April Newsletter
President's Letter
Dear Members,
Now that Spring has finally decided to participate in its own season, it feels like the pressure just got turned way up on the countdown to the official start of show season. I don’t know about you, but I personally feel a definitive shift in my mood and the atmosphere of the barn when we start hitting those
50 degree days. Suddenly, I have absolutely ZERO patience for blankets. I don’t care if it’s 30 degrees at night and almost 60 during the day, all of my guys are going to be naked! I revel in the time I spend sweeping up mountains of shed out hair in the cross ties because that means that the horses’ bodies are content in the knowledge that warmer temperatures are impending, and that fact alone warms my still frozen fingers.
But with the now-present sunshine and warmer temps, how is it that the To-Do list just seems to multiply?? Does anyone else seem to have this phenomenon occur at their farm? Maybe it is the sense of finally WANTING to be outside, the draw of the barn grows as the temperature rises. But for me, it seems like suddenly the number of tasks I need to do to prepare for the upcoming season quadruples and I’m left feeling that there are even less hours in the day to accomplish them, even though the days are technically “longer”. What extras do you find you are adding to the To-Do list recently? For me, Spring Cleaning is a real thing and I suddenly feel drawn to chuck everything out, power wash everything, rake up every pile of manure in my fields, and pull weeds until I resemble a crippled old lady.
As we draw closer to the first show, excitement builds for all of us. Whether you are an EMAA veteran with multiple years under your belt or are still finding your stride within our show community, I am excited to welcome you back for the 2024 season! Each year, our Board of Directors brainstorms and ponders over how we can continue to host four well-rounded and welcoming shows while still providing an experience like none other. I will admit that I am a firm believer in the concept “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. But I’m also curious as to how we can make subtle changes to continue to build our membership and improve the quality of our shows year after year. Here is my reminder that if you haven’t already secured your membership for the 2024 show season, DON’T FORGET that we are running a contest until MAY 1 ST ! Purchasing your 2024 Membership before the 1st of May will enter you in a drawing to win a surprise $25 giftcard, as well as a 2 month supply of Majesty’s Flex Wafers for your horse!
While our showbill has just a few minor changes to it this year, I would encourage all of our members to review the newly posted showbill as well as our Rules and Regulations. If you’re curious about changes or would just like to stay “in the know” for this season, please subscribe to our email list on our website.
Wishing you all a warm and mud-free spring season as we gear up for EMAA I!
Sincerely,
Kelly Beaubien, President
VERSATILITY AWARD
Get ready to showcase the diverse talents of your Arabian and Half-Arabian companions with the exciting Versatility Award! For an entry fee of only $15, you and your horse can embark on a journey of skill and versatility that promises not only a thrilling experience but also the chance to win prestigious recognition.
What’s New This Year?
Equitation Division: This year, we are thrilled to introduce a brand-new Equitation Division to choose from!
Choose Your Classes Wisely!
Participants can select four classes from different divisions, allowing you to highlight the various strengths and talents of your equine partner. Whether it’s Dressage, Trail, or Showmanship, the Versatility Award encourages a well-rounded display of abilities.
Age Groups For Everyone!
17 and Under
18 and Over
We’ve introduced age groups to ensure fair competition and create an inclusive environment for all members. It’s not just about winning; it’s about celebrating the partnership between horse and rider, regardless of age.
How to Enter:
1. Select four classes and complete the Versatility Form
2. Turn in Form before your first class to the office
3. Pay the nominal entry fee of $15
4. Compete in each selected class at least twice during the show season
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the multifaceted capabilities of your Arabian/Half-Arabian companion and get ready to dazzle the EMAA community with your horse’s versatility.
2024 Sponsorship Opportunities
Our board members have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming show season! As a long time EMAA member, but relatively new face to the board of directors, I felt very excited to facilitate a new program that could be mutually beneficial for our members and our organization. I’ve thoughtfully tweaked our sponsorship program for the 2024 season, making it more streamline and easier for businesses and sponsors to get exactly the benefits they want.
Please see our new sponsorship form on the EMAA website or download a printable version here. With 3 different levels of sponsorship to choose from, EMAA members will benefit from all. Our goal this year is to raise $2,500 and use the money towards prizes, exhibitor benefits, or new equipment for the shows.
Do you have questions in how this works? I’m happy to answer! Please contact me at emaa.tdeblair@gmail.com and we can decide the best level of sponsorship for your business to support. Are you interested in sponsoring a show event such as exhibitor breakfast, youth activity, or something totally new? Let’s talk!
We look forward to a fabulous 2024 season!
Thank you so much,
Taylor DeBlair
From the Dressage Ring
It is hard to believe our first show is coming up soon!
We are looking for an assistant to help out on Friday for setup and some other light duties to make sure the 2 rings are running smoothly. (probably 12-2pm and intermittently between 4-8pm or so) Also needed on Sunday from 2-4pm to help with tear down and final placings. This is a paid position, so let me know if you are interested or have questions. Thank you!
Don’t forget, this year we are offering all of the Western Intro and Basic tests!
Novice Combo tests are intended for a new horse/rider combo riding that particular test, for a maximum of 2 years. Dressage Suitability can be ridden for a maximum of 2 years too.
Walk/Trot/Canter exhibitors in the main ring can ride Intro (Walk/Trot) tests for a maximum of 2 years as well, so give dressage a try! It is a great way to ride a pattern and receive valuable written feedback from the judge.
Remember, you can PIN your dressage tests for your age group and Novice combo (if eligible for the Novice combo). For example, you can ride Intro A test once and have it count for both your age group and Novice combo classes. You will be placed in both classes and get points for both too! You just need to sign up for both classes and let the office know you are pinning one of them to receive a discount on the 2nd class. Let me know if you have any questions.
Invite your Open breed friends to join EMAA for a fun filled weekend with us! They can sign up for a ride time on the Monday prior to the show.
The Signup Genius is posted and you can pick your ride time after you submit your entries. Instructions are posted on our website. PLEASE be sure to include all need info in the comments: horse/rider name, class #, test and division.
Once again, we will allow the Sport Horse in Hand exhibitors to show at will between 4:00 and 6:15 to accommodate anyone with a Showmanship conflict. Open breed Sport Horse in Hand will show at 6:30. The rail classes will start at 7pm- Suitability, Equitation and Sport Horse under Saddle.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!
Kim Winger- Dressage Secretary
Show Season Ready
By Maitlyn Smith, LVT
Schedule an Annual Wellness Exam
Routine blood work (optional)
CBC - this quantifies the different blood cells (red/white/platelets).
Total amount of oxygen-carrying protein
Percentage of the whole blood that consists of red cells
Measures the number of the (infection-fighting) white blood cells
Count of the numbers of each of the five specific types of white cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils
Percentage breakdowns of different WBCs can help diagnose an allergic or parasitic process
Platelet count, the total volume of the cells that are instrumental in forming clots and stimulating healing after injury
Serum Chemistry Profile
Identify levels of various proteins and enzymes, electrolytes and other biochemicals that indicate overall health as well as individual organ function
The tests measure levels of the proteins albumin and globulin. “It is important to check protein levels because protein in the blood is responsible for keeping fluid inside the blood vessels and not leaking out into body tissues
Liver enzymes values are elevated this usually means there has been some damage to the liver
Coggins Testing
This test looks for the Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). It affects the immune system which causes fever, disorientation, weight loss, and rapid death.
This is transmitted by flies (horse and deer) and can spread rapidly.
Positive signifies antibodies are present and are lifetime carriers even if showing symptoms or not.
Negative signifies antibodies are not present
Test involves blood drawn from a certified vet which expires every year (new test yearly).
No vaccine or treatment for EIA so positive coggins horses can not move off property and not in close proximity with other horses.
Body Condition Score (BCS)
Vaccines
Eastern/Western Encephalitis
Is a virus that is a blood borne disease causing inflammation of the brain from mosquitoes. There is no cure but the prognosis is fair.
West nile
Contracted by mosquitoes that cause muscle tremors, incoordination and sometimes death.
Rabies
Causes neurologic disease and is invariably fatal with a high infection rate to other mammals.
Tetanus
Fatal to horse even to a smallest puncture wound.
Equine Herpes Virus
Affect respiratory tract that is characterized by fever, lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge, and cough.
Flu/Rhino
infects the respiratory tract and the clinical outcome can vary in severity. Clinical infection is characterized by fever, lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge, cough, and mandibular lymphadenopathy
Strangles
is a contagious upper respiratory tract infection of horses and other equines caused by a Gram-positive bacterium, Streptococcus equi. As a result, the lymph nodes swell, compressing the pharynx, larynx, and trachea, and can cause airway obstruction leading to death, hence the name strangles.
Bastard Strangles is a form of strangles where the infection goes to internal organs where the abscess forms.
Potomac - (optional)
This can affect any age horse usually in the summer and fall. This causes diarrhea, increased white blood count, muscle wasting, and fever. Aquatic insects transmit this disease more commonly around rivers. There are many papers that contradict the effectiveness of this vaccine, so it is optional.
Deworming
Best way to rotate product according to 6 months-yearly fecal with veterinarian to decrease the chance of resistant parasite load.
bots coverage needed in the fall
For Foals: Choose Strongid® Paste (pyrantel pamoate) and/or Anthelcide® EQ Paste (oxibendazole) for the critical treatment of ascarids (roundworms) in young foals
For 1-2 Year-Old’s: The AAEP’s Parasite Control Guidelines advise that 1-2 year old’s should be treated like high shedders, with a focus on small strongyles and tapeworms.
For Adult Horses: According to the AAEP's Parasite Control Guidelines, moxidectin, the active ingredient in Quest® Gel, is the experts' treatment of choice against small strongyles
Dental
Routine Exams can help prevent issues
Choke
Behavior
Performance
Food consumption
Caloric intake
A solution (Dilute Nolvasan) is used to rinse the mouth for any debris.
This is a sedated standing oral procedure starting from the furthest back to the front on all four sides.
