1. sports
2. horses

The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute
October 2014
Stable Sheet
In This Issue:
So Long, Miner
2
NY Morgan Recap
3
Winter Trailer Prep;
Youth EquiDay 2014
4
Do Slow Hay Feeders
Lengthen Meal Time?
5
NY State Horse Council;
NYC Carriage Horse Update
6
NYSHC 2015
Membership Form
7
Featured Miner Morgan:
HD New York
8
Youth EquiDay
is Saturday, Nov. 1!
More info on page 4
www.facebook.com/HeartsDelightMorganHorses
NATURE VS. NURTURE AND
REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Embryo transfer is the
process by which a donor
mare is bred to a stallion
(generally through artificial
insemination), flushing the
uterus of the donor mare
6 days after ovulation and
hopefully catching that
embryo to be moved into
a recipient mare that’s
cycle is closely matched
to the donor. ET is often
done in cases where the
donor is unable to carry a
pregnancy , is maintaining Our first (and so far only) ET foal, HD Saratoga (Delmaytion Razmataz
x HD Saranac) with her surrogate dam, HD Massena in 2004.
a performance schedule that
won’t allow for pregnancy
w
size and metabolic measurements as these
oor to produce more than one
ooffspring per breeding season. The technology are reasonable predictors of growth potential
is still pricey, but not unattainable, and is used as well as possible future disorders such as
more as breed registries allow. But is it really insulin resistance (IR) or osteochondrosis, a
m
that simple? A research group in France says developmental disorder of the joints.
th
nnot so fast…
Changes in gestation lengths and birth
At a conference in Paris this past spring, sizes were noted, particularly when pony
results from a study where embryos from embyros were born to draft surrogates and
ponies (bred to one pony stallion), saddle foals did not always catch up to the size of
horses (two different stallions were used) their siblings born to ponies as of a year
were transferred into surrogate mares of later. Metabolism was changed too, showing
different sizes (pony, saddle horse, and draft).
The resulting foals were evaluated for various See EMBRYO TRANSFER, Page 2
The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Stable Sheet
October 2014 ─ 1
SO LONG, MINER
I first came to Miner as a summer
student in 2012. I loved being here
so much, I knew before the internship
ended, that if I had the opportunity, I
would return as the year-long intern. I
fell in love with my project horse, HD
Thendara (Legacy’s Viking x Seaway
Showgirl), and six months after
leaving, she was finally mine. Another
six months later, and we both returned
to embark on what I knew would be
a year of some great experiential
learning. I gained some valuable
experience in stable management,
but the highlights were the bigger
projects I set for my own personal goals.
I wanted to continue working with the
mare, HD Mexico (Legacy’s Viking x
UVM Valkyrie), “Maya” after I saw the
progress she made with the previous
intern. Maya and I had a great time this
year, progressing to jumping a crossrail
course by the end of the summer and
being a demonstration horse as part of
the Almanzo Wilder Homestead Morgan
Horse presentation.
I also took on the gelding, “Ringo” The
Ringo Kid (MSMF The Brass Ring x
Jadine), Miner had rescued the previous
Brenna Foley and HD Thendara “Dari”
year. I have always had an interest in
“rehab training” and he was a perfect
opportunity to explore that. It was about
midwinter when he first talked to me and
I saw that as a sign that he was ready to
be a partner and have a job. We started
from the very beginning and progressed
to longlining and laying over his back
before my internship was over- big steps
for this horse that had experienced some
training trauma in his early years.
I was even able to accomplish some of
what I called my “Miner Bucket List.” One
of my favorite ways to ride is bareback.
Maya and I developed a partnership and
we could walk, trot, canter, and jump
bareback. I was able to show one of the
stallions, Townshend Rob The Wave
(Tug Hill Whamunition x Townshend
Roberta) in the bareback class at the
county fair. I showed Strategy (UVM
Springfield x Salem Maurada) at the
New York Morgan Horse Show in a
couple Western Dressage tests. And
finally, I had the opportunity to feel
what riding saddle seat was like with
HD Valhalla (Legacys Viking x UVM
Valkyrie), Miner’s English pleasure
mare. It was so different from my
dressage and jumping background,
but very cool!
While I am sad to leave my Miner family,
the best part about family is you can
always visit! Dari and I have moved
to a newly started dressage barn and
our future is looking bright. My year at
Miner has been a wonderful one. While
I am sad to go, it’s not really goodbye.
Thank you, Miner Institute for helping
to shape me into a better barn manager,
horse trainer, and all around better horse
person.
─ Brenna Foley
EMBRYO TRANSFER, Continued from Page 1
that the metabolism of the surrogate seemed to change the metabolism
of the foal. Pony foals in draft mares had increased IR over pony foals
from pony mares.
The research by Dr. Pauline Peugnet of the French Agricultural Research
Institute is continuing, but the message is clear- a foal isn’t simply the
product of the sire and dam’s genetic pairing, but the external influences
on the expression of those genes. Choose your surrogates carefully and
take good care of all those pregnant mommas!
─ Karen Lassell
lassell@whminer.com
The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Stable Sheet
HD Saratoga with her owner Nancy Harvey. Photo
used with permission from Denlore Photography.
October 2014 ─ 2
NY MORGAN RECAP
The New York State
over-level trot effortlessly.
Morgan Horse Society has
We’d love to keep working
hosted the NY Morgan
on getting this just right,
Horse show since 1960 at
but at 11 years old, “Hallie”
the NYS Fairgrounds in
needs to join the ranks of the
Syracuse. Miner Institute
broodmares since her dam is
has attended annually since
going to retire. “Pixie”, HD
1986 bringing a variety of
Philadelphia (UVM Equity x
horses (purchased, donated,
UVM Valkyrie), took home
and HD bred) to compete
several good ribbons in the
in a variety of disciplines
carriage division including
over the years. We’ve
a 1st in a very competitive
had- English Pleasure
reinsmanship class.
(saddle
seat),
Hunter
Pleasure, Western Pleasure,
One of the most rewarding
Roadsters, In Hand, English
moments of the show came
and Western Dressage,
in the Futurity Alumni
Hunters over fences, and
Hunter Pleasure class. Any
HD Troy with Patti Hoskins up and HD Philadelphia with Karen Lassell
Carriage Driving. It feels
horse that is a “graduate”
like a long time showing
of the futurity program is
with a generation of horses,
eligible to show and this
Salem Maurada), a 7-year-old gelding,
but this historic old fairgrounds has lots in his first dressage tests. He was tense, year the class had 7 horses, including
of stories to tell.
but obedient , and gained confidence and our Pixie and HD Troy (Legacy’s
relaxation with each successive test over Viking x HD Massena), a 7-year-old
In 1832 a group named the NYS the two days of the dressage division. HD gelding purchased a couple of years ago
Agricultural Society was founded with the New York (Legacy’s Viking x Sugarlane by Heather and Axel Starck of Ontario,
mission to promote fairs and agricultural Dominique) had been to the county fair Canada. The class was full of nice horses
improvement culminating in the first NY before, but this was quite the trek for that had great rides, but HD Philadelphia
State Fair in 1841 held in Syracuse. The this green 5-year-old gelding! “Odin” and HD Troy rose to the top, taking 1st
state fair became an annual event, held was pretty sure there were lots of ghosts and 2nd respectively! A real thrill for us
at a variety of locations around the state and gremlins hiding around the grounds as breeders of both horses for sure.
until 1889 when a plot of land at a high and it took some convincing to assure
traffic crossroads of the railroad (for him he’d be ok, but he triumphed with The horses are home and putting on
ease of transport) was dedicated for the several blue ribbons in his first dressage their wooly winter coats, but we’re glad
purpose. Other than from 1942-1947 tests. He worked hard on bravery skills to have had a chance again to exhibit
when World War II necessitated the use – no small feat as next to the dressage our horses, visit with other Morgan
of the fairgrounds as a military base, fairs warm up and show arena (the 4-H ring), owners including other members of
have been held annually at this location. a crew was preparing for a month-long our extended Heart’s Delight Morgan
Two weeks of the year is dedicated to the haunted house! At any given moment, a family. If you haven’t ever been to
fair and the other 50 see a host of other headless manikin might walk by, a few the Great New York State Fair or the
events including the NY Morgan Show.
stacks of corn stalks would rustle, or the fairgrounds for some other occasion,
giant evil clown head entrance might it is a trip well worth taking. If you’re
Our “story” this year was 4 horses for move, so Odin’s fears weren’t entirely there next September during the NY
5 divisions with a couple of debuts for unfounded! HD Valhalla (Legacy’s Morgan Show, stop on by our stalls,
green horses. Included in the highlights Viking x UVM Valkyrie) showed well cheer us on, or join us for camaraderie
was our first horse entered into the in her pleasure driving classes and at our ringside booth seat!
Western Dressage division.
Brenna although her happy feet still make
Foley finished out her yearlong internship the flat-footed walk a challenge, she
─ Karen Lassell
exhibiting Strategy (UVM Springfield x performed beautifully and flaunted her
lassell@whminer.com
The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Stable Sheet
October 2014 ─ 3
WINTER TRAILER PREP
Although we don’t always want to
admit it, winter will be here faster than
you think and one of the things on the
list around here is getting the trailers
put to bed for a few months. Miner
purchased a new five horse aluminum
horse trailer a couple of years ago to
replace the old one which was bought
new in the late 1980s. With proper
care and attention, this new one should
last a long time too. Since hauling a
huge gooseneck around isn’t always
practical for one horse, we also recently
purchased a smaller steel stock trailer.
In the North Country, there’s definitely
a “season” to be out and about with your
horse. While it may be hard to predict
the “just one more outing” if the right
weather presents itself, a full stem to
stern cleaning and maintenance checkup before it settles in for a long winter’s
nap is in order. Beyond protecting your
investment in the trailer, this kind of
chore is important for the health of
your horse; US Rider, a company that
provides roadside assistance to horse
trailers, has reported in the past that
the leading cause of trailer wrecks is
improper maintenance.
Pull out the mats and thoroughly wash
the interior. There are products on
the market specifically for aluminum
trailers to help clean and prolong its
life, but even a good power washing
or scrub with some soap and water will
go a long way to keeping the floors and
walls sturdy. When the mats are out,
this is your best chance to check for
any floor rot or places where the frame
is becoming weak. Urine and manure
are NOT your floor’s friends, so getting
rid of old bedding that’s dirty will keep
them together much longer. If you have
a small knife or screwdriver, poke it
into any places that appear soft or at all
rotten- if you can do much more than
scratch the surface, you’ve got some
boards to replace.
Check all the bolts, nuts and attachments
for tightness. A season’s worth of
winding roads and highway time can
work even the most secure fixtures
loose. Grease all the fittings and
lubricate swinging doors, springs and
panels so they’ll be less likely to seize
over the winter. This is a good time to
check all the tires and don’t forget the
spare. Look for enough tread, even
wear patterns and signs of stress on the
tire walls.
If you know you won’t be using the
trailer before spring, the best way to
promote its long life is to fully protect
it from the elements and hazard of just
sitting there. Indoor storage with the
frame on blocks to take the weight off
the tires is best, but often not realistic.
Consider covering with trailer cover or
tarp (well secured since we know how
hard old man winter blows) and getting
tire covers- exposure to the sun is one
of the causes of dry-rot on tire walls. I
only recommend putting the trailer “out
of commission” if you have an easy
plan B to move a horse if an emergency
were to arise; that is what the smaller
stock trailer will accomplish for us at
Miner. The small trailer will get much
of the same treatment, but it will remain
in a more accessible location for winter
and be more ready to be put into use if
needed quickly. Do it now and spring
will be here before you know it.
─ Karen Lassell
lassell@whminer.com
YOUTH EQUIDAY: SATURDAY, NOV. 1
Geared for 4-H kids, this event is open to the public and free of
charge. Registration in the Horse Barn classroom is from 9-9:30
a.m. and the program will run from 9:30-11:30 a.m. This year we’ll
be focusing on lameness in horses and how to tell if, when, and
where something is wrong that is making the horse uncomfortable.
4-H’ers need to bring their approved helmets to be able to participate
in the hands-on portion of the event. Pre-registration isn’t required
at Miner, but if you’re coming with your 4-H group, check in with
them! Dress for the barn; boots and warm things as needed!
Questions?
Email or call Karen: lassell@whminer.com or 518-846-7121, ext. 120.
The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Stable Sheet
October 2014 ─ 4
DO SLOW HAY FEEDERS LENGTHEN MEAL TIME?
This past summer,
I was an intern in
Miner
Institute’s
Summer Experience
in
Agricultural
Research. As part
of
the
research
internship, I was
involved
with
conducting
an
independent project
and fortunately an
equine study was
available
since
I hoped to work
with both cows and
horses during my
Major findings of the study
How fast did they eat using the Nibblenet® vs. off the ground?
time at Miner. My
Average
rate
(pounds/hour)
at
which
hay
was
consumed.
were that the slow hay feeder
project
evaluated
did not extend meal time for
the use of slow hay
most of the horses. Only one
feeders, specifically,
acids. Several slow hay feeders have
horse
increased
her mealtime by 30%.
Nibblenets®, and measured their impact been developed to help accommodate
However,
another
horse actually ate
on feeding rate and behavior of Morgan our feeding management practices, while
horses.
trying to extend meal lengths to improve faster with the Nibblenet® (Fig. 1). In
conditions within the horses’ digestive addition, since the Nibblenet® was hung
from the wall, it tended to encourage
Why should we, as horse owners, care system.
abnormal feeding posture with most
how fast or slow our horses eat? It comes
down to how horses naturally evolved and We chose to evaluate the Nibblenets® horses eating from the bag with their
are anatomically designed. Being hindgut slow hay feeding system because it was head tilted sideways (see pic). This made
fermenters, horses are meant to consume a durable and safe black nylon mesh hay us contemplate the possible impacts of
smaller, more frequent meals throughout bag. We used the 28” x 22” x 6” bags with horses eating in an unnatural feeding
the day allowing for a continuous supply 1 ¼” openings. A total of six horses were position for 5-6 hours per day.
of feed in the digestive tract. Unlike evaluated for meal length and feeding
other species whose stomachs secrete behavior using a slow feeder clipped to When considering a new feeding practice
gastric acids when meals are anticipated, the wall and control treatment fed from for your horse, it is important to realize that
the stomach of the horse secretes these the ground for 2 weeks each. We soon they are an individual and that what works
acids continuously. Most modern day found that some of our horses were very for one may not work for the whole barn.
management practices are based on frustrated with the small 1 ¼” opening For example, a couple of the horses were
human convenience rather than horse and before long the eyehooks holding frustrated by the slow hay feeder, which
physiology so we end up feeding 2 to the bags were being pulled from the resulted in pawing during mealtime while
3 bulky meals. Those of us with “easy walls in frustration. We quickly made most of the horses did not mind having
keepers” such as Morgans, need to restrict an adjustment and decided to evaluate the hay bag in their stall. While these
the amount of feed consumed because the Nibblenet® bags with 1 ½” openings Nibblenets® were not as effective as we
our animals may be at risk for equine instead, which seemed to be easier on hoped, there are several different designs
metabolic problems. Consequently, this our horses’ psyche. To be fair to the of slow hay feeders available which may
leaves many hours during the course of manufacturer of the Nibblenets®, they accommodate horse and owner preferences.
the day without feed passing through the do recommend introducing horses to their
─ Alyssa Couse
digestive tract, which leaves our animals’ system by gradually reducing the hole
couse@whminer.com
stomach walls vulnerable to ulcer causing size.
The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Stable Sheet
October 2014 ─ 5
NEW YORK STATE HORSE COUNCIL
The New York State Horse Council (NYSHC) is the state’s equine volunteer umbrella organization devoted to creating
a forum in which horse enthusiasts of diverse interests can use their “horsepower” to guarantee a future of horses, horse
sports, trail development, land use and horse-related businesses in NY State.
NYSHC members consist of individuals, equine organizations, stables and businesses. The group makes its mission “to
create a strong, unified voice for all interests toward the preservation of a future for horses in New York State.
A 2015 membership form is located on the facing page. You can also download a form at whminer.org/equine.html or
at nyshc.org.
MAYOR DE BLASIO STILL HOPES TO END ICONIC NYC CARRIAGE HORSES
New York City Mayor Bill
de Blasio has said that he still
intends to implement a ban on the
historic and iconic NYC carriage
horse industry. However, as
of September 4, the carriage
horses look well-kept and well
presented on the hack line and
two-thirds of New Yorkers are
currently in favor of the industry.
The Central Park Conservancy is
currently renovating the Central
Park Plaza and replanting some
trees lost in a 2011 snow storm.
This will provide more shade
for the carriage horses as well as
beautifying the city, but it would
be nice to see them provide
some hitching posts also, in case
needed.
These well-regulated and wellloved horses are shown in my recent photos looking content in their jobs!
One horse is on his way into Central Park with admiring tourists and
stops at one of two water troughs in the park to drink his fill. Another
horse waits patiently in the shade for his next trip on Central Park South.
─ Submitted to the NYSHC on Sept. 5, 2014
Alison Clarke, NYSHC Southeast Regional Director
aclarke33@optline.net
The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Stable Sheet
FASHION DESIGNER
TAKES UP CARRIAGE
HORSE CAUSE
On September 3, NYC fashion
designer, Victor de Souza, used
the NY horse-drawn carriages to
convey his models to the opening
night at New York Fashion Week, in
a desire to showcase elegance and
history. He succeeded in portraying
this and his Fall/Winter fashion
show was a big success. In spite
of an ugly protest over several
hours by animal rights activists,
which included PETA, NYCLASS,
Friends of Animals and Coalition to
Ban Horse-drawn Carriages (selfprofessed “horse heroes”) shouting
and waving placards closely into the
faces of the horses, the procession
finally set off and Mr. de Souza’s
stunning models were showcased in
an exceptional way in the parade of
carriages through beautiful Central
Park.
Learn more about NYC Carriage Horses
at www.savenychorsecarriages.com.
October 2014 ─ 6
The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Stable Sheet
October 2014 ─ 7
The William H. Miner Agriculutural Research Institute
1034 Miner Farm Road
P.O. Box 90
Chazy, NY 12921
Change Service Requested
N on- Profi t
Org a ni z ati on
U.S.POSTAGE PAID
Cha zy, N.Y. 12921
Permi t No. 8
FEATURED MINER MORGAN: HD NEW YORK
HD New York (Legacy’s Viking x Sugarlane Dominique). “Odin” was
born in 2009 and has always been a character! He was featured in a Stable
Sheet article in February 2010 about acquired flexural deformities, since we
were dealing with a case of growth problems and contracted tendons with
him (article is archived online at http://whminer.org/stablesheetarchive.
html). He’s grown up well with no leg problems at all ─ vets and farriers
wouldn’t know he’d ever had an issue if we didn’t tell them! As a 5-yearold, Odin’s really beginning to bloom and had loads of fun being a summer
student project and also a budding dressage star. He’s as sweet as the day is
long and his poofy forelock is indicative of his lively personality!
Sale Price: $5,000
Learn more about the Miner Morgans at
www.whminer.org/equine.html
The William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute Stable Sheet
October 2014 ─ 8