Local horse program truly Above and Beyond Ordinary Author: Lauren Dumond; OVN contributor

I watch my son, David, 17 years old, framed by the blue Ojai sky, guiding his horse along the railing of the corral. His seat is upright and strong and there is a smile in his eyes as he watches the other riders around him. He is in control, he is confident, he is normal, I think. But my "vision" only lasts for a moment, because in the everyday world, I know my son is severely handicapped and functions on the level of a 2- to 3-year-old. My vision may have dissolved quickly, yet David is still confident. He continues his ride. I marvel on how much he has learned since he started at Above and Beyond Ordinary in the summer of 2004.

At first, I just wanted David to have an activity, which is something hard to find for a child with handicaps. He had ridden a few times when he was 6, but had not been on a horse for 10 years. As I watched him ride, that summer, I saw him learning and became fascinated with the process.

What amazed me was that Jan Threinen, the founder of Above and Beyond Ordinary, noticed some key things about David. She noticed that he knew that he should lean forward to get off his horse , she noticed he liked to go fast, and he did not like to stand still. For me, that was the clincher in the deal. I was accustomed to people not noticing anything about David other than his disabilities. I was intrigued and wanted him to continue riding. We signed up for weekly lessons.

It takes a lot of "noticing" to communicate with a nonverbal person and Jan was able to interpret David's body language. For instance, one day, David, as usual, was not holding onto the reins and didn't seem to care that he wouldn't be able to stop Diva, his horse , without them. When she found out that David was more interested in movement than in security, Jan told him that every time he dropped the reins the horse was going to stop. Jan stopped Diva every time David dropped the reins. ? stop, go, stop, go ? all the way down the path. Finally, David held the reins and Diva kept going. Then he got to trot - an exciting reward. It was beautiful, simple, and we all learned something!

Diva, having adopted David as her rider, was extremely patient throughout this "learning moment." Now, after he finishes a task while riding, she will automatically start trotting because she has figured out the reward. She also has learned to stand very close to the mountingdismounting ramp so that he has an easier time getting on her back. Of course, there are the nuzzles, signs of affection, and the growing friendship between David and Diva. And Diva is not alone in her special abilities at Above and Beyond Ordinary. Cindy, another talented mare, a "pain in the neck" when Jan first got her, was chosen because of the look in her eyes that said, "Let me figure out what you want and I'll do it." Cindy doesn't like other horses and doesn't care much for able-bodied riders but loves her riders with disabilities!

One day, Cindy was carrying a favorite rider, Dan, a 40-year-old man with seizures and an inoperable brain tumor. She slowed down to a crawl, and nudged Jan and co-founder Diane Brooks. Thirty seconds later, Dan had a seizure. Cindy moved slowly and in such a way it kept Dan balanced, pacing herself to keep him steady all the way back to the waiting area. Jan, Diane, and Dan's helper got him off the horse , but Cindy, usually anxious to get to her food reward, would not move from Dan's side until he came out of his seizure. Satisfied that he was OK, she nudged him and returned to her stall.

And how does Jan find these remarkable horses and how are they trained? She related that therapeutic riding originated in the rural and ranching towns of this country. If a child was disabled, families would stick them on a horse and take them along to whatever work they were doing. Ordinary people would have accidents and get hurt and horses would be specifically trained to match the person's disability. Jan was brought up in such a town and was working with horses as a young girl. When she would be sent to bring in a horse in from the herd, she had to figure out the horse 's social spirit and how to convince the horse (on 200 acres) that it should come with her and not run off. She learned how to approach the herd; to go at an angle without spooking them. If they moved, she would wait and then find the ring leader. The rest would follow.

Horses make sense to Jan. Nowadays, she will choose a horse for the Above and Beyond 30-day trial because of the look in its eyes. Horses in their stalls and in the field have opportunities to watch the lessons. If she sees a horse interested, she will give them a chance at joining in. Jan says, "They listen to everything and figure out what is going on, then half the schooling is done ? after watching for awhile, a horse will quickly learn the routine in two weeks. They figure they will get attention and be important like the others are important." The horses are the ones who decide to do the work; Jan just refines the process. The two or three that haven't watched did not make the 30-day trial. Through her knowledge, experience and sensitivity, Jan knows how a horse will respond to this special work. And as Cindy did with Dan, and Diva did with David, the horses will pick their students and adapt to their disabilities.

Seventy-five percent of Jan's horses are below the age of 16. Generally, they have been cowboyed for years and "bomb-proofed." Jan shows them that all the things a person can throw at them, drop at them, and rope into them will not hurt them. It takes approximately six months from start to finish for the horses to feel safe. She explained to me how it takes hours to train horses to control their emotions. "In that split second it takes for them to shy, I get them to look at me." When she supplies that support, she explains, then they are OK.

Sometimes, the students pick the horses . Ben, a young boy with autism, refused to ride for three months. His family would bring him and he would simply refuse to get on a horse . One day, he told them, "Ozzie says he is my friend. Ozzie says he will take care of me." Ozzie, a good-sized mustang, stands 14.1 hands and would not have been Jan's choice for the small boy. But they gave it a try and Ben has been successfully riding Ozzie for a year now. Zack, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, is tube fed and has extreme disabilities, but he rides Cookie, the pony, by himself. Cookie, "a brat," Jan calls her, nickers when Zack arrives at the center. They have another student who now walks and talks because of the horses . The gains the disabled students make are remarkable. One instructor explains that it takes a lot for an able-bodied person to coordinate brain, body, perception on a horse and it is even more work for a person who is disabled. But with the horse as a reward, it makes the work, play. I see this in David. He is now gaining greater control over his body and mind and emotions. Effort and gain are entwined in one package. He is encouraged to take control of Diva and as she rewards him for his effort, and as we cheer him on, he perceives correctly that he is accomplishing something extraordinary. My guess is that this experience is so intense in the effort that it becomes engrained quickly as body memory. "It is a sensory-rich experience that gets the neuro pathways going" says Pablo Valez, director of the Amigo Outdoor Program . And what a thrill it is to hear this essentially non-verbal boy say "Whoa!" to stop his horse .

Perhaps it is Jan's own history with adversity that helps her to understand and bring out the best in her students. In 1983, she had been training horses and teaching people with disabilities in Northern California. Though she had been ignoring some difficulty with movement of her legs, she went to the doctor for an unrelated injury and suddenly found herself diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. From then on, she was back and forth, in and out of wheelchairs. In 1999, deciding she had had enough of that, with no thought of a profession, Jan volunteered at Hearts Adaptive in Santa Barbara. She was hired immediately as an instructor and was certified with North American Riding for the Handicapped Association in six months.

In 2001, seeing the need in the Ventura area, Jan founded Above and Beyond on land leased from a stable in Oxnard. Though her dream was to own the land that she uses for Above and Beyond, the school just manages to pay for its upkeep while Jan lives off her disability. In 2002, Diane Brooks joined Above and Beyond. A volunteer at Hearts Adaptive with a lifetime experience with horses , Diane had helped start two other therapy programs . When things didn't work out in Oxnard, Jan and Diane moved Above and Beyond to Rancho Arnaz in Ojai where they have been for five years.

Above and Beyond Ordinary is a NARHA-certified center. NARHA, founded in 1969, promotes and supports therapeutic riding throughout the United States and Canada. Centers are held accountable and are regulated with high standards of instruction. There are around 600 centers throughout the United States. They range from small one-person operations to large operations with several instructors. Above and Beyond strings around 11 horses and the students range in age from 2 to 46. Jan also trains volunteers in horse management and teaches them to work with the riders with disabilities. A 9-year-old volunteer can be taught to correctly tack up horses .

What I especially like about Above and Beyond Ordinary is that it is a success story every day. It is a success if disabled riders grow confident enough to ride on their own; if they say "whoa," if they trot the horse , if they walk the horse back to the ramp, if they connect with the horse , with the instructor. It was a success when four volunteers walked to a distant corner of the ranch to attend Zack's birthday party. As Jan says, "More than just a business, Above and Beyond invites all into its world and thereby enlarges the world of everyone."

It is simple and profound. "Kids have a connection with horses - and these horses seem to have a special connection with these special kids," Jan says. Each learns and gains from the other. I can see this clearly on David's face. On Diva he is confident and feels on par with the able-bodied riders. My momentary "vision" of perfection may have dissolved. But now I realize I am seeing a living, breathing, ever-changing vision that will unfold as the future unfolds, and though it may not be exactly as I would have it, framed against the clear blue Ojai sky, it is beautiful.

Ojai Valley News

To learn more about Above and Beyond "Ordinary" People contact Lauren at Oxnard, CA 93035. 805-217-2776 or visit their website at http://abopeople.org/

YOUR PERSONAL LETTER IS CRITICAL TO OUR SAFETY ON LOCAL TRAILS!

Send to:  CRAIG SAP, CSAP@parks.ca.gov Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Las Virgenes Road. Calabasas, CA 91302

I had a long conversation with Lynn Brown, Equestrian TraiIs, Inc., National Trail Coordinator. She has suggested that to get Safe Use for All Trail Users in the Santa Monica Mountains that we, the public, flood State Parks with a letter titled “Change In Use” for trails, and request that mountain bikes be eliminated from each and every single track trail.  Perhaps if we each send a letter like this for each individual trail in each park (Malibu Creek St. Park – the Yearling Trail, Lookout trail, and especially the Tapia Spur Trail; also the Las Virgenes View Park Trail on the east side of Las Virgenes Rd, trail head at Mulholland Hwy; Mugu State Park, Topanga St. Park – Musch Trail), or any other trail that mountain bikers use that is not as wide as a fire road.  Think, too, about the National Parks, Danielson Ranch and Paramount Ranch to name a couple.

Mountain bikers have already bombarded the Parks with Change in Use to allow mountain bikes.  We are feeling the results of their forward thinking action; WE must follow suit with a huge number of requests for Change in Use forbidding mountain bikes on single track trails.

The safety of all non-bikers cannot be assured on multi-use single track trails!  There aren't enough rangers to cover the hundreds of miles of trails.  To give you inspiration for your letter, look at the two websites below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO0VLouJFNQ

http://dirt.mpora.com/news/filip-polc-wins-2011-valparaiso-cerro-abajo.html

The adrenalin pumped riders on our local trails threaten everyone else.  Separate trails specifically for mountain bike riders must be a priority, leaving the original single-track trails to hikers and equestrians, who in many cases built these trails that the bikers want to take over.

Want more information?  If you are able – open the attached file (it's huge and loaded with photos) – Impact of Mountain Biking for LA Palos Verdes.  It's dynamite!

Maine Farm Bureau embraces equestrian community and lobbies on their behalf.
"Looking out of our fish bowl into other equestrian communities and review how they address the issues we all face."

You might enjoy my new website page about the Maine Farm Bureau and what they've done for their state-wide equestrian community:   http://www.equinezoning.com/farm-bureau.php

I sent an email to Bill Horn with this link.  He is a farmer in Valley Center, and a member of the Farm Bureau.

Be a part of something BIG!  We want to set a new world record for most number of donations received by SERT on line at WWW.SERT.ORG in one day. All proceeds will go directly into Special Equestrian Riding Therapy, our volunteer-based non-profit therapeutic horseback riding group for children with special needs, to benefit riders from disadvantaged families.

To be a part of this record-setting event, on Monday, February 14 , 2011 ( Valentine's Day ), please go to WWW.SERT.ORG , scroll down to the DONATE button, and click on it to make your contribution. Between now and Valentine's Day, please forward this request to everyone you can contact, along with your endorsement of our campaign.   Mark your calendar and support SERT with any amount you can donate.

It will be an amazing day as all of your hearts send love to these very deserving children.  We thank you for your big hearts!

Special Equestrian Riding Therapy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Tax I.D. # 95-4121079 Visit WWW.SERT.ORG for more about the program.

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Gelding Clinic Pilot Program!

This program aims to provide responsible horse owners with a low cost castration option and to reduce breeding during a period of over supply.

Please see the attached press release, and feel free to contact me at 760-419-2462 with any questions. Click here for more information.
Shirley Puga

Executive Director
NATIONAL EQUINE RESOURCE NETWORK www.nationalequine.org http://www.facebook.com/national.equine

The World's Smartest Horse Now A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER!!

THE RECORD FELT 'ROUND THE WORLD

Chino Hills, California - Lukas , the World's Smartest Horse ( according to The World Records Academy ) has done it!!   Guinness World Records has officially recognized Lukas' history making achievement:  "Most numbers correctly identified by a horse in one minute."   The seventeen year old ex-racer and former rescue met all the guidelines and identified NINETEEN numbers in less than sixty seconds.  Karen Murdock, Lukas' owner/trainer had quite a list for her beloved gelding during the event. Guidelines for the attempt included the following:

ü Qualified veterinary surgeon present.
ü No equipment whatsoever to be used by the handler (including a halter) - Lukas loose and entirely free in a round pen.
ü No touching or pointing by the handler or any other person.
ü A single verbal request (a number) solely must be made by the handler.
ü The numbers must be placed on the floor/table in front of the horse 20 centimeters apart.
ü The horse must return toward center after each number and make a conclusive selection.
ü Only correct responses are counted.
ü Numbers spoken at random and non-consecutive.
ü Two expert witnesses.
ü Two expert time keepers with stopwatches accurate to 1/100th of a second. 
ü Static (non-stopping) filming of entire attempt and focused on attempt at all times.
ü Still photographs documenting the above. 

Once again, Hadi Khalil , veteran producer at International Production and Advertising was on hand to film this momentous occasion; IPA staff photographers and Linda Alexander Walton generously donated still pictures.  Lukas' veterinarian, Dr. Don Scott Vrono, assisted with overseeing the event.  Expert witnesses included Stacey Erb and Kathleen (Tat) Yakutis , timers were Chuck Erb and Doug Murdock. Dawn Mellen , President of After The Finish Line , was on hand as Lukas dedicated his attempt to benefit those less fortunate.  According to Murdock, "I'm very grateful for the help of so many good friends who have helped to bring this about.  We're also very fortunate to have had the support of animal lovers all over the world who have sent encouraging messages and given us inspiration.  I also want to express my appreciation to Guinness for their acknowledgement of Lukas' abilities and to Guinness Talent Manager Louise Ireland for her wonderful assistance.

What's next for the Guinness World Record Holder?  Lukas plans to continue to share his message of hope and happiness for all creatures.  Will there be another record attempt in the future?  Lukas isn't saying yet, but he is practicing identifying his shapes. http://playingwithlukas.com/player.php?filename=documentaryHD.mp4&height=475&width=850

OC Filmmakers' New Documentary to Save America's Horses Premieres in Los Angeles

For Immediate Release

OC production company, Change For Balance Productions, is set to premiere its award - winning documentary, "Equine Destiny," at the Blue Planet Film Fest ival on Friday October 8 th at 12:30 pm in Santa Monica. The film will also play on Saturday and Sunday at the same time. "Equine Destiny" is a documentary that sheds light onto the dark world of horse abuse, neglect, and slaughter happening in the United States.

Change For Balance Productions is comprised of three 25 year - old philanthropic filmmakers born and raised in Orange County. In "Equine Destiny", they dive head first into a world none of them knew existed. They asked, "Why is an American icon b eing abused and slaughtered for profit?" By taking interest in only the raw facts, this film takes an unbiased approach to examining the political, social, and economic issues surrounding the issues threatening American horses.

The Blue Planet Film Festi val is one of the only environmental/animal - welfare film festivals on the planet. Of more than 5,300 festivals around the globe, there are less than 60 that solely focus on these issues. Blue Planet endeavors to do for environmental films what Sundance did for indie films: branding a genre and making these films a staple of the general filmgoer's cultural menu.

Change For Balance believes that America shines brightest when concerned citizens come together and support a common and necessary cause.

Facts: - Every year over 100,000 American horses are slaughtered for human consumption - 92% of horses going to slaughter are in good condition (USDA) - The equine population in the United States has expanded from 6.9 million to

9.2 million horses, an increase of 33 % -The American equine industry generates $39 billion every year.

View trailer and and learn about the film at www.EquineDestiny.com Buy tickets for film at www.blueplanetfilmfest.com Film screening location: 1211 4th Street Santa Monica, CA US 90401 Contact: Adam Steel Cell: (949) 293 - 4980 Email: Adam@ChangeForBalance.com

It's That Season Again

Before you know it the Santa Ana winds will be whipping across our county and the threat of wildfire will be upon us again. NOW is the time to start getting prepared.

? There are certain things that just HAVE to work right in an evacuation scenario. First, and foremost, is your truck and trailer.

• Are your axels lubed?
• Is your floor sound?
• Are your tires in good shape?
• Do your lights work?
• Is your hitch in good shape?
• Do the electric brakes work?
• When was the last time your horses trailered?

A fire is not the time to find out that any of these systems will fail. So do your horse and yourself a big favor. Get them checked out ahead of time. Or better yet, hook up the trailer and take it for a spin. Look, listen and feel.

Now we all know that most of you who have horses also have other animals. Are they ready to go too? Do your dogs kennel load? Can you find your cat? Do you have plans for your birds (smoke is a killer for birds)?

If you're not home when a fire hits, do you have a backup plan? Neighbors are a great resource. Do you know your neighbors? Do they also have animals that YOU may have to evacuate if they're not home?

These are just a few things to think about BEFORE you have to make any snap judgment decisions.

Emergency Animal Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing any animal from a life threatening situation. We are not a rehabilitation center, adoption agency or breed rescue organization. Emergency Animal Rescue does the actual, physical rescue of animals. From a dog down a well, to a cat up a tree to a horse in a rollover trailer accident, Emergency Animal Rescue has the training to handle it. We handle both domestic and wildlife rescues. We also assist in wildland fire evacuations.

For more information, visit our website at www.emergencyanimalrescue.org or email us at ear@rescueteam.com

Emergency Animal Rescue P.O. Box 2462 Ramona, Ca. 92065 760-789-5775; (Emer.) 760-594-0751

The fire happened late Sunday afternoon and over 40 firefighters worked diligently to save the nearby barn, bunkhouse and grazing land which stretches out to the lake.

The loss is estimated at $30,000.  A $ 5,000 truckload of hay was just purchased and several newly purchased panels, a woodspliter and a trash trailer were also burned in the fire.

The Lanes are the founders of High Sierra Wild Horse Sanctuary and Gentling Center, which ironically enough at its inception, had been instrumental in raising over $7,000 during the San Diego Witch Fires back in October 2007.  The funds were used solely for distribution to horseowners who had lost their hay and homes in the fire to be able to feed their horses, cows and livestock.

This loss is devastating, especially since it is entirely out of pocket.  Any donations toward the purchase of a truckload of hay would be appreciated, and volunteers to help with clean up efforts are welcome as well.  Nadia Lane can be reached at: 760-401-0198 or you can email her at:  nadialane@msn.com .

You can visit the website at:   www.hswhs.org to see what kind of work Joe and Nadia are doing to help horses and horseowners all over the country.  

 Anyone can donate through pay pal to nadialane@msn.com

Or use this link:
click here

Celebrate the life Of Frank "Scoop" Vessels
Remembrance Video online at www.aqha.com .

Famous California AQHA racing legend and breeder, Frank "Scoop" Vessels, of the Vessels Stallion Farm in Bonsall, died in a plane crash on August 11, 2010.  The Vessels family has made a tremendous impact in the world of horses, dating back to the 1940s when they founded the Los Alamitos Race Course.  Frank took the reins of the family farm in the nineties.  He served as President of both the American Quarter Horse Association and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.  Perhaps the most well know stallion Vessels stood was First Down Dash who was the AQHA All Time leading sire for earnings of get.  One of Scoop's recent accomplishments included a win at the Los Alamitos Super Derby for Quarter Horses in 2008. 

Frank Vessels is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and his three sons.  In memory of this beloved California horseman, the family has established a memorial fund for a youth scholarship with the American Quarter Horse Foundation.  Gifts to honor the life of Frank Vessels can be forwarded to the American Quarter Horse Foundation, PO Box 32111, Amarillo, TX 79120.

Proposed legislation to make non veterinarian equine practitioner services illegal!

If you value the services of your Non-Veterinarian Equine Chiropractor, Dental Practitioner, Massage Therapist, Body Worker, etc., p lease take a few minutes to review the proposed law that is silently being pushed through the legislative process ( California AB 1980 ).
You may agree or disagree with this proposed law, but I wanted to give each of you the opportunity to read it and to become aware of it. 

If we don't let our concerns and feelings be known, then a very small vocal minority will make the decision for us.
Please write to your  Senator and/or Assembly member to let your voice be heard. If you would like some assistance drafting a letter, please contact me.
Find your Senator(s) here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
Proposed CA legislation against non-vet equine bodyworkers, chiropractors, and dentists:

There is a bill going through the legislative process in California AB 1980 . This bill would make it illegal for your massage therapist, chiropractor, equine cranial sacral therapist, equine dentist, or equine body worker to continue to provide their services to you and your horse if they are not a veterinarian. There is a possibility that Chiropractors would not be affected by the bill but it is not clear in the language of the bill.

This bill takes away your right as a horse owner to make the decisions about who you want to treat your horse. It is placing the decision in the hands of a Veterinarian Advisory Board and the legislature.  It would deprive the specialists working with your horse from earning a living no matter what level of expertise or training they have. It contains all sorts of anti-trust and restriction of trade issues.

It is going to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday. It has been amended several times and so far has not had any opposition.

If you value the services your non-veterinarian equine health care practitioners provide, please contact your Senate, Assembly person and members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and add your voice opposing this bill. You can find email addresses and send an email. It does not have to be long.

Let them know you oppose the bill on the grounds of losing your freedom to choose your equine health providers and the economic loss from losing the tax revenue and jobs.

This is the bill  http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1951-2000/ab_1980_bill_20100629_amended_sen_v96.pdf

The American Quarter Horse Journal, June 29, 2010 -

Beginning July 1, 2010, American Quarter Horse Association novice exhibitors will be allowed to show any American Quarter Horse in AQHA novice classes, regardless of ownership. Previously, AQHA rules required novice exhibitors to show a horse owned by a family member (Rule 403(a)(5)), through a lease (Rule 405(c)) or with an official novice permit.

The goal of this rule change is to encourage novice competitors to try a new event on an experienced horse while helping the exhibitor gain confidence and more experience, according to Todd Branson, AQHA director of competition marketing. As current rules state, once the novice exhibitor has earned 25 lifetime points in a class, he or she is ineligible to compete in that class the following year as a novice, with or without a permit.

As novice eligibility now allows, an exhibitor can show a horse in a novice youth or novice amateur class with the owner and his or her immediate family still retaining the ability to show the horse in any class other than the same class as the novice exhibitor. Exhibitors are still required to have a novice amateur or novice youth membership to participate. Memberships can be purchased at the show or prior to the show through AQHA . All novice eligibility requirements as specified in Rule 405A (c) remain unchanged.

Novice exhibitors must still request a novice permit to show a horse that is owned by a non-family member at any of the top 10 AQHA circuit shows that allow permit competition. The top 10 shows are determined by the total number of entries the previous year and can change from year to year.

Competitors showing in AQHA youth- or amateur-division classes must still adhere to AQHA's horse ownership rule 403(A)(5), which states that an amateur must not exhibit in open or amateur AQHA classes horses owned by any third party, but shall only exhibit horses solely owned by the applicant or the applicant's family. However, beginning January 1, 2011 , youth and amateur competitors will be allowed to show leased horses in their respective divisions.

Top 10 shows* that will require a permit for novice competition in 2010:

• Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Redbud Spectacular, Oklahoma City
• Texas Classic, Fort Worth, Texas
• South Florida Quarter Horse Association Gold Coast, Tampa, Florida
• Arizona Sun Country Circuit, Scottsdale, Arizona
• Dixie National Quarter Horse Show, Jackson, Mississippi
• Big A Circuit, Conyers, Georgia
• Florida Quarter Horse Association Gulf Coast Circuit, Tampa, Florida
• Oregon Quarter Horse Association Summer Classic, Central Point, Oregon
• The Stars and Strips Circuit, Conyers, Georgia
• Western Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association, Harlansburg, Pennsylvania

* The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the largest show in terms of entries but does not allow permits or leases.

ATTACKED on HORSEBACK

It was Saturday May 15 th , 2010, when my friend John and I went riding near Fallbrook on the Santa Margarita trail.  It was warm and sunny and we were looking forward to a beautiful ride through the shady trees and many cool water crossings.

About 20 minutes along the trail from the main staging area off Pico, we were coming to our second water crossing.  We could hear people and children and I shouted out to them that riders were coming.  We couldn't see them yet because of the heavy river brush and trees and wanted to give them a heads up so that they could be calm and not scare the horses as well as make sure their children were safely out of the way of the trail.

I led the way on Sundance, my Missouri Foxtrotter and John was about 50 feet behind me on Riley, his quarter horse.  From around a blind corner I stepped into the water and began to head across when all hell broke loose.

Four Pit Bull dogs and one Husky dog charged me from about forty feet away. Initially I didn't run, my horse stood still, having experienced that dogs are less likely to pursue an attack when their prey is not running.

Snarling and growling, saliva streaming from their mouths, all five grown dogs leapt at Sundance and I.  Sundance reared and pawed the air, striking one Pit Bull, then he spun around and took off running.  The adrenaline infused Pit Bulls and Husky charged Sundance's hindquarters and I felt him kick out with every step.

 Sundance was sinking almost to his knees in the sand and water which critically impaired his ability to escape.  The dogs didn't sink and were gaining on him within a few seconds of retreat.  Over and over he spun around a dozen times or more to face them, pinning his ears and striking at the dogs then trying to run away but the five big dogs were too much for him.  Even when he would hit a Pit Bull it only served to enrage it more.  The attack had escalated to a frenzy now.

I was screaming at the owners to grab their dogs before Sundance and/or I fell and would get torn to pieces by the enraged dogs.  They ran towards their dogs but stood helplessly nearby fearing their own dogs in a full on attack.

Terrified and running for our lives, Sundance ran for the trees but they were thick as a wall.  Cornered now, all five dogs surrounded us, jumping at us, teeth barred, growling and salivating, their ears flattened.  I kicked one Pit Bull in the nose as he lunged for my leg.  Sundance was repeatedly striking and kicking as fast as he could.  He struck another Pit Bull that leapt at his shoulder, knocking it down.  He dodged a Pit Bull attacking his face, biting him on the back in mid-air and threw him down.  He struck out like lightening at the Husky, hitting him and sent him running away.  Sundance became like a wild stallion defending his herd and I felt like I was part of that herd.  Sundance was fighting for my life too.

The four Pit Bulls closed in again, coming at his belly from both sides.  They were underneath my stirrups when Sundance jumped high in the air, kicking and pawing the air as he went, hitting the ground running full speed away.  Miraculously, Sundance, with his legs flailing escaped what was certain to be an ugly and bloody ending when the owners grabbed a hold of their dogs after Sundance jumped over them.  His fierce hoof strikes and kicks and bites had saved us and bought us the fraction of time needed for the owners to grab the dogs.

John and Riley were far enough behind me that when Riley heard the dogs charging me, he spun around scared and took off running out of control.   John struggled to get him under control but couldn't.  Riley was too frightened and wouldn't settle down until John jumped off him and got control of him on the ground.  John heard me screaming but was helpless to do anything until he got Riley under control.  Afraid of what he'd find, he rushed to get to my aid. 

Shaken and terrified, I yelled some angry words and told the owners I would be filing a police report.  Their response."we have a right to be here and the police are only going to give us a ticket for not having our dogs on a leash".  Sadly without massive injuries or death, they are probably right.

John got back to the water crossing in time to hear my angry words and their response.  He told them he'd have shot the dogs if he'd had a gun at the time..which brings me to my point in telling you our story.

What do you think would have happened to Sundance and me had he fallen down or I had fallen off into the jaws of that pack?  This could have happened to you, your child, your horse etc.  Imagine the terror of four big Pit Bulls and a Husky dog attacking you over and over, your horse or a loved one, what would you do?  Even pepper spray won't stop a dog or dogs on attack once their adrenaline is already up.

This is the question I'm posing to the various horse clubs I belong to for ideas, "how to stop an attack by dogs or wild animals or thugs while out trail riding"?

I would encourage you to carry bear spray or wasp spray or knife or billy club or?  Please open discussions on this topic and let me know your ideas.  An attack of some sort on horseback is something all of us trail riders should be prepared for.

As for John and myself, there is no doubt in our minds that Sundance, my beautiful and courageous Missouri Foxtrotter, saved my life.  I am grateful to God for this horse and for the strength to have held on while he fought the jaws of death.

I used to own a guard dog company and trained police guard dogs, service dogs, junk yard attack dogs and rescue dogs.  I have been on the receiving end of many dog training attacks while wearing a guard arm and suit.  I've never been so terrified of being torn to pieces.  I've ridden in areas of mountain lions, grizzly bears, wolves and wild horses for many years.  You are more likely to be attacked by domestic dogs than wild animals.  Never before have I witnessed such an attack.

This could happen to you almost anywhere with any dog breed, especially if there is more than one.  For safety sake, what would you do?

I look forward to your ideas.

Joy Bruce

Send comments to info@socalequine.com

June 1st, 2010
Joy,
It's a tragic story. We can never predict when a dog pack will attack - whether at the ranch or on trail. I'd like to share what I have learned from my own experience.

When I raised llamas, a pack of Pits attacked and mutilated them at noon time on a peaceful, sunny day. The babies had to be shot and killed on the spot. My story may seem unrelated, but I tell you because it changed my awareness of the mentality of people who would allow this to happen. By experience, I sorted out a solution that works for me.

I became very vocal and active about this happening. The local TV station sent a reporter and did a clip. The local newspaper came first and refused to publish photos of the mutilations, tho they did a story. Photos would have been too disturbing.

A lady contacted me and warned me about the mentality of men who actually get a sexual charge from seeing their dogs return home with blood on their faces and paws. She said this kind of man will come after me if he feels threatened. Being peaceful people, it's far from our awareness that people can actually enjoy knowing their dogs attack and mutilate. I believe it's important to realize that it's difficult for more normal people to think as a psychotic would think. But that's what we're dealing with, and we need to be aware and prepare.

You may think my specific event has nothing to do with the comparison to riding on horseback, but I'm getting there. When my llamas were attacked, my gun was in my safe, unloaded. After I chased the dogs off, I attempted to open the safe, and was apparently too much into shock to manage the combination. It's a wonder the dogs didn't attack me, as I was unarmed, tho walking with a cane.

The answer is to carry a hidden pistol at all times when outside in a rural setting. I have a snub nose, 38 Special, which I carry concealed in a paddle type design pocket holster. It clips inside my front, right side Levi pocket. I'm hardly aware that it's there, and it's not visible to anyone.

I realize that in CA we need a permit to carry a concealed weapon. However I believe I would rather know I can protect myself on such occasions if needed. It's a matter of choice. Should I be legal and dead or mutilated? Or alive and unharmed?

It is legal to carry to protect livestock while on your own property. It's legal to poisen if it's posted on the fence line. There are many laws that protect a ranch owner and our livestock. The American Kennel Club has some information re dog attacks and various state laws. A visit to the local law library is very informative.

One more thought that the lady who called me shared. Depending on the setting of a ranch attack, whether rural or within the city, some areas do not allow the use of guns at all. She recommended purchasing one of the newer design wrist rockets - aka slingshot. Some are very precision and can be most effective, and they can carry the ammunition inside the handle . It takes practice to use them well, but they are quiet and can do the job quickly. Not while on horseback however. We need to carry a pistol.

I used to board my horse at a stable in El Cajon where the SDPD would board and train their equines for riot control. I would suggest that local horse groups do a series of similar training workshops. Perhaps the local sheriff might want to participate. I live in Pismo Beach area where people ride their horses on the beach. Dog attacks are not unusual.

In summation I would say: Carry a pistol. Be well practiced with shooting and handling the pistol. Apply for a CCW permit. Even if denied the permit, the police will have record of your application and intent to become legal while carrying.

Attend riot control type clinics to train and prepare horses and riders for such events. Get the horses used to hearing gunshots. Never ride alone.

Pack medical supplies, either in the horse trailer, or better, in saddle bags. Vet wrap and something to cut with. Modess pads and feminine day pads make good wraps. A tub of Fura ointment. A mild sedative. Water to flush and Betadyne to clean.

Lastly, for what it's worth. I've stopped many dogfights with my police whistle. The sound buys enough time to possible take action.

Stephanie Koch

Supervisor Bill Horn stated Wednesday evening May 12th at his fund raiser at Vista Valley Country Club in Vista California, that he was aware of the over regulation pertaining to horse facilities. He expressed his opinion that the major use permit process is too cumbersome, too expensive, and too long of a process. He expressed several times that he wanted to assist in clean up of the policies plaguing the equine community. He is pro horse and is in full support of the property rights of horse owners. In the past Supervisor Bill Horn's focus has consistently has been on the protection of land use rights related to the agricultural community, however, the Department of Planning and Land Use has consistently, internally manipulated the zoning ordinances related to horses to exclude them from the protection normally afforded to agricultural enterprises. The regulations as they stand now are so that one horse sold or boarded on a property requires a major use permit.

Bill Horn has promised in his recent campaign to focus on land use issues related to equine facilities and implement new policies needed to streamline the process for private stables and boarding stables. San Diego County Horsemen's Association will be assisting with the policy changes and based on his promises, is committed to Bill Horn's campaign.

Join the San Diego County Horsemen's Association in Voting for Bill Horn On June 8 th send your donations to his campaign headquarters or you may also make contributions online at www.billhorn.com .

For updates and news on policy, changes visit www.sdcha.org. San Diego County Horsemen's Association "For the preservation of the horseman's rights"

President, David Puchta, Paradise Saddlebreds
Vise President, Terry Johnson, Performance Horse supply
Chairperson of the Board, Steve Colburn, Creekside Veterinary

Later in the week the group's Equine Zoning Subcommittee approved of the wording of a petition asking for a new "equine zoning ordinance" for the County.

The subcommittee will again meet on May 5, 6-8 p.m. at the VC Library's Community Room. That will include a brainstorming session of what to include in the new ordinance. The public is invited to attend, as well as other meetings held the first Wednesday of the month.

Sally Cobb, owner of Tapestry Meadows Equestrian Center, whose plight (detailed in the Sept. 23, 2009 Roadrunner) inspired the planning group to get involved in this issue told The Roadrunner that she joined the subcommittee, "that was formed after I went public.and the [planning group] became educated about the horrendous zoning requirement of a MUP (major use permit) to board even one horse and that horses are no longer considered 'agricultural' or 'livestock' by the County of San Diego."

The planning group's letter to Gibson, signed by its chairman, Oliver Smith, and the Equine Zoning Subcommittee Chairman Paul Herigstad, expresses concern over "the extreme financial impact the current permitting process imposes on uses that are otherwise consistent with the community and neighborhood. We are also concerned with the structure of the regulations when they conflict with historically accepted land uses within our community."

VC planners are concerned that an activity long practiced by many Backcountry residents is being excessively penalized.

The letter adds, "The existing major use permit process can require tens of thousands of dollars in fees, studies and engineering costs, and is suited to larger developments or commercial uses that will justify the costs of the permit. However, it does not work in Valley Center where many land owners want to board a limited number of horses for the local equestrian community."

The letter goes on to say that the care and training of small numbers of horses "is not like a large commercial development." For one thing, such enterprises are not highly profitable. Their scope is limited to providing space for the animals' training and exercise, and to feed them.

"Present requirements of ten or fifteen costly studies, including traffic impact studies, and the associated costs of DPLU review, cause even the most committed applicant to doubt the wisdom of pursuing these permits. But at the same time, Valley Center is a community where many people own animals and places where those animals may be kept are valued and needed, and can be difficult to find," says the letter.

The "one size fits all" and the "excessive burdens of our existing permitting policy have forced property owners into non-permitted use of their lands, and this serves neither the community nor the DPLU," says the letter.

The petition that the Equine Zoning Subcommittee approved of opens with these words: "Horses are being squeezed out of San Diego County because the current zoning ordinance requires a major use permit (MUP) to board even ONE horse on Agricultural property. By-right, the current zoning on the same property allows an unlimited number of occupant-owned horses and even an animal hospital."

Also, according to the petition, "The Major Use Permit process requires $11,000.00 for a pre-application meeting, a $16,000.00 application fee, an average of $100,000 for engineers and County-approved consultants to complete the required California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) studies, and hundreds of thousands of dollars to complete the required onsite and offsite improvements. The County frequently raises the permit fees and offers no fee cap and no permit approval guarantee. All this to legally board ONE horse!"

San Diego County Equine Re-zoning Movement!

10,000 Electronic Signatures Needed ASAP!!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN ONLINE!

Talk with anyone who is involved in horses, and they will undoubtedly have been affected in some way from the zoning situation in San Diego County. Horse people are constantly at odds with the County of San Diego. One medium sized facility took on a multi-year lease on a parcel to operate a boarding stables, only to throw in the towel on the Major Use Permit process after the County demanded they put in an asphalt parking lot! Another facility currently operates with 50+ horses in a flood plain without County enforcement of drainage issues, much to the detriment of neighboring property owners, who are actually "horse friendly." A resident in a supposed "horse town" wants to use their barn and arena for a small training operation, only they don't for fear of reprisals and fines from the County. These real-life problems are just a drop in the water trough of situations which plague horse enthusiasts all over San Diego County. With the present state of the economy, people who want to blend their passion for horses into a business must contend with the disproportionate regulations of the permitting and enforcement processes, the fees which are so out of line for most small business owners, and the overall negativity towards most equine enterprises, yet horse businesses are a huge revenue-generating industry which benefits many communities throughout Southern California.

A group in Valley Center has emerged to spearhead a movement to introduce a pro-equine re-zoning ordinance for San Diego County. The San Diegans for Equine Rezoning is working together with the Valley Center Planning organization to submit a re-zoning petition to the County of San Diego. This petition addresses the need for change to protect and promote equine enterprises, and the voices of all those who love horses, whether they participate in business or just for pleasure - must be heard.

Click on this link to give your electronic signature - this is the first step to convince the County of San Diego that San Diegans are in favor of horse activities all over San Diego County:

http://www.petitionvoice.com/we-the-people-want-a-reasonable-petition.html

Please give your electronic signature only once, but PASS THIS LINK ON to everyone you know who supports the horse world in San Diego County!

For anyone concerned with email trackers, the petitions may be signed in person at the upcoming Valley Center Western Days Rodeo and at the Del Mar National Horse Show in Del Mar - look for the SoCalEquine volunteers who will be circulating throughout the three weeks of the show to collect signatures.

The following is the petition for which your electronic signature will lend support to present a re-zoning ordinance to the County of San Diego:

SoCalEquine.com is proud to support this movement and would like to invite all of our viewers and clients to join us and give their electronic signature to the petition. Let's show the County of San Diego just how important horses are in our communities - and remember, this is not just about one county - the effects of having a pro-equine ordinance will have a positive ripple effect throughout the state!

San Diegans for Equine Re-zoning is accepting volunteers! Volunteers are needed for the VC Rodeo and Western Days May 28-30, 2010  at the Community Center near the intersection of Valley Center Road and Lilac Road.  Volunteers will staff two booths, talk with people about the petition, and keep the petition circulating for signatures.  Please contact us via email at equinezoning@gmail.com . So if you would like to get involved directly with this organization, please visit www.equinezoning.com for more information.