Your Monthly Access to the
Top Rated Trail Riding Show
in the World,
Best of America by Horseback!
Office Phone : 540-829-9555
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Winter is Upon Us!
Horse Care
and
Ride Getaways
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Escape to Sunny Florida with BOABH |
Leave the cold and snow behind and head to Florida for a week of riding with Best of America by Horseback. First join us at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala on February 11-13 and ride along the beautiful Margorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Then travel with us to Live Oak to ride along the Suwannee River at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, February 14-15. Sandy trails through lush green forests draped in Spanish Moss and WARMER weather await you. Call Lisa in our office at 540-829-9555 to reserve your spot, then come ride with us!
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Feed & Water for Your Equine in Winter |
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By
Tom Seay
Executive Producer & Host
Best of America by Horseback
All of us have been busy with the recent holidays. Our daily routine might need to be adjusted a bit to give better care of our horses. No one would intentionally neglect their horse but in cold weather, it is easy to neglect our horses quite by accident. It shocks me when I make daily birthday calls to friends that they often mention sub-zero temperatures
Frozen pipes, tractors that do not start and just the cold weather can make winter life difficult. Many of our horses are pastured all year but when winter and the cold weather arrives, we begin feeding hay. The hay you put in the barn yourself or you purchased may have looked great, but a leaky roof or being baled with a high degree of moisture during the late summer and fall could have caused mold to form that you cannot see. If you are feeding square bales, break open the bale and smell it. If it is off on smell or has any mold, do not feed it.
If you are feeding round bales of hay that was stored outside, knock off the top layer so they eat the dry and good hay inside. The difference in the price of good hay versus the vet bill is tremendous.
When I planned my transcontinental trail ride, 3,311 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, every step of the way by horseback, I called the top vet from a major feed company. I told him about the trip we were planning and asked his advice on the best feed I could buy for our horses. He gave a friendly chuckle and said I was missing the point. He said the feed is secondary! I will never forget what he said next. "First, make sure your horse has an unlimited supply of clean water, free choice salt, all they want, and give them the best quality hay you can find. He recommended the feed be simply crimped oats. I questioned why he did not recommend their brand of horse feed. He said it is a great feed, but in reality, it is a blend of grains accented with molasses. We like the smell and horse like the treat, but concentrate on nutrition. He said his recommendation of crimped oats (not whole oats) is because they can be bought at any feed store anywhere in the country. Keeping their feed consistent was important. My horse not only made the trip without problems, but gained weight.
It may sound silly, but I have the local co-op grind a blend of feed for my animals. I can choose what goes in it and it is usually much cheaper. Better yet, I ask them to put it in 25-pound bags for easier handling. The price is the same and the kids can easily handle it.
During Winter months in Virginia, it often goes below freezing at night, but it rises to the upper 30's and 40's during the day. For the animals that do not have access to fresh flowing water from streams, etc., we often use standard stock tanks to water them. Well water comes out of the ground around 50 degrees. Each day we fill it 3/4th full with well water. If it isn't too cold, adding a little 50 degree water each day is often enough to keep the tank water from freezing. Adding floating tank heaters can keep the tanks from freezing in really cold temperatures. Remember to dump and clean the tanks often, as clean water is a must.
I want to take the opportunity to offer a few extra seasonal tips. Take a moment to check your trailer and truck tags for expiration dates. In Virginia, we have to have vehicles inspected each year. It is an annual thing and much easier to get it done this time of year rather than a day before you leave on your next trip. It gives you plenty of time to replace a broken light or mend a signal wire, etc.
Please visit our website, www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com and see our ride schedule for the coming year. We would love to have you appear on the television show. Also, consider coming to Virginia for a cattle drive. We furnish the stall, all meals, electrical and instruction. If it is too far for you to drive, fly to Charlottesville or Washington and rent one of our horses!
Please feel free to write me anytime if I can help you in any way. My personal e mail is tseay10@aol.com. I answer every e mail personally and would love to hear from you.
TOM
Tom Seay
Best of America by Horseback Television Show
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Off Season
Check Ups
by Del Shields
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Everyone has their own situation, as unique as the horses we possess. We all choose to practice the things that fit our circumstances or backgrounds.
Here at the High Trail Ranch, we have eleven head of horses. Every day, I am around them in some capacity or involved with them all. Of course, they all come up for the dinner bell. But, in my hurried state, I don't always spend a lot of time among them, or considering them individually. While they only run on a 40-acre track, still they are out and away, doing what horses do. All of our horses are usable at any time,
and sometimes are mostly all used at one time. However, here is what I try to practice during what I call the "off season."
The "off season" is this time of year when we are not traveling and using the horses as much as in the warmer climate. I bring the horses in, catch and tie them. If your horses are like mine, after being "FREE" for a period of time, they decide when they see a halter and rope in my hands, they suddenly lose interest in the game. This is a good time to renew their interest.
Share time with a good body rub
Although it takes time and is against what some of the popular trainers proport, a good body rub and time share goes a long way with my herd. It allows them to relax, and have that "feel good" feeling when I am
with them. I rub them from head to tail scratches. Pick up feet, rub their legs and run my hand under their bellies. Listen, who doesn't like this? Horses do as well.
That is just one aspect of this off-season inspection. While I am my horse's massage therapist, I am also looking and feeling for cuts, lumps, soreness and anything that might be concerning.
I am looking at body weight condition. Is an animal too thin? If so, what is the reason? I have more animals that carry too much body weight at times. Yes, I sometimes pen that horse and hold them back a bit. I want these animals in good condition when I need to pull them out and put a saddle to it. Being fit makes it way easier on the animal than trying to ride the extra off of him.
Work on Quirks
Having this opportunity, I also work on the quirks. I have new horses added to the remuda from time to time. Some of the newer horses I have obtained through rescue, do not appreciate having their muzzle messed with, nor being asked to receive a bit. I take this time to work with them, to make them more comfortable with these troublesome irritants we humans present. Picking up feet, rubbing ears and the like
are all things that may just need addressed during these "off season" checkups. Looking for watery eyes, runny noses, an abscess, hair coats and the like all can be done in a relatively short amount of time. However, the payoff seems profitable to me, as I get to have hands on connection with these animals I am blessed
to care for. At the same time, the benefit for them is realized as I care for each of their needs and make them feel good about our time spent together.
I come away with peace of mind knowing they are well and they go back to grazing feeling cared for.
Until we meet, God bless you. Keep safe and.....ALWAYS RIDE THE HIGH TRAIL.
DEL SHIELDS
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Riding Location Spotlight:
The V6 Ranch
Parkfield, California
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V6 Ranch
It's a Family Affair
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The V6 Ranch is a working cattle ranch at the tail end of the Diablo Mountain Range. Its scenic 20,000 acres are home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America consisting of oak groves, grasslands, lakes, chaparral and more. The ranch is run by three generations of our family with a fourth generation growing up fast.
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Led by our patriarch and award-winning conservationist, Jack Varian, we care for the land and its critters using Holistic Range Management techniques. A Conservation Easement ensures that the land will stay open and undivided for perpetuity. |
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Nestled in a canyon at the bottom of the ranch is the Blue Oak Camp, where we host groups of horseback riders each Spring and Fall. The camp has a six-room bunkhouse, glamping tents, a gathering room, arena, horse corrals and more. With these groups we trail ride, gather and sort cattle, learn rodeo and ranch skills and just have plain old fun. If you travel halfway up the ranch you’ll find the Mustang Camp where guests sleep under the stars during our four yearly cattle drives. On these drives guests help us move cattle back and forth between the front and back halves of the ranch and spend evenings around the campfire while dinner cooks on the V6 Chuckwagon.
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The V6 Ranch is headquartered five miles down the road from the tiny town of Parkfield, population 18.
Here we run Parkfield Cafe and Lodge. The Cafe is famous for its burgers and steaks cooked over an oak BBQ pit.
The Lodge has ten rooms, including Parkfield’s old Post Office and Water Tower as well as a log cabin built by John Varian. Each room tells a piece of Parkfield and our family’s story through murals, antiques, repurposed materials and more.
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Since 1961 this land has been our home, a member of our family, and our greatest passion. We feel so lucky to be able to bring people to Parkfield to show them our way of life and a California most don’t know still exists. It gives us the opportunity to do what we love, work with our family, and make friends from around the world. |
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We’d love to ride with you in 2022! Our schedule is filling up fast, but we still have room on our Fall Cattle Drive and Dude Ranch Weekends. To learn more about the V6 Ranch and Parkfield, go to v6ranch.com.
Happy trails,
Lauren Varian
V6 Ranch, 3rd generation
*Watch the V6 Ranch below, our featured BOABH episode for January!
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Tom Seay explains the
Quick Coupler
Click to watch video
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What makes the Quick Coupler different than your standard hitch is the design of the cone shaped self-aligning receiver.
All you have to do is get close and the coupler will automatically self-align with the hitch ball when you lower the trailer. The coupler simply “funnels” itself into the perfect hitching position every time.
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Millcreek Mid-Size Spreaders
Built Farm Tough!
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No-rot, no-rust poly floor and more. . . |
These mid-size spreaders can handle between 6-20 horses, and are available in PTO or ground drive for maximum flexibility. Plus, they feature sealed bearings with no grease points, and are virtually maintenance free.
Our Mid-Size manure spreaders are made farm-tough.
That means they’ve got heavy gauge steel and wear-resistant features for the low maintenance, long-term reliability you need.
The Models 57 & 77 have a heaped capacity of 56 cu.ft. and 72 cu.ft. respectively and can be towed with a compact tractor.
If you’re using the horse manure spreader for finer bedding materials, the optional Fines Pan helps distribute material evenly and precisely. The end gate option allows for full control over material spreading.
For added durability, choose our heavy-duty Rhino lining option. This will give you spreader added protection for many years of service.
Be sure to ask about our stainless steel models - our stainless bodies carry a lifetime warranty against rust through!
Give us a call today at 1-800-311-1323 to learn more!
See their entire line of spreaders at
www.millcreekspreaders.com
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Why choose a
Millcreek Spreader?
Video will show you why!
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New BOABH Rides in
Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio, Kansas and more!
And there is still time to escape the cold and snow by riding with
us in warm Florida February 11-15th
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Del and I are excited to announce the addition of new rides in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Ohio. Please check our website often as we continue to add more rides as details are confirmed with the locations.
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2022 BOABH RIDES AND EVENTS |
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February 11-13 Florida Horse Park - Ocala, FL
February 12 Valentine's Cowboy Ball - Ocala, FL
February 14-15 Spirit of Suwanne Music Park - FL
April 22-23 Andora Farm Cattle Drive - VA
April 29-May 1 True West Campground - TN
May 6-9 Clover Hill Ranch - KS
May 13-15 Mammoth Cave Horse Camp - KY
May 13-14 Andora Farm Cattle Drive - VA
May 20-22 Historic Fort Robinson - NE
May 20-21 Andora Farm Cattle Drive - VA
Sept 30-Oct 2 Camp McClellan Horse Trails - AL
Oct 14-16 Hughes Ranch - OK
Nov 11-13 7-IL Ranch - TX
New Rides are added to the schedule on the
Home page on
www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com
For more information or to make a ride reservation, please call
540-829-9555
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2022 Cattle Drives at Andora Farm in VA |
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Join Tom Seay on his cattle farm in Virginia to drive and work cattle with your horse. This is a perfect adventure for riders and horses of any experience level, whether you've worked cattle before or not.
Guests will learn a variety of skills from horseback, including gathering and moving cattle and team penning. Riders and horses new to cattle will have time to slowly acclimate to moving cattle on Friday afternoon.
All of our guests are treated to delicious hot meals throughout the weekend, cooked right here at the farm and served to you family-style around the long dining table. Guests are also invited to take part in leisurely guided trail rides around the property.
Cattle drives include all meals, a trailer parking spot with 30 amp electric hookup and a horse stall. If you live too far away to trailer your horse, we do have a limited number of rental horses and hotels are just 5 miles from the farm. You do not need any experience working cattle by horseback, but we do ask that only experience riders book the rental horses.
All you have to do to book is call our office at 540-829-9555. A $25 deposit will hold your dates. Space is limited, so book early!
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2022 Cattle Drive Dates
April 22-24 (FULL)
May 6-8
May 13-15
May 20-22 (FULL)
June 10-12
June 17-19
July 15-17
August 5-7
September 9-11
September 23-25
October 21-23
October 28-29
Pricing
$50 deposit holds your spot.
Remaining balance of $525 is due 30 days prior to each ride.
Camping spot and meals are included.
To join us
please call
540-829-9555
Andora Farm is located in
Culpeper, VA
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Best of America by Horseback's
Family Cookbook
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Any time of the year we enjoy having family and friends over to share a meal and memories. Tom grew up helping cook in his family's small country restaurant. Most of our events include sharing a meal with our guests, especially the cattle drives we host at our farm in Virginia. When we ask our guests what they enjoyed most about the weekend, the family style meals are always on the top of the list. Tom gets many comments that he should write a cookbook, so he did! Tom's recipes he serves at the cattle drives are in the book along with recipes submitted by members of our Best of America by Horseback family. It also makes a unique gift for the holidays. Click on the video below to see the details. |
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Click on video to the right
to see the details!
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Priefert Offers a Variety
of Horse Stall Styles
to Meet Your Needs
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Click on video to see how to install wood in Priefert Stall Fronts. |
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Priefert’s Premier Stalls have been a mainstay in the equine industry for decades. Premier Stalls are safe, attractive, and affordable. This Premier Stall Front combines a vertical bar top with a wood-filled bottom (Wood Kit sold separately). These stalls are designed with the highest degree of consideration for the safety of both the horse and handler. Our Premier Stalls offer horse owners practical solutions for creating a safe, functional environment for their valued animals. This stall front features a center-open door design. The door slides open on apple core rollers. Each stall door includes an access window. The stall front panel also features an opening that allows owners to select a window or feeder option (each sold separately). The door closes using a gravity latch, which can accept a lock if an owner desires. The bottom portion of the stall is constructed from galvanized steel to provide maximum resistance to rust and corrosion. The stall features an attractive brown powder coat finish to help the stall resist rust, scratches, and fading, adding years of life to your investment. No tools are required for assembly. Our stall fronts and panels join using simple pin connectors. A starter post is required for stall setup when you are not connecting to a wall or other existing structure (starter post sold separately). Priefert Premier Stall Fronts are available in 10’ and 12’ lengths. |
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"Too Many Horses?"
By Del Shields
The horses are plentiful. Not one of them skinny.
My wife tells me Del, "you've got too doggone many."
But, her calculations and mine ain't the same.
I know each of em's pedigree, and all of em's name.
I'm told, "the grass is too short, and the feed bill's too high."
But, I reassure her, them Angus is why.
Now, we've got lots of grandkids, and they each like to ride.
They expect their old Pa Pa, to horses provide.
It's then grandma softens, when she hears them "yeehaw."
One of them hollars, "come ride with us Ma."
She turns with a stare. Says, "l'll wipe off that smirk.
This ploy of yours is weak, and this time won't work.
The kiddos all yelled, "hey, a trailer is comin."
Grams looked real sheepish, just standing there hummin.
The gate on the trailer was thrown open wide.
A cute, spotted pony stood there neighing from inside.
The children all chattered, with bright glowing faces.
They shrilled, "grandma you're the BEST! Can we put her through her paces?"
Too many horses? I questioned with a grin.
She just smiled and shrugged her shoulder saying, "you don't always win."
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Look for one of Del's poems in our next issue!
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New to Booting?
Let’s Tackle your Hoof Boot Concerns!
By Carole Herder
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Hoof Boots 101 – Your Questions Answered
Have you been too worried to try hoof boots on your horse? Confront your hoof boot concerns and replace them with facts. We designed Cavallo Boots to stay in place and protect your horse’s hooves while riding in any terrain, and once you know how to use them, that’s exactly what they do!
While there are many hoof boots on the market, not all are made to stay on and last like Cavallos. Here’s a list of the concerns that I often hear most about horses’ health, hoof growth, and ability to move freely. Read on to erase any concerns about having your horse wear Cavallo Hoof Boots.
Past Worry #1: My main hoof boot concern – will they fall off?
Cavallos stay on because they conform to the conical shape of the hooves. The boots are held firmly in place by the industrial-strength Velcro® of the inner panels. Accurate boot sizing is very important. Typically, boots only fall off when they are too large.
Past Worry #2: Can I move faster than a walk?
Yes, you can! Riders use Cavallos daily to outfit their horses for jumping, cross country, cantering, galloping, athletic riding and driving.
Past Worry #3: Will my horse’s heel bulbs be affected?
The boots protect the heel bulbs because the back bulb area is padded with leather on both sides. The leather is inside and out, with a foam cushion in between. This foam softens and conforms to the unique shape of your horse’s bulbs, so they custom-mould to YOUR horse’s hooves. Cavallo offers Comfort Sleeves and Pastern Wraps to put on underneath the boots just to make sure there are no rubs during the boot break-in period, on extra-long rides, or for horses with extra sensitive skin.
Past Worry #4: Will boots affect my horse’s movement?
In the case of tender-footed horses, boots will usually lead to a huge improvement in movement. Cavallo customers report that horses who once walked with care now stride out and walk with confidence. Horses acclimate quickly to the addition of boots. For gaited horses or dressage horses, where the quality of movement is so important, Cavallo Boots do not impede the horse’s natural gaits in any way.
Past Worry #5: Will my horse outgrow his boots in between trims?
Cavallo Boots have built-in room for six to eight weeks of typical hoof growth. There is plenty of extra space and no need to “size up” for your boots. Typically, your boots should fit your horse from beginning to end of the trim cycle. We also offer our famous range of Hoof Boot Pads that can adjust for any extra room after a fresh trim and take up extra space to tighten the fit of a boot.
Past Worry #6: Will wearing boots interfere with my horse’s correct hoof function/hoof mechanism?
Cavallo Hoof Boots are not meant to fit skin-tight like some other boot brands. This allows plenty of space for the hooves to flex and function naturally. The Cavallo Boot sole serves as a smooth, even platform for your horse to move on, and provides an excellent surface for the hoof. To customize your boots’ inner surface for your horse, just choose the Cavallo Hoof Boot Pad style that best suits your horse’s needs:
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Past Worry #7: Will wearing boots lead to weaker hooves or make my horse dependent on boots?
Except in the case of boots being used for therapeutic purposes on a lame horse, Cavallo’s recommendations are to allow your horse to live barefoot on natural terrain then apply the boots for daily exercise and riding. The boots provide a stable, comfortable surface for exercise on even the most challenging terrain. The boots also offer unparalleled full protection of the entire hoof. Living barefoot and riding in boots provides the benefits of both.
Have any questions for us? We’re always happy to chat with you about your hoof boot concerns and we have a lot of information to share. Give us a call toll-free at 1(877) 818-0037 in Canada or the USA. We’re also available on Facebook PM, Monday to Saturday. Prefer email? We’re at info@cavallo-inc.com .
Wishing you many happy trails on your barefoot, booted and beautiful horse,
-Carole
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Leslie Seeberger
from
Oregon
is the winner
of this month's
Cavallo Hoof Boots
Gave-a-way
for her mule!
Congratulations!
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Enter to win the next pair of Cavallo Boots by emailing "patseay@aol.com" with the subject line:
"Enter Me to Win"
Include your contact information and state.
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Spurr's Bix Fix All Natural Hoof Care |
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All Natural
Spurr’s Big Fix “Hoof Fix” and Spurr’s Big Fix Antiseptic Spray are both excellent for Horse Hoof Care and maintenance. We all know the old saying “no hoof no horse” and our Spurr’s Big Fix Antiseptic Spray is no less than miraculous when it comes to conditioning dry, brittle or cracked hooves! And try “Hoof Fix” – it’s an awesome Hoof Conditioner!
Farriers love Spurr’s Big Fix Antiseptic Spray because they can simply spray it on the foot, wait a moment and trim a much more pliable hoof.
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Watch January's Featured
Best of America by Horseback Episode
The V6 Ranch in California
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Would you like a copy of your favorite Best of America by Horseback episode on DVD?
Give our office a call to order 540-829-9555
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Click on the picture above to watch
The V6 Ranch in Parkfield, CA
Our Location Spotlight for January
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Two Chances to Watch
Episodes air
Wednesdays 3:30 PM EST/2:30 PM CT and again the following
Tuesdays 11PM ET/10PM CT
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Look for BOABH All Week Long
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Upcoming Episodes of
Best of America by Horseback on
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Each episode Premiers on Wednesday and then
repeats the following Tuesday evening
Date Featured Show Location
01/26 "Reflections" Trail Riding and Western Music
02/02 Diamond P Ranch in Wyoming
02/09 Planning a Trip with Horses
02/16 Brushy Creek Lodge & Resort 2021
02/23 Northfork River Ranch in Missouri
Also watch other episodes on the Cowboy Channel!
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Thank You to Our Sponsors |
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Advertise Your Product or Service
on Best of America by Horseback
We have advertising packages to suit any budget!
For information email Tom Seay at tseay10@aol.com
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