Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-116

Show Description: "Horses/Live Remote"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-116.mp3, ATVR-06-116.wma

Disclaimer:  Due to unforeseeable technical difficulty on the day of the broadcast, this particular show is of lesser quality than the typical Ask The Vet Radio standard. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to assure our listeners that we will strive to never allow it to happen again.  Thank you for listening!

Ask the Vet Radio broadcast live from the Stables at River Ranch on Old Rutledge Pike this week. Joining Dr. Tracy Dewhirst and Larsen Jay on air, Ranch Manager Doug Martinez; he described the programs offered at the Stables at River Ranch and explained western reining techniques. Equine Veterinarian Dr. Richard Wilhelm from Wilhelm Equine Services phoned in to discuss equine medicine and answer listener questions. Well-trained dressage rider Donna Dellavolpe and amateur jumper Adrian Jay also joined us to discuss their riding disciplines.

Show Notes and Resources:

On-location Guest: Stables at River Ranch Manager Doug Martinez

  • The broadcast was the perfect compliment to an open house highlighting the upcoming arena opening in five to six weeks. Listeners enjoyed demonstrations, homemade ice cream, hotdogs and lemonade while they learned about the Stables at River Ranch. The facility offers dressage and hunter/jumper activities, high school rodeos, trail riding, boarding, training, and reining – capable of starting reining horses.  The facility hopes to become a destination within Tennessee and from Georgia, Alabama, and Kentucky as they continue to build on an available 180 acres of land.
  • Stables at River Ranch offers an extensive leasing program; this allows potential horse owners to lease a horse for a month before making the commitment to purchase one.  Leasing is great way to learn about a horse’s temperament by visiting and caring for it daily.  At months end, the potential horse buyer may purchase the leased horse or lease another horse more suitable to their needs.  To learn more about the leasing program and other amenities available at the Stables at River Ranch, please visit www.stablesatriverranch.com.
  • Reining is a riding technique designed to showcase a horse’s athletic ability and rider authority.  In a reining competition, contestants are required to run patterns including small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, and 360-degree spins done in place.  Patterns are judged for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness, and rider authority.

On-location Guest: Well-trained dressage enthusiast Donna Dellavolpe

  • Dressage is the French word for training. This riding discipline grew out of necessity during warfare, training horses to be highly receptive to the rider’s commands and lead the herd.  This technique involves guiding a horse through a sequence of intricate maneuvers by slight movements of the rider’s hands, legs, and weight.
  • Dressage develops a horse’s mind and discipline through exercises that regularly increase complexity.

Call-in Guest: Equine Veterinarian Dr. Richard Wilhelm for Wilhelm Equine Services

  • Located in Shelbyville, TN, Dr. Wilhelm has a strictly mobile practice that allows him to make house calls to horses.  Dr. Wilhelm is heavily involved with the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration scheduled for August 23rd through September 2nd. This week long festival offers shows, classes, sales, etc. For more information on this event visit www.twhnc.com.
  • Buying a horse is big commitment and potential owners should acknowledge the preparations and demands before making a purchase.
    • Horses need a pasture area for them to graze. If you do not have suitable land, shop around for boarding facilities within a 30 mile radius to ensure you can visit and care for the horse daily.
    • Research breeds and ages to get the best horse for the main rider.  If a child will be riding the horse, get an older horse.  More experienced riders that like to jump and do tricks may want to consider a younger horse. Research riding disciplines and look into which breed is most suitable for that particular type of riding.
    • Meet the horse and learn about its temperament and specific demands before purchasing.  Leasing programs such as the one offered at the Stables at River Ranch are an excellent avenue to learn about individual horses prior to purchase.
    • Make sure you can cover the financial end of owning a horse.  Horses require regular vaccines, dental care, extensive up-keep, etc.  Also, consider travel if you plan to compete with your horse. If the horse will travel frequently, you may need to purchase a trailer and have a truck available.  Horses can be an excellent addition to your family but potential buyers must realize the time commitment and financial demands they require prior to purchase.  The key is to decide which would be the best fit for your needs: to lease, to own, or to take lessons.
  • An excellent resource for equine riding and healthcare information is www.equisearch.com.

On-location Guest: Amateur Jumper Adrian Jay

  • Hunters and Jumpers are another exciting discipline. A hunter is best described as a smoothness competition. Judges consider the horses form over the jump and the quality of their gait. Jumping is less subjective…the horse with the fastest time that keeps all the jumps up wins. Both are very exciting and are fun to watch.
  • For more information about all disciplines, including hunters and jumpers, visit the United States Equestrian Federation at www.usef.org.

Rescue of the Week: Horse Haven of Tennessee

  • Founded in 1999, the shelter offers a rehabilitative program for neglected horses.  View adoptable horses from the Horse Haven of Tennessee by visiting the rescue page at www.horsehavenoftn.com.  Keep in mind that some of the horses available through this rescue may not be suitable to ride due to years of abuse, but can offer excellent companionship to other horses you already own.