This week Ask The Vet Radio was broadcast LIVE from the Stables at River Ranch to kick off the final day of this weekend’s Tennessee High School Rodeo Association rodeo!  Tim McPeake, National Director of the Tennessee High School Rodeo Association and National High School Rodeo Association President (2006-2007), joined us to talk about the organization, this weekend’s competition, and how students can get involved.  Will Bradley, Student Vice President of the National High School Rodeo Association, and Jenna Ramage, Tennessee High School Rodeo Association Queen, stopped by the show in between their individual competitions to talk about how they got started in rodeos!  Doug Martinez, Ranch Manager for the Stables at River Ranch, dropped by the show to talk about the new covered arena, boarding opportunities, and riding lessons! Equine Veterinarian Dr. John Koella from Bridlewood Veterinary Services joined us for the entire show to discuss equine health and tips for keeping your horse healthy!  Dr. Koella also listed the preparations needed for horses to survive the harsh winter months. 

Show Notes and Resources:

On-Location Guest: Tim McPeake, National Director of the Tennessee High School Rodeo Association and National High School Rodeo Association President (2006-2007)

• The Tennessee High School Rodeo Association (THSRA) was formed in the early 70’s and consists of around 195 contestants.  The THSRA puts on around 30 rodeos a year in East Tennessee, West Tennessee, and Middle Tennessee.  In addition to Tennessee, contestants participating in the THRSA hail from the northern part of Mississippi, the northern part of Alabama, and the eastern part of Arkansas.  The THRSA rodeos for the Nationals.  The top 4 contestants will move on to compete in this year’s National High School Rodeo Association held in Springfield, Illinois.  Events include bull riding, bare back riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, calf roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending.  The rodeos offer an equal amount of events for boys and girls. 
• To learn more information or get involved with the Tennessee High School Rodeo Association, visit http://www.geocities.com/thsrarodeo/THSRA.html.  While most contestants own and compete with their own horse, it is not a requirement. 
• Contestants Will Bradley, Student Vice President of the National High School Rodeo Association, and Jenna Ramage, Tennessee High School Rodeo Association Queen, also dropped by the booth to speak about their experience with the Tennessee High School Rodeo Association.  Will started competing his junior year and competes in the steer roping, calf roping, and team roping events.  Jenna has been barrel racing all her life and became involved with rodeos her freshman year.  As the State of Tennessee Queen, she represents the THSRA at events and schools in addition to competing.  Her events include barrel racing and breakaway roping. 

On-Location Guest: Dr. John Koella, Equine Veterinarian from Bridlewood Veterinary Services

• Dr. Koella of Bridlewood Veterinary Services concentrates specifically on horse care and travels from farm to farm.  Dr. Koella works with horse preventative care, general check-ups, annual care, and specializes in lameness and podiatry (foot and ankle) cases. 
• Vaccine protocols differ from farm to farm.  Specificities affect types of protocols given to each horse, such as whether they are exposed to other horses or if they travel to other farms.  Horses are typically vaccinated for tetanus, rabies, West Nile, strangles (respiratory disease), rhinopneumonitis (“rhino” or equine influenza), and Potomac horse fever.  Requirement of each vaccine usually vary from annual to bi-annual.  Always make sure to have horses up to date on vaccinations; typically verification records are required for traveling.  For frequent travelers, an equine passport is now available for a prolonged period of 6 months.  This passport requires a negative Coggins test, paperwork, and a photograph of the horse. 
• When purchasing a horse, take into account how much the horse will be ridden and whom will be riding it before committing to a decision.  For example, older horses would be better for inexperienced riders and young children. Be sure to get extensive knowledge from the previous owners and know if the horse is considered “kid-safe”.  Also, be sure you have adequate amount of time and space for a horse prior to purchase.  Most horses need at least 3 acres available to them.  Some can get along with less, but a nice large area for them to run is important.  If you do not have adequate space, boarding opportunities such as that offered by the Stables at River Ranch are an excellent alternative. 
• White line disease is a fairly common horse disease and develops when bacteria and fungus eat away at the hoof wall.  This disease can cause an extensive area of separation.  If too much is removed from the hoof wall, the horse will be incapable of competing.  Though many horses with the disease do not show lameness, it can be very uncomfortable for the horse .  Treatment depends upon how aggressive the owners and veterinarian deem necessary and are prepared to take.  Call a veterinarian if you ever begin to see spaces when cleaning out the hoof of the white line area. 
• Types of lameness differ between equine disciplines.  For example, a different type of lameness can occur between western, jumping, and racing horses.  Race tracks are hard on tendons.  Ligaments respond well to shock wave therapy, but tendons usually only heal with time.
• Due to the extensive amount of time and weight horses spend on their legs, laminitis can especially be a problem.  Supporting laminitis results when too much weight is spent on the “good leg” while an injured leg is recovering.  Horses cannot survive on 3 legs like dogs and cats often can, however prosthetic legs can allow handicapped horses to function normally.  Success with prosthetics can be a long process and usually depends on the type and weight of the horse (lighter breeds do best). 
• Dr. Koella also gave horse owners tips for the winter months.  Dental problems can be more of a problem in colder months, especially in geriatric horses.  Signs of dental problems include the frequent dropping of grain and the sudden irregularity with bits and riding.  Adequate water is essential in winter months.  Horses can become dehydrated more frequently in winter months due to dry hay and grain.  Make sure the available water source is not frozen.  Horses usually drink more and have less chance of becoming dehydrated if the water source is warmed slightly.  Blanketing horses in winter months can be a helpful tool, especially if temperatures drop below freezing.  Many horses can do fine without blankets, however, older horses or thin-skinned horses may find a blanket necessary to keep warm.  Long haired coats are typically in response to cold weather, so horse owners should be aware that blankets will affect the horse’s coat.  Always keep parasite control and de-worming up to date; all programs should be tailored to the specific needs of individual horses. 

On-Location Guest: Doug Martinez, Ranch Manager for the Stables at River Ranch

• The Stables at River Ranch offers a full equine center equipped to accommodate all types of needs involving horses.  The Ranch offers various ranges of boarding opportunities, a beautiful riding facility, riding lessons, and experienced instructors in most disciplines including dressage and western.  The newly built arena is a covered facility that offers open arena nights for people to work their horses and opportunities for organizations to schedule events (such as the Tennessee High School Rodeo Association rodeo).  Doug was thrilled to have the Tennessee High School Rodeo Association take advantage of the new facility and would like to offer an invitation to everyone in the community to come to their Halloween Party Saturday, October 28 at the Stables at the River Ranch.  Doug encourages kids and horses to come dressed up and enjoy the fun!  Visit www.stablesatriverranch.com for more information. 

Rescue of the Week: The Animal Rescue and Fostering Networks (ARFNets)

• The Animal Rescue and Fostering Networks (ARFNets) are networks of animal rescue people in the Blount County and surrounding areas of the East Tennessee Valley.  They work hard to find loving, permanent homes for abandoned or rescued animals of ALL KINDS.  They will have an adoption event next Saturday at the Smokey Mountain Feed and Pet Supply.  Visit www.arfnets.org to learn more about this organization, view adoptable animals, or learn how you can help by fostering an animal.