Association Directors – None

All Officers’ and Directors’ terms expire 10/2005

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All members are invited to our regular meetings held every 3^rd Thursday of the month at 7 PM.  These are usually held at Dolly’s Place in Vienna.  You can come a little early and join others for a delicious supper.

            Our December Christmas meeting is planned for Dec 16^th, 6 PM, at the Little Lusk Campground Lodge.  Members and guests are asked to please come and bring a dish to pass.

 

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February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

 

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Right to Ride Legislation Passes House

 ………From the American Horse Council

On September 21, 2004 the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2966 the Right to Ride bill.  This vote was a critical victory for the horse industry, particularly for the recreation rider.  It is recognition of the unique place that horses and saddle stock have of our heritage and in recreation on public lands.   This bill informs land managers that the use of horses on public lands is entrenched in the history of this country and there are groups of people across the United States and on Capitol Hill that are keeping that history alive.

            After the bill passed, Representative Radanovich (D-CA), the author of the bill stated that he introduced this bill to help people who ride horses and other pack animals, who are being severely restricted on certain federal land.  H.R. 2966 recognizes the historical precedent of this recreational activity and ensures that people can still ride pack and saddle animals on federal land.  Specifically H.R. 2966 makes certain that our public lands will be managed to preserve and facilitate the continued recreational use of pack and saddle stock animals.

BACKGROUND

            The legislation applies to all federal lands managed by the National Park Service, The Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. 

 Specifically the legislation mandates that the lands should be managed by the federal agencies to preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animal on such lands, including wilderness areas, national monument, and other specifically designated areas, where there is a historical tradition of such use. 

            In addition, the legislation requires that  “as a general rule, all trails, routes and areas used to pack and saddle stock shall remain open and accessible for such use.”

 

            Bill Olson of Representative Shimkus’ office has let us know that this bill is dead for this congress.  It will have to be reintroduced in the 109^th congress.  It will need to go through the House again.

 

PLEASE WRITE YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO VOTE FOR H.R. 2966 THE RIGHT TO RIDE BILL.

PLEASE PASS THE WORD TO YOUR FRIENDS IN AND OUT OF YOUR STATE TO CONTACT THEIR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES TO VOTE FOR THIS BILL. 

Illinois Senators Durbin and Obama should be apprised of the loss in revenue for southern Illinois if equine recreationalists are shut out of our national lands.  They should also know that the Shawnee is not a wilderness forest, but old farm ground.

 

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National Day of the Horse

………..From the American Horse Council

Resolutions have been introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate providing for a National Day of the Horse.  Resolutions do not have the same force as bills when they are passed.  They are used to express principles, opinions and purposes and often call on the President to do something, as these two resolutions do.

The House resolution (H. Con. Res. 507) was introduced by Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) and has twenty-two cosponsors.  It was referred to the Government Reform Committee.  The House Resolution urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe a National Day of the Horse with appropriate programs and activities.  This resolution will have to be passed by both the House and Senate before it is published and considered by the President. 

The Senate Resolution (S. Res. 452) was introduced by Senator Ben Nighthorse-Campbell (R-CO) and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.  The Senate Resolution is more specific in that it designates December 13, 2004 as the National Day and asks the President to issue a proclamation to that effect.  The Senate need only pass this Senate resolution before it is published for the President’s action.

Both resolutions are very similar.  Both provide that the horse “is a living link to the history of the United States,” that horses “continue to permeate the society of the United States, as witnessed on movie screens, on open land, and in our own backyards,” that “wild and domestic horses rely on humans for adequate food, water, and shelter,” and that “horses are a vital part of the collective experience of the United States and deserve protection and compassion.”

 

This is a federal resolution so it does not just apply to Illinois.  We all need to contact our U.S. Congressmen/women and ask them to back this resolution.

 (Note:  Maybe the Senate Resolution should ask for a date like September 23^rd that would be more compatible weather wise with celebrating a National Day of the Horse.  December 13^th might be a little to cold to be out on your equine in a parade, show or trail ride.)

 

If you have any questions about the Right-to-Ride bill or the Horse Day resolution, please contact the AHC.

 

1616 H Street NW 7^th Floor, Washington, DC  2006, phone 202-296-4031, fax 202-296-1970

Email AHC@horsecouncil.org.   Web Address www.horsecouncil.org

 

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IAA Foundation AITC/AQHA Trail Ride

From Nov, 2004 – Southern Illinois Farm Bureau News

 

            A five-year dream finally became a reality Oct. 1-3.  Garry Jenkins, manager of the Williamson County Farm Bureau, had talked for several years about a trail ride to raise monies for the IAA Foundation that funds Agriculture In the Classroom projects, scholarships and more.  This year, funds raised went towards producing the AITC Equine Ag Mag.  Ag Mags are educational materials used in the classroom and we wanted to be able to educate students on the equine industry.  Net totals are not in yet, but gross funds raised were $16,000.  We exceeded our original goal and were very pleased with the outcome.  We had over 70 participants from 6 states for the trail ride.  The ride was held at the 34 Ranch owned by Tom Luchies.

            The 34 Ranch staff provided all the meals and had trail bosses to lead the rides.  Friday we rode through One Horse Gap, Rocky Top and had lunch where the 9-Day Trail Ride is held.  Kelly Pearson, of the forest service, provided a Leave No Trace talk.  On Saturday, we rode through Garden of the Gods and Tom’s Mountain.  Sunday the ride was through Tombstone and the Promised Land.  Everyone loved the ride and said it was beautiful country.  Lesley Walker, IFB Foundation, helped to setup the entire trail ride with the help of Jenkins and the Southern Illinois Equine Advisory council.  Friday night we had battery powered horse races and karaoke donated by Ropin’ the Road, Jim Sullivan.  Saturday night, we had silent and live auctions and a dace with Modern Cowboyz.  Sunday morning, Brother Bill Rawlings provided us with cowboy church.  The ride was a huge success and we will be having another ride next year.  Mark your calendar for the first weekend in October 2005.  We’d like to thank all who provided donations, time, help, in-kind donation and trail bosses.  Thanks to all for a great ride and program who helped to make the first annual ride a huge success.

            At last report, the IAA Foundation has grossed over $19,000 for this first annual AITC trail ride.  Great job all you equine enthusiasts.

For more information visit www.iaafoundation.org or call 309-557-2225.

 

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Trail Riding Stewardship

 

            People, whether they are hikers, ATV or bike riders, rock climbers, or equine riders need to take care of the area they are recreating in.  The Shawnee National Forest has put out a brochure for horseback riders with some thoughts on good Stewardship:  All trail users should demonstrate respect and courtesy to others.  Avoid wet or muddy trails.  Avoid the temptation to shortcut trails or switchbacks.  Stay on the trail.  Protect trees by being prepared to cross tie if you plan on stopping along the trail for any length of time.  Protect sensitive vegetation along bluff drip lines.  Respect natural area boundaries.  Be prepared when heading into the Forest with a compass and a map or go with someone who knows the trails.  PACK IN / PACK OUT!!!  Remember to remove your trash and carry out any litter you see.  Do not deface rocks, trees, cave walls or signs.  Respect private property.  Minimize impacts of fire.  Respect wilderness integrity. 

            Trail markers:  A white diamond designates a hiker/equestrian trail.  A blue diamond is a hiker only trail.  The River-to-River Trail may have a white diamond with a blue “i” in it or just a large blue “i” painted on a tree.  A River-to-River Spur Trail will be marked with an orange dot in a white diamond.  Yellow oak leaves painted on trees and carsonite posts indicate Natural Area Boundaries.

            Please enjoy your experiences in the Shawnee National Forest safely and respectfully.

 

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Shawnee National Forest Revision Plan and Trails Designation Projects

 

According to the October 2004 Shawnee Quarterly, the (Forest-wide) Forest Revision Plan draft EIS document is in preparation and scheduled now for a December 2004 release instead of last September.  The contact person for this proposed action is Steve Hupe or Richard Blume-Weaver – SO, (618) 253-7114.  The Shawnee Quarterly (The Shawnee National Forest Newsletter) stated that the deciding official for the Forest Revision Plan is the regional forester, which would make that person Randy Moore in Milwaukee.  The decision date for the Forest Plan Revision of the 1992 Amended Land and Resource Management Plan is scheduled for July 2005.

The Trails Designation Project (Phase I) involving Big Grand Pierre Creek, Eagle Creek, Lusk Creek, and Upper Bay Creek Watersheds analysis is underway with a draft document release date of January 2005.   The proposed actions in these subject watersheds is designation of system trails, construction of trailheads, amend Forest Plan to increase trail density in wilderness, and to restrict equestrian use to system trails in these subject watersheds.  Tim Pohlman at (618) 253-7114 is the contact person for this project.  The forest supervisor, Allen Nicholas, is the deciding official on the January 2005, draft decision.

After these two important drafts are released you will have 90 days to express your concerns regarding the draft Forest Revision Plan and 45 days to respond to the Trails Designation Project draft.  If you don’t send in a response, you will have no legal recourse.  The forest service will eventually be able to close down all of the forest except for the few miles of trails (which will include roadways and highways) they decide are adequate, in effect making it all mainly a natural area.   Numbers and numbers of responses are needed.  And please send copies of your responses to your representatives.  I would imagine that the Regional Office in Milwaukee is getting very tired of our representatives becoming involved in this.  So we really need to keep the pressure on them.

 

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Change to BLM Wild Horse Program

………From: American Horse Council, December 3, 2004

At the end of this Congress, Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) included a provision in the Omnibus
Appropriations Bill authorizing (perhaps even requiring) the Secretary of Interior to sell excess wild horses and burros at public sales "without limitation" on their use.  Prior to this, such horses could not be sold for processing into commercial products, including food; they could only be sold under the Bureau of Land Management Adopt-a-Horse Program.  The new provision provides that any excess horse "shall be sold" if it is over ten years old or if it has been offered unsuccessfully for adoption at least three times.  Such horses can be offered for sale "without limitation," including through public sales at livestock selling facilities.  The Department is authorized to continue such sales until all excess
 animals are sold or the "appropriate management level" is reached in all areas occupied by wild horses and burros.  Under the new law, the Secretary may determine what that appropriate management level is. The change also provides that any horse sold is no longer considered a "wild free-roaming horse," ending upon its sale any existing protections for such horses under federal laws.

Monies raised by these sales can be used to fund and market the BLM adoption program and to offset federal funds appropriated for BLM.  BLM has indicated that it did not seek this change in the existing law to deal with excess wild horses.
            Congress passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act in 1971 to protect these animals.  Since then, wild horses and burros have proliferated and what to do with these animals has become a complicated and emotional issue.  Many western ranchers are concerned that the horses take forage from cattle on the same property.  Other people are concerned with the increasing costs of caring for the horses that are not adopted.  Still others believe that these horses are part of our American heritage and should be protected.

 

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Keep Those Feet

(Thoughts on Trimming)

 

            Keeping your horses’ feet trimmed by a trained professional is a very important part of your horses’ well being.  It should be performed as often as necessary to meet the needs of the animal.  Domesticated horses do not have the opportunity to keep their hooves worn down naturally the way horses in the wild have with the major differences being the animals’ terrain and their nutrition.

            Horses’ feet are constantly growing and changing.  The rate of wear exceeds the rate of growth in wild horses.  The opposite is true for those that are domesticated.  The shapes of feet are different from front to hind.  The front feet are typically larger and rounder, while the hind have a steeper angle on the medial and lateral walls with more concavity to the sole.  Hooves bear weight, dissipate shock and aid in propulsion and traction.  If the feet are unhealthy, overly long or imbalanced, they cannot perform these functions effectively.  Watch the growth of your horse’s feet and how they are wearing.  It is desirable to have the horse’s foot land as flat as possible to distribute the weight and shock evenly.

            The hoof wall gets its shape from the coffin bone.  This is a good thing to know when you start trimming your horse’s feet.  This helps in keeping the foot as symmetrical as possible.  Before trimming, look at the entire horse.  Look for conformation defects.  Watch it move toward and away from you.  This will allow you to see any gait faults.  When you pick up the foot it is important that you locate all of the foot landmarks (sole, frog, white line, bars, and hoof wall).  There are two layers of sole – dead and live.  The sole should never yield to thumb pressure.  When trimming to go barefoot leave as much dead sole as possible.  This will add natural protection to the bottom of the foot.  Use nippers, start at the toe and work your way around each direction to the quarters.  Do not cut any sole with the nippers.  Then use your rasp to level the foot.  Rasps only cut in one direction.  Always cut away from the frog.  Make sure the heels are the same length.  Any dishes or flares need to be removed from the outer hoof wall.  If the horse is to be turned out on pasture, roll the rasp around the outer part of the hoof wall.  Make sure you have someone or a book to go by the first few times.  You cannot start over once the foot is trimmed until it grows out again.

            Balance is what you are trying to achieve when trimming a horse’s hoof.  Are the toe lengths equal?  Is the hoof pastern axis correct?  Is the foot flat?  Is the medial/lateral balance correct?  Is the frog trimmed properly?  Have all flares been removed.  These are a few questions to ask yourself after you finish your trim.

            Pay attention to what those feet are telling you.  Listen to them.  Then do what is necessary to make it right.  Good, sound feet will keep your horse happy and your vet bills lower.  Remember – No foot, No horse!

Written by Matt Jenkins, (618) 889-0387, graduate of Kentucky Horseshoeing School and an AFA member

 

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“Stewardesses” is the longest word typed with only the left hand and “lollipop” with your right.

 

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STC Thanks its Members

 

            STC wishes to thank a great many generous supporters of STC through the past year for their monetary donations in helping us deal with the problems in the Shawnee National Forest.  In going through the treasurer’s report and our membership list, I realized that, although we had intended to recognize all who had donated to STC, there was a huge slip between here and there.  So, with my apologies, here is a 2004 catch up of  “thank yous.”

 

Mark Acker of Uniontown, KY –

Janis Arnold of Troy, IL –

Barton’s body Shop of Alpha, IL –

James Beckham of Boaz, KY –

Charlie & Sally Bradley of Monee, IL –

Sammy Brown of Dickson, TN –

Brian & Liz Budde of Watson, IL –

Donald Burkhart of Golconda, IL –

David Choate of Manteno, IL –

Mark & Jeannette Collins of Palos Hills, IL –  

Peter & Lenore Cullum of Rockford, IL –

Keith Curnel of Uniontown, KY –

Chuck & Carolyn Cushman of Mode, IL –

Amos Draper of McLeansboro, IL –

Jim Dunn of Norris City, IL –

Sharon Farley of Morris, IL –

Kyle Fiers of Coal Valley, IL –

Thomas Hanks of Luka, IL –

Paul & Nancy Hein of Crown Point, IN –

Allen Hergenhahn of Oswego, IL –

David Hillman of Almyra, AR –

Diana Hyde of Long Lane, MO –

Murray & Phyllis Jackson of Harrisburg, IL –

Michael Jennings of Pacific, MO –

Ron & Sharon Karcher of Ava, MO – 

Drs. Bill & Brenda Langdon of Tamms, IL –

Chris Larsen of Grenada, MS –

Ben & Pat Laubscher of Elburn, IL –

Ricky Leggette of Crystal Springs, MS –

Amy Maloy of Pine Bluff, AR –

Rita Mitchell of Kincaid, IL –

Charlie & Stacey Nelson of Woodlawn, TN –

Jim Nord of Gulliver, MI –

Ed Nowakowski & Janet Proctor of Golconda, IL –

Jess Obermark of Metropolis, IL –

Jim Pearson of Sugar Grove, IL –

Wendell & Julia Petefish of Eddyville, IL –

Karen Schrimpl of Naperville, IL –

Howard Schroeder of Columbus Grove, OH –

Dave & Ann Scrivano of Murphysboro, IL –

Norm & Sandy Seppi of Bark River, MI –

Eugene & Judith Seyfert of Chicago, IL –

Harold Turnbull of Troy, MO –

JC Turner of Marion, IL –

Bob & Debra Wagner of Golconda, IL –

Tim Wente of Effingham, IL –

Dr. Carol Wingate of Marion, IL –

John Wiseman of Batavia, IL –

Steven & Dim Wohead of Oswego, IL –

Gary Yates of Ottumwa, IA –

Bill & Lynne Zimmer of Delavan, WI –