Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Heat Stroke

I'm guessing that this is the farthest thought from your mind today.

Our grandson asked if he could go down with me to let the horses out this morning and I said no. When he asked why, I said cause the muck would suck his boots off. He then offered that perhaps I shouldn't go there either. I just love the workings of a 4 year old mind. I said that I agreed but that someone had to let them out so they could have breakfast.

But remember last summer? Right now the memories seem to be from a far away land but summer will come and quite possibly, high heat.

As I continually confess, this horse stuff is new to us so if I'm offending anyone by sharing information that is too basic, sorry. We had to start somewhere and I'm guessing that there may be others in the same place. My poor vet keeps getting the "what do I do now?" calls. This article might save someone a phone call.

Plain Facts on Heat Stroke by Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD

Summers heat and humidity can be much more than just uncomfortable. They can be deadly. Horses lose their lives every year to heat stroke. Countless others struggle through anything from weakness to colic as a result of inadequate care in hot weather. Don’t let this happen to your horse! read more....

As a side note, the author, Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD, is the standing authority on Equine Cushings and IR and shares a lot of valuable information on the Yahoo web group - EquineCushings.

Stay dry and remember, this too shall pass.......

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

I need to tell you all how great I think the 'farm officials' are in this area.

I have had weed questions in the past and I can take in a sample and they'll scramble around until they come up with a name and tell me if it is toxic for horses.

The newsletter that Doug Stienbarger sends out from the Small Acreage Program is great and he keeps us all informed about upcoming events and opportunities.

Contact information:
Doug Stienbarger, Extension Director
(360) 397-6060 ext. 7716
doug.stienbarger@clark.wa.gov



Today I had another opportunity to experience the good service that we receive from our farm folks. I had a concern about the Lupine on the property next to us.

I shot Erin an email and within an hour she sent me a reply. She calmed my fears, gave me a reality check and even gave me an 'atta boy' for being vigilant about the condition of our pastures. We are especially fortunate that Erin is a horse person that grew up here and now she plans and schedules a lot of good classes and workshops for the Small Acreage Program. To see what's coming up, contact:

Erin Harwood, Program Coordinator
(360) 397-6060 ext. 7720
Erin.Harwood@clark.wa.gov

We have a lot of dedicated individuals within our community. Some do it as a job and others get involved as volunteers.

An example of this blend is the Clark County Equestrian Advisory Group. They have been meeting since last November and are working at making this a horse friendly area. The Executive Horse Council has been working towards this for years and that work is paying off. One of the items that the Equestrian Advisory Group is working on is identifying areas that should have an Equestrian zoning. Check out their web site to see what is happening now and to read the meeting notes.

There is a 'contact' form on one of the pages or for more information, you can contact:
Laurie Lebowsky
Clark County Community Planning
(360) 397-2280 ext. 4544
laurie.lebowsky@clark.wa.gov


Remember that our county will become more Equine friendly as we continue to be involved and make our voices heard.

Good job everyone!