I know its COLD!  This is not the type of weather that we look forward to, or that we want to be out in. But if you breed your mares last year, the chances are between now and April 1st you will be welcoming a new addition or two to the family.

In previous Articles I have talked about coat color genetics and the possible outcomes for your foal, but in this article we will focus on signs your mare is ready to foal and safety tips for being around the new baby.

Knowing when your mare is ready to foal is extremely important, to assist with any issues she may have you need to be aware she is giving birth or about to give birth. Remember though that most mares prefer to be alone and will wait for you or another care giver to leave before giving birth. Research shows most mares foal between midnight and six am.

Signs that foaling is about to begin inlcude; distended udder, swelling of the vulva, waxing of the teats, and teat secretions. Some of these signs will be visible in the week leading up to birthing.

Changes in behavior are not often visible until the mare is in labor, at this point you will see restlessness, your mare may lay down and stand repeatedly, she may pace, refuse to eat or drink. This is the first stage of labor. The second stage of labor includes the delivery of your new bundle of joy. The mare may sweat extensively around the flanks, she will likely lay on her side to give birth and stay laying down after the birth for about 15 minutes. This is normal and required for blood flow to the foal.

After 15 minutes the mare will begin licking and cleaning the foal, this is vital bonding for mare and foal. An hour to two hours after birth the mare will pass the afterbirth or palcenta.

Foal Imprinting is an important topic and can be extremely important to the foal. But safety comes first. Some mares become very protective of their foals and can be aggressive towards people in the first several hours after the foal is born. Foal imprinting can take place in the first several hours after birth. If you miss the foal being born, coming in an hour or two later and teaching the foal to allow you to touch will still work.

Be careful around the new foal and mother for several days, foals are still learning the ins and outs of walking, and while small and cute, still contain lots of power.

Check your fences and make sure the foal cannot escape under or through them. As this can cause stress to you, your mare and your foal if they can’t figure out how to get back in.

If you have any concerns during the birthing process contact your vet immediately. If this is your first foal and you are not sure about imprinting or would like to watch it done, contact local breeding farms or trainers in your area.

References:

Agri-life Extension Service

The Horse.com

By: Lydia Bagley

MOSCOW, Idaho— The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is pleased to announce the top 10 Appaloosas that were ahead of the curve in the 2009 racing season. The following Appaloosas were the 2009 leading starters based on dollars earned:

Moon Bully (Man With The Power x TB Fancy Moon, AQHA) was the leading Appaloosa starter, earning $37,283 to end the year with a lifetime total of $114,019. The 5-year-old gelding is owned by Dub Seely of Sallisaw, Okla.

Texas Royal Snow (This Snow Is Royal, AQHA x Texas Union) earned $33,828, completing the year with a lifetime total of $186,948. The 5-year-old gelding is owned by Jimmy Maddux of Weatherford, Texas.

Cash For Casey (Takin On The Cash, AQHA x Kisses For Casey) earned $25,566 in his first year of racing. The 2-year-old gelding is owned by Ronna Pauley of Ramona, Okla.

Katies Perks (Man With The Power x It’s Cash’s Perks) completed her first year in racing with $23,459 in purse money. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Jim Limbaugh of Sallisaw, Okla.

G I Jana (Brisco County Jr, AQHA x Sure Nuff Fast) earned $23,380 to bring her lifetime total to $74,070. The 4-year-old mare is owned by Jana Harrison of Stonewall, Okla.

Audaciously (Hotdoggin, AQHA x Won A Queen) completed her first racing year with a total of $21,092. The 2-year-old filly is owned by John McBride of Ogden, Utah.

A Day Before (Dispensing Speed x It’s Cash’s Perks) finished the year with $17,539 to bring his lifetime total to $40,022. The 4-year-old gelding is owned by Jim Limbaugh of Sallisaw, Okla.

Oak Kid (Oak Tree Special, AQHA x Kiddles) earned $14,156, with a lifetime total of $29,111. The 3-year-old stallion is owned by Jimmy Guest of Strawn, Texas.

Willies Chick (I Love Willie x Lavish Moon, AQHA) earned $14,105 in her first year racing. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Ronnie Ennis of Kingston, Okla.

Divo (R Limited Edition x Lucks Beduino, AQHA) earned $12,781 in his maiden year of racing. The 2-year-old colt is owned by Dr. John V. White Jr., DVM, of Fort Collins, Colo.

For a complete list of top 10 honors in Appaloosa racing, visit www.appaloosa.com.

Appaloosa Racing

Appaloosas have long been an integral part of one of America’s most popular spectator sports—horse racing. The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) officially recognized the sport in 1962, beginning Appaloosa racing history with four races and 23 starters competing for $12,000 in total purses. In 2008, 186 Appaloosas competed in 399 races for $3.1 million in total purses.

Racing fans can find Appaloosas crossing the finish line in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

For more information on Appaloosa racing, contact Alexcia Livingstone, Racing Coordinator, at (208) 882-5578 ext. 280 or racing@appaloosa.com.

As I read through my Christmas Equine catalogs I noticed that the two terms have become a bit blurred, and prompted the writing of this article. What is the difference between a snaffle and curb? How do I know which is severe and which is not?

Every horse is unique, each horse has a different mouth and most require a bit just for them. If you have multiple horses, chances are you have multiple bits on different bridles, and a box full of alternatives. The bit can be one of several things; a communication device, a tool to create submission, or a way to harm the horse. The rider is in control of what the bit says to the horse.

There are two main categories of bits for the rider to choose from snaffle or curb.

For a bit to be considered a snaffle the reins and headstall must attach to the same ring and be able to shift on the ring. Examples would be traditional D-ring or O-ring type bits. Most people think of snaffles as having a jointed mouth piece, and while most do, it is not what makes them a snaffle. A snaffle bit applies direct pressure to the horses mouth, meaning if I pull the right rein the horse will turn right, he will feel the bit lift in the right side of his mouth.

A curb bit creates leverage pressure. It applies pressure to the poll, the back of the jaw, and the bars of the mouth.  A curb has seperate attachments for the headstall and reins usually seperated by the mouth piece. The headstall will attach above the mouth piece and the reins below. A curb can have a jointed mouth piece or ported mouth piece. A curb does not allow you to pull one rein and turn in that direction, and should only be used on horses that neck rein or work off seat and leg aids.

Bits come in different forms of severity. A jointed mouth piece is less severe than a ported one. A curb by nature is more severe than a snaffle. Severity of a curb is measured by two factors the mouth piece, and the length of the shank (the piece of metal dropping from the mouth piece to the rein attachment link). The longer the shank the more severe the bit is. If the shank has curves or an (s) design in it, that reduces the severity of the bit slightly. If you are using a curb bit, it is best to use one less than 3″(inches) in length.

When training your horse if they are not responding to the current bit, rather than moving to a more severe bit evaluate the training process and technique and look for any signs of discomfort in your horse.

The ultimate goal of all Horsemen and Women should be to ride bridleless and have a happy, willing, partner who responds to the lightest of touches.

Your horse can feel a fly on his back, how soft are your aids?

by: Lydia Bagley

Contact Lydia Bagley at LydiaBagley@myhorseforsale.com

In to previous articles I started a discussion of coat color genetics in horses. Previously we have talked about base colors bay, chestnut, and Black, and the champagne, and cream dilutions. In todays article I will look at grey, pearl, and silver dilutions in horse coat color.

Lets take a look at Grey coat color in Horses.

The Grey gene in horses is a dominant gene, only one allele for grey is necessary for the horse to grey with age. Grey horses can be born any color, and will gradually grey over time. This is most commonly seen in the Lippizaner breed. They are born bay or black and will be almost completely white by the age of 10. Greying in horses is usually first noticed around the eyes and nose, foals that will turn grey later in life, will usually exhibit greying of the face when they shed the foal coat.

They Grey Horses Genotype looks like this: N/G or G/G
Horses with N/G will be grey and have a 50% chance of producing grey offspring.
Horses with GG will be grey and will produce grey offspring.

Pearl Dilutions

The Pearl dilution has been found in horses of Spanish decent (Andalusians, Lusitano’s, Quarter Horses, and Paints) The Quarter Horse and Paint Horse trace their genetics back to the Spanish breed and it is thought, that this is where they received the gene for Pearl Dilution.

The Pearl dilution is a rare and recessive dilution that requires both recessive alleles for the color to be expressed. When expressed on a chestnut horse the body is a pale gold color with matching mane and tail. The eyes will be blue/green in color. One allele on bay or black base color does not produce a color change in the body color. Genotype letters used for this dilute are Prl.

Silver Dilutions

The Silver Dilution in horses is a dominant trait that effects black based horses. This dilution will on be seen in Bays, and Blacks, but it has no effect on Chestnut horses. This dilution is commonly seen in Morgan’s, Rocky Mountain horses, Shetland’s, Icelandics, and other related breeds.
A Bay horse receiving one or two copies of the gene (Z) will have a flaxen mane and tail, the black points on the legs lightened.
A Black horse receiving one or two copies of the gene (Z) will be chocolate with a flaxen mane and tail.

Horses come in a wide variety of colors, In these articles I have only discussed base colors and base color dilutions. Paints, Appaloosa, POA’s, and many other breeds have unique genetics that allow for their colorful markings. Join me again for a discussion of color patterns in horses.

To Find out your Horses Genotype and projected foal color use the Animal Genetics Calculator

References:

UC Davis

Morgan Colors

Terminology

Homozygous means that two alleles are present for the same gene, example EE ( presence of two dominant alleles).
Heterozygous means that of the two alleles present one is dominant (E) and one recessive (e).
Dominant alleles will allow a genotype to be physically expressed in the phenotype (what the horse looks like).

MOSCOW, Idaho— The equine racing year has come to an end, and the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to recognize individuals who experience success racing their Breed of Choice…the Appaloosa! The association annually honors owners, breeders and trainers for their accomplishments with the fastest color breed on the tracks.

Please join us in congratulating the following individuals who were honored in 2009:

· Dr. John White of Fort Collins, Colo., the leading owner based on the number of wins earned by Appaloosas he owns. Over the course of the year, Dr. White’s racing Appaloosas won more than $24,000!

· Bosen Land & Livestock of Preston, Idaho, the leading breeder based on the number wins throughout the year. Bosen Land & Livestock were responsible for breeding Appaloosas who won more than $7,000 at the track.

· Angie Jones of Stuart, Okla., the leading racing trainer based on the number of wins her program claimed. Appaloosas trained by Angie earned more than $25,000 in 2009.

For a complete list of the top ten leading owners, trainers and breeders of Appaloosa racehorses, please visit www.appaloosa.com.

The ApHC would like to thank everyone involved in the Appalosoa racing community that are working to make the Appaloosa the most colorful breed to dominate the racetracks throughout the United States!

The 2010 Appaloosa racing season is right around the corner, so all those in the racing community must submit your $10 annual starter’s fee for each Appaloosa, payable by the horse’s first official start.

Appaloosa Racing

Appaloosas have long been an integral part of one of America’s most popular spectator sports—horse racing. The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) officially recognized the sport in 1962, beginning Appaloosa racing history with four races and 23 starters competing for $12,000 in purse money. In 2008, 186 Appaloosas competed in 399 races for $3.1 million in total purses.

Racing fans can find Appaloosas crossing the finish line in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

For more information on Appaloosa racing, contact Racing Coordinator Alexcia Livingstone at (208) 882-5578 ext. 244 or racing@appaloosa.com.

It’s not too late to get the perfect stocking stuffer…

The books of the Morgan Horse series have been repeatedly praised for their
realistic portrayals of the horse world while at the same time, offering
action-packed adventures.  Just this month, Bob Howdy of The Exchange claimed,
“If you have kids who love horses you could do no better than familiarize them
with this series,” while Crystal Reviews declared the latest novel, Rimfire,
“Terrific, even better than the last book!”

Visit Willow Bend Publishing (www.willowbendpublishing.com) for more information.

MOSCOW, Idaho— The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to announce the induction of five pillars of the Appaloosa community into the Hall of Fame: Victoria Ennis of Kingston, Okla., former ApHC Director Ward Fenton of Worden, Mont. and Karen Grimm of Minden, Nev., as well as Appaloosa stallion Maid’s Dream, owned by Dal Porto Ranch in Brentwood, Calif.

Victoria Ennis was inducted for making her mark in the Appaloosa industry, though racing was her specialty. After becoming a member in 1985, Victoria cultivated a breeding program that produced fine Appaloosas. Merry Weedo, an Appaloosa mare inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998, was Victoria’s first foray into the Appaloosa world. Victoria went on to own many horses, and some of the industry’s most famous names could be found at Texoma Appaloosas in Kingston, Okla., including racing stallions I Love Willie and Mr Spotted Bull. It is with great pride that the ApHC inducts Victoria into the Hall of Fame after her passing earlier this year.

Ward Fenton was a prime candidate for the Hall of Fame after his nearly 50 years of dedication to the Appaloosa breed. Ward became an active ApHC member in 1964 as an Appaloosa breeder, show participant and judge. In 1977, Ward was elected to the ApHC Board of Directors, and he served on the racing, regional, rules and youth committees. The ApHC is proud to induct Ward, who is often described as “an accomplished horseman and influential breeder,” into the Hall of Fame.

Karen Grimm has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for her unwavering commitment to the Appaloosa breed during the past 25 years. Over the years, Karen’s breeding program produced numerous National and World Champions as well as many medallion winners including recent success Mr. Big Bucks. Karen has also experienced success in the show ring as a non-pro exhibitor, amassing nearly 550 non-pro points in her lifetime. She made it possible for others to enjoy their Appaloosa by hosting two regional shows, including the Hump-day Classic and the Nevada Color Classic. Karen’s contributions make her a worthy inductee into the ApHC Hall of Fame.

Maid’s Dream (Dreamfinder x Wapiti’s Maid) is one of two Appaloosas to be inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2009. Maid’s Dream has sired more than 300 foals, including many National and World Champions, more than 100 Register of Merit winners, 21 Bronze Medallion winners, over 20 Superior Halter title earners and more. Maid’s Dream is a superior example of the breed!

Candidates are nominated for Hall of Fame induction by ApHC membership for having a favorable impact in the Appaloosa industry at a regional or national level. Nominees are voted on by the ApHC Board of Directors. Inductees are honored with an engraved plaque featuring the inductee’s photograph and brief biography on display at the Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center; they will be recognized June 27 at the Open/Non-Pro 2009 Year-End Banquet held in conjunction with the 63rd National Appaloosa Show & 2010 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson, Miss., June 21-July 3. For additional information and tickets, please call the ApHC at 208-882-5578.

To learn more about the ApHC Hall of Fame, visit www.appaloosa.com.

Last week I began a series on Coat Color Genetics in Horses. In the previous article I discussed the Agouti Gene and the Extension Gene. These two genes control the base color. Today I am going to look at the Creme dilution and the Champagne dilution on the base colors.

Creme Dilutions

The Creme dilution has 2 alleles CCR and C. This gene creates palomino, buckskin, smokey black, cremello, perlino, and other smoky creme colors. The allele C is recessive and does not dilute the base color. Only horses receiving the CCR will show diluted color. Recessive carriers can produce dilute foals.

Chestnut horses receiving the CCR copy of this dilute gene will be palomino, if the horse carries two copies of CCR (or alleles) for the creme gene they will be cremello.

Bay horses receiving receiving the CCR copy of the creme gene will be buckskin or dun(depending on the agouti gene). Bay horses receiving 2 copies of the creme gene will be perlino.

Black or Brown horses receiving the CCR copy of the creme gene will be smokey black or another smokey color.

Champagne Dilutions

The Champagne gene (Ch) is a dominant gene that affects the hair color and dilutes red (chestnut/sorrel) to gold and bay to tan with brown points. This dilute on red is often mistaken for palomino.

Horses showing this phenotype (what the horse looks like) will have pink to lavender skin tone, that can become speckled with age that will be noticed around the eyes, muzzle, and tail. Horses with this genotype will also have blue/green eyes darkening to amber as they age. This dilution is inherited independently of other color genes, although it is thought to be related to Solute Carrier 36A1 family.

For horses showing one copy of the Ch gene, they are expected to have the following phenotype red to gold with flaxen mane and tail, bay to tan with brown points, and black to a darker tan with brown points.

Horses who receive to copies of the Ch dilute gene are expected to show the double dilute in color often resembling perlino and cremello in color.

In the next article I will look at the grey, pearl, and silver gene in horses and the color variations that come with the those genes.