January 2003- Progress in EPM, West Nile Virus: Be Prepared; Horse Racing; What’s It All About. Look for us at the Sun City Circuit in Scottsdale,Az and Denver Stock Show, Denver, CO

February 2003 - Stallion Issue, Look for us at the Scottscale Arabian Show. Plus Care of the Broodmare in Early Pregnancy 

March 2003- Look for us at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, Denver. Plus Saddles: Custom or Off-the-Rack

April 2003- Helping a Foal Nurse; Packing Your Horse: Gearing Up For The Trip

May 2003- Kids Camp Issue - featuring horseback riding camps from all over the southwest. Watch for us at the The New Mexico Horse Fair, Albuquerque, NM

June 2003- City Slickers: Dude Ranches in the Southwest

August 2003: Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, CO

October 2003: New Mexico State Fair • IAHA Arabian Nationals

June 2003
On the cover: On the cover: “Homage to da Vinci” bronze 36” high by Star Liana York Manitou Gallery Santa Fe, NM Exposures Gallery Sedona, AZ see current issue for more information on York’s sculpture and Quarter Horse ranch near Abiquiu, NM	Table Of Contents Equine Art: The Power of the Horse in Life and Art by Yvonne Lewiecki............... 6 Guest and Dude Ranches in the Southwest Part Two ..... 8 Horse and Rider: Laying the Groundwork for that First Ride by Christina Fleming................. 10 Just My Opinion by John “Flint” Martin............. 11 Focus on Mules by Sophia Sarember............ 13 Business Profile: Olsen’s Grain by Starla Nicovich................ 14 Around Arizona: Return to Scottsdale by Marcy Kaminski........... 39 Telling It Like it Is with J.P. Giacomini............... 44
Equine Art: The Power of the Horse in Life and Art You could say that art is my vocation, while horses and breeding are my avocation,” said Star Liana York, world-renowned bronze sculptor and owner of Pair O’ Dice Quarter Horse Ranch near Abiquiu, NM. York is best known in the art world for her exquisite bronze sculptures depicting equines inspired by prehistoric cave paintings, Native peoples, and events throughout her life and onher ranch. A Lifelong Passion York has been involved with horses from the time she purchased her first horse as a high school student for $250. Since then, she has been intrigued by the fluidity of line and mass of horse anatomy, as well as the bond that can be achieved between horse and rider. York moved to the Southwest from her home in Maryland, lured by the diversity of land and people in this enchanted territory. This move brought her to a place where she could explore unfamiliar paths in her art and her life. She is constantly studying the living art on her ranch – her horses – as she prepares for work on a new sculpture in her studio. One of her most recognizable figures is the life size equine she created for use in The Trail of Painted Ponies public art project. Her pony, entitled “Georgia On My Mind,” was inspired by some of Georgia O’Keefe’s most memorable images, many of which were reflections of O’Keefe’s home in Abiquiu. For York, finding a way to combine her time with horses with her art is the key to living the passionate life she transfers to her extraordinary sculptures. In the beginning of her career, York put herself through college by boarding and training horses, but for many years after that she had to put her love of equines on hold while focusing on her career. When York found the ranch near Abiquiu nearly ten years ago, she was ready to enjoy the riding opportunities on and around the 40-acre northern New Mexico property. Raising Safe, Willing Partners As quarter horse breeders, York and husband Jeff Brock have experienced firsthand the wonder and beauty of a newborn foal. “We use a gentling method with all of our babies right from the start,” she said. “We rarely use bits. We only use halters to achieve the type of response that we want,” said York, who played polocrosse using only a nose band or cavesson. “Our pressure and release training method is what we feel we have to do to have a safe, willing partner,” added York, explaining that with the right relationship a horse can really become an extension of ourselves.  In the bronze that graces our cover this month, York sought to pay respect to the master artist as well as the horse. Her extensive studies of Leonardo da Vinci’s equines and humans in battle was an inspiration for the piece that helped York continue to push new boundaries in her sculpture. “I’ve sculpted so many mares and this has been the first stallion that I have done,” said York. Like so much of da Vinci’s work, her 2003 sculpture focuses on the male power. “It has a whole different energy than most of the horses I sculpt,” she added. Today, her presence in the Southwest art community is strong. She has sculptures in galleries in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and California, including Exposures in Sedona, AZ, Manitou Gallery in Santa Fe, NM, Blue Rain Gallery in Taos, NM, and Beaver Creek Fine Arts in Colorado. Horses As Teachers Having horses in her life has provided York with many lessons. “What I’ve learned from my horses has helped me in my human relationships,” explains York, who praises the programs offered by organizations like Challenge New Mexico’s therapeutic riding programs. “Horses have such an incredible sensitivity through non-verbal communication that I think it’s really helpful for human beings on many levels to experience that,” said York, referring to the riding programs that benefit emotionally and physically challenged individuals. No longer playing polocrosse competitively, York finds that most of her riding is on the trail, thus allowing for her full-time sculpting career and additional time to deliver new foals, and train the younger horses. “I think that people are get-ting to a place in their lives where they want to enjoy their horses with a companionship and partnership that has become more apparent in the last decade,” explained York. “Thanks to people like Ray Hunt, we are learning that you don’t have to be in a confrontational relationship with your horse to accomplish things with your horse.” Just as she continues to push her sculpture to new heights, York’s selective breeding program and gentle training will help shape the future of three new foals she’ll have on the ground this spring.  Yvonne Lewieck
Horse and Rider: Laying the Groundwork for that First Ride by Christina Fleming Spring is here! Traditionally, this is the time of year many horse owners send their youngsters off to a trainer to be started under saddle. Some decide to undertake this task themselves. Either way you do it, choose your training method carefully! I see too many horses that are “saddle broke” yet have no trust relationship established with the handler. Many are also missing basic skills that will eventually prevent them from progressing further in their training. These are some of the same horses that use every chance they get to cheat and get out of work! They are also far more likely to hurt the rider by running away, spooking or disobeying, as they have no established positive reason to please. Some owners preparing to train a horse might find it helpful to look at the process I use when I start a horse under saddle. Everybody’s process is a bit different, but building a foundation isn’t something that should be skipped by any trainer. Likewise, if you have a horse that is already riding but seems to have gaps in his training, use the information to discover what pieces are missing. Then go back and re-school in the areas that are deficient. You’ll be amazed at the difference a relationship and a good foundation make in your horse’s overall willingness to work. Preparing for the First Ride My first ride on a young horse being started under saddle doesn’t happen until all the following are in place: 1. Nearly perfect ground manners. This includes a square stop 100 percent of the time while being led. A yielding of the head, obedient transitions on a lead (except lope) and a “whoa” that lasts until the next command is given. This also includes yielding willingly topressure anywhere on the body. 2. A consistent willingness to please while free lunging including nice transitions at all gaits, impeccable whoa and an over-all “safe” way of moving and behaving. This includes an understanding of basic voice commands. 3. An acceptance of a western saddle with a snug back cinch in all gaits while free lunging (regardless of the discipline you plan to do with the finished horse). 4. An acceptance and understanding ofthe bridle and bosal/bit you intend to use. 5. An overall work ethic. To some, this may seem like a lot to learn prior to being ridden. It is my opinion that this is the minimal amount of schooling a horse needs in order to set him up for success at the first ride rather than have him surprised or unprepared for the next step. Horses that are not prepared for the ride are far more likely to buck, exhibit fear, pain and confusion. In fact, I haven’t had a horse buck, kick, act fearful or attempt any contrary behavior at the first ride when they were prepared properly in advance. I also believe that later in their riding career a horse often reverts to his first experience under saddle for setting the tone for his reaction to stress. Clients have told me over and over again that the horses I start for them do not spook or over-react when stressed. They are more apt to wait for the next command, looking to the rider for support and guidance. This is the sign of a confident horse, one who looks to the rider for “what’s next”. Horse’s that anticipate or attempt to “guess” can be dangerous, as they are often drawn back to herd behavior. Herd behavior can include running off or looking at another horse’s reaction to gage their own. Mounting I typically spend several days putting a foot and weight in the stirrup as part of a daily work routine. I like the horses head turned a bit toward me so I can see his eyes and he can see mine. I always remind him to “whoa” with a verbal command when I put my foot in and when I sit down on the saddle. I may stand up on one stirrup and step back on the ground several times. I may get on with the first step. It really depends on the horse, the look in his eye and my gut feeling of how far to push that ability to gage the horse’s level of comfort at that moment. This is an ability that comes with time, if it comes at all. If you are unsure of your own ability, you are better getting a professional to do the work for you. An intelligent person knows when to ask for help… only a fool believes he knows it all! To me, the mounting/dismounting is the most important part of the first ride. Those of you blessed with long legs know that they real-ly come in handy during this part of the training! I use my long legs to move through the process in slow motion, praising the colt and reminding him of what I expect with a verbal “whoa”. Mounting blocks, jumping up, or using a fence to get on make a challenging lesson even more difficult. They are best left for a later date. I also stress that this is the time to mount/dismount on both sides. It prepares the horse for movement and weight shifting on either side… something that occurs regularly while riding. Typically, I will mount and dismount several times before actually settling into the saddle for the first steps. In the Saddle Once on, I praise the horse and adjust my saddle, still reminding him that the command is “whoa”. A horse that walks off while mounting is not safe. If your horse is not standing still at this point, you need to spend more time teaching the “whoa” on the ground, making sure you have offered plenty of praise when it is done properly. “Whoa” should always be a safe place – your horse needs to believe in that – and you. Once the saddle is settled, I ask for my first few steps. I usually use a voice command and very little leg. If the horse is reluctant to move forward, try asking again while using a rein to one side and the leg on the same side moving the hindquarters over. Most colts will worry about balance a bit and take a step to one side. When that step is taken PRAISE the colt verbally and again ask for “whoa”. Build on this process adding a step or two at a time. Remember, each horse is an individual. Many will walk right off like they’ve been saddled for years. Others will be very timid about the first few steps. Take the time that your horse needs… you’ll be glad in the long run as it builds self confidence in the horse and increases his confidence in you. If you ask for too much too soon, or punish a horse for showing fear/pain, you set him up for failure as well as teaching him that honesty results in being punished. You want your horse to be honest! A Few Pointers 1. Don’t rush! 2. During groundwork I always teach the horse that slow, rhythmic clucking means “move”. When I ask for the first step, my clucking really helps the horse know what I want. It also provides mental “familiarity” which seems to make a new task easier and less stressful. 3. Move at the horse’s own pace. Some horses will get through all the groundwork, saddling and the first ride in one week. Others may take three weeks or more. It’s okay to treat horses as individuals. If you do, you’re more apt to end up with a sane, self-confident mount that trusts the rider. 4. Get help if you need it. It’s simply not worth getting hurt! All the training and knowledge in the world doesn’t guarantee a horse’s safety – or yours! HT Christina Fleming is a lifelong horsewoman currently living in Cerrillos, NM. She trains, gives lessons and offers clinics on a variety of subjects. She has a BS in Biology and is a certified instructor, judge and guide. You can visit her website at www.newmexicohorsetrainer.com or send her an E-mail at NMVaquera@aol.com.

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