Valley Horses

Rochester Trail Riders reinvigorated for upcoming season

I first learned about this group and its “instigator,” Lindsay Klik LaBella, when I saw something on Facebook. Chasing down information, I learned all kinds of things, such as the existence of the Moresian breed – a cross between Morgans and Friesians.

With Lindsay being quite the techie, the group has a website: www.rochestertrailriders.com, a Facebook group, and all those other cyber connectors.

There has been quite a recent flurry of activity among the followers as people look ahead on their calendars to far more than just trail riding – not that there’s anything to disparage about that. All kinds of activities, helpful hints, and interests are being expressed.

One query is about finding a venue for hosting an FEIT inspection – another new one for me. The Federation Equine Inspection Tours group is the first USA-based horse inspection that does not require candidates to be registered with any particular breed.

Inspections are conducted by U.S. Equestrian Federation licensed judges to approve horses in Sport Horse, Park Horse, or Utility Horse categories.

I bet there are a number of folks around here who have fine horses that would be worthy of such a stamp of approval.

Horses are judged on a triangle at the walk and trot, as well as at liberty, for conformation and movement. A suitable location requires and indoor arena and stabling.

For more information, go to http://equineinspections.com.

Bu before that, check out the Rochester Trail Riders website and Facebook sites and climb aboard.

HORSE Rescue and Sanctuary falls on hard times

When Mike and Chris Dodge moved to the York area from out west in the early 90s, it wasn’t long before they found themselves reaching out to help horses in need.

In 1993 they founded HORSE Rescue and Sanctuary. The acronym stands for Help Our Rescue Save Equines. Initially, they just took in one horse at a time and were self-funded. As time marched on and the demand to take in more horses grew, they decided to incorporate and file for their tax exempt status, which was granted by the IRS in September of 1997.

With the help of many volunteers and public donations, the organization has saved nearly four hundred horses, placing most in good homes. Those horses that are deemed unplaceable due to age, health, or trauma from abuse will remain in Sanctuary for the remainder of their lives. Most of the horses are being cared for at the facility, but a few are in foster homes due to space limitations.

After so much good work on behalf of horses, fate has dealt the Dodges a cruel blow. In mid-October, Mike broke his pelvis in an awkward fall while feeding the barn cats. While being treated at United Memorial Hospital in Batavia, a CT scan revealed a suspicious lesion that turned out to be cancer.

The news has gone from bad to worse, with a grim prognosis. Therefore, homes are being sought for the horses in the Dodges’ care. More information about the organization, its mission, goals, and needs, is available on its website www.hrsny.org which includes a very well-done YouTube video on Mike and Chris and what they do. (Navigation buttons are at the bottom of the page so you have to scroll down to find them.)

If you can help, please call 585-584-8210 to make an appointment at the rescue to view the animals and consider and adoption.

Coming Up

Dressage from the Judge’s Perspective, Monday, Jan. 30 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Rush Public Library. The Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club is sponsoring this seminar with Gail D’Amanda Fox (no relation), Olympic level rider and “R” rated eventing judge and technical delegate.

Here’s a unique opportunity to improve your dressage score. Learn the do’s and don’ts in the warm-up and dressage ring, how to not throw points away, and handle a test that is not going well.

Get answers to what the judges are actually looking for, whether the judge really hates your horse, why your score wasn’t higher when you thought you did really well, what to do if something unexpected happens, and which mistakes cost the most points.

Space is limited, with priority given to club members ($15, non-members $20). Reserve your place by calling Liz Muxworthy at 533-1470 or email her at carvermuxworthy@juno.com.

GVEC’s Annual Winter Horse Health Symposium, Saturday, Feb. 4, 8 a.m. – noon at the Wheatland-Chili High School , 940 North Road in Scottsville

This year’s program will include presentations by two guest speakers. Katherine Garrett, DVM, is a Rochester native and has been a friend of Genesee Valley Equine Clinic since she was in high school. Her presentation will address Advances in Equine Diagnostic Imaging: Taking a Better Look Inside.

Dr. Garret will explain some of the most important advances in equine imaging, and discuss the benefits to your horse from diagnosis with ultrasound, digital imagery, and MRI.

Dr. Garrett is the diagnostic imaging director at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY. She is responsible for overseeing the equipment and expertise required to supply 35 staff veterinarians and 12 veterinary interns with what they need to obtain high quality diagnostic images of their equine patients.

The Bluegrass will be well represented as Keith Kleine will also be on hand from Lexington. Keith is the Director for Industry Relations for the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and he will speak on The “AAEP: Helping Veterinarians, Horses, and Their Owners. Clients” will have the opportunity to hear about the broad scope of work done by the AAEP on behalf of horses and their caregivers.

Keith will provide information about the role that AAEP plays in equine welfare, continuing education for veterinarians, owner education, monitoring of infectious diseases, and funding of important equine research.

He will discuss many other topics that will help the audience understand what goes on outside of their own pastures to ensure that individual patients or entire herds of horses have their health needs met.

Don’t miss the hands on display presented by Dr. Julia Gray. Dr. Erica Hutten will also be sharing a case scenario of a GVEC patient, which will complement Dr. Garrett’s presentation.

The trade show will display exhibits of interest to horse owners. Visit all sorts of booths with information about horse clubs, great products, and educational opportunities. The annual Educator of the Year Award will be presented, along with the raffle of many wonderful door prizes, and free coffee and donuts.

All are welcome to attend at no charge. See you there.