Just Arrived!

Posted for Wordless Wednesday’s Saturday edition and a Simply Snickers prompt on “day” and “discover.”

Just Arrived!
(A Foal Extols an Outdoor Stroll)

Hey, Mama, let’s go out to play,
Although I've not yet learned to neigh.
I’m weak in the knees,
But I’ll frolic with ease,
‘Cause it’s my discovery day.

I’ll follow you out in the grass
And try not to merely harass,
While you, my food source,
Romp and play as a horse
Until we both fall, out of gas.

By the way, this little one is sweeter than any candy. Still, he loves peppermints, and so do I. (That's my response to MeMe Express' daily prompt for June 30th - on "candy").

Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts! Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Discipline Matters - How do you ride?

What's your favorite equestrian discipline? Have you always ridden this way, or did you previously pursue a different discipline?


Please vote in this quick poll. And be sure to leave a comment! Include a link to your own horsey blog, if you want to share more about your horses.

Fight the Filthy Fly

Fight the Filthy Fly

Trekehner tails are swishing and swatting. Hanoverian heads are tossing. Morgan manes are flying. Haflinger hooves are stomping. Appaloosas are apprehensive. Ponies are perturbed. Thoroughbreds are thoroughly annoyed.

It must be fly season.

June is Fight the Filthy Fly Month, especially at the stables. In fact, on June 21st, many celebrate St. Leufredus' Day. (For those who keep track, St. Leufredus is the patron saint against flies.)

Have you stocked up on fly spray yet?

Fly spray prices range (from $5 to $30 or more for a single spray bottle), and product quality varies considerably. Truly, you get what you pay for.

Ask any horseman for a recommendation, and you will likely hear a different product cited. Some equestrians even mix their own fly sprays, while others swear by apple cider vinegar or citronella oil. We have used Avon's Skin-so-Soft with some effectiveness. (Certainly, it makes the horses' skin silky smooth and soft.)

Still, none of the products seem to be completely fly-proof, particularly as horses begin to sweat during a workout. Coverage is key.

A seasoned horsewoman shared her savvy fly protection secret with us. Here’s how we cover our horses with fly protection without wasting expensive sprays in the barn aisles.

We washed out a large plastic cold cream tub (with a twist-on lid). Inside the tub, we placed an old washcloth. Then we filled the tub with fly spray.

After we groom and tack our horses, we are ready to apply the fly spray.

Instead of misting our horses from the spray bottle, we simply wring out the washcloth and wipe the product directly onto our horses’ coats and legs. The fly protection is applied exactly where we want it to go, rather than into our horses’ faces, onto our leather saddles or tack or simply into the barn air.

Even the $5 Bronco works well, if you use it this way. It’s easy and virtually spookproof too!

Of course, if your horse enjoys daily turnout with a quiet herd, you might add a fly mask (or even a fly sheet) as well.

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Love poetry? Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink. Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

Warding Off Worms

Ward Off Worms

Summer officially arrived this week. With the warmer weather and the abundance of fresh green grass for grazing, deworming is more important than ever.

Did you know that June is National Pest Control Month in the United States? Deworming is one important way to minimize the effect of pasture pests on your horses.

Here’s a basic schedule for an eight-week deworming program, using equine anthelmintic pastes. (In some areas, particularly warmer regions, horse owners may need to deworm more frequently.)

January/February – Benzimidazole (Anthelcide EQ)
March/April - Pyrantel (Strongid)
May/June – Ivermectin (Agri-Mectin, Equi-Mectrin)
July/August - Benzimidazole
September/October – Pyrantel (double-dose)
November/December - Ivermectin

Ideally, a combination anthelmintic, such as Equimax (Ivermectin with Praziquantel), might be substituted for one of the summer doses.

By our own stalls, we keep track of deworming, farrier visits, immunizations, dentistry, sheath cleaning and other periodic requirements. As the farrier visits about every six weeks, we are reminded to deworm the herd.

For more information about equine parasite protection,we invite you to read these free online articles:

Equine Deworming

Evicting Equine Parasites

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Love poetry? Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink. Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

Praying for an Equestrian Colleague

Praying for an Equestrian Colleague and Friend

Please join The Mane Point and many others in praying for Howard Nelson, manager of Silverwood Farm in Camp Lake, Wisconsin. A veteran thoroughbred horse breeder, dressage and combined training show organizer and horseman, Howard is now facing the contest of his life in a battle with cancer. Certainly, we all eagerly await a good report of a full recovery.

Midwestern equestrians, in particular, have long appreciated Howard’s hospitality and adept management of Silverwood Dressage, the IDCTA Schooling Show Series, the NIHJA Series, Horse Trials and other events.

Please pray for Howard and also for Lisa Froelig (pictured together, above), as they face this journey together.

May God draw them close to Himself and offer the strength, peace, rest and healing that only He can give.

May the Lord give the doctors and other medical professionals extra measures of wisdom and compassion, as they work with Howard.

And may He surround Howard and Lisa with those who will affirm and encourage them during this difficult time.

“O Lord, my God,
I called to You for help,
and You healed me.”
(Psalm 30:2, NIV)

Cards and notes may be sent to:

Howard Nelson
Silverwood Farm
P.O. Box 192
Camp Lake, WI 53109

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Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts! Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

Like Father, Like Daughter

(For a Simply Snickers prompt on “father” and “find,” a Slice of Life prompt on "my father," a Sunday Scribblings prompt on "guide" and Wordless Wednesday Sunday Edition.)


Like Father, Like Daughter

A filly from her father's heart,
A picture-perfect work of art.
With copper coat that glistens gold,
Just like her daddy's to behold.

Click here to read “Leading Without Pleading,” my tribute to my own father.

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Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts! Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

Blinders and Reminders

The Mane Point is posting less,
On the horse and at the desk.
Vision issues puzzling us,
Eyesight will return, we trust.
Watch for horsey content here,
God is bigger, never fear.
Just a few days, not much more,
The Mane Point has more in store.

Thanks to those who have been praying. Click here (SEEKING VISION) for more information.

The Mane Point Salutes Blog for Peace

(Posted in response to BlogBlast For Peace: A Revolution of Words ~ June 4, 2008)

Today, during the Blog Blast for Peace, these words from the Apostle Paul (written to the early Christian church at Philippi) seem particularly poignant:

“Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus."

"Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –
think about such things.
Whatever you have learned
or received
or heard from me,
or seen in me –
put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you.”
(Philippians 4:4-9, NIV)

“Dona Nobis Pacem” is Latin for “Grant Us Peace.”
May this be our prayer on June 4^th and always.

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Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts!

Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

Royalty - Spoilty

(For HEADS or TAILS - #41 – “royal” and Two for Tuesdays “All I Remember is How I Forgot”)

When loving a horse and counting the cost, All I remember is how I forgot. (L.A.N.)

Royalty – Spoilty

My boy looks beautiful in blue,
Though he’s a royal pain; it’s true.
He’ll jump the moon
To any tune,
But every month he’ll lose a shoe.

My boy is handsomest in teal,
This color lights his orbs of steel.
In indigo
He’s apropo,
But turquoise does his light reveal.

In cobalt, cornflower or ice,
My boy is dashing, ultra-nice.
His shining mane
Almost profane,
Is every filly’s paradise.

Blue halters, sheets and saddle pad
Make him a stylishly dressed lad.
He fairly gleams
With color schemes,
As gallant as Sir Galahad.

My boy looks beautiful in blue,
Though he’s a royal pain; it’s true.
He stole my scene
And all my green,
To leave my statements all past due.

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Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts!

Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

Iowa Pony Clubbers Pitch in for Twister Victims

Iowa Pony Clubbers Pitch in for Twister Victims

Spring 2008 has been the worst tornado season in decades, particularly for Iowa residents. On May 26^th, a twister struck the Parkersburg area, killing at least seven people. With 205-mph winds, the tornado has been called the worst in more than 30 years.

Many Iowa families watched the destruction of their houses, barns, farm equipment and personal possessions in the recent storms. A few horses were also killed in the storms. At least two families have lost everything they owned in the terrible tornadoes.

The Silver Bits Pony Club, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, assisted by the Phelps Media Group, of Wellington, Florida, has put out a call for donations.

What items are needed?

For Humans:

Clothing for girls: sizes 10 to 16)
Clothing for boys: (sizes 4 to 10)
Riding helmets
Riding boots

For Horses:

Antibiotic creams
Bell boots
Brushes
Buckets
Curry combs
Fly spray
Gauze
Halters
Hoof picks
Horse sheets
Lead ropes
Saddle pads
Splint boots
Tack
Vet wrap
Worming paste

Other Items:

Target gift cards
WalMart gift cards

(Donors should write “Silver Bit Pony Club” on gift cards, to ensure that the funds are directed properly.)

Worldwide, horse lovers are responding, as donations arrive daily, according to the Silver Spur Pony Club’s own blog.

Where may donations be sent?

Silver Bit Pony Club
c/o Cindy Hainline and Bridget Bryson
32110 Westbrook Rd.
Cedar Falls, IA 50613 USA

Click here to read the whole story:

Terrible Tornado System Brings Out the Best in Pony Pals

Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Or click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

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