Riding Mountain horse trails to close -- support needed to keep them open for horses

Last year I did a back country back trip for 4 day in Riding Mountain National park, it was amazing.

Joel and I each had all our gear on two pack horses and took off into the back country. The elk called at night and in the morning. I think it was one of the most beautiful trips I have been on.

I was upset at the possibility that the opportunity might be unavailable to share it with everyone.

As most of you know we have 2 trips planned this summer and fall to go to Riding mountain and do a back country pack trip, well if we don't step up to the plate and let them know we want the trail to remain open those trips will never happen. Please send an email to the address below with your support.

Thanks

I receive this email this morning:

Bob Schwalm has asked me to contact you in regards to Horse riding and wagon trails in Riding Mtn National Park. On March 4, 2009 there is going to be a meeting in the Russell Community Hall regarding this. They want to discontinue the use of horses and wagons in the park. They are going to vote on this that night. They want to do away with this activity as they have had complaints from other users. They also say that it is too costly to maintain the trails and will not support this activity anymore. Bob wants you to email him at kschwalm@mts.net for support in keeping this activity in the park. The more letters of support he receives, the more likely they will consider keeping it. Please email him before Mar 3/09, and please let other members of the Brokin' Busted know about this and ask them to send in their letter of support. LET'S KEEP RIDING MOUNTAIN OPEN TO HORSE LOVERS!!!!!! If you need any more information you can contact Bob at: 773-2935

Thank you & Happy Trails,Arlene Hamelin

Morning hay..

Every Morning you can feel the air charged with excitement, the hay is coming, the hay is coming!!
The girls appreciate the delivery, of the sweet smelling hay, with jumps and bucking and flying acrobatics. The boys.. not so much as a ear twitch.

we video tapes the horse this morning during the feeding frenzy.. check it out

http://standrewsstables.com/boarder-news-journal/

Horses every where..

I came across an interesting map today. I thought I would share it with you.
This is the horse map of the US, showing the populated area's in the states of horses.

http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Online_Highlights/Ag_Atlas_Maps/Livestock_and_Animals/Livestock,_Poultry_and_Other_Animals/07-M159-RGBDot1-largetext.pdf
The total number of horses and ponies in the U.S. in 2007 as found by the Census is 4,028,827, with 575,942 of those animals residing on farms. That is up nearly 385,000 from the 3,644,278 horses and ponies that were counted when the last Census was taken in 2002.
The total number of mules, burros and donkeys in the U.S. in 2007 as found by the Census is 283,806, with 99,746 of those animals residing on farms. That is up nearly 180,000 from the 105,358 mules, burros and donkeys that were counted when the last Census was taken in 2002.



In Canada, the number of horses in 1981 was 358,122, then continued to raise in 1986 to 394,953, 1991- 356,204, 1996- 443,889, 2001 460,569, then the latest numbers from 2006 go down to 453,965 horses
Number of farms reporting (this is raised on farm)1981- 69,178, 1986-69,148, 1991-58,509, 1996-56,707, 2001-53,925, 2006-54,169
interesting that the number of farm horse(work horses, meat horses, PMU) have gone down, while the number of horses continue to rise.
No pretty map for us Canadians, just hard facts. We don't need a picture..

I think the "message" is getting out, that breeding is just not viable anymore and maybe in the future we will continue to see the numbers drop, breeding programs getting better and more focused, and hopefuly people will feel more preasurred not to breed thier mare, just because they want to have a foal.
Stepping off the pearchin box.. and turning the silent key on my mouth.

have a great weekend - see you in the barn.

Puppies, puppies, puppies and more puppies

A friend of mine, Nadine, has a Great Dane named Hannah, that had Puppies.

As most of you know, I love puppies. so I thought you might enjoy some photos of the little guys. Hannah had 13 puppies, her first litter.

Here is a few of her photos

this little grey one is named Meg - She was born at 1:30am, Feb. 5th.

The greys and 2 blacks are females, the rest are males. They go for their first shots on March 21st. Just to cute!! Congratulations Nadine, I think you might have a few sleepless nights ahead of you. But at least your coffee table will be clear from all those tails.

Spread the word, I am sure she will be looking for 13 homes, and hopefully one of those is not mine..

Sundays

Ahh.. Sundays, it's the day to enjoy the peace and quite. The horses at the ranch feel the same way.. Check out today's pictures of the boarder horses, Eating, sleeping and enjoying the sun.

We would like to welcome our new boarder Flint and his owner Kayla, they have been with us for a week now. Flint has fallen' in love with the donkeys - and they with him.. Ok not really.. Flint has a very large bale in the paddock all to himself and Gordi and Turbi, feel obliged to help him finish it. This morning Flint got a new buddy, Gordi and Turbi thought it was time to do the rounds with the girls, Scor is now spending time with Flint and his bale..

It's a very beautiful sunny day.. Come out and ride.

A Nic update

For thoses of you who are interested in following Nicole's new adventure, here is her blog http://cndhorsgirl.blogspot.com/
Nic is at EBY ranch down in Louisberg, Kansas, riding reining horses, and having a blast.