Boulder County Horse Association

Deadline for comments on regional mountain trails

suzanne — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:12:13 +0000

OK, folks -- we have through Monday May 20 to submit suggestions about what we'd like to see in a regional trail network that connects western Boulder County's mountain and foothills communities. Local, state and federal land management agencies are working on a planning effort for possible future links to existing trails systems. Come on, equestrians! Let's make our voices heard :) To submit comments, visit www.regionalmountaintrails.com. Continue reading →

OSMP and BCPOS Trails have reopened after the Mud

suzanne — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:38:40 +0000

To our knowledge all trails at Heil Valley Ranch and South Boulder Open Space have been reopened since the amazing wet spring made a muddy mess. Enjoy it out there, and happy trails! Continue reading →

Walker Ranch Management Plan Meeting May 7

suzanne — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:39:36 +0000

The Walker Ranch Management Plan meeting is this Tuesday, May 7. Public comment will be taken until May 15.
Please plan on attending the meeting described below, or contacting Boulder County Open Space via email or phone.
Horse user group needs: - Trailer Parking - Trails: Keep all trails, old fire roads, and off-trail use open to equestrians - Trail Fixes: Did you know that a horse died a couple of years ago on a Walker Ranch trail called "The Wall"? After that Open Space closed the trail to horses, so the County closed the trail to horses and we can no longer complete the loop at Walker Ranch. Please ask Open Space to fix this trail and make it safe for everyone so all users can enjoy the entire loop at Walker Ranch. - Regional trail connections: new trails here could take us to the Aqueduct, to Gross Reservoir/Winiger Ridge, and Chapman Drive/Flagstaff area. Hey, think big!
May 7, 6 PM Boulder County Clerk and Recorders’ Office Houston Room 1750 33rd Street, Boulder
Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department will host a public meeting to review the Proposed Management Plan for Walker Ranch. Parks and Open Space will present a draft Management Plan for Walker Ranch. This will be the first opportunity to comment on the proposed Management Plan. The public meeting will consist of a presentation and Q&A period.
The draft Management Plan is a result of staff work following the public open house and alternatives meeting. Questions and comments will be accepted and discussed at this meeting. The staff will continue to accept comments during the public comment period and any necessary revisions will be made before the proposed plan is submitted to the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee and the Boulder County Commissioners.
The draft plan proposes new trail connections, a family-oriented nature-play feature, protections for vital resource areas, and many other details for the management of Walker Ranch.
For more information about the Walker Ranch Management Plan Update or to submit comments online, go to: www.BoulderCountyOpenSpace.org/walker or contact Jesse Rounds, Resource Planner, 303-678-6271.
Thank you!!
Continue reading →

A note from Jack

suzanne — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:59:16 +0000

To: BCHA From: Jack Gathright
Dear BCHA,
Thank you for the BCHA Achievement Award. I am honored to be included in a group that cares for, celebrates and defends the horse. I could not hope for a better bunch of pals.
Jack Gathright

Continue reading →

Regional Mountain Trails Master Plan Initiative… Next meetings: Longmont May 1, Gold Hill May 2, Allenspark May 7, Ward May 8

suzanne — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:45:01 +0000

What: Public Land Managers in Boulder County Kick Off Regional Mountain Trails Master Plan Initiative
When: Meetings scheduled throughout the county, see below

Want horse trails? trailer parking? regional connections? speak up now!

Local, state, and federal land-management agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Boulder County, City of Boulder, and City of Longmont, are partnering to connect communities and recreation areas in the mountains and foothills to regional trails in the plains. The plan will emphasize linking existing trails and trail systems.
“We are excited to collaborate with the community and our fellow land managers on this plan for trails that will direct our work as individual organizations with a common goal for trails,” said Justin Atherton-Wood, Resource Planner for Boulder County Parks and Open Space. “This plan will be drafted in a manner that is sensitive to the resources and values unique to this part of the region, and one that contributes to a more sustainable future for Boulder County.”

To help define the many unique opportunities and challenges of this effort, the partners are initiating a period of public outreach this spring to gather comments on the community’s needs, expectations, and concerns with the project. It is anticipated that this initial phase will result in a set of principles and community values that will guide the remainder of this year-long planning process.

Meetings will be held from mid-April to mid-May at 11 locations throughout the county.

Join us for one of the kick-off meetings listed below to learn more about the project and provide your input and ideas for connecting our communities through a network of trails.

Boulder April 18

Boulder County Courthouse
Commissioners’ Hearing Room 3rd Floor
1325 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Coal Creek Canyon April 23

Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
31528 Colorado 72, Golden, CO 80403
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Lyons April 24

Lyons Town Hall 432 5th Avenue, Lyons, CO 80540
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Nederland April 25

Community Center
750 HWY 72 North, Nederland, CO 80466
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Southeast County April 29

Louisville Public Library
951 Spruce St, Louisville, CO 80027
Map & Directions
6pm – 7:30pm

Jamestown April 30

Jamestown Town Hall
118 Main Street, Jamestown, CO 80455
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Longmont May 1

Longmont Public Library Room B
409 4th Ave, Longmont, CO 80501
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Gold Hill May 2

Fire Barn
1011 Main St, Gold Hill, CO 80302
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Allenspark May 7

Fire StationCO 80510
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Ward May 8

Post Office
1 Columbia Street, Ward, CO 80481
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

Eldorado Springs May 9

Elorado Canyon State Park Visitor CenterEldorado Springs Drive, Golden, CO 80403
Map & Directions
6:30pm – 8pm

For more information and to sign up for email notifications about this project, go to www.RegionalMountainTrails.com or contact Garry Sanfacon, Public Outreach Coordinator, at 720-564-2642 or gsanfacon@bouldercounty.org.

First Annual BCHA Horse Fair and Annual Meeting Was A Huge Success!

suzanne — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:56:14 +0000

Does BCHA know how to throw a party or what???
Thanks to everyone -- organizers, vendors, volunteers, members, members of the public, support crews, sheriffs' horses and mini-donkeys, and even the weather gods -- the First Annual BCHA Horse Fair and Annual Meeting on Sunday April 21 was successful beyond any of our wildest imaginings.
In a magical one-day sunshiny break between large spring snowstorms, more than 30 exhibitors arrived and set up their very attractive booths quickly and efficiently, with a lot of fun banter and exchange of pleasantries. The doors opened to the eager public at noon, and a steady stream of folks (and dogs) browsed and shopped the wide-ranging collection of horse-related exhibits, including hoof boots and feed, rescue services and equine therapy, art and summer camps, tack and hats, jewelry and rocking horses.
Our three educational speakers -- Jen Duffy, Sarah Metlock, and Sara Spensieri -- were informative and inspiring. Many people asked that their power point presentations be posted on our website so the material could be captured and/or distributed far and wide (stay tuned, folks, we're working on it!).
The 42nd Annual Meeting of BCHA took place at the end of the day. More than two dozen members participated in a brainstorming session about upcoming organizational and political needs, and on what they would like to see BCHA do in the next few years, and a few brave souls even volunteered to help do those things. We also elected the next Board of Directors: Dirk Arnold, Heidi Grimditch, Pat Holgate, Linda Parks, Jill Talbot, Diana Thompson, and Suzanne Webel.
Finally, we presented the annual "BCHA Achievement Awards," which go to a special person or people who have gone far beyond the call of duty in supporting the horse community of Boulder County. This year we presented these awards to two very deserving recipients:
... to Jack Gathright for his many years of loyal service to BCHA and the horse community including being the patient and cheerful announcer at a million Fun Shows, for organizing the Mounted Search and Rescue group, and for teaching GPS skills to several generations of horse people (among other things); and
... to Jill Talbot, one of the founders of BCHA, early trail builders, past president, networker par excellence, retailer, and occasional gadfly, who recently "came back" to the Board to help revitalize the organization -- and who, as Horse Fair Chair, just pulled off a spectacular event.
We'd like to acknowledge the following volunteers and Board members for making the 2013 BCHA Horse Fair & Annual Meeting a resounding success:
Thanks to the 2013 Board of Directors: Heidi Grimditch, Linda Parks, Pat Holgate, Diana Thompson, Dirk Arnold, Jill Talbot (and stalwart friend and adviser Lee Buxton).
A special thanks to our amazing Horse Fair Volunteer Committee: Mary Cook, Dave & Peg Fletcher, Cathy Bender, Julie Matter, Laura Edwards & friends, Ellen & Olivia Seagraves, Meg Daniels, Jane Young, and Freddi Zitter-Smith
And thanks to all the Vendors and Fairgrounds staff for your support and for keeping your sense of humor.
We were successful in getting some new members and getting some previous members to renew. The Fair was successful in showcasing the breadth of enterprises in the horse community of Boulder County; as well as in encouraging a lively exchange of information, networking, and new connections. And we even raised a little money to help BCHA fulfill its mission.
Again, one more big round of applause for Jill Talbot, whose vision and energy made this event such a success.
We look forward to seeing all of you -- as well as many of you who missed out this time -- at the NEXT BCHA Horse Fair!
Suzanne Webel, BCHA President
Continue reading →

Rabies Positive Horse in NE Colorado

suzanne — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:23:40 +0000

A horse near Peetz, CO has been diagnosed as being positive for rabies by CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The horse had been exhibiting neurological clinical signs, the attending veterinarian suspected rabies, euthanized the horse, and submitted samples for testing.
There has been a significant increase in the incidence of rabies over the last five years in Colorado. This rabies-positive equine case points out the need to consider rabies as a possible etiology in all neurological cases. The predominant terrestrial animal which acts as a vector for rabies is the skunk but other wildlife species that can carry and transmit the rabies virus are bats, raccoons, and foxes. There are many excellent rabies resources and rabid animal data on the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's webpage at: http://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/rabies
Colorado Department of Agriculture Field Veterinarian, Dr. Ken Neuens, stresses to veterinarians, "using personal protection during the physical exam of horses is really important, especially around the mouth. With EHV-1 and rabies fairly common now, and with drought conditions making poisonous plant ingestion more likely down the road, keep a wide differential list when called to any neuro case in any species, but protect yourselves as if every case was rabies. Initially rabid horses can exhibit clinical signs of colic so an open mind and good client communication is important on the initial exam."
This recent case of rabies in a horse highlights the importance to inform and recommend that owners not only vaccinate their dogs and cats but also other animals that could be exposed to wildlife that carry and transmit the rabies virus. This includes horses, small ruminants, llamas, alpacas, petting zoo animals, and possibly other valuable livestock. Many rabies cases that involve livestock results in numerous people having to take post exposure prophylaxis; this is also true in this latest rabies-positive horse. Considering the current incidence of wildlife rabies, the lethal outcome of the disease, and the cost and liability when people have been exposed to a possibly rabid animal, the benefits of vaccinating animals for rabies certainly outweigh other potential reasons for not vaccinating for rabies.
The Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2011 recommends that "All horses should be vaccinated against rabies. Livestock, including species for which licensed vaccines are not available, that have frequent contact with humans (e.g., in petting zoos, fairs, and other public exhibitions) should be vaccinated against rabies. Consideration should also be given to vaccinating livestock that are particularly valuable." The Compendium also has a listing of approved vaccines for the different species and a recommended vaccination schedule, available at http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/RabiesCompendium.pdf
For those species of animals in which there are no licensed vaccines, consult with practicing veterinarians or university veterinarians who have had experience in those particular species. Concerning the rabies vaccination of camelids, CSU Veterinary Extension has a fact sheet that addresses vaccine and appropriate dose; it can be found at this link: http://veterinaryextension.colostate.edu/menu2/camelids/2010 Rabies Poster CSU VTH.pdf
Dr. Mary Smith at Cornell University recommends using IMRAB Large Animal at 2cc per head in species for which there is no licensed or labeled rabies vaccine because it is a killed product that is licensed and labeled for more large animal species than other rabies vaccines. Continue reading →

This Sunday, April 21 — It’s the BCHA Horse Fair!

suzanne — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:43:46 +0000

Well, maybe not this one (a famous oil painting of that name by Rosa Bonheur, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City)... But definitely this one (the BCHA Horse Fair, an extravaganza of everything horse right here in Boulder County!)

Are you looking for something to buy, something to learn, have questions about horses, or maybe just curious? Y'all come, and bring a friend!

Want to learn what BCHA has been doing on your behalf, provide input, and help guide the organization this year? Please come to the Annual Meeting.

Whatever your interest, save the date and plan to attend the BCHA event of the year!

This is a member benefit -- it's free! (you can join on the spot and save $)

Continue reading →

Speaker Profiles for Horse Fair Seminars

suzanne — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:47:15 +0000

Plan on attending one of these great presentations at the BCHA Horse Fair and Annual Meeting, April 21 from 12-6 PM. Annual Meeting follows the Fair.

Horse Buying 101: Learn Before You Buy
1 – 2:00 PM
Speaker: Jen Duffy

Jen Duffy grew up in Virginia’s horse country. Most of her early education and riding basics came from the United States Pony Club. In college she worked for a small show barn traveling the A circuit and when there was room in the trailer she would bring her young off the track project along. After graduating with a degree in Biology and Biology Education Jen moved to Colorado and began her teaching career while continuing to compete as an Amateur. In 1999, she decided to follow her true passion and started a small farm specializing mainly in buying and selling horses (especially the off the track thoroughbreds).

In 2003, Jen joined forces with her neighbor Jill Pelzel, owner of Fall River Farm. Together they offer an all-inclusive Hunter-Jumper Equitation facility, coaching riders at all levels from beginning riding to A show competition. Additionally, they have built a very successful sales barn and are well known for their honesty and integrity. Their website is coloradohorsesales.com

Topics will include:
Purchasing a Horse (brief outline), How to get help, Finding a trainer, Leasing a horse first, Know the Costs and Set Goals, Green horse vs. trained and older horse, Set a budget, then look for horses in that budget!, Internet search, Use your trainer’s contacts, Questions to ask, Pre-Purchase vet check, Work with your vet, Negotiating the price, Commissions, Brand inspections and legal paper work

Hey Hay! Learn how to buy quality hay and how to supplement it with alternatives
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Speaker: Sarah Metlock

Sarah Matlock is currently a lab instructor in Colorado State University’s Equine Science Program. She has a B.S. in Science in Equine Science and is currently working towards a Masters of Agriculture in Equine Leadership. Her research is focused on nutrition and education. Sarah also manages the feed store at Jax Mercantile in Loveland, Colo. She works hand-in-hand with customers to meet the nutritional needs of a variety of animals. Sarah is excited to share a wealth of information regarding economical feeding strategies despite the impending drought.

Plan Ahead: Emergency evacuation planning and resources
4 – 5 PM
Speaker: Sara Spensieri

Sara has been an Animal Control Specialist with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years. She has previous experience as a Humane Society worker, Division of Wildlife Volunteer and an intern with the Denver Zoo. She has a B.S. in Zoology and has taken many classes in animal welfare and animal rescue. Topics will include:

How animal control is involved in emergencies: initial evacuations, first responder jobs, Emergency Operations Center, then secondary animal evacuations and recovery.

How to prepare your herd ahead of time for emergencies: handling, shelter in place supplies, evacuation kit.

How to call for help with animal evacuations.

How you can help with animal emergencies.

How to recover from an incident.

Announcing the BATCO Photo Contest!

suzanne — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:52:21 +0000

Greetings Boulder County Horse Association, On behalf of the Boulder Area Trails Coalition (BATCO), I want to invite you to take part in a photo contest that our group is running. We are a 501(c) 3 organization that supports the creation and maintenance of multi-use trails throughout Boulder County. We are working on the next version of our popular Trails & Recreation Map of Boulder County. As part of this effort, we are holding a photo contest for photos that will be included on the reverse side of the map and first prize is a $100 gift certificate to local outdoors merchant. We would love to see pictures of people partaking in all of the different activities that are afforded by our great trail system: hiking, running, horseback riding, biking, walking your dog, nature and bird watching, cross country skiing, etc. The deadline for photo submissions is May 5. Get all of the details at: http://t.co/49g9EhekpQ And, if you are so inclined, please signup for our organization's newsletter at http://www.bouldertrails.org. See you on the trails, David Blankinship President Boulder Area Trails Coalition president@bouldertrails.org http://www.bouldertrails.org Continue reading →