weekend. They have never been so spoiled and they all deserve it because they have been absolutely phenominal while teaching all the "Newbies". Thank you to Irene for the wonderful bag of molasses treats and Gail and Glen for the amazing basket of goodies.

Gail put together a variety basket of veggies and fruits and we brought all the "Boys" into the barn and did a taste test to see who preferred what. It was great fun. After the "Boys" got their treats, Gail brought out some wonderful treats and some "Christmas Cheer" for us too, and we kicked off the holiday season.

Many thanks to you all,
Tovie, Gord & the "Boys"

We're having a lot of fun Just Horsing Around

The participants currently enrolled in the program are terrific and we're having a lot of fun Just Horsing Around. My experience has shown me that most people with no previous background think a horse is a horse of course. It has been helpful to have a variety of horses for folks to experience - ranging from very sensitive to rock solid. My hope is that participants gain an appreciation and respect for how challenging it can be for horses to fit into our hectic schedules. We are trusting horses with our lives and limbs - often with good intention but without adequate training or consistent handling. We simply cannot pull a horse out of the pasture or stall once a week and expect them to handle whatever it is we may ask of them. Over the years I have seen many horses that rarely get a visit, let alone handled. My goal is to share enough information to help people make a realistic, informed decision as to whether horse ownerhip is right for them. It is simply not enough to be horse crazy - you have to do the work!

Tovie

Just Horsing Around - Program Outline

The response to the article published in the Calgary Herald has been fantastic. I knew there were lots of horse crazy folks who didn't know where to go. I thought it might be helpful to provide the following Program Outline to give you a better idea of the topics I cover.

Introduction

• parts of the horse
• conformation
• demonstrating different gaits (i.e. walk, trot, canter) explaining leads & diagonals

Safe Handling

• safely tying your horse (slip knot)
• safe rope and rein handling
• introducing something new to your horse (i.e. clippers, rain slicker, horse blankets, etc.)
• moving your horse (leading, backing, moving shoulders & hips)
• demonstrating good manners and respect
• demonstrating pecking order and leadership

Grooming

• demonstrating the various tools
• cleaning out the hoofs
• cleaning sheaths & udders
• bathing
• clipping

Health Management

• stabling vs. pasture
• vices
• de-worming
• vaccinations
• farrier (shoeing vs. barefoot)
• teeth
• basic first aid necesseties
• normal body temperature, pulse rate, respiration, gut sounds

Tack

• importance of a good saddle fit
• types of saddles
• types of pads & cinches
• different bits and their recommended use
• types of bridles and fitting
• types of halters
• cleaning

Costs

• boarding (pasture vs. stables)
• farrier
• basic health care costs (vaccinating, de-worming, teeth)
• emergency vet care
• tack

Selecting a Horse

• explaining various disciplines
• common riding breeds
• pointers when going to look at a horse

Well folks, thats it in a nutshell. Depending on your previous experience, we can cover whatever it is you would like to know more about. As well, if you are reading this and feel there is something important I have missed - would love to receive your input.

Tovie

Let me introduce my "boys"

Outback Jack (aka Applejack) - 15 year old Appaloosa
Jack is the first horse I ever purchased in 1996 and I almost didn't. He was only 4 and he was an Appaloosa. Firstly I thought he was too young for my level of inexperience and secondly I had never heard any favourable comments about Appaloosas. At the time, a young apprentice working with Kevin Pole knew the horse and suggested Jack would be perfect for me and he was the nicest Appy he had ever ridden. So the next day I went out to meet Jack. There he was out in a pasture with a large group of horses and when the metal gate clanged, this head popped up as if to say "people". Jack came running over to us and gave me a nuzzle and I bought him on the spot. I wrote to the lady listed on his registration papers to say what a lovely horse he is and that I was very happy to have him. A few weeks later she came to Calgary and brought me baby photos of Jack and his mom and said Jack had been a delight since the moment he was born.

Turnabout Skeeter (aka Skeeterbug) - 9 year old Paint
Skeeterbug was a horse we went to check out for a friend of ours in 2005. Our Auntie Betty called to say her friends were selling lock, stock & barrel. A tri-coloured paint has always been my colour preference and there he was. I certainly didn't need another horse but Skeeter was so smooth to ride and I loved his colour. It was my b-day the next day so Gord had him delivered. He is not a terribly confident horse and it has been fun but also challenging at times, helping him overcome some of his troubles. At 16.1 his height was the biggest drawback for me - especially for mounting. Skeeter now stretches front and back legs out really wide to make it easier for me to get on - he's such a gentleman.

This is how it's done

Favorite Dream (aka Nugget) - 7 year old Quarter Horse
Nugget is the newest member of our family. A fellow we know bought him a couple of years ago because he always wanted a black horse. Nugget was great that first year but the following spring he refused to be bridled or ridden. His owner took him to a trainer and after two weeks she had still not bridled him and suggested he was dangerous and should be slaughtered. Nugget came to me and I started bridling him after a couple of days but he wouldn't let anyone else bridle him for another 3 weeks. He went on to have a very active summer and winter, cattle penning and lessons. This spring he exploded again and two more trainers said he is unpredictable and dangerous and should be slaughtered so as of June 2007, he is with me permanently. He truly is one of the nicest horses I've ever dealt with and I have never felt threatened or had any difficulty with him. He is beautiful and sweet and it is hard to imagine what the "professionals" may have done to instigate dangerous behaviour. Anyway, I'm glad they did.


Entwhistle Resistol (aka Magic) - 12 year old Quarter Horse
Magic is perfect - what can I say. He is actually Gord's horse and the bond between the two of them is very special. We went to Sundance Ranch in BC with a bunch of friends and Gord really admired Chris Johnson's horse - Magic. Chris is one of the Wrangler's at Sundance Ranch and he and his wife Uli are also friends. Well Chris and Gord struck a deal and Magic came to live with us in 2003.








Peppy San Poco (aka Peppy) - 23 year old Quarter Horse
Peppy is now retired but Gord rode him for more than 14 years. Peppy has been in the Stampede Parade several times and actually won an award one year as the best conditioned and groomed horse and he is still beautiful.

You can probably tell I'm no breed snob - love 'em all.

Tovie

Here is an Idea . . .

Hello and welcome. If you have found your way here after reading the article on me in the Calgary Herald - Thank You! Of course, we're just getting started so check back to the site regularly. It will be fun to see where it heads.

I'm guessing you are also horse crazy or you may know someone who is. If you have a favourite horse crazy person in your life, you may want to give them one of my gift certificates as a special gift. Just send me an e-mail (justhorsearound@gmail.com) with your request and we can set it up for you.

Remember friends, all you have to do is ask, there are no stupid questions. I started out not knowing what I didn't know and hope I can shorten the learning curve for you.
Tovie

Let's Get Started

Today I will be starting a new adventure - Just Horsing Around . . .
In May I began giving lessons to Horse Crazy folks looking for a starting point toward developing exceptional horsemanship skills. My students to date have included a family of 6, a SAIT Instructor in his early 50s, a mom who's kids are growing up so she now has more time to herself, friends, a work colleague, and business associate (all are becoming good friends).

Yesterday I was interviewed by the Calgary Herald and there will be a photo shoot on Monday. The possibilities of what may develop from having my story published are exciting and scary all at the same time.

When everything falls into place the way it has, one can only believe it was meant to be. I love hanging out in the barn with my boys, love meeting new people, and love teaching... this path couldn't be more perfect!

A big thank-you hug to all my favourite people - I hope I have done a good job letting you all know who you are!