AMBA Ride Across America

Hi,   Is this ride still being planned? There has been no new information or postings since Feb 22nd.  I would like the email address of who to write to, asking questions about it. 

Thank you,

Kim 

The Michigan Mustengo's will have a booth again this year at the MSU Stallion Expo in East Lansing MI, MSU Pavillion... Our booth will still be on Stallion Row but more towards the end near the Arena. Stop in and say hello,

We will still be offering our flower fund raiser and do 50/50 drawings. You must be present to win the 50/50 drawing.

Sunday Feb 20th I had the pleasure to present a display during the Wire Horse Spring Sale Event! A warm felt thanks to all the folks at Wire Horse for having me out! 

Learning to Evaluate Your Horse

In riding long distances, you need to watch your horse for general attitude, condition, and stress. Start by observing your horse in non-stressful circumstances. Watch for eating, drinking and resting habits. Get used to touching their bodies all over while grooming and knowing how they are. Carefully observe their legs and feet. Get to know the look in their eyes. All these will tell you a lot about the health of your horse.

Learn to take your horse’s pulse, temperature, and respiration. Normal pulse for many horses is around 30- 40 bpm at rest. Normal temperature is about 99.0 F. Respiration is 8 to 12 breathes per minute at rest. Test for skin tenting with the pinch test on the neck to see how your horse’s skin reacts when fully hydrated. Press the gums with your finger and see how quickly the gums color returns from pale to normal after you release the press. (More than 2 seconds is too long) Feel how the stomach muscles feel at rest as horses with colic will tense these up. Now you have a good baseline for evaluating changes in your horse. You may need to change feed in quantity and type or timing to maintain energy and body condition in response to changes in work load. You may need to increase their drinking opportunities or consider adding electrolytes to improve hydration especially during hot conditions.

During and after rides, survey your horse regularly to compare with your healthy baseline. Watch his movement for signs of stiff muscles or lameness. Does he bob his head at a trot or move his hips unevenly? Run your hands on his body. Are his legs clean and not puffy? Is his back sore? Look into his eyes and see if they are alert and interested in life. Is he EDPP? This means is he Eating, Drinking, Peeing, and Pooping. Pee should not be dark and poop should not be dry. If any of these things look off then start evaluating with pulse, temp, etc. for additional information on the health of your horse. Many minor symptoms can give us hints to changes needed that will prevent major problems. Learn to evaluate as part of getting ready to ride for the day, several times during and for even the next several days after a major ride.

Preparing Your Horse

Conditioning

Conditioning depends on many factors. How old is the horse? How much "base" (conditioning) does he already have? What is his body condition -- is he fat, skinny, or lean and fit? Asking you horse to do too much, too soon, can spell trouble.

For this ride it is preferable to start with a mature horse that has some conditioning base. Different breeds mature at different ages but the stresses of such a long ride would not be good for a young horse which has not finished fully maturing his muscle-skeleton system. Start with three or four days a week riding at a walk and trot. A distance of five miles is all you need to cover each day for the first few weeks. Mix it up, walk and then trot, walk and trot. If you do the five miles, pacing at a mix of walk for 500 yards and trot for 500 yards, it should take an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, if it isn't real hot weather.

Ride your horse in different kinds of footings and terrains. We will see sand, clay and grass footings; we will travel flatlands, hills, and mountains. We will cross water and logs and bridges. Your horse needs to know how to balance going down that hill even if he was raised on the plains. Be prepared.

Our goal is to ride about twenty to twenty five miles a day at a very moderate pace depending on conditions but certainly some days may be longer. Get your horse and yourself ready by gradually working up to riding at least three days in a row of 25 mile rides each day of mixed walk/trot. When you and your horse can do this with a significant comfort level, the ride itself will be attainable for both. This may take as little as a couple of months of work or may take much longer depending on your starting point and the natural athleticism of both horse and rider. Vary your gaits some on the training rides. Be comfortable at a walk, trot, and canter/lope gaits for both physical conditioning and mental training.

Training

With much of our riding trail being near roads, safety is of particular concern. All horses need to be spook-resistant, obedient, and responsive to riders for this ride. Teach your horse to travel well near roads and bridges. Prepare them for conditions with all kinds of cars, trucks, bikes, motorcycles, dogs, mailboxes, signs, plastic bags, tires, farm equipment, and other spooky things. I use Parelli Natural horsemanship training on the ground to teach horses to deal with tarps and big balls, and wooden bridges. As example on the uses of such training, a friend had trouble with her horse crossing a dry ditch. I helped her by using the ground work to “send” the horse across safely and comfortable for all parties in the matter of two minutes. Had we worked together on this before hand, the send would have taken seconds. This kind of training is so critical to success. Horses need to travel, graze and get along with other horses. They need to tie well and respect electric fences. Training rides can be used not only to physically condition the horse but to underscore the mental training. Teach your horse to eat and drink on trail. Finally, teach your horse to accept and look for your leadership. This will both increase enjoyment and keep you out of a mess a trouble.

Horse Feeding -

On long rides, horses must be allowed to eat more frequently to provide for good energy and to keep the stomach with something on it to prevent ulcers (more common than you would think). Carry a portion of the grain ration and offer grazing time several times a day. Apples and carrots are good items for these on-the-trail food times as well, providing a good source of natural sugar and electrolytes.

Your horse’s daily rations will likely need to be increased during the ride and some changes made to allow for the additional caloric requirements. Fresh grass and good hay are important with concentrate grains/pellets increased as required. The addition of beet pulp, legume hay, and high quality oil may be needed as well.

Water is critical to your horse’s well-being. Some animals will be picky drinkers. Some people have had excellent success by conditioning their horse to the addition of a small amount of apple cider vinegar to their water bucket at home and then when traveling the water does not taste strange. Try to get your horse prepared by training them to drink on trail. Puddle drinking is usually okay if not near agricultural field run off or road oil hazards. Some horses really seem to crave this for the extra minerals they get.

For many horses, electrolytes will be required at least during the hot months. Apple Lyte is a simple product that can be added to horse rations which is palatable and inexpensive. There are homemade electrolyte formulas made with combining regular salt or sea salt and No-Salt brand (potassium) there are commercial formulas like Perform and Win that are gentle and easy on a horse’s stomach though have a lot sugar added. Lack of electrolytes combined with heavy sweating and exertion can result in azoturia or tying up syndrome, a serious condition where the urine turns very dark and the butt muscles freeze up and waste away. Colic is another malady which can be triggered under such conditions. It also a good idea to follow most electrolytes with a syringe of apple sauce to correct the PH to a more normal balance for the esophagus and gut.

Tack and Equipment Evaluation

It is critical that your tack fit your horse well and comfortably. Tack should also be comfortable for you as well. Small issues like rubbing, pressure points, or poor adjustment often is tolerated well for short rides. However, tack issues will present big problems when the ride increases in length, and may result in back issues that will lame a horse or make it unfit to continue. Poor fit for the rider will definitely reduce riding pleasure and can cause real pain. Evaluate your current saddle and pad combination while undergoing training rides. Replace as required BEFORE it becomes a problem.

Evaluate your tack for effectiveness and efficiency. Items requiring high maintenance may not be welcome with the length of this ride. For example, many veteran trail riders use synthetic halter/bridle combinations as an efficient tool for trail conditions. Consider what items you may need an alternative or extra just in case. Some horses may need an extra pad at times. Some horses may need a different bit at times. You may wish to have an Easy Boot in case you lose a shoe. More will be talked about these needs later. For now, look to your saddle and bridle and make adjustments well before the ride. Trying out such critical items during the ride is not usually a good idea.

Packs and bags are important to consider. You will need to carry more items on a long ride that for a short “hack” or trail ride. There are packs of all sizes and configurations that will help. Testing out how well items store in what place should be worked out in advance. Do they inhibit the horse or rider? Do they bounce badly? Can you get to items you need quickly? Use some of your trail conditioning rides to do a dress rehearsal to evaluate for horse acclimation to the additional gear, rubs, and accessibility

Preparing Yourself for the Ride

Conditioning

Your conditioning is important to your personal success in this endeavor. Riding your horse frequently in the manner suggested to condition him will be a fine place to start on your own physical development. Evaluate your current condition and adjust your regime to fill in the gaps. If you lack flexibility or core strength, yoga or Pilates would be a good addition to get ready. Riders who are flexible will tolerate the long hours better and have less soreness than those who do not. They will also be less likely to injure themselves should a fall occur. There are several good books on the subject or join the local gym for classes. If you lack strength, walk regularly and add resistance training. Core strength exercises are particularly important.

“The Riders Fitness Program” by Dianna Robin Dennis

“Yoga for Equestrians” by Linda Benedik

“Pilates for the Dressage Rider” by Dulak

Feeding the Rider

Riding can use up a much larger amount of calories than you might think. For such a long time period it is particularly important to give your body what it needs. Muscle will be built up and maintained rather than broken down. If you have ever had that feeling of being sore over your ENTIRE body the day after a rigorous workout or ride, it not primarily from muscle over-use but from the breakdown of muscle tissues that occurs when caloric intake is way under what is being used for energy. You must eat well to prevent this from occurring.

When I am riding long training cycles, I like to start off the day with a protein shake (Spiru-tein or Life’s Basics are two brands I like.) and some real food (depending on what accommodations we may have for kitchen). With no stove or campfire, I might choose a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread is great coupled with a piece of fruit. Please be careful of using mayonnaise. No one wants food poisoning on such an outing! You will also note, whole grains have significant advantages for their nutritional advantages and fiber.

For snacks, I use my home-made granola bar recipe (whole grains, oats, coconut and coconut oil, peanut butter, pecans, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, dried cranberries, honey) or a commercially made bar like “Green Bar” to keep me going till lunch. Such bars are nutrient dense and will sustain you through to lunch. I generally carry such in a fanny pack for quick access though pommel or cantle bag are fine too. Like to munch on smaller pieces while riding and generally carry several items just so I can have a choice. Baby carrots, quartered apples or raisins are good choices too. Trail mix works well as a sustaining snack though those without chocolate are a better choice for hot days. Speaking of chocolate, the dark stuff is particularly good for you for energy and other sustaining nutrients, though remember to balance that out with the other food groups! Nice that all this activity allows for more splurging fun.

For lunch, I may eat another turkey sandwich or an envelope of tuna, fruit, and fresh veggie sticks….along with another protein shake (including some BCAA’s). If I could tote as sandwich along in quarters, I would not mind that either. PB & J works well in a saddle pack. Heat is not a problem for PB & J and neither is moderate smooshing! I may also have some Chex Mix as a side food. Love tangerines for packed lunches. They pack well, come with their own clean container, and satisfy both sweet tooth and energy needs.

Pack more snacks in the fanny pack for the afternoon. I usually have a pack of “Goo” a jelly high carb “food” that cyclists use to maintain energy as back up for real late after noon lags but rarely use it. My preference is to eat more real food as I need it.

Dinner, I hope is hot and filling. We will need lots of complex carbs, so plan on potatoes or pasta or brown rice along with a large portion of protein. Do not forget the non-starch veggies too as we have not had enough during our day.

On supplements, I take a good multi-vitamin, higher dose of B-Complex and Calcium-magnesium and anti-oxidants at such physically challenging times. Take the b-complex during the day and the magnesium in the evening for best energy and relaxation. I eat two or three prunes for a snack everyday to make sure my digestive system stays on track. Try the ones that have been soaked in orange juice or cherry for a different flavor if you wish. You may need to figure out what works for you in this matter. Taking some pro-biotics or eating kefir / yogurt is a good thing to help the digestion too. You may note that some foods taste amazing when you are working your body hard. Fresh fruits like pineapple and berries are beyond wonderful. Your body is craving the anti-oxidants and the sugars so listen to it and enjoy!

Now we must speak about drinking liquids. You must drink regularly and well. Coffee and soft drink are fine in moderate amounts but will dehydrate you. The most important thing is regular intake of water. The first signs of dehydration are lowered energy levels and mental fuzziness. Gatorade or similar products do have some uses but are not the first preference with food coloring etc. Electrolytes are very important for you and should not be dismissed. Elete brand electrolytes is a clear ionic liquid that you may add to your water or lemonade or tea etc as needed and be able to control the amount of both electrolyte and sugar you get for your own taste and needs. The taste is only slightly salty and will not appreciably alter what you are adding it to and a tiny bottle will make gallons of electrolyte drink for you. By the way, people can “tie up” or have azoturia as well as horses. Had a friend of mine get this and believe me you want to avoid the issue! Many long distance riders use a Camelback to carry their liquids in. It allows you to sip frequently providing both better hydration and less pee-stop requirements than stopping to guzzle bottles of water. It can also be used at even a canter as needed. Going above a walk with a bottle and cap in your hand is much more problematic. My personal preference is to put weak lemonade with Elete in my camelback and sip two or three sips every ten minutes. (of course more in hot weather) When I know we are going into a lunch stop, I will finish the rest of my camelback 20 minutes away. Then I am ready for a bathroom break just as we get there and have hydrated fully. Refill the camelback and off we go for the next round. The latest research has shown that the electrolytes and sugar have significant effect through the mucous membranes of the mouth so frequent small sips are even better than larger amounts less frequently. For those people who have trouble with late afternoon energy lags, try increasing your chromium intake a bit and adding some BCAA’s to your lemonade -electrolyte mix. The addition of a fat/protein source like peanut butter or cheese as mid-afternoon snacks may help with these issues. Mozzarella string cheese comes very nicely packaged for such uses.

Written by,

Adelia Ramey, Rocky Mount NC

Endurance Rider

Fuquay-Varina NC

Ballentine Riding Academy

6921 Sunset Lake Road

Fuquay-Varina NC

801-1559

Sanford NC

Lions Club Fairgrounds

505 North 7th Street

Sanford NC 27330

Albemarle NC

Xtreme Team Stables

Major and Belinda Ferguson

35422 Dry Road

Albemarle NC 28001

Concord NC

Ridge Haven Equestrian Center

2850 Ridge Road Concord NC 28025

Dave & Kara Thompson 704-938-8577

704-795-8748

Huntersville NC

Latta Equestrian Center

6201 Sample Rd

Huntersville NC 28078

Lincolnton NC

Shadow Hill Farm

2400 Ivey Church Rd,

Lincolnton, NC 29082

(704) 477-7228

shadowhillfarm@aol.com

Shelby NC

ATH Cattle

1217 W Cabaniss Rd

Shelby NC 28150

Rutherfordton NC

Puddlefoot Stables

362 Cash Rd

Rutherfordton NC 28139

Dillard GA

Dillard House Stables

1158 Franklin Street

Pam Thompson: 706-490-3194

pktquarterhorses@hotmail.com

Blairsville GA

Blue Ridge GA

Laura’s Golden Pony

(706) 374-6886

Fort Mountain State Park Chatsworth GA

Fort Mountain State Park

181 Fort Mountain Park Rd

Chatsworth, GA 30705

Lafayette GA

Arrowhead Farms

22 Lloyd's Lane

Lafayette, GA 30728

Scoggins, Victoria

706-638-5195

Mentone AL

Shady Grove Dude Ranch

Ider AL

RL Weaver Quarter Horses

753 Co Road 762

Henegar AL 35978

Rosa Lee at:

256-605-9651

New Hope AL

Happy Apple Stables

1542 old Gurley Pike

New Hope AL 35760

(256) 337-3149

http://www.happyapplestables.com/index.html

Frog Hollow Campground RV Park

Grenada MS

http://www.frog-hollow.com/

Pecan Grove RV Park

Lake Village AR

http://www.pecangrove.net/

Magnolia AR

Columbia County Fairgrounds

Kelly Kelmer

Magnolia AR

Garland AR

Randy Stevens

20134 Hwy 82

Texarkana AR 71854

(located 2 miles west of Garland AR)

Texarkana AR

Old Post Ranch

Larry & Donna Bradshaw

10162 Old Post Rd

Texarkana AR 71854

http://oldpostranch.webs.com/

One of the major problems facing our American Mustangs is public appeal. So many other breeds have attained popularity, while the Mustangs have been left on the wayside.

There are so many negative opinions regarding the Mustangs, such as they are too wild, hard to break, they are too small, lack intelligence. They are not good for anything other then being hay burners. The list goes on. Yet as with most prejudices, most are based on lack of knowledge or understanding.

The American Mustang is greatly misunderstood by the general horse population, and I firmly believe that especially pleasure riders would be interested in owning a Mustang if they simply knew more about them and their versatility, and abilities.

Additionally, the BLM is facing their own financial crisis in managing the herds due to several factors including declining adoptions. People who might otherwise be interested in adopting a Mustang are put off by the task of breaking and training these horses when so many other horses are available at reasonable costs that are ready to ride.

So what do we do? How can we entice the public, raise awareness about the American Mustangs plight in the current BLM environment? How do we change public opinion about the Mustang?

My Dream

I decided that I would one day own a mustang and I would ride that mustang from the East coast of the United States to the West coast. I want to help raise public awareness of the plight of the Mustang, and to help raise money that will be donated to a Charity dedicated to the survival and education of the public about the Mustang horse.

Many years passed since that day I saw my first wild horse to the day I actually became an owner of a BLM Mustang. My dream like so many dreams drifted to the back of my mind while I spent my days with the task of day to day living. Then a few days ago while watching my Mustang graze, I remembered my dream and I decided that I would never see that dream become an reality if I did not at least try.

I began to formulate a plan to set into action, taking the first baby step of this enormous endeavor by deciding first what states I would intend to cross, how many miles a day I felt I could average and then how many days total such a ride would take.

I estimate that such a journey will take 6 to 7 months, to allow time to speak to the public regarding the Mustangs and BLM, to rest along the way and for those days of inclement weather. I also thought that doing such a ride would be even better if others joined in. Although I would not prevent or discourage any rider from joining I especially would like to have several Mustang owners ride along on their BLM Mustangs

My goal for the ride is multi-folded as follows:

1.) To raise public awareness about Mustang Horses.

a.) Educate the public about the history of the Mustang Horse, adoption programs via BLM, to provide information on what to expect after adopting a wild horse, and programs available to assist new owners of BLM Mustangs.

b.) Show by doing, that Mustangs are excellent horses for riding.

c.) Educate the public about BLM and their role in maintaining the herds.

2.) To publicize the AMBA as a National Registry for Mustangs and Burros and increase membership in the organization.

3.) To raise $500,000 Dollars to be donated to the AMBA.Inc to be placed in their general fund to continue the work of education and preserving our Living Legends in addition to sharing a portion of the funds raised with the Mustang Heritage Foundation as well so they can continue the good works that organization does with the Extreme Mustang Makeover and Challenges.

To raise public awareness about the welfare of the Mustang Horses and burros to address the need to find suitable homes for the excess horses in federal holding pens.

Encourage not only the adoption of mustangs and burros, but to encourage trainers to become involved in training and mentoring programs.

To educate the public about the history of the Mustang Horse, adoption programs via BLM,

Show by doing, that Mustangs are excellent horses for riding in a variety of equine disciplines.

Educate the public about BLM and their role in maintaining the herds.

To publicize the AMBA as a National Registry for Mustangs and Burro and to increase membership in the AMBA.

To raise money for the AMBA to help expand current programs, create nationwide educational programs and mentoring programs.

A portion of funds recieved will be donated to the Mustang Heritage Foundation.