Name the Mascot Contest Winners

The Northwest Horse Source Youth Mascots are so relieved that they finally have names! They would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit entries.

The winning entry for the palomino show horse is Shaboom, submitted by Mitch of Oak Harbor, WA. He will receive a certificate valued at $250 for Nutrena Feeds.

The winning entry for the paint pony is Clyde, submitted by Nathaniel of Vancouver Island, BC Canada. He will receive the Pat Parelli Savvy System Part 1, Partnership.

Shaboom and Clyde are grateful to Pat Parelli Natural Horsemanship and Nutrena Feeds for their part in sponsoring the contest that finally gave them names.

We are anxious to hear from you and to begin answering your questions. Please send your horse-related questions about nutrition, training, health care or related topics, so that we can help you be more successful with all of our equine friends. Send questions to youth@nwhorsesource.com or to PO Box 717, Blaine, WA 98231 and address them to either one of us. We will be busy finding the answers to your questions. One question will be chosen each month for publication in the magazine and other questions and answers will be posted online.
(Signed), Shaboom & Clyde

To Breed or Not to Breed: Checklist for Finding the Right Stallion
By Michelle Dempsey, Youth Editor

So, you have decided that you would like to breed you mare. Maybe it’s a 4-H project or you would just like to have the experience of raising a foal. Well you need to be sure you do your research before breeding to just any stallion. Here is a good checklist for you and your parents to use as a reference when choosing the sire for your next generation.
1. Choose a stallion from the same breed as your mare unless you are looking for a specific cross. Many times cross breed foals are ineligible for registration and in the case of resale could decrease the value of the foal.
2. It is usually wise to choose a registered stallion. This enables you to check genetic history, bloodlines, and will help you decide if he is the proper mate for your mare. However, be sure that the stallion is suitable for your mare in conformation and disposition. Just because he has papers does not mean he is suitable for breeding.
3. Choose a stallion that has a sound conformation. After all, he will be contributing half of the genes to the foal. Also pick a stallion that is strong where your mare is weak in build. The goal is to produce a foal that is better than the mare. If the stallion has a permanent lameness ask how it occurred. Be sure it was not caused by faulty conformation. Ask a vet if you are in doubt.
4. Inspect the stallions current offspring by visiting the farm or viewing photos. Ask about offspring accomplishments. The owners are usually happy to tell you about them. You can check with the breed association for any record of points they have received in approved shows. Make sure his offspring are suitable for the type of riding you will be doing. Trainability and intelligence should also be determined in a stallion’s offspring. You don’t want a foal you can’t train.
5. Avoid the temptation to breed for color alone. Color should be a bonus not a requirement. Good disposition and sound conformation are more important than the color he may produce. If you do not you may end up with an inferior foal with color. This only brings the overall quality of the breed down.
6. Ask for a second opinion. Take a trainer or knowledgeable horse person with you when you inspect a stallion. It is best to take someone who is not biased about the stallion in question. This can help you make an educated decision.
7. Inspect the facility where the stallion is located. Be sure that the place your mare will be kept is safe. You will not want to risk your mare being injured while at the breeding facility.
8. Do not breed to a stallion simply because he is cheap! Be sure the stallion meets all requirements before breeding your mare to him. Find out why his fee is so low. It may be that his offspring are inferior or it may be that he is an unproven stallion. If you are new to breeding horses there is less risk if you breed to a proven stallion. If you can not afford the fee of a suitable stallion perhaps it would be best to wait another year and save for it. It doesn't cost any more to feed a good foal as it does an inferior one. And a good foal can be much more rewarding in the long run.

New Years Resolution
By Michelle Dempsey, Youth Editor

I hear my rider making vows
As she always does this time of year
Things like lighter hands
A firmer seat
And losing 15 pounds
I also make a resolution
For the coming Season
I will not harass the farrier
Giving my feet with ease
I will allow myself to be caught
With a minimal of fuss
I will not refuse a jump without good reason
And will take all my leads
Of course just like my rider
These are made with good intention
However reality and experience
Tell a very different story
So I figure it won’t last out the month.

Did you Know…..
Fun Facts About Horses

1. A pony’s body consists of about 70% water. This is why your horse should always have access to clean water.
2. When horses shed, their coats produce waterproofing oil known as sebum. This protects the coat and helps keep out the rain so the horse stays cool but dry.
3. When Horses are flat out, fast asleep, they sometimes snore, just like humans.
4. Foals and small ponies have higher temperatures than adults and bigger horses. When a foal is born his temperature is 102 degrees F. It begins to drop two or three days after he is born, and by the time he is three years old it is steady between 99-101 degrees F.
5. Horses get bored too. If your horse is in a stall for long periods of time give him a toy to keep him occupied to prevent him from developing undesirable habits.