2009 Winter Horse Management Series Announced


Catawba County AgriculturalResources Center

Please mark January 8, 15 and 22, 2009 for the return of the REINS Horse Management Series. NC Cooperative Extension staff and volunteers have put together an informative list of topics and speakers for your enjoyment and education. We hope you can join us at 7 PM for each of these sessions to be held at the Catawba County Agricultural Resources Center:

January 8 – Top 10 Cost Cutting Strategies for Horse Owners, Dr. Rob Kalmbacher. Rob and his wife Lisa recently moved to Lincoln County from Florida where he held a Research Appointment with the University of Florida at the Range Cattle Experiment Station. Rob spent his career working with both native and improved pasture species for livestock. He has been a horse owner for approximately 15 years and now operates a commercial cow-calf operation (with 2 barrel racers!) in Lincoln County. Come share in the knowledge from a lifetime of forage management and horse ownership.

Insuring Your Horse Venture, Butch Human, Star H Insurance. Let’s face it; you have a lot invested in your horses and all the associated tack, vehicles, trailers, facilities and other material possessions. Whether you are true professional seeking to earn income from your horse business or just a backyard horse enthusiast and trail rider – you need protection. Balancing the right amount of coverage without sacrificing meals for premiums would be nice! And, if you have an accident or misfortune you want to make sure you have reduced your exposure to the risk. Come hear Butch explain the various policies that are available and which ones you may want to consider.

January 15 – “Natural or Barefoot Hoofcare” are generic terms being used to describe the care and use of barefooted horses in all disciplines. Natural Hoofcare is not only a trimming method designed specifically for barefoot horses, but includes a daily care system that allows a horse to remain barefoot throughout its entire working life. This same system can be used to rehabilitate horses from many degenerative lamenesses. Our speaker will be Mike Smith, AANHCP (American Association of Natural Hoof Care Practitioners) Certified Practitioner and Instructor.

January 22 – Trainers vs. Clinicians, Safety and Trail Etiquette, Bill Stacy. Need some training or guidance for you or your horse? Who should you call? Is it wise to send the horse off for education without getting yourself trained as well? What are the most basic safety rules that can help you prevent a nasty accident that could keep you from enjoying your horse? Want to be ready to enjoy the trails safely come springtime – what are the rules that everyone should abide so we all have a good time? Bill Stacy will share a lifetime of horse experiences on this variety of topics.

All sessions will be held at the Catawba County Agricultural Resources Center and will begin at 7 PM. There is no registration fee and refreshments will be served. The center is located at 1175 South Brady Avenue in Newton and the daytime phone number is (828) 465-8240.