tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43017677730837885482024-02-13T20:54:49.183-06:00North HorseHorses, Humor & Criticism from Wisconsin. North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-18091075193001859362019-01-26T13:31:00.002-06:002019-01-26T20:56:02.896-06:00OR Rescue Trainer Revealed as Convicted Animal Abuser<br />
I don't normally write about happenings outside the boundaries of our fair state, but this one was too unbelievable to let go. <br />
<br />
Roughly 2,000 miles due west of us lies Oregon. Much like us, they have lots of gorgeous nature, too much mud, and one large city full of excitable, pink-haired persons of indeterminate gender that can yell sexismracismhomophobiafacism faster than a caffeinated auctioneer. Also much like us, they also have many horses and horse rescues. The similarities don't end there. <br />
<br />
Recently, we had our first <a href="https://midwestrescuehorsetrainerschallenge.wordpress.com/">Midwest Rescue Challenge</a>, a special competition for rescue horses only, in September 2018. The <a href="https://www.oregonrescuechallenge.com/">Oregon Rescue Challenge</a> began just a few years earlier, in 2015, under the name Rescue Revolution. <br />
<br />
In a rescue challenge, trainers apply to work with horses from participating rescues throughout the state, and after 90 days, compete with them in a multi-disciplinary show. The trainer gets exposure and goodwill, the rescue gets a horse or two trained up, and the horse becomes way more adoptable. Sponsors like local businesses and civic organizations pay for advertising and facilities, or donate silent auction items, raffle prizes, etc. If the venue is large enough, vendors can come and sell stuff. Crowds come and see all the adoptable horses in action, plus pictures of more at each horse rescue's booth. Swag is sold, donations given, connections made-- it's like a mini Horse Fair, but just for rescues! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0MT6iswexepMVDQPcZsGrGDDpEZFK5u2SCs8JTMvHQXLNsPwLbqD4LJcty0wvvEYHqmLMU8f65WRgZSCAYM6uZlya-Jx5AtNmv6swXVjaK4RGOyRz9JwMHLlPwr5rSew07ORoRNLxnON/s1600/challenge.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0MT6iswexepMVDQPcZsGrGDDpEZFK5u2SCs8JTMvHQXLNsPwLbqD4LJcty0wvvEYHqmLMU8f65WRgZSCAYM6uZlya-Jx5AtNmv6swXVjaK4RGOyRz9JwMHLlPwr5rSew07ORoRNLxnON/s640/challenge.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stick figure illustration for my stick figure budget. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These kinds of events are an amazingly good idea. We need them because far too often, the public thinks of all horse rescuers as either shady, fast-talking, redneck liars out to make a profit, or as PETA-inspired, crystal-healing, animal-hoarding lunatics. While those do exist, I'd like to think that <strike>most</strike> a good number of horse rescues are legitimate, and can work together to promote the good work that they do. And rescued horses themselves should be promoted as hard as any breed. Rescue horses are just as talented, athletic, and lovable as those that come straight from a breeder. Yes, the horses, rescue organizations and trainers alike can benefit tremendously from the positive PR of a Challenge. Everyone goes home a winner. It's a great thing. <br />
<br />
Naturally, of course, the first thing humans do with a good thing is screw it up. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">It has just becoming widely known that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OregonRescueChallenge/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARAm8m6pFZTGu6mUpyDOxMxjVB0Tjie3vYkVQelEmy9gJU1l_FdPUqlviPRcSObcdsIT4nqpFNVegNDg&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8cAcfb9253y1EEpjM2VAdIXjwhtd1mYsKwPSTUIZNJWUK2xkxmD9gdmTjH_RV5LlHhZREAU1BfcvyjeWTGXFDuYOE02VDfextwYcxy6AEn5jyu0AlOF19E-4QsIfV2NfqFEoLY0auVUlDzmq4DxWOWPPDoNAtfHwKLOnf--JrJFL81BX-kkxNbq2BOwHiqE1MSTzfu8nPOFT3CaHkJ2OoFJiQf2k95yTJwNtCKdUt-22-1uU4sKK5LE2k7MbaPnFrSvvY4botjIc51FGSd-5l3KF3jYLdJ4ekiACkq9yqFXWwK9-vmetyTGUMkX8">Oregon Rescue Challenge</a> (ORC) has allowed a convicted an animal abuser to participate in its competition, and was (is?) all set to let him do it again in 2019. </span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1jrmA-LMddRBnBdfdDKFU5KLZcrLoy-oaTLx4_ZQTpY6Vt1400ZAlUIcBpgzJMxks0WSg5J8HToERDSAtD81iSq3pzv6AmJmEk2QNF_JAmHNP-YAmUva9Y90ASsXkQzQgE1VW6f0KX2N/s1600/abuse+charges.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1jrmA-LMddRBnBdfdDKFU5KLZcrLoy-oaTLx4_ZQTpY6Vt1400ZAlUIcBpgzJMxks0WSg5J8HToERDSAtD81iSq3pzv6AmJmEk2QNF_JAmHNP-YAmUva9Y90ASsXkQzQgE1VW6f0KX2N/s200/abuse+charges.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkq_VUBJp2yzuglHlw49cA7FFhlTvrq0hF9NivUUpEwa6FA6Acx90VvhPugaLbbDxIYjcVZgTceRekG7NhrzBn9hvJq36VEeHMTcn0Mz8Lmff88FVDuQuhU-O6awK3mS8fXuOMQH0xWSl/s1600/comp.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkq_VUBJp2yzuglHlw49cA7FFhlTvrq0hF9NivUUpEwa6FA6Acx90VvhPugaLbbDxIYjcVZgTceRekG7NhrzBn9hvJq36VEeHMTcn0Mz8Lmff88FVDuQuhU-O6awK3mS8fXuOMQH0xWSl/s400/comp.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>In 2007, Geraldo Morales kicked and beat a three month old foal so hard, he broke its neck. As it lay in the dirt, he kept on kicking it. He then forced a cold water hose up the severely injured foal's nose in an attempt to make it get up. The foal had to be euthanized.<br /><br />The same year, Morales threw a miniature Jack Russel Terrier puppy through the air like a football, onto concrete.</b><br />
<br />
A full article on these horrors can be found<a href="https://pamplinmedia.com/component/content/article?id=186306&fbclid=IwAR07Fl4LfA5AomzSfWJXUEQnwaFKwuhYjDoSErSn5pQ_GvmqpD8lb77Wqus"> here</a>. Warning: more awful details.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrvqei9ncEik4Q6zWIVcuiO01fbhUuEZlvlTZA0_Ke7dmyD_DIBKUg_p20ZA8q7hqxLq6ijgZLcVzaLW5N2edqFncavNjFqx3zy32Q50hnHg_OESex7KX_SBTmJHF9qxDMcuhRhHyMfmj/s1600/babies.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrvqei9ncEik4Q6zWIVcuiO01fbhUuEZlvlTZA0_Ke7dmyD_DIBKUg_p20ZA8q7hqxLq6ijgZLcVzaLW5N2edqFncavNjFqx3zy32Q50hnHg_OESex7KX_SBTmJHF9qxDMcuhRhHyMfmj/s320/babies.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure the very definition of evil is beating a baby animal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, we all know how hard it is to get anyone charged with animal abuse. Long-time readers will remember our constant struggles to even get authorities to pay attention when horses are starving to death. Yet Geraldo Morales was not only arrested and charged with felonies, but convicted by a jury.<br />
<br />
You would think that an organization devoted to helping horses rescued from exactly this kind of sadistic criminal would not want to associate one. But ORC did. They promoted Morales as a top trainer, including him in Challenge PR before and after the event. He even won 3rd place in the 2018 Challenge. But that's not where it ends.<br />
<br />
There is an argument that can be made about this situation, and it goes like this:<br />
<br />
"OK, so Morales screwed up. He did bad things. But he's changed! He's a great guy now!"<br />
<br />
Me personally, I'm not <strike>gullible</strike> charitable enough to think that the kind of man who can beat a baby foal to death is the kind of man who is going to change much. But some people do think guys like that deserve a second chance. Ok... but shouldn't people have been given the basic facts, so that they could at least give that second chance themselves?<br />
<br />
Not according to ORC. In fact, they didn't bother to officially tell any of the participating sponsors, volunteers, or rescues, about Morales's past record so that those folks could make their own decisions about whether to give him horses, money, sponsorships, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Did I mention Geraldo Morales also pleaded guilty to domestic abuse? <br />He strangled a lady in front of her child.*</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ml3ReM-HXmaYgVRrFSaCcZbicILI2wVUUnY7HkAYoCSE5vbr2L_ujAeKyp_LeKXhj_TBidicnve7At6GxUGKZ_rO2o0LPBmby5UCyiGCN9O3B8AGOul1HMfTmSJTUyIy-X5TkD97khj_/s1600/strangled.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ml3ReM-HXmaYgVRrFSaCcZbicILI2wVUUnY7HkAYoCSE5vbr2L_ujAeKyp_LeKXhj_TBidicnve7At6GxUGKZ_rO2o0LPBmby5UCyiGCN9O3B8AGOul1HMfTmSJTUyIy-X5TkD97khj_/s400/strangled.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Also, while under the influence, he flipped his pickup truck into a canyon, and <a href="https://www.bendbulletin.com/news/1508690-151/redmond-police-find-pickup-in-bottom-of-dry?amp=1&fbclid=IwAR2nyWelj0PreJdJ3YOcZpV2U6qWneimysmy3jd6214NTULTFrUzhsLmfq4">lied to police</a> about how somebody must have stolen it.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6SWOttIIxBO2hcY2iRaPXFpen-UfQPJuKknnywcEhzjXE0MKD90ViuHbirXYX9MZH-6fwMyZig36tVOvnkjiEX9QXRySBd9Sx1CPKOriTMyQALGykfs-S-5M2YODtsOfG1jbOP2Ax31q/s1600/DUI.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6SWOttIIxBO2hcY2iRaPXFpen-UfQPJuKknnywcEhzjXE0MKD90ViuHbirXYX9MZH-6fwMyZig36tVOvnkjiEX9QXRySBd9Sx1CPKOriTMyQALGykfs-S-5M2YODtsOfG1jbOP2Ax31q/s1600/DUI.JPG" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mB5p4vbDPQEkRoelvpR5VY0iFEBYvwRRq-x5vYvFkUS5I8DnthpyhK-HgbYiCJcDmhgrGOnrnyKF2w-ZlKeICszOXTs-Dfc2RKloqom2CMg2g1GxcgoZTV6CuJez5S924v0p9rJQ_BOz/s320/bulletin.png" /><br />
<br />
Great guy, this Geraldo. Is the ORC Board of Directors insane?<br />
<br />
<i>Oh wait.</i> It appears that Geraldo Morales's wife is on the ORC Board of Directors. NOW it all makes sense! Can you say, "conflict of interest?" <br />
<br />
Speaking of morally questionable behavior, it turns out that ORC hasn't filed their yearly tax-exempt forms with the IRS since 2016. According to the IRS, charities which don't file this paperwork for three consecutive years have their non-profit status revoked. I wonder if their sponsors and donors know? As of today, the ORC is still asking for donations of money and services, as well as high-priced sponsorships. And they're doing so despite apparently telling some of their supporters that the 2019 Challenge has been cancelled (no public statement though).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyWBcHO4WiGII2s47BKQ_KlcPOKuFqXf0o06Y80Svy9yhVdevj86_M0_qrFAKawCCSXlX0QZOQBqedcdjqRO98_7dh3ZP5ogUzfIvcv4W5aLGhp2at1q9JIMdL9kZoT7nteTHVRfKWKPE/s1600/sponsorships.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyWBcHO4WiGII2s47BKQ_KlcPOKuFqXf0o06Y80Svy9yhVdevj86_M0_qrFAKawCCSXlX0QZOQBqedcdjqRO98_7dh3ZP5ogUzfIvcv4W5aLGhp2at1q9JIMdL9kZoT7nteTHVRfKWKPE/s640/sponsorships.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfu07CizJVX312UOPOFqbTNTJ39lX6n3tz1mdvxZ0jeESN7X9VHxFqhN3R4XlaMqd-y-bxPX241UZb62gPDzBe0Ahu3PxC3ILie9SxbaovbI-JARV3pCdp3U1YB6XrQQYmQ0mP1mxtGA-/s1600/irs.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfu07CizJVX312UOPOFqbTNTJ39lX6n3tz1mdvxZ0jeESN7X9VHxFqhN3R4XlaMqd-y-bxPX241UZb62gPDzBe0Ahu3PxC3ILie9SxbaovbI-JARV3pCdp3U1YB6XrQQYmQ0mP1mxtGA-/s400/irs.png" /></a><br />
<br />
Let's get to what else the Oregon Rescue Challenge Board of Directors has been saying.<br />
Their list of excuses and justifications for the Morales situation is as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li>2007 was a long time ago!</li>
<li>There were extenuating circumstances that basically excuse his kicking the foal to death.</li>
<li>It was (somehow) a tragic accident. </li>
<li>Only God can judge him, you aren't perfect so you can't judge him.</li>
<li>Our critics should be ashamed of themselves for being bullies.</li>
<li>We're/he's helping horses, so you shouldn't criticize, doing so makes you the bad guy.</li>
</ul>
At least one member of the ORC board (guess who) is threatening to sue anybody that has anything bad to say about Morales for slander-- or even just posts a link to a news article about him. This has got some people scared.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmiK4Yb_NoMGxh8WroN8QILIajDgsXowqCCvgxXJbE4OxpRA0MTF5NGhyphenhyphenX1ecGaBdAD3VLDYzr6OCeA8sEQpkQQmRYrPBwrZTUgpozOl5wnld6gkipR2JO7Wz6ZOVN4tVFrLTgc4dmJIN/s1600/slander.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmiK4Yb_NoMGxh8WroN8QILIajDgsXowqCCvgxXJbE4OxpRA0MTF5NGhyphenhyphenX1ecGaBdAD3VLDYzr6OCeA8sEQpkQQmRYrPBwrZTUgpozOl5wnld6gkipR2JO7Wz6ZOVN4tVFrLTgc4dmJIN/s400/slander.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Don't worry, folks. If I had a dollar for every time I have been threatened with lawsuits for outing abusive jerks, neglectful owners, and cheaters, my favorite horse rescues would be rolling in dough from my donations.<br />
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In case you weren't aware, slander is a legal term for spoken lies (libel is written lies). To be successfully sued for either, you actually have to knowingly tell a lie. <br />
<br />
The fact that Geraldo Morales committed animal abuse, domestic abuse, and a heinous DUI, and the fact that the ORC worked with him anyway, are all 100% true.<br />
<br />
To all the good people of Oregon: Don't let anyone from the ORC board try to intimidate you to keep you from telling the truth. They don't have a leg to stand on.<br />
<br />
To the horse rescues pulling back from the ORC: Good job.<br />
Maybe your reason is simply that you can't afford to publicly associate with a convicted animal abuser, no matter how reformed he may be.<br />
Maybe your reason is that if the ORC wasn't transparent about this, what else are they not telling you?<br />
Maybe your reason is that you feel that the protection of your rescue horses and volunteers comes first.<br />
Whatever your reasons are, don't be afraid to stand by your convictions. I particularly love Mustang MEND's response to this situation. Very professional.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwijH1zSxxCJQUQvqCykBqBOPC6w5ykiiSd517jjqu7TX8vzGmbWUqTX00kc7nda9x57alxbRqVhPHtVKSXM6oUV5tOxuvQ52iLVMiywkEQmGLPU36qNd8OkcLVmMrIc6_R0Ps2KWOIp-/s1600/MEND+response.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwijH1zSxxCJQUQvqCykBqBOPC6w5ykiiSd517jjqu7TX8vzGmbWUqTX00kc7nda9x57alxbRqVhPHtVKSXM6oUV5tOxuvQ52iLVMiywkEQmGLPU36qNd8OkcLVmMrIc6_R0Ps2KWOIp-/s640/MEND+response.png" /></a><br />
<br />
ORC Board of Directors as listed on their website:<br />
<br />
Stephanie Morales -- Barn Manager/Sponsorship<br />
Stephanie@OregonRescueChallenge.com<br />
<br />
Sarah Hockett -- Trainer & Rescue Contact<br />
360-430-1692<br />
Sarah@OregonRescueChallenge.com<br />
<br />
Gayle Park --Past-President/Sponsorship<br />
503-833-286<br />
Gayle@OregonRescueChallenge.com<br />
<br />
Connie Settle --- Treasurer, Website<br />
541-550-0002<br />
Connie@OregonRescueChallenge.com<br />
<br />
Margie Humberston -- Social Media<br />
Margie@OregonRescueChallenge.com<br />
<br />
Cyndi Davis President -- no contact info<br />
Colleen Olsen Secretary -- no contact info<br />
Colleen Freihoff Sponsorship Director -- no contact info<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Rescues Withdrawn from the ORC:<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_chhuuuG8o6kBL5DlseeqFH5VuHPWLMi6FhL06TJujEyCdcUD4Nn3PV5cxb-Fwj3h75fsChBHgqm43mrFjaGE10WMMU1xM8kEQbxjREA16bn1YgrxBPq1cXjpMfWrRHuHEmu_d_tKb_P/s1600/seoinvite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="606" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_chhuuuG8o6kBL5DlseeqFH5VuHPWLMi6FhL06TJujEyCdcUD4Nn3PV5cxb-Fwj3h75fsChBHgqm43mrFjaGE10WMMU1xM8kEQbxjREA16bn1YgrxBPq1cXjpMfWrRHuHEmu_d_tKb_P/s400/seoinvite.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ORC alternative has invited rescues to their chellenge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<b>
</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/allaboutmustangs/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARCXSe5rNt14iy0lKc3zJU8ZOT8qUxk23ay5gfD0rfUdVXp2TVqWZSm-wo744FrnavlqQJ2OyBd41D4j&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8cAcfb9253y1EEpjM2VAdIXjwhtd1mYsKwPSTUIZNJWUK2xkxmD9gdmTjH_RV5LlHhZREAU1BfcvyjeWTGXFDuYOE02VDfextwYcxy6AEn5jyu0AlOF19E-4QsIfV2NfqFEoLY0auVUlDzmq4DxWOWPPDoNAtfHwKLOnf--JrJFL81BX-kkxNbq2BOwHiqE1MSTzfu8nPOFT3CaHkJ2OoFJiQf2k95yTJwNtCKdUt-22-1uU4sKK5LE2k7MbaPnFrSvvY4botjIc51FGSd-5l3KF3jYLdJ4ekiACkq9yqFXWwK9-vmetyTGUMkX8">All About Mustangs</a><br />
(541) 890-1274<br />
info@allaboutmustangs.org<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MustangsMEND/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARCqV8A5uobt67fggLwoZpT8BHBBXwMYzTHh-PnRacx9bInnJ2R8VF1QnxkObH4BQo8lml_qxy8nzyfh&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8cAcfb9253y1EEpjM2VAdIXjwhtd1mYsKwPSTUIZNJWUK2xkxmD9gdmTjH_RV5LlHhZREAU1BfcvyjeWTGXFDuYOE02VDfextwYcxy6AEn5jyu0AlOF19E-4QsIfV2NfqFEoLY0auVUlDzmq4DxWOWPPDoNAtfHwKLOnf--JrJFL81BX-kkxNbq2BOwHiqE1MSTzfu8nPOFT3CaHkJ2OoFJiQf2k95yTJwNtCKdUt-22-1uU4sKK5LE2k7MbaPnFrSvvY4botjIc51FGSd-5l3KF3jYLdJ4ekiACkq9yqFXWwK9-vmetyTGUMkX8">Mustangs MEND</a><br />
(541) 666-8112<br />
mustangsmend@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MustangsAndMohr/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARAWNiggjOdVzttNJBFXqBlv5O8GYQjZZbu0UM-AHSzGjKjVZp0zGa5N5UuxvL2Tiy9JyO6TJY2PhAct&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8cAcfb9253y1EEpjM2VAdIXjwhtd1mYsKwPSTUIZNJWUK2xkxmD9gdmTjH_RV5LlHhZREAU1BfcvyjeWTGXFDuYOE02VDfextwYcxy6AEn5jyu0AlOF19E-4QsIfV2NfqFEoLY0auVUlDzmq4DxWOWPPDoNAtfHwKLOnf--JrJFL81BX-kkxNbq2BOwHiqE1MSTzfu8nPOFT3CaHkJ2OoFJiQf2k95yTJwNtCKdUt-22-1uU4sKK5LE2k7MbaPnFrSvvY4botjIc51FGSd-5l3KF3jYLdJ4ekiACkq9yqFXWwK9-vmetyTGUMkX8">Mustangs and MOHR</a><br />
(503) 623-8430<br />
debsmustangs@gmail.com<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HNBAR/">Harmony New Beginnings</a><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">(503) 569-1969</span><br />
<div class="_4bl9" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; flex: 1 0 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden;">
<div class="_50f4" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration-line: none;">
<a href="mailto:harmonynbrescue@aol.com?__xts__=" id="u_fetchstream_6_0" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">harmonynbrescue@aol.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Rescues Still in the ORC:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/3SistersEquineRescue/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARD7RbIWkQFJq7plCVtUrVycstOm9U0VArpvKU-WT5x6AGiRI2-WDASDU914tg3rK1bXKFSnUCQ9ygoF&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8cAcfb9253y1EEpjM2VAdIXjwhtd1mYsKwPSTUIZNJWUK2xkxmD9gdmTjH_RV5LlHhZREAU1BfcvyjeWTGXFDuYOE02VDfextwYcxy6AEn5jyu0AlOF19E-4QsIfV2NfqFEoLY0auVUlDzmq4DxWOWPPDoNAtfHwKLOnf--JrJFL81BX-kkxNbq2BOwHiqE1MSTzfu8nPOFT3CaHkJ2OoFJiQf2k95yTJwNtCKdUt-22-1uU4sKK5LE2k7MbaPnFrSvvY4botjIc51FGSd-5l3KF3jYLdJ4ekiACkq9yqFXWwK9-vmetyTGUMkX8">3 Sisters Equine Refuge</a><br />
(202) 821-8855<br />
3sisterstotherescue@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/projectspirit/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARCBZ4LrTOetgVhJBx3Ia2H6LSxOZZzwLR8WeVm_0f-ZfRjlVrcVb0JDIY0Q1MYsfsymooU1PFApw3ru&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8cAcfb9253y1EEpjM2VAdIXjwhtd1mYsKwPSTUIZNJWUK2xkxmD9gdmTjH_RV5LlHhZREAU1BfcvyjeWTGXFDuYOE02VDfextwYcxy6AEn5jyu0AlOF19E-4QsIfV2NfqFEoLY0auVUlDzmq4DxWOWPPDoNAtfHwKLOnf--JrJFL81BX-kkxNbq2BOwHiqE1MSTzfu8nPOFT3CaHkJ2OoFJiQf2k95yTJwNtCKdUt-22-1uU4sKK5LE2k7MbaPnFrSvvY4botjIc51FGSd-5l3KF3jYLdJ4ekiACkq9yqFXWwK9-vmetyTGUMkX8">Project Spirit Horse Rescue</a><br />
541-891-2921<br />
cwanimalhelp@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/warmspringshorsenetwork/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARBMi0Kvv0mZENVrKjGtJIsy6JrREJ0y1xuxs2HES2lh3KytfNoR0xxp1X7y7qGjHxtveANPtMm0amlV&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8cAcfb9253y1EEpjM2VAdIXjwhtd1mYsKwPSTUIZNJWUK2xkxmD9gdmTjH_RV5LlHhZREAU1BfcvyjeWTGXFDuYOE02VDfextwYcxy6AEn5jyu0AlOF19E-4QsIfV2NfqFEoLY0auVUlDzmq4DxWOWPPDoNAtfHwKLOnf--JrJFL81BX-kkxNbq2BOwHiqE1MSTzfu8nPOFT3CaHkJ2OoFJiQf2k95yTJwNtCKdUt-22-1uU4sKK5LE2k7MbaPnFrSvvY4botjIc51FGSd-5l3KF3jYLdJ4ekiACkq9yqFXWwK9-vmetyTGUMkX8">Warm Springs Horse Network</a><br />
wshorsenetwork@gmail.com<br />
essethomas@juno.com<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hytymeequinerescue/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARD-jpB0tqUIysc1qUT3ayYqO80pmfS_l01vBkESg08qBN-YURqSQGVdYKe_eKC0rMdq2EDMPRUG_zNF&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC8cAcfb9253y1EEpjM2VAdIXjwhtd1mYsKwPSTUIZNJWUK2xkxmD9gdmTjH_RV5LlHhZREAU1BfcvyjeWTGXFDuYOE02VDfextwYcxy6AEn5jyu0AlOF19E-4QsIfV2NfqFEoLY0auVUlDzmq4DxWOWPPDoNAtfHwKLOnf--JrJFL81BX-kkxNbq2BOwHiqE1MSTzfu8nPOFT3CaHkJ2OoFJiQf2k95yTJwNtCKdUt-22-1uU4sKK5LE2k7MbaPnFrSvvY4botjIc51FGSd-5l3KF3jYLdJ4ekiACkq9yqFXWwK9-vmetyTGUMkX8">HyTyme Equine Rescue</a><br />
HytymeJim@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<br />
This blog post was written with help from a wonderful contributor, who is not a part of any of the previously mentioned rescues.<br />
<br />
*Supporters of Morales will say that the domestic violence case and DUI were "dismissed." In fact, Morales did plead guilty, and was punished. Court records show "dismissed" because the cases became part of a criminal justice "diversion" program.<br />
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North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-30270432404725588332018-12-15T13:50:00.000-06:002018-12-15T13:56:28.031-06:00Spirit Horse Rescue: Bah Humbug!What's going on with<a href="https://www.spirithorseequinerescue.org/"> Spirit Horse Rescue</a> in Janesville, WI? They've gotten <a href="https://www.nbc15.com/content/news/Horse-rescue-502633711.html">a ton of sympathy in the media lately</a>, because they have been <a href="https://www.channel3000.com/news/town-of-janesville-woman-given-until-april-1-to-get-rid-of-23-horses/927902364?fbclid=IwAR1XI7E3eNIdwOj_kPVPsGpwhAvLi1EO9rPSXWA277o1bheSmjFTQQEw7yI">ordered to re-home</a> 23 horses before April 1st 2019. What's up?<br />
<br />
The answer is that a shit-storm which has been gently simmering for about a decade has reached a boiling point. For years, the horse "rescue" owner DeeDee Goldberg has been more or less hoarding horses, as I said in my 2013 blog post, <a href="https://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/02/questionable-practices-at-spirit-horse.html">Questionable Practices at Spirit Horse Rescue</a>.<br />
<br />
If you don't want to go read that, here's the short version: although (like many hoarders) Goldberg has the best intentions, she continually take on more and more horses, keeps them in not-great conditions, and refuses to adopt them out. Why? Because she doesn't want to geld them or get them trained, and she doesn't trust anyone else to give them a "good" (Parelli/hippy/organic/snowflake) home. Basically, she's one of those individuals that believes horses shouldn't have to do anything "unnatural" (including taking people for rides when they don't feel like it). Also, she's constantly broke. If you go back and read my past blog post (srsly just do it) you'll see plenty of desperate cries for money because she's out of hay, the vet refuses to do anything more until paid, etc etc.<br />
<br />
DeeDee currently has somewhere between 33-38 horses on far less than 30 acres of land. This violates the "one horse per 1 acre" ordinance in her municipality (a very common law and sound horse-keeping principle). She got away with the situation for years, until...<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1il0gDqhFrt8OZevy2FYoxO7n0kfQmhJqKDb5YTb_x4HvWlkMgSbeNhweB3OW6o6MQ7cUcDxu7Z_-pb8qQaMgvaM4mqlx6B40I3hWzwWOR8ZqSvDl9wWhsT70VWCU6-ir2YE2eKMpdCPC/s1600/new.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="496" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1il0gDqhFrt8OZevy2FYoxO7n0kfQmhJqKDb5YTb_x4HvWlkMgSbeNhweB3OW6o6MQ7cUcDxu7Z_-pb8qQaMgvaM4mqlx6B40I3hWzwWOR8ZqSvDl9wWhsT70VWCU6-ir2YE2eKMpdCPC/s320/new.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups.arighttolife/">A Right to Life Animal & Equine Sanctuary</a> popped up near Janesville, run by Porsche Lynn Kettelhut.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvt2FC3T9bFqiFj-FbdMFYn8Jlg2fnXjfC2LSRSfbErwpvG9zTcLqc5OaNRj-xaWnb_PbrsCFSPnTLTRmGEBhonwgNw8Xa0OK7RB4YOnzarJ4zjvOb_YGMmJCiCZbgTexodaTCnnim5Ta/s1600/Right+to+Life+baby+training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvt2FC3T9bFqiFj-FbdMFYn8Jlg2fnXjfC2LSRSfbErwpvG9zTcLqc5OaNRj-xaWnb_PbrsCFSPnTLTRmGEBhonwgNw8Xa0OK7RB4YOnzarJ4zjvOb_YGMmJCiCZbgTexodaTCnnim5Ta/s640/Right+to+Life+baby+training.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Right to Life Facebook page, captioned "baby training." <br />
I assume training as in, "train the foal to get her foot stuck in that super loose halter and panic, running on three legs and crashing into a nearby hobo encampment." </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Porsche is your typical broke crazy wannabe rescuer. She took on horses even as she said she can't afford cancer treatments, and is, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "lato" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">not working due to her health issues and has no income at this time..."</span> She also complains about her neighbors' ATVs making too much noise... in the daytime... out in the country... Arrghh. Look, I can't do a full story on this. At least the horses look well cared for, the fences aren't barbed wire, and it <i>is</i> a registered 501c3... plus, I just do not have time for this right now. Norse Horse is so tired guys. So, so tired.<br />
<br />
ANYWAY,<br />
<br />
This new would-be rescuer <i>also</i> wanted to have more than 1 horse per acre of land. She assumed this would be okey-dokey, since DeeDee/Spirit Horse was nearby and was getting away with it.<br />
<br />
In the summer of 2018, Porsche brought two more horses to join her herd of 4. This meant she had 6 horses and two ponies on 6.3 acres. She applied for a Conditional Use Permit and then a Variant, spending a bunch of money in the process, but was denied.<br />
<br />
Spirit Horse had applied* for a Conditional Use Permit back in 2007 and was approved for 27 horses. Spirit Horse applied again in 2010 to have 35 horses, and was denied... but no one enforced the law in their case, and DeeDee accumulated that number anyway.<br />
<br />
When Porsche did not give up any horses, the Town of Janesville <a href="https://www.gazettextra.com/news/local/court-orders-town-of-janesville-couple-to-pay-nearly-in/article_eb811924-c15d-56af-a5d9-f8d7ff88d506.html">sued Porsche and her husband</a> for about $14,000 in fall 2018, demanding that the couple not only get rid of two equines but also pay for the Town's attorney fees. A judge knocked that way down to $500 in fines, plus getting rid of 2 horses. The couple refused, so a judge then awarded the Town a $12,000 judgement. You can read more about it at Right to Life's <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/legal-fees-to-pay-town-attorney">GoFundMe page</a>.<br />
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This was a clear case of double standards. Two horse rescues violating the same law. One gets punished, one doesn't. And Porsche was <i>pissed</i>.<br />
<br />
She went to the media, and the Gazette Xtra picked up on the story, writing <a href="https://www.gazettextra.com/news/agriculture/town-of-janesville-sues-residents-over-extra-horses/article_e495aba1-94c8-5863-8564-e00962890134.html">two</a> <a href="https://www.gazettextra.com/news/local/court-orders-town-of-janesville-couple-to-pay-nearly-in/article_eb811924-c15d-56af-a5d9-f8d7ff88d506.html">pieces</a> about the Town of Janesville's hypocrisy. The Town started to feel the heat. Finally, they told DeeDee Golberg that if Right to Life had to play by the rules, so did she.<br />
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DeeDee has claimed that Spirit Horse has actually adopted out 27 horses this year. If this is true, I will eat my fucking hat. Many, many people have said that over the years they have called, texted, and emailed about adopting a horse and gotten no response, even when they've sent in the adoption application. I would honestly be shocked to learn of Spirit Horse having done even <i>five</i> real adoptions this year. Certainly, I have not heard even one person come forward and say they got their horse from DeeDee in the past year.<br />
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DeeDee also says that most of the remaining 30-some horses at Spirit Horse are all too sickly to be adopted. Hmmmm....<br /><br />
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<br />
Let's talk about the seven horses actually listed for adoption on the Spirit Horse website, shall we?<br />
It doesn't seem like DeeDee is trying very hard to get them adopted out:<br />
<ul>
<li>All of them have been at the rescue for at least a year.</li>
<li>None of them have adoption fees listed.</li>
<li>None of them are broke, or they were broke before they came to Spirit Horse but DeeDee has never ridden them.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Stetson-- Morgan, age 8. His picture is labeled "gelding," but when you download his description, he's labeled "stallion," and with DeeDee's history of failing to geld, I wouldn't be surprised if he's still got his balls. No health/behavior problems listed. He's been at Spirit Horse at least 3 years, and he's <i>still</i> not broke. In fact, he's still doing "Groundwork – Beginning." This guy looks fabulous, and if I were in the market, I'd be seriously considering prying him out of the rescue's clutches.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/70c2d1_35599d822d0e4b3daac3e671274d0cee.pdf">Vera</a>-- Quarter Horse mare, age 15. No health/behavior problems listed. She came from a <a href="https://www.weau.com/content/news/Several-horses-surrendered-in-open-door-shelter-event-397252001.html">surrender clinic</a> in 2016, and is still doing "Groundwork – Beginning," despite the fact that her surrendering owner described her as broke to ride for an intermediate rider. This is sad-- here's a horse that could have been worked a bit and adopted out within 6 months. Instead, she's been allowed to sit for two years. Not only is this bad for the horse, who is getting older, less rideable, and less adoptable every month that goes by, this is bad business. Adopting out good horses like this faster could help pay for sick and injured horses who really do need to stay at a rescue long-term.<br />
DeeDee says, "We are taking it really
slowly with Vera, and she is beginning
to show interest and a bit of trust.
With a great deal of patience and slow,
careful work..." Yeah, with two years of careful work, this mare should be a dressage horse by now.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/70c2d1_6712d38a97ae4643b2fd1e70cbc2d19b.pdf">George</a>-- Quarter Horse stallion, age 3. "Will be gelded before adoption." Why hasn't he been gelded already? He's Vera's son, so he's been at Spirit Horse since 2016 as well. He, too, is still doing "Groundwork – Beginning."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/70c2d1_3532a6894faa48469dbc1d0d0bd8ed37.pdf">Autry</a>-- Quarter Horse gelding, "mid-teens." Gut issues and a sore back when he came in, but reportedly broke. He's better now. He has been at Spirit Horse since August 2016, and, you guessed it, he's doing "Groundwork - beginning."<br />
<br />
Morgan & Winter -- Appaloosa mares, no other info given. Not helpful for potential adopters.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/70c2d1_77ce8ead0e8a450eac4b72701fac0075.pdf">Hope</a>-- paint mare, age 9. She was seized in a 2010 neglect case, then spent about a year and a half under HSUS guardianship before being turned over to Spirit Horse. So let's give them maximum leeway and say Spirit Horse has had her since 2013. That's still <i>five years ago,</i> almost six. <b>Why is she still not broke? </b>She's of course still doing<b> </b>"Groundwork - beginning."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/70c2d1_5f2f45a90bee407e95767d0e003e777a.pdf">Oscar</a>-- Mini stallion, about age 6. He's been at Spirit Horse since October 2017.<br />
"Will be gelded before adoption." Why hasn't he been gelded already? Has a vaguely described eye issue and "likes to play stallion games." Great.<br />
<br />
Do you see where I'm going with this? If Spirit Horse were Spirit Dog, none of the dogs would be neutered or housebroken.<br />
<br />
Did I mention that Spirit Horse <a href="https://www.channel3000.com/news/janesville-horse-rescue-helps-save-part-of-an-historic-herd-of-wild-mustangs/350463068">deliberately took in</a> four wild mustangs in 2017? Yes, despite DeeDee's constant desperate please for funding since at least 2013, despite having so many horses already that she couldn't get them all broke and gelded, she took in four untouched feral horses. <b>And two of them were pregnant mares.<br /></b><br />
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<br />
Yes, while other rescues took in (and then adopted out) local horses who needed help, DeeDee shipped in these magical-historical-miracle "Hallelujah Horses." And she did get plenty of great publicity for it, despite the fact that there are 300 more mustangs just like them waiting for homes in <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/adoptions-and-sales/adoption-centers/ewing-wild-horse-corral">a government facility in Ewing, Illinois</a> that nobody talks about, and about 5,000 more across the country. Speaking of publicity, I wonder...<br />
<br />
I have heard from a couple of people that when they contacted DeeDee about adopting a certain horse or two, she refused to discuss it, and said that she would be permanently keeping the horses as "attractions." As in, attractions at a circus. Or a zoo. Could this be a reference to the magical mystical mustangs? Are these narrow-chested grade crossbreds with attracting tourists in droves?! <br />
<br />
No. Of course not. *sigh*<br />
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DeeDee Golberg's solution to her predicament is not to adopt out more horses, or even, God forbid, euthanize a bunch of them. Her solution is:<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen_atbQM2sPOrIUqILxLNGGvEqo-2Bmq80716aZYyHWvTxkrAMFY0Cldor79G3N3JsKaNb-xwYLl7aMDArObEVDTt27Tg2dsLfSTHgzlIuaTHwYyAPx6XmJfP0girA3nMFGewGFpNjeTI/s1600/ShowMeTheMoney.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="589" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen_atbQM2sPOrIUqILxLNGGvEqo-2Bmq80716aZYyHWvTxkrAMFY0Cldor79G3N3JsKaNb-xwYLl7aMDArObEVDTt27Tg2dsLfSTHgzlIuaTHwYyAPx6XmJfP0girA3nMFGewGFpNjeTI/s320/ShowMeTheMoney.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, if you <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/home-for-more-horses">click here</a>, you can send her your hard-earned money so that she can buy her very own, bigger, fancier farm! She only wants $500,000!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsWzxERJrhUbPDOcmWJrtlX8-SeXhZqfmL9UwKSopeDclSD1E7K-PMzxpBceLakT5z6NYds73LFSU8emzvAmE_JuEGihJ3W_A8VaTIvcjsh83By9mPEOsDO9pJXiFJZ-D2OvRC1cF5CFt/s1600/buymeafarmplease.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="411" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsWzxERJrhUbPDOcmWJrtlX8-SeXhZqfmL9UwKSopeDclSD1E7K-PMzxpBceLakT5z6NYds73LFSU8emzvAmE_JuEGihJ3W_A8VaTIvcjsh83By9mPEOsDO9pJXiFJZ-D2OvRC1cF5CFt/s400/buymeafarmplease.JPG" width="322" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yUB1NUxwHgigVuoCjG8H-dpd6IULc7kP0_tZrrFxjF6f0SDOpSLDkLNfv_6Pz8BmyaVRZu7Njsf-R3TjPeMHVSvRorfwW5Jpwwq15nI7ISMb2tPaQ7i6IFJkHI3w8r18r8qKMDcP4uYQ/s1600/shfund.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="1140" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yUB1NUxwHgigVuoCjG8H-dpd6IULc7kP0_tZrrFxjF6f0SDOpSLDkLNfv_6Pz8BmyaVRZu7Njsf-R3TjPeMHVSvRorfwW5Jpwwq15nI7ISMb2tPaQ7i6IFJkHI3w8r18r8qKMDcP4uYQ/s640/shfund.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gee whiz! Can the public buy ME a really nice farm too?! I mean, I have about as good of a track record as Spirit Horse-- I've rescued, rehabbed, and rehomed <i>six</i>, plus that messed-up llama (which has got to count for like three more). Come on guys, it's ONLY a half-million dollar donation based on some sappy sentiments, online pictures, and my promise that I'll be so much better at rescue than I've ever shown myself to be in the past, pllleeeeeaaaaase?!<br />
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LOL. On a serious note, Merry Fuckin' Chrismas ya'll.<br /><br /><br />
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*Note: When I say "Spirit Horse" here, you should know that DeeDee Golberg doesn't actually own the land/farm her rescue sits on. The land is owned by Kelly Cusick, who "rents" (donates) use of the place to DeeDee.<br />
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<br />North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-73735401690456176772018-06-12T18:37:00.000-05:002018-06-12T18:37:45.715-05:00The Secret Behind Kill Pen Rescues (and How Much a Slaughter Horse Really Sells For)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ladies and gentlemen, step right up, gather 'round! <b>I'm about to tell you a great secret. </b>Once you know this secret thing, you can decode many, many situations, giving you power and confidence. <br />
You can use it to see the truth, avoid bad relationships, and save money. <br />
<br />
This thing is one of life's most powerful mechanisms, driving events both insignificant and enormous. Psychologists and sociologists study it, marketers strive to create it, and Hollywood feeds off of it. <br />
It is the thing compelling some of your very own behavior. <br />
You already know this secret, but you <i>don't know</i> <i>that you know it</i>. <br />
Like most great truths, it hides in plain sight. <br />
And today, it is more prevalent in the horse world than ever before, especially in kill pen rescues. <br />
<br />
This thing is made up of four key ingredients. By themselves, each of these things can be compelling. Together, they create an absolutely enormously potent force called...<br />
<span id="goog_327379898"></span><span id="goog_327379899"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGdZuBEF64_rgYvvc2eCQwHO3tUWy0SeavqhJbvSdf9eukznelOUQZWw6KhDB8gON3Cz1Q5Wl4qeI7uPg-6jWmF2VEXMaujAgu_ZjkVnV07pgSVsgpCmaBdCfv7FwBfqLLQ52z9KMWrs2/s1600/hype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1600" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGdZuBEF64_rgYvvc2eCQwHO3tUWy0SeavqhJbvSdf9eukznelOUQZWw6KhDB8gON3Cz1Q5Wl4qeI7uPg-6jWmF2VEXMaujAgu_ZjkVnV07pgSVsgpCmaBdCfv7FwBfqLLQ52z9KMWrs2/s640/hype.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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HYPE has made people millions upon millions of dollars with insanely popular, yet silly products such as the Pet Rock, <a href="http://uproxx.com/life/tickle-me-elmo-craze-history/4/">Tickle-Me-Elmo</a>, and <a href="https://nypost.com/2015/02/22/how-the-beanie-baby-craze-was-concocted-then-crashed/">Beanie Babie</a>s, all of which have caused physical fights between shoppers.<br />
<br />
HYPE is why everyone remembers the sinking of the Titanic (1,500 dead) but no one remembers the more recent sinking of the <span class="_Tgc">Wilhelm Gustloff (9,500 dead) or the <i>much</i> more recent</span><span class="_Tgc"> Doña Paz ferry disaster (4,400 dead).<br /><br />HYPE is why every serious adventurer hopes to climb Mount Everest, but no one has even heard of </span><a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/mount-everest-isn-t-really-the-tallest-mountain">Chimborazo</a> (technically two miles higher) or K2 and Annapurna, which are only slightly lower than Mount Everest, but much, much more challenging and deadly.*<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFZqIlzsMsj4ozQXd9I-cH7U0EKUMZtkjBYMXwu3ZceW_5ym6uDgWghWyWcmmSFtca5tZtRS_bDN_HsLE31tpd-dAh5IU4zpBssU4RzODlzfXvTJTfhCfMWfpDDXqp2Q5TxjX0Sy_rqN5/s1600/backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="490" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFZqIlzsMsj4ozQXd9I-cH7U0EKUMZtkjBYMXwu3ZceW_5ym6uDgWghWyWcmmSFtca5tZtRS_bDN_HsLE31tpd-dAh5IU4zpBssU4RzODlzfXvTJTfhCfMWfpDDXqp2Q5TxjX0Sy_rqN5/s200/backpack.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
HYPE is the reason <a href="https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/men/mens-bags/mens-backpacks/backpack-with-embroidery-p-429037K1NAX8676?gclid=CjwKCAiArrrQBRBbEiwAH_6sNLfjC4ZxwOU8JWtxTOWORHAXV6kTSM3NV2_fcAlLDpbhmjjqieMCCRoCJX0QAvD_BwE">this</a> Guicci brand backpack sells for <span class=""><b>$1,980, </b>but you can buy the <a href="http://www.essenceofluxurys.cn/replica-womens-handbags-gucci-techpack-embroidery-backpack-bag-429037-32x45x14cm-q119pp480-aa5738-p-43105.html">exact same thing</a> direct from China for $187.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />And finally, of course, HYPE is the secret behind the success of kill pen rescues.</span><br /><br />Let's take a look at how hype is created. Here are the four ingredients:<br /><br /><span style="color: #783f04;">Excitement</span>: Drama, thrill, turmoil. <br />This can be positive or negative; it can feel good or bad.<br /><span style="color: #660000;"><br />Urgency</span>: Time pressure. A ticking clock. Stress.<br /><br /><span style="color: #274e13;">Exclusivity</span>: You get to be THE ONE. The one that gets to be the hero, or gets the best deal, the one in the spotlight, the person with a unique experience, or being a part of a special group.<br /><br /><span style="color: #4c1130;">Pathos</span>: Emotions, especially feelings of guilt, sorrow, empathy, pity, and compassion.<br /></span><span class=""><span class=""></span></span><br />
Let's take a look at how the ingredients of Hype are applied in Kill Pen "rescue" situations. Here's a typical post from a kill pen rescue operator:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnw1e6Xde0QA2a8NRWE974L9VZaXnwCAPb5KllDX5pfor0CUg5-g9-8IYsLp0cmm8zVVlTehrIYUsaV11bN17qyXv98PBTwIn_EeGi_7UIX9KPty5J6gDzxgImpHd-lvhkfuhmo3cGeVh/s1600/dissecting+SOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="776" height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnw1e6Xde0QA2a8NRWE974L9VZaXnwCAPb5KllDX5pfor0CUg5-g9-8IYsLp0cmm8zVVlTehrIYUsaV11bN17qyXv98PBTwIn_EeGi_7UIX9KPty5J6gDzxgImpHd-lvhkfuhmo3cGeVh/s640/dissecting+SOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span></b>
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At the end of this ad, you are left feeling like you would really, really, like to give the horse a home, or at least donate. You feel sympathetic, guilty, and sad, because you get the impression that this poor "defeated" horse is suffering. And you may be a little panicked because there seems to be so little time ("DEADLINE!" "Slaughter!" "Before it's too late!") You also want to feel like you are a special part of a group of rescuers ("he has NO ONE BUT US TO COUNT ON"), donating money to save this special horse (an abandoned racehorse "robbed of his identity!"). But let's see what the ad would look like without all the hype, and with a shot of plain old truth thrown in:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMRuxN1piR2kDl1GMNkrec_f2Hx2ww9UHLk5LTqkJqpJyXvBeL-LwagA4r41AhlfmrY-aT_hBYg5THyRu3siSKWjK2-2EqY4b5ctUy-6zhkq8Jih4YYNzcIlK9qT6hi_RjbYVotg9upAW/s1600/SOSS+truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="594" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMRuxN1piR2kDl1GMNkrec_f2Hx2ww9UHLk5LTqkJqpJyXvBeL-LwagA4r41AhlfmrY-aT_hBYg5THyRu3siSKWjK2-2EqY4b5ctUy-6zhkq8Jih4YYNzcIlK9qT6hi_RjbYVotg9upAW/s640/SOSS+truth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b><br />Now</b> how do you feel?</span></span></span> Disgusted? Confused? <br />
Do you feel like a used car salesman is trying to talk you into something?<br />
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Most of the time, kill pen "rescues" are little more than a scam. Unfortunately, good people get sucked in very easily, because of those four ingredients that make up hype. We all get sucked in by drama (Excitement), we all feel rather bad for slaughter-bound horses (Pathos), none of us are immune to feelings of Urgency, and we all like to feel we're a part of something special (Exclusiveness).<br />
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But you know the <i>very worst</i> part of these scams?<br />
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Good people are sometimes <b>the very ones promoting them</b>. The become blinded to the facts, even to the point of believing their own hype. What facts, you ask? Here's one:<br />
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<b>1) The price for these kill pen horses is always significantly above slaughter price.</b> This means that in the end, the kill-buyer profits greatly off of kill pen "rescues." Even if each horse only makes them $50-$300 more via the "rescue" than they would get via slaughter, that adds up to quite a profit over time. This is especially true considering the fact that almost nothing is known about the horse as a riding animal, the kill buyer does nothing at all to care for the horse, and by selling to "rescues," kill-buyers save themselves the cost of keeping the horse on a feedlot, or hauling it to a slaughter plant across the border. In fact, the "rescuer" often has to pay the kill-buyer or his agent a large amount of money for quarantine and shipping, further lining his pockets.<br />
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Slaughter price varies, but is, at the<i> very</i> most, about 70 cents per pound here in the United States. At this maximum price, a 1,000lb horse in good fat condition is worth $700 to a kill-buyer. Realistically though, the average slaughter-bound horse is worth more like 40 cents per pound, or $400 to a kill-buyer. Yet, kill pen "rescue" horses are often priced at $750-$900. In the pictures below, compare the "packing" price of a horse actually bound for slaughter with the "bail" price of a horse at a kill pen rescue.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkf-KAL6L8ikhLTJg3h7Fb85sVh9HNL0Qbir2JR181KjRUTPca1ISilYVDxh4FoBQpzsTRy_E0cG8VwrQNOAtHZ276dqiPqcrrz7zFM8PSrVI4ocC4Sdal_PO7p7g61V9R2YA_w7paZck/s1600/packer+price.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="635" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkf-KAL6L8ikhLTJg3h7Fb85sVh9HNL0Qbir2JR181KjRUTPca1ISilYVDxh4FoBQpzsTRy_E0cG8VwrQNOAtHZ276dqiPqcrrz7zFM8PSrVI4ocC4Sdal_PO7p7g61V9R2YA_w7paZck/s640/packer+price.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Cwt means "hundred weight." 35cwt = $35 per 100 lbs = $2.86/lb, or $350 for an average/large 1,000lb horse.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span id="goog_1475771383"></span><span id="goog_1475771384"></span><br />Now compare that to a kill pen rescue's prices:<br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEs7U0tJSqj7pEXyU3TSo4YKhB3KlVxoDy0XHqSyHzwhlKAb5ONyC654Cnzld77Cvpg1vBUvRfyuGscJbpenFSrg10ObZwzliSNTdXofRzsEI79v7ANjVnnQHqLBr0ptfRKtQ6r16TVMU/s1600/SOSS+prices.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="488" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEs7U0tJSqj7pEXyU3TSo4YKhB3KlVxoDy0XHqSyHzwhlKAb5ONyC654Cnzld77Cvpg1vBUvRfyuGscJbpenFSrg10ObZwzliSNTdXofRzsEI79v7ANjVnnQHqLBr0ptfRKtQ6r16TVMU/s640/SOSS+prices.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The prices for these kill pen "rescue" horses are at least $400 over "packer" (meat) price.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Let's move on to another example...<br /><br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmqh0dPqh__eNOJvLjwsBBb6HwScciiFssXLC9rJd1OBxi7jjEL1mBWQiQH5M8SyFXkbe1kqFwvao4775Kytzo6SpZOn1QHc1vWt1V54THRDiUZa7XwFQP7QhtJwjRXsaj5Saew-YbdBP/s1600/rrp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="631" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmqh0dPqh__eNOJvLjwsBBb6HwScciiFssXLC9rJd1OBxi7jjEL1mBWQiQH5M8SyFXkbe1kqFwvao4775Kytzo6SpZOn1QHc1vWt1V54THRDiUZa7XwFQP7QhtJwjRXsaj5Saew-YbdBP/s640/rrp.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Here's a gelding at Ryon's Rescue Pen, a popular kill pen "rescue" in this area. <br /><br />The gelding's front cannons look to be in bad shape, bowed with hard use. Although they talk about the gelding's "good condition" and abilities, there may be absolutely no truth to this, because as per their policy, <br /><b>'All horses are sold "AS IS; WHERE IS' with no guarantees regarding
temperament, age, soundness, health, discipline. There are NO
exceptions."</b> <br /><br />I was easily able to Google this horse's breeder and see his original sale listing. According to the breeder, he's actually two years older and .1 hands shorter than Ryon's has listed him as.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTOdiZzrb56B-4O0c_J2v6XawKPaB62uaM0kiRJ3XWV1LaoomCmC649peV6o2LyFtAkMWU94NURNtPd1t1g8nw14Eh2gSC2DMVlXFQupMNqMjzYp0JG26qak7VIenx_LO89wb724ZN-Nw/s1600/cole+wimpy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="442" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTOdiZzrb56B-4O0c_J2v6XawKPaB62uaM0kiRJ3XWV1LaoomCmC649peV6o2LyFtAkMWU94NURNtPd1t1g8nw14Eh2gSC2DMVlXFQupMNqMjzYp0JG26qak7VIenx_LO89wb724ZN-Nw/s640/cole+wimpy.JPG" width="465" /></a></div>
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Poor Cole Wimpy is being sold for $850, about three to five hundred dollars more than he'd probably bring at a slaughter house. Is he worth that? Maybe he is. Of course, you can't ride him and see, because unlike real rescues, Ryon's does not allow buyers to try horses. <br /><br />A real horse rescue gives adopters more flexibility. You are <i>encouraged</i> to handle and ride the horse. If you begin to feel like a horse isn't the right fir for you, an adoption can be stopped at any time. Good rescues also take horses back. But at Ryon's Rescue Pen and other kill pen rescues, once you've even seriously considered buying a horse, you're stuck. Here's the policy for putting money down on horses at Ryon's Rescue Pen:<br /><b><br /> "If for ANY reason you back out on a horse you put credit card
information on, that card will be charged 25% of the cost of the horse
plus any board that may have accrued."</b> And of course there are NO refunds, under any circumstances. <br /><br />At a real rescue, horses are adopted out with up-to-date vaccinations, hoof trims, and Coggins, and adopters are given a good picture of the horse's existing medical problems (if any) and overall health. At Ryon's Rescue Pen and other kill pen rescues, you aren't even guaranteed a recent Coggins test. If the horse's was consigned without one, you are responsible for hiring a vet to have one done at the auction house.<br /><br />Here's another fact that people completely disregard in their rush to help "slaughter" horses:<br />
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<b>2) Ponies, minis, foals, and severely lame, sick, blind, or skinny horses almost never go to slaughter.</b> <br /><br />First of all, some basic federal laws apply: a horse bound for slaughter has to be able to stand on its own, can't be blind, and can't be under 6 months old or visibly pregnant. <br />
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Secondly, it's just not in the kill-buyer's best interests. Think about it. If you're a slaughter buyer, do you want to fill your trailer with small, skinny, or sick animals that may die on the journey and won't bring much money, or big, fat, healthy ones that will travel well and get you a higher price? Yet kill pen "rescues" often advertise these types of equines as "going to slaughter SOON!" That's because...<br />
<b><br />3) A local sale to a sucker always beats a long-distance sale to a factory.</b> A kill-buyer, like anyone in business, wants to get the best deal. So he will always sell an animal for the most money he can get. And of course, he can get the most money off of YOU, a caring member of the public. He would much rather take your $800 and make you pick up a horse, versus spending his own gas money to haul a horse to the meat processing plant and make $400. This is why so many kill pens and auction houses cooperate with rescues, or set up their own "rescue" pages to advertise horses. In fact, a "slaughter buyer" is actually just a <u>horse dealer</u>-- they don't exclusively sell to slaughter plants. They'll sell to anyone, and they make the most money from private sales.<br />
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"OK," you may be saying, "so what?" "So I paid more than slaughter price, I still saved a horse!" Well actually...<br />
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<b>4) For every horse you "save" from a kill-pen "rescue," another takes its place</b>. Sad but true. <br />
The kill buyer will load up his trailer with the least desirable horses first-- the unbroke, unsound, and older ones. But you can bet that there won't be any empty spots on that trailer. Why waste the space and gas? Besides, the kill buyer has to fill his quota-- he's likely under contract.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Moral of the Story:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Don't fall for the HYPE of kill-pen "rescues." <br />Don't let the excitement, fake urgency, emotional blackmail, <br />and sense of exclusiveness get to you.<br /></li>
<li>Don't impulse-buy a "slaughter-bound" horse from these <strike>rescues</strike> <br />dealers, don't donate to them, and don't support local horse rescues<br />that work with them.<br /></li>
<li>Good people get sucked into the HYPE and try to help, but they<br />just end up making slaughter-dealers richer.<br /></li>
<li>Spend your money on adopting a horse from a real 501c3 <br />non-profit rescue that has put time and money into that horse, <br />and knows its health, training, and temperament.<br /></li>
<li>If you can't resist the excitement of buying a slaughter-bound horse,<br />go to an auction yourself and buy one instead of paying a dealer extra.<br /></li>
<li>If you absolutely can't resist buying from a "kill pen rescue,"<br />be aware that you are supporting a horse dealer, not a real rescue.<br /></li>
<li>Did you buy a kill-pen horse? Quarantine it. <br />The horse is probably sick from being surrounded by many <br />strange horses. Don't trust anything the dealer has said<br />(or not said) about the horse's age, training, temperament, or soundness.</li>
</ul>
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Want to read the saga of a woman who bought a kill-pen "rescue" horse and got in over her head? Click <a href="http://mhwf.websitetoolbox.com/post/phoenix-12-yr-old-mare-9449716">here</a>. Her $350 horse ended up costing $2,200 to quarantine and transport! You could adopt 2-3 horses from real rescues for that price, and you would actually have some confidence in the rescue's descriptions of the horses.<br />
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Read more about kill-pen rescues <a href="http://allaboutcutting.net/?p=9889">here</a>, <a href="https://www.pressreader.com/usa/equus/20170201/282029031931436">here</a>, and <a href="http://mhwf.websitetoolbox.com/post/kill-pens-making-a-killing-the-sad-truth-behind-the-kill-pen-sites-7919436?highlight=kill+pens">here</a>.<br />
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About 72,000 horses went to slaughter in Mexico last year. In 2018, as of today (6/12/18), 29,220 horses have gone to slaughter in Mexico. <a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/al_ls635.txt">Source</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpdKIaQqZ6mPpscAjy7NO3GTFz2f0i2jNjK5IvmU07moK58TxoMHDHKaUnNAnAwoHguOgwE8zncnBByrUEE4-p8K-4ee72szZq0Y71BQ6Mo2hoTJFGnneO7wLJWw0lTuRzbap2YwvdsKZ/s1600/kill+pen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpdKIaQqZ6mPpscAjy7NO3GTFz2f0i2jNjK5IvmU07moK58TxoMHDHKaUnNAnAwoHguOgwE8zncnBByrUEE4-p8K-4ee72szZq0Y71BQ6Mo2hoTJFGnneO7wLJWw0lTuRzbap2YwvdsKZ/s1600/kill+pen.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<br /><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annapurna_I_Main" title="Annapurna I Main">*Annapurna</a>
is the mountain with the highest fatality-to-summit rate (32% of people
who go up never come down). The mountain called K2 is only 778 feet
lower than Everest, but only 302 people have ever reached the summit it
and lived to tell the tale, vs Everest's roughly 3,000 conquerers. K2
has never been climbed in winter.North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-74917680527869944532017-10-28T12:55:00.000-05:002017-10-28T12:55:05.159-05:00Horsie Halloween! (But First, 1 Day Open Shelter Event)Welcome back! Before we get started with our Halloween fun, I want to applaud all the Wisconsin horse rescues and volunteers that participated in the 1 Day Open Door Shelter Event on October 22nd. This event allowed owners to surrender their horses for any reason, no questions asked. 49 horses were brought in, including the whole spectrum of rescue horses: healthy weanlings, severe neglect cases, wild but healthy adult horses, well-trained horses, and lovely seniors. All horses were distributed among participating horse rescues, where they will be cared for until they are ready for adoption. You can find a short video from the event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/horsehumane/videos/1621149734609491/?hc_ref=ARTfI9w4gOg1Sf0lzINfHO33PTR3jPW5KG0teDneKcBS_KeyOltjnM89I5PVlhl9Qyo">on Facebook</a>.<br /><br />This kind of event is so incredibly wonderful and important. If not for this event, dozens of horses would be suffering in some people's back yards right now. Thanks to those who stepped up to do the hard work, they were either humanely euthanized with loving care, or given a chance at a great new life.<br /><br />THANK YOU to:<br /><br />Organizers and veterinarians: <a href="http://www.horsehumane.org/">Horse Plus Humane Society</a>, <a href="https://therighthorse.org/">The Right Horse Initiativ</a>e, Dr. McKichan and Dr. Sholts of <a href="http://www.dellsequine.com/about">Dells Equine Vet Service LLC</a>, and Dr. Lorenz of <a href="http://www.capitalperformancevet.com/index.html">Capitol Performance Veterinary Services</a>.<br />
<br /><a href="http://equineadoption.com/order.htm">Midwest Horse Welfare</a> in Pittsville, WI, which helped host this event in Neillsville, WI.<br style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /> You can see pictures and descriptions of the ten horses they took in <a href="http://mhwf.websitetoolbox.com/post/one-day-open-door-shelter-horses-9461758">here</a>. They will be taking in one more, as soon as they can convince the mare to get in a trailer! (We've all been there.)<br /><br /><a href="https://www.rescuehorses.org/">Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary</a>, in Elkhart Lake, WI, which took in three horses from the event. See photos of those on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AGequine/posts/1590979114294678">facebook page</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ponytaleswi.org/">Pony Tales Refuge & Rehab, Inc</a>, in Colfax, WI, which took in nine horses from the event. You can read descriptions and see pictures of those horses <a href="http://www.ponytaleswi.org/look-who-s-here">on their web page</a> or in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ponytalesrefugeandrehab/posts/1996880100596128">this Facebook post</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulHeartsRescue/">Beautiful Hearts Rescue</a>, in Shell Lake, WI, which took in horses, but has not yet posted updates.<br /><br />Please check out each one of the rescues listed here. If you can't donate, you can still "like," share, and spread the word about the good work they're doing.<br /><br />Now on to...<br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Horse Halloween!</span></b></span><br /><br />I love Halloween, don't you? Let's jump right in to the best and worst costumes, plus a gallery of the gruesome.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Best Halloween Costumes</span><br /><br />WOW! These skull and gypsy ensembles were created by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HorseCostumesByPamela/">Horse Costumes by Pamela</a>, based in MA. Don't have Facebook? She's also on <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/horselover1753/horse-costumes-for-show/">Pinteres</a>t.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebNVrk8otnbpItCua2FMwm35G5Vz9epPoH6BRTtd3pstL5WojhE4HcFeaNW3vJonJHrLWN9J55D76xS2xyQQR0rFc3if3vNMgCUH7jrEzx78R7PmCNDSf40T-jLv8tATXgIAtpD_30Nih/s1600/horse+costumes+by+pam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="960" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebNVrk8otnbpItCua2FMwm35G5Vz9epPoH6BRTtd3pstL5WojhE4HcFeaNW3vJonJHrLWN9J55D76xS2xyQQR0rFc3if3vNMgCUH7jrEzx78R7PmCNDSf40T-jLv8tATXgIAtpD_30Nih/s640/horse+costumes+by+pam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn9g4IcGpGu9bZdOlZkLU4YzmO-fcSUNC-J0Xrpf11RXQLDkKthg_PKvNoOB5lknTT5Qy7vkkmtpYwHXTWLBYhw6_L8xiJ1sU8tnles6Mcr1k1yrcAKBuHfr2j_-Xuu40csdfYPRWrtRk/s1600/gypsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn9g4IcGpGu9bZdOlZkLU4YzmO-fcSUNC-J0Xrpf11RXQLDkKthg_PKvNoOB5lknTT5Qy7vkkmtpYwHXTWLBYhw6_L8xiJ1sU8tnles6Mcr1k1yrcAKBuHfr2j_-Xuu40csdfYPRWrtRk/s640/gypsy.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />AMAZING. It looks like a painting, but this is totally real. Designed by Blythe Brown of <a href="http://historicrunnymede.com/">Historic Runnymede Farm</a>,<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, \\30D2ラギノ角ゴPro W3, Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro, \\30E1イリオ, Meiryo, MS Pゴシック, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -0.2px;"> </span></span>and worn by Bria Shorten. This costume won a World Championship in Friesian Period Costume. You can see a gallery of Friesian photos on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/historicrunnymedefarm/photos/?ref=page_internal">Facebook page</a>. Warning: You WILL be jealous. Side effects include drooling, heart palpitations, and mood swings.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv2AJ5uWeprogEmiDhjNYAEaNA-oDxMygooJuhU34JYdZ6kXMbdNJoFDem2Ck5hbay7k7BhHX2Om-oh6pu1ETGtfTvrxWL98vXnSDgmiMg715VvWdF5U7CpG5479mYrLdp0PrqkOoYFY6/s1600/Fri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv2AJ5uWeprogEmiDhjNYAEaNA-oDxMygooJuhU34JYdZ6kXMbdNJoFDem2Ck5hbay7k7BhHX2Om-oh6pu1ETGtfTvrxWL98vXnSDgmiMg715VvWdF5U7CpG5479mYrLdp0PrqkOoYFY6/s640/Fri.jpg" width="416" /></a><br />
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<br /><br />Oh. My. God. This is the cutest thing on earth. It's a Push-Me-Pull-You dressed up for Easter!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKRGnX349meQHjPzeZLe0-eAOQeYiccHIkUZNsg1mdL-J-PsbcFfixoWRXgcYe-9dFlYuO9hMJPLWnHCbArYFfgGg5LOHL6UMFIsFIOTP9vQJYaNjVgqc48LlCnbbJdVgpJXi3uFYYTlD/s1600/pushe+me+pull+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKRGnX349meQHjPzeZLe0-eAOQeYiccHIkUZNsg1mdL-J-PsbcFfixoWRXgcYe-9dFlYuO9hMJPLWnHCbArYFfgGg5LOHL6UMFIsFIOTP9vQJYaNjVgqc48LlCnbbJdVgpJXi3uFYYTlD/s640/pushe+me+pull+you.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Worst Halloween Costumes</span><br /><br />Last minute, much? If the guy was wearing a jersey and padding, this could be OK.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvJwnMD4wzrymn8w2qQWvqsbwHJgTSOJfq2S2cWRwl2IS16-Yj0FIpMVu81DIpiE-wtEU5KNXyUA1WLZ-_DpqGjgL4iFldF8yqKaNUXDfcu84U73m0czPK1QaG1rJsdzfblohpxeqf348/s1600/football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1080" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvJwnMD4wzrymn8w2qQWvqsbwHJgTSOJfq2S2cWRwl2IS16-Yj0FIpMVu81DIpiE-wtEU5KNXyUA1WLZ-_DpqGjgL4iFldF8yqKaNUXDfcu84U73m0czPK1QaG1rJsdzfblohpxeqf348/s640/football.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Zebra body paint: do it right and you're good to go. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Do it wrong, and all you've done is paint weird, ugly stripes on your sad horse.<br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlHk6nZt1vEW8ZHO0LiQyNtmw4jCNEgJdb6_hgno0hHJ-zGuz2-MHgprmm4fFj9dEcNSfZMstYlZ7tC64orK2sZnhDbCqr1w3P54OxdXzQFW7Y6d7aB77iYUGJ_tJ_rOHvLfdRQBuwdxx/s1600/zebra+fails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlHk6nZt1vEW8ZHO0LiQyNtmw4jCNEgJdb6_hgno0hHJ-zGuz2-MHgprmm4fFj9dEcNSfZMstYlZ7tC64orK2sZnhDbCqr1w3P54OxdXzQFW7Y6d7aB77iYUGJ_tJ_rOHvLfdRQBuwdxx/s640/zebra+fails.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Actress Nina Dobrev and a friend dressed up at Leonardo Di Caprio and the gutted horse from The Revenant. Ew.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYk63LKg2VRj5AOVhtn0PJbKAi6RwU67WLUThCISsM4udXTxn6_Um9EbiTS-kaIOJWS7L1Wl2HXfw6aJGiGUgVO195ImaGmBBNxGRCqCZNBAypFk9l0UUXISL5Ym0DofseKWDdgELur65/s1600/revenant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="634" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYk63LKg2VRj5AOVhtn0PJbKAi6RwU67WLUThCISsM4udXTxn6_Um9EbiTS-kaIOJWS7L1Wl2HXfw6aJGiGUgVO195ImaGmBBNxGRCqCZNBAypFk9l0UUXISL5Ym0DofseKWDdgELur65/s640/revenant.jpg" width="498" /></a><br />
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This horse skull was found in western Nebraska. This poor young horse was abandoned, left to grow out on the range, until its too-small halter became deeply embedded, eventually killing it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA5H7ipx61JizK3SX4OMiRyfyT4xCeEj4J3ojkZ7muQtz3i2PSf0yDqhcjzummet7McbyaY4eWmjWU8nZpn-mQgU6y7I9gR0S9Y9-EkhRh5nRVMNjj59NfpcphfSrvseHW97onas7bxID/s1600/w+neb+skull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTA5H7ipx61JizK3SX4OMiRyfyT4xCeEj4J3ojkZ7muQtz3i2PSf0yDqhcjzummet7McbyaY4eWmjWU8nZpn-mQgU6y7I9gR0S9Y9-EkhRh5nRVMNjj59NfpcphfSrvseHW97onas7bxID/s400/w+neb+skull.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Archaeologists recently discovered a sit in Fengxian, Shaanxi province, China, where thousands of horses were sacrificed in honor of emperors. It's nicknamed "the Blood Pool."<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJknVuba9bXpetTQbOONtFNqAlRPALoumE_QELd8DSzwJ4uFW6sczLymHNcAGM1lBzw80BVxosKwxOcqguQJeXVCUS1KjKicSUhpIWTPUMZEuJ4pC7Gd6rVZF8msSwdrCNNLFhxytGpwaQ/s1600/Sacrificed-Horses+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="945" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJknVuba9bXpetTQbOONtFNqAlRPALoumE_QELd8DSzwJ4uFW6sczLymHNcAGM1lBzw80BVxosKwxOcqguQJeXVCUS1KjKicSUhpIWTPUMZEuJ4pC7Gd6rVZF8msSwdrCNNLFhxytGpwaQ/s640/Sacrificed-Horses+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />This zombie/demon pony is actually edible. The life-sized cake was created by "Miss Cakehead," and drips rum from its nose! See a full gallery of pictures <a href="https://evilcakes.wordpress.com/tag/miss-cakehead/">here</a>.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicblJwAI4-KWct-8QfZb2BO-tHURMyU-LZAMY6HxmgxmtJKQOwiMZ29xvC5R2fnTDLh0KsMZk5-6AE-RZSYuBZe8Bz9cI79iyTSILFPam-k2GTTJRu9nKyMV9NJ7gP7m2Dnh1cZu_AcQoh/s1600/zombie+demon+horse+cake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicblJwAI4-KWct-8QfZb2BO-tHURMyU-LZAMY6HxmgxmtJKQOwiMZ29xvC5R2fnTDLh0KsMZk5-6AE-RZSYuBZe8Bz9cI79iyTSILFPam-k2GTTJRu9nKyMV9NJ7gP7m2Dnh1cZu_AcQoh/s640/zombie+demon+horse+cake.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Need more spooky stuff? Check out my <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2012/10/haunted-house-of-horse.html">Haunted House of the Horse</a>, <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/10/haunted-house-of-horse-ii.html">Haunted House of the Horse II</a>, and <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2012/10/horse-superstitions.html">Horse Superstitions</a>.<br />
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North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-50410658224834173452017-08-31T16:36:00.001-05:002017-08-31T16:36:04.166-05:00Guest post: Horrific Twin Creek Visions Rescue & Youth Ranch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHBKsaLmQh7r5PYfxabmWObv7B8w4Z-4jgfu0f4pFAd9zBxs1cYjtqHX_ndRdET-LIU2mk97-dtuTT5WmvzzXne3ZoPNRQaPyt-KyKR_a3hpYTZeAEmssaHduDerBc5p5X3_h2NC3ktaL/s1600/20527344_10156605516609968_155327840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="373" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHBKsaLmQh7r5PYfxabmWObv7B8w4Z-4jgfu0f4pFAd9zBxs1cYjtqHX_ndRdET-LIU2mk97-dtuTT5WmvzzXne3ZoPNRQaPyt-KyKR_a3hpYTZeAEmssaHduDerBc5p5X3_h2NC3ktaL/s320/20527344_10156605516609968_155327840_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A note from North Horse: <br />
<br />
Twin Creek Visions Rescue & Youth Ranch is run by Renee and Darrell Nykanen in Clayton, WI. They said they were closing their rescue in 2014, but there are still about 40 animals on the property, living in horrible conditions. Renee claims to be a "trainer" and "gives lessons." Darrel claims to be a "farrier."<br />
<br />
This blog post is written by a guest, whom I will call Rescue Warrior. I
have done a bare minimum of editing for readability, but the words are
R.W's. <br />
<br />
Rescue Warrior was able to get some horses and donkeys out of the hell hole that is Twin Creek Visions on June 4th of this year. This is their story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8O8Oc6mhRWB-diwn5XyUz-cu5xzVG54lVjdLuwNhT4S3k7WVS53CKX1damwJlplf2jrNEnl2MlPepdmCBItwUa_OE0LzgbYjebyyGMz7-mudKd9bVQall6xMK7rnFwYJLtB6iZ93xxAs/s1600/20527318_10156605439904968_339008272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33VEgUphuoh6jjAwJr3PXrpy44iVSzQA-UqlNa9d_DYelNf0wS18Ev9B9anpMLtGF5F37v5vEm_fqoUEvEobZxOjEiF71bUFRmH3IRyU-DW7OknkVYOZ3whC1tOsxYpoWsJa4b0IJ0zcl/s1600/20561995_10156605438004968_1525056736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33VEgUphuoh6jjAwJr3PXrpy44iVSzQA-UqlNa9d_DYelNf0wS18Ev9B9anpMLtGF5F37v5vEm_fqoUEvEobZxOjEiF71bUFRmH3IRyU-DW7OknkVYOZ3whC1tOsxYpoWsJa4b0IJ0zcl/s320/20561995_10156605438004968_1525056736_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VCvo0tfGoBtq2HnllwIPBHaptCOZfgIoepcv11aaKP84KLVMU6plvcOI3HnKfjXga5ugrUB6IXeb-7ILcplotRgoJ4P99OMtpdE6iPTFf-M1cA1zOL_mUJAD_6og3xl1jNsi-Y7ZB_8G/s1600/20527318_10156605439904968_339008272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VCvo0tfGoBtq2HnllwIPBHaptCOZfgIoepcv11aaKP84KLVMU6plvcOI3HnKfjXga5ugrUB6IXeb-7ILcplotRgoJ4P99OMtpdE6iPTFf-M1cA1zOL_mUJAD_6og3xl1jNsi-Y7ZB_8G/s320/20527318_10156605439904968_339008272_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><span class="_3oh- _58nk">I received a phone call from a friend saying one of her friends needed help hauling a couple horses from a terrible situation. I was prewarned of horrible pastures, how bad off the horses are, and how this lady was a tad on the crazy side. The horror I witnessed vs. What I was told is not comparison. There was piles of manure everywhere. Horses were standing in small, pens in feces about a foot deep. I have never in my life seen so many skinny, neglected animals all on one property in my life. I hauled for a living for about a year and have come across some dumpy places. This place takes the cake. Piles of garbage and building materials everywhere that the horses have access to. </span><br />
<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><br /><span class="_3oh- _58nk">The 2 horses I was there to pick up were
penned in a make shift round pen. The owner of the horses asked if I
could help her catch them to make it faster to get out of there. <br /><br />Upon
entering the round pen, Renee came out. She wasn't to happy to see me
out there helping and grumbled a few words to my boyfriend. We caught
the horses and while loading them noticed they smelled as though they
rolled in something dead. It was horrifying. <br /><br />I left in tears and vowed
to help those poor souls left there to die. From what I could tell none
of the pens had access to water. None of them had hay and most had no
shelter. Not even trees. I started calling immediately after I got home.
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<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHELBNaWM71Cr1gibPB1o024TheBfXOqmJAAxVMZ6gOkmsZDHpeIxxhwkC-HHIyy05FcUyte85i4yI6PWrVoR4Q5QZIiL9m2VYuPk3Ct_UftegV7ZjqdawKBb5EruwnnmaJg38MD3OvdKd/s1600/20217447_10156605440689968_1366186762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="373" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHELBNaWM71Cr1gibPB1o024TheBfXOqmJAAxVMZ6gOkmsZDHpeIxxhwkC-HHIyy05FcUyte85i4yI6PWrVoR4Q5QZIiL9m2VYuPk3Ct_UftegV7ZjqdawKBb5EruwnnmaJg38MD3OvdKd/s640/20217447_10156605440689968_1366186762_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMQkQca3lDlLEF-0Cw2h_vsS8kO89ZZCna00DNgwcjyrl-SNFGP1bK0tv2PQSEcfG9JebeunUrxsfCv4H9ehAz79oPIVASswnXXg7c5jiL0jE1ynvKMd2A1UXlVtdOaUHC4mCcnIqIGVN/s1600/20562027_10156605441014968_914288275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="373" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMQkQca3lDlLEF-0Cw2h_vsS8kO89ZZCna00DNgwcjyrl-SNFGP1bK0tv2PQSEcfG9JebeunUrxsfCv4H9ehAz79oPIVASswnXXg7c5jiL0jE1ynvKMd2A1UXlVtdOaUHC4mCcnIqIGVN/s640/20562027_10156605441014968_914288275_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><br />I called Barron county sheriff's, the humane society, and news stations. With not much of a response because it was a weekend, I turned to social media. I asked a few friends that I had in common with Renee. To my surprise one of them had actually helped her start her rescue a few years back. It is called twin creek visions rescue and youth ranch. She knew all about how terrible things had gotten at Renee's. After I posted to weau13 all sorts of disgusting stories started piling in. About how she buries all the horses that die and how, in about 5 years time she has buried more horses than she should have. Any time someone calls her in, she moves her horses so the worst ones aren't seen. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Once my post took off on Facebook the sheriff paid her a visit. I thought for sure this was it. I had 5 rescues lined up to go help pull the 50+ horses she had there. What a disappointment. I received a call from someone within the department that said there was nothing they could do. The horses "weren't neglected." I was told the donkey in my photo had just had her hooves trimmed and that they came that way. I was told my pictures were old. That there wasn't near the 50+ plus horses I seen with my own eyes. He said there was under 30. He also admitted to me that he didn't know much about equines. I cordially thanked him and hung up the phone. I was in disbelief. <br /><br />That same day I had another friend call me. She had contacted Renee about taking some horses off her hands. Renee agreed. So I had another friend call too. Between the two friends a total of 8 were pulled from that hell hole. I ended up with 5. I have since been able to rehome one of them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BfdyySmOQRulxVLT3b3j5lWicjPC2zDEenbj9HMxHkjOw0YfecTMM8Lc8g0O-afbucnBGAYgK1AJxCVTgvs3myTB7XHOGibzm07U47WirUgJqRZgmC4fUrXyr3CsUC-hawgLZW-4cDER/s1600/20614419_10156605473169968_1486582068_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="373" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BfdyySmOQRulxVLT3b3j5lWicjPC2zDEenbj9HMxHkjOw0YfecTMM8Lc8g0O-afbucnBGAYgK1AJxCVTgvs3myTB7XHOGibzm07U47WirUgJqRZgmC4fUrXyr3CsUC-hawgLZW-4cDER/s640/20614419_10156605473169968_1486582068_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">"Lady" the day of intake. Vet gave her a body score of 1.5- 2. She was covered in wounds and some weird fungus. Her hair was coming off in clumps due to the severe rain rot. She was lacking in minerals and her hooves chipped and cracking.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZbzg01X9-_CzWgSf-mTZ7nOr6_ItU7-uLicXAgOA6dmR_LPo1FJpBjosDKAoRufCdXJ9ju-O0-xZnJNdoE8c1xtuWyWNs4MU8KAR_xWM-0aJ-W4U-XjKOGNIKhvZ3WXQDPuP-Okzo2Bp/s1600/20562791_10156605477614968_997320475_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="373" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZbzg01X9-_CzWgSf-mTZ7nOr6_ItU7-uLicXAgOA6dmR_LPo1FJpBjosDKAoRufCdXJ9ju-O0-xZnJNdoE8c1xtuWyWNs4MU8KAR_xWM-0aJ-W4U-XjKOGNIKhvZ3WXQDPuP-Okzo2Bp/s640/20562791_10156605477614968_997320475_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"><span>"Lady" 3 weeks after rescue. Gaining weight nicely off of grass hay only. No grain, no weight builder, no supplements. Just grassy hay. I found a tattoo on her lip. She had won 40k at Canterbury downs. Her owner/ breeder sold her to Renee for $300 in December. She was in perfect health.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span id="goog_1906454532"></span><span id="goog_1906454533"></span><span id="goog_1906454534"></span><span id="goog_1906454535"></span>White donkey Progress Pics:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><span id="goog_1906454519"></span><span id="goog_1906454520"></span><br />Brown donkey progress pics:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />A note from North Horse: <br /><br /><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Rescue Warrior also got two mini horses out of Twin Creek. They too desperately needed baths and hoof trims.<br /><br />As of this week, I am told that the </span><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Nykanens have over 40 horses living in filth, hungry, dehydrated, and with no hoof care.</span><br />
<br />
It's outrageous that local law enforcement won't take this seriously. No horses should have to live with no food, in kneep-mud, plastered in their own filth, their crippled hooves untrimmed for months. If you agree, contact Baron County Sheriff!<span class="_xdb"> They may tell you "we've checked on those horses, they're fine." Tell them NOPE, this is NOT "fine!"</span><br />
<span class="_xdb"></span><br />
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<span class="_Xbe">Baron Co Sheriff Dept. </span><span class="_Xbe"><br />Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald <br />1420 WI-25 <br />Barron, WI 54812<br /><br />OR</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">(715) 537-3106<br /><br />Huge thank-you to Rescue Warrior for the excellent work!!<br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Miscellaneous pics from the </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Nykanen property:<br /></span></span></div>
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North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-26131425206409768082017-08-02T18:27:00.000-05:002017-08-02T18:27:22.277-05:00All the Updates: Rachwal, Health Hazards & More<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJR0mo7ajk8QMTVOKXLKm8JbJymUK9K5cOZ90DSPx8R_A5WRTriMEGufoCeaR3W1AN5O8lVefEhyphenhyphenhSXOkjKIWB_7bSGeqZYHXnMQRacz95A_Sfmm5ZcovhhKX20f3I8d1AgjKZts61S54/s1600/STERLING-RACHWAL201-223x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="223" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJR0mo7ajk8QMTVOKXLKm8JbJymUK9K5cOZ90DSPx8R_A5WRTriMEGufoCeaR3W1AN5O8lVefEhyphenhyphenhSXOkjKIWB_7bSGeqZYHXnMQRacz95A_Sfmm5ZcovhhKX20f3I8d1AgjKZts61S54/s200/STERLING-RACHWAL201-223x300.jpg" width="148" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rachwal Rides Again</span><br />
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In April 2017, Sterling Rachwal molested a horse in Eaton, near Green Bay. In May, he <a href="http://www.wisn.com/article/woman-says-man-broke-into-barn-molested-her-horse/8957967">raped a gelding</a> at a ranch in Maribel, also near Green Bay. He hasn't been convicted yet, but if it wasn't him, I'll eat my hat. <br />
<br />
He is currently charged with three misdemeanors in Brown County: <br />
<ul>
<li>Intentionally mistreating animals</li>
<li>Disorderly conduct</li>
<li>Resisting or obstructing an officer</li>
</ul>
...and two misdemeanors in Manitowoc County:<br />
<ul>
<li>Intentionally mistreating animals</li>
<li>Disorderly conduct</li>
</ul>
I have added this information to <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/04/stirling-rachwal-may-be-freed.html">my main post</a> about this fiendish psycho, which includes a picture of his SUV. I HIGHLY recommend that any horse owner within 50 miles of Green Bay invest in a security system. For some goddamn reason, authorities<a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/02/jacque/newsletter-list/fox-11-investigates-why-does-convicted-horse-abuser-keep-being-released/"><i> keep releasing him</i></a> so he can do this again! He's been raping and mutilating horses since the 80s!<br />
<br />
Sterling Rachwal has plead "not guilty" to the all charges against him. He has not been able to pay bail (even though it's a ridiculously low $1,000 and $5,000 respectively) so he's sitting in jail for now.<br />
<br />
In the Brown case, Rachwal's next hearing will be September 12th, 2017. He may or may not go to trial.<br />
Contact Deputy District Attorney Dana Johnson and let her know that you want her to deal harshly with this repeat offender! Let her know not to let up on the prosecution, accept no deals, and ask for the most stringent sentence possible.<br />
Brown County Deputy D.A Dana J. Johnson<br />
300 E Walnut St<br />
Green Bay, WI 53401 <br />
OR <b class="black"><span itemprop="telephone">(920) 448-4190</span></b><b class="black"></b><br />
<div class="addressinfo" itemprop="address" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/PostalAddress">
<b class="black">
<span itemprop="streetAddress"><br /></span><span itemprop="postalCode"></span></b></div>
In the Manitowoc case, Rachwal will have a jury trial on December 14th, 2017. Make sure you write to the prosecuting attorney and let her know that you expect her to go after Rachwal to the fullest extent that the law allows! You can contact her at:<br />
Assistant District Attorney Jill L. Vendetti<br />
<div class="content-cta-content">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
Manitowoc County Courthouse</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
1010 S 8th Street</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
3<sup>rd</sup> Floor, Room 325</div>
Manitowoc, WI 54220</div>
OR <b><span class="telnum">920-448-5433</span></b><br />
<br />
I will be alerting you all closer to the dates, so that hopefully you can physically be there in the court room to make your voice heard. I wish Rachwal had been charged with something more serious than a few misdemeanors, but the laws here in Wisconsin just don't cover this kind of situation. That needs to change.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Belva Bowden Gets Off Easy</span><br />
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Speaking of the lackluster laws and lax punishments in Wisconsin, Belva Bowden <a href="http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/story/news/2017/07/14/woman-charged-horses-death-gets-reduced-charge-and-fine/479461001/">had the charges against her reduced</a> to an ordinance violation, and was fined only $582.50 for starving her horse Roy to death. He died a day or so after being found wandering on the highway, his last attempt to escape his miserable existence. He was wearing a custom halter with his name on it, yet his owner couldn't be bothered to sell him, euthanize him, or fix him up. Bowden still teaches at Auburn Elementary School here in Wisconsin.<br />
Are you angry about Bowden's slap on the wrist? Contact Wood County District Attorney David Knaapen at 400 Market Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 or (715) 421-8515 and tell him this isn't acceptable. Be polite, but firm. Let him know that someone capable of watching a helpless animal slowly starve to death in her backyard deserves more punishment than a lousy ticket.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pony Tales Refuge & Rehab Is Grade-A Excellent</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnFPSXtahjS4Ui4seJXVwgCTh_uJgT3kO9uEcsBgYN7xW6F2LL1aFySEJO6duTuCsCComS9yWpm6leQ1COS9tUo27rN07Z3lqWwDUPw6aU6U4L0j3HM9rY4wlVUe1KAiWH9WtYh415dqd/s1600/colfax+pony+tales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1456" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnFPSXtahjS4Ui4seJXVwgCTh_uJgT3kO9uEcsBgYN7xW6F2LL1aFySEJO6duTuCsCComS9yWpm6leQ1COS9tUo27rN07Z3lqWwDUPw6aU6U4L0j3HM9rY4wlVUe1KAiWH9WtYh415dqd/s320/colfax+pony+tales.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.ponytaleswi.org/">Pony Tale</a>s, a relatively new
rescue in Colfax, Wisconsin, has been doing some great things! In
October 2016, they hosted an Open Door Shelter, where people were able
to surrender their animals. Pony Tales, as well as several other local
rescues, took in dozens of horses.<br /><br />Pony Tales has been certified
by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, a rigorous process.
They're holding successful fundraisers, they recently attended a horse
rescue training seminar in Pittsville WI, and best of all, they are
adopting out horses to great homes on a regular basis. For these
reasons, they've made my list of endorsed <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/p/wisconsin-horse-rescues.html">WI Horse rescues</a>. You can check them out on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ponytalesrefugeandrehab/">Facebook page</a>, or meet them in person at two upcoming events:<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">Chippewa Falls Pure Water Days Parade, August 12th at 1pm </span></b><br /><span style="color: #660000;"><b><br />1st Annual Labor Day Trail Ride Fundraiser near Colfax, WI.</b></span><br />Saturday Sept. 2nd & Sunday Sept. 3rd <br />$50 for both days, $40 for Saturday only, $20 for Sunday only. <br /><span style="color: #b30225;"> <span style="color: black;">This
cost includes primitive camping, lunch, dinner and a drink at each
stop. Children 12 and under ride for 1/2 price. Children 5 and under
and participating landowners ride at no charge.</span></span>To register, sign up online <a href="https://fs27.formsite.com/CindyPrince/form1/index.html">here</a>,
email rescueme@ponytaleswi.org, or call/text Brenda at 715-933-4671.
Current negative coggins IS required and will be checked. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3oQUAvg5HtaBZl9vDkmLxiAlZNziaTcEpz-YUsqCRzWEoqZDZ7dsN-omJIzVrtfNqRbVCUfbAgf351NmhERMPe6CklNtJ05eErDM-6MBep3X4xrpbL8AH079tMWyjvgUfesaEJisDv-R/s1600/horse+alliance.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="282" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3oQUAvg5HtaBZl9vDkmLxiAlZNziaTcEpz-YUsqCRzWEoqZDZ7dsN-omJIzVrtfNqRbVCUfbAgf351NmhERMPe6CklNtJ05eErDM-6MBep3X4xrpbL8AH079tMWyjvgUfesaEJisDv-R/s200/horse+alliance.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wisconsin Horse Alliance: Working Hard</span><br /><br /><span id="goog_824900260"></span><span id="goog_824900261"></span>This great organization just held its second annual Rescue Roundtable. These seminars are meant to bring together horse rescue organizations from across Wisconsin, and offers them training, resources, encouragement, and networking opportunities. It's great that Wisconsin has so many horse rescues, but we could all benefit from more communication, agreed-upon standards, and more helping hands. I'm very impressed with what the Alliance is attempting to do to further those goals.<br />The last Rescue Roundtable was attended by Racer Placers, Beautiful Hearts Rescue, Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary,
Firefly Acres, MHWF, Pony Tales Refuge and Rehab, and Wisconsin
Federated Humane Societies.<br /><br />The Alliance holds monthly meetings in Madison. You can check out their website <a href="https://www.wisconsinhorsealliance.org/">here</a>, or join them on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinHorseAlliance/">here</a>.<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><br />Recent Horse Health Hazards</span><br /><br /><b>West Nile</b><br /><span class="text_exposed_show"> A non-vaccinated Standardbred cross yearling gelding from Clark County had to be euthanized this July, after contracting this mosquito-borne disease. <br /><br /><b>Strangles</b><br />A horse that lives permanently at the Walworth County Fairgrounds has a confirmed case of strangles. Shows at this location have been cancelled, and equine visitors are asked to stay away. Strangles can be spread in fluids (like snot) spread on brushes, stall walls, and tack. There is a good vaccine against strangles, which, if left untreated, can be deadly.<br /><br /><b>Eastern Equine Encephalitis</b></span>Two horses died of a severe, mosquito-borne disease in the Tomah area
this week. The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, housed at
University of Wisconsin-Madison, discovered eastern equine encephalitis
virus in the brain tissue of the horses, who were last vaccinated in the
fall of 2016. The virus is deadly in horses about 90 percent of the
time and, in rare cases, can be transmitted to humans. The virus infected 19 horses in 11 Wisconsin counties last year. <br /><br /><b>Potomac Horse Fever </b><br />On July 17th, Dells Equine confirmed a case in Reedsburg in close proximity to the Baraboo river. The horse was found dead before displaying any symptoms, and was later tested positive for the disease. Another horse on site (this one still alive) also tested positive. Vaccination is not guaranteed to prevent the disease but can still lessen the severity of the illness. Owners should watch their horses for signs of fever. The disease is passed along by insects into streams, pastures, and even local bird populations. Read more <a href="http://www.thehorse.com/articles/19155/potomac-horse-fever-cause-and-treatment">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">North Horse Swaps Horses</span><br /><br />I need to update my "author" page! My last two mares were recently adopted out. I was looking forward to taking a break from horses. And then I stumbled upon two mini horses tied to junked out truck beds. Of course I couldn't leave them. *sigh* Stay tuned for a hilarious yet heartbreaking rescue story.<br /><br />
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North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-82494747174547581802016-12-28T16:10:00.000-06:002016-12-30T12:02:07.384-06:00Justice for RoyEDIT 12/30/16: I have added more pictures and information from <a href="http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/2016/12/29/horse-starves-death-but-no-charges-yet/95958802/">this</a> article. <br />
You can read the first-hand account of Humane Officer Nanci Olson <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/335313863/Request-for-Charges">here</a>.<br />
Here's one appalling excerpt from that report:<br />
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_________________________________________________________________<br />
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Hey folks, I'm still alive. I know, I know, it's been over a year since I
last posted. But here's what got me off my ass and back here typing
away:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0c23BIfK6kekA6-qFgFxsPUrVXAFZtqr8QvH5-97sBWZvkP7yw-yK2zoQPYKYtTOCmQnKgkUO0auyPGp_zow-q-oYJpxx6MH3mRtz4u_GikMpjyazJu7HdDygTsNRbDpdzKKf_WrFY9p/s1600/roy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0c23BIfK6kekA6-qFgFxsPUrVXAFZtqr8QvH5-97sBWZvkP7yw-yK2zoQPYKYtTOCmQnKgkUO0auyPGp_zow-q-oYJpxx6MH3mRtz4u_GikMpjyazJu7HdDygTsNRbDpdzKKf_WrFY9p/s640/roy3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="post_message_1294291119"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span>That's Roy.<br />
<br />
Roy escaped from his swampy paddock on Sunday, September 25th 2016. A kind women named Wendy Savage spotted him wandering down highway 80, near Babcock, WI, and informed authorities. <br />
<br />
Obviously, Roy was desperate for food and water, having been starved for a prolonged period. But you know what he wanted more than those things? After spending months and months covered in rain rot, slowly wasting away, enduring hunger pains, his suffering ignored by his owners, I don't think what Roy wanted nourishment as much as something else...<br />
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Roy didn't want to die alone.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSYm9O_ZAtT3bONzMI_9G2nL0mii4XJovtFBRxPvvp_aVwpTBzdatQ2hD7TILA9eYGtWTJib6zI7TrzSYYUTkLqT8bA0r9M8op0dhe8g8YO323pl_D_LyuK3drqqFpdIbW4GQQVoQRVha/s1600/Roy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSYm9O_ZAtT3bONzMI_9G2nL0mii4XJovtFBRxPvvp_aVwpTBzdatQ2hD7TILA9eYGtWTJib6zI7TrzSYYUTkLqT8bA0r9M8op0dhe8g8YO323pl_D_LyuK3drqqFpdIbW4GQQVoQRVha/s1600/Roy3.jpg" /></a>Roy could have escaped his torture earlier. But he was a good boy. <br />
He stayed in his muddy, moldy, lonely pen for a very long time. Only at the very end did he try to leave. Only in his last days, when he was a walking skeleton, did he break out.<br />
<br />
Roy lived for six days after escaping from his private slice of hell. During those six days, he was lovingly cared for by <a href="http://equineadoption.com/">Midwest Horse Welfare</a>, who took him in and tried their absolute hardest to help him. Midwest has successfully rehabilitated starving horses before, using a painstaking around-the-clock care regimen. Roy got small meals of heated, watery, alfalfa mush* for his starved and dehydrated body many times each day. He was seen several times by an excellent veterinarian, Dr. Gary Johnson of Plover, who rated his body condition score 1 out of 9 (and that "was generous"). Roy's teeth, heart, and blood were checked. Roy got little walks in the sunshine, to try to keep him motivated. (They were very short because his body had literally consumed most of its own muscle tissue for sustenance, so Roy had trouble moving.) Most of all, Roy got loved. For six days, he was pampered, petted, brushed. For six days, he heard friendly voices, felt gentle touches, saw that he was among people who cared, and knew that he was not alone.<br />
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On the last day, Roy lay down and could not, or would not, get up again. He was euthanized peacefully, surrounded by love. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMqTzc2JeVRju9gwHYYkN-zOq5Q49ggCV6Fn2ioGBxB7RevFe59xM5qONx3t7qrhU3FOipbOsjBB7FZ8EZbn2amiWTzij21HYGPXerbuoeiepCikVSaf88WsA09nq4dZgK80O6m5YysRH/s1600/ROy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMqTzc2JeVRju9gwHYYkN-zOq5Q49ggCV6Fn2ioGBxB7RevFe59xM5qONx3t7qrhU3FOipbOsjBB7FZ8EZbn2amiWTzij21HYGPXerbuoeiepCikVSaf88WsA09nq4dZgK80O6m5YysRH/s320/ROy.jpg" width="255" /></a>If there's a tear in your eye right now, that's good. It hurts, but it's important. It means you have empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Having empathy, recognizing what others have gone through, is what makes us moral beings. <br />
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What, then, should we do with people who do not have empathy? What should we do about Roy's owners?<br />
<br />
Roy's owners were not elderly. They were not sick. They were not poor. They have a nice house, nice cars. They had no valid excuse (if there are any) to let Roy suffer this way.<br />
<br />
As for Roy, there was nothing medically wrong with him that caused him to starve. He was a healthy older horse with a big appetite. Dr. Gary Johnson of Plover found no underlying cause that would have contributed to Roy's slow, horrific transformation into a walking skeleton. Even if Roy <b><i>had</i></b> had a medical issue, his owners could have euthanized him instead of letting him starve to death. <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/p/old-horses.html">There is no reason </a>for a horse to end up like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AIMmIWpZLlpSBwXO9F7TfFEbzGRadC3yMayJFfx12pYoAsBMC2dGM1K-ZbGAwRoHD_vLmHHzLAskozObqd48q82P_wcLsVRRPX-HxOEIjXvBML2x5mHSKcrUU-tWQC8CTreL10-HpZof/s1600/roy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AIMmIWpZLlpSBwXO9F7TfFEbzGRadC3yMayJFfx12pYoAsBMC2dGM1K-ZbGAwRoHD_vLmHHzLAskozObqd48q82P_wcLsVRRPX-HxOEIjXvBML2x5mHSKcrUU-tWQC8CTreL10-HpZof/s320/roy1.jpg" width="240" /></a>Day after day, week after week, month after month, Roy's owners failed him. They allowed him to suffer, right in their backyard. It took a very long time for Roy to get this thin, and during that time, there were many things his owners could have done. They could have gotten help, surrendered Roy, or even just shot him. Anything would have been better than what they did-- which was absolutely nothing. They ate their own suppers a few hundred feet from where Roy stood in stinking mud, and left him to languish.<br />
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Roy's owners should be charged with neglect. <br />
So far, they haven't been.<br />
They have also been allowed to keep a second horse on their property.<br />
<br />
WHY?<br />
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It's not for lack of evidence against them. Everything the Wood County prosecutor needs, he has. He has photographs, expert testimony, and every possible page of documentation from the veterinarian who treated Roy. These files have been on his desk since October. <br />
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Several people attempted to call the Wood County District Attorney's Office in order to voice their concerns that no charges had been filed in this case. What they got was snubbed, brushed off, dismissed. Here's one example of how those conversations went:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tNZJt5EhvQh4whlLZkq8m99fPu10Kp5Yk-9E_VtlsgVPY_Z4NqOeimroU_8L2BeYRMnzoUXNqUocIOd6WyOCBNsPZlfRmDNywJ8Gf6Zt3oqN1sWKRBRtBed2RaWN7YVOM4QrqAKKX71j/s1600/DA+snub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tNZJt5EhvQh4whlLZkq8m99fPu10Kp5Yk-9E_VtlsgVPY_Z4NqOeimroU_8L2BeYRMnzoUXNqUocIOd6WyOCBNsPZlfRmDNywJ8Gf6Zt3oqN1sWKRBRtBed2RaWN7YVOM4QrqAKKX71j/s640/DA+snub.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After many weeks of watching the Wood County DA's office do nothing, supporters of Roy have begun a campaign to bring public attention to this matter. The movement<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1785655721683158/"> "Justice for Roy"</a> was started, and people are starting to take notice. WSAW-7 News recently did a story, which you can find <a href="http://www.wsaw.com/content/news/Calls-for-justice-come-in-for-horse-found-badly-starved-in-Wood-County-408449075.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
YOU can help! Tell the Wood County DA's office that animal neglect is a <b>serious crime</b>, and Roy's owners should be prosecuted. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Call, write, or email the guy in charge of prosecuting this case! <br />Be polite, be professional, but be firm. <br /><br /> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="post_message_1294291119"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Assistant District Attorney Michael Zell<br />his boss, </span></span><span id="post_message_1294291119"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">District Attorney Craig
Lambert</span></span></span></span></span><span id="post_message_1294291119"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Phone number: 715-421-8515<br /><br />Email: <a href="mailto:Craig.lambert@da.wi.gov" rel="nofollow">Craig.lambert@da.wi.gov</a><br /><br />Snail Mail:<br />Wood County District Attorney's Office<br />PO Box 8095<br />Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's make 2017 a better year.</span></span>You can read more about Roy <a href="http://mhwf.websitetoolbox.com/post/a-tough-monday-roy-8256593">here</a> and <a href="http://mhwf.websitetoolbox.com/post/justice-for-roy-8272891">here</a>, on <a href="http://equineadoption.com/">Midwest Horse Welfare</a>'s message board.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://equineadoption.com/">Midwest Horse Welfare</a> is an excellent Wisconsin horse rescue organization, with a 16+ year history of helping horses like Roy. Please consider <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=De_S348qe4UH8w4Ti2nvSAgwC5gl7YElCptHih75LUzEvPVOJ2HeBIr7gnC&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d333dc9aadeed3fe0b5b299d55fd35542">donating</a> to this reputable, state-inspected, <a href="http://www.sanctuaryfederation.org/gfas/">GFAS</a> sanctioned, registered 501c3 non-profit. Your donations go directly to help horses in need. The rescue owners are not paid for their incredibly hard work.<br />
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*Horses that have been starved to the point of death must be fed very slowly, very carefully, in order to prevent "re-feeding syndrome," where the body is so far gone, it can be easily overwhelmed by even a little too much food, or the wrong kind of food. This phenomenon occurs in humans as well as horses. Many Holocaust concentration camp survivors died from re-feeding syndrome after being liberated and nursed by Allied soldiers.<br />
Learn more about re-feeding syndrome in horses at this link:<br />
<span id="post_message_1293549559"><a href="http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/local-assets/pdfs/pdfs_animal_welfare/eq-isoenergetic-javma212-5-691.pdf%C2%A0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/local-assets/pdfs/pdfs_animal_welfare/eq-isoenergetic-javma212-5-691.pdf </a></span>North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-48352472915774966362015-09-10T03:18:00.000-05:002015-09-10T03:18:15.460-05:00Falls, Toxic Quest Dewormer, Tractor Porn & MoreSo I recently had a couple of bad falls. Rearing was involved both times. One involved the horse flipping backwards and body-slamming me WWF style. Remember folks: wear a helmet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uuCLBaCJrEOFNyNluTU5nG5EMRPZhea8x1Izi7QFESKfPOHu7uV-HeoAK0uw1WJMRBo7lumWqtAy2gLDShi1p0xEGmKRAjE5sWgMLRQVG4jN6kti-LTqVbtRdBVs_1Y_XSIAigeTIn95/s1600/body+slam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uuCLBaCJrEOFNyNluTU5nG5EMRPZhea8x1Izi7QFESKfPOHu7uV-HeoAK0uw1WJMRBo7lumWqtAy2gLDShi1p0xEGmKRAjE5sWgMLRQVG4jN6kti-LTqVbtRdBVs_1Y_XSIAigeTIn95/s320/body+slam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Horse uses body slam! It's super effective!*</span><br />
*Not actually me in this pic. Close enough to what happened tho.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Fun fact: although your brain normally controls your body's movements, under certain circumstances, an ancient, primitive structure in your <i>spine</i> takes over. This is what happens when we touch something hot and reflexively jerk away. It's what happens when we "jump" with fright. It's also the thing that takes over when, after slamming into the ground, you kick like a rabbit in a death struggle. Your brain can't react, but your body does: "Holy crap, fight! Run! Run and fight!" it says, and you do so automatically. Cool, huh? A few minutes afterwards, your brain floods your body with chemicals that simultaneously lessen agony, kick your muscles into high gear, quicken your reactions, sharpen your vision, and in general make you feel awesome. Except for the terrible pain part, it's neat to experience the lengths your body will go to in order to keep you alive. If you're stubborn and foolish, you might use this rush to get back in the saddle within five minutes. Or even coast on that high for days, working and trailering horses to clinics, or fixing fences, before the sheer volume of fluid buildup from your internal bleeding makes you uncomfortable enough to go to the ER. And that's pretty much the story of my last six days or so.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mandatory public service announcement from my dear mother:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a bad fall, shut the hell up and <br />go to the ER, you fucking idiot</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<br />
Well I seem to be all better now, and I even went for a short ride today, so let's move on to some quick news.<br />
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<ul>
<li>There's been a strangles outbreak in southern Wisconsin. Not newsworthy, except for the fact that some owners/barns are continuing to show contagious horses at large events! For the love of all that is holy, people, quarantine your sick horses! Don't pass that crap around! Strangles can be deadly in certain cases, and it's a miserable disease in <i>all</i> circumstances. If you're going to a bigger public event, always bring your own water buckets, don't go around petting all the noses in sight, and of course, vaccinate your horse! A few bucks can save your horse from a lot of pain and pus.</li>
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<li>There's a neat story <a href="http://host.madison.com/news/local/immortalized-horse-inspired-book-on-madison-street-names/article_4abeb276-af75-5538-9304-6462f977ded4.html">here</a> about a street in Madison named after a famous Civil War general's horse.</li>
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<li>Interested in contributing to the analysis and improvement of laws relating to the equestrian world? Chris Riggi is an Ohio law student considering working on equine issues full-time. Send him your concerns and complaints regarding breeding contracts, boarding agreements, adoption and first-right-of-refusal commitments, stolen papers, etc. His email is Chris.riggi@yahoo.com. No guarantees on anything, but a cool idea.</li>
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<li>There's a sad story going around about a yearling who died after bring dosed with Quest Plus dewormer, and I wanted to put my two cents in. Moxidectin, the active ingredient in Quest, has been causing problems since the 1990s, and it's not something I'd use on my horse. Some experts claim that "user error" is the real problem, that people are just overdosing their young, old, or underweight horses. I call bullshit on that. There are just too many cases of extreme illness in healthy, adult horses dosed with Quest for that to be the only explanation. Farnham used to have a moxidectin-based dewormer, and took it off the market after too many lawsuits. Quest should do the same. I know there are some people that swear by Quest as the most effective dewormer out there-- well yeah, that's because it's one of the most toxic! If you have a wormy horse, you don't want to get rid of all the parasites at once anyway. Doing so can cause such a huge die-off that the horse colics severely. Talk to your vet about a gradual, targeted deworming program.<br /><br />Click the pic below to enlarge and read Lynn's account of what happened to her boy Bogo after he was wormed with Quest Plus gel. You can read more and watch her video <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lynn.cochran">here</a>.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9VKUhwBmo0OcJBouJ4oq_6CAC0ZMWhp8wTNCxv2siPSpLs90N6xO056ZgP9T2nZthPt35aTM5peLi4PYMtf3qyHvThKQ8L2GuQ0Vr2k8AnD9my2GVhYlxTF4U3vQdEiB6j1XVDFWwaSW/s1600/BOGO.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9VKUhwBmo0OcJBouJ4oq_6CAC0ZMWhp8wTNCxv2siPSpLs90N6xO056ZgP9T2nZthPt35aTM5peLi4PYMtf3qyHvThKQ8L2GuQ0Vr2k8AnD9my2GVhYlxTF4U3vQdEiB6j1XVDFWwaSW/s400/BOGO.PNG" width="343" /></a></div>
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OK, let's talk about Farm Tech Days. This year, it took place near Madison. It's like a convention, but for farmers, and it takes place in a giant field of tents and machinery. When I say giant... I mean, they destroyed <i>100 acres of alfalfa field</i> to create a temporary metropolis, complete with a mini ambulance, gardens, streets (and street signs), "restaurants," tractor taxis, parking lots, and ATMs. Every day that I went, I cringed as I walked on the crispy corpses of alfalfa that takes <i>a full year</i> to grow before it can be harvested the next year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDf4NVR1mN7q46nnOknAAiFiE7plAQnA-HOvFrp98f3Ni6x2QqP5t-HgPG2G-eN2voHkq2wmksov6S1rooSB-09pVsSPfUMWceml6ydYLa4H8XBjlk_ByJuNxGA5PC0ZYQhoZu0BZO-R3/s1600/20150825_101940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDf4NVR1mN7q46nnOknAAiFiE7plAQnA-HOvFrp98f3Ni6x2QqP5t-HgPG2G-eN2voHkq2wmksov6S1rooSB-09pVsSPfUMWceml6ydYLa4H8XBjlk_ByJuNxGA5PC0ZYQhoZu0BZO-R3/s640/20150825_101940.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I want to talk a little about Farm Tech Days because I saw some amazing things there, and there were some awesome horse demonstrations, but also because part of the big show was the opportunity to tour the Statz dairy operation. Owning three to five <i>thousand</i> cows at any given moment, they're one of the largest "factory farms" around. So of course I had to take a look, in the interest of animal welfare.What I found out was pretty surprising. Read more below. Since this is already a pretty long blog, I won't get too wordy though.<br /><br />What follows is basically a massive picture dump with captions. If you're just here for the tractor porn (you sick, sick bastard) you can skip to the end.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Horse Demonstrations</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczggY6Hq1bV3C2XQRhobgjRiR-ozM0rxzz02iHLFkhESueSe5xJ_-kmkUdr-3vveiGjE8O4MUkoVWxyK9n24SSwWGyN-5361lbvpNP31ddlkZ3Oq7U9AAZJbASEijF8U79SzUFaq_ttke/s1600/20150825_093829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczggY6Hq1bV3C2XQRhobgjRiR-ozM0rxzz02iHLFkhESueSe5xJ_-kmkUdr-3vveiGjE8O4MUkoVWxyK9n24SSwWGyN-5361lbvpNP31ddlkZ3Oq7U9AAZJbASEijF8U79SzUFaq_ttke/s640/20150825_093829.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Trainer <a href="http://rayainsworth.com/">Ray Ainsworth</a> was amazing. He was there to work with "problem horses," and boy, did he! If I had not seen him work with my own eyes, I would not have believed it. The mare in this picture was HORRIBLE for trailering, rearing, backing up, trying to run through or around-- just awful. Ainsworth worked with her for an hour in the roundpen and *BAM* she trailered up for him like magic. She was shaking and sweating, but got in and out without incident multiple times throughout the day, for him and for the owner. Incredible. Ainsworth's strategy is basically to earn trust, demand respect, and use his strong presence to ask for (and get) what he wants. He uses an "arm extension" (stick) but not harshly.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgf0z_-d4dVqeYzO6usW-5YphAvvSu7T-Y9pFiePk1MRYbCw_XeJw89Tk7AW8vbVVS6Ajenx_QwOaNBpQTE0op858kYZch11w0g6coPLeZp8vmy11TJamgOLDpP0dEchPENJtS6B1nbJ-/s1600/20150826_155639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgf0z_-d4dVqeYzO6usW-5YphAvvSu7T-Y9pFiePk1MRYbCw_XeJw89Tk7AW8vbVVS6Ajenx_QwOaNBpQTE0op858kYZch11w0g6coPLeZp8vmy11TJamgOLDpP0dEchPENJtS6B1nbJ-/s640/20150826_155639.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />This 3 year old filly had never had a saddle on, and hated fly spray. He had her saddled in fifteen minutes, and was on her back in another ten. It took him all of about THREE minutes to deal with the flyspray problem. His strategy? After establishing leadership on the ground so that the horse wouldn't run through him, and trust so that she wouldn't rear or bolt away, he just sprayed her. Over and over. Of course she backed up, backed up, backed up. He very calmly kept going, spraying at the same pace. In the a deep sand roundpen, the horse pretty quickly realized that it was just easier to stand still and get sprayed. After all this, the filly practically cuddled up to him and wanted to sit in his lap. She didn't hate him-- on the contrary, she loved having a strong leader, having a job, learning. Five stars for this trainer. I bought his dvd. His website is <a href="http://rayainsworth.com/">here</a>, check it out.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3b0EGe8EvCL0E40StTmuthLm4MxBL5PcY9i4A9ms-uPaisGsYQz3rvEbkUw7MH-GtQkPJVTlDqcxMV169mbIcYS1xpVfIHvpyizp3sfJSBs5tY32RvnWudP-qmccUEiFXEj4QVxzcveF/s1600/20150825_122232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3b0EGe8EvCL0E40StTmuthLm4MxBL5PcY9i4A9ms-uPaisGsYQz3rvEbkUw7MH-GtQkPJVTlDqcxMV169mbIcYS1xpVfIHvpyizp3sfJSBs5tY32RvnWudP-qmccUEiFXEj4QVxzcveF/s640/20150825_122232.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The "<a href="http://www.milkbuds.com/index.html">Milk Buds</a>" are a group of eight ponies on a wagon team that is so skilled, they can double-back on themselves multiple times. It was very cool to see this old teamster teaching his grandsons and helpers about the old art of harnessing and driving.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkU_EZVuSneZfIX0HT_zU-dYFufuVy2Qp6KipM918K0S3OfFq4zv17eztoU6x9dX-SHbjbTE1iioK9BKJe0Ek8hJjAw0oLsP3CHnVpFh2BZScobNmjPTqmb8XXYjEoMN50SKPTC8WaBkO/s1600/20150825_125438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkU_EZVuSneZfIX0HT_zU-dYFufuVy2Qp6KipM918K0S3OfFq4zv17eztoU6x9dX-SHbjbTE1iioK9BKJe0Ek8hJjAw0oLsP3CHnVpFh2BZScobNmjPTqmb8XXYjEoMN50SKPTC8WaBkO/s640/20150825_125438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OPkxWI6jfXGJrbFo1kWnkYit3kG7QC1MLwUtIsA1Xw-OLYpZlBLtYgqiOvQnlfz4xIysnpSPXtu2PiEJ3Ig6I0wPGNf5YdJM5WW1BZWROz-xQfZGktKu8T50bIfyygYvFr0Gxi53vMFe/s1600/20150825_155332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OPkxWI6jfXGJrbFo1kWnkYit3kG7QC1MLwUtIsA1Xw-OLYpZlBLtYgqiOvQnlfz4xIysnpSPXtu2PiEJ3Ig6I0wPGNf5YdJM5WW1BZWROz-xQfZGktKu8T50bIfyygYvFr0Gxi53vMFe/s640/20150825_155332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-7wnGT9xM82uKJ6zw_jklVp4JUxZ59-EyAfQS89H7ls43jfYtpsIAgLmQQYJO94ILcV57AckwSzETDFhU4tnB9SAW6gQBdJSu1JRr8sgsnC2-lcNr2t-fGpCLpFN7XJdnsAjpzlyJXJB/s1600/20150825_145538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-7wnGT9xM82uKJ6zw_jklVp4JUxZ59-EyAfQS89H7ls43jfYtpsIAgLmQQYJO94ILcV57AckwSzETDFhU4tnB9SAW6gQBdJSu1JRr8sgsnC2-lcNr2t-fGpCLpFN7XJdnsAjpzlyJXJB/s640/20150825_145538.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the Milk Buds was a mare with this FREAKING ADORABLE mule baby. This guy was the star of the show, and he knew it. The little shit enjoyed himself immensely.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwZv8Xi0OI08AL01EcyO2XKzPHsJ9RAEiZUE3eROItwtpnHAAS59EE_Z3Q1t3KE9LYGjv2Vo6puzb6FRyZGe63GP7mB-nA-3vSXHi_UIzb3MNSymkkKbAoUsl3yMizjeI4_OUOYH3z_xM/s1600/20150825_143523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwZv8Xi0OI08AL01EcyO2XKzPHsJ9RAEiZUE3eROItwtpnHAAS59EE_Z3Q1t3KE9LYGjv2Vo6puzb6FRyZGe63GP7mB-nA-3vSXHi_UIzb3MNSymkkKbAoUsl3yMizjeI4_OUOYH3z_xM/s640/20150825_143523.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Kettle Moraine Rough Riders performed in all their glory. <br />LOVE these guys. They were slightly hampered by the small arena though.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGv1rnASMkrwlfQV4uvVyXq2X5XnlEhYhLTYgsMq9sjL7rShhmkNgtbBhgpwQU2CFT-bMUMnGlDgNbDr2L11AI9L__bDs83ikopDHzC7NHkohpVBcuErFVjSr-WRWKdKcVYnj4scDIxHt/s1600/20150825_154948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGv1rnASMkrwlfQV4uvVyXq2X5XnlEhYhLTYgsMq9sjL7rShhmkNgtbBhgpwQU2CFT-bMUMnGlDgNbDr2L11AI9L__bDs83ikopDHzC7NHkohpVBcuErFVjSr-WRWKdKcVYnj4scDIxHt/s640/20150825_154948.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is one of the drill team's horses, a Rocky Mountain with a gorgeous coat.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uPMBl3COYTTvBF1mnhOsFrOYqwqODH8L1sphn3VvfjJAfc6SMJ9NknbfOPfM800_LyEvfPMUyXUYaY2YtAZBOIz6Gkb18Gim8WKpruum5wKCSlsEuJr7bT3VHPVMJLWFV97t34HgHiz8/s1600/20150826_134404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uPMBl3COYTTvBF1mnhOsFrOYqwqODH8L1sphn3VvfjJAfc6SMJ9NknbfOPfM800_LyEvfPMUyXUYaY2YtAZBOIz6Gkb18Gim8WKpruum5wKCSlsEuJr7bT3VHPVMJLWFV97t34HgHiz8/s640/20150826_134404.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.zzhorsemanship.com/">Zacharia's Horsemanship</a> put on a good show, with Zeke riding his mustang (trained by himself) up, down, and around, doing a variety of tricks.<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Fun Pics</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtgSwgXlof-RPAZ3-XoeheYQuQ6ah9Q_rwu22wvEPdimnEM0U0umMDpvwjcNLmtMWT0_IkslPdqRRHeKH3zB1v-q8ocUeH5j8pK_20WlgItadr3sZf3GH8Kx7k_OBspEdn5Rj3eNLDShm/s1600/20150826_133712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtgSwgXlof-RPAZ3-XoeheYQuQ6ah9Q_rwu22wvEPdimnEM0U0umMDpvwjcNLmtMWT0_IkslPdqRRHeKH3zB1v-q8ocUeH5j8pK_20WlgItadr3sZf3GH8Kx7k_OBspEdn5Rj3eNLDShm/s640/20150826_133712.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cute idea-- thrift store purses repurposed as plant hangers.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRDXLdna7RSxyY-zP1uxlhcRHC8XkjbYUgwfYrU6Lr0SauRlgscR4GcmZz6bOA6s5N3JHfM9cBebK0cXJxOZdPzcn7m8VVi2m2DPy-RIZulfp8Yjh0DGkeaLryzwmFYnYs-CDm8Oy7MZh/s1600/20150825_141533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRDXLdna7RSxyY-zP1uxlhcRHC8XkjbYUgwfYrU6Lr0SauRlgscR4GcmZz6bOA6s5N3JHfM9cBebK0cXJxOZdPzcn7m8VVi2m2DPy-RIZulfp8Yjh0DGkeaLryzwmFYnYs-CDm8Oy7MZh/s640/20150825_141533.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cow. Because, Wisconsin.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5613a_pp41MKa8CW20suPmJJuz4xby6mQxnlamHQU1Y25h7eHFkuyJ7aPv_ld61KxdtDkL7uRGvdRRaBZvBtREqknEJlryfRLILUybrIixEsupW0rVfaWyUaFwilJlWY5wPc0J2xkfnRG/s1600/20150827_142031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5613a_pp41MKa8CW20suPmJJuz4xby6mQxnlamHQU1Y25h7eHFkuyJ7aPv_ld61KxdtDkL7uRGvdRRaBZvBtREqknEJlryfRLILUybrIixEsupW0rVfaWyUaFwilJlWY5wPc0J2xkfnRG/s640/20150827_142031.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Giant robotic scratching machine. <br />Because happy cows are better producers!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1q6KTTbrsZvoSOWt2X0z2cGR_u_Adine1jwCz9CsA4ZHE27aTp2a0QUd7zm_kqqTy1CZaMIsALN14joYBUkxs6In75A96yK-mvjAJsm9xhpf_Ai0eVcD6D_iRWDCzvzOsj2oxZRytgZt/s1600/20150827_141859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1q6KTTbrsZvoSOWt2X0z2cGR_u_Adine1jwCz9CsA4ZHE27aTp2a0QUd7zm_kqqTy1CZaMIsALN14joYBUkxs6In75A96yK-mvjAJsm9xhpf_Ai0eVcD6D_iRWDCzvzOsj2oxZRytgZt/s640/20150827_141859.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was a tractor driving obstacle course. <br />I have no idea why this was in it, but it was!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg1CVeACOwmVg3ic6919D7pfbnfMAYsfMqVIku1VCeNUVu8sWfAdyGbhRU_XW_wbu0q_qch_545yqNJrgkp9UT8ujYcxHqUMrM7lUjpcbqZNEvn3zNneBWDUQPnHLjZvpVCz7sUp6mJfx/s1600/20150827_143930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQg1CVeACOwmVg3ic6919D7pfbnfMAYsfMqVIku1VCeNUVu8sWfAdyGbhRU_XW_wbu0q_qch_545yqNJrgkp9UT8ujYcxHqUMrM7lUjpcbqZNEvn3zNneBWDUQPnHLjZvpVCz7sUp6mJfx/s640/20150827_143930.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To give you an idea of just how much work went into Farm Tech Days, this rest area and music center was created by planting twelve full-sized pine trees inside a ring of telephone pole arches</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4bD9rK1J2TiLyTORAXcXop6S8gJmat5TetkLnN9JZBLsQNC9DH7WPPwKWDQ5SoHJbIYV19aIG5CzmFAlITz-jppuw9Knotx200deY2qf81golsiIR33R0E07dGtfhXgv4OFK1c80yf9Z/s1600/20150827_144155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4bD9rK1J2TiLyTORAXcXop6S8gJmat5TetkLnN9JZBLsQNC9DH7WPPwKWDQ5SoHJbIYV19aIG5CzmFAlITz-jppuw9Knotx200deY2qf81golsiIR33R0E07dGtfhXgv4OFK1c80yf9Z/s640/20150827_144155.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The drone demonstration was pretty neat.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> For $3-5K, you too can have a fancy toy helicopter with a camera!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"Factory Farm" Dairy</b></span><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhzqFJNhXBNS-wZVANQqpd55VtQthoykG5fKSyrC97gFcPBbCG8vRKQTIs4_aP3Yo-0AsUAeesU3VWpBwbGXpCXhJofE4Ar2Qb6PdZiTKxYcQvNQrfq1hlESYEyeHmjwxSZXnlzZ9bVZj/s1600/20150827_132855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhzqFJNhXBNS-wZVANQqpd55VtQthoykG5fKSyrC97gFcPBbCG8vRKQTIs4_aP3Yo-0AsUAeesU3VWpBwbGXpCXhJofE4Ar2Qb6PdZiTKxYcQvNQrfq1hlESYEyeHmjwxSZXnlzZ9bVZj/s640/20150827_132855.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The barns were so large, they were able to drive us through the aisles inside on a schoolbus. The 3,000 cows are kept in buildings where they can roam freely. There are fans and water sprinklers for cooling, rubber mats to stand on, water tanks that are heated all year round to the temperature the cows prefer, and bedding for naps. The cows are fed three times per day. The sides of the buildings can be opened or closed depending on the weather. There were no bugs-- mosquitoes and flies are controlled in three different ways.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6tHYe6tbnrRe-TqEHEl8LfI7ak4FjFhkvTht-Mx0tynaUY09nqI9b6eqY5pCRVIcyhC-qAhKlohvi8uIHw4sGIi9gPpleGj_GcDDIVW0kBcZTMb6JbT8VTCg_PrOsbKjXwGqQIxUM5zU/s1600/20150827_133129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6tHYe6tbnrRe-TqEHEl8LfI7ak4FjFhkvTht-Mx0tynaUY09nqI9b6eqY5pCRVIcyhC-qAhKlohvi8uIHw4sGIi9gPpleGj_GcDDIVW0kBcZTMb6JbT8VTCg_PrOsbKjXwGqQIxUM5zU/s640/20150827_133129.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The manure pond, emptied for the public during this tour, covers an area the size of three football fields. The walls are eighteen feet high and eighteen inches thick. The pond holds 80,000 gallons.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwThADtKNtFbrVJXi0rhBXtq2pO_o2cw_zrRqL-4I-fssXUR1sRi0co7VKReLZTBFozAlpyvb672ELQ3Ya7CQFBXfcwajnj-MT91rWHhreYhVm_3TdOLEI43uPWDds00F4srGQXsU0QeH3/s1600/20150827_133145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwThADtKNtFbrVJXi0rhBXtq2pO_o2cw_zrRqL-4I-fssXUR1sRi0co7VKReLZTBFozAlpyvb672ELQ3Ya7CQFBXfcwajnj-MT91rWHhreYhVm_3TdOLEI43uPWDds00F4srGQXsU0QeH3/s640/20150827_133145.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What goes into the manure pond is actually only about a third of what comes out of all the cows' butts. The farm extracts the sulfur from the manure (which greatly reduces the smell) and makes it into fertilizer. The methane is extracted and is used to power heaters and other equipment. The solids are removed, processed, dried, and re-used as bedding.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFP-3s7VZ9x_RiH7w95sOQU2ebmE347B-rLrlAyEf0kvWB3HYOGoPIDUiuQFww6m_3LQpCkbE0gBpKA1D1mjRE0IBM2Nxci2t9jyauX47ji4AA8U_qTdWpMUnyTgzR_oW0ThNQ1H8rrX7/s1600/20150827_133339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFP-3s7VZ9x_RiH7w95sOQU2ebmE347B-rLrlAyEf0kvWB3HYOGoPIDUiuQFww6m_3LQpCkbE0gBpKA1D1mjRE0IBM2Nxci2t9jyauX47ji4AA8U_qTdWpMUnyTgzR_oW0ThNQ1H8rrX7/s640/20150827_133339.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The methane power plant.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLHW5hG169uF6IhC4xJW_N6lWWe15G3Q8_cRq2UKGeJMT_4yUFoH_6KDMq88rUs7CwNdD279EGc6kRp8Sa2kud5VUPf0yUZrhe92R4sTCcsMjJLA2OAe-LEdIwN7sdv3foeEcZYfrqpwW/s1600/20150827_133444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLHW5hG169uF6IhC4xJW_N6lWWe15G3Q8_cRq2UKGeJMT_4yUFoH_6KDMq88rUs7CwNdD279EGc6kRp8Sa2kud5VUPf0yUZrhe92R4sTCcsMjJLA2OAe-LEdIwN7sdv3foeEcZYfrqpwW/s640/20150827_133444.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is one of twelve feed bays, each large enough to take two semi loads of forage for the cows.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2MJxQXw2SJppjtokxtE_EKMIy9JKriCZqYBQnrf1gKlVJmSv1DC3BJHwr2jU4BWgum0D8GQyyccoq9lIhT179ZRp6RUDzgWxQAzVwk1vbVRCYogrR-IvXsgN9HxSYSWtNh50Y3Hflsq7/s1600/20150827_133711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2MJxQXw2SJppjtokxtE_EKMIy9JKriCZqYBQnrf1gKlVJmSv1DC3BJHwr2jU4BWgum0D8GQyyccoq9lIhT179ZRp6RUDzgWxQAzVwk1vbVRCYogrR-IvXsgN9HxSYSWtNh50Y3Hflsq7/s640/20150827_133711.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entrance to the two story milking parlor. 100 cows can be milked at one time, in only 15 minutes. They are milked three times per day, producing 80 pounds of milk per cow.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH4i7wnkf10GcPVLnvHEj0hhrjwwgieHRiDrkPRq6-e3z93ftwaYWuYOAPqkPX-I_fNPyPwpDpHAqWjL4JZfdb44O4g7Bnd-hWer63ZQwaVnKGMHXtu0cVsb4SG7UklhU0-RFR1Zw3MJ2/s1600/20150827_135142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH4i7wnkf10GcPVLnvHEj0hhrjwwgieHRiDrkPRq6-e3z93ftwaYWuYOAPqkPX-I_fNPyPwpDpHAqWjL4JZfdb44O4g7Bnd-hWer63ZQwaVnKGMHXtu0cVsb4SG7UklhU0-RFR1Zw3MJ2/s640/20150827_135142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The cows walk in, and turn into their stanchions by themselves. Fifty cows on each side.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguhJfVk78xwIVfN0mY3vNGQDlhi5cVpsqX-teeMOnTGW8dNe4UDJoyUZXAc5hx0cq46F2nrzYUxHSFHYaK4dnh7xYxNqtb3a0EMzP2DxdhPoAv9nx7ekVbnIvcVY2PxV-lVzACE21LN_X/s1600/20150827_135248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguhJfVk78xwIVfN0mY3vNGQDlhi5cVpsqX-teeMOnTGW8dNe4UDJoyUZXAc5hx0cq46F2nrzYUxHSFHYaK4dnh7xYxNqtb3a0EMzP2DxdhPoAv9nx7ekVbnIvcVY2PxV-lVzACE21LN_X/s640/20150827_135248.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the cows are in, the stanchions are shut, and the washing begins. Dairy workers standing behind and below the cows wash and disinfect every udder. The put on the automatic milking machines, press a button, and the milk gets pumped to a giant bulk tank. Within just a few minutes, the cows are milked. The workers dip teats in a protective antibacterial goo</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTbBzbQ7lkvSCvSoYc3ISS5QQXpfGb1z50YcFNsYk1l80mimqy0nMGhrA8Xdox_7QycLV1KZkYj8dF5ky19CWfbGKWD5K7O7J0wZVeDR1d4j3vEc_Y_tTD5HCEQ7rKdurbADhgy4zGB2d/s1600/20150827_135232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTbBzbQ7lkvSCvSoYc3ISS5QQXpfGb1z50YcFNsYk1l80mimqy0nMGhrA8Xdox_7QycLV1KZkYj8dF5ky19CWfbGKWD5K7O7J0wZVeDR1d4j3vEc_Y_tTD5HCEQ7rKdurbADhgy4zGB2d/s640/20150827_135232.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The cows stroll out of the parlor, making way for the next group to come in.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfJBM4wgyQBnERgTfqRmqAtLRElvx-R7QQp4IxdPAPnFirNuArVXuh6Mcb5EOXqeXf-sCRGWwUV-I3WMB2ejrrhANwuUtDJZovGHCA_1tReaTDoQuWYsrVcwXyMVU-0Dm0vOvP_PbwERv/s1600/20150827_135416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfJBM4wgyQBnERgTfqRmqAtLRElvx-R7QQp4IxdPAPnFirNuArVXuh6Mcb5EOXqeXf-sCRGWwUV-I3WMB2ejrrhANwuUtDJZovGHCA_1tReaTDoQuWYsrVcwXyMVU-0Dm0vOvP_PbwERv/s640/20150827_135416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All in all, I was impressed with the efficiency and humane care in this "factory farm." Of course I don't like that the cows don't get to go outside and roll around in actual grass. I don't like the practice of cutting tail tips without anesthesia. Too often, workers can get too rough when a cow gets rebellious. However, if we as a society are going to demand meat and dairy products at low prices and on a large scale, this is just about the best we can hope for. The cows only live 5-8 years, but they aren't such bad lives. Every effort is made to make sure their environment is as comfortable as a large factory-like facility allows. It's quiet, it's fairly clean, and the cows did not seem stressed. Don't get me wrong, I'd love it if every dairy cow could live on a small, organic, free-range farm with sunny pastures, but that simply isn't feasible unless we're prepared to pay a whole lot more for our food. If you're willing to do that, great!! Buy your meat, milk, and produce from local farmers at farmers markets and co-ops. For the very best humane dairy products, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.sassycowcreamery.com/">Sassy Cow Creamery</a>. Milk is usually around $6 per gallon, which gives the farmers and the cows an actual living.</span></td></tr>
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That's it, folks. The End. Unless you're into looking at pictures of tractors, that is.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tractor Porn</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure this is the world's largest combine, but I am sure I'd be scared to hear there was one bigger.</td></tr>
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<br />North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-63579816616030225772015-08-18T17:17:00.000-05:002015-08-18T17:17:21.191-05:00Kristina Foss's Second Chance Ranch Sounds Like a ScamWelcome back faithful readers. Thanks for
sticking with me despite the long wait. Let's start with some news headlines first:<br />
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I got an anonymous tip that horse rapist and murderer Sterling Rachwal is driving a <span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".1n.1:$mid=11438459648235=23a41b5be9b95147586.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1n.1:$mid=11438459648235=23a41b5be9b95147586.2:0.0.0.0.0.0">2000 Red Ford Explorer, Wisconsin plate 377 XXE. I was unable to confirm this, so don't treat it as gospel. However, if you see this truck parked where it shouldn't be, and there are horses around, do call the police. There's nothing wrong with reporting a suspicious vehicle and asking an officer to check it out.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".1n.1:$mid=11438459648235=23a41b5be9b95147586.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1n.1:$mid=11438459648235=23a41b5be9b95147586.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"> (example photo, not his actual truck)</span></span></td></tr>
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Michael Feist of Otter Creek Ranch in
western Wisconsin was supposed to be sentenced after FINALLY being
convicted of 32 counts of animal abuse (starving horses) in March this year. However, he
fired his lawyer (again) and the court is giving him an extension. His
new sentencing date is August 28th, 2015. Read more on that horrific
case <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/11/brenda-weierke-feist-and-michael-feist.html">here</a>. If you want the judge to throw the book at him, feel free to contact her at:<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Hon. Judge Molly E. GaleWyrick<br />1005 W. Main St. Suite 600</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Balsam Lake, WI 54810</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">715-485-9293</span> </span><br />
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Feist is also involved in a big civil suit, and I would love to know the gory details behind all that. Seems like a bunch of people are owed a BUNCH of money.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAd7RXeBvjQPbaZCEJ8Dq60O3JBKgwL_y5zOKSQDM2k3nW_oPUK6k1WJLBi8RNKD5IuLGB5uQv0KoigDu04XuVfOlIU2m4hkszRY6kJHOTVXJMv4j-PcRJFxY7Miq0SiZq6gzY5T8rqJjE/s1600/suit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAd7RXeBvjQPbaZCEJ8Dq60O3JBKgwL_y5zOKSQDM2k3nW_oPUK6k1WJLBi8RNKD5IuLGB5uQv0KoigDu04XuVfOlIU2m4hkszRY6kJHOTVXJMv4j-PcRJFxY7Miq0SiZq6gzY5T8rqJjE/s400/suit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp3FzkgO1XAR7RuNawHtlN2IcUYQbJANE_9B76fgMFCNmw0dPyH-R_OAUvB5Q0I6_PXWBCmW6H_HxxCb74d299fPU33AFDf0LUGcKy7hAz8A7fPHiTUt7NV3WfLDHSgkJY1RGg1mB7e7R/s1600/nate+slap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp3FzkgO1XAR7RuNawHtlN2IcUYQbJANE_9B76fgMFCNmw0dPyH-R_OAUvB5Q0I6_PXWBCmW6H_HxxCb74d299fPU33AFDf0LUGcKy7hAz8A7fPHiTUt7NV3WfLDHSgkJY1RGg1mB7e7R/s200/nate+slap.jpg" width="160" /></a>Next up, A 21 year old dude visiting from Chicago decided it would be funny to slap a WI police horse as hard as he could and then run away. Guess who won <i>that</i> race? (Yes, the horse.) Doc, one of Madison's Mounted Patrol horses, was basically unhurt but a bit startled by the noisy slap on the rump. The idiot, Nathaniel Robinson, who by rights should have been kicked in the teeth, was instead <a href="http://www.wkow.com/story/29805205/2015/08/17/chicago-man-arrested-after-slapping-mpd-police-horse">hauled into jail</a>. Here's his mugshot. You can plainly see him reconsidering his life choices. Can you imagine having to explain <i>that</i> misdemeanor on your criminal record at a job interview? <br />
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Hey, Dane County Humane Society is FINALLY going to do a barn-building fundraiser! For years DCH has relied on an unstable group of fosters and at least one sketchy "rescue" to house the horses they take in from neglect cases and owner surrenders. Now they're going to build a horse barn of their own-- if we can help them! Hope you can make it to this fabulous fundraiser.<br /><br />
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Speaking of neglect cases, a group has gotten together to try to improve Wisconsin's abysmal track record of weak animal neglect laws and even weaker enforcement of those laws. Let's hope they keep us in the loop! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJZpAYjf6w8uK0qHu614_zQuZKxrS_kiJ1il3eeL6YXEOvhlABC1lUbRiZ1bkAZfUlqiXPAZZ0gpY-tEFU05M9-0Itce8ly1bISFGRO1J1sTx2mypTmJ4yRY7G1nInjVFaZh_zqV5I4-I/s1600/timm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJZpAYjf6w8uK0qHu614_zQuZKxrS_kiJ1il3eeL6YXEOvhlABC1lUbRiZ1bkAZfUlqiXPAZZ0gpY-tEFU05M9-0Itce8ly1bISFGRO1J1sTx2mypTmJ4yRY7G1nInjVFaZh_zqV5I4-I/s320/timm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Last piece of news: <a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/">Midwest Horse Welfare</a>, the largest and finest horse rescue in Wisconsin, just took on some horrifically neglected horses in Clark County. The law enforcement officers there got them involved as soon as they could, and are trying to seize as many animals as they can-- kudos to them! We need more officials willing to go after neglectors. Midwest is obviously going to need some help in the coming months with these severe cases, so now would be a good time to donate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cD6lbFzqCvvk2YBgKpDxLQNtfsft1GDs4JLsdHtp3JlQPiZd2XS9ilmd4s2VSU1pHl5Lyu24FtUEIoTgn_kU12mEnEFWraycC8QAbUkH4iM1G7qwtudiowk_ddWnUbPqKPKcLiTc2Bic/s1600/stud+neglected.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cD6lbFzqCvvk2YBgKpDxLQNtfsft1GDs4JLsdHtp3JlQPiZd2XS9ilmd4s2VSU1pHl5Lyu24FtUEIoTgn_kU12mEnEFWraycC8QAbUkH4iM1G7qwtudiowk_ddWnUbPqKPKcLiTc2Bic/s320/stud+neglected.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of several in similar condition.</td></tr>
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Now on to the main event. <br />
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Kristina
Foss (previously Kristina Kauffman) is the owner of the
"rescue" Second Chance Ranch.<br />
She caught my attention when she posted on a WI Facebook group:<br />
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Now, upon seeing this, you may happily exclaim, "Hooray, a wonderful new rescue! Golly, I'll donate to this great facility right away! I am sure this is an honest person and a worthy cause!" <br />
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...and if that is the case, then poor, naive, uninformed sucker that you are, I'll have to hit you upside the head with a clue stick. (Don't worry, the only permanent side-effects are chronic cynicism and a taste for neat whiskey.)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It amazes me that so many people automatically jump up to support anyone calling themselves a rescue, regardless of<i> obvious</i> warning signs, and then act <i>absolutely flabbergasted</i> when these places turn out to be scammers, hoarders, or neglect cases. What obvious warnings signs? Well, you could spend ten minutes on Facebook and Google and see for yourself... but I'll tell you below. So you don't think I'm making things up, I've included links and screenshots for proof. You can click on the pictures to see them full size. Again, this is all <i>easily accessed</i> public information. What I'm doing here is what anyone should do before giving a person or organization trust, public support, significant cash donations, or live animals.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><u>WARNING SIGNS</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><br />Possible Lies: Foss says she has experience with rescue because she
"worked at an animal shelter for years." When someone commented on Foss's group post asking which shelter she'd worked at, she claimed both Eau Claire County and Chippewa County. I called them to find out. Chippewa County did not call me back as of press time. Eau Claire said it's <i>possible</i> she could have worked or volunteered there before 2013. </span><span style="font-size: small;">However, they could not find any records of her doing so, and the name was unfamiliar to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Suspicious and sketchy: Foss has said she went to school to get a vet tech degree and intends to finish up later. (She attended the for-profit, dubious Globe University/Minnesota School of Business. It's basically a <a href="http://www.mprnews.org/story/2012/09/10/education/globe-university-minnesota-school-of-business">degree mill</a>, <a href="http://blogs.mprnews.org/oncampus/2013/10/former-students-file-suit-against-globe-university-minnesota-school-of-business/">a scam</a>.) </span>You would think someone with some vet tech training would know what pneumonia is. Instead, Kristina calls is "amonia" and apparently one of her rescue horses <i>died from it.</i> Unless it was a heart attack too? Hmmmm.<br />
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Did I mention she gave her puppy away in 2014 because of its annoying behavior, only to buy a new one later?<br />
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And then there's her un-spayed cat and dangerous barbed wire fencing.</div>
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If you're starting to have a little bit of doubt that this girl is a suitable horse rescue manager, good! Keep reading. It gets worse. Again, this is all <i>easily accessed</i> public information. What I'm doing here is showing you what you, if you weren't so busy, would be looking at to see if this is someone you can trust.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Outright lie</span></b>: Kristina Foss says her rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Yet the IRS has no record of that, under any of her personal names, <i>or</i> under her rescue's name. How do I know? The public can look up the tax exempt status of any organization on <a href="http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Exempt-Organizations-Select-Check">this part</a> of the IRS website, or call the EO dept of the IRS directly at 1-877-829-5500.* <br />
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Sketchy: Kristina seems to be awfully short on money to be able to take in a bunch of rescue horses. This year she's started two pages on GoFundMe, a <strike>begging</strike> personal fundraising website. One page is for <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/3k7qjdrzc">donations to her horse "rescue,"</a> another was for medical expenses for one of her three young children. It sounds like she could also use some money to pay off debts, since as of March of this year, she owes a daycare $1,500, she and her ex owe a hospital $3,200, and the debts go further back. In mid-March 2014 she had her car repossessed. These debts, by the way, are also public knowledge. You can look up the recent criminal record of Wisconsin citizens by going to <a href="https://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl;jsessionid=3CA173AD22D9BB84A7662693A2002D58.render6">CCAP</a> and simply searching by name.<br />
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If you're still not convinced that Kristina Foss is bad news, let me show you three more things.<br />
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1) Doing stupid shit to kids. Kristina says this horse has <b>never</b> been backed before, yet here she is putting a little girl in the saddle, a girl not wearing a helmet. In one of the pics, there isn't even anyone holding the horse-- the mare is tied to a fence.<br />
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And here's another example-- a helmet-less little girl sitting on a horse that's "almost broke." Nice. Yes, that's more barbed wire in the background.<br />
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2. Let's go back and take a further look at one of Kristina's debt records for a moment. Notice anything odd? (Remember, click the pic to make it full size.)<br />
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Yeeaaah, as of March 2015, Kristina was telling the court that she has "no current address." Meaning that either she refused to give them one, or she was lying and saying she's homeless.<br />
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3. Kristina's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Second-Chance-Ranch/384030211803088?fref=ts">Second Chance Ranch Facebook pag</a>e contains virtually no information on her rescue, other than her name and contact info. The GoFundMe <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/3k7qjdrzc">page </a>for her "rescue" is basically just pictures copied directly from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RyonsRescuePen?pnref=story">Ryon's Rescue Pen</a>, a Facebook group dedicated to buying up slaughter-bound horses in Minnesota. There's a side-by side comparison below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zXL4jsKu8orfeqetmIhyphenhyphenZWFDrw5RIa-aBTYUoj93KrgCHYW3XsLb8gho3NcxbQ3YbOtg0qr8pmkoLA8pLV49H1C9tvELjT3zMr-A_4UXxo14NGhUd8SIkR2rl3pJvjr8LXEEWRO_bmHN/s1600/copy+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sGfo5m-ZPTPPOL6xTB4_95T9h8zBpaDBZP4IzcNNLCTVD06zeRf7EFf4yr__2eNPfnpQHKmRLQLbcbEuvMuh-TwEJzMdv6p5Bc6q8RUCgJPwAbvrP4nlMZyXuukUPjGuYrqO6R0r6Fjh/s1600/copy.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sGfo5m-ZPTPPOL6xTB4_95T9h8zBpaDBZP4IzcNNLCTVD06zeRf7EFf4yr__2eNPfnpQHKmRLQLbcbEuvMuh-TwEJzMdv6p5Bc6q8RUCgJPwAbvrP4nlMZyXuukUPjGuYrqO6R0r6Fjh/s320/copy.PNG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zXL4jsKu8orfeqetmIhyphenhyphenZWFDrw5RIa-aBTYUoj93KrgCHYW3XsLb8gho3NcxbQ3YbOtg0qr8pmkoLA8pLV49H1C9tvELjT3zMr-A_4UXxo14NGhUd8SIkR2rl3pJvjr8LXEEWRO_bmHN/s320/copy+2.PNG" width="294" /></div>
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Kristina has provided no information on where the horses she's "rescuing" are coming from, what donations would be used for, how many "rescue" horses she has, how many have been adopted out, or how the adoption process works. I've found exactly one ad posted by her, for a 19 year old mare being <b>sold</b> for $900. Kristina mentions she's a rescue, and that the mare has recovered from various ailments. She does not mention any kind of adoption application or contract. Later, Kristina re-posted this mare for $600. Kristina also offered to trade "a horse" for a bumper-pull trailer, I assume it's this one since she hasn't listed any other equine for sale/adoption.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYR7HgNXmOu7vSxNI3C20Gp_laCzkyw1BXJFvjQZ4XLraJVE5VIquNjaqcdVTHMsZ5J-x8KM05cWEsdy-IY3AkINyJnROUNL6O4FKv_2dE73ZVWCR9oC0rMJ0vVd-ZZtshTrhj2Qk1jTT/s1600/santana+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknmMxK8QYLUxz8VdGe2nU888jdZxOShB8tIutcovpKI86zmP0O2GipwhAI1sFioBFYMoZe-Dosme02_IIitAyBsZsTysPFNOr8KOq0YdY1rgGG5KPchVlkcvD3Y2wnka-fFfw9F953cu-/s1600/santana+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknmMxK8QYLUxz8VdGe2nU888jdZxOShB8tIutcovpKI86zmP0O2GipwhAI1sFioBFYMoZe-Dosme02_IIitAyBsZsTysPFNOr8KOq0YdY1rgGG5KPchVlkcvD3Y2wnka-fFfw9F953cu-/s320/santana+2.PNG" width="310" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYR7HgNXmOu7vSxNI3C20Gp_laCzkyw1BXJFvjQZ4XLraJVE5VIquNjaqcdVTHMsZ5J-x8KM05cWEsdy-IY3AkINyJnROUNL6O4FKv_2dE73ZVWCR9oC0rMJ0vVd-ZZtshTrhj2Qk1jTT/s320/santana+1.PNG" width="146" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6shPekHuz2PTNNNsgmfPWaYmooVqi-1NL34yiAmolOG7EAS97R9Yf-wMqkqAUrQJEl6AU6IwyZGDuk8dMalw_nOjDszotUL0PO7C3UI-mMGhoNUgqFMY0CPtyl-B6BiaD2eOh4a0XAkVx/s1600/santana+3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6shPekHuz2PTNNNsgmfPWaYmooVqi-1NL34yiAmolOG7EAS97R9Yf-wMqkqAUrQJEl6AU6IwyZGDuk8dMalw_nOjDszotUL0PO7C3UI-mMGhoNUgqFMY0CPtyl-B6BiaD2eOh4a0XAkVx/s320/santana+3.PNG" width="231" /></a></div>
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In summary, allow me to parody what I believe Kristina is telling us:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZI85MpwIZPBB2fR0g7gm70T5xFqLoZQRk3e0uwh5S4nIBZhqdF1fKxfwOtxRCtYFtELRFoPrfeAaApocDfpa06xoJVmq9Fb_Ts_AwcE6G6bkEwr8UzoGjjQjr8mbSQsnKKfjThUnDSraB/s1600/gullible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZI85MpwIZPBB2fR0g7gm70T5xFqLoZQRk3e0uwh5S4nIBZhqdF1fKxfwOtxRCtYFtELRFoPrfeAaApocDfpa06xoJVmq9Fb_Ts_AwcE6G6bkEwr8UzoGjjQjr8mbSQsnKKfjThUnDSraB/s400/gullible.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously, people. DO support horse rescues. Just don't jump on the bandwagon when some dingbat comes up with a brand-new shady "rescue" chock-full of blatant red flags. Instead, take your enthusiasm, your donations, and your volunteer time, and support one of the great, reputable horse rescues that <i>already exist</i>! There's a list of them <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/p/wisconsin-horse-rescues.html">here</a>. Many have proven track records of success. They actually DO have 501c3s, and are state inspected. They can actually show you before-and-after pics of rehabbed horses, pictures and descriptions of horses that are available, and pictures of adopted horses in their new homes. They have an adoption contract, or at the very least, an obvious adoption process. </span><br />
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P.S. I just discovered this last night: There appears to be <u><b>another</b></u> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Second-Chance-rescued-slaughter-horse/1198546693505163?__mref=message_bubble">Second Chance ranch "horse rescue"</a> that just popped up here in Wisconsin, this time in Eau Claire. Same person? Different? Their facebook page <u><b>also</b></u> copies pictures directly from Ryan's Rescue Pen, but they list their website as <a href="http://lhquarterhorses00.webs.com/">L and H Quarter Horses</a>. What's up with shady new rescues and Ryan's Rescue Pen?! Is this some kind of twisted franchise deal??<br />
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*Note: there <i>used to be</i> a fairly legit non-profit Second Chance Ranch in Blue Mounds, WI, run by Jennifer Pulvermacher, but she closed her rescue in 2013. This is backed up by an IRS document which states that Pulvermacher's non-profit status was revoked in 2013.<br />
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North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-8311778432013645322015-04-19T19:43:00.000-05:002015-04-19T19:43:39.249-05:00Midwest Horse Fair 2015 Part 2<br />
Welcome to MORE HORSE FAIR coverage.<br />
Time for some North Horse Awards! Like in Whose Line is it Anyway, the categories are made up and the points don't matter, but we have fun anyway.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tackiest Tack!</span></b><br />
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It's like the Easter Bunny came and threw up plastic Easter "grass" on this breast collar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX5N4KH0AjUa7uXGixdW-AHxelvVKJ6X1CX21AQyEg80P_2g4af7gXO9KOEHZwSNBphPmXMFY755Y5YUv3fhkr1rCBcP5BrJ751Twf2kOfgLOnEHhJZK6ENQYUD5oSBHpRkNdBKsPQZc-/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX5N4KH0AjUa7uXGixdW-AHxelvVKJ6X1CX21AQyEg80P_2g4af7gXO9KOEHZwSNBphPmXMFY755Y5YUv3fhkr1rCBcP5BrJ751Twf2kOfgLOnEHhJZK6ENQYUD5oSBHpRkNdBKsPQZc-/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+098.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metallic pale green fringe, pink crystals, and pink, green, white, and burgundy beadwork. Ughhh.</td></tr>
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<b>Runner Up for Tackiest Tack</b><br />
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This is what happens when girls take too long to grow out of the pink and purple princess stage.</div>
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<b>Honorable Mentions for Tackiest Tack</b><br />
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I have never seen a blue snake with a zig-zag pattern, but if one existed, I don't think he would appreciate being covered in asymmetrical gold and crystal plastic. The pink one is a little better, but boy am I getting sick of seeing chunky, blingy crosses on everything. Jesus was kind of a humble guy, not so much about gaudy displays that shout, "HEY GUYS LOOK HOW RELIGIOUS I AM!"<br />
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This set was priced at $40 at the 4H tack sale.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confession: I kind of like this one. If I had seen this when I was 15, I would have wanted it.</td></tr>
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Speaking of the 4H tack sale, did anyone else come out of there with PTSD? That disorganized, elbow-slinging, overcrowded madhouse was louder than a dance club but without the benefit of alcohol. It was like a "Where's Waldo" puzzle, except smelling of body odor and leather. Seriously, with all those big new buildings, we couldn't hold the sale somewhere else? Like, somewhere where trying to look at a bridle doesn't mean having to become physically intimate with three people and a wooden rack?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That spot of bare floor is an illusion-- it's actually just the compacted bodies of the fallen, stamped smooth by the crowd.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Most Colorfully Dressed Non-Costumed Fair Attendee</b></span><br />
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Every year I pick someone wild, but this year I'm giving it to the rather plain leprechaun cowboy. Why? Because I'm pretty sure he was here last year, dressed the same way. That hat is very unmistakable. Is his name Patrick Irishman? Does he just really like green? Maybe those are his saddle club's colors? WHO ARE YOU, GREEN MAN?<br />
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DQ'd because this is a costume, but honorable mention goes to this rodeo queen, who must go through <i>a lot</i> of makeup remover every week. If you stare at her hat/head too long, it looks unreal.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Worst Marketing</span></b><br />
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Let's say you spent $400 to put your stud on Stallion Avenue, and you made a display to further advertise his awesomeness. Which kind of picture would you choose to make the BIGGEST in the display?<br />
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A) Stallion participating in a show or competition<br />
B) Stallion posing in front of a professional background<br />
C) Stallion with good ground manners being gentle in a family setting<br />
D) Stallion about to bite the face off of another horse<br />
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If you chose D, you took the same marketing course as this owner!<br />
Do you think they offer pasture breeding?<br />
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The stallion is Stone Blue, a Tennesse Walker from Rock City, IL. He was more gentle in person.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Coolest Non-Famous People</span></b><br />
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Obviously there are lots of really cool people at the Fair, like Julie Goodnight and The One Armed Bandit. But I prefer my heroes unsung, so here are two gals living in obscurity that you should know about:<br />
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Stacy here is part of a Wisconsin group sort of like the A Team, but not-for-profit. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueHillsSearch?fref=ts">Blue Hills Mounted Search and Rescue</a> volunteers spend hundreds of hours training to rescue humans they've never met, for no pay. They work closely with law enforcement, and specialize in methodically searching for evidence and people over rough terrain that ATVs can't navigate. Last August, they found an older woman who had become lost while backpacking. Each member is certified in CPR and First Aid, and they have training sessions to desensitize their horses to everything from rescue gear to rain slickers. Stacy herself is from Rice Lake. She says that more mounted search and rescue groups are needed in heavily wooded northeastern Wisconsin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you decide to start your own Search and Rescue, maybe you too can take a group photo this awesome.</td></tr>
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Next up, this is Jenna Carlton, from North Pole. That's North Pole <i>Arkansas</i>, but we'll make her an honorary northerner this weekend if for no other reason than that I try not to offend badass girls with the upper body strength of grizzlies.<br />
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Jenna is beating molten metal into submission in the <a href="http://www.worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com/Madison_2015.html">World Championship Blacksmithing</a> horseshoeing competition this weekend. Oh, you didn't know that was a thing? Yeah, it is, it's at Horse Fair every year, but lots of people seem to miss the smallish tents in the parking lot on the side of the Expo Center. Go check it out! Just listen for the hammering noises and look for shooting flames. Be warned: sparks occasionally fly onto audience members, so no wussies allowed.<br />
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These guys are so awesome, every time they perform all the bald eagles in Wisconsin cry tears of pure freedom. Don't take my word for it, just watch them. And stay tuned for Part 3 of my Midwest Horse Fair coverage!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9kIztQQc0M8" width="560"></iframe>North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-61177339905621658422015-04-18T06:44:00.001-05:002015-04-19T00:51:11.816-05:00Midwest Horse Fair 2015 Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah, Midwest Horse Fair. Fun, sun, shopping and horses of course! After the first day, my brain is already fried. Consequently, Part 1 here is lots of lovely pics and fairly little blabbing. Don't worry, I'll fill you in on some of the presentations later. Now then, let's get started.<br />
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Two people in an RV in the camping area of the Fair were taken to the ER for carbon monoxide poisoning traced to their own leaky generator. Super kudos to the person who figured out that "horse hasn't been fed by 10am" = "maybe something's wrong." They may have saved the lives of the owners. News link <a href="http://www.wkow.com/story/28831167/2015/04/17/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-sends-two-horse-fair-exhibitors-to-hospital">here</a>. (Update: the victims were Mr. & Mrs. Taylor of <a href="http://www.taylormadepaintnquarterhorse.com/page4.php">Taylor-Made Paints</a> from Junction City, WI. Please send good thoughts to them, as they are in serious condition.)<br />
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<b>Steampunk Freisians!</b> The riders of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FriesianHeritageHorse?hc_location=ufi">Friesian Heritage Horse & Sporthorse International Group</a> all went as gorgeous fairies last year. This year, they absolutely rocked the sci-fi/Victorian look. If you aren't quite sure what the whole steampunk thing is, just imagine if the world of the 1800s was run by crazy scientists/adventurers like Captain Nemo, with lots of steam-powered gadgetry.<br />
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Some more Friesians, these less steampunky:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDrw5WZ18FM7kpHYbY79brI6BaPzpBVF29b7ETld0wL0MBLFfhg8PDMUehrVgP6vBhT36uxA-m1Oq42pPhQO0Un41kkaUE8BS3soxCZB6OvDXFP-tWx7WA-lgCG5Am0n8oq9g2Nr6HezC/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDrw5WZ18FM7kpHYbY79brI6BaPzpBVF29b7ETld0wL0MBLFfhg8PDMUehrVgP6vBhT36uxA-m1Oq42pPhQO0Un41kkaUE8BS3soxCZB6OvDXFP-tWx7WA-lgCG5Am0n8oq9g2Nr6HezC/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+118.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Update: this guy is<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MysticWarriorChicago?hc_location=ufi"> Mystic Warrior</a>, a Friesian Appaloosa cross. Thanks Christy!</td></tr>
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Sooo beautiful! Thanks for giving us a great show, Friesian Heritage. Your horses are amazing.<br />
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Unfortunately, now it's time to move on to something a bit ugly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZLre6AlFk8l9Az7fzXFwnX0O2hhakr3WVsFJvvK4ToU_MZyJttJAyJyXfCM0uR7i-C_xIcFij1qaqupX13RdSn8DqfALfEE2TDaHXXCzP3siM6-VH5qEOPciX-2Twxt1604XYU16nGHU/s1600/poor+stallion.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZLre6AlFk8l9Az7fzXFwnX0O2hhakr3WVsFJvvK4ToU_MZyJttJAyJyXfCM0uR7i-C_xIcFij1qaqupX13RdSn8DqfALfEE2TDaHXXCzP3siM6-VH5qEOPciX-2Twxt1604XYU16nGHU/s1600/poor+stallion.PNG" height="271" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HgxmjfkjzpU8WeFeqdceKiodA5-BOuMcFoPGVSfG8vP_riQ-8rWQgcAKOr0UOkQ2zh0v3StfSxAWMqHHfplEiKj_Vs98GMT4Y20oS8wNF2q9_aQPpHEr24QOGrKMwQ-208P3MTlgl3_T/s1600/yank.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HgxmjfkjzpU8WeFeqdceKiodA5-BOuMcFoPGVSfG8vP_riQ-8rWQgcAKOr0UOkQ2zh0v3StfSxAWMqHHfplEiKj_Vs98GMT4Y20oS8wNF2q9_aQPpHEr24QOGrKMwQ-208P3MTlgl3_T/s1600/yank.PNG" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
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While I was watching riders in front of the coliseum, an Appaloosa stallion was led onto the wood chip lane by a woman wearing a Wisconsin Appaloosa Horse Club jacket. She constantly yanked on the horse's nose chain, despite the fact that he was pretty darn well-behaved. This wasn't a couple of corrections, this was harassment. If the stallion so much as looked up at another horse coming down the lane, she quickly jerked down on his face. Moved slightly? Yank! Batted an eyelash? Yank! <i>Stood fucking still?</i> Yank! Now, the funny thing about someone constantly jerking a chain wrapped around your nose is that it tends to make you <i>more</i> agitated, and throw your head <i>more</i>, not less. And so it was with this stallion, whose name, by the way, is Totally Included, barn name Kenny. Kenny got a little jumpy. Not rearing, not kicking, not trying to run, just agitated. His handler's response? Start beating him in the chest and neck with the rope in her left hand. I could hear it snap and smack him hard from thirty feet away. By the time I got closer and got my camera switched to video mode, the worst of it was over. Kenny was breathing hard but being good. I started filming anyway, and sure enough, Kenny's bitch of a handler started hitting him again. Towards the end of the video, a woman in a white T-shirt approached and told chain-yanker-bitch I was filming, and to maybe tone it down a bit. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MfpwUgoAYrE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MfpwUgoAYrE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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At the end of the video, you can just barely hear one of the girls talking about my filming them, saying, "That's just because some people are ignorant... they don't know [inaudible] handle a thousand pound animal."<br />
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Actually, hon, yes I <i>do</i> know how to handle a horse, and it doesn't involve continuing to punish him <b>when he is already standing still</b>. That's the <i>opposite</i> of how to teach a horse to behave. And yes, some of you readers out there are crying, "Oh, but it's a stallion, that means he's so viscous and powerful, you have to treat stallions like that!" NO. No you don't. For proof, just visit the Horse Fair-- there are a couple dozen stallions walking around without a fuss, and without their handlers constantly yanking on their faces and hitting them.<br />
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The poor horse, Totally Included, AKA Kenny, is owned by Daryl and Tina Mahloch of New Horizon Farm in Brillion, WI. I don't know if Tina was the one handling him today or not. (Update: more than one person has said that it WAS Tina herself.)<br />
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OK, enough ugliness for a while. Let's look at some pretty, well-behaved, and well-treated (at least as long as I was watching) stallions that were also on the woodchip path: </div>
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OK, a few more quick photos! Again, this is by no means everything from Friday 17th, much less Horse Fair 2015, so stay tuned for Part 2 (and 3? and 4?).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveMplMppBUvlCQqCFsdJ1edWiIliS7hmjoGYGoBIVgWxORgXUbFIaFCElDJtWiL3Ylo2OkZsYlGk15COWpnMSUT0KDtiHMkQp0T2udJ1Pq06nqjQ0Q9xGuyf_-Xn2HdR7LoJP-JsTBmNb/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveMplMppBUvlCQqCFsdJ1edWiIliS7hmjoGYGoBIVgWxORgXUbFIaFCElDJtWiL3Ylo2OkZsYlGk15COWpnMSUT0KDtiHMkQp0T2udJ1Pq06nqjQ0Q9xGuyf_-Xn2HdR7LoJP-JsTBmNb/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+042.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good rider! The horse was a jumpy, but she got him calm without getting in his mouth, and did it one handed!<br />Update: this guy's a stallion as well! The rider is Kricket J.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbo99tkc3E-8mt_W3Y7UoOFwNfNT2RMoXmjDrp7We6lnp4sQYvJMH1YKKwQTG2lsVeH5y_aVfuzWN7gntNTEe9tOh6v3OxVlpmUFp4pavX2joxeuog-KQqAad77BogNgDoU1wk2YpDhr0/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbo99tkc3E-8mt_W3Y7UoOFwNfNT2RMoXmjDrp7We6lnp4sQYvJMH1YKKwQTG2lsVeH5y_aVfuzWN7gntNTEe9tOh6v3OxVlpmUFp4pavX2joxeuog-KQqAad77BogNgDoU1wk2YpDhr0/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+043.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new buildings are so big, at one point I went into the same one twice without realizing it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUpOO6wHb47ZpH7glm3EMomEkRfpc-x6ewiyCNjsg_VJsc1Ir14EAA6lfGCgT_zvT9XNFijoW_VfNkuAaLdF8WvUO3wH65UluHdLoAoCKNWVp4xYWWOXPnrv55D3nDND3HjlDt6d7nrsu/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUpOO6wHb47ZpH7glm3EMomEkRfpc-x6ewiyCNjsg_VJsc1Ir14EAA6lfGCgT_zvT9XNFijoW_VfNkuAaLdF8WvUO3wH65UluHdLoAoCKNWVp4xYWWOXPnrv55D3nDND3HjlDt6d7nrsu/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+067.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So huge! Pics from the Kids Korral coming soon, it was cute.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QsoQx_nnfNK3EhmyDz15PIhxpYPnjIRso5uw2blQANXxrFjI8zMkVjAqmY9H1ejYTK94fhZrAh85TtZ8EhbIfzysElILFbbZnCujDbBHg6pmygWKkLzdZZNkVZp_BHlnFND_FBc5_fJi/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QsoQx_nnfNK3EhmyDz15PIhxpYPnjIRso5uw2blQANXxrFjI8zMkVjAqmY9H1ejYTK94fhZrAh85TtZ8EhbIfzysElILFbbZnCujDbBHg6pmygWKkLzdZZNkVZp_BHlnFND_FBc5_fJi/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+071.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horses are born with indents in their teeth, called "cups." The teeth wear down as a horse ages, erasing the cups.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU3wWhfl1ZUti86VXY-XQPdPM-h_9tF0FwowdC7x9_5loZ1Bgs722OOqlmnTjKljIj8DmhzR_O0qxAoLlpwtJliG3ExKBL9g3zMrQjx1MMVcA_UK5jOVhtw-7H58wchhyphenhyphenSYRcd2I0xgUa/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMU3wWhfl1ZUti86VXY-XQPdPM-h_9tF0FwowdC7x9_5loZ1Bgs722OOqlmnTjKljIj8DmhzR_O0qxAoLlpwtJliG3ExKBL9g3zMrQjx1MMVcA_UK5jOVhtw-7H58wchhyphenhyphenSYRcd2I0xgUa/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+080.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blingy dog collars: $80-$140.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGdlA9JMrbRtFKPOZxasdfNshFv4OH1th6JfTkWzmhC6ip5rxshjvFm_T9fwXcv1lM04yYpqbefoDBWqWOuvhNRngw8nC2AiSePmQEp9eTeqdLNYSaUcoKds5fHgMbW8vJdghDwEfyEU6/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGdlA9JMrbRtFKPOZxasdfNshFv4OH1th6JfTkWzmhC6ip5rxshjvFm_T9fwXcv1lM04yYpqbefoDBWqWOuvhNRngw8nC2AiSePmQEp9eTeqdLNYSaUcoKds5fHgMbW8vJdghDwEfyEU6/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+083.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Many. Strollers. Love the little kid eating her pony though. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMS9nEvsVqiSY8lNfSLLy_zSoil70QENPKb-o-c2eTh0zGxeyvgVlSko2GtXIVN_69AN9MhpYBNVNPZPHyWcpSDGGxhMQt5-m3z-SSHsstoRlb5uP_10_yM6NdWNL7r0Iz-tVqNYik0eC_/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMS9nEvsVqiSY8lNfSLLy_zSoil70QENPKb-o-c2eTh0zGxeyvgVlSko2GtXIVN_69AN9MhpYBNVNPZPHyWcpSDGGxhMQt5-m3z-SSHsstoRlb5uP_10_yM6NdWNL7r0Iz-tVqNYik0eC_/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+090.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They scoot forward when you bounce, and really steer. They don't back up though. The big ones are over $200.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjqVZ155RlfjyKazpNMWraMHJUp84Lkrnt1LdgjqINpIhjgf0X2eod1wfMZo7Ft2Ksq9WAO9rze88dMEfnyMq99aVfzXgomQNGRFUy2ILM5IjYnofjk7Rs4X5ooDaQlZBGAXMqevGHcfv/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjqVZ155RlfjyKazpNMWraMHJUp84Lkrnt1LdgjqINpIhjgf0X2eod1wfMZo7Ft2Ksq9WAO9rze88dMEfnyMq99aVfzXgomQNGRFUy2ILM5IjYnofjk7Rs4X5ooDaQlZBGAXMqevGHcfv/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+099.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you haven't been to the Medieval Times dinner show, go! It's a bit cheesy, but's it's very worth going once.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASc7lMamYoGyO6zQn1aefQDIOBxbV0yB_N8mAnVT76GMDP1vigQltFGuVmlPq2CioOcDV3uj6vSOp7_mbrZ0hSqVGEyhxYIk7uUHx6bARtf7p8Bo6XFyUq7nRN21rbLhO_FJgCbDZQXA3/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASc7lMamYoGyO6zQn1aefQDIOBxbV0yB_N8mAnVT76GMDP1vigQltFGuVmlPq2CioOcDV3uj6vSOp7_mbrZ0hSqVGEyhxYIk7uUHx6bARtf7p8Bo6XFyUq7nRN21rbLhO_FJgCbDZQXA3/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+087.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drooling over this Bighorn endurance saddle, but it's out of my budget. Also not sure about the seat. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAr_EI-CMHjF3i_kPL4RkDlBcmIt5uhzH02zDQh_t7qpdi0XuLd5n3SEgX8iRtt8B4_dbxALyLPeKxrYqhV3ieF_Y7giKqkiDei6KioUCQkoGtZ9qOjUxJy06vtjZYXm7Ia0x3HVFELbD/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAr_EI-CMHjF3i_kPL4RkDlBcmIt5uhzH02zDQh_t7qpdi0XuLd5n3SEgX8iRtt8B4_dbxALyLPeKxrYqhV3ieF_Y7giKqkiDei6KioUCQkoGtZ9qOjUxJy06vtjZYXm7Ia0x3HVFELbD/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+102.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just want to say "thank you" to all the riders who were friendly, patient ambassadors for the horse world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvadkYQLLdvhPKTzL4pmiVZSQW4vPDv8uhUT0MmOVYK9bVbVjhp5mstQEQ0EqpvK1RHEfGJfI5W53XP6-evmHxBPd8l8c8ujoTQbfpk4euU7CbNLnfaCa4NGablw3f-RcXjpC0loVhyhE/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvadkYQLLdvhPKTzL4pmiVZSQW4vPDv8uhUT0MmOVYK9bVbVjhp5mstQEQ0EqpvK1RHEfGJfI5W53XP6-evmHxBPd8l8c8ujoTQbfpk4euU7CbNLnfaCa4NGablw3f-RcXjpC0loVhyhE/s1600/Midwest+Horse+Fair+20%605+174.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madison Mounted Police! Love these guys.</td></tr>
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More coming later-- stay tuned to Northhorse.org!</div>
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North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-45493868644056689142015-04-02T09:54:00.002-05:002015-04-02T09:54:47.574-05:00Guest Post: Adult Beginners & Rider FearToday's blog post is written by guest Sanguinaria Gray! I like her writing style, and what's even better, she wants to talk about adult beginner riders and rider fear. That's <b>brave</b>.<br />
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Us horse people aren't usually known for being exactly, uh, <i>touchy-feely</i>. We can be catty and cliquish, and we tend to have strong opinions. It's scary as hell for new people to join the horse world. I never have, and never will, criticize anyone's riding, chosen discipline, or lack of knowledge (as long as those aren't outright abusive). But neither have I been very supportive of newcomers. It's time to fix that.<br />
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From now on, every Friday on my blog and Facebook page will be <b><span style="color: #274e13;">Freetalk Fridays. </span></b>You can email me, message me, or comment with <b><i>any</i> question</b>. <i>Anything</i>. No matter how dumb you think it is. I (and hopefully all of you reading this pretty please!) will try to answer it without even a soupcon of a smidgen of judgement or assumption. NOTE: That's really important guys-- I really want lots of people to get in on this and help answer questions, but on Freetalk Fridays there is <b>no judgement</b>. We can return to being snarky later. I have a few really dumb questions of my own that I'm hoping you all can help with! Got a question? You can email me anonymously, comment here below anonymously, or post your question on the North Horse facebook page, whatever you're comfortable with.<br /><br />Now, without further ado, I am very glad to present S.G.'s guest post!<br />
<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Adult Beginners & Rider Fear</span></b><br />
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I walked into the barn, and came face to face with the horse they put the beginners on. She's a 16 hand draft, but she's steady and broad and she knows her job. My ever-patient instructor explained grooming basics, then showed me how to put on the saddle. Did you know dressage saddles look really tiny on big horses? How am I ever going to stay on this thing? I wondered. Bridle goes on, and I'm handed a lead rope and pointed in the direction of the arena. Whatever have I gotten myself into?<br />
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This sounds like a similar experience to a lot of people learning to ride. But the difference between me and a lot of other new riding students is that I was 31 at the time. Adult beginners have a set of<br />
challenges that younger riders may never have to overcome.<br />
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<b>Challenge 1</b>: <b>We are not as flexible. </b><br />Unless you do yoga every day, chances are you've got a lot of stretching to do. It takes time, and sometimes, it hurts. Ankles, knees, groin...all those areas need to learn to stretch in new directions if you ever want to ride in proper position. This brings us to...<br />
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<b>Challenge 2: Our muscles are not used to this. </b><br />
Even if we do other physical activity regularly, I can't think of another exercise that works our abs, back, arms, and legs like riding. Anyone who says "but you just sit there, how can it be hard?!?" has probably never ridden for more than a half hour, and then was probably not much more than a passenger. Even now, a year and a half in, I'm still sore the day after a lesson. On the other hand, keep up with riding and you will have a SPECTACULAR backside. Muscle tone, here we come.<br />
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<b>Challenge 3: Pride.</b> We're adults. Most of us are not used to being in the position of student. <br />My instructor is amazing, patient but firm, answers questions as they come, and never ever talks down to you, no matter what your age. But it's still very easy to fall into the trap of holding yourself to too high a standard. Down that path lies only frustration and disappointment. Similar to this is the trap of comparing yourself to other riders, especially younger ones. But the truth is, we all learn differently. We all progress differently. As long as you're willing to work hard and learn, it doesn't matter what calibre rider you are...but that's easier said than done. The best way to avoid this is probably to find a low-drama stable with a judgment-free atmosphere. That makes it far, far easier to leave your pride at the door.<br />
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But more than all these things, the hardest, biggest challenge is...<br />
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<b>Challenge 4: FEAR!! </b><br />Unlike kids...adults know they are not invincible. We know bones break, concussions are possible, and that there's even a chance we could die. If we have families and kids, these consequences loom large. It's easy to say "I can't." It's harder to say "I have to try." It's even harder to make yourself try until you get it right or stop being terrified of it. This is what I have the most trouble with. It’s really easy to come up with excuses why you can't do it this time, why you'll wait ‘til next time...but then next time never comes. I, myself, am terrified of canter. It's big, it's fast, and yeah, I came off once. I got back on, though- my instructor made me, just as soon as I was sure I wasn't injured (readers, before you say it- if I had insisted that I was in no shape to get on, she'd have believed me). I am so, so glad she did. First- what I did wrong was right there, at the front of my brain. You better believe I made DAMN sure not to repeat that. Second, if you don't face the fear, you will internalize it.<br />
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And, here's the thing, guys- facing your fear makes you a better rider. You can't advance if you won't challenge yourself.<br />
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So. What can we do about these things, especially about fear? I don't have all the answers, but here are the things that come to mind:<br />
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TRUST your instructor. <br />Assuming you have a good one (if you don't, find one! If you don't have one at all, consider taking a lesson or two), they aren't going to make you do anything they know is going to end badly. They'll push you out of your comfort zone though. Then they'll bring you back into comfort. Then push it a little more outside, until gradually, that thing that used to scare you is just a normal part of riding.<br />
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PUSH YOURSELF. You are capable of more than you think. On the way home from the lesson containing "the incident", I started thinking, I don't want to do this anymore. Then...I realized that was dumb. I want to ride badly enough to start at my age, I can't let one incident prevent me from doing something I've always wanted to do. Yeah, your body will ache. Keep doing it- your muscles will get stronger. Do you have your own horse and you're feeling confident in your skills on your own? See if you can ride a school horse for one lesson. I can almost guarantee you that the nuances of this new horse will challenge you again. Even if all you do is the basics- you will learn SO much just by changing it up a little.<br />
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CELEBRATE your victories, no matter how small. Were you able to keep your horse in a trot for one whole lap in the arena for the first time ever? That's a big deal, acknowledge it! Who gives a crap if the 12-year-old next to you who's been riding since she was six can do some fancy-schmancy dressage moves on the expensive warmblood she has- YOU just had a breakthrough, and YOU are what matters. You're there for yourself. Because this is what you love, this is what you want to be doing.<br />
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I'm not perfect. I'm not even a great rider, though I like to think I'm slightly better than mediocre. I still struggle with fear almost every lesson- but I'm not paralyzed by it. Most of the time the fear is of the oh-god-it's-time-to-trot-again-holy-shit-her-trot-is-fast variety...but most of the time by the time I can get that thought out of the way, I'm settling into the rhythm and it's not quite so scary anymore. I hear, all the time, that I look terrified while I'm riding. What I want to tell people is "shut up that's my concentrating face". But they have a point- smile sometimes. Your whole body relaxes when you do.<br />
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Anyway- if you've reached this point, congratulations. Something tells me we might be in the same<br />
boat. Have you battled with fear? How did you overcome it? What do you need help with? I bet if we stick together, we just might figure this out.North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-50913075016201690092015-03-21T15:43:00.000-05:002015-03-22T14:27:59.201-05:00Neglect, Karma, and "Bashing" Loeffelholz, Roelke & BondowskiHappy Spring, ladies and gents. We here in Wisconsin know that the official date has nothing to do with the actual weather, but we can hope for the best.<br />
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Before I begin, I want to very briefly address two topics:<br />
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<b>"Karma" </b><br />
Some people have said that's it is "karma" that the two notorious Pleasant Prairie WI horse abusers <a href="http://www.wisn.com/news/medical-examiner-called-to-pleasant-prairie-farm-at-center-of-animal-neglect-case/31893748">were just found dead</a> after a fire. I understand the sentiment. However, the idea that the universe or God or the devil has anything to do with justice in our mortal world is dangerous and utterly false. The only thing that guarantees whether or not a horse is saved, if an abuser is put on trial, or if neglect is allowed to continue, is YOU. You and I, our neighbors, our fellow humans are the only ones who can change laws, pressure authorities, lend a helping hand, donate hay, etc. We must not leave things up to karma, or to chance. God helps those who <i>help themselves</i>. WE must be the forces of kindness and justice. Remember that next time you hear about or see a neglect situation. <br />
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<b>"Bashing on People Doesn't Help Horses" </b><br />
I'm about to expose some neglectful Wisconsin horse owners on this blog post, and no doubt some readers will be upset about that. You should know, however, that it's not vindictive, and it's not because I think I'm perfect. Far from it! God knows I've been broke, depressed, and in need of a helping hand. I've had horses I should have done more for sooner. My farm is pretty rough. However, I'm not "bashing" on people who are just down on their luck, or just had one or two bad incidents. My posts are about the chronic cases, the ones who never learn their lessons year after year. The public shouldn't be enabling people with a <b>long history</b> of neglect and hoarding, and I consider it part of my purpose to warn you about them. By giving money to these folks, by giving them sympathy, you may help a couple of horses for a little while-- but you also make it possible for the hoarders to continue hoarding and mistreating animals. And by NOT telling others about the misdeeds of scammers, abusers, and their ilk, you are <i>harming</i> horses. There's no need to gossip idly, but when you know something ugly, DO warn others nearby so that their hears and their horses aren't forever scarred by the evil they could have avoided.<br />
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OK, let's get started.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Atty Cynthia Fiene: Brooklyn Horse Abuser is Back!</span><br />
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Wisconsin attorney and horse rescue crusader Cynthia Fiene would like me to pass on a message to you all: the serial horse abuser<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"> Mary
A. Loeffelholz (dob 10/1964) and Mary's daughter Melinda (Mindy) Gehin, are back to their old tricks again near </span><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">Brooklyn/Belleville WI</span>. You can read my original blog posts on their horrific deeds <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2012/05/mary-loeffelholz-is-scumbitch-official.html">here</a> and <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2012/05/mary-loeffelholz-scumbitch-update.html">here</a>, but here's a picture of one of their former horses that basically sums up the situation:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2UN-hdnwjSWzWx0Z6IyX3U1PfGE1u7hAr1dofJ7ke1TZHCeqYXqUE6looDRHrgQIY-Sg7n_244RD3sMkADNifb7XyN_26-Pe3swszDC7eunqPZxUJsyfpcRgew8tyZln2Zva-eJnmF7P/s1600/awful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2UN-hdnwjSWzWx0Z6IyX3U1PfGE1u7hAr1dofJ7ke1TZHCeqYXqUE6looDRHrgQIY-Sg7n_244RD3sMkADNifb7XyN_26-Pe3swszDC7eunqPZxUJsyfpcRgew8tyZln2Zva-eJnmF7P/s1600/awful.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><br />...and there are eleven horses like that on the property right now. I guarantee you, folks, the officials who have let this continue for YEARS will turn a blind eye unless we ACT. I know I am constantly asking you to call, write, and email about these situations, but public pressure is the only thing that seems to save horses from long, slow deaths here in Wisconsin. So please, please, contact one of the following people and say,<br /><br />"Hi, I'm calling about the very thin horses near Brooklyn belonging to </span><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">Mary Loeffelholz and her daughter Mindy. What are you doing about this situation?"</span></span>Call Patrick Comfert, Animal Services Leadworker: 608-243-0309<br />
<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">Doug Voelgi at Public Health 608-243-0360 </span><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><a href="mailto:dvoegeli@publichealthmdc.com">dvoegeli@publichealthmdc.com</a> </span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">Dane County Executive Joe Parisi
608-266-2444</span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">Town of Oregon executives Jerry Bollig </span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">608-835-7520 and Denise Arnold 608-835-3200</span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span style="font-size: large;">"Therapy Horse" & Others Allegedly Starved</span></span><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">April Roelke, residing on </span><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">County Rd A near Grand Marsh WI, </span>has been getting <a href="http://www.channel3000.com/news/Oxford-family-Therapy-horse-shot-killed/31903880?fb_action_ids=756514947798122&fb_action_types=og.comments">a lot of media sympathy</a> over the death of one of her horses, Eagle. Eagle was found shot this
week in his "pasture" (small front yard pen). No one knows if this was a
revenge shooting (April apparently liked to trap and shoot neighborhood
cats) or a "mercy killing."</span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"></span><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"></span><br /></div>
<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYu1RG9j4z7eQ25Mo8K4tcPYwGcJq_5lgNDIGAtqHMKYKocO6-xzcIuYJDCd5ETaVbfz6qhN4qs_m7i8wjOJ_oaJ8nZVPctNEqLPy05iLIrvrGagZNI1MLinlNpjweu_i5dHiMf7neJG3/s1600/eagle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYu1RG9j4z7eQ25Mo8K4tcPYwGcJq_5lgNDIGAtqHMKYKocO6-xzcIuYJDCd5ETaVbfz6qhN4qs_m7i8wjOJ_oaJ8nZVPctNEqLPy05iLIrvrGagZNI1MLinlNpjweu_i5dHiMf7neJG3/s1600/eagle.JPG" height="173" width="320" /></a><br />
<span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"></span><span data-reactid=".1y.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426133136470=23ead0001fc1bf28d19.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><br />Eagle was starving when he was shot. Even in the picture shown by the media, you can see how his backbone stuck up and the top shelf of his ribs were visible. Several people, including a neighbor, have told me that April has starved several horses to death over the past couple of years. Some of her own pics on Facebook seem to confirm this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26ZHzZSpsefeWQAuGDnVxaqhyphenhyphenDXlEC9GMhykG0QeA_kgpeSwq-4acfdxqpgvCAuV5c9uTamAku_ySgrG59kB3BJ4QMGZEOphrZtbj0JBHhSrJA1AmAZr7SSoAliQ-ud5KVDbGquuKVADr/s1600/nov+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26ZHzZSpsefeWQAuGDnVxaqhyphenhyphenDXlEC9GMhykG0QeA_kgpeSwq-4acfdxqpgvCAuV5c9uTamAku_ySgrG59kB3BJ4QMGZEOphrZtbj0JBHhSrJA1AmAZr7SSoAliQ-ud5KVDbGquuKVADr/s1600/nov+2013.png" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScmo5p6FpSM2SGVFrsW53Ae5BvrJvelGdFqmUGyaxM4JjwDYwWXLXU-ApOeIJyK_iPVLmytM1znvsCG9ZuVVHvXMrSfQVOTr0YfekyTb4hWPaKN1eNe-bvPAgOsUTAspXKktl6r07e8Rs/s1600/app.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScmo5p6FpSM2SGVFrsW53Ae5BvrJvelGdFqmUGyaxM4JjwDYwWXLXU-ApOeIJyK_iPVLmytM1znvsCG9ZuVVHvXMrSfQVOTr0YfekyTb4hWPaKN1eNe-bvPAgOsUTAspXKktl6r07e8Rs/s1600/app.JPG" height="400" width="201" /></a><br />
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While I do not condone vigilante justice, I don't think you should be donating money or horses to this woman. You might also want to contact Channel 3000 and tell them to delete or re-write their sob story. 608-273-3333.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Former Faux Rescue Seeks Homes for Horses</span><br />
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I am very glad that Cindy and Jim Bondowski are finally relinquishing
their horses. Cindy is working closely with Kathy Bries, who has posted
several ads to rehome the horses; you can see at least five horses below
(click on the pics to enlarge). This is a fairly urgent situation, as
the Bondowskis are being evicted and must be gone by April 1st. Call
Cindy at 608-322-4068 if you can adopt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjgoFDvirUJv6qcTOtZx0BuItx33OfEbbYBLWNz4B45KivJUer48O9dpOutIlynWZizDuUfFFj7dB22lchO6_um-8Q7_nvItDTntBQCEV_vs4LL97O3I5lkzvyg4Rza7KQsOeC_S0wOJ-/s1600/chance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjgoFDvirUJv6qcTOtZx0BuItx33OfEbbYBLWNz4B45KivJUer48O9dpOutIlynWZizDuUfFFj7dB22lchO6_um-8Q7_nvItDTntBQCEV_vs4LL97O3I5lkzvyg4Rza7KQsOeC_S0wOJ-/s1600/chance.JPG" height="200" width="191" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWZfww48G32wN9FG0kwXEEoMF1LFO-4st9_UjEJKNVhDQkfBwikjVTAQMK4_k4yIY-LWK86mXofiBiyozQrEqQdxzcE36XCWAtm1NggBdv-orGPmd6TterL2shDVt8YlJRQRXqEoBu1oo/s1600/bries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWZfww48G32wN9FG0kwXEEoMF1LFO-4st9_UjEJKNVhDQkfBwikjVTAQMK4_k4yIY-LWK86mXofiBiyozQrEqQdxzcE36XCWAtm1NggBdv-orGPmd6TterL2shDVt8YlJRQRXqEoBu1oo/s1600/bries.JPG" height="200" width="180" /></a></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN2BUz1urlU11_UkmLQFuxGJTiG-d4S9d-FfX6OO4IKX60PDN1ItSgiOIrBwzTe6gnHtU9Ti36SsJBXQtGDvybeg7pZImdQaQXRQ67YTWywo_OlvH7n34TFb1zCMgQ8-OWSOIwXyQUerc/s1600/hackneys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN2BUz1urlU11_UkmLQFuxGJTiG-d4S9d-FfX6OO4IKX60PDN1ItSgiOIrBwzTe6gnHtU9Ti36SsJBXQtGDvybeg7pZImdQaQXRQ67YTWywo_OlvH7n34TFb1zCMgQ8-OWSOIwXyQUerc/s1600/hackneys.JPG" height="200" width="168" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHeOymrVULli9AfUprdEGZlCaJcifiBIhl_UTSbbbpj4jpdcTT50RxvtNLUe91QsRWNNMS4LlrmumEfQnQwP_s7Jfc1GfMQGW_nAMqt-luYPzT9hV0nvsmGFPYw0wQoJleETbhBHmKNdb/s1600/jim+cindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHeOymrVULli9AfUprdEGZlCaJcifiBIhl_UTSbbbpj4jpdcTT50RxvtNLUe91QsRWNNMS4LlrmumEfQnQwP_s7Jfc1GfMQGW_nAMqt-luYPzT9hV0nvsmGFPYw0wQoJleETbhBHmKNdb/s1600/jim+cindy.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />Before you contact the Bondowskis, however, I feel that it's my duty to tell you how they got where they are. If they ask you for donations of any kind, or want to make a deal with you, please be aware of their history.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The
Bondowskis, Jim and Cindy, used to have a rescue in Footville WI (near Janseville)
called H.O.R.S.E. The "rescue" was more like a hoarding situation, with
40-60 horses on 3 acres.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">I'm sure Cindy and Jim meant well to begin with, but they
took on way more horses than they could take care of. </span></span></span>Many local people reported thin, wormy horses with overgrown hooves on the property. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0">Cindy purposefully bred a mare suffering with severe DSLD so her
daughter could have the foal</span></span>. Vet and farrier bills went unpaid, and though the Bondowskis asked for cash donations, they never got
501(c)3 nonprofit status. </span></span></span>They maxed out
retirement funds, credit cards, etc and were behind on their taxes. Jim collected disability, though he attempted to work as an untrained and unlicensed (illegal) horse
chiropractor, massage therapist and acupuncturist. Those who saw him work expressed serious concerns about his methods.</span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><br /><br />In Nov 2010 Jim and Cindy had a big barn fire, in which 24 horses died. Also burned up were most of the tack and all of the hay. Many people volunteered
to help, donated money and hay, and there were local fundraisers done
for them. Weirdly,</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"> the Bondowskis didn't
want to give up any of the remaining horses, despite having no feed or shelter for them, and despite the fact that many highly qualified adopters volunteered to foster or permanently adopt them.<br /><br /> After receiving around $300,000 in donations, plus hay and tack, the Bondowskis moved to Coloma, Wisconsin. They stayed there for several years under the name <a href="http://www.enchantedoaksranch.org/">Enchanted Oaks Ranch</a>. Now they are being evicted from the property.<span style="color: #990000;"> <br /><br />NONE of that is the fault of the Bondowskis' animals, and I certainly encourage you to give one of their horses a good home if you can.</span></span></span></span></span></span> Again, I post this information strictly so that anyone who buys from them knows the full situation. This information has been verified by two horse rescues and is provided for your protection, not their harassment. For more information on adoptable horses, call Cindy at <span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-reactid=".38.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11426781965649=213807d2ccc8f442e40.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"> 608-322-4068</span></span></span></span></span>. The Bondowskis currently live at W11687 State Rd 21, Coloma, WI 54930.</span></span> North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-1231850076970904012015-03-09T02:33:00.003-05:002015-05-01T13:20:58.801-05:00Rachwal's Upcoming Release, Violent "Horse Therapy" Practitioner James Kirsch & MoreHello friends! Just a heads up for those of you that are new here: any text that is blue and underlined is a link to another page. Sometimes it's a news article, sometimes it's proof of something I've stated, and sometimes it's just a fun thing to check out.<br />
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For example, if you're on Facebook, gallop on over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/184217695043690/">Tacky Tack of the Day</a>. It's HILARIOUS. You have to ask to join, but I'm sure they'll let you in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnJuIC3EjUsBUKNO3z-ru3-koo16VUSfrjF45VWFJIi2zb49f8avm29RguPiODHJNcPO7NlbJO5up5iF6z4f9PAuDsrWQwVYKlfX4u1F2uVz2We98a2YBt65Z-aEGxN_gfz7Gyo1MlLl-/s1600/tacky+tack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnJuIC3EjUsBUKNO3z-ru3-koo16VUSfrjF45VWFJIi2zb49f8avm29RguPiODHJNcPO7NlbJO5up5iF6z4f9PAuDsrWQwVYKlfX4u1F2uVz2We98a2YBt65Z-aEGxN_gfz7Gyo1MlLl-/s1600/tacky+tack.png" height="246" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now on to something much more serious. On July 20th, Sterling Rachwal, serial horse rapist, mutilator, and killer, will be released here in Wisconsin. If you've read my <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/04/stirling-rachwal-may-be-freed.html">previous post</a> about this sick individual, you know just how it important it is to be prepared. While some offenders are incarcerated, do their time, and are released as changed people, Sterling Rachwal has a decades-long history of torturing horses and ponies. Every single time he's been released, he does it again. And again. And <i>again</i>. 1982, '84, '88, '93, '97, 2008, 2010. You can click the articles below for proof, and read more <a href="http://framingbusiness.net/archives/622">here</a>. <a href="http://wcca.wicourts.gov/simpleCaseSearch.xsl;jsessionid=0A000362C169A3323E252E9AD08008C5.render6">Wisconsin Circuit Court Access</a> contains some of his more recent crimes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKYAKsVfUoovKmsjKJOasniL51uRlovFUhijnymmTfEOPsaxnnFALjUfg89_X4xkai_dL277mId5o6ac0E9s5B21WkAc1TJPZL6N0pBTk8mxWQbxTdJM9FAlYISqJFU_LQNWPmgBh9GyA/s1600/rachwal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKYAKsVfUoovKmsjKJOasniL51uRlovFUhijnymmTfEOPsaxnnFALjUfg89_X4xkai_dL277mId5o6ac0E9s5B21WkAc1TJPZL6N0pBTk8mxWQbxTdJM9FAlYISqJFU_LQNWPmgBh9GyA/s1600/rachwal.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHvUuRGmyomgLDZqkbiHHhZgjitOMYgbJSiev8GO5tsOTOr_H5LoqxGZDYyG4kT4l2Gr3Q-yXY3KvARgbI6TJ1Lad-c7WT2OhUTJGQsnYm1nTYcb99fynKPvn4_uahyQk6F529GCmKEjG/s1600/rachwal+one.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHvUuRGmyomgLDZqkbiHHhZgjitOMYgbJSiev8GO5tsOTOr_H5LoqxGZDYyG4kT4l2Gr3Q-yXY3KvARgbI6TJ1Lad-c7WT2OhUTJGQsnYm1nTYcb99fynKPvn4_uahyQk6F529GCmKEjG/s1600/rachwal+one.PNG" height="188" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSeNKpv2CT7cDlhzGzQDLScuoN52_oKQnLuaUEOCDV3RF1dpAbXYP6kreKTpMmvmm5tBv5X6zK_yvGkYcCXrD_oIkhDR3AzHpJVeiVrPycixwVTLgMZJZuYfGUEYxUoef8ma-SAB-DoqF/s1600/rachwal+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSeNKpv2CT7cDlhzGzQDLScuoN52_oKQnLuaUEOCDV3RF1dpAbXYP6kreKTpMmvmm5tBv5X6zK_yvGkYcCXrD_oIkhDR3AzHpJVeiVrPycixwVTLgMZJZuYfGUEYxUoef8ma-SAB-DoqF/s1600/rachwal+2.PNG" height="71" width="200" /></a></div>
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Let's DO SOMETHING about this. If someone wants to start an online petition, I'm fine with that, but signing something on the internet is not nearly as effective as a good solid old fashioned letter or phone call. <br />
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GOOD JOB all of
you who shared this story!! Keep doing it and PLEASE contact at least one of the following people or agencies AT LEAST once per week. If you're not sure what to say, you can use the scripts I've provided below:<br />
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Honorable Judge Gary Sharpe<br />
City County Government Center<br />
160 S. Macy St.<br />
Fond du Lac, WI 54935<br />
<span style="color: red;">920-929-3189</span><br />
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Office of Governor Scott Walker<br />
115 East Capitol<br />
Madison, WI 53702<br />
<span style="color: red;">608-266-1212</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">govgeneral@wisconsin.gov</span><br />
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Wisconsin Department of Justice<br />
Division of Criminal Investigation<br />
Administrator David S. Matthews<br />
P.O. Box 7857<br />
Madison, WI 53707-7857<br />
<span style="color: red;">608-266-1671</span><br />
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Mendota Mental Health Institute<br />
301 Troy Drive<br />
Madison, WI 53704<br />
<span style="color: red;">608-301-1000</span><br />
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Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services<br />
Office of the Secretary<br />
1. West Wilson St. Room 650<br />
P.O. Box 7850<br />
Madison, WI 53703<br />
<span style="color: red;">608-266-9622</span><br />
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<u><b>PHONE CALL:</b></u><br />
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Hi, my name is ______________ from _________. I am calling about a public safety concern. Can I speak directly to [ Judge / Governor / Mr. ] ______________ ?<br />
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<i>You may be transferred at this point. If not, you can say "ok, can I please leave my message with you or someone else?"</i><br />
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I am very worried about the upcoming release of Sterling Rachwal.<br />
Mendota Mental Hospital in Madison is letting him out on April 21st.<br />
Rachwal has been sexually abusing, torturing, and killing animals for decades.<br />
He sneaks onto peoples' farms with a knife and does terrible things, especially to horses.<br />
Every time Rachwal gets caught, he does it again as soon as he is released.<br />
Please do something to stop Sterling Rachwal from being let loose. <br />
Many people besides me are really upset.<br />
I hope I can count on you to keep my community safe.<br />
Thanks for listening to my concern. I'll be following up with you soon.<br />
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<b><u>LETTER/EMAIL:</u></b><br />
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Dear sir,<br />
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I am writing you today because I am worried about the safety of my community. On April 21st, Sterling Rachwal will be released from Mendota Mental Hospital in Madison. Rachwal has a decades-long record of sexually abusing, mutilating, and killing animals, especially horses. To do this, he has trespassed onto the property of local farmers. He has often carried a weapon. Every time Rachwal has been released, he has re-offended. Please, please, don't let this man loose again.<br />
I am sharing my concerns with everyone I know. I hope I can count on you to protect my family, my neighbors, and the horses of Wisconsin. I will be following up with you in one week. Thank you for your time.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Name, City<br />
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<b>Remember to stay polite but firm. Take a deep breath. Don't feel nervous, or weird about contacting these authorities. You are a concerned citizen with a very valid concern about your safety, and the safety of your neighbors and local animals. Don't put this off too long-- seven weeks is not very much time when it comes to the government and the justice system.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK, let's move on to something much more positive:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.rescuehorses.org/">Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary</a> (AGES) is having a tack sale fundraiser on March 14th. It's open from 9am-4pm, and the address is W4985 County Rd FF, Elkhart Lake WI.<br />
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AGES has done some truly amazing work lately. Luna and Zariah were two mares running wild, with no source of regular food, water, hoof care, or vet care. Their people were feeding them old frozen bread. It took weeks for volunteers to capture them both, and it will take many hundreds of hours more to rehabilitate them. Check out AGES on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AGequine?fref=photo">Facebook</a> and consider donating to them via paypal (<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">rescue.horses@yahoo.com). </span>They also have some great horses available for adoption!<br />
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This is Zariah, before and after hours of careful de-burring. She has been neglected for so long that she has major hoof and leg issues. I am so glad she is finally safe at AGES.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJ_9Rv1_tNuyGbzUW88TNWO7_CD7TSozrAcf9YjUu9bn7mxaQ3AmZIjSFwyU-lgQX8VOQm1_d2EsUB2XxL0SS99fvJUbjjw0m9K_eQc_pImn0Hmw_O4mM5bePFm1J9-fuTzpi28RI8flY/s1600/zariah.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJ_9Rv1_tNuyGbzUW88TNWO7_CD7TSozrAcf9YjUu9bn7mxaQ3AmZIjSFwyU-lgQX8VOQm1_d2EsUB2XxL0SS99fvJUbjjw0m9K_eQc_pImn0Hmw_O4mM5bePFm1J9-fuTzpi28RI8flY/s1600/zariah.PNG" height="149" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alright, let's wrap this up with a bit more news: </span><br />
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-James Kirsch is infamous for beating and threatening his family. He has been in prison for domestic abuse (convicted three times). He's now running a horse therapy program called Wellness Health Ranch out of New Berlin, WI. The farm (not owned by him) is called 14 Carrots Stables. BEWARE this man. More info <a href="http://fox6now.com/2015/02/19/counselor-with-history-of-violence-against-women-keeps-state-license/">here</a>.<br />
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-If you haven't already heard, Michael Feist, infamous horse abuser, was convicted of 34 counts of neglect/mistreatment. Four of those counts were felonies. He'll be sentenced June 2nd. I am so glad! Now we must hope that his horses are (finally!) taken away from him. You can read more on the case <a href="http://www.mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/11/brenda-weierke-feist-and-michael-feist.html">here</a>.<br />
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-As part of his proposed 2015-2017 state budget, Governor Walker <a href="http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/scott-walker-wants-to-remove-tax-money-from-state-park/article_01bfacfa-f5d0-5d9b-9c66-7e2233cc230d.html">wants to cut funding to Wisconsin State Parks</a> by 28%. To make up for that deficit, parks would have to increase their fees quite a bit-- or shut down. That would really affect public horse trails and horse camping facilities at places like Wildcat, Governor Dodge, Governor Knowles, the Northern and Southern Kettles, etc.<br />
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-Don't forget about <a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/2015raffle.htm">Midwest Horse Welfare's big raffle</a>! You can help by selling tickets to your friends at no cost to you, and of course by buying a couple for yourself. You could win big money!<br />
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- Two horses have been stolen from a farm near Fredonia. Here's what the owners would like you to know:<br />
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<b style="color: #141823;">Stolen Horses!<br />Went missing between 3pm Monday March 2nd and 3pm Tuesday March 3rd, 2015 from<br /> 6625 Clover Valley Rd. Fredonia, WI 53021 in Ozaukee County.</b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823;">Horses are thought to have been walked down driveway. No fences down. No hoof prints in the snow leading away from the property. The only exit that wouldn't show prints is the blacktop drive. Possibly stolen by someone they’re familiar with as they can be stand-offish with strangers. Thief (/thieves) brought their own halters as nothing else is missing from the property except the two horses. The horses - unfortunately in this case - both trailer fairly well. They could have been loaded in less than five minutes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Horses belong to Luke and Laura Tilly. Luke: (262) 339-3779 Laura: (262) 323-2735</b><b>IF SIGHTED OR IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HORSES' POSSIBLE WHEREABOUTS PLEASE CALL THE OZAUKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY (262) 377-7172.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823;"> The responding deputy handling the case is named Parks. His work phone is (920) 946-9661. After the authorities have been notified PLEASE, call Luke and Laura right away. We are absolutely distraught over this. Luke waited 5 years to get Dusk, they love each other, and Pserina is the first horse we purchased as a couple and the foundation of our dream. Those two represent all we have worked for.</span></div>
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Dusk of Soltice (Dusk, Mika) - purebred Orlov-Rostopchin (Russian warmblood) mare<br />
13 y/o - 16.2hh - 1200-ish lbs - black bay - both left fore and hind have very short white socks and white feet (just below fetlock and down on hind, halfway down pastern and lower on fore). She has a very small star in the middle of her forehead which is usually covered by her very long forelock.</div>
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Pserina Star (Pserina, Rina, Siri, Baby) - purebred Arabian mare. <span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">10 y/o - 14.2hh - 850lbs+ due to pregnancy (due in July) - chestnut - both hinds have socks reaching about halfway up the cannon bone. She has a rather prominent star offset slightly to the left between her eyes and a stripe and snip starting about halfway down her face going down to the middle of her muzzle.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">That's all for now folks! Stay tuned to North Horse.</span></div>
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<br />North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-43766058577719748422015-01-29T23:04:00.004-06:002015-02-04T18:38:25.567-06:00Kudos to These Ladies!Howdy folks, I'm still around. I feel like I've been abandoning you more often than a PMU breeder dumps foals! (*bah-dum tsss*)<br />
<br />
Seriously
though, sorry for not writing more. As for WHY... I'm not sure how much
to explain, because it sounds so dramatic, whiny and unbelievable. Well,
OK, here: the short short version is that two family members died in a
car crash. Another family member is dying of an unrelated thing-- I've
been working at her business (on top of my other jobs) for several weeks because she needed to
honor a contract. In the meantime, another family member had a baby, and
is not doing so hot. Been trying to help there a bit too. Did I mention
I got a dog just before all this happened? Oh, and guess what: Ruffi is back! Yes, my little bay filly is home again.<br />
<br />
It's
been almost exactly a year since I <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/02/rescues-three-year-saga.html">rescued</a>
her and her mom. I thought I
had found her a great home, but about a week ago, her adopter called me
and said she couldn't take care of her at the moment, and could I take
her back for a while? Of course I said YES. So I went and got her. She's
ribby, unfortunately. I got some story about a change in feeding
program and blah blah. *sigh* Maybe it's true. They do seem like awesome
people... but I won't be sending Ruffi back to them. Actions speak
louder than words.<br /><br />So, that's the short version of my crazy life
at the moment. Obviously, there's not a lot of time or energy for me to
blog right now. Despite my absence though, you all continue to be super
loyal readers, averaging about 6,000 views per month! Even through all
the crap happening, I've got a big warm spot in my heart because of
that. I know that you're reading, sharing, and advocating for horses.<br /><br />Speaking
of which, I've been keeping an eye on Facebook, and I've come across a
REALLY sparkling example of horse welfare advocacy. I'd like to
highlight that now, and to say "thank you!" to Bridget Achterberg. <span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".kc.$mid=11423090968854=2d6291e0e6165db2702.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".kc.$mid=11423090968854=2d6291e0e6165db2702.2:0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".kc.$mid=11423090968854=2d6291e0e6165db2702.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">Her post and comments are extremely well-written, thoughtful, and amazing in general. Ditto for Erin Hopkins. </span></span></span>I got their permission to re-post this. It's abbreviated (it was such a long discussion I <i>had</i> to chop parts of it) but all the good stuff is there.<br />
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<br />As you read for yourself, there were many great commenters in that discussion! Thank-you to them too! In fact, I'd like to say thank you to <b>all</b> animal welfare
commenters and posters. THANK YOU for standing up for the voiceless!
Thank you for saying something, instead of staying silent. Thanks for
not shutting up, even though some people give you crap for what you
believe. You ROCK.<br />
<br />I also want to thank Wisconsin horse people
that have recently taken in neglected horses, including Tracy K, Liz H,
Tracey B, and of course the wonderful equine rescues of Wisconsin. Special shout-out to <a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/">Midwest Horse Welfare</a>, which continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to help horses, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Equine-Resource/497460166957976">New Equine Resource</a>. N.E.R will soon be hosting a herd of rescued mustangs-- check them out NOW if you're interested in adopting one! They will only be staying for a short time.<br /><br />Before I close, I'd like to give you a few links:<br /><br />The <a href="http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/milroy/news/Pages/Windchill%27s-Law-Reintroduced.aspx">Windchill Bill</a> has just been reintroduced, and now is the time to GET BEHIND IT! If passed, it would be a major step forward in animal welfare law here in Wisconsin. Contact your local legislators!<br /><br />Erin's comment about breeding and warmblood registries is spot-on! <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-horse-breeding-should-be-done.html">Here's what I said</a> in April 2013 about Oldenburgs: "How Breeding Should Be Done."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.doctorramey.com/horse-psychics-chic-horses-spy/">Here's</a> a fun article, written by a vet on the topic of "horse communicators" or psychics. <br /><br />There is yet another <a href="https://www.blm.gov/adoptahorse/onlinegallery.php">BLM mustang auction</a> happening online right now. Minimum bid is $125, and they can often deliver to an area near you. In fact, there are already two mustangs in Mequon, WI! Both are 3 year old mares. Lots of color and a couple of cremellos available on this auction. There are many pregnant mares available this time too, though they can't be transported for you, you have to go pick them up.<br /><br />
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<br /><br />Alright folks, time to sign off. Stay warm!<br />
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<br />North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-3202764236572463062015-01-01T18:38:00.000-06:002015-01-01T18:38:55.326-06:00Best and Worst of 2014 + News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope you had a lovely Christmas, and that your horses did too! It's now 2015. Before we get too far into the cold, cold new year, lets take look back at the best and worst of 2014. <br />
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By 2014, the Barb Thiry saga was winding down, and although it is still not resolved, the horses are safe for now (but I WILL be watching). We got a new baddie though! In February, we met one of the worst horse people in Wisconsin: Juslain LuMaye. I'm not sure how you could have missed that story, but if you did, you can read it <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/01/juslain-lumaye-dying-horse-industry-more.html">here</a>, and the follow-up <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/02/otter-creek-jl-other-updates.html">here</a>. The short version is that she's a "trainer" out to make a buck, regardless of who suffers. If anyone has any updates on the surviving horses, I'd be much obliged if you'd post them here in the comments. Fortunately for Wisconsin, Juslain has moved to Minnesota, where she has started a custom tack business called Wyoming Custom Gear. Hopefully she'll do less harm there. (Sorry Minnesota.)<br />
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Fortunately, there were also some truly wonderful people who helped horses in 2014. I named a bunch of individuals in my <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/02/equines-and-valentines.html?showComment=1392421492130#c8982210149834930354">Equine Valentine</a>s post. Of course the many <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/p/wisconsin-horse-rescues.html">Wisconsin horse rescues</a> did their part. We said hello to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Equine-Resource/497460166957976">New Equine Resource</a>, a brand new Wisconsin rescue. We said a fond farewell to Mary and Bill of Saint Francis Horse Rescue, who have (mostly) retired after decades of helping equines. (I hear new people may start up the rescue soon though!)<br />
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It's hard to recognize all those who fought the good fight, in big battles and in tiny ones. I think you know who are you, but I don't think you know how much good you do. So many of you deserve a medal. I'd like to thank Kelly, Faith, Karyn and Scott, Tricia, and many others... so many others. I couldn't fit you all in if I wrote for hours. Real quick, I'm just going to pick a couple of recent Facebook comments at random to celebrate:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good job Beth! That's the best present to ask for!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_R8mcmZoQgad8NSyr9E1BNTW6wUAKz8GrXNQvqMfAL500pcw84urH8dvQyyaiPa4_BKhWjrxywgGx52vh-us5WSKihseLvI8gP2ofKed3As6V4dYxsmJtsM4c9WKRMtz5r60x8sR88jE/s1600/jessi.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_R8mcmZoQgad8NSyr9E1BNTW6wUAKz8GrXNQvqMfAL500pcw84urH8dvQyyaiPa4_BKhWjrxywgGx52vh-us5WSKihseLvI8gP2ofKed3As6V4dYxsmJtsM4c9WKRMtz5r60x8sR88jE/s1600/jessi.PNG" height="208" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Jessie was tireless in her efforts to educate people about the risks of breeding, especially breeding older mares. So many links, and so many comments on different forums. Thanks for trying to protect mares Jessie! </td></tr>
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On a personal note, in 2014 I brought home Ruffi and Riven, after a long struggle to get them away from their abuser. You can read the whole saga <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/02/rescues-three-year-saga.html">here</a>. (Much love to Mary for the support on that one!) Ruffi got a new home with some really excellent people, kind and patient trainers who will ensure her future. Riven is still with me, and doing great.<br />
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My personal favorite North Horse blog post of 2014 was on March 28th, "<a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/03/open-letter-to-backyard-breeder-news.html?showComment=1396452569407#c3897336994797148292">Open Letter to a Backyard Breeder</a>," which resulted in easily the most hilarious comments ever seen on North Horse:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId_UwsCNUPK3WdamQr9Enkg84hiWCURadawy8bQ9y6ylGlsaN9xs-0Hp0TctI6ywrFhouoEwbm75dzgfP_aVeQql85gRMS-Ze3xCHMjeuDJQD2g6pJj1VVXiJ80xmfl0u4rqm3HGd8k7f/s1600/Madi+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId_UwsCNUPK3WdamQr9Enkg84hiWCURadawy8bQ9y6ylGlsaN9xs-0Hp0TctI6ywrFhouoEwbm75dzgfP_aVeQql85gRMS-Ze3xCHMjeuDJQD2g6pJj1VVXiJ80xmfl0u4rqm3HGd8k7f/s1600/Madi+1.JPG" /></a></div>
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...and then much further down:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquaHgM1qPO0J2d-cECf7S1JVuTWE5jjx4XqMZ1HVpNXaNf4QWOdu2OWtcOqVWkLw6rYnI6l535J5EAKpN_K9PQYDevELcXdfMFx9s6ZuLg9qgZMdLCe7479Po9Wm0B3pEXJFYG3wTYEXp/s1600/Feds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquaHgM1qPO0J2d-cECf7S1JVuTWE5jjx4XqMZ1HVpNXaNf4QWOdu2OWtcOqVWkLw6rYnI6l535J5EAKpN_K9PQYDevELcXdfMFx9s6ZuLg9qgZMdLCe7479Po9Wm0B3pEXJFYG3wTYEXp/s1600/Feds.JPG" /></a>Yes, this lady really did pretend to be from the Feds in order to try to intimidate me into taking down my post. It's amazing what shady people will try!<br />
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Speaking of backyard breeding, here's one I just saw on Facebook and can't resist posting:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMC-LZ2Wh7bT8y5ADxV8Ja4MCOQ40a98A2LJkaqBOElQ5nIFZbZj_MlVTuPn1wBa5AVFX4h6EBCTvEuq3Br411V9f57ziqrV7Rs5UNmD0_3_Zxpkpzk2s5l2DsYzH-X2s8OdmGNtPR702t/s1600/K+for+sale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMC-LZ2Wh7bT8y5ADxV8Ja4MCOQ40a98A2LJkaqBOElQ5nIFZbZj_MlVTuPn1wBa5AVFX4h6EBCTvEuq3Br411V9f57ziqrV7Rs5UNmD0_3_Zxpkpzk2s5l2DsYzH-X2s8OdmGNtPR702t/s1600/K+for+sale.JPG" height="346" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8naRPwFu8TdjRwwZfM2nCV96IQekd560Oyn4AejmNcTaSHV54NnrtMlSE_oJB-uOZ_2Pb5iVjh8iVILZihCO_P3lkg7ygQxm6hLI-__kOQ2yHz6nl3aUPe7Df14sncaVt7IKzty3ScE-d/s1600/capone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8naRPwFu8TdjRwwZfM2nCV96IQekd560Oyn4AejmNcTaSHV54NnrtMlSE_oJB-uOZ_2Pb5iVjh8iVILZihCO_P3lkg7ygQxm6hLI-__kOQ2yHz6nl3aUPe7Df14sncaVt7IKzty3ScE-d/s1600/capone.JPG" height="200" width="151" /></a><br />
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Most of you already know exactly what I think about this crap, but sing along with me anyway:<br />
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- A grade 2 year old stud colt with a hernia is not worth $2,000, not even with magic Friesian blood</div>
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- Shame on Excalibur for breeding Friesian + Andalusian + Thoroughbred just 'cuz it's trendy</div>
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- Capone may be sweet, but has anyone bothered to look at his conformation? The pic ain't much.</div>
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- Grade school level science tells us that if you mate Horse of breed A to Horse of breed B, the offspring will almost certainly NOT be a 50-50 hybrid of A and B. Genes can be dominant or recessive (that's why human children usually look or act more like one parent than the other). This colt could genetically be 76% TB. Forget that "half Friesian" stuff, this guy is a mutt. Nothing wrong with mutts, mind you, <i>I own</i> mutts-- it's just that this guy shouldn't have been bred, and shouldn't breed unless I'm missing some truly incredible conformation and talent he has.<br />
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- I'm glad the seller wants to be "very picky" about Capone's potential new owner... but I wish she would have GELDED him and gotten his hernia fixed BEFORE listing him for sale!! Somewhere out there, someone equally ignorant is looking at this ad and thinking, "Ooo, I could keep him intact and breed him to my TWH mare for a <i>gaited</i> Friesian-Thoroughbred-Andalusian-Walker!!" *facepalm*</div>
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OKAY folks, time to wrap this up.<br />
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Brief news Updates:<br />
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If you bought any Gastrotec equine anti-ulcer meds, return them or throw them away-- they <a href="http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35059/marketer-voluntarily-recalls-equine-gastric-ulcer-product?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed">were recalled</a>. *sigh* Darn it, we would <i>all</i> like a less expensive alternative to UlcerGard, but I guess this isn't it.<br />
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I'm not sure what exactly is going on in this case, but it smells bad to me. Sounds like neglectful assholes being all indignant that the authorities finally took their starving critters away. What do you know about this? <a href="http://www.ashlandwi.com/news/local/couple-sues-ashland-county-for-death-of-donkey-horse/article_a4b49856-8722-11e4-943c-d73cac10f34f.html">Couple Sues Ashland County for Euthanizing Donkey, Horse</a>. I think once we know this was justified, we should write authorities and tell them "thank you for doing the right thing." It's rare that cops do this, and when they do, we need to make sure they know we appreciate it!<br />
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Just a reminder, horses do get infected with rabies, <a href="http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Rabid-Horse-Reported-in-Jackson-County--286809131.html">as this recent case shows us</a>, so don't skip vaccinations!<br />
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One more thing: I have created a <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2015/01/wi-tack-sales-clinics-horse-shows-2015.html">Wisconsin Horse Events calendar</a>. However, I don't have nearly all of the important stuff on there. Help me out! Tell me about events WI horse people should know about. Shoot me a date, time, and brief description here, or at northhorseblog@gmail.com, or on Facebook.<br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #6aa84f;">Do you have an event you would like to see listed here?<br />Email it to northhorseblog@gmail.com or comment below.</span></b><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">JANUARY</span></u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Jan. 6th <a href="http://www.plymouthtrailriders.org/Home_Page.php">Plymouth Trail Riders</a> club meeting <span style="line-height: 18px;">Racer's Hall </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">W4408 Cty Rd C, Plymouth</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18px;">Jan. 10th <a href="http://hagsonnags.com/">Hags on Nags</a> annual meeting & breakfast potluck. 9am </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Johnston Community Center, 9937 East County A, Janesville WI 53545</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18px;">Jan. 11th <a href="http://www.oregonhorseassociation.org/">Oregon Horse Association</a> meeting & potluck 1pm 5594 Alpine Rd Brooklyn </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jan. 11th Midwest Horse Fair c<span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">linic participation applications due. More info </span><a href="http://www.midwesthorsefair.com/horses/clinic-participant" style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">here</a><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Jan. 11th <a href="http://www.skmhta.com/">Southern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a> Annual Meeting at DNR HQ in Eagle, WI 10-noon, all are welcome!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Jan. 13th <a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Jan. 17th </span></span><a href="http://hagsonnags.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Hags on Nags</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">book club meeting & lunch 11am. Read </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">WILD by Cheryl Strayed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jan. 18th <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/winnebago-County-4H-Horse-Pony-Project/172720834992">Jefferson Co 4-H</a> Tack Swap </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fairgrounds</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 9-1:30 Admission $1 or can of food.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Jan. 18th Midwest Horse Fair equine fashion model search application due. Get it </span><a href="http://www.midwesthorsefair.com/fair/equine-fashion-show-model-search" style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">here</a><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jan. 25th <a href="http://kenosha.uwex.edu/files/2010/06/4-H-tack-sale-2015-final.pdf">Kenosha County 4-H Tack Sale</a> 9-1 Admission $2</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jan. 25th <a href="http://www.west20.com/">West 20</a> Beat the Heat Winter Show Series (first show) 10am East Troy WI</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jan. 25th <a href="http://hagsonnags.com/">Hags on Nags</a>: Mustang Mania.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> S91 W39091 Highway 59 Eagle, WI </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jan. 27th BLM <a href="https://www.blm.gov/adoptahorse/">online mustang auctio</a>n starts</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jan. 31st Dodge County Horsemen’s Tack Swap & Craft Sale, “Introduction to the World of Model Horses” Juneau Community Center– 9am-1pm</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">FEBRUARY</span></u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feb. 10th </span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feb. 14-15 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Barrel Racing and Pole Bending series </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Feb. 15th <a href="http://www.3gaits.org/">Three Gaits Therapeutic Horsemanship</a> volunteering information day <br /> 10am - 4pm, Stoughton WI. Lunch provided. To R</span>SVP, call (608) 877-9086</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feb. 14th Columbus WI model horse show, sleigh rally, bobsledding, skijoring</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feb. 15th Waukesha County 4-H Tack sale 9-2 Admission $2</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Feb. 21st <a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm">Showtime Arena</a> tack sale 10-2 (no admission fee) & </span><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Fun Show 4pm<br />Feb. 21-22 Barrels and poles at <a href="https://chismtrailranch.com/">Chism Trail Ranch</a> </span><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">N1198 Liberty Road, Merrill, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Feb. 21st <a href="http://goshowwisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2015-Stateline-Horse-Brochure.pdf">Stateline Equine Education workshop</a> 8:30-3 Bristol, WI Fee about $30<br />Feb. 21st <a href="http://www.west20.com/w20Ten_pages/calendar/calendar.php">West 20</a> Beat the Heat Winter Show Series (second show) 10am East Troy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Feb. 22nd Rock County 4-H Tack Sale 9-1 Admission $1 Janesville, WI</span><br /><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Feb. 28th Heartland Stables Beat the Blues Winter Series, Custer WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">MARCH</span></b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mar. 1st Washington County 4-H tack sale<br />Mar. 6-8 <a href="http://illinoishorsefair.org/">Illinois Horse Expo</a> at IL State Fairgrounds, Springfield<br />Mar. 7th Winnebago County 4-H Tack Sale 9-3 Oshkosh, WI held at<br /> Sunnyview Expo Center/Fairgrounds $1 admission</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mar. 7th </span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> Pizza Dinner Rocking K Ranch</span><br />Mar. 8th Menomonee Falls Saddle Club 50th Anniversary, Sussex WI (12n-4pm)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mar. 10th </span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Mar. 14th Heartland Stables Beat the Blues Winter Series, Custer WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mar. 14-15 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Barrel Racing and Pole Bending series </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mar. 16th Midwest Horse Fair camping applications <span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">and payment due. More info </span><a href="http://www.midwesthorsefair.com/travel/camping-reservation-application" style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">here</a><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Mar. 21-22 Pam Bound 2 Day Barrel Racing Clinic </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Mar. 21-22 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> Barrels and poles at <a href="https://chismtrailranch.com/">Chism Trail Ranch</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">N1198 Liberty Road, Merrill, WI</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"><br />Mar. 28th West 20 Beat the Heat Winter Show Series (third & last) 10am East Troy</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>APRIL</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Apr. 14th </span></span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"><br /><b><span style="color: red;">April 17, 18, 19 </span></b></span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.midwesthorsefair.com/">Midwest Horse Fair</a> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Want to put your stud on Stallion Avenue? Info </span><a href="http://www.midwesthorsefair.com/horses/stallion-avenue-application" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Interested in exhibiting a horse? Look </span><a href="http://www.midwesthorsefair.com/travel/how-to-get-involved" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Interested in having a booth at the fair? Look </span><a href="http://www.midwesthorsefair.com/exhibitors/potential-exhibitors" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apr. 18-19 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Barrel Racing and Pole Bending series </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"><span style="color: #990000;">Apr. 21st</span> </span><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Horse rapist, mutilator and killer Sterling Rachwal to</span><span style="line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> be released today.</span></b></span><span class="text_exposed_show"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Get more information <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/04/stirling-rachwal-may-be-freed.html">here</a>.</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apr. 25th Little 1 Open Horse Show </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Apr. 25th Registration form & payment due for </span><a href="http://www.3gaits.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Three Gaits Therapeutic Riding</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Registered level Therapeutic Riding Instructor certification course, certified by </span><a href="http://www.pathintl.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">PATH</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apr. 24-26 <a href="http://www.mnhorseexpo.org/">Minnesota Horse Expo</a> </span></span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minnesota State Fairgrounds St. Paul</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>MAY</u></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br />?? </span><a href="http://www.plymouthtrailriders.org/Home_Page.php">Plymouth Trail Riders</a> show? <span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">W4408 Cty Rd C, Plymouth</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">May 1-2 Dena Kirkpatrick Barrel Racing Clinic </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI<br />May 1-2 <a href="http://hagsonnags.com/">Hags on Nags</a> Kentucky Derby Camping </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">W830 Little Prairie Road Palmyra, WI</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">May 9-10 Barrel Racing and Pole Bending series </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br />May 9th </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">West 20 Open Pleasure Horse Show Series first of 5 East Troy WI</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18px;">May 10th <a href="http://wisconsinhorsecouncil.org/documents/programs/championshipChallenge/Woodside%20Mothers%20Day%20Show%20Mauston%20May.pdf">Mother's Day Open Horse Show</a> Woodside Ranch, Mauston WI 9am $4/class</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">May 12th </span></span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18px;">May 16-17 <a href="http://wisconsinhorsecouncil.org/documents/programs/championshipChallenge/UMBHA%20MAY%202%20SHOW%20BILL.pdf">UMBHA-IBHA Show and All-Breed Show</a> Jackson Co Fairgrounds, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18px;"> Black River Falls, WI $10/class or $50/day unlimited classes</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">May 16-17 </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Open Fun Horse show Deerfield, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">May 22-24 </span><a href="http://hagsonnags.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Hags on Nags</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trail ride at camp </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ukarydee 2017 Cumberland Ave., Arkdale, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">May 23-24 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Wisconsin Ranch Horse Show </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">May 25th Boots, Bits and Spurs Invitational Barrel Race </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">May 28-31 <a href="http://www.3gaits.org/">Three Gaits Therapeutic Riding</a> hosts Registered level Therapeutic Riding Instructor certification course, certified by <a href="http://www.pathintl.org/">PATH</a><br />May 31st </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.foxriversaddleclub.org/">Fox River Saddle Club</a> Open Horse Show at <a href="http://www.west20.com/">West 20 ranch</a>, East Troy</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u style="background-color: #fff2cc;">JUNE</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br />Jun. 8-11 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Teen Barrel Bootcamp #1 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Jun. 9th </span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Jun. 14th </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Open Pleasure Horse Show Series 2 of 5 </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="line-height: 18px;">, East Troy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Jun. 16-18 Teen Barrel Bootcamp #2 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Jun. 20-21 Wisconsin Ranch Horse Show </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Deerfield WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Jun. 21st </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Fox River Saddle Club Open Horse Show </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="line-height: 18px;">, East Troy</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jun. 27th <span style="line-height: 18px;">Jean Cyra Memorial All Breed Open </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">English Horse Show hosted by </span> <a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">, East Troy</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jun. 28th <span style="line-height: 18px;"> Jean Cyra Memorial All Breed Open</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Western Horse Show </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>JULY</u></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jul. 11-12 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://wisconsinhorsecouncil.org/documents/programs/championshipChallenge/UMBHA%20JULY%202%20SHOW%20BILL.pdf">UMBHA-IBHA Show and All-Breed Show</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Jackson Co Fairgrounds, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18px;"> Black River Falls, WI $10/class or $50/day unlimited classes</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Jul. 14th </span></span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />Jul. 24-26 IBRA State Finals </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Deerfield, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Jul. 26th </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Horse Power Healing Center Open Benefit Horse Show </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="line-height: 18px;">, East Troy</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">?? <a href="http://www.3gaits.org/index.html">Three Gaits</a> student horse show</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>AUGUST</u></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aug. 6-16 <a href="http://www.wistatefair.com/wp/">Wisconsin State Fair</a> </span></span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21.125px;">640 S. 84th Street, West Allis, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aug. 9th </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Fox River Saddle Club Open Horse Show </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">, East Troy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Aug. 11th </span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Aug. 15th </span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">All Breed Open Horse Show </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Deerfield, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Aug. 16th </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Open Pleasure Horse Show Series 3 of 5 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, East Troy</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aug. 22-23 </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://wisconsinhorsecouncil.org/documents/programs/championshipChallenge/UMBHA%20AUGUST%202%20SHOW%20BILL.pdf">UMBHA-IBHA Show and All-Breed Show</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Jackson Co Fairgrounds, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; line-height: 18px;"> Black River Falls, WI $10/class or $50/day unlimited classes</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Aug. 28-30 </span></span><a href="http://hagsonnags.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Hags on Nags</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trail ride and camping, potluck, etc. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wildcat Mountain State Park E13660 State Highway 33, Ontario, Wi.</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>SEPTEMBER</u></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">?? <a href="http://www.3gaits.org/index.html">Three Gaits</a> Dressage Show</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sept. 8th </span></span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sept. 11-13 </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22nd Annual Barrel Blitz </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Deerfield, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sept. 12th <a href="http://wisconsinhorsecouncil.org/programs/championshipChallenge.php">WHC Championship Challenge Show</a> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">, East Troy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sept. 13th </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Open Pleasure Horse Show Series 4 of 5 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">, East Troy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Sept. 19-20 </span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Sharon & Strome Camarillo Barrel Racing Clinic</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sept. 26-27 </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Ranch Horse Show Deerfield, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">?? <a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/index.htm">Midwest Horse Welfare</a> tack sale and fun show</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>OCTOBER</u></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">?? <a href="http://www.3gaits.org/index.html">Three Gaits </a>used tack sale </span></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oct. 1-5 The <a href="http://www.carolinelionscolorama.com/">Caroline Lion's Colorama</a> (largest trail ride in WI) </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oct. 9-11 </span></span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> John Parks clinic Deerfield, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Oct. 13th </span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oct. 24th </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Open Pleasure Horse Show Series 5 of 5 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">at </span><a href="http://www.west20.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">West 20 ranch</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">, East Troy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Oct. 24th </span><a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Showtime Arena</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Time to Play Open Fun Horse show Deerfield, WI</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Oct. 25th <a href="http://www.showtimearena.com/events.cfm">Showtime Arena</a> Open Fun Horse show Deerfield, WI</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NOVEMBER</u></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nov.10th </span></span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Nov.14th </span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> banquet & silent auction 5:30pm</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">?? Heartland Beat the Blues open show, Custer WI</span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>DECEMBER</u></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dec. 8th </span></span><a href="http://nkmhta.org/?page_id=5" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;">Northern Kettle Moraine Horse Trail Association</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.2859992980957px;"> meeting &Christmas party 7pm</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dec. 12th </span></span><a href="http://hagsonnags.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Hags on Nags</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas party. 5:30 pm Butterfly Club, 5246 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> East County Road X, Beloit, WI</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Do you have an event you would like to see listed here?<br />Email it to northhorseblog@gmail.com or comment below.</b></span></div>
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North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-70026571812424873322014-12-15T16:27:00.001-06:002014-12-15T16:27:35.262-06:00Mexican/American Horse Slaughter Takes a Hit, Charity Xmas Shopping Tips & More<br />
Hello fellow horse folks, how are ya? These few weeks leading up to the
holiday shenanigans are always pretty stressful. Well don't worry, I've
got a little comedic relief for you before we get to the news:<br />
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OK, let's get down to it.<br />
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<b>BIG news:</b> The European Commission will <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-pacelle/europeans-suspend-horseme_b_6288770.html">no longer allow</a> any imports of Mexican horse meat into the European Union! That's right, Mexican slaughter plants just lost a huge market for horse meat.<br />
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The European Union (EU) is made of up of 28 countries, including Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (that's England + Scotland + part of Ireland + Wales). Some of the world's biggest consumers of horse meat live in the EU (we're looking at you, France and Belgium). <br />
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The Commission decided to halt all imports of Mexican horse meat after March 1st 2015, largely due to food safety concerns. In most EU countries, horses have to be free from veterinary drugs for at least 180 days prior to slaughter. In Mexico however, horses often end up in the food supply only<u> a couple </u>days after leaving the local racetrack, riding stable, or breeding barn. Needless to say, there's a lot of bute, steroids, hormones, and other toxins in those horses. And the Mexican authorities just don't care. The Commission found that the records kept by Mexican feedlots, slaughter plants, veterinary drug dispenseries, and vets themselves are incredibly inadequate, or missing entirely.<br />
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The Commission also noted that horses transported to the Mexican slaughter plants faced awful, inhumane conditions. Many dead or dying horses, lame horses, sick horses, and stallions are put on to trucks for long journeys and then taken to pens where they are held without food, water, shade, or vet care. (To read the full report, go to <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/food/fvo/index_en.cfm#modal-2014-7223">this link</a> and click on the "Mexican" button at the bottom of the page.)<br />
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You probably already knew about all that, but here's something you may not know: Mexico is one of the top three producers of horse meat in the world, but <i>most of the horses slaughtered come from the USA</i>. <b>Shame on us.</b> Some of these horses are oldies, thrown away by piece-of-crap owners who couldn't seem to scrounge up a few bucks or bullets to give their faithful servants a decent death. Some of these horses are products of the racing industry, which rarely makes any kind of provision for the care of the horses it breeds, chews up, and spits out. But the majority of the horses that go to slaughter are young, healthy, unbroke, grade horses produced en mass by irresponsible breeders.<br />
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Some people are going to argue that the EU's decision will be harmful to horses in general, because with fewer meat buyers, Mexican slaughter plants won't process as many "unwanted" horses. These unwanted horses will end up starving to death. And the horse market will get even worse, because it will be hard to even get slaughter price for a horse on the auction block.<br />
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It's not true that lack of slaughter = more neglected horses. There was still a huge amount of horse neglect in America pre-2007, when USA slaughter plants were still open. And there's plenty of horse neglect in Mexico now, despite the presence of slaughter there. People who neglect horses don't do it because they don't have slaughter as an alternative, they do it because they are sick pieces of shit. Rapists don't rape because they can't get a prostitute.<br />
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It <i>may</i> be true that Mexican demand for American horses has helped keep the horse market from bottoming out entirely. But you know what? Well-trained horses will always sell for a couple of thousand dollars, and as for grade, unbroke horses, well... Screw it. Let the sucker bottom out. We're so far down in the hole, we might as well come out the other side of the earth. Maybe when you can't even get $10 for a yearling at auction, maybe when every last backyard breeder is surrounded by ponies she can't <i>give</i> away, maybe when even the auctioneers see there's no profit, maybe<i> then</i> this country will <b>wake up</b>. Maybe then people will stop breeding crap, and horses will become slightly scarce, and the market will rebound. <br />
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Speaking of healthy horses in desperate need of homes, <a href="http://beyondthefenceline.webs.com/">Beyond the Fence Line</a> horse rescue in Redgranite, WI seems to be stretched to the very limit. They have umpteen horses up for adoption on their website, and are now listing some more on craigslist:<br />
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<a href="http://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/4783912030.html">18 year old Welsh/Shetland mare</a>, leads, loads, ties, not sure if broke. $50<br />
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<a href="http://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/4783889602.html">18 year old draft cross pony</a>, leads, loads, ties, probably not broke, free to good home.<br />
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<a href="http://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/4753149570.html">12 year old grey grade QH mare</a>, 14.2 h, 90 days training, been on trails, leads, loads, ties, $500<br />
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If you want to help out BtFL but can't adopt, check out their <a href="http://www.32auctions.com/organizations/17706/auctions/19887?reset_filter=1">online charity auction.</a> <br />
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Midwest Horse Welfare <a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/new-funauction.htm">is also having</a> a charity auction, and Amazing Grace Equine Rescue is selling beautiful photo calendars. You can visit<a href="http://www.rescuehorses.org/"> their website </a>for instructions on how to pay via paypal or by credit card, OR you can mail $20 to A.G.E.S W4985 County Road FF Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin 53020.<br />
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There, I've helped you decide where to do your Christmas shopping! Oh, one more item on the list for Santa: Gorgeous <a href="http://madison.craigslist.org/emd/4793892544.html">5 year old red chestnut gelding</a>, 15.3h, greenbroke, sound. Up to date on vaccines, jumps, knows tricks. Has a bucking issue sometimes. <b>Free to good home</b>.<br />
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One last thing, and then I have to go: <a href="http://www.the-leader.net/animal-abuse-trial-delayed-until-march.html">Feist's Horse Neglect Trial Delayed Until March</a><br />
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<b>Stay tuned for more North Horse!</b><br />
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P.S.<br />
Extra Links:<br />
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In the midst of all these horses needing homes and going to
slaughter, one group is putting out a plea for funds to breed <i>more</i>: the <a href="http://arkwild.org/blog/">Wild Horses of Abaco Preservation Society</a>. Should you donate money? It's up to you...<br />
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In line with their tighter restriction on horse meat, the EU Commission is also <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-1000_en.htm">tightening restrictions on horse passports</a>.<br />
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Read more about my position on horse slaughter <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/p/horse-slaughter-overpopulation.html">here</a> and <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2011/12/horse-slaughter-is-there-another.html">here</a> and <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/search?q=slaughter">here</a>.North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-52949161648794995592014-11-29T14:42:00.003-06:002014-11-29T14:42:47.779-06:00I'm Back! 3 Bad Breeders, Locals Needing Help, & More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm back! Did you miss me? Or did you rejoice when you thought I'd finally shut up for good? Hah, no chance of <i>that!</i><br /><br /><span class="userContent">So I've got a few </span><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">excuses for not posting regularly in the last 3 months</span>: I've moved to a new house, I've gotten a gig
writing for a horse magazine, and lots of other big life stuff... but
now I'm sort of settled. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving, now let's do this!</span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br />First up, we have not one, not two, but <i>three</i> victims of irresponsible breeders on Craigslist to talk about! Obviously, none of the horses below should be producing offspring, but which horse has the<i> worst </i>conformation, hmm? </span><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">Is it:<br /></span></span><span class="userContent">A) the scrawny, fugly, 4 year old curly stallion? (<a href="http://madison.craigslist.org/grd/4717728560.html">For sale</a> for only $250! Bred 3 mares this year!)</span><br /><br />
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<span class="userContent">B) the weak-rumped, no-loin Appaloosa mare with spine problems? <br />(<a href="http://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/4745078471.html">$450</a>, and it's a two-for-</span><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">one deal, </span>that's right, another bred mare will be thrown in <i>for free!</i></span><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVcTMEfj7CNdzca4Gvb9EqL-cBfQsZStxKa-OYBQcPGX4wCRQmWAtw2Zta_QlBurhXZcuKXQkqMJ1H0qkYfIYjzw8aENkwIkrR4t91_cJ2tKaPiE-U8qI5zxeXxhZy7hzlfJj7xwCP78i/s1600/spine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVcTMEfj7CNdzca4Gvb9EqL-cBfQsZStxKa-OYBQcPGX4wCRQmWAtw2Zta_QlBurhXZcuKXQkqMJ1H0qkYfIYjzw8aENkwIkrR4t91_cJ2tKaPiE-U8qI5zxeXxhZy7hzlfJj7xwCP78i/s1600/spine.JPG" /></a><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><br /><br />OR is it<br /></span></span><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">C) this coon-footed, downhill, spotted pony stud who might have been taller if he'd been fed well? (Only <a href="http://eauclaire.craigslist.org/grd/4691029562.html">$350</a> for this guy, he has "thrown color" on his <i>seven</i> foals!)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu6Er2zM2Mvc0dbCZXyvwLuL61M3JVnWSHYq3sYbWEkMQo9rvdVKfbJy2v3sVCz_Kr1vXtO0t8gU15-Zr93rhIxw25YT3JJjcuwiAnBBLA4A02gU8y4J8BWoJ6rLV6OVmBW-xQL02f61X/s1600/pinto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu6Er2zM2Mvc0dbCZXyvwLuL61M3JVnWSHYq3sYbWEkMQo9rvdVKfbJy2v3sVCz_Kr1vXtO0t8gU15-Zr93rhIxw25YT3JJjcuwiAnBBLA4A02gU8y4J8BWoJ6rLV6OVmBW-xQL02f61X/s1600/pinto.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><br />I say it's a toss-up between B or C, leaning towards C, but let me know what <i>you</i> think!<br /><br /> </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">And as usual folks, as we sit here criticizing bad backyard breeders in a bad economy, in a nation overpopulated with horses, in an state chalk-full of low-quality horses, remember:<b> it's not the horses that are to blame.</b> If you can give one of these guys a home, go for it! They didn't ask to be born with poor conformation, and they didn't ask to produce more babies with poor conformation. Their scummy owners did that crap. These horses are still deserving of love.</span> <br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrMkC6osHmGlndIGC_Im_MEoFmnQDTFlxoHotWSviZLKKl7BxxkDnqudwIV4-sgFTqof3ylG5I9qoeGK5nK1DnShMzQSmWXgEftPsyLO7v4fFklOB44rc0LeTEhdCEot7NQzlKtMs4VmT/s1600/sore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrMkC6osHmGlndIGC_Im_MEoFmnQDTFlxoHotWSviZLKKl7BxxkDnqudwIV4-sgFTqof3ylG5I9qoeGK5nK1DnShMzQSmWXgEftPsyLO7v4fFklOB44rc0LeTEhdCEot7NQzlKtMs4VmT/s1600/sore.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent"><br />Now I want to backtrack a little to August, and tell you that the "big lick" Tennesse Walking Horse Celebration in Tennesse <a href="http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34132/tennessee-walking-horse-national-celebration-loses-sponsor">lost another major sponsor</a> this year! After Pepsi backed out in 2012, I knew it was only a matter of time before this archaic, abusive competition ended, and now I think we're seeing its death throes. Attendance was down this year, and 10% fewer horses entered. Hooray! Unfortunately, the number of cruelty violations <a href="http://blog.humanesociety.org/wayne/2014/09/celebration-violations.html">were double</a> what they were compared to last year, and testing still doesn't seem rigorous enough.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">(If you're not sure what I'm talking about, check out <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/tenn_walking_horses/facts/what_is_soring.html?credit=blog_post091614">this article</a> on the horrific torture of soring. Soring is traditional at the big TWH Celebration, where grotesque gaits are rewarded by the judges.)<br /><span id="goog_1184948439"></span><span id="goog_1184948440"></span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSD0_pkI1lWHGcWP7a3sfsvq0Aq7N7o3LQVS3TUfU1zmncxFkY6nCDIvTZ914C_u55W37_UEZRoizacHcvFDyu2bMtvPPw60eyHSbCNQ9oGXKcMl4DDr0Y6Voq2mCJzB2C3YQzYWa1RXcd/s1600/amazing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSD0_pkI1lWHGcWP7a3sfsvq0Aq7N7o3LQVS3TUfU1zmncxFkY6nCDIvTZ914C_u55W37_UEZRoizacHcvFDyu2bMtvPPw60eyHSbCNQ9oGXKcMl4DDr0Y6Voq2mCJzB2C3YQzYWa1RXcd/s1600/amazing.png" height="246" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scene from "Next Town Over," by Wisconsin writer, artist, and animal lover, Erin Mehlos</td></tr>
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<span class="userContent"></span><span class="userContent"> On a lighter note, have you seen <a href="http://www.nexttownover.net/?p=4">Next Town Over</a>
? It's a free online comic, one of my very favorite reads. It's a blend
of magic, mechanical wonders, and the Old West. And did I mention
gorgeous freaking art?! Gawd, so gorgeous. If you're looking for cowboy
chases, fire magic, and a horse that steadily becomes steam-powered, go
check it out!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHfSfJyT2zqA4QfQRyZA2_5nudAMl4QUhqOjxmbq38l-yjgU16kWNLtunGThCjhE8QWae2q8j8e6jgWvnvuqSXqHR-j6qelvvJA5AdRI13pMOCCfaSQtzEbbTDdRx2Hnudukzl8YQi8ZK/s1600/help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHfSfJyT2zqA4QfQRyZA2_5nudAMl4QUhqOjxmbq38l-yjgU16kWNLtunGThCjhE8QWae2q8j8e6jgWvnvuqSXqHR-j6qelvvJA5AdRI13pMOCCfaSQtzEbbTDdRx2Hnudukzl8YQi8ZK/s1600/help.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Ok northern folks, have you seen this horse??
She's a big bay mare with a little white on her left hind leg near the
hoof, and a huge heart-shaped white blaze. She may be in the Twin Cities area now.<br /><span class="userContent"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjKzNytvCMkd3LwZ2PjRQcjk_sjn3_yUZ4smVKj5WzJqKAjh1PXA8pRtSOGNKu6EjIy5NQm6TY0r2BMVHxhCa2dSXmyVhWoqCl0KvyTSEgpW8HfV691GvoeVUOGrCZgkKjAnEG823SGMP/s1600/mystery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjKzNytvCMkd3LwZ2PjRQcjk_sjn3_yUZ4smVKj5WzJqKAjh1PXA8pRtSOGNKu6EjIy5NQm6TY0r2BMVHxhCa2dSXmyVhWoqCl0KvyTSEgpW8HfV691GvoeVUOGrCZgkKjAnEG823SGMP/s1600/mystery.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvZhcAk_Gy-aq8jOJDl1e62H7EgCtZlHxVsy1Pgnse-o5RC2EB9RugDybnoEBVTV1qaGjXayWZcVSw8sFoD3Wa4e66ptdvQUnwL2JSNmJBr4pjkXYonXLAqBnFxmLeaO0V2jFFQA8Jgoj/s1600/mystery+2.JPG" height="320" width="258" /><span class="userContent"> </span><u><b>Have you seen me??</b></u><br /><br />
"Mystery" is her name, and one of her previous owners is trying to solve the mystery of where she ended up. Mystery was given to Camp Courage/New Friends as a riding horse for kids and disabled adults, with a written agreement that she be given back to her owner if things didn't work out or the camp was sold. Well the camp was sold, and Mystery was sold, but the owner was never contacted. The camp doesn't know where the horse is. The owner just wants to know that the mare is in a good place, and offer a retirement home if the current owner should ever want to give her up. Let's help this super responsible owner! Find Mystery!<br /><br />Mystery was last seen in the spring of 2014 near Maple Lake MN, which is northwest of Minneapolis, MN. Please contact Mystery's owner at 612-518-4578 if you have any information, or email via <a href="http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/grd/4749951717.html">this Craigslist ad</a>. More pictures available on that ad.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYygEKxPTnuNAM-81v5dJqN0GJMLHCWovrYJ2MvUjKHVVUR301yhiRnO4OtsCkro6KwxioovBy3-fS490C3gxdeKQunQUBzVSO7eg7Y2hXvADg3gIUPnpXehIS10BBiUNhBqE7ThXxphgm/s1600/stall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYygEKxPTnuNAM-81v5dJqN0GJMLHCWovrYJ2MvUjKHVVUR301yhiRnO4OtsCkro6KwxioovBy3-fS490C3gxdeKQunQUBzVSO7eg7Y2hXvADg3gIUPnpXehIS10BBiUNhBqE7ThXxphgm/s1600/stall.jpg" /></a></div>
Next up, do you have a stall you can spare for two weeks to help an old horse near Milwaukee? <br />Erin, the owner, really needs your help! (Btw, this is not the same Erin that writes the comic.) <br />She says,<br /><br />"I have a 24 year old Thoroughbred cross gelding whom I desperately need a
place for in the next few days. He lost a lot of weight in last year's
brutal winter and never totally recovered. I don't think that I can
expect him to get through the winter, but I am very busy with work and
nursing school and wanted to wait until December 18th to have him put
down. The school semester will be over by then and I will be able to
deal with that difficult task better emotionally and mentally. However, I
got a message from the person that owns the place where he currently
lives and she wants him moved or put down by the end of the week - she
has decided she doesn't like having a thin old horse there, even though
he eats and moves around fine. He hasn't been off the farm in 4 years,
so his coggins isn't current, but it's never been positive. If anyone
can help me for the next few weeks, I would be truly grateful. Hartford
area would be best, but I am willing to take anything right now. I will
supply his grain and supplements. Also, I kind of wonder if he would be
ok in a stall, since he is still eating and has spunk in him, but where I
currently keep him, I can't afford a stall, due to my work/school
situation. If anybody knows of ANYTHING - private boarder or retired
horses facility, please contact me. THANK YOU FOR HELPING!!"<br /><br />You can contact Erin at 262-365-4902. Normally I would be pretty adamant that a horse's welfare should come before an owner's emotions-- a skeletal old horse should be put down ASAP. On the other hand, I remember exactly what it was like to be on a high-stress schedule and an emotional roller coaster as a working student. It sounds like the owner here really does want to do the right thing, she just needs a tiny little bit of time. <br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobP1ukk4bYls-pvFlMFbf7fe13IwvKAE_bvpi2cs1OebiP2pdNiGVqK_-9nKNuWUqmkNK7nzFlZnB9WF6gJ1iFj-9sR8EUgynFnFvj1YWFNh_AaMLcxcAF_b9By950qAUEq0jEUstSiGg/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobP1ukk4bYls-pvFlMFbf7fe13IwvKAE_bvpi2cs1OebiP2pdNiGVqK_-9nKNuWUqmkNK7nzFlZnB9WF6gJ1iFj-9sR8EUgynFnFvj1YWFNh_AaMLcxcAF_b9By950qAUEq0jEUstSiGg/s1600/fire.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a><br />
In other news, Valley View Acres Horse Stables near Woodstock, Illinois has tragically <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/mchenry-woodstock-huntley/chi-blaze-in-woodstock-stable-kills-up-to-32-horses-20141123-story.html">burned to the ground</a>, killing 32 horses in the process. Five horses survived. The cause of the fire has not been determined, but it is thought to be spontaneous combustion. If you want to support VVA, check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Valley-View-Acres/164287681061">Facebook page</a> (their website is currently down). Winter is the worst time for barn fires-- there's lots of hay, bedding, dust, and dry air around to create an inferno. Make sure that you're taking basic safety precautions in your barn:<br />
<ul>
<li>encase lightbulbs in metal cages or frames, to prevent horses from breaking them accidentally</li>
<li>encase electrical wires in metal conduit to keep rodents (and cribbers) from chewing them</li>
<li>never leave a space heater on unsupervised</li>
<li>make sure your heated water tanks never run dry-- the heating element can start a fire</li>
<li>check to see if your bales are hot inside, a sign that the hay baled too wet-- it can combust!</li>
<li>sweep up loose shavings, cobwebs, dust, and straw</li>
</ul>
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Finally, here are free and cheap Wisconsin horses. Can you give one a home? <br /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><br /><a href="http://racine.craigslist.org/grd/4753472982.html">Chestnut pony mare</a>, 12.1h, 14 or 15 years old, not ridden since 2009. Free. Kenosha<br />Call Marilyn at </span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0">262-886-9022</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><br /></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><a href="http://madison.craigslist.org/grd/4736813322.html">5 year old Tennessee Walker gelding</a>, not broke, natural gaits. $300 Columbus </span></span><br /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0">Call Robyn at 920 382 1174<br /><br /><a href="http://madison.craigslist.org/grd/4778568451.html">QH gelding</a>, 15.2h, some arthritis, well broke, needs sold TODAY. Can deliver. $375 Madison</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".8y.1:3:1:$comment10203096846088386_10203102094699598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><br /><a href="http://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/4769265205.html">4 year old QH/Halflinger mare</a>, 13-14h, halter broke $200 Appleton<br /><br /><a href="http://madison.craigslist.org/grd/4774689696.html">Morgan mare</a>, "early teens," trailers, trail rides $200 or best offer Reeseville<br /><br /><a href="http://eauclaire.craigslist.org/grd/4735438835.html">Pinto mini mare</a>, has founder issues, has been with a stallion Free Eau Claire / Lake Wissota<br /><b><br /><br />That's all for now folks, but stay tuned for more North Horse!</b><br /> </span></span>North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-70453493904949231722014-09-16T18:52:00.002-05:002014-09-17T09:57:30.373-05:00Fall News & Free HorsesThere's lots going on in the Wisconsin horse world these days, so let's dig right in:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Feist Soon to Face Trial</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45S_BOmmKSWcZK3qchG9OomqFys8Aiod1ztsILy0ppjwNbddDK6TbHsG9OyHQ80Ts-eY74UeDTbCzeO0K4NnSVS44elBixl8zIqkq1otUBy4WOT_8nIaAbBHA7hGJVY201DaiF-hxdT2s/s1600/feist.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45S_BOmmKSWcZK3qchG9OomqFys8Aiod1ztsILy0ppjwNbddDK6TbHsG9OyHQ80Ts-eY74UeDTbCzeO0K4NnSVS44elBixl8zIqkq1otUBy4WOT_8nIaAbBHA7hGJVY201DaiF-hxdT2s/s1600/feist.png" height="320" width="252" /></a> Michael Feist of the horrific Otter Creek, Polk County WI<a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/11/brenda-weierke-feist-and-michael-feist.html"> neglect case</a> will appear for a motion hearing on Sept. 30th. This motion hearing will determine whether the court will combine his trials for resisting an officer, bail jumping, and disorderly conduct with the horse neglect trial. Feist is currently scheduled to have a pretrial hearing on Friday October 3rd at 11am. With any luck, his trial will begin before the year is out.<br />
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Michael <span style="font-size: small;">Feist is charged with </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><span class="null"><span class="null"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">four
felony counts of mistreatment of animals causing death, 15
misdemeanor counts of intentional mistreatment of animals, and 15
misdemeanor counts of intentional failure to provide proper food and
drink to animals. Read more about this truly awful case <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/11/brenda-weierke-feist-and-michael-feist.html">here</a>... and then don't forget to write to (or call) the DA in this case, and ask him to prosecute Feist to the fullest extent of the law!</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Polk County District Attorney Daniel P. Steffen<br />
1005 West Main Street, Suite 300<br />Balsam Lake, WI 54810<br /><br />
715-485-9231<br />
<a href="mailto:daniel.steffen@da.wi.gov">daniel.steffen@da.wi.gov</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thiry Demands Stallions or Cash</span><br />
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Barb Thiry the horse hoarder/abuser is petitioning Waupaca County to either give her the two stallions
still being held at a court-appointed boarding facility OR reimburse her
the value of the horses. Which is damn ridiculous, as those horses
would be DEAD if they were still in her care, or in other words have a
value of exactly zero dollars. However, the court may have no choice. Please write to the court and tell them that Thiry doesn't deserve to be paid for starving horses, and <i>certainly</i> shouldn't get any horses back!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b> Hon. Raymond S. Huber<br />Waupaca County Courthouse<br />811 Harding St.<br />Waupaca, WI</b> <b>54981</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Speaking of Sickening...</span><br />
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There's an update on EHV-1 <a href="http://host.madison.com/news/local/three-horses-in-dane-county-test-positive-for-ehv-/article_9874e740-c2aa-52ad-9e5d-29b0ab42bcdb.html">here</a>: now three horses in Dane County have tested positive.<br />
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Humans should beware as well; enterovirus <a href="http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/local/2014/09/16/nine-state-cases-of-enterovirus-68-suspected/15706771/">has hit the Madison area</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On a Happier Note:</span><br />
<span id="goog_220157710"></span><span id="goog_220157711"></span><br />
Midwest Horse Welfare just had another <i>super fantastic</i> fundraiser at a Packer's stadium concession stand-- congratulations to them, and kudos to all the volunteers who worked so hard! Go see some pics on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwestHorseWelfareFoundation">their facebook page</a>. Midwest's next fundraiser is the <a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/goldenapple.htm">Golden Apple Give-Away</a>, where you can win $1,000 in cold hard cash if you correctly guess where a horse will poop within a given area. That's right folks, it doesn't get more entertaining! And don't forget about their <span class="userContent">Fun Show and Tack Swap on Sept. 27th at the Waupaca Fairgrounds.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Rooster" Found </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3ySzAE0i4kPdeMAp3vs_qWER0mJkl5FdM-txfJDb3QbAebULwUxdZ6vkBokYLttP5t6Zh_rXFtlcNjHIsRzNRuXvcUdUhJpu3V30bVjOwXvgfeRiJ2n_HUMK-sp3iJ-yGHWLPqnRMTp4/s1600/rooster2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3ySzAE0i4kPdeMAp3vs_qWER0mJkl5FdM-txfJDb3QbAebULwUxdZ6vkBokYLttP5t6Zh_rXFtlcNjHIsRzNRuXvcUdUhJpu3V30bVjOwXvgfeRiJ2n_HUMK-sp3iJ-yGHWLPqnRMTp4/s1600/rooster2.JPG" height="168" width="200" /></a>Next up, many of you have been following the case of "Rooster," a handsome barrel horse that has been missing, <a href="http://www.wkow.com/story/26528775/2014/09/14/authorities-search-for-stolen-horse#.VBgwf9nMnmp.facebook">presumed stolen</a>, from Ann Zimmerman's farm in Walworth County. Rooster was just found dead in an isolated and brush-filled part of Zimmerman's property. The cause of his death is currently not known. Ann Zimmerman's boyfriend posted a partial explanation and apology today on Facebook:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sudden Farm Closure Leaves Supporters Dismayed, Puzzled</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.douglaslegacyfarm.net/">Douglas Legacy Farm</a> of LaValle, WI, which has long been a supporter of US veterans and horse therapy for veterans, has suddenly announced it will be closing. Farm events scheduled for this fall have also been cancelled. Susan Wellman, director of the American Standardbred Adoption Program, had also been named Programming Director for Douglas Legacy Farm for 2014. She seemed to think that the closure might only be seasonal, but did not know any more. There is no word about what will happen to the horses donated to the program. There was no comment from the owners of the farm by press time. Stay tuned for more information here.<br />
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<br /><b><span style="color: #990000;">EDIT 9/17/14</span>: I received this email response from Douglas Legacy Farm:</b><br /><br />
<div>
Hello, No, the Douglas Legacy Farm is not closing. It is
halting outdoor activities until next spring to allow for the renovation
of a 140 year old barn. This is to ensure the safety of the public. The
house will continue to be open for indoor meetings for veterans groups.
Watch for our newly renovated barn next spring when outdoor activities
will resume. Thank you for asking. </div>
<div>
Bev Vaillancourt</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Best (Worst) of Craigslist</span><br />
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<a href="http://madison.craigslist.org/grd/4666717449.html">This ad</a> speaks for itself... *facepalm*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVHDlu3e6ZMNrPHh37RcRQtF3s7bC3Ius9QORJCP332oWrD1xQL_hbHICg8G-P_ExiBJCCXEjY24IBRbmuSkVEn1TpbP_5Te-tfNttTHjW0UNEpb1TbaD8sdgQLOnrrTlMtHnbsdyohBR/s1600/virgin..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVHDlu3e6ZMNrPHh37RcRQtF3s7bC3Ius9QORJCP332oWrD1xQL_hbHICg8G-P_ExiBJCCXEjY24IBRbmuSkVEn1TpbP_5Te-tfNttTHjW0UNEpb1TbaD8sdgQLOnrrTlMtHnbsdyohBR/s1600/virgin..JPG" height="236" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">More Free Horses</span><br />
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14 year old registered bay Arabian mare. Broke, but has had a seizure, hoof issues. Poynette. Ad <a href="http://madison.craigslist.org/grd/4626989898.html">here</a>.<br />
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25 year old very broke pony and 15 year old mare who was broke at some point. Mare has ringbone. Appleton/Sherwood. Ad <a href="http://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/4669010176.html">here</a>.<br />
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Senior donkey (20?) near Appleton/Shawano County. Current Coggins. Ad <a href="http://appleton.craigslist.org/grd/4630753039.html">here</a>.<br />
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Two paint mares, 9 and 15 years old, not broke. Near Janesville. Ad <a href="http://janesville.craigslist.org/grd/4615640878.html">here</a>.<br />
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Three mares, one Hackney two Saddlebred types, near Janesville. Two kid broke, but one needs serious work. Ads <a href="http://janesville.craigslist.org/grd/4652788987.html">here</a>, <a href="http://janesville.craigslist.org/grd/4612991807.html">here</a> and <a href="http://janesville.craigslist.org/grd/4652761225.html">here</a>.<br />
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8 year old mustang mare, mid-20s Quarter Horse gelding. Broke but not ridden for years. Sparta. <a href="http://lacrosse.craigslist.org/grd/4670212474.html">Ad here</a>.<br />
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23 year old registered Arabian mare, not broke. Wausau/Hatley. Ad <a href="http://here./">here.</a><span id="goog_220157785"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_220157786"></span><br />
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10 year old bay QH mare. Not broke. Health issue? Kewaunee/Green Bay. Ad <a href="http://greenbay.craigslist.org/zip/4647676906.html">here</a>.<br />
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24 year old paint gelding. Broke, but soundness issues. Madison. Ad <a href="http://madison.craigslist.org/for/4647043937.html">here</a>.<br />
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Senior grade gelding with medical issues, owner can no longer care for him. Forest Junction. Ad <a href="http://horse.rescueme.org/Wisconsin">here</a>.<br />
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In Simms, Montana, a large herd of mustangs needs to find homes ASAP. Owner claims they are "Spanish" mustangs. There is some indication they may go to slaughter if they do not find homes. None are halter broke, some can be touched. Many mares are pregnant. 5-6 foals and at least one stallion available. Contact <a href="https://www.facebook.com/loreen.skinner">Loreen Skinner</a> via Facebook, or call <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment10204472603835825_10204484426331380:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment10204472603835825_10204484426331380:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment10204472603835825_10204484426331380:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">406-899-5517. The owner may be able to have them brought to Great Falls, MT, but otherwise transportation and roundup is up to you.</span></span></span><br />
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<br />North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-81161432520763532042014-08-04T16:12:00.000-05:002014-08-04T16:12:14.454-05:00Barb Thiry's Trial & Other News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Barb Thiry's trial just ended. She had been charged with <a href="http://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetails.do;jsessionid=9E5827A6C307A4E75B3020968206C5F5.render6?caseNo=2013CM000314&countyNo=68&cacheId=124E33B131E3270CB7CB748F5698DC09&recordCount=23&offset=1&mode=details&submit=View+Case+Details">15 counts of animal mistreatment, failing to provide shelter, and failing to provide food</a>. Each charge was a class A misdemeanor, the punishment for which can include a fine
up to $10,000, or imprisonment for up to 9 months, or both. The charges resulted from Thiry's failure to get proper vet care, farrier care, food, water and shelter for her horses BiBi, Lady, Rebecca, Ruby and Two Socks. Here's a reminder of what that neglect looked like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKml0PWjPjmBNiK-WwiTNVyrV1Y2Ojbcy3wpwxavMQ_VnXjtBjKwB0USFkfnXXsek8bvwwXkxBapjs6p_7vf3crTa7wLKDyZQoodbZOmRQGgkKm7b9O9VJmHSap70wBnmORKK5eHQKvm7_/s1600/thiry+case.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKml0PWjPjmBNiK-WwiTNVyrV1Y2Ojbcy3wpwxavMQ_VnXjtBjKwB0USFkfnXXsek8bvwwXkxBapjs6p_7vf3crTa7wLKDyZQoodbZOmRQGgkKm7b9O9VJmHSap70wBnmORKK5eHQKvm7_/s1600/thiry+case.PNG" height="374" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy2uzDdR2nTaQO7n_R1Avry7sjNDU7CyisVOAnUdrXOyPEUmZiBiU3JD5NnFCWUWMoG8CMwz_an8mNSvbRwaKfI0g6efrlbGH-PMWM5tZF4ww8HjgwUCW4UNbMlEwOo3ZgBaC2apoSOiH/s1600/matted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy2uzDdR2nTaQO7n_R1Avry7sjNDU7CyisVOAnUdrXOyPEUmZiBiU3JD5NnFCWUWMoG8CMwz_an8mNSvbRwaKfI0g6efrlbGH-PMWM5tZF4ww8HjgwUCW4UNbMlEwOo3ZgBaC2apoSOiH/s1600/matted.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />All charges against Thiry related to inadequate shelter were dismissed. This, despite the fact that these horses had absolutely no shelter from the bitter cold of last winter. (There was a shed wall four feet <i>outside</i> their bare-dirt enclosure. And there was a tiny shed, with room enough for one or maybe two horses, inside their enclosure-- but it was boarded up most of the time.)<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB59dQ-rTvKI4rq5r1kUCssULkPDaOdqoYYN7VRbzRka0SZWAcaTGBdw6Pd9-0sbicOpovEiz7sg-At5BZ5luWWIk4S_r0_GXrJUlhojz9o01fGPBIZRguhxnwnWqIdvMB_lOEfm9NEkzg/s1600/Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB59dQ-rTvKI4rq5r1kUCssULkPDaOdqoYYN7VRbzRka0SZWAcaTGBdw6Pd9-0sbicOpovEiz7sg-At5BZ5luWWIk4S_r0_GXrJUlhojz9o01fGPBIZRguhxnwnWqIdvMB_lOEfm9NEkzg/s1600/Lady.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Thiry was found "not guilty" of seven charges of neglect. It didn't matter that she had allowed a young stud to impregnate the starving mares, including his own mother. It didn't matter that Ruby's breathing problems had gone un-medicated. It didn't matter that Thiry had no food on the property for the horses, or that she had failed to pay rent for the tiny pasture for months. And finally, it didn't matter that Thiry had killed many animals via neglect at her previous residence in Kewaunee County (pics and details of that hoarding nightmare <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/10/disturbing-scenes-on-barb-thirys-farm.html">here</a>).<br /><br />Barb Thiry was found guilty of <b>one</b> charge of neglect, for Lady the 26 year old palomino mare.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qlb8EHDCAOWJt4IeZw14HsAgNnFfBcyZLAYdYYHvTG0Jw3ONbS0WmbPJd_4kbYX47dw-txJMC1wljPawQUkTudgPWUUXpLqoBY2DrHT49wcWq6EYsHHvqEYN3lu8Xql6xe9ivMvf_0B1/s1600/before+and+after.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qlb8EHDCAOWJt4IeZw14HsAgNnFfBcyZLAYdYYHvTG0Jw3ONbS0WmbPJd_4kbYX47dw-txJMC1wljPawQUkTudgPWUUXpLqoBY2DrHT49wcWq6EYsHHvqEYN3lu8Xql6xe9ivMvf_0B1/s1600/before+and+after.png" height="268" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Barb Thiry was sentenced to one year of probation for this.</span><br /><br />Thiry will also have to pay court costs, the amount of which hasn't yet been determined, and supervision costs. She will also have to attend counseling. <br /><br />In regards to the animals, Barb Thiry will almost certainly get the two stallions back. The court has ordered that she is not allowed to have animals (at least for the next year) unless authorized by an "agent" for this case, Waupaca County Large Animal Control officer <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span class="">Jeanette Newell. This agent is also supposed to check on any animals Barb does get, and verify that the vet and farrier make regular visits. Unfortunately, Newell is one of the people in this case who did absolutely nothing about Thiry's neglect in the first place! She will probably allow Thiry to get as many animals as she wants, and may or may not actually check on them.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3fkUFVUFBBAqZRJawfm8iXYnfLiVmU1V2e46l1E92NyQzWq9ZtP_MVGAGD5L54Yr27nZAzCfTH5VEPNT3L9sa2tVu6kZDBGy-tTcrIu_Weq4sp9KLbyI9F9LL4DoTFskK0Er8nvZ8uEc/s1600/Thiry.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3fkUFVUFBBAqZRJawfm8iXYnfLiVmU1V2e46l1E92NyQzWq9ZtP_MVGAGD5L54Yr27nZAzCfTH5VEPNT3L9sa2tVu6kZDBGy-tTcrIu_Weq4sp9KLbyI9F9LL4DoTFskK0Er8nvZ8uEc/s1600/Thiry.PNG" height="200" width="120" /></a><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span class=""><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[500bp].[1][4][1]{comment561075517261695_561771377192109}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3xx1g].[1][4][1]{comment549753635078290_5190844}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><span class="">Jeanette Newell's direct line is 715-258-6457, in case you would like to express your belief that Thiry should NOT be allowed to have any animals, ever, period. It also would not hurt to remind Newell that we, the public, actually expect her to do her damn job. <br /> Her email is jeanette.newell@co.waupaca.wisconsin.us. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />Once Barb Thiry's probation is up, she is limited to owning no more than two horses for the next five years. (If anyone bothers to enforce this, I will be astonished.) Media reports <a href="http://www.wsaw.com/news/headlines/Trial-Begins-in-Waupaca-Co-Horse-Neglect-Case-269230901.html">here</a> and <a href="http://wsau.com/news/articles/2014/aug/02/jury-trial-over-in-horse-neglect-case/">here</a>.<br /><br />Whoopty doo, folks. A mild slap on the wrist. I am so friggin' depressed.<br /><br />But I can give you one reason not to despair:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyQ2teU87CLQKeyJAqkTBsoc1JGg1Wm8n-Id9Ccz4uJBHoLdjfq_XwGP_gG7ajHzSLm_IFl12My9BKPN-67XTwi4pE4uKXATQ2wWVoZ2aO_T72J7BSUkmcIG5rSfwUhGYe7015LrUCYmS/s1600/Rebecca+and+Robbie.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyQ2teU87CLQKeyJAqkTBsoc1JGg1Wm8n-Id9Ccz4uJBHoLdjfq_XwGP_gG7ajHzSLm_IFl12My9BKPN-67XTwi4pE4uKXATQ2wWVoZ2aO_T72J7BSUkmcIG5rSfwUhGYe7015LrUCYmS/s1600/Rebecca+and+Robbie.PNG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of Barb Thiry's former mares, Rebecca, gave birth to a healthy foal while in foster care. Despite her starvation while pregnant, Rebecca's colt (who is named Robbie) is doing great. You can see him (and his mom) in <a href="http://www.channel3000.com/news/humane-society-hopes-to-expand-horse-care/27120868">this</a> video. Both are being fostered by volunteers for Dane County Humane Society. If you've ever visited DCHS, you know that they only have a small paddock to take in horses, so foster homes are a must. They would love to build a new barn to take in many more horses, and so they don't have to rely on fosters all the time. You can help by donating a couple of bucks <a href="https://www.giveshelter.org/make-a-donation.html">here</a>! Just select your amount and then click on "New Barn" in the designation field. I promise it's safe. Dane County Humane Society is still looking for forever homes for Lady, Ruby and Rebecca as well! (P.S. as far as I know, the court ordered Thiry to surrender these mares permanently, so there's no way she'll be getting them back!)<br /><br />Speaking of great causes...<br /><br />Midwest Horse Welfare has just taken in a bunch more horses, including a little black mini, Chubby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixH0C6DkCRltnff9haI7aWvggGBoaSnOytPzyVF9roPFj2ogDz9wxHnbSmPfacIbumPjfDZuiiykgii3lKitwIQW0xJ3bKXK8cB2KpS8Aq48iZLmaqVVRjLwT4KeZ3mdPWxhIBk1j-rOii/s1600/checker.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixH0C6DkCRltnff9haI7aWvggGBoaSnOytPzyVF9roPFj2ogDz9wxHnbSmPfacIbumPjfDZuiiykgii3lKitwIQW0xJ3bKXK8cB2KpS8Aq48iZLmaqVVRjLwT4KeZ3mdPWxhIBk1j-rOii/s1600/checker.PNG" height="196" width="200" /></a>Chubby Checker has wounds from an embedded halter, major dental problems, he needs all his vaccinations, and he needs to be gelded. That's a lot of vet bills, folks. Can you donate?<br /><br />Check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwestHorseWelfareFoundation">Facebook page</a> and <a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/">website</a>. Don't forget, they have a fun show and tack sale coming up on Saturday Sept. 27th at the Waupaca County Fairgrounds. It's a great way to have fun AND support one of Wisconsin's greatest rescues at the same time!<br /><br />
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<br /><br />Next up: All natural flyspray containing Marigold oil (also known as <span class="st">Calendula oil) </span>has been linked to severe allergic reactions in some humans, including hives, inability to swallow, breathing problems, skin irritation, etc. This weekend, a friend of mine experienced all of this after using a locally sold natural flyspray. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, just because something is "natural" does NOT mean it is safe! <br /><br />Speaking of natural toxins, Lyme Disease is definitely an increasing problem here in Wisconsin. But why are some vets refusing to recognize the threat? I recently spoke to microbiologist Linda Brown from the Wisconsin State Ag. Lab. Brown explained to me that some American vets and doctors simply haven't stayed current with Lyme disease. She said that it is a very real, but tends to be dismissed because it is hard to diagnose, and American clinics rarely have the necessary equipment to properly test for it. One solution is to shop around for professionals who are willing to do blood tests for several strains of Lyme Disease. You can read more about Lyme Disease <a href="http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34275/equine-lyme-disease-what-you-need-to-know">here</a>.North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-21001741978670591162014-07-09T18:47:00.000-05:002014-07-09T18:47:06.382-05:00This is Not the Blog Post You're Looking ForSoooo you may have noticed I haven't been around much lately. Nope, I haven't been sued into silence (many have threatened, none have succeeded!) and I haven't been murdered. Events have sort of ganged up on me lately, and I'm taking some time to
make life decisions that require a lot of my concentration. Just know I'm really, really sorry for leaving you in the lurch... but I'm going to continue doing it for a while. After this post, I'll be taking some more break time. <br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIQFj3vMaJUzqcHjJvfdezzEz9kQ86Riz6SYYwJZzZybwSns8Ds-yive4tcUWGAoP5_C4vSw4XXhOLtz4beogLsxykNm1Nyj3WY65DUBSTZAjZTJo3LETev54GLyF190OlFPRA_lry9dh/s1600/badger+in+the+hay+bale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIQFj3vMaJUzqcHjJvfdezzEz9kQ86Riz6SYYwJZzZybwSns8Ds-yive4tcUWGAoP5_C4vSw4XXhOLtz4beogLsxykNm1Nyj3WY65DUBSTZAjZTJo3LETev54GLyF190OlFPRA_lry9dh/s1600/badger+in+the+hay+bale.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This is how I feel right now.</b> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zqvtD2XKHgjzO9EQjCLhgpKqEb4mv6u7fXoyVShOj2ImXg338ZPDQSWDCE-WSJopNfsJTS4T1oSlhAybmbpOI6W9CkSBUvkH7PuMhk5VbgMG4Q5wqbYvyh-9q8vbO5udoehbLOWxy1ir/s1600/badger+in+a+bale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zqvtD2XKHgjzO9EQjCLhgpKqEb4mv6u7fXoyVShOj2ImXg338ZPDQSWDCE-WSJopNfsJTS4T1oSlhAybmbpOI6W9CkSBUvkH7PuMhk5VbgMG4Q5wqbYvyh-9q8vbO5udoehbLOWxy1ir/s1600/badger+in+a+bale.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photos from <cite class="_be bc">www.menoutdoors.com</cite></td></tr>
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Before I go on break though, there are a few things I can report on real quick:<br />
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This weekend is the Lodi fair, a great place for kids to show. Low cost, low pressure, no adults allowed in the rings. Fun!<br />
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Saturday Sept. 27th is the Midwest Horse Welfare Fun Show and Tack Sale at the Waupaca fairgrounds. Volunteer, show, donate, watch, buy! <br />
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Saint Francis Horse Rescue is very, very close to retirement-- now is your last chance to adopt from them before the owners move away! Check out their horses and ponies at <a href="http://www.stfrancishorserescue.com/adoptable-animals.html">stfrancishorserescue.org</a>.<br /><br />Brandy Nicole Woolums Blum (or whatever alias she's currently using) is still scamming people. Beware this Wisconsin tack trader!<br />
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I'm seeing more and more people use "natural" or "holistic" remedies on their horses before consulting a vet. That's probably fine if you're mixing up a new lemon flyspray to try, but <i>for the love of God</i>, please get<b> real medical assistance</b> for real medical conditions. Here are two examples of natural remedies that are bad ideas:<br /><br />
Tea tree oil is a neurotoxin that is potentially deadly to animals (and humans) when ingested, or if too much is absorbed into the skin. It's also been shown to cause estrogen-like effects. In addition there are NO scientific studies that prove that it's effective at much of anything. Read more about the unsubstantiated hype and the dangers of essential oils <a href="https://skeptoid.com/blog/2014/04/05/essential-oil-claims-the-dangers-keep-on-coming/">at this blog</a> and <a href="http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2014/02/suspicious-marketing-essential-oils.html">this one</a>.<br /><br />Diatomaceous earth has not been proven to do crap as a dewormer. Just buy some goddam paste. You can get very cheap fecal tests to ensure you're feeding your horse only the necessary stuff.<br /><br />
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Want to know more about the multi-billion dollar natural remedies industry? Read this book: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-You-Believe-Magic-Alternative/dp/0062222961">Do You Believe in Magic? The Sense and Nonsense of Alternative Medicine</a> </i>by<br />Dr. Paul Offit, division chief of infectious disease at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and inventor of a rotavirus vaccine.<br />
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<br />Speaking of the effects of nature, at this time every year I remind you folks: watch out for wild parsnip! It's everywhere in Wisconsin, especially along trails, pastures, and roadsides... exactly where we ride! If you or your horse breaks the stems of wild parsnip, the sap will burn skin and leave scars that last for months. Read more <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/wnrmag/html/stories/1999/jun99/parsnip.htm">here</a>.<br /><br />Let's end on a happy note:<br /><br /><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">N.E.W. Equine Resource, Inc., formerly Barth Barn, is</span> now a registered non-profit horse rescue/education resource. Check 'em out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Equine-Resource/497460166957976?ref_type=bookmark">on Facebook</a>! They just shared this hilarious video in honor of National Farriers Week.<br />
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<br /><br />North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-36377088592513107372014-05-17T12:20:00.000-05:002014-05-18T09:26:47.263-05:00Catching Up: Ukarydee Pedophile, Rescue News, Awesome People & MoreHowdy! I'm back. Wow, sorry for the long wait. I'm going to start by
firing some Wisconsin horse news bulletins at you pretty quickly, so
hang on to your hats:<br />
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A new Facebook group has been formed called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/249043151962651/">Wisconsin Horse Alerts, Warnings and Dangers</a>. I know you don't want to join one more group, but I promise that THIS one will only be giving out crucial information. Stuff about Sterling Rachawl release alerts, disease warnings, missing horses, horse theives, etc. Join it and please do contribute! Let's work together to keep the Wisconsin horse community safe.<br />
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Speaking of danger, in Darlington, a horse and buggy <a href="http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/05/16/horse-buggy-loose-wisconsin-town/#axzz31uUdMkgi">got into a fender-bender</a> with a car. Thankfully, no one (including the horse) was hurt.<br />
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New cases of EHV-1 have now been <a href="http://www.hpj.com/archives/2014/may14/may12/0505EHV1KSsr.cfm#.U3ZtQFe8-So">confirmed in Kansas</a>, <a href="http://www.thehorse.com/articles/33884/colorado-horse-tests-positive-for-neurologic-ehv-1">Colorado</a>, <a href="http://abc30.com/archive/9526361/">California</a>, <a href="http://www.thehorse.com/articles/33810/ehv-1-confirmed-at-manitoba-canada-racetrack">Manitoba Canada</a>, and <a href="http://www.keloland.com/newsdetail.cfm/evh-1-confirmed-in-brown-county/?id=163899">South Dakota</a>. So far there have been <a href="http://www.thehorse.com/articles/33696/new-ehv-1-case-in-wisconsin">two confirmed cases</a> here in Wisconsin. Remember to bring your own buckets and other equipment to events, and maybe cut down on the number of barrel racing and rodeo events you attend. Those seem to be the places where the disease is popping up.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ukarydee Horse Campground Pedophile?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy57k71j0jacdSw_tEC_8Y6aHw8W4xA41mwzj2HXS0J8kdFhzUIZ0SoztD8U9fyXf3eAavpknP8mmlEpmkvafJE0CV91opGVpyJXwN7FlUXZ3F2IBzWfw-o62teF9z57e7xQeOiqBg2aJ_/s1600/mike+g+harris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy57k71j0jacdSw_tEC_8Y6aHw8W4xA41mwzj2HXS0J8kdFhzUIZ0SoztD8U9fyXf3eAavpknP8mmlEpmkvafJE0CV91opGVpyJXwN7FlUXZ3F2IBzWfw-o62teF9z57e7xQeOiqBg2aJ_/s1600/mike+g+harris.jpg" /></a>Someone asked me to look into the background of <a href="http://horsecampukarydee.com/">Ukarydee horse campground</a> owner Mike Harris and find out if there was any truth behind some accusations made about him on Facebook. <br />
Here's what I can say for sure:<br />
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In 1997, Michael G. Harris plead guilty to 1st Degree Sexual Assault of Child and Repeated Sexual Assault of Same Child. <br />
It's case number 97cf57 on <a href="https://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl;jsessionid=885CA84D1768A04C5EC1EBCDA47255A3.render6">Wisconsin Circuit Court Access</a>, if you care to look it up. You can still find a record of the case at <a href="http://www.homefacts.com/offender-detail/WI36943/Michael-Harris.html">this</a> Homefacts link, but it has been removed from the WI Sex Offender listings, probably because the case is so old.<br />
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Harris was 37 when he was charged. The age of the child was not given, so all we know is that the kid was under 18. I guess Harris <i>could</i> simply have had a relationship with a willing teenager, and then been prosecuted once the parents or cops found out. However, Mike Harris was sentenced to ten years in prison. I don't think a judge would have done that if this wasn't a real case of repeated child rape. The definition of 1st Degree Sexual Assault in Wisconsin's statutes seems to back that up. (Click the picture below to enlarge it:)</div>
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You may choose to think, "Well, Harris served his time, so it's all good." But personally, I wouldn't bring my kids to Ukarydee horse campground in Arkdale, WI.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Missing Horses Fund Dead in River</span><br />
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The two horses <a href="http://www.channel3000.com/news/2-rescue-horses-believed-stolen-from-veterans-therapy-program/25025114">reported stolen or missing</a> from LUVS Morgan Horse Rescue in March <a href="http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/viewart/20140514/GPG0101/305140214/2-missing-therapy-horses-found-dead-river">were found dead</a> in a nearby river by a kayaker. Cops think that the horses simply wandered into the icy river and drowned, but there are still unanswered questions in the case. The horses were from two different herds, and the horses should not have been down by the river. One of the horses was used in the therapy program V.E.T.S (<a href="http://veteransequinetrailservices.org/services.html">Veterans Equine Trail Service</a>).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu2WNZdVWXnWlLYhtzOCEP_e0IoF2-slvqwJZbhyphenhyphene-MZ0SREU1ChSBxDOhCz0oLUIVq1nZEEWA2ktWJ-IoVqGRuUE9oWWCNU7cf1atSh7buc2xD1GQBqi4I6i7iTob7Fuu-ShU45e0MP2/s1600/trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu2WNZdVWXnWlLYhtzOCEP_e0IoF2-slvqwJZbhyphenhyphene-MZ0SREU1ChSBxDOhCz0oLUIVq1nZEEWA2ktWJ-IoVqGRuUE9oWWCNU7cf1atSh7buc2xD1GQBqi4I6i7iTob7Fuu-ShU45e0MP2/s1600/trail.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rvuaGmiZWQBqsWqYQNK20ntYR3ltYCTR4q0v51aj67dFmMPWr2S5sopmC7T5uZctqk3ZPp7mGRix9JCtJgPj_nHAE27BcDBvYq1STYUx3AfV-rostZ71VSIk_v_pghimG2bkQN7-O47Y/s1600/P4130158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rvuaGmiZWQBqsWqYQNK20ntYR3ltYCTR4q0v51aj67dFmMPWr2S5sopmC7T5uZctqk3ZPp7mGRix9JCtJgPj_nHAE27BcDBvYq1STYUx3AfV-rostZ71VSIk_v_pghimG2bkQN7-O47Y/s1600/P4130158.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Now then, time to deliver on another very late promise I made to you folks:<br />
During Midwest Horse Fair, I met the new <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/wildcat/">Wildcat Mountain State Park</a> Manager, Bob Ramsey. Here's what he's had to say: Ramsey is a long-time horseback rider, and is determined to make Wildcat more trail-rider and horse camper friendly. He vows to install some high-ties, level and gravel camping sites, work on the water situation, and repair trails. Some new trails will open, some old unsuitable trails will be closed. He's also going to repaint and replace most of the park's signs, because he feels they're confusing, they're hard to read, and there are too many of them. Ramsey has previously been involved with large animal emergency rescue operations, training firemen and others to help drag horses out of mud, ravines and other perilous situations. Bob Ramsey sounds like a great guy. You can read an interview he gave to The County Line <a href="http://thecountyline.net/pages/?p=22574">here</a>, and you can read his spring goals for the park <a href="http://www.wiparks.net/topic/lands/documents/ipmm/vernon.pdf">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time for some horse rescue news!</span><br />
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I've got a list of people I'd like to acknowledge for being awesome:<br />
<br />
Tracy
Kiefer. She saw an older, underweight Appaloosa cross with rain rot being
advertised for sale. When she realized she had owned this horse some
years ago, she immediately went and bought him. In a world where it's
all too common for folks to abandon their old horses and just plain not
give a damn, this display of loyalty was good to see.<br />
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<br />
Deb
Woodworth. For many, many months, Deb has been working with an owner who
just refused to give up a couple of half-starved horses. The heartache,
hard work, and hours Deb put into trying to help in this situation is
beyond belief. She worked with the owner long past the point where I
would have given up. Finally, the two horses are home with Deb, on their
way to recovery. Huge hugs to you, ma'am! Kudos also to Pat bishop,
pictured here, who helped. (Click the pics to enlarge)<br />
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<br />
Through her excellent farrier work with tough cases, especially cases of neglect, Vickey Marie Hollingsworth has improved the lives of more horses than I can count. She rescued an abused cob pony last year, continues to help animals in need, and is always giving them the absolute best. I highly recommend her as a farrier, trainer, and all-around great person.<br />
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<br />
Are you looking to increase your own level of awesomeness? Adopt a new riding buddy this spring! Check out my page of <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/p/wisconsin-horse-rescues.html">Wisconsin Horse Rescues</a>. There are many well-trained, healthy horses up for adoption! Speaking of which...<br />
<br />
Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary<a href="http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/28957689"> put Rudy up for adoption</a> this week! If you don't know about Rudy, you MUST go read <a href="http://www.rescuehorses.org/rudysponsor">his story</a> at AGES's website.<br />
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<a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/order.htm">Midwest Horse Welfare</a> also has some great horses available right now! But if you can't adopt, how would you like to take home $1,000 instead? That's just one of several cash prizes you can win through MHWF's raffle. <a href="http://www.equineadoption.com/2014Raffle.htm">Click here</a> to find out how to buy tickets, or how to help them sell some. Hurry, time is running out! And yes, I do plan on being at Midwest's fundraiser party on June 28th- hope to see you there!<br />
<br />
News from another Wisconsin rescue:<br />
The current owners of Saint Francis Horse Rescue <a href="http://www.stfrancishorserescue.com/news">will finally be retiring this fall</a>, after many years of dedication to Wisconsin equines. Bill and Mary are moving, and while they will be taking a bunch of the current horses with them, they'd like to see some of their favorite equines find new homes where they can really shine. Maybe YOU could lucky enough to adopt one! As usual, there are <b>no adoption fees</b> at Saint Francis, but there is a contract. Click the banner below to see the adoptables: <br />
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Saint Francis will also be hosting their annual Camp Hope event this Sunday the 18th, where grieving children get to spend a day grooming, riding and picnicking.<br />
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p.s. Don't worry, St. Francis Horse Rescue will be reincarnated at a new Wisconsin location, with new directors. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Updates on Neglect Cases:</span><br />
<br />
<b>Otter Creek Ranch</b>: Nothing much to tell. They're back open for business, but I haven't heard any first-hand reports about conditions there. Michael Feist's trial date, where he will attempt to explain away the four dead horses, is still set for <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".7n.1:3:1:$comment783130791698861_8127971:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".7n.1:3:1:$comment783130791698861_8127971:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".7n.1:3:1:$comment783130791698861_8127971:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Oct. 13-17th.<br /><br /><b>Barb Thiry</b>: Her next court date isn't until 6/10/14, and her jury trial won't start until July 31st. <br /><br /><b>Sean Legault</b>: He had a hearing on April 30th, but I don't know any details. There's a status conference for this case on the 21st, but Legault's trial won't begin until 6/10.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">On a Personal Note</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-IggadwQpn1YlYkCE9AFNIBWUVnjzbdYPeUZwCKlweMA0ReKF0OMYGZtWYHO4KGw-xW5HbJEDnAtubU1htZEQSkUBeCqJkdfSJKe5jo1DLGhDrYRJlTJFJjkXDIAexVB2SdbIt1EKPhB/s1600/ew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-IggadwQpn1YlYkCE9AFNIBWUVnjzbdYPeUZwCKlweMA0ReKF0OMYGZtWYHO4KGw-xW5HbJEDnAtubU1htZEQSkUBeCqJkdfSJKe5jo1DLGhDrYRJlTJFJjkXDIAexVB2SdbIt1EKPhB/s1600/ew.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></a> I had previously promised to tell you about my adventures in
Pittsville, after attending an anti-horse-neglect meeting there. It
seems too late, too long to tell, and not very funny anymore, so I will just gloss over
things quickly:<br />
<br />
8 deer ticks, one hit deer, one stuck car, 8
miles of walking, two loose cows, two fabulous rescuers, not necessarily
in that order.<span id="goog_1287511693"></span><span id="goog_1287511694"></span> <br />
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The results of the meeting were much more positive: We all agreed to put
on THREE low-cost gelding programs this fall. One will be held at
Midwest Horse Welfare in Pittsville, one in the Greenbay/Appleton area,
and one in the Madison area. We will certainly need volunteers for that
project. More details coming soon. <br />
<br />
Well folks, the "o" key is sticking and I've run out of caffine, so it's time to go! Remember, you can always email me at northhorseblog@gmail.com to ask me questions, suggest blog topics, nominate awesome horses and horse people to get featured, etc etc.<br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".7n.1:3:1:$comment783130791698861_8127971:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".7n.1:3:1:$comment783130791698861_8127971:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".7n.1:3:1:$comment783130791698861_8127971:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-53910956267015869062014-04-19T13:40:00.003-05:002014-04-19T20:49:28.680-05:00Midwest Horse Fair 2014 Part IIIOh the Fair! It's taken me a solid week to even show you everything I saw and learned. Let's continue with the <b>North Horse Awards</b>!<br />
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<u><b>Most "Appy" Tail</b></u>: Memorial Spirit AKA Spirit<br />
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This cool gelding was in the equine soccer demonstration. Aww, poor Appaloosas with these tails-- but honestly, I prefer these genuine war-horse type Appys over the Quarter Horse clones you often see in today's show ring, tail or no tail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1d4KRQrrCWq6L8JTN_avUOPGCQB1ZaFt6k6PW2J6cTVICVp8HCYRsB5ncX4iZZ8s5z3gfTWeFazvudcs4iBk9_c74zGaPhcgRrOrFNGpYc0JVJAmym6fw_ItmpgjzzkmmpyKvpNDlU76/s1600/P4110010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1d4KRQrrCWq6L8JTN_avUOPGCQB1ZaFt6k6PW2J6cTVICVp8HCYRsB5ncX4iZZ8s5z3gfTWeFazvudcs4iBk9_c74zGaPhcgRrOrFNGpYc0JVJAmym6fw_ItmpgjzzkmmpyKvpNDlU76/s1600/P4110010.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
<u><b>Most Colorfully Dressed Fair Attendee</b></u><br />
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It isn't just riders and presenters that get dressed up for the fair! <br />
<br />
No one will ever beat last year's rainbow-colored vaquero with the small pink floral backpack. (You can see him in <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/04/best-and-worst-at-mwhf-2013.html">this</a>
post, about halfway down.) However, this guy with the braids, dreadlocks
and druid-like dress (robes?) did a good job of reminding everyone that
although we were surrounded by cowgirls and horses, we were still in
downtown Madison.<br />
<br />
By the way, I saw a woman with red and black
hair and piercings wearing this exactly same thing the next day at
the 4H tack sale. Is this a new fashion trend, or were they just friends sharing
clothes? Either way, it looks comfy.<br />
<br />
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<u><b>Coolest Person at the Fair</b></u>: Larry Gage<br />
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This is Larry Gage. He is a <i><b>goddamn badass</b></i>. Larry told me he fought in Vietnam, where he was taken prisoner twice (and tortured once), exposed to agent orange, and shot at least 7 times. Some of those bullets were taken while rescuing fellow POWs. He still has 2 bullets in his body. Recently, Larry suffered a heart attack, because one of the bullets in his body had grown/pushed its way into an artery or something. Despite that, he was volunteering for several three hours shifts at an informational booth. While still on crutches no less. Larry would like to give a big "Thank you!" to the doctors and nurses in the VA hospitals that keep patching him up- especially the one in Tomah, WI. He also said, "It's not impressive, what I did. Other guys done ten times more."<br />
<i><br />Yeah, y</i><i>ou and I will never be as cool as this man.</i><br />
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This is a great time to mention some other veterans at the fair from two Illinois-based riding programs, Partners for Progress NFP, and BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center. These men and women were from many different branches of the armed forces and were invited to participate in "Heroes on Horses" at the Midwest Horse Fair. You can find the list of those who did <a href="http://www.midwesthorsefair.com/fair/heroes-on-horses-participants">here</a>.<br />
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Also appearing in red, white and blue were the mustang folks! They did a fantastic job with both their booth and their performance. Their horses bowed, laid down, showed off some fancy maneuvers, and did a great job of showing how versatile and athletic mustangs can be. The only thing they sort of goofed up on was the jumping... but heck, if <i>I</i> was a mustang, I too would probably choose to bust <i>through</i> obstacles rather than jump above them. <br />
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Next up, the <u><b>Best Presenter</b></u> award goes to... Chris Cox, of course! (Really, who else could it be?)<br />
The guy was funny, helpful, educational, kind, and he made everything look super easy. I was especially interested in his handling of a one-eyed gelding that couldn't stay in a canter.<br />
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Bravo to those who worked with Mr. Cox in the arena in front of hundreds of people-- that must have been nerve-wracking. I'm pretty sure if I Chris Cox worked with <i>me</i>, that would be the day that my horse refused to move and I tripped over my own boots.<br />
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Honorable mention for Best Presenter goes to this chicken. I didn't get his name, but he was an English bantam rooster about the size of a softball. He stood perfectly on his block amidst huge crowds, posed with people for photos without batting an eye, endured many pettings, and crowed constantly. Very nice job, sir.<br />
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Speaking of videos, I can't get the videos I took of the trick riders to load right now, but if you check back, I may get it up yet.<br />
Some still shots of the trick riders:<br />
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OK, a couple more awards, and then it's time for miscellaneous pictures.<br />
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The award for <u><b>Most Artificially Fashionable</b></u> goes to this horse and rider:<br />
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I'm sure the rider here is a great gal. She rode well, and was nice to her horse. Her horse seems really sweet too. I just hate everything <i>they are symbolic of</i>.<br />
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Check out the heavy tail extension on the horse, probably made from the tails of slaughtered horses. Ew. I guess it's supposed to look glamorous, but to me it just looks fake. It stayed almost entirely vertical and motionless the entire time they were riding.<br />
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Their "lope" was the super slow nose-to-the-ground kind where it looks like the horse is severely lame. You can see a good example video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOGVEZB4s4U">here</a>, taken at the 2011 AQHA World Senior Show (Western Pleasure). Every real cowboy who ever rode the range must be rolling in his grave about this crap.<br />
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I just do not understand why Western Pleasure showing has gone this direction in the last couple of decades. It's ugly, it's very hard on the horses, and nothing about it actually serves a functional purpose. No real stock or trail horse does this. If you're looking for an alternative to the fake glitter and ultra-slow limping of WP, you might want to try Ranch Horse type shows. The official organization's 2014 show schedule is <a href="http://www.wisconsinranchhorse.com/shows.html">here</a>, but I believe there are more unofficial ones out there. You could also try <a href="http://wisconsinwesterndressage.org/">Western Dressage</a>-- great, friendly people.<br />
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OK, time for the studs!<u><b> Best Stallion</b></u>Just like every year, I could easily give this award to the stunning RA Amadeo, an Andalusian who showed off his Spanish walk in the ring this year, or the incredibly talented <a href="http://www.feather-ridge.com/horus.html">Bethesda Horus</a>, who gave us a terrific mounted shooting demonstration.<br />
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Oh please, <i>please</i>, someone with a worthy horse go breed to that coal-black Morgan hottie! My mare isn't good enough to be bred, but B.H. is in his twenties with only 20 offspring and no intact sons-- someone needs to make another baby in case I ever want access to those awesome genes!!<br />
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<i>*cough* Ahem.</i> Sorry, got off track there.<br />
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But because I can't have the same studs winning every year, this time I choose...<br />
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Uh.... Weelllll... This guy, "A Genuine Article" was pretty nice riding, pretty good looking... <br />
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Aww, who am I kidding. Bethesda Horus wins again, despite not even having a stall on Stallion Avenue this year. This stud does Civil War reenactments, trail riding, competitive driving, elk hunting/packing, etc. He's 15.3 and homozygous black and has the conformation of a god. Well, demi-god. Nobody's perfect.<br />
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I hearby declare the North Horse "Best Stallion" award permanently retired and in the possession of Bethesda Horus, until the time of his death. May he live to be a still-fertile 35 year old hottie.<br />
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<u><b>Worst Stallion</b></u>:<br />
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Klassy Celebri Te<br />
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If you read <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2013/04/struttin-studs-at-midwest-horse-fair.html">last year's post</a>, you already know why.<br />
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OK, that's about it folks-- time to just flood you with pretty pictures. I hope you enjoyed my recap of the 2014 Midwest Horse Fair! Thank you to all the volunteers who made the Fair possible.<br />
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Keep checking my Facebook page for a soon-to-be-published interview with new Wildcat Park manager Bob Ramsey. You'll learn about the equine camping & trail improvements he's planning there. Oh, and I guess I'll have to tell you about my saddle-buying ordeal!<br />
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<br />North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301767773083788548.post-83536798217389211312014-04-18T16:48:00.000-05:002014-04-19T13:41:49.216-05:00Midwest Horse Fair 2014 Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Howdy! There's soooo much left to cover of the Midwest Horse Fair. Let's jump right back in to the <b>North Horse Awards</b>. This is where the rules are made up, and the points don't matter.<br />
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<u><b>Tackiest Tack at the Fair</b></u>:<br />
This saddle was at the 4H tack sale.<br />
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You can often get away with hot pink, provided you're cute enough or bold enough.<br />
You can <i>sometimes</i> get away with animal prints.<br />
But hot pink <b>and</b> animal prints AND plastic rhinestone hearts? <i>Never</i>. <br />
Moms, don't give your little girls stuff like this. Even Barbie has more class. -397 points<br />
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Runner Up for Tackiest Tack:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDsjl75TWQr-G6NtWqVGbwFJOccASDwuoUxwPBuSnsQYhnxHZ19EKaOVQvEBrmpXv5Zf0s2syLunanAwPeed6P3SGbH6rfSDlt9pYG9VHtrvjiKRRlT01Cf6ZoJ28MHwsbgHrEqd9MmFa/s1600/P4120077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDsjl75TWQr-G6NtWqVGbwFJOccASDwuoUxwPBuSnsQYhnxHZ19EKaOVQvEBrmpXv5Zf0s2syLunanAwPeed6P3SGbH6rfSDlt9pYG9VHtrvjiKRRlT01Cf6ZoJ28MHwsbgHrEqd9MmFa/s1600/P4120077.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green is my favorite color... but not like this. No, please God, not like this. -100 points</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3CjmEofKqmQE-rREA78Oe99fGnurhXZplQURsWAkQMcHfKQQQ5w1v57NAdHJv4xL2SG3TV7K4Lv2p0hTT5XfGIXTkXgxou3M4ZP52QLyt7S9sTwd1UK783mbmSCpQ5MmmhRhVkSpU_G1/s1600/P4120058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3CjmEofKqmQE-rREA78Oe99fGnurhXZplQURsWAkQMcHfKQQQ5w1v57NAdHJv4xL2SG3TV7K4Lv2p0hTT5XfGIXTkXgxou3M4ZP52QLyt7S9sTwd1UK783mbmSCpQ5MmmhRhVkSpU_G1/s1600/P4120058.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><u><b>Most Improved Group at the Fair</b></u>:<br />
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The Curly horse people! You might remember my disappointment in them last year. Well they upped their game in 2014, with a much better showing. The old mare Muffin was also back, looking MUCH healthier! Kudos to them, especially to this woman who graciously answered peoples' questions and did some great PR for her group. (And yes, she did know she was a bit tall for this pony and said as much, explaining that it was her childhood mount and she doesn't do much on him anymore.) +1,000 points, and an extra +250 for her.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muffin! Looking good, sweetheart!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hat made from Curly horse hair.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Craziest/Worst/Tackiest Shopping</b></u><br />
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I firmly believe that at least half of the people at the Fair go there solely to shop. And damn, you can buy <i>anything</i> at the fair, horse-related or not! I saw cookware sets, pillows, roofing systems, custom bra fitting, dolls, gel shoe inserts, a toilet seat with Dora the Explorer engraved on it, and T-shirts with purple fluffy kittens on them. <br />
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The award for the worst of the worst of these wacky products is a tie this year!<br />
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I felt like the Miracle Whisk would have been acceptably dumb, except that the sales pitches were ridiculous-- signs everywhere urged shoppers to think about buying multiple sets of these kitchen gadgets to give as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, etc. Can you imagine? <span style="color: #274e13;">"Happy Birthday honey, I bought you a kitchen utensil! Actually, I bought six, because if you got five they gave you one free. Now go make me an omelet, and then giftwrap the other five whisks. We're giving them to your family for Christmas."</span> +10,000 points, because the incredibly slick salesmen actually got people to buy multiples of these, despite the absurdity. That takes some skill!<br />
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<span id="goog_61199194"></span><span id="goog_61199195"></span><br />
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These hats were not even remotely OK. None of them. <br />
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What IS IT with the hats with huge holes in them, anyway? There is <i>literally no point to them</i>,
because you are not only grossly tacky-looking, you're not even
protected from the elements. At least when I wear my skunky ball caps
and hoodies, they're practical. *shrug* -50 points for annoyance<br />
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<u><span style="color: blue;"><b>Best Team Spirit</b>:</span></u><span style="color: blue;"> HAMES mini horse group</span> +$1,000,000 points</div>
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Every year, the mini folks go all-out, and this year was no exception. Every <strike>pony's</strike>
(ahem, excuse me, miniature horse's) stall was carefully decorated.
Each mini was assigned a different Disney horse to emulate, and their
stalls and costumes reflected this. My absolute favorites were the two
little old ladies dressed up like Zorro and Tonto. Super kudos to them
for really getting into it!<br />
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<u><b>Best Booth Decoration</b></u>: Peruvian Horse group <br />
+20.000 points<br />
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Ah HAH, someone finally outdid the minis in the decor department! This group set up an entire castle complex and had some really awesome things on display, including a gorgeous saddle and a couple of guys with <i>really</i> nice butts. <br />
(Sorry, no picture of the latter.)<br />
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<u><b>Best Horse Costume</b></u>: Cow with Udder +5,000 points<br />
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Well, there were of course the <b>fabulously</b>
bedecked fairys' horses I posted last time. And there were some pretty spectacular traditional Arabian costumes. Those should probably win. But
what I actually loved the most was this adorable home-made cow costume! You could tell that it was all home-made, they didn't spend a ton of money, and they worked hard on it. I like that. <i>It's </i>my<i> blog and I'll award how I wanna.</i><br />
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Aw crap, I'm out of time again today! Well, we're just going to have to do Horse Fair Part III! You don't really mind more pictures do you? Oh, and there's a trick riding video! Stay tuned to northhorse.org.<br /><br />EDIT: The third and final part is here: <a href="http://mytevisjourney.blogspot.com/2014/04/midwest-horse-fair-2014-part-iii.html">Midwest Horse Fair Part III</a>North Horsehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302834439219993527noreply@blogger.com3