Keeping Washington Trails Open” February 2018

Renew your membership!!

CALENDAR

McKinley Peters Vet Seminar

February 3

Spokane Valley

February 6

Monthly Membership Meeting

INB Building, 6:30 pm

February 17

Survival Skills Seminar

INB Building

9:30 am to 3:00 pm

February 19

Legislative Day

Olympia WA

March 6

Monthly Membership Meeting

INB Building, 6:30 pm

March 16-18

Rendezvous

Ellensburg, WA

WINTER ACTIVITIES

By Ken Carmichael

First let it be said that I am a fair weather rider. When the snow, and ice, hit I have Nolan Tobler pull the

horseshoes and I go inside. I do not ride on ice.

Now this opens ups a lot of opportunities for those winter months. This came to mind today as I have been oiling

a saddle. This is a winter ritual I do with each saddle. Since it is a multiple day job it is not one I want to be

doing during the good riding months. For each saddle on day one I take the saddle totally apart and wash it,

day two I leave it alone, day three I oil it, day four I oil it again and on day five I put it back together. Then I start

on the next saddle.

Of course it is nice to see a clean saddle until the first muddy ride in the spring. Also by doing this the saddle

will outlive me by decades. Another reason for doing this, and doing it in the winter, is that I am checking for

problems. If the saddle needs repair I do not want to land on the group because of a bad cinch or have the

saddle in the shop during prime riding weather.

Other winter activities: Even without riding the winter can be a busy time in BCH. Here are a few of them:

Chapter planning meeting was held January 13

BCHW Leadership Training was held January 20

PBCH rope braiding seminar on January 27

McKinlay and Peters Veterinary education day February 3

PBCH Membership Meeting February 6

PBCH Survival Seminar February 17

BCHW Legislative Day in Olympia February 19

PBCH Membership Meeting March 6

4-H Tack Sale March 10

BCHW Rendezvous March 16-19

If that does not keep you busy then clean the house, do your income tax and watch the Super Bowl. If all else

fails call me, there are many volunteer opportunities in Ponderosa BCH where we have additional fun.

Image from Saddlemulenews.com

BCHW LEADERSHIP TRAINING

By Ken Carmichael

On Saturday, January 20 BCHW held the annual Leadership Training in Ellensburg. This is the

opportunity for all BCHW members from across the state to gather to exchange ideas, socialize and

participate in training on a variety of subjects.

It was a full day. We left home at 5:15 AM and returned at 7:00 PM. There were good roads and we

even had fun talking in the car as we traveled. During the day there were 5 concurrent sessions going

on so there was a topic of interest for everyone.

This is a particularly important time for those volunteer opportunities that require coordination at the

state level, such as Treasurers, Volunteer Coordinators, Grant Administrators and Directors. However,

there were many other opportunities to learn and share ideas.

At the conclusion of the event we met for a discussion about the vison of BCHW. We all agreed that

BCH provides a unique opportunity for equestrians to further the role of keeping trails open for

everyone. It is important that we use all of our resources to get the word out to the public, educate the

members and advocate for our cause.

BCH MEMBERSHIP By Ken Carmichael

Membership in BCH is on a calendar year basis, no matter when you initially joined. This means that all of our

memberships for 2018 are due. If your membership is not renewed by January 31 the membership lapses and

all benefits are stopped.

There are two ways to renew your membership. First, is to print the membership application found on the PBCH

website www.pbchw.com and mail it and a check to our chapter Treasurer Joyce Johnson. This is the preferred

method. The second way is to join through the BCHW “Your Membership” web program. This can be found on

the BCHW website www.bchw.org. This is a pilot program that is being tested for national use. However, there

are still some bugs to be worked out. IF YOU HAVE JOINED THROUGH “YOUR MEMBERSHIP” PLEASE

CONTACT JOYCE JOHNSON SO THAT WE CAN BE ASSURED YOU ARE INCLUDED IN OUR

MEMBERSHIP.

We want everyone to receive the maximum benefit from your membership. The best way to do this is to

participate is some form to make BCH successful. We need people of all interests, skills, talents and abilities so

there is a place for everyone. In fact, there are about 51 volunteer opportunities in the chapter. We want

everyone to pick something where they can contribute based on their time commitment.

Please see the list of volunteer opportunities included with this newsletter. More information about each

volunteer opportunity is available. We would like to talk to you about how those responsibilities correspond with

your interests, skills, talents and abilities. Join in the fun of making BCH a success. We have many activities

planned for 2018 and we do not want anyone to miss out.

PBCH Planning Meeting By Ken Carmichael

On Saturday, January 13 the Ponderosa chapter held a very successful planning meeting. Our purpose was to prepare for 2018. We have scheduled monthly rides for May through August with the Scavenger Hunt in September. There will be work parties at Riverside State Park and several BLM properties to keep trails open. Topics were suggested for monthly membership meeting programs that will interest everyone and will be scheduled soon. Saturday seminars on rope braiding, survival and packing are scheduled. There are several Back Country Horsemen of Washington events where we can participate including Rendezvous in Ellensburg March 16-18. We plan to participate at two community events and speak to three equestrian groups about trail safety and etiquette. Rides and work parties will also be done on the spur of the moment. Further information will be provided at the membership meetings and in the newsletter. The current calendar of events is included in this newsletter. There are many opportunities to participate in the chapter. It takes people of all skills, talents, interests and abilities. Remember, nothing gets done unless we do it. The question is what do you want from your membership in BCH? If you would like more information you may contact me at 509-466-2225.

See Planning Calendar Next Page!

2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS * PONDEROSA BCHW As of 1/14/2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEN CARMICHAEL 509-466-2225 KCARMICHAEL2225@GMAIL.COM

JANUARY: 2nd - Membership meeting 13th – PBCH Planning Meeting 20th – BCHW Leadership Training Ellensburg 27th – Rope braiding seminar 31st – Volunteer Hours preliminary hours 31st – Accomplishment video due

JULY: 3rd – Membership meeting & Potluck Program - ??? Location -??? 21st – Davenport Pioneer Days 21-25th – Statewide work party 28th – Ride Mt Spokane State Park 31st – Volunteer Hours preliminary hours

FEBRUARY: 6th - Membership meeting Program: ??? 17th – Survival Seminar 19th - BCHW Legislative Day in Olympia

AUGUST: 7th - Membership meeting Program -??? Location - ??? 17th – Ride & potluck evening @ Dennison’s

MARCH: 1st – 2018 calendar pictures due 6th - Membership meeting Program ???? 10h – 4-H Tack Sale (no PBCH booth) 16-18th – BCHW Rendezvous Ellensburg

SEPTEMBER: 4th - Membership meeting Program - ??? 10th – Volunteer Hours preliminary hours 22nd – Draft Horse Show as group 25th – Dress rehearsal for Scavenger Hunt 29th - Fall Fun Ride & Scavenger Hunt 30TH – Volunteer hours final report due ?? – BLM work party at Fish Trap Lake

APRIL: 3rd - Membership meeting Program ??? 27-29th Ride & Camp at Escure Ranch 30th – Volunteer Hours preliminary hours

OCTOBER: 3rd - Membership meeting 5-7th - Ride & Camp at Escure Ranch 27TH – BCHW Wine Ride at Zillah

MAY: 1st - Membership meeting Program: ??? 5th – Ride Riverside State Park 15th – Packing clinic introduction 19th – BCHW Poker Ride at Cle Elum

NOVEMBER: 6th - Membership meeting

JUNE: 2nd – Statewide work party 2nd – Rearden Mule Days 5th - Membership meeting Program -??? Location - ??? 9th – Packing clinic practice 10th – Ride Slavin Ranch 16-17th – Packing clinic trip ?? – REI Trails Day – work party

DECEMBER: 4th - Membership meeting Ponderosa’s 3nd Anniversary! Let’s party!

MEMBERSHIP MEETING DETAILS:

We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Location is the Inland Northwest Bank 11917 W. Sunset Highway, Airway Heights. This is 6/10 of a mile west of Hayford Rd. During the summer we may be at an outdoor location enjoying the weather.

NOTE: Rides and work parties are scheduled as the time approaches.

Rope Braiding Class January 28, 2018.

Patti’s Page

By Patti Sander, Education Chair

Rope Braiding Class

Thank you for all who came to our Rope Braiding Class on Saturday, January 27. We had a great time

socializing and learning a new skill. Thank you, Don Dyer, for your willingness to teach us. I’ll keep

practicing!

Survival Skills Seminar

Our Survival Skill Seminar is scheduled for February 17 at the INB building in Airway Heights. Class

starts at 9 and goes until about 3. We have a great instructor, Msgt Brandon Biddle, USAF from

Fairchild will be teaching us. So far, we have about 14 signed up. Agenda will include personal

protection principles, survival medical principles, sustenance principles, signaling principles and

navigation principals. There will be time for Q&A and for some hands-on practice.

All indications promise that it will be a great class. I hope the rest of you will make an effort to attend.

[See the Flyer at the end of the newsletter!]

Packing Clinic

I have heard back from a few of you regarding the Packing Clinic. Please be thinking about this so we

can discuss further at the February meeting. If we are going to commit to doing this, we need

participants and volunteers that can commit to all three parts of the clinic.

Membership Meeting Programs

I need volunteers to help coordinate the Membership Meeting Programs. I need help searching and

arranging for speakers, coordination of the presentation, etc. My goal is to enrich our monthly meetings

and make them fun and interesting. If you are willing to lend me a hand, please contact me ASAP.

BCHW RENDEZVOUS

By Ken Carmichael

The annual BCHW Rendezvous will be held in Ellensburg March 16-18. This is an opportunity for all

equestrians to get together. It is open to the public. Some of the activities include a huge tack sale

(bring your stuff), educational seminars, contests, vendors, Dutch oven cooking, BCHW membership

meeting, banquet, dancing and auctions (bring your stuff to donate and money to purchase). The days

are packed with activities and the opportunity to see people from across the state.

The event is free, except for the banquet, and camping if you choose to do so. Otherwise there are

some nice hotel rooms available in Ellensburg.

Ponderosa chapter has reserved a table at the banquet so that we may sit together. This is limited and

you MUST contact me separately to reserve a seat at the table. Otherwise there is general seating for

anyone that attends the banquet.

For more information please go to www.bchw.org. On the front page there is an informational flier and

registration form for the banquet and camping.

We will see you in Ellensburg March 16-18. Come join the fun.

Nutrition and Hoof Health

Reprinted from LMF Nutrition Newsletter

The influence of modern confinement systems and demand for maximum production have been shown

to negatively impact hoof horn quality in cattle and swine. In these animals, hoof quality has been

reported to deteriorate to the point that animals become lame and production ultimately suffers.

Horses also experience hoof difficulties. Common problems reported include cracking or crumbling

hooves, inability of the horse to “hold” shoes and, ultimately, lameness which decreases performance

and hampers production. The serious economic impact of hoof problems in horses is summarized in

the old adage “no hoof, no horse.”

Just like skin, the appearance and integrity of the hoof is a mirror of the health, environment and

nutritional state of the horse. It is not difficult to visualize how a horse in poor health could suffer from

hoof problems. Likewise, animals which are confined to a small area, such as a stall, can develop low

quality hooves which may be a result of poor environmental conditions. Manure and moisture can act

together to break down the intracellular cementing substances which ultimately hold the hoof together.

Essential Nutrients for Hoof Growth: The importance of a balanced diet for sound hoof growth has only

recently been recognized. Several nutrients are essential for proper keratinization, the process that

builds hoof horn.

To date, the nutrients which are known to be essential for hoof growth include amino acids (especially

sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine), fatty acids, macrominerals including calcium,

microminerals like zinc and iodine, and vitamins, most notably biotin.

Amino Acids: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, including keratin, the primary protein

associated with the equine hoof. Keratin is unique in that it contains an abundance of sulfur. Sulfur to

sulfur (disulfide) bonds are responsible for the cross-linking of keratin protein s within the hoof. These

bonds afford the hoof much of its strength. If sulfur-containing amino acids are limited in the diet, in

complete cross-linking can occur, reducing the strength of the hoof.

Fatty Acids: Fatty acids are components of complex lipids which form the intercellular cement that binds

the individual cells of the hoof.

In addition, lipid material is responsible for forming the extracellular permeability barrier. This

permeability barrier controls the hydration state of the hoof and, ultimately, its hardness.

Minerals: Calcium is required for normal hoof growth. It is involved with a number of calcium-dependent

transglutaminase enzymes. These enzymes are necessary to cross-link proteins which form the

protective layer of the hoof.

A significant portion of the body’s zinc is found in the epidermal tissues including skin, hair, and hoof.

Zinc deficiency in farm animals has long been associated with parakeratosis. This disease is

characterized by a dermatitis resulting in a rough, dry hair coat. Zinc is involved in a number of

enzymatic reactions controlling protein metabolism. All animals require iodine in their diets. Iodine

functions within the body in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which in turn control growth and

development of all tissues.

Biotin: The best-known function of biotin is as a prosthetic group in enzymes con trolling

gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis. Biotin has also been proposed to act as a hormone in the activation

of protein (keratin) synthesis.

Equine Research: Several studies have been conducted to determine the value of supplementing

equine diets with specific nutrients in the hope of positively impacting hoof soundness. One such study,

conducted by Linden and co-workers, supplemented biotin in a study to 42 Lipizzaner stallions. In this

study, 26 stallions were fed 20 mg of biotin per horse per day for 2.5 years. A control group of 16

stallions were fed a placebo. After 14 months of supplementation, hoof condition was determined to be

30% better in the biotin-supplemented horses compared with the horses receiving the placebo.

Research has also been conducted with the organic (chelated) form of zinc. It was reported that hoof

growth was greater in yearlings fed an organic form of zinc compared with those fed inorganic zinc.

Further, research found weak hoof horn contained less zinc than strong, healthy horn.

Ten More Activities to Do in Winter

By Michelle Eames The footing sucks, the weather is miserable, but you want to spend time with your horse. Or at least think about spending time with your horse. Here are some ideas to explore.

1. Create: Learn to braid bailing twine. Invent new tack out of bailing twine. Crochet a saddle

blanket. (Really, my aunt did once!) Or crochet a fly bonnet for your horse’s ears.

2. Exercise: Get in shape for the riding season by shoveling up the poop-cicles and manure

icebergs. Use a pick-axe to break the ice. Do weight training with full buckets of water: faucet to pens, faucet to pens. Repeat. Count the calories you are burning! Follow up with hot cocoa.

3. Clean stuff: Clean your tack room and notice all the mouse turds. Catch mice in your barn and

tack room. (By the way, if you use a sticky trap to catch them, don’t try to pull the bodies off to re-use the traps. It doesn’t work completely. Just saying.)

4. Learn new stuff: Buy a book on accu-pressure and practice on your horse. Watch training

videos. Watch old westerns and critique the riders.

5. Plan Stuff: Plan your year of horse riding, researching locations and fun trips. Or do what I do,

and wait for a friend to plan a whole summer of rides, and then join her when you can.

6. Buy Stuff: Shop for riding jeans, and cool horse do-dads online. Invest in a good set of yak

tracks for your boots.

7. Groom your horse: Trim his mane. This is most fun on a fjord horse’s two color

mane. Practice braiding manes and tails. Put silly hats on your horse and take a “selfie”. Share it on the PBCH facebook page.

8. Dream: Price out the cost to build an indoor arena. Gasp. Go outside and shovel more manure to

get over the sticker shock. Decide your front pasture makes a fine place to ride.

9. Exercise some more: Take up skijoring! Or take up ice skating (in your round pen). Put on

your snowshoes and visit potential riding areas (So much harder than riding!!!).

10. Leave Town: Take your horse to Arizona and do some horse camping. Or go to a horse expo

in a warm location.

PONDEROSA CHAPTER OF BCHW OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

December 24, 2017

The following are chapter positions that are needed to support the chapter. Some require only leaders while others also require committee members. Please select the area, or areas that you wish to participate. REQUIRED POSITIONS: PRESIDENT – Dean Giles SECRETARY – Shannon Barnhart TREASURER – Joyce Johnson STATE DIRECTOR – Ken Carmichael MISSION POSITIONS: EDUCATION –Patti Sander LANDS – Craig Volosing LEGISLATIVE - TRAIL BOSS/WORK PARTIES – Doug Bailey VOLUNTEER HOURS – Carol Klar GROWTH POSITIONS: FUNDRAISING: ANALYSIS OF INCOME – Ken Carmichael DONATIONS – Linda White GRANT ADMINISTRATION – Doug Bailey EQUIPMENT INVENTORY CONTROL - GROUPSPACES ADMINISTRATION – Ken Carmichael HISTORIAN – MEETINGS: GREETER/NAME TAGS – Patti Sander INVITED GUESTS & DIGNITARIES - LIBRARY – Teresa Bailey PROGRAMS – Patti Sander REFRESHMENTS – Teresa Bailey ROOM MANAGEMENT– Ken Carmichael STORES - MEMBERSHIP: MEMBERSHIP - MEMBERSHIP DATABASE – Joyce Johnson NEWSLETTER: EDITOR – Patti Sander PUBLISHER – Michelle Eames

ADS - PUBLICITY: PUBLCIITY – COORDINATE WITH OTHER CHAPTERS –CORPORATE CONTACT FOR CHAPTER SUPPORT - DISTRIBUTION - NEWSPRINT – PHOTOGRAPHY – Gary Miller PRINTED MATERIAL (Fliers etc.) – Ken Carmichael RECREATION GROUPS – SOCIAL MEDIA (Facebook) – Cindy Miller WEB CONTENT – Ken Carmichael WEB MASTER – Chris Bennett SAFETY - Don Dyer SOCIAL – TRAIL BOSS/RIDES – ADDITIONAL SHORT TERM POSITIONS: AWARDS AND RECOGNITION – Patti Sander BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES REVIEW - FINANCIAL REVIEW - FUNDRAISER – Ken Carmichael NOMINATING – TRAIL RIDE LEADERS – WORK PARTY LEADERS – Ideas where a person can contribute by being responsible for a single event or short term project:

Winter seminars – pick one like first aid

Pray for Spring event in January

Speaker for any membership meeting

Help with meeting refreshments

PBCH Needs You! Publicity

Membership Chair

Legislative Chair

Please contact Dean Giles or Ken

Carmichael if you’d like to participate In this important service to your Chapter

I invite you all to send me your stories, tips, jokes,

articles, photos, words of wisdom or whatever. I

especially would like to encourage our officers and

committee chairs to share their thoughts, visions and

projects. The goal here is to make the newsletter fun,

entertaining and informative.

Patti Sander, Editor

P.S. Please send me photos of you and your

equine buddy so I can highlight you in our

newsletter!

2018 PONDEROSA CHAPTER OFFICERS

Dean Giles, President

Joyce Johnson, Treasurer Ken Carmichael, State Director Shannon Barnhart, Secretary Craig Volosing, Lands Chair

Doug Bailey, Trail Boss Carol Klar, Volunteer Hours

Patti Sander, Education Chairman Cindy Miller, Webmaster/Facebook

Patti Sander, Newsletter Editor Michelle Eames, Newsletter Publisher

Gary Miller, Photographer

FEBRUARY 17, 2018 Survival Skills Class Registration Form

(Please print clearly)

Name________________________________________________Phone___________________

Address______________________________________________________________________ Email_______________________________________________________________________

Tear off this registration slip and mail to: DEADLINE FEB 10

Patti Sander 10804 W Seven Mile Rd Spokane, WA 99224

Or email your information to: Pjsander0413@gmail.com

Instructor

Brandon Biddle, Msgt USAF Superintendent Directorate of Training

336 Training Support Squadron

Fairchild AFB

A

No Cost to Attend

Space is Limited

Pre-registration Required

Deadline for Registration is

February 10, 2018

_____ We ask that if you sign up

please make every effort

to attend. If you need to

cancel, please let us

know so that we can fill

your seat from the

waiting list.

9 am to 3:00 pm

Airway Heights, WA Details of Location Provided

Upon Registration

Contact Info:

Patti Sander or Ken Carmichael

509-466-2225

www.pbchw.com

Space is Limited !!