Merial Launches "Outbreak Alert" Program

Building Better Awareness of Equine Disease & the Importance of Prevention

From Merial- Supporting horse owners and veterinarians in their efforts to keep their horses healthy, today, Merial launched its "Outbreak Alert" program, which will be used to notify horse owners about reports of equine disease throughout the country, as well as build a greater awareness of those diseases and the importance of prevention.

"The primary focus of the program is to help keep horse owners, like myself, informed about the threat of disease in the area where they live or where they may be traveling," says Beckie Peskin, Product Manager, Equine Vaccines and Dewormers, Merial. "Owners want the best for their horses, and knowing where the threat of disease exists will help them take the appropriate preventive measures to help protect their horse- whether it is in their own barn or competing halfway across the country."

Horse owners can sign up for free alerts via the program's website, www.outbreak-alert.com. When a disease report occurs, those who have signed up for the notification and live within a 250-mile radius of where the report occurred will receive a text and/or e-mail message to alert them of the potential disease threat. Owners who travel with their horses and want to stay abreast of disease threats in other parts of the country can enter multiple ZIP codes in the site's search field. They will then be able to receive alerts for all areas they have selected. Owners are also encouraged to share details of the Outbreak Alert program with other horse owners through e-mail, text, Twitter and Facebook.

"We want to spread the word about this program because we feel it is critical to give horse owners as much information as possible," says Peskin. "Armed with information, horse owners can work with their veterinarian to make sound health care decisions based on the risk of disease and the potential for exposure."

MERIAL Limited
Duluth, Georgia
678-638-3000

Madole Spurs

July Special and Step-by-Step Techniques for Using Your Spurs 

Like crops or whips, spurs are artificial aids. Your natural aids are your seat, legs, hands, and voice. When you ride, you use aids (also called cues) to communicate to your horse what you'd like for him to do.

 

Not every rider, or horse, has the emotional ability to handle spurs. Spurs just plain scare some riders and horses. If you're not comfortable with spurs, don't use them. To teach your horse to accept spurs check out these great step-by-step techniques published by J.F. Sheppard in The Trail Rider. Before you begin this training, you must establish trust and respect between you and your horse. Also, ask for hands-on help from a reputable trainer or certified riding instructor. 

Step-by-Step Technique

First, teach your horse to move away from spur pressure on the ground. As you do, you'll teach him to accept spurs, rather than fear them.

 

In the saddle, press the spur rowel against your horse's ribcage. Start with light, even pressure. If needed, apply firmer pressure. Never kick him while wearing spurs.

 

Even when you wear spurs, your horse should still move off your leg and voice aids most of the time. Use spurs only when necessary.

  

  

 

Step 1. Introduce the spurs. First, desensitize your horse to spurs' negative aspects; that is, their sharp, metallic sound and feel. Let him see, smell, and hear them. Jingle them around his body. Gently rub one spur against his entire ribcage on both sides of his body. Lead him while you wear spurs.

 

Step 2. Perform groundwork. Now, sensitize your horse to spurs' positive aspects; that is, your ability to use them lightly. Outfit him in a halter and lead rope. Hold the lead rope in your left hand, a spur in your right hand, and stand on his left side next to his ribcage. Give a high-pitched cluck and simultaneously press the spur's rowel against his ribcage. Apply light, steady, even pressure- never bang him. The instant he moves away from the pressure, release the spur pressure. If he's responsive, he'll learn right away to move off of very light pressure. If he fails to move off light pressure, apply firmer, steady pressure, then release it the instant he responds. Repeat this exercise on his right side.

Step 3. Use other aids first. When your horse accepts spurs on the ground, attach the spurs to your boots, and mount up. To go forward, first use your natural aids, such as your verbal commands and your calves. Use spurs only when necessary (at most, two percent of the time).

Step 4. Apply light spur pressure. If you need to use spurs to reinforce your leg cues, give a high-pitched cluck, and simultaneously apply light, steady, even spur pressure against his ribcage on both sides. Never kick him with spurs. If your gelding fails to respond, apply firmer, steady pressure until he moves off of it. As soon as he responds, stop clucking, and release all spur pressure. Pat him on his shoulder, and tell him he did well.   

This month, Madole Spurs is offering a great special on all of their in stock spurs! Get your brand new pair of in-stock Madole Spurs for $50 OFF! Give them a call today to see what's in stock!   

Madole Spurs 

Shawnee, Oklahoma
405-273-5410

Out West Gifts

Giving Back in the Rocky Mountains 

The Out West Gifts story started years ago, as Laura Prather always dreamed of running her own business. In 2008, the ideas for Out West Gifts started taking shape. Finally, in the summer of 2009, it all came together like a puzzle. Laura knew it was time to act on the ideas and desires that had been swirling in the back of her mind for so many years.

In August 2009, Laura stepped out in faith and began the process of planning, praying, and laying the ground work for Out West Gifts. The most important thing for Out West Gifts was that every product had to be hand-crafted, be of fine quality, and the artists had to live and work right there in the Rocky Mountains. Laura had two reasons for this. First, to meet a need for people to find locally made products easily. Second, to support and grow the local economy. On October 7, 2009, Laura officially opened Out West Gifts. 

The artists are the heart of Out West Gifts. Laura and her husband have taken the time to get to know the artists they have chosen to work with. The products they carry are a reflection of the people who make them. Laura says, "It represents a lot of hard work and talent, and we are very proud of the work they do."

Giving back is what Laura and her husband are about. They take to heart what the Bible says about taking care of the poor, widows, and orphans, so, at Out West Gifts, they support charities in the community and worldwide. They encourage you to give back as well. You'll find you will receive more than you give!  

Out West Gifts 

Texas Music Chart

Your Guide to Texas and Red Dirt Music

Congratulations are in order for Cory Morrow this week. Not only is his single "Lead Me On" sitting in the top spot on the Texas Music Chart, it's his fourth consecutive single to go #1, and gives Cory a total of five. Rounding out the top 5 this week are Eli Young Band with "Crazy Girl" at #2, Cody Canada & the Departed at #3 with "Ballad of Rosalie," "Hell Yeah, I Like Beer" by Kevin Fowler at #4, and Eleven Hundred Springs at #5 with "This Ain't The First Time."

After 4 weeks on the Texas Music Chart, Adam Hood makes a big 10 spot leap from #33 to #23 with "Flame and Gasoline."

The new kids on the Chart this week are Jerry Audley with "Rolling On" at #42, Zack Walther with "Tonight" at #44, and Deryll Dodd at #50 with "Baby, Where's My Bottle."

News, Sales, & Events

Things to Do Comin' up Soon

Here is a short list of things comin' up soon. Be sure to check out the entire event calendar on TheWesternVault.com for a complete list of great western events all over the United States! 

• June 24- July 4: Greeley Stampede- Greeley, Colorado
• June 27- July 3: 75th Annual Ponoka Stampede- Ponoka, Alberta   
• June 28- July 4: Prescott Frontier Days- Prescott, Arizona  
• June 30- July 4: 76th Annual 4th of July Rodeo- St. Paul, Oregon
• July 8- 10: "A Ride with Bob"- The Bob Wills Musical featuring Dave Alexander- Galveston, Texas 
• July 8- 17: Calgary Stampede- Calgary, Alberta
• July 19- 23: Big Texas Swing School Hosted by Dave Alexander- Gainesville, Texas
• July 22- 31: Cheyenne Frontier Days- Cheyenne, Wyoming