Earthly Equine Evolution

[Graybeard]

The horse has evolved the ability to cope with quite a number of weather and terrain related hazards in regards to negotiating them safely, and as owners and riders, it behooves us (pun intended) to recognize

When they reached the mountain's summit, even Clancy took a pull,
It well might make the boldest hold their breath,
The wild hop scrub grew thickly, and the hidden ground was full
Of wombat holes, and any slip was death.
But the man from Snowy River let the pony have his head,
And he swung his stockwhip round and gave a cheer,
And he raced him down the mountain like a torrent down its bed,
While the others stood and watched in very fear.


He sent the flint stones flying, but the pony kept his feet,
He cleared the fallen timber in his stride,
And the man from Snowy River never shifted in his seat -
It was grand to see that mountain horseman ride.
Through the stringybarks and saplings, on the rough and broken ground,
Down the hillside at a racing pace he went;
And he never drew the bridle till he landed safe and sound,
At the bottom of that terrible descent.


He was right among the horses as they climbed the further hill,
And the watchers on the mountain standing mute,
Saw him ply the stockwhip fiercely, he was right among them still,
As he raced across the clearing in pursuit.
Then they lost him for a moment, where two mountain gullies met
In the ranges, but a final glimpse reveals
On a dim and distant hillside the wild horses racing yet,
With the man from Snowy River at their heels.


And he ran them single-handed till their sides were white with foam.
He followed like a bloodhound on their track,
Till they halted cowed and beaten, then he turned their heads for home,
And alone and unassisted brought them back.
But his hardy mountain pony he could scarcely raise a trot,
He was blood from hip to shoulder from the spur;
But his pluck was still undaunted, and his courage fiery hot,
For never yet was mountain horse a cur.


And down by Kosciusko, where the pine-clad ridges raise
Their torn and rugged battlements on high,
Where the air is clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blaze
At midnight in the cold and frosty sky,
And where around The Overflow the reed beds sweep and sway
To the breezes, and the rolling plains are wide,
The man from Snowy River is a household word today,
And the stockmen tell the story of his ride.

[labelwench]

[Graybeard]

[labelwench]

The following article from the AMHA site on the Morgan horse details the history of this breed that traces to one prepotent stallion, and it's influence on a nation. The Morgan is the oldest North American breed today. LW

As the new nation of the United States of America began its 200-year- old history, a new breed of horse also began. The now legendary bay stallion Figure was born in 1789 in southern New England. He was taken to Randolph, Vermont, in 1791 by Justin Morgan, who had recently emigrated there with his family from Springfield, Massachusetts. Little did Justin Morgan know that the young stallion Figure and his descendants would play a major role in American history.

Figure was a stylish bay horse of many talents. He became widely known for his ability to pull stumps and logs while clearing the land of newly arrived settlers. In addition, he won races and pulling contests, was a favored parade mount at militia trainings, and was used as a saddle and driving horse. His strength, endurance, and easy-keeping qualities served him well on the Vermont frontier. Among horsemen he became widely respected for his prepotency (the ability to pass his own looks and qualities on to succeeding generations).

Figure was said to be sired by True Briton, a horse widely respected for his excellence and known for siring quality horses. He was said to have been "of the best English blood." Whether it was Thoroughbred blood, blood of another breed (such as the Welsh Cob), or a combination of types remains open to debate. Figure's dam was a mare bred and owned by Justin Morgan (having been sired by a stallion he stood at stud in 1793) and is described as being of the "Wildair breed."

As was the custom of the day, Figure became known as the Justin Morgan horse. After the death of Justin Morgan, Figure passed into other hands and spent the balance of his life in Vermont and the Connecticut River Valley of western New Hampshire. He died in 1821 at 32 years of age after sustaining a kick injury from another horse. He left a legacy of sons and daughters who were used by farmers to develop a type of horse well suited to the hilly topography of northern New England.

The round and compact bodies of Morgan horses enabled them to "get the best of their feed" and made them suitable to perform a wide variety of tasks. Their large eyes, small ears, and short, broad heads set on gracefully curved necks carried high provided them with a proud countenance. Also blessed with ground-covering gaits, the Morgans were able to cover many miles day after day at steady rate of speed. This ability, combined with a businesslike attitude to get the job done, made them a favorite horse of all work. (In later years, when a taller horse became the vogue, the Morgans would be criticized for their relatively short stature.)

Sherman Morgan, Bulrush Morgan, and Woodbury Morgan were Figure's most famous and influential sons. These stallions, along with other unrecorded offspring, came to dominate the horse industry of New England and northern New York. In the 1820's they were favorite teams for the stage lines and for field work on farms and transport to town. Their reputation as "horses of all work" was becoming widespread.

Black Hawk, a son of Sherman Morgan; and Hale's Green Mountain Morgan, a grandson of Woodbury Morgan, were the dominate Morgan sires of the mid-19th century. Green Mountain Morgan had a host of admirers gained, in part, from his appearance as a parade horse at militia trainings. He was also renowned for his resemblance to Figure. Black Hawk was famed for his speed and elegant style and he, in turn, sired the world champion trotter Ethan Allen. In the 1850's these two rival stallions were shown at Midwestern state fairs with great success and heightened the continuing demand for Morgan horses.

New England supplied big city markets such as New York with Morgan horses for public transportation and freighting as well as private driving. Morgan horses comprised the preferred teams of stage line owner M.O. Walker of Chicago. They were taken to California to be employed as ranch and harness racing horses. In other areas of the West they were also used as ranch horses.

During the Civil War Morgans were dependable cavalry mounts and artillery horses. Again, their easy-keeping qualities and ability to endure grueling condition allowed them to outlast other types of horses. Several units of cavalry in the Union army and one (known) of the Confederate army were mounted on Morgan horses. United States General Philip Sheridan's famed charger Winchester (a.k.a. Rienzi), who was immortalized after the war, was a descendant of Black Hawk.

Due to a trend in which taller horses were becoming more desirable with great speed at short distances, the popularity of Morgan horses began a decline which would not reverse itself for several years. Morgan mares continued to be widely used by horse breeders, but were bred to taller stallions of non-Morgan breeding. The purpose was to capture the enduring qualities of the Morgan but with increased size in the offspring. The result was a more marketable product for farmers selling to the city markets. As a result of this practice the Morgan, as it had been known earlier in the 19th century, almost disappeared.

From this type of foundation other American horse breeds were developed. Harness racing had become an exceedingly popular sport for which the Standardbred was developed. Other major American breeds that contain the Morgan horse in their initial development include the American Saddle Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse, American Quarter Horse, and American Albino.

Continuing modernization and development of new technologies, however, were affecting the horse market nationwide. Electrification of trolleys and continuing expansion of trains reduced the demand for harness horses significantly. Larger farms and a corresponding increase in the size of agricultural machinery to do the work was creating a demand for larger, heavier draft horses.

The 1890's witnessed efforts on the part of many to locate and "regenerate" the Morgan horse. A business horse or roadster was desired with not only speed but with the classiness which would reflect upon one's social standing as well. Writers berated the disappearance of the "ancient" type Morgan and called for its regeneration, if it could be found. Pockets of these Morgans had survived, particularly in northeastern Vermont, though much reduced in number.

Many new breeding programs were established. Edwin Hoffman of Lyndon, Vermont, became a Morgan horse dealer and assisted many nationwide with locating and purchasing Morgans for their farms. It was at this time the foundation was laid for the highly influential Brunk bloodlines. The National Morgan Horse Breeders Association was formed during the 1893 Columbian Exposition (although it was not destined to last). Joseph Battell published his 1,000 page Morgan Horse Register in 1894.

The Vermont State Fair of the 1850's and 1860's had been a popular venue for the showing of Morgan horses. This fair was discontinued in the 1890's when as economic downturn forced it to cease operating. It was revived in 1907 and, within a very few short years, became the national showcase of the Morgan horses. In 1909 the Morgan Horse Club was formed during the fair. Morgan horses from as far as Illinois and Pennsylvania came to participate in a highly competitive atmosphere.

It was here that the first endurance rides were held. The Morgan Horse Club created a challenge to prove that the Morgan was the best horse for cavalry purposes. These rides were eventually held at various locations around the United States and were extended to 300 miles in length. These rides were the forerunners of today's competitive trail and endurance rides.

By an act of Congress in 1905, a farm to perpetuate the Morgan horse was established. The United States Morgan Horse Farm was established in Weybridge, Vermont, on Joseph Battell's former Bread Loaf Stock Farm. The farm was operated under the auspices of the federal government until 1951, when it was transferred to the University of Vermont, which continues managing the farm today.

Again, modern technology interfered, with the advent of the automobile effectively reducing the need for horses. After this time, the primary focus of the horse market would become recreational. With exceptions, of course -- horses used for ranch work and, until the tractor became economically viable, for draft work on farms. In many rural areas horses continued to be a major source of transportation to market, church, and school. Although the need was diminishing, the Army sought remounts for its cavalry with demand peaking during World War I.

Throughout the balance of the 20th century the Morgan horse, like other types and breeds of horses, has been used primarily for recreational purposes. The majority of Morgan horse owners use their Morgans for pleasure. Many also compete with their Morgan horses in a wide variety of sporting events. Morgans are highly competitive in driving competition as well as in horse shows and on trail rides. They are competing in reining, cutting, and dressage with success.

Compiled by Elizabeth A. Curler

[labelwench]

The horse has greatly enabled our species in evolution and it appears also that we may be returning the favor, although we may not be aware of this. I came upon an article today that gave some estimates on the number of horses in the world and their overall impact on the global economy. Apparently 10 countries have populations of greater than one million horses, and China is listed third, with a population of 7,402,450 equines and Mexico follows with 6,260,000. The US has the greatest number of horses, followed by the Russian Federation.

At one time, the advent of the automobile was considered by many to be the beginning of the end for the horse, and indeed horse populations in North America are about 1/2 of what they were at the turn of the century. Yet, when one puts that in perspective against the decline in natural habitat for the species, the number is astounding as we put so much time, energy and money into maintaining a place for our equine companions, with the efforts of those who lobby for preservation of wild horse habitat as yet another example.

The horse will never vanish, in my opinion, unless so too does our kind, for the horse has captured our hearts and imagination since we have been able to make rudimentary images.

The AHC's report further demonstrates that the horse industry has a direct impact of $39 billion on the US economy and an overall impact of $102 billion, which factors in indirect and induced spending. Each of the primary use segments of the industry, recreational horse use being the largest segment with 3.9 million horses in this classification, creates an immense impact on the overall economy. Additionally, the horse industry supports 1.4 million equivalent full-time jobs.

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/archives/2007/09/105.shtml

[labelwench]

As I rode the big mare out onto the trail, my mind was registering something different about her way of going. I tried to pinpoint what was tugging at my mind. The mare was walking with long strides and soon asked to trot once we were on the level, so she seemed to be willing and sound. There was no head bobbing, unevenness of footfall or other indication of lameness. What then, was troubling my mind?

We rode a winding bush trail of varied terrain, and once or twice she seemed to stub a front hoof, yet ever quickly recovered and moved on. There were a number of potential hazards, as in roots, windfall etc., and so I thought little of it.

Trotting along a level spot, she stumbled for no reason that I could see, and was diving forward onto her knees, pitching me forward in the process. I had been riding a defensive seat, and so hauled on the reins while giving her a firm heel in the ribs, to attempt to bring her to her feet. I was ready to roll clear if this move did not succeed, as the recall of last July and nearly breaking my neck replayed in my mind. The mare, taken aback by falling onto the bit AND getting a boot to the ribs, responded with alacrity, quickly finding her feet, and throwing in a buck to show her displeasure at the treatment, perhaps to cover her embarrassment.

"Dammit! I'm going to sell you if you can't pay attention to where you put your feet!", I yelled out to her. The remaining kilometer home, I only allowed her to walk. Something WAS wrong, and I needed to find out what it was.

As I pulled the saddle, I examined the mare's back closely. The sweat pattern was not even, there was a dry patch behind her right shoulder indicating a pressure point, and on the left side, there was a small area where the short summer hair looked to have been back-brushed. I checked the saddle pad, which was fine, and then the saddle. It was a lovely leather reining saddle, bought for a previous horse, and which looked lovely on this mare, and appeared to fit her quite well, or at least it had, prior to her giving birth. The mare was in good form, so I decided to put another saddle on her and ride the route again. The mare licked her lips as I cinched the second saddle tight, giving an expression of being comfortable, where she had indicated neither pleasure or concern when I had put the first saddle on. Neutral was a common attitude in a horse, and so I had paid it no mind.

As soon as we headed out to re-ride our route, I could feel the difference in her movement. Her back was lifting toward the saddle, so that I felt like I was riding a wave, which is how the sensation should be. The mare happily trotted along the winding trail, lightly lifting each hoof over the obstructions that nature had placed across the path. I apologized to the mare for my earlier placing the blame on her, prior to proper investigation, but she seemed to bear me no ill will for my earlier outburst, and was content to be in sole possession of my time and attention, to the envy of the two remaining at home.

After our ride, I fed the horses and immediately went to the computer, placing an ad in the local newspaper free classifieds.

Over the years, more than one horse has out-grown a saddle by change in shape from growth, muscle development or foal bearing. How could I have over-looked the obvious? Good saddles are far easier to come by than good horses, and I had counseled other riders that their 'horse problems' were more than likely a result of their prized saddle.

One very good reining saddle is now for sale, and I am making my apologies with cupboard love (horse treats) and grazing privileges.

[labelwench]

There had been no calls on the saddle, and so I decided not to advertise it again but to wait and see what shape Handy would grow into. It was a very fine saddle and perhaps I had been a bit hasty in thinking to part with it. Good leather work was not getting any easier to locate or cheaper in price. The answer to many situations was time, I have found.

Meanwhile, the favorite child was growing like a weed. He had been left to wean naturally and so had received the benefit of his mother's milk all through the winter and warm milk in addition to warm water had ensured that he had not suffered any dehydration. At 14 1/2 months of age I had him carrying a light synthetic saddle, using a surcingle as an over-girth, an idea borrowed from the Australian Stock saddle. For a bit, I use a large O-ring snaffle with a simple leather lace to hold the bit in proper position. I had added a curb strap and reins, connecting the reins back to the surcingle but without any contact, enough for the young horse just to get used to something attached to the bit.

After a lesson in the round pen, I had approached Handy, standing beside him, and taking the left rein in my own left hand and reaching across the saddle to reach the right rein with my other, I put a bit of pressure on the left rein, prepared to step back and release my hold if the horse resisted or seemed inclined to be reactive. Most horses resist a gentle tug to start, as it is the most natural reaction to put some distance between themselves and any unknown.

I gently pulled on the left rein......Handy's muzzle followed the pull. As I released the pull, the horse allowed his head to return to the forward position. Right rein, and his head swung to the right. Interesting.......

Next, I made a clucking sound, asking for movement, and gently bumped my right hip into his left ribcage, where a rider's leg would give the signal. A hesitant step, reinforced by my cues once more, and we were soon walking around the pen, doing figures of eight, halts and even a few backward steps. I did this exercise from both sides and Handy seemed not in the least confused or distressed. After a few minutes of work in each direction, I ended the lesson and after taking off his equipment, turned the horse out to graze with a bell on. He is the horse granted the most grazing privileges as he stays close to hand and causes no mischief, keeping an eye out for my return and coming when called.

Yes, my handsome fellow is meeting and exceeding all expectations.

[labelwench]

Anybody who has done much traveling will be aware that the smell and taste of water is variable and that some of it is not palatable without filtering or treatment. Merely witness the increasing demand for bottled water in recent years. Horses are quite sensitive to smell and taste (why it is challenging to give them oral medications) and adequate water intake is vital to their digestive processes and general well-being. When I used to travel to shows, I always carried a good supply of my own well water for the horses, and this often gave my animals the advantage as they never refused it. They were able to deal with the stress of travel and a crowded new venue from the basis of the comfort zone of familiar people, water and nutrition.

An interesting article here in regard to horses and their preference in drinking water. The apparent purpose of the research seems designed to facilitate ways to improve the delivery system of medications, yet there are some interesting tidbits in here for persons who may be rather new to the study of horses, their needs and their preferences.

If you've been around horses long enough, you're bound to have experienced the picky drinker. Horses that are selective in their water consumption can not only be frustrating for owners, but could also be a danger to themselves, as dehydration can be a serious problem. A team of Canadian researchers, however, recently revealed that horses tend to prefer water with neutral pH levels ratherthan low pH levels, meaning your picky drinker's problem could be due to acidic water's sour taste.

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18766

[labelwench]

The timing of the first backing of a young mount has ever been a matter of debate among horsemen. Some feel that the horse should not be backed until it's third year of growth, nor worked hard until it is at least four, while there are some that feel these things are better introduced when the mind of the horse is young and pliant. In my experience it varies as to the breed and development of each individual and I have backed some as young as 18 months and left others until they were 2 years or older. The only horses that I have started older than 2 years were those that I acquired with more age on them.

Yesterday was the first decent day in two weeks and so I was intent on spending the afternoon outside with my horses, who were as bored and frustrated by the weather as I had been. Each of the horses was tied to a hitching rail and I had saddled Caramel and Handy. As I worked the mare under saddle in the yard I observed that the colt was watching every move intently. He was totally engaged in watching, and his attention was a wonderful thing to behold. I rode Caramel up the lane and out of sight, knowing that Handy was observing, but he did not call out or move at all. He was becoming emotionally mature sooner than many that I have worked with.

Unfettered by any other horse, Caramel and I scampered around the 5 km trail, and were back in the yard inside half an hour. I tied up Caramel and went to the house to change my gloves.

As I stepped out the back door and headed back toward the horses, the keen eyes of Handy were drilling into me. I chuckled as the line of a country song came to mind, "Put me in, Coach." His body language was calmly alert, radiating anticipation. "Today's the day", I decided.

I led him to the center of the training area and put my left foot into the stirrup, stepped up, and just leaned across the saddle, so that he could experience seeing something on top of him from both sides. I took my foot out of the stirrup and did a 'safety dismount' and the colt side-stepped away, before turning and halting, as I had a hold of the lead rope. I repeated this twice, with the same result.

We went to the round pen and did some liberty work, the colt trotting around the pen in the deep snow in response to my suggestions for change of direction and pace.

After a few minutes of this, we went to the center of the pen and did the step up/slide down routine again, from both sides. This time he did not move away when I slid down.

I visualized my intent of swinging my leg completely over the colt and sitting in the saddle, which I then went on to do.

The colt stood motionless but giving indications of contentment by indications of his ears and soft licking of his lips. I sat for about seven seconds before stepping down by reversing the procedure. The colt's feet did not move.

Unless you are an experienced horseman you might not appreciate how unusual this is or how long 7 seconds can be. (Rodeo riders only have to stay on the bronc or the bull for 8 seconds.)

The majority of people who start horses use a helper when it comes time for that first time in the saddle, usually someone young, agile and fearless, lol....

I am none of the above, yet I have started many horses, always by myself, because I 'teach' them, I don't 'break' them.

Handy started the afternoon as a youngster, but ended the day as a young mount under saddle. He will not be ridden for some time yet as he still has considerably more to learn but I shall teach him the mount and dismount, for it is one of the most important skills for a horse to learn, standing stock still while the rider takes to the saddle.

Of the young horses that I have trained, this young fellow is the top of the class.