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w w w . H o r s e m e n s C o u n c i l . o r gw w w . H o r s e m e n s C o u n c i l . o r gw w w . H o r s e m e n s C o u n c i l . o r gw w w . H o r s e m e n s C o u n c i l . o r gw w w . H o r s e m e n s C o u n c i l . o r gHorse Council Courier

VVVVVolume 1, Fall 2008olume 1, Fall 2008olume 1, Fall 2008olume 1, Fall 2008olume 1, Fall 2008

The Horsemen’The Horsemen’The Horsemen’The Horsemen’The Horsemen’s Council of Illinois newsletter dedicated to promoting as Council of Illinois newsletter dedicated to promoting as Council of Illinois newsletter dedicated to promoting as Council of Illinois newsletter dedicated to promoting as Council of Illinois newsletter dedicated to promoting ahealthy horse industry statewide through information and education.healthy horse industry statewide through information and education.healthy horse industry statewide through information and education.healthy horse industry statewide through information and education.healthy horse industry statewide through information and education.

The The The The The VVVVVoice of the Illinois Horse Industryoice of the Illinois Horse Industryoice of the Illinois Horse Industryoice of the Illinois Horse Industryoice of the Illinois Horse Industry

Inside this IssueInside this IssueInside this IssueInside this IssueInside this IssueCourier Schedule Changing..............8Courier Schedule Changing..............8Courier Schedule Changing..............8Courier Schedule Changing..............8Courier Schedule Changing..............8

E-mail E-mail E-mail E-mail E-mail Addresses needed................Addresses needed................Addresses needed................Addresses needed................Addresses needed................ 44444

EPB Grant Deadline.......................EPB Grant Deadline.......................EPB Grant Deadline.......................EPB Grant Deadline.......................EPB Grant Deadline.......................33333

Equestrian Expo & Market.......CoverEquestrian Expo & Market.......CoverEquestrian Expo & Market.......CoverEquestrian Expo & Market.......CoverEquestrian Expo & Market.......Cover

HCI push to save Parks/Trails.........3HCI push to save Parks/Trails.........3HCI push to save Parks/Trails.........3HCI push to save Parks/Trails.........3HCI push to save Parks/Trails.........3

Help the Foundation help you.........5Help the Foundation help you.........5Help the Foundation help you.........5Help the Foundation help you.........5Help the Foundation help you.........5

Rescue pony inspires......................7Rescue pony inspires......................7Rescue pony inspires......................7Rescue pony inspires......................7Rescue pony inspires......................7

Scholarship Deadline......................8Scholarship Deadline......................8Scholarship Deadline......................8Scholarship Deadline......................8Scholarship Deadline......................8

Shawnee Campground fees increase.Shawnee Campground fees increase.Shawnee Campground fees increase.Shawnee Campground fees increase.Shawnee Campground fees increase. 33333

So you want to adopt?....................4So you want to adopt?....................4So you want to adopt?....................4So you want to adopt?....................4So you want to adopt?....................4

Julie Goodnight joins DrJulie Goodnight joins DrJulie Goodnight joins DrJulie Goodnight joins DrJulie Goodnight joins Dr. Randel Raub to headline. Randel Raub to headline. Randel Raub to headline. Randel Raub to headline. Randel Raub to headlinelarlarlarlarlarge group of presenters at Chicagoland Equestriange group of presenters at Chicagoland Equestriange group of presenters at Chicagoland Equestriange group of presenters at Chicagoland Equestriange group of presenters at Chicagoland Equestrian

Life-style Expo and Holiday Market November 22-23Life-style Expo and Holiday Market November 22-23Life-style Expo and Holiday Market November 22-23Life-style Expo and Holiday Market November 22-23Life-style Expo and Holiday Market November 22-23

E questrian Life-style Expo & Holiday Market attendees will find valuable expertise available to them on all

aspects of horses November 22-23 atArlington Park Racecourse, ArlingtonHeights (Chicago), IL.

“In addition to commercial vendorsstocking ‘everythingequestrian,’ attendees willhave access to topprofessionals from thebusiness world of equestrianenterprise through thetraining, showing, nutritionand health care concerns,ranging from performancehorses to retired seniors,”according to Joy Meierhans,Expo manager.

Expo is presented byHorsemen’s Council ofIllinois and sponsored byPurina Mills. Hours will befrom 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

RFD-TV’s Julie Goodnight will joinPurina Mills’ Dr. Randel Raub as educationalheadliners at Expo, which will featureshopping on the main level of the grandstandwith learning opportunities in four seminarareas on the upper level,” Meierhans said.

“Whether you’re a seasoned veteran orjust thinking about getting into horses, Expowill help guide you to feed, tack, togs, a barnto house them – or simply offer a good timelearning more about horses and every aspectof the equestrian life-style,” Meierhans said.

Goodnight’s presentations will include“Coping with Fear,” “Horse Evaluation and

Selection – Choosing the Right Horse forYou,” “Horse Behavior and the HumanRelationship,” and “Life Lessons HorsesTeach Us.”

Julie has more than 25 years of horsetraining experience.Her varied background

ranges from dressage and jumping to racing,reining, colt-starting and wilderness riding.She communicates clearly with horses andriders in any discipline and travels coast-to-coast and beyond to film her televisionshow, “Horse Masters,” and to appear athorse expos, conferences and clinics. Hertraining and teaching techniques arefrequent features of Horse & Rider, PerfectHorse, The Trail Rider and many otherequine publications.

As Director of Equine BusinessDevelopment and Technical Service forPurina Mills, Dr. Raub has seriousresponsibilities. His subjects at Expo reflect

this. But Dr. Raub has another, personable,downright laugh-provoking side, which hewill offer through his “act” – The StupidHorse.

On the serious side, Dr. Raub willdiscuss research findingson the special needs horse(Cushings insulinresistance and, obesity);challenges in feedingOlympic athletes (andother high performancehorses); as well as what ISmeaningful research(ingredients, quality,safety issues).Raub directs equineresearch at Purina Mills’1,100-acre 75-horseresearch farm near St.Louis. He received hisBachelor and Master of

(continued on page 6)Julie Goodnight

Dr. Randel Raub

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The Horsemen’s Council of Illinois

Board of DirectorsPresident

Frank Bowman, Pleasant Plains

Vice PresidentSheryl King, Ph.D., Carbondale

Secretary/TreasurerJoseph Lowry, DVM,

Davis Junction

Past PresidentPaul Briney, Chatham

Jeff Davis, Lebanon

Russ Derango, Lexington

Karen Freese, Hammond

Anne Gallagher, Walnut Hill

Kevin Kline, Ph.D., Urbana

Joy A. Meierhans, Elburn

Mark Niebrugge, Effingham

Yvonne Ocrant, Barrington

Cherry Stout, Argenta

Peter Veit, Naperville

Advisors

Richard Bingham, Elk Grove Village

Donna Ewing, Barrington

Kandee Haertel, Galena

Jack Martin, Libertyville

Patricia Walker, Sherman

HCI Administrative Office Springfield

Bonnie Chandler217.585.1600

www.HorsemensCouncil.org

Readers are encouraged to shareinformation in this publication andpermission is granted to reprint

articles with acknowledgment to theHorsemen’s Council of Illinois.

President’President’President’President’President’s Corners Corners Corners Corners Corner

Frank Bowman

The Voice of the Illinois Horse Industry

T he election is behind us by now, and at the time of this writing, the

media and the various campaignshad been trying to convince all of us thattheir candidate was best suited for the job.As always, time will tell. But right now, wehave the opportunity to impress upon theincumbents and newly elected officials howimportant the horse industry is to theirdistrict and how the decisions they will facein the coming months impact you – theirconstituents - the horse owners of Illinois.

The Fall Legislative Veto Session hasapparently been shortened so now, thelegislators who haven’t accomplished tooterrible much yet this year will now have evenless time to do anything at all. Typicallybudget decisions made in the 11th hour areseldom the best choices for our state, there’sjust no time for proper consideration. WhileI’m sure that discussions continue to be heldat the highest levels of government you canbet most of us won’t know what they areuntil we have no choice in the matter. Ofinterest to most of the horse community arethe fund sweeps that threaten to closeseveral popular state parks. There is just noway of guessing which way that card will beplayed, only that is will probably remain inplay till the last possible moment.

The animal rights/welfare organizationscontinue their unprecedented strangleholdon the legislative process and public opinionhere in America about how livestock, and inour case horses, should be treated. Thepopular media is all about promoting the

“feel good” animal welfare story, but we ownthat story, they stole it from us, and need totell our version, too. I’m positive that notone of us disagrees that all animals shouldbe treated with respect and kindness. Our“urban cousins” need to hear from you thatno one cares more about the health andwelfare of your horses than you do. Thepublic needs to understand the anxiety youfeel when walking a colicky horse thru thenight or waiting for the vet to arrive duringsome other equine emergency. But even moreimportant, they need to hear about the joysof seeing your horse learn something “new”or pleasure you experience by just spendingtime with your horses. Our family, friendsand neighbors, who have no connection tohorses, or livestock, need to hear our story,too, if only to catch a glimpse of the benefitshorse ownership brings into our lives. Quitbeing so bashful. Share your story withanyone who will listen!

Speaking about getting our story told,I’m really looking forward to the 1st

Chicagoland Equestrian Life-style Expo &Holiday Market November 22-23 atArlington Park Racecourse, ArlingtonHeights (Chicago), IL. The folks at HCI havebeen working hard to create the best possibleevent that will sing the praises and highlightthe benefits of horse ownership and thisevent promises to do just that. Sure hope tosee you there! Bring some of your horse-curious friends and family members, too;there will be opportunities and fun foreveryone!

3

HCI push to saveHCI push to saveHCI push to saveHCI push to saveHCI push to saveparks/trails gains supportparks/trails gains supportparks/trails gains supportparks/trails gains supportparks/trails gains support

January 15thJanuary 15thJanuary 15thJanuary 15thJanuary 15thdeadline for EPBdeadline for EPBdeadline for EPBdeadline for EPBdeadline for EPBgrant applicationsgrant applicationsgrant applicationsgrant applicationsgrant applications

Deadline for the next round of grantapplications to the Illinois EquineIndustry Research and Promotion Board(EPB) is January 15, 2009.

EPB funds must go to supportequine research, education andpromotion in keeping with the enablinglegislation’s core purpose:“Enhancement of the Illinois equineindustry through self-funded programs,projects and activities. Grants toinstitutions and individuals will berelated to equine research, educationand industry enhancements andpromotion.”

Any group, individual, company orinstitution may apply for funding.Preference will be given to projectsbenefitting the largest number ofpeople/horses.

A detailed research application isavailable (as well as a shorter projectapplication) at from the EPBadministrative office, 3085 StevensonDrive, Suite 308, Springfield, IL 62703.Phone (217) 585-1600 orwww.HorsemensCouncil.org.

H orsemen’s Council of Illinois’ push to get Gov. Rod Blagojevich and State legislators to restore funding

for state parks threatened with closure isgaining support from some in government.

“In a letter to constituents, State Sena-tor Dan Rutherford, Pontiac, said,” If ac-cepted the fees would not ago into effectuntil spring 2009.

I support fully funding the state's parks.Furthermore, I question the Governor's deci-sion to close Illinois' parks when gas pricesare so high and they provide a 'close to home'wonderful family opportunity. The closuresdeny families the opportunity to fully utilizeour state's assets. Theseclosures affect horsemen, fishermen, scouts,campers, boaters and all people who enjoythe outdoors.

“The state's park system attracts tour-ism and generates revenue for Illinois. Sincetaking office, the Governor has repeatedlytargeted the state's natural resources, cut-ting the Department of Natural ResourcesGeneralRevenue budget by more than half from 2003to 2008, when the most recent cuts are takeninto account.

“I will keep up the effort to reverse theGovernor's move with regards to our stateparks.”

On Wednesday (Sept. 17) Lt. Gov. PatQuinn launched an on-line petition drive inan effort to keep open 11 state parks sched-uled to be closed permanently in November.

Quinn’ reasoning is that state parks pro-tect wilderness areas and give families ac-cess to outdoor recreation close to home.

Quinn’s website, provides a placewhere people can sign on-line petitionsand send a message to Gov. RodBlagojevich,www.sveourstateparks.org.

Quinn is quoted in the State Journal-Register as saying, “There are 11 state parkson the chopping block, and we intend tostand up for each and every one of them toprevent their closure.”

“We don’t want them closed, period.The only way we are going to get the will ofthe people heard is to use the techniques of21st century democracy — electronic democ-racy,” Quinn said.

The Journal-Register article notes thatQuinn has proposed closing a loophole inthe way sales taxes are collected and work-ing toward a dedicated funding source forthe Illinois Department of Natural Resources,such as a fraction of 1 percent of the statesales tax. The paper again quotes Quinn assaying, “DNR has absorbed more than itsshare of budget cuts, and the agency’s ad-ministrators need to provide more leadershipon the issue. “They’ve got to start fightingfor conservation and natural resources,” hesaid.

As the Courier went to press, Gov.Blagojevich had signed into law S.B. 790,sweeping dedicated funds into a special bud-get restoration fund. Yet, the action neededto restore funding to the Department of Natu-ral Resources to keep open the parks is ap-proval of S.B. 1102 – authorizing spending.Without the governor’s signature, state parksand historic sites will close at the end ofNovember.

Proposal toProposal toProposal toProposal toProposal toincrease Shawneeincrease Shawneeincrease Shawneeincrease Shawneeincrease Shawneecampground feescampground feescampground feescampground feescampground feesmoves forwardmoves forwardmoves forwardmoves forwardmoves forward

After a period of public comment onrecreational use fee increases for the ShawneeNational Forest, revised proposals have beenforwarded to the Recreational ResourcesAdvisory Committee (RRAC) Region 9 for arecommendation, according to Allen Nicholas,Shawnee National Forest Supervisor.

Fees in this revised proposal are limitedto developed campgrounds where fees alreadyare in place, Nicholas said. All other

recreational use fees in the original proposalhave been dropped.

The RRAC’s decision will be forwardedto the Regional Forester who will either acceptor deny the recommendation. If accepted thefees would not go into effect until spring 2009.As submitted, the proposed fee for overnightcamping would become $10 per night at PineRidge, Pharaoh, Camp Cadiz and Pine Hills;and $10 for a single, $12 for a double and $15for a triple site per night at Johnson Creek.

The increase would bring fees more inline with the local market, Nicholas said.

RRAC Region 9, headquartered inMilwaukee, covers 22 states in the northeastquarter of the United States, encompassing 16national forests. RRAC is made up of members

representing all phases of recreational landuse, including motor vehicles, hikers,equestrians, bicyclists, etc.

Original proposals submitted for publiccomment produced 60 letters of support and93 letters not supportive of fees. Most of theletters focused on proposals for charging newfees either for day use facilities or for equestrianuse of the designated trail system. Increasingexisting fees at campgrounds was not asignificant issue in the letters.

The Shawnee maintains a web site withan “All things equestrian” section wherehorsemen may keep up to date with trail issuesand gain access to information on all aspectsof the Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee.

4

So you want to adopt a horse?So you want to adopt a horse?So you want to adopt a horse?So you want to adopt a horse?So you want to adopt a horse?Congratulations on your decision to adopt a horse in need!Congratulations on your decision to adopt a horse in need!Congratulations on your decision to adopt a horse in need!Congratulations on your decision to adopt a horse in need!Congratulations on your decision to adopt a horse in need!

Are you ready?Are you ready?Are you ready?Are you ready?Are you ready?Your actions will change his life and

your life immensely. Owning your ownhorse is very different from attending aweekly riding lesson or borrowing afriend’s horse for trail riding. Taking theleap to horse ownership indicates thatyou are ready for more financialobligation, time spent in the barn, andprepared for handling an animal 10 timesyour weight.

Who can help?Who can help?Who can help?Who can help?Who can help?Let’s get started. Before you’re

ready to select a horse there are a fewthings you need to do in preparationfor the adoption day. The number onebest preparation for adopting a horse isexperience. If you’ve never ridden ordriven or handled a horse you are notready to adopt one. Before you take thatplunge into horse ownership, it is vitalthat you prepare yourself by takinglessons from an experiencedprofessional in your area. It isrecommended that you take lessonsfrom a professional consistently for 1-2years before adopting a horse. If youwant to drive your potential equine soulmate, then learn how to drive beforeyour bring a horse home. If you’vealways wanted to compete in the fieldof eventing, then take lessons at anevent barn on a seasoned horse andbecome comfortable before tackling anunknown horse. If you desire an equinecompanion to mow your grass, attendsome hands on classes on horsehandling, behavior, and care before youadopt that horse. You may find that yourpassion for horses is more than youimagined or conversely you may decidethat horses are better enjoyed from thesidelines.

Your instructor can support andadvise you in the horse selectionprocess. But wait, you’re not quiteready for that part! After you’ve gainedsome experience and before you adopta horse you need to develop a plan thatincludes where your horse will live and

the equipment and accessories your horserequires. Will you board your horse, or willhe live at your house?

If your horse will be boarded you needto determine which facility will best suiteyour needs and his. If you plan to ridedressage you probably want to board yourhorse where there are other dressage riders.You should look at facilities that areconvenient to your home or work and thatcater to your discipline. You may choose toboard with the facility at which you havebeen taking riding lessons. As you interviewboarding facilities ask what they offer andwhat the owner is responsible for providing.Some facilities provide buckets, feed, andbedding while other require the owner tosupply those items. The facility should bevaluated objectively, based on the qualityof care, riding or driving facilities (arena,trails, etc.), price (including hidden),location, and convenience. If your horse willbe housed on your property you need tohave appropriate pasture space, shelter, andworking areas. A good practice is to providetwo acres per horse for grazing. Additionallyyou need to provide your horse access tofree choice water and salt. Some rescues have

fencing and shelter requirements that shouldbe reviewed before modifying your propertyor selecting a boarding facility.

What do you need before youWhat do you need before youWhat do you need before youWhat do you need before youWhat do you need before youadopt?adopt?adopt?adopt?adopt?

Regardless of whether your horse willbe boarded or live on your property you needto own the necessary equine equipment andaccessories. Before you adopt a horseensure you have at least the following items:

HalterHalterHalterHalterHalterLead ropeLead ropeLead ropeLead ropeLead ropeChain shankChain shankChain shankChain shankChain shankGrooming toolsGrooming toolsGrooming toolsGrooming toolsGrooming toolsFirst First First First First Aid suppliesAid suppliesAid suppliesAid suppliesAid suppliesFly ControlFly ControlFly ControlFly ControlFly ControlBucketsBucketsBucketsBucketsBucketsSpongeSpongeSpongeSpongeSpongeBathing suppliesBathing suppliesBathing suppliesBathing suppliesBathing suppliesTTTTTack & Equipmentack & Equipmentack & Equipmentack & Equipmentack & Equipment

Now you are ready to begin the horseselection process. Work with your instructor

5

Stable Owners:Stable Owners:Stable Owners:Stable Owners:Stable Owners:Do we have yourDo we have yourDo we have yourDo we have yourDo we have youre-mail address?e-mail address?e-mail address?e-mail address?e-mail address?

HCI maintains a database of Illinoisstables. Owners who provide e-mailaddresses are sent alerts on health issues,legislation affecting horses and horseproperties, and information about HCI’stwo sponsored trade fairs, Illinois HorseFair and the all new Equestrian Life-styleExpo.

If you have not received any such e-mail in the last few weeks – and you wouldlike to receive the information – pleasesend your e-mail address tobob@themeierhans.com. Bob handlescommunications for HCI and maintains theIllinois stables database.

Although HCI has not yet done so,HCI is considering publishing a directory.HCI often receives inquiries about horses,such as “Where can I get riding lessonsin my area?” “Can you tell me aboutboarding stables close to me?” “Who doyou know who could guide my child intoshowing?”

Right now, the database includesstable name and names of owner, managerand trainer, as well as address, phone, fax,cell, e-mail and website, along with asection to note services (boarding,training, lessons, breeding and discipline),plus a comments section to describefacilities.

Why e-mail? It’s the fastest, mosteconomical means for HCI to reach you.

If you have been receiving e-mail fromHCI, you might want to e-mail Bob anyway,giving him any recent updates on youroperation.

IllinoisHorse Fair

at the Illinois State FairGrounds, Springfield, IL

March 6-8, 2009

The Council may be contacted at Horsemen’The Council may be contacted at Horsemen’The Council may be contacted at Horsemen’The Council may be contacted at Horsemen’The Council may be contacted at Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, 3085 Ss Council of Illinois, 3085 Ss Council of Illinois, 3085 Ss Council of Illinois, 3085 Ss Council of Illinois, 3085 Stevenson Drive,tevenson Drive,tevenson Drive,tevenson Drive,tevenson Drive,Suite 308, Springfield, IL 62703. Phone (217) 585-1600. Fax (217) 585-1601.Suite 308, Springfield, IL 62703. Phone (217) 585-1600. Fax (217) 585-1601.Suite 308, Springfield, IL 62703. Phone (217) 585-1600. Fax (217) 585-1601.Suite 308, Springfield, IL 62703. Phone (217) 585-1600. Fax (217) 585-1601.Suite 308, Springfield, IL 62703. Phone (217) 585-1600. Fax (217) 585-1601.

WWWWWeb site: wwweb site: wwweb site: wwweb site: wwweb site: www.HorsemensCouncil.or.HorsemensCouncil.or.HorsemensCouncil.or.HorsemensCouncil.or.HorsemensCouncil.org.g.g.g.g.

Reprinted with permission fromThe Kentucky Horse Council.

to determine the type horse thatbest fits your needs and experiencelevel. You may have to visit severalrescue facilities and a variety ofhorses before you find the one thatbest suits your needs. Some rescuesride and retrain horses while othersadopt them without training. Ensurethat you are adopting a horse withsuitable training for your skill level.

Rescue facilities have variousrequirements and arrangementsunder which they adopt horses.Visit websites and gatherinformation before you visit the site.Most rescue organizations requireadoption contracts and manystipulate that the horsecannot be used for breeding purposes. Somerescues allow you to sell the horse after aperiod of time while others require that thehorse be returned to them if you no longerwish to own him.

Is this the right horse for you?Is this the right horse for you?Is this the right horse for you?Is this the right horse for you?Is this the right horse for you?The keys to successful adoption are

being amply prepared and selecting a horsethat compliments your skill level. If you area novice you should select a horse with

experience. If you have a great deal ofexperience you may be able to adopt a horsethat needs training. Once you’ve found ahorse to adopt and made arrangementsfor his delivery the work really begins. Therewill be an initial adjustment period for youto learn about each other and develop arelationship from which your partnership willgrow. Remember to seek the advice ofprofessionals.

Help the Foundation help you!Help the Foundation help you!Help the Foundation help you!Help the Foundation help you!Help the Foundation help you!With the holiday season approaching,

charitable folks often expand their giftprograms to deserving organizations in theircommunity. This is an ideal time for membersof the horse world to support their owncommunity, too, and in doing so contributeto the future of a better world for the horsesand horsemen dear to them.

The Illinois Equine Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation established by theHorsemen’s Council of Illinois, can receiveyour tax-deductible contributions and usethem to support HCI’s scholarshipprograms.

Since 1998, HCI has used theFoundation to support the Ruby Holmquist

Memorial Scholarship Fund, and since 2006the Dean Scoggins Memorial Scholarship.

For information on how to become amajor Foundation sponsor or sustainingmember, contact the Illinois EquineFoundation, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Suite308, Springfield, IL 62703, call the HCI officeat 217-585-1600 or e-mailhci@HorsemensCouncil.org.

Checks in any amount are greatlyappreciated. They may be made payable tothe Illinois Equine Foundation and mailedto the address above. Gifts of $25 or morewill automatically generate receipts for taxpurposes.

6

Join Us Today!Individual Membership Application

Name _________________________________

Street _________________________________

City __________________________________

County ________________________________

State __________ Zip ____________________

Home Phone ( )______________________

Work Phone ( )_______________________

Fax ( )______________________________

Email _________________________________

How many horses do you own? ________

____at home _____boarding stable

Individual Membership Dues (includes$1,000,000 insurance coverage) $39/yr

Organization Membership Application

Organization ___________________________

Contact Name __________________________

Street ________________________________

City __________________________________

County _______________________________

State _________ Zip ____________________

Phone ( ) ___________________________

Fax ( ) _____________________________

Email _________________________________

Website _______________________________

# of Illinois Members in Organization _________

Check appropriate category___Business/Professional ___Association ___ Charity

Organization Membership Dues: $50/yr.

Make check payable and mail to:

Horsemen’s Council of Illinois3085 Stevenson Dr., Ste. 308Springfield, IL 62703Phone: 217.585.1600www.horsemenscouncil.org

Total amount enclosed: $_____________

(continued from cover )

Science degrees from the University ofIllinois and his Doctorate from theUniversity of Kentucky where he focusedon the effects of nutrition and exercise ongrowth physiology. Before joining Purina,he was the horse teaching and researchspecialist at Kansas State University for 12years. He and his family are active in thebreeding and training of ranch and westernperformance horses.

Program details (descriptions of topics,biographies of presenters, schedule ofevents and times) will be available on theExpo website. Tickets are $6 per day, $10for the weekend. Credit cards may be usedto purchase tickets on-line atwww.HorsemensCouncil.org. Tickets at thedoor are cash only.

Vendors will offer English and Westerntack and clothing; feed, supplements, healthcare products; facilities, equipment andstable supplies; and trailers.

With only 30 days before Christmas,attendees will find selection and pricing onfeatured holiday gift items, includingjewelry, art, books, stationery, home/barn/lounge accessories – even chocolates inthe shape of horse heads.

Expo will have representatives fromschools, camps and breed/discipline clubs,all eager to share their perspective on thehorse world – and how to join them.

Expo will offer presentations onincorporating a passion for horses intohome décor, the horse in art, animalcommunication and more.

Equestrian life-style presenters willinclude trainer/performer Laura Amandis’observations on horses in entertainment(Amandis is former show director andsenior vice president of entertainment forArabian Nights Dinner Theatre, Orlando);animal communication practitioner AsiaVoight, whose uncanny insight into what ahorse is thinking amazes owners; sportspsychologist Dr. Morgan Wolin, who hashelped prominent teams and playersdevelop a winning attitude, as well ashelping equestrians deal with mental

blocks; and ASID designer Susan B.Behringer, who will inspire listeners withher “how to” presentation on incorporatingyour passion for horses into your home.

Amandis also will host a session onthe professional secrets of training horsesat liberty.

A modern-day James Herriott, MarciaThibeault, DVM, author of “I Make HorseCalls,” will share readings from her bookas she introduces CSI Angie Palmer, whocan coolly examine the bloody scene of atriple murder, but panics when her maregoes into labor; the punctual MaryWilkinson, who seeks veterinary advicewhen her horse’s bowel movement is anhour late; seven teenage boys who faintwhile observing surgery during career dayat the veterinary hospital, and others.

Expo’s programming format will beseminars and roundtables – literally – whereattendees can spend 15 minutes at a tablewith an expert before moving on to the nexttable, topic and expert. Subjects will includedesigning web sites that work, drafting yourown liability release to reduce legal risk inequine activities, equine mortality andmedical insurance, current health issues,how to manage small acreage horsepastures and paddocks, budget-mindedmarketing, what to do until the vet arrives,stem cell therapy for joint disease andtendon injury, equine disasterpreparedness, leg wrapping, how to buyyour first horse, and many more.

For information on attending Expo visitwww.HorsemensCouncil.org or call toll free1-866-384-9161. For information onexhibiting, contact Joy Meierhans at (630)557-2575 or JM@TheMeierhans.com.

Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, voiceof the horse industry in Illinois, is affiliatedwith the American Horse Council and is thestatewide association of equineorganizations and individuals working toprovide centralized leadership for Illinois’77,000 horse owners, 213,000 horses andits $3.8 billion industry, which provides full-time employment for more than 15,000people.

Julie Goodnight joins DrJulie Goodnight joins DrJulie Goodnight joins DrJulie Goodnight joins DrJulie Goodnight joins Dr. Randel Raub to. Randel Raub to. Randel Raub to. Randel Raub to. Randel Raub toheadline large group of presenters atheadline large group of presenters atheadline large group of presenters atheadline large group of presenters atheadline large group of presenters at

Chicagoland Equestrian Life-style ExpoChicagoland Equestrian Life-style ExpoChicagoland Equestrian Life-style ExpoChicagoland Equestrian Life-style ExpoChicagoland Equestrian Life-style Expoand Holiday Market November 22-23and Holiday Market November 22-23and Holiday Market November 22-23and Holiday Market November 22-23and Holiday Market November 22-23

7

Rescue pony inspires us allRescue pony inspires us allRescue pony inspires us allRescue pony inspires us allRescue pony inspires us all

Editor’s note: The following is a storymaking the rounds over the Internet.HCI normally does not pickup suchfeatures, but this one is genuinelyuplifting.

M eet Molly. She's a greyspeckled pony who was

abandoned by her own-ers when Hurricane Katrina hit southernLouisiana. She spent weeks on her own be-fore finally being rescued and taken to a farmwhere abandoned animals were stockpiled.While there, she was attacked by a pit bullterrier and almost died. Her gnawed rightfront leg became infected, and her vet wentto LSU for help, but LSU was overwhelmed,and this pony was a welfare case. You knowhow that goes.

But after surgeon Rustin Moore metMolly, he changed his mind. He saw howthe pony was careful to lie down on differ-ent sides so she didn't seem to get sores,and how she allowed people to handle her.She protected her injured leg. She constantlyshifted her weight and didn't overload hergood leg. She was a smart pony with a seri-ous survival ethic.

Moore agreed to remove her leg belowthe knee, and a temporary artificial limb wasbuilt. Molly walked out of the clinic and herstory really begins there.

“This was the right horse and the rightowner,“ Moore insists. Molly happened tobe a one-in-a-million patient. She's tough asnails, but sweet, and she was willing to copewith pain. She made it obvious she under-stood that she was in trouble. The other im-portant factor, according to Moore, is hav-ing a truly committed and compliant ownerwho is dedicated to providing the daily carerequired over the lifetime of the horse.

Molly's story turns into a parable forlife in post-Katrina Louisiana. The little ponygained weight, and her mane finally felt acomb. A human prosthesis designer built hera leg.

The prosthetic has given Molly a wholenew life, Allison Barca, DVM, Molly's regu-lar vet, reports.

And she asks for it. She will put herlittle limb out, and come to you and let youknow that she wants you to put it on. Some-times she wants you to take it off, too. Andsometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. “Itcan be pretty bad when you can't catch athree-legged horse,” she laughs.

Most important of all, Molly has a jobnow. Kay, the rescue farm owner, started tak-ing Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursinghomes, and rehabilitation centers. Anywhereshe thought that people needed hope.“Wherever Molly went, she showed peopleher pluck. She inspired people, and she hada good time doing it,” Kay says

It's obvious to me that Molly had a big-ger role to play in life, Moore said. “She sur-vived the hurricane, she survived a horribleinjury, and now she is giving hope to oth-ers.”

Barca concluded, “She's not back tonormal, but she's going to be better. To me,she could be a symbol for New Orleansitself.”

Molly the pony

Earlier this summer, the AmericanHorse Council releases two publicationsconcerning the design, construction andmaintenance of equestrian trails, trailheadsand campgrounds.

The Equestrian Design Guidebook forTrails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds,written by Jan Hancock in conjunctionwith U.S. Forest Service, has beenreleased by the Federal HighwayAdministration (FHWA). This manualprovides trail design and constructiondetails, while explaining the particularphysical and psychological needs ofequines and their riders that necessitatethem. The information in this guidebookis applicable to trails at all levels ofdevelopment and locations.

Recreational Horse Trails in Rural andWildland Areas: Design, Construction,and Maintenance, was written by GeneW. Wood, in conjunction with 16contributing authors. This guidebookconcentrates specifically on horse traildevelopment in rural and wild land areas.An emphasis is placed on trail design,construction and placement that will makelong term use by equestrians possible.The American Horse Council was involvedin facilitating the funding of this book.

Equestrian accessible trails are of theutmost importance to the horsecommunity. Both of these books areneeded and will be of great help torecreational riders throughout the country.

Equestrian Design Guidebook forTrails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds isoffered free of charge on-line at the FHWAwebsite www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/07232816/index.htm, or a hardcopy can be ordered through the FHWAReport Center:. www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/trailpub.htm.

Recreational Horse Trails in Rural andWildland Areas: Design, Construction,and Maintenance, is available for a feefrom Clemson University’s Forestry andNatural Resources website atwww.clemson.edu/foresters.

And don’t forget the Illinois TrailRiders Handbook on trails, camps andservices. It is available for $25 by mail fromIllinois Trail Riders, 4873 Indian Hills Drive,Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Equestrian Equestrian Equestrian Equestrian Equestrian TTTTTrailsrailsrailsrailsrailsManuals ReleasedManuals ReleasedManuals ReleasedManuals ReleasedManuals Released

8

Courier ScheduleCourier ScheduleCourier ScheduleCourier ScheduleCourier ScheduleChangingChangingChangingChangingChanging

Publication schedules for your quarterly Couriernewsletter are changing to help HCI better address majorgatherings of horsemen in Illinois.

The new schedule begins with this Fall issue, beingmailed before November 15, meaning that extra copiescan be printed for distribution at HCI’s new ChicagolandEquestrian Life-style Expo at Arlington Park Racecourse(Chicago), an event projected to attract more than 5,000horsemen in its first year.

Winter 2009’s edition will mail February 15, permittingHCI to again print extras for distribution at Illinois HorseFair, March 6-8 at the Fairgrounds in Springfield. Thisevent, going into its 20th year, annually draws in excessof 10,000 horsemen.

Spring’s edition is targeted to mail May 15, and thesummer edition August 15.

While distribution remains quarterly, HCI views theCourier as an important communications tool to reach itsmembers, Legislators, Congressional delegates, andindividuals influential in the equine industry across thestate.

Horse Council CourierHorse Council CourierHorse Council CourierHorse Council CourierHorse Council CourierHorsemen’s Council of Illinois, Inc.Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, Inc.Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, Inc.Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, Inc.Horsemen’s Council of Illinois, Inc.The Voice of the IllinoisThe Voice of the IllinoisThe Voice of the IllinoisThe Voice of the IllinoisThe Voice of the IllinoisHorse IHorse IHorse IHorse IHorse Industryndustryndustryndustryndustry3085 S3085 S3085 S3085 S3085 Stevenson Drive, Suite 308tevenson Drive, Suite 308tevenson Drive, Suite 308tevenson Drive, Suite 308tevenson Drive, Suite 308Springfield, IL 62703Springfield, IL 62703Springfield, IL 62703Springfield, IL 62703Springfield, IL 62703

Application deadlines for the Ruby Holmquist and DeanScoggins Memorial Scholarships are December 1.Guidelines and application forms are available atwww.HorsemensCouncil.org or by contacting the HCI

administrative office.Funded through the

Illinois Equine Foundation,these scholarships improvethe future health of theIllinois horse industry bysupporting deservingstudents committed tocareers in the business.

S c o g g i n sScholarships go to Illinois veterinary students pursuinga career as an equine vet. Holmquist Scholarships aregiven to students seeking a “vocational/professional”position in the industry or an “academic/educational”career with horses.

Scholarship DeadlinesScholarship DeadlinesScholarship DeadlinesScholarship DeadlinesScholarship Deadlinesare December 1stare December 1stare December 1stare December 1stare December 1st