Riding through Tumacacori (photo by Lourie Zipf)

With its sun-baked, adobe walls of the Tumacacori mission and the Santa Cruz River flowing gently nearby, Tumacacori is an oasis in the desert. It is a town of historical significance, which to this day, remains quiet, and somewhat uninhabited.

A Jesuit priest, named Eusebio Francisco Kino first arrived here in 1691, when he established Mission Tumacácori. In the late 1600s, Father Kino established some 20 missions in Arizona and Mexico.

One can only imagine what he may have experienced while traveling through this area on horseback.

Since our arrival in Tumacacori, (I moved my horse Speedy to the Day Ranch about 6 weeks ago) I have found this place to be both beautiful and fascinating – so much so, that I thought it might make for an interesting blog for the ‘Pony Expressed.’

The next of several entries to come:  The ‘Juan de Bautista Trail,’ as Speedy and I travel through Tumacacori together for the first time.

We hope that many of you will come along for the ride.

© Lourie Zipf Photography

Speedy, my beloved horse of 13 years, turns 20 today.

I am forever grateful to Terry Jester, the woman who probably saved Speedy, after she purchased him from an auction in 1998. Without her, he most likely would’ve gone to the killers. Another casualty from the horse racing world, Speedy didn’t produce outstanding results and therefore, was discarded –  just like a piece of trash.

I still find it hard to believe that an animal of such beauty and intelligence could be slaughtered for his meat. The same is true for all horses, especially the Mustangs, who are being eradicated daily. Speedy is a prime example of how important every horse is, and what incredible joy and happiness they bring to our lives everyday.

So, happily, in 1999, this horse came into my life. Many of the boarders at the barn where I kept him, I’m sure, thought I was crazy. When he arrived, he was skin and bones. Large patches of hair were missing from his dull and lifeless coat. He had a glazed look in his eye, just as if the life had been sucked away from him.

But, despite his appearance, I remained firm in my beliefs that this little guy would eventually come around. And, within several months, he did.

After plenty of attention and “lots of groceries,” Speedy did come around. He went from a mere 800 pounds to over a 1,000. His hair became shiny and soft. Back then, he was a very dark bay, almost black, and his coat glistened with every move. Most importantly, his eye became large and alert, yet still soft. That’s when I knew, that he was back in the world and ready to live life again.

I can’t say enough about how much this horse has meant to me. I think this is something that only the horse owner can understand.

My companion and friend of 13 years…may you live a long and healthy life. Happy Birthday.

Speedy and I at the top of Crown Point – Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado, in 2005.

As a former resident of Glacier View Meadows in Livermore, CO, I have been following the High Park fire very closely. I have a lot of friends up there who have been evacuated and others who are on standby for evacuation.  Several of them also own horses. For many years, I rode my horse Speedy through the meadows and mountains surrounding Glacier View. It’s a beautiful place and I have a very deep connection to the area.

While doing a search on the Internet, I discovered the following story. I found it intriguing and thought I would share it on the Pony Expressed.

http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=272225&fb_ref=artsharetop&fb_source=timeline

Sundowner, the legendary Spanish Mustang stallion, passed away last week at the age of 25. He was the cornerstone of the Cayuse Ranch - the birthplace of the Spanish Mustang Registry. He inspired many with his courage and beauty. He will be forever missed. (©2008 Lourie Zipf Photography)

The horse world has lost a true icon. Sundowner, the legendary Spanish Mustang, passed away on May 29, 2012, at the age of 25. He was the cornerstone of the Cayuse Ranch in Oshoto, WY, and he inspired many.

The Cayuse Ranch, which is located in the northeastern corner of Wyoming and not far from the Devil’s Tower, is the birthplace of the Spanish Mustang Registry. This family ranch was homesteaded in 1916 and is owned by the Brislawn Family. Bob Brislawn founded the Spanish Mustang Registry in 1957.

Sundowner was one of 250 Spanish Mustangs running on the 4,500 acre ranch. Photographers and artists from all over the world came to capture this magnificent, Grulla stallion, both on film and on canvas. The curious marveled at his long-flowing mane and the blackened stripes, which zig-zagged across his legs. To this day, I’ve never seen another horse like him, and I know I never will.

Sundowner, may you forever run in green pastures. You have touched many lives with your courage and beauty. To learn more about Sundowner and the Cayuse Ranch, go to http://www.cayuseranch.com.

To see a photographic slideshow and a tribute to Sundowner, go to:  http://youtu.be/EzN-_QOj4Dw.

I was born and raised in Tucson and unlike many others who reside here in Arizona, I am not a “snowbird” at heart. I have a love for the mountains and the snow and the winter’s cold. That “reptile blood” just doesn’t run through my veins and I so long for the cooler days of fall, which now, seem so far away.

Unfortunately, the ever-looming threat of summer is approaching. As humans, we adapt and find ways to escape the heat. But what about our equines? What can we do to prepare them for the scorching days ahead?

As a horse owner and resident of Colorado for 25 years, I decided to do a little research on the Internet. I’m sure this is “old hat” for many of you, but I think it’s important to reiterate some of these points. It may also be helpful to those horse owners, who are new to the state and who are unfamiliar with the conditions here and how they may affect your horse. This is some of the information I found on the following website:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com.

I think what I’ve learned, most importantly, is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate your horse. Make sure that he/she has plenty of water. Don’t exercise them in the middle of the day. If they are healthy, they should do just fine. I, on the other hand, may not do so well. I’ll just have to keep thinking about Colorado and those cool, crisp days that I spent in the Rocky Mountain air…and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

image courtesy of Equine Voices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:

Carol Grubb, event coordinator Telephone: 520-749-4026 Cell phone: 520-405-6054 Headmare0@yahoo.com Website: www.equinevoices.org

EQUINE VOICES RESCUE & SANCTUARY Hosts 8th ANNUAL BENEFIT:

As hay prices soar and the recession grinds on, this spring’s annual Benefit for Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary has become more critical than ever to stem the suffering of abandoned, neglected and slaughter-bound horses in this country.

WHAT: The 8th Annual Benefit for Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary – “A Very Special Horse Event…Building a Community of Compassion”

WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 2012, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3882 E. River Rd., Tucson AZ

WHY: A bad economy and skyrocketing feed costs have triggered a huge increase in requests from horse owners and law enforcement for assistance. All funds raised at this event go directly to the rescue, rehabilitation and recovery of horses in desperate need. Founded in 2004, Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed to save from slaughter mares and foals used to manufacture the hormone replacement drug Premarin. Equine Voices also works with law enforcement agencies to rescue horses that have been abused, abandoned, and starved, as well as those broken down when used to transport heavy loads of illegal drugs across the border. All of those demands – for shelter, medical care and feed – have become overwhelming during a struggling economy. Equine Voices Sanctuary, located near Amado, is now home to 48.rescued horses, while 18 mares still reside in Canada. Since 2004, a total of 458 horses have been rescued, and 385 adopted to new homes.

At the March 31 event: Jennifer Waddell, VIP guest from KGUN 9 News, will be on hand to help celebrate the day . Training demonstrations will feature rescued horses and the methods used in their recovery . Gulliver, mascot of Equine Voices, will be there to share his journey from rescue to recovery, along with several of his special equine friends, including Pirate, the miniature horse. Gulliver and Pirate will be available for photo opportunities with horse lovers of all ages . The fun-filled family day offers an opportunity to visit “Gulliver’s Store,” featuring unique clothing, art and jewelry. Also featured are live and silent auctions with items of interest for everyone, raffles with extraordinary grand prize drawings, and spectacular facial artwork by Face Paint Amy. Delicious food will be provided by Quesadillas and More and Grandma Tony’s Pizza – with a portion of all sales given directly to Equine Voices. Cost to attend: Adults, $5 (includes one raffle ticket). Children under 13 admitted free.

NOTE TO MEDIA: To arrange media tours for filming, photos and interviews at the Sanctuary, please contact. Karen Pomroy at karen@equinevoices.org or call the office at 520-398-2814.

For information or to make a donation to Equine Voices, contact Nancy at 520-887-8851 or email nancy@equinevoices.org Visit the Equine Voices website at www.equinevoices.org or follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EquineVoices.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January, 2012

Phoenix, Arizona – The operation of Arizona Horse Lovers Park depends on grants, arena rentals and membership to maintain the park and equipment. A $20,000 grant from the Arizona Horse Lovers Foundation is a big step toward continuing operation of the park for 2012. The Arizona Horse Lovers Foundation is a fund of the Arizona Community Foundation.

Like many other state and city parks that have been forced to close or limit park hours, the Arizona Horse Lovers Park has been affected by financial pressures and the City of Phoenix was forced to close the Park. This closure affected a variety of equestrian and non-equestrian programs, including the Arizona Equestrian Special Olympics, 4H clubs, scout groups, and the Black Stallion

Literacy Program (now called the Horse Tales Literacy Program) for underprivileged children who read books in Walter Farley’s series and enjoy hands-on experience at the park.

After the Park had been idle for nine months, a group of volunteers took over operation of the park in March of last year on a contract with the City of Phoenix. Activities for a wide variety of interests take place in this picturesque 95-acre desert park. For information about upcoming events, visit the Web site at www.AZHorseLoversPark.org.

The public is always welcome to watch the equine events at no charge.

Horse Lover’s Management Corporation currently operates under the fiscal oversight of the Phoenix Parks and Conservation Foundation 501(c)(3) (#95-3413342) while awaiting Internal Revenue Service certification of its own nonprofit status.

Contact Information:

Ross Libonati Horse Lover’s Management Corporation

Linda@AZHorseLoversPark.org

www.AZHorseLoversPark.org

In every Horse Master episode, Julie Goodnight works with a horse and rider—helping them reach their horsemanship goals together while she offers up her practical and kind advice. In its fifth year on RFD-TV, the award winning Horse Master with Julie Goodnight show’s cast and crew is heading West to Tucson, Arizona and the White Stallion Ranch (www.WhiteStallion.com ). This is your chance to be a cast member on the show and to work with Goodnight at this premiere guest ranch.

Apply online now for the January 22-27, 2012 shoot and find more details about what it takes to be in the cast at www.HorseMaster.tv 

Goodnight will choose a variety of cast members—those working on advanced riding maneuvers, those with challenges during ground work lessons, and those who would like to overcome obstacles on the trail or in the show ring. English and Western riders are welcome to apply.

Goodnight travels with her production crew to new locations throughout the year. She’s thrilled with the thought of shooting at a ranch where she and her cast and crew can relax and enjoy the scenery after long working days. The crew (led by producer/director Heidi Nyland Melocco and her Whole Picture, LLC as well as Stephen Schott of 12Basket Productions) coordinates and records eight episodes during one “shoot week.” Goodnight says she’s always ready to head to the warm, sunny Southwest for at least one shoot each season and the White Stallion Ranch is just the place. As with all episodes, the eight shows shot at White Stallion Ranch will air on RFD-TV then be available to purchase as DVDs at www.JulieGoodnight.com.

The True family’s White Stallion Ranch has over 3,000 acres of wide-open land and is based at the foot of the Tucson Mountains, adjacent to the Saguaro National Park. The Horse Master cast and crew will shoot at the main ranch and plans trail riding episodes to make the best use of the scenery. If you’re selected for the cast on this closed set, you’ll be treated to reduced rates to stay at the ranch.

Those wishing to stay and play after shoot week may participate in the ranch’s activities including guided trail rides and even time working cattle (it is a working Longhorn cattle ranch). You can also see where Western Movies such as Arizona with William Holden and How the West Was Won with James Arness were filmed.

If you and your horse are near Tucson and would love some down-to-earth help from Goodnight, this is your chance! Apply today. The next Horse Master shoot is scheduled for late February in San Antonio, Texas or Las Vegas, Nevada. If the crew is headed your way, make sure to alert your horse-loving friends. Being a member of the cast can be a life-changing experience—with time spent with Goodnight and her well-organized staff who will guide you throughout the casting and shoot-week experience. Stay tuned to Horse Master for more shoot locations or search for “Horse Master with Julie Goodnight” on Facebook. Check out Goodnight’s full line of horse training DVDs as well as books, training tools and gifts at www.JulieGoodnight.com.

And our call for riders:

Calling Arizona Riders!

Julie and the Horse Master crew will arrive in Tucson for a week-long RFD-TV shoot at the White Stallion Ranch January 22-26, 2012. Apply to be part of our cast! 


Applications are due NOW! Apply NOW>>  http://form.jotform.com/form/82040150217

(The above is a press release from Julie Goodnight)

Photo by Lourie Zipf Photography/www.louriezipf.com

November 26-27, 2011 – Southern Arizona Horse Expo., 77 Arena, Oracle, Arizona. The Southern Arizona Horse Expo is the creation of Clay & Jacquie Harper and their desire to bring World Class Horse Trainers, Clinicians & Presenters to Southern Arizona. It is the only Horse Expo in the area, and according to Harper, This year’s Expo will be the best one yet.”

The Expo showcases Southern Arizona Trainers as well as Nationally known Trainers with Arizona ties. John Lyons,( last year’s headliner), was a U of A student and lived in Tucson in the 70′s. “We work to showcase Trainers and Presenters that the local horse person can contact and work with. Our format is a bit different than most big Expos in that the people can access our trainers to help them with their horses. We are a smaller Expo, but we have been compared to some of the biggest and best in the country”, said Harper.

Tickets are $10.00 in advance, and $15.00 on the days of the shows. Tickets can be purchased at all Boot Barn Stores in Tucson, and at most Tack & Feed stores in Southern Arizona. They can also be purchased online at the following link: www.southernarizonahorseexpo.com.

December 3, 2011 -  First-Time Horse Ownership Seminar, Eastside Tucson. Event runs from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The cost of owning a horse begins not only with the purchase price. Learn all the basic knowledge you need to know in owning and caring for a horse, including choosing the right horse, costs involved, nutrition, care, upkeep & safety. Space limited to 15 people, $75/person/$125 for couple or adult/child pair.  Visit www.heartoftucson.org,  for registration information, or call (520) 445-1510.

Judy Glore, President of Heart of Tucson, watches as farriers attach Nolan Hoof Plates to Dyna King Saturday at Tanque Verde Stables. (Photo by Lourie Zipf Photography/www.louriezipf.com)

“Heart of a Champion”

Dyna King, son of Dynaformer and half-brother to Barbaro, has been given a second chance at life.

His first began last December when he was found wandering, both emaciated and lame, around “Dogpatch,” an area in South Tucson, which for the last couple of years, has served as a dumping ground for dogs, horses and other animals.

On December 12^th, at the point of near death, Dyna King was taken in by Judy Glore and Heart of Tucson, a rescue which is currently home to approximately 20 horses.

“He could barely stand,” said Glore, who is President of Heart of Tucson. “We were told that if we didn’t take him, he would be euthanized.”

When he arrived at Heart of Tucson, Dyna King, who reaches a height of 16.1 hands, weighed a mere 870 pounds. Today, thanks to Glore and the volunteers at HEART, he’s now close to 1200 pounds, the average weight of a horse his size.

Since his 9 months of painstaking rehabilitation, the sparkle in his eye is back. For a horse that ran in 56 races and at one time, was even nominated to run in the Kentucky Derby, he once again has a purpose in life.

But, like his half-brother Barbaro, Dyna King suffers from founder, or chronic laminitis – a disease, which in some cases, means the end for many horses.

Barbaro died as a result of laminitis in 2007.

This past Saturday, Dyna King got his second chance. Because of HEART, a number of farriers, veterinarians and several others involved with equine health, the 14 year-old thoroughbred will have a new way to deal with this debilitating and life-threatening disease.

Kym Lee, President & Owner of Nolan Hoof Health, shows the Nolan Hoof Plate. (Photo by Lourie Zipf Photography)

“Plate the Hoof – Restore the Horse”

Through the efforts of Nolan Hoof Health, a company out of southeastern Ohio, Dyna King was fitted with two steel plates, which cover the middle section of his front hooves. Dyna King will wear the plates for a 16-20 week therapeutic treatment period.

According to the company’s web site, “This period of rehabilitation allows for the restoration of blood circulation, which increases the overall strength and growth of the horny laminae, frog tissue and sole of the hoof.

Combined with proper diet, environment and trimming, the horse can be brought back to a healthy sound state with the Nolan Hoof Plate in a short period of time.

The Nolan Hoof Plate mimics the natural design of the horse’s hoof, stabilizing the forward migration of the hoof wall and allowing support with flexation. When applied with the horse’s shoes, the plate encompasses the hoof capsule, reinforcing the weak point of the hoof and providing immediate pain relief.”

The Nolan Hoof Plate was manufactured in 2006, and “has a 90 percent success rate,” says President and Owner Kym Lee. “We’ve had a tremendous response since the plate’s inception,” she added.

An x-ray shows the rotation of the coffin bone in Dyna King's front hoof. (Photo by Lourie Zipf Photography)

It should be noted that an equine enthusiast, who has had personal experience with the success of the Nolan Hoof Plate, donated the rehabilitation of Dyna King, the training of the vet and farrier, as well as the application of the plate itself.

Sean Isaacs holds Dyna King while farriers work on the horse on Saturday. (Photo by Lourie Zipf Photography)

“Horse and Man Recover Together”

Several days after Dyna King was brought to HEART, Glore’s son, Sean was in a horrific motorcycle accident. He suffered a number of injuries, including some to his head, legs and feet. Like Dyna King, Sean was close to death.

“Just six days after Dyna King came to us, I found out that Sean was in this awful accident. Both happened in the same week and just before Christmas – it was terrible,” said Glore.

During Saturday’s event, while farriers worked on Dyna King for several hours, Sean stood right next to the horse, serving as both handler and supporter.

“I have a plate holding my foot together, too.” said Sean, as he wrapped his arm around the sturdy, thick neck of Dyna King. “Well, like him, I actually have two of them.”

It was clear to see that both horse and man are recovering well together.

Dyna King will continue his rehabilitation at HEART, and Glore says that once he’s fully recovered, she will find a permanent home for him.

“This horse has seen it all,” said Glore. “He’s raced at Santa Anita, Del Mar and was even nominated to run in the Kentucky Derby. He deserves the very best, and I’m going to see that he gets it.”

To learn more about Heart of Tucson and Nolan Hoof Health, log on to www.HeartofTucson.org, and www.NolanHoofHealth.com.

Dyna King (Photo by Lourie Zipf Photography)

Kym and Judy share a laugh together on Saturday. (Photo by Lourie Zipf Photography)