tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46967079010009255832024-03-13T05:50:50.202-07:00The Green EquestrianAn "outpost" for all equestrians seriously involved or interested in "green". An equestrian knowledge-base dedicated to environmental issues in the equine industry as well as to the maintenance and preservation of the cultural factor HORSE.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-17542237382009281682010-05-07T11:08:00.000-07:002010-05-12T04:16:24.664-07:0015th annual Draft Horse Plow Day postponed to MOTHERSDAY :-)<strong><em>Newbury Daily News</em></strong><br />
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Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, MA rolls out its 15th annual Draft Horse Plow Day Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the fields of the historic Little’s Lane property.<br />
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The Plow Match continues a long tradition of work horses on the farm used to prepare the soil for spring planting. In the 1880s, brothers Edward Francis Little and Daniel Noyes Little imported draft horses by rail from Iowa to Newburyport. Trained at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, the horses were sold to other farms and coast guard stations.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/S-RXEX0EI-I/AAAAAAAAAT8/iIYVS5eQAuM/s1600/historic_newengland_100x100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/S-RXEX0EI-I/AAAAAAAAAT8/iIYVS5eQAuM/s320/historic_newengland_100x100.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div>Teams of draft horses and mules from throughout New England will participate in plowing demonstrations throughout the day. Visitors will get a chance to visit with resident pigs Dave and Romeo, plant springtime seeds and witness the shearing of the six resident sheep while learning how their wool is made into cloth.<br />
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There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides; baby farm animals; spinning, weaving and masonry demonstrations; and children’s crafts and games. Byfield’s E.J. Ouellette will supply New England fiddle music to listen and dance to, and Martha Dana will perform a puppet show. And the 17th century manor house on the property will be open from for tours and more activities for families.<br />
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The event continues a long tradition of work horses being used on the farm to prepare the soil for spring planting. In the 1880s, brothers Edward Francis Little and Daniel Noyes Little imported draft horses by rail from Iowa to Newburyport. Once trained at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, the horses were then sold to other farms and Coast Guard stations.<br />
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Admission for Draft Horse Plow Day is $6 for adults, $4 for children and free to Historic New England members. A lunch menu and cold drinks will be available. The rain date is Sunday. Call 978-462-2634.<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-25431387656288390242010-05-07T10:11:00.000-07:002010-05-07T10:14:30.646-07:00The Passauer Maidult greets all GREEN EQUESTRIANSThe first drafted beer 2010 !!!!<br />
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<object width="580" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xYatg8s-uAY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xYatg8s-uAY&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-33002814285032476802010-05-05T01:14:00.000-07:002010-05-05T04:43:28.090-07:00Sustainabilty has many Faces!<object height="360" width="580"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0O2XVgkq-Hk&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0O2XVgkq-Hk&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object><br />
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The Green Equestrians would like to extend best wishes and show their gratitude for all you do!<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=www.eco-lite.blogspot.com&layout=button_count&action=recommend&font=arial&colorscheme=dark" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-41071788780166093362009-10-29T13:08:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:04:09.862-07:00“Green Horsemanship” ???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sun0tYQpOTI/AAAAAAAAASk/l6JoFD00fhU/s1600-h/Stapitzer+See.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sun0tYQpOTI/AAAAAAAAASk/l6JoFD00fhU/s320/Stapitzer+See.bmp" vr="true" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I came across this new phrase a couple of days ago and it triggered my brain cells … “Green Horsemanship”, what is it supposed to stand for? What would it actually look like in our daily routines? Is it a valid expression?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went to my bookshelf and I found one of the old masters looking down at me from the top-shelf- of course. There I was sure to find an answer on the very basic question, which to me seems to be essential before getting to the “green part”: The Definition of Horsemanship. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once I managed to get a hold of Mr. Guérinières <em>Ecole Du Cavalerie</em>, this is what I found:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>“All sciences and arts have principles and rules, by means of which one makes discoveries leading to their perfection. However practice without true principles is nothing other than routine, the fruit of which is a strained and unsure execution, a false diamond which dazzles semi-connoisseurs often more impressed by the accomplishments of the horse than by the merit of the horseman.”</strong></em> (François Robichon de la Guérinière, School of Horsemanship)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mr.De la Guérinière was the leading master of the eighteenth century and probably the father of modern equitation as we know it today. He is said to be the inventor of the shoulder-in which he called the "alpha and omega of all exercises, he is also credited for the invention of the flying-change and the counter-canter. In his famous book "Ecole de Cavalerie," meaning School of Horsemanship, published in 1733, he stresses using few aids and punishments while riding. He also comments greatly on the use of the shoulder-in at all gaits, including the gallop. The very basis however is the correct seat of the rider in order to have a soft, light hand. Most of his exercises were to increase the horse's suppleness and balance, and he had a progressive schooling system to reach an overall goal: a light, obedient, calm horse that was a pleasure to ride. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Throughout his book Mr. De la Guérinière places great emphasis on detailed knowledge of the different nature of horses, interior and exterior as well as care and training-cycles. Based on the writings of Xenophon in 350BC (On Horsemanship) his goal was to provide a reference detailing the principles of classical dressage including training the horse in a manner that is non-abusive. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Imagining the 1700’s his book must have caused quiet some discussions and probably has been looked at as being revolutionary. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our definition of horsemanship in today’s world is based on the principles laid down in his book. But one thing came across and contributed to the loss of “magic” in equestrianism: Industrialization!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Horsemanship became secondary to success! Horses were no longer looked at as being the backbone of our civilization, but rather became an expensive hobby of high society or better yet an eventually profitable investment. Thanks to local farmers up to 1950 the knowledge of horsemanship has been preserved within the daily routines of farming however with modern machinery and the constant thrives for higher yields this last resort of knowledge slowly but surely vanished.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what happened? If we are all so well equipped with top of the art saddlery, armed with the latest superhorse-feeds and trained by the best of the best, why won’t we be able to reach our max in equestrianism? The simple answer is horsemanship! We’ve lost connection to our partner due to time constraints – which is typical for “hobbies” - and due to simple ignorance! So horsemanship is supposed to help us finding this connection again, understanding the nature of horses and act accordingly when interacting with them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So where does the “green part” fit in? Well, I have done a lot of research on this issue, but I am truly not able to find a definition anywhere. It has simply not been discussed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe the catch is this: Horsemanship strictly deals with the interaction of rider and horse from a holistic point of view. The goal is to reach the optimum of performance while respecting the nature of the horse and by refraining from abuse - always keeping health and welfare of the horse in mind! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To become “green “in this respect could only be a partial solution to the current issue of sustainability in equestrianism. We could switch to organic feeds, use alternative medicine, buy non-toxic saddlery and things like that, but we still would not redefine horsemanship in the sense of becoming green horsemanship. We simply would “turn back time” and tend to our horses the way the old stable masters did. So maybe this should be called “genuine horsemanship” instead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If we are planning to coin a new phrase and really make a difference for future generations, we will need to change a lot of things in equestrianism rather than reinventing horsemanship. For one we all will have to become “genuine horsemen- and –women”- preserving our cultural heritage and educating ourselves on the way that goes without question. Secondly we will all have to become “green equestrians” meaning to thrive for sustainability in our daily equestrian routines and consumer habits. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>The answer for a natural competitive advantage : “Green Equestrianism” combined with “Genuine Horsemanship”? </em></strong></div><br />
I am looking forward to your input<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-74327092636155822132009-09-14T05:59:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:04:35.382-07:00Floridians, guard your horses!<div align="left"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sq5C1Iz-uAI/AAAAAAAAASU/6g_paCct8_A/s1600-h/csm%2520ciotola%25201.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381312085420324866" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sq5C1Iz-uAI/AAAAAAAAASU/6g_paCct8_A/s320/csm%2520ciotola%25201.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <em>1st Calv at Ft Hood, TX </em></div><em></em><br />
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</div><br />
<div align="left"><strong>I came across an article today and I would like to share this with the equestrian community. </strong><br />
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</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">In connection with the ongoing discussion about horse-slaughter, this is just another "bad" piece of the puzzle for equestrian communities to fit in the "big picture".</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">As mentioned before: Banning horse-slaughter by governmental means is not the solution. But educating communities about the pro's and con's of humane horse-slaughter, offering alternative solutions to those in need of services within local areas might open a pathway for a better future.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Read this article and share your thoughts about it with us.</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/article.php?aid=289172">http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/article.php?aid=289172</a></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Horsemeat should not become a "black-market-item" and it should not be a crime to bring a suffering horse to a local butcher whom one knows and trusts.</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><strong>So, equestrians of Florida, guard your horses and make your voices heared! Be on the lookout for these butchers and turn them over to the police.</strong></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-89087883211575717472009-09-07T04:41:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:04:51.404-07:00"Legends of the West"<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SqT4yD7rWiI/AAAAAAAAASE/QRcnDHhmPq4/s1600-h/wild-mustangs-running-in-desert.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378697393919973922" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SqT4yD7rWiI/AAAAAAAAASE/QRcnDHhmPq4/s320/wild-mustangs-running-in-desert.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
<div align="right"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SqT3lpzvcQI/AAAAAAAAAR8/IuZDsZPBQIo/s1600-h/wild-mustangs-running-in-desert.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div align="justify">The proud american history - not to say world history - was and in a way still is based on "horsepower". How come we are not able to honor this fact?</div><div align="justify"><a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div align="justify">It seems to be that time of the year again, where the equestrian community is harshly reminded of the ongoing conflict between human mankind and nature. Pls take some time to read the press-release posted below and act accordingly. Your support in this matter will be highly appreciated. Consider becoming a "Green Equestrian" today and stand up for a better tomorrow.</div><div></div><div><br />
</div><div align="center">Once again: Don't look away !<br />
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<strong>Famous Mustangs Torn From Their Home</strong></div><div><br />
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</div><div align="left"><em>More Legends of the West Being Lost to A Rogue Government Agency </em></div><div><br />
</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="justify">LOVELL, WYOMING - SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 – In the searing 90-plus degree heat the first five mustangs, of less than 200 remaining in Montana’s only wild horse herd, are driven into corrals by a helicopter, forcibly removed from the rangeland they have occupied for hundreds of years. The Pryor wild horses and one palomino stallion in particular, Cloud, have been made world famous by the PBS Nature documentaries, the third of which will air this fall.<br />
Despite public outcry over their reasons for this action, and clear failures in NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) compliance, BLM is moving forward with the controversial helicopter roundup expected to last 4-10 days. "This unique little herd is being destroyed starting now," says Ginger Kathrens, Volunteer Executive Director of The Cloud Foundation. "70 horses and some foals are to be removed from their spectacular home in the wild and this will leave us with a non-viable herd.”<br />
Dr. Gus Cothran, Ph.D. of Texas A&M University said today that this roundup "is overkill.” Critics of the removal say that it is clear that the BLM is refusing to listen to science and the wishes of the American public.<br />
Legal efforts are continuing, but have so far not stopped this action. A Temporary Restraining Order request by The Cloud Foundation and Front Range Equine Rescue was denied in Federal District Court on September 2. BLM has contracted with the federally indicted Dave Cattoor to round up America’s most famous wild horse herd. A wild horse advocate explains the situation further in a youtube.com video posted online via <a href="http://www.thecloudfoundation.org/">http://www.thecloudfoundation.org/</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br />
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</div><div align="justify">Wild horse advocates and biologists say that by going against their own environmental assessment for this removal, BLM is ignoring the unique genetics of this herd. The agency plans to take off all the wild horses who live permanently in the Custer National<br />
Forest – from the 21-year-old mare known as Grumpy Grulla, to Conquistador, the 19- year-old band stallion as well as young foals. According to local residents and historians, the wild horses are simply living the way they lived before the BLM or Forest Service were even established. "Removing an entire subpopulation is not the way to manage a small, precious and unique population of animals," continues Kathrens. </div><div align="justify"><br />
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</div><div align="justify">"People enjoy seeing the horses in the Custer National Forest and extensive evidence exists that these horses have been in this area for centuries. It is vitally important that this range be legally expanded to allow this herd to grow to safe, genetically viable numbers.”</div><div align="justify"><br />
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</div><div align="justify">The BLM claims that it is necessary to remove 70 horses in order to “maintain a thriving natural ecological balance.” Don Glenn, Chief of the Wild Horse and Burro Program has been dispatched to the Lovell, Wyoming area due to the controversy surrounding this roundup, unprecedented in size and scope for the Pryor Wild Horse Mountain Range. </div><div align="justify"><br />
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Glenn asserts that much of the forage in the Pryors is either poisonous or non-nutritious. “If the range was that poor than why do we have fat 20+ year old horses who look like they are half that age?” asks Golde Wallingford, owner of a Pryor Mountain Mustang. “The BLM is feeding the American public lies and it is time for them to stop,” she continues. Wallingford, who traveled to the Pryors to protest this roundup, noted that the range is still green in late August after three years of above average precipitation following a multi-year drought. “Why are they removing nearly half the horses after the drought is over?” asks Howard Boggess, Crow Elder and Historian. “Everything that is against the law for me they are planning to do to these horses.<br />
The American public is enamored with the mustang, one of the last symbols of freedom and the disappearing spirit of the American West. "We are losing our wild horses on our public lands as a rogue government agency is left unchecked. Our government has promised it will listen to us. The public is crying out for these wild horses and their voices are getting louder. We need our new administration to start listening or our American mustangs will go the way of the buffalo," Kathrens concludes. </div><div align="justify"><br />
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</div><div align="justify">For more information contact:The Cloud FoundationValerie Kennedy, PR Relations Manager 312-371-4933 info@thecloudfoundation.org <a href="http://green-e-lite.blogspot.com/2009/09/equestrians-dont-look-away.html"></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-62171025689388727132009-09-03T00:57:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:05:15.310-07:00Equestrians, don't look away !!!<div align="justify"><strong>Start POINTING FINGERS !!!</strong></div><div align="justify"><em>During my daily visits with the equestrian communities worldwide I came across this project, which from my point of view is worth looking into. <br />
One starts thinking about the roots to this "evil" and somehow I come to the conclusion, that regulatory efforts in our communities by members of the community would work much better than governmental interventions....<br />
We as equestrians must take a stand and educate others in order to create a more responsible approach towards our forlegged friends. This project here could be one way to do so.</em></div><a name='more'></a><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />
<strong>SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES</strong> follows the lives of three majestic horses, with vivid expert testimony, across dramatic backdrops of America ’s beautiful countryside and explores the secret world where bidding circles mark the end of human kindness.</div><a href="http://www.savingamericashorses.org/press.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377147527608121570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sp93L9_zuOI/AAAAAAAAARs/IIK8z1dZMZM/s320/Save+Horses.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 161px;" /></a>The barbaric cruelty of horse slaughter came to an end two years ago when Congress passed a bill to ban the sordid practice in the United States, yet more than 100,000 healthy vibrant American horses face unspeakable torture every year. Their once noble and triumphant lives are being forgotten as they’re auctioned off to the highest bidder, where their meat is later sold by the pound. Their remains are discarded in dumpsters and their faithful souls are forever betrayed. Yesterday’s thoroughbred racehorse, last summer’s family pet pony, and today’s last wild Mustangs are, on a daily basis, being crammed into double decker cattle trailers and hauled out of the U.S. into Canada and Mexico’s slaughter plants. These beautiful animals are doomed just to please the palate of foreigners in France, Belgium, Italy and Japan.<br />
The film's mission is to protect all horses from slaughter through exposure and education. The objective is to inspire a shift in the apathetic and disposable mindset of today’s unassuming society into taking protective action for horses.<br />
The film will ask two main questions. Should deep pocket foreign interests continue to profit in this so-called industry under the sanction of unassuming tax payers? Who will take responsibility for the horrific cruelty and betrayal of one of America’s most faithful companion animals?<br />
In SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES, director, Katia Louise will reveal the untold truth about what should be "the quiet retirement of thoroughbreds", "the freedom of wild horses" and "the peaceful demise of once loved horses".<br />
Your donations are greatly needed and appreciated. EVERY dollar you donate goes toward protecting horses from slaughter. All advisory board members have volunteered their services in support of this film. All proceeds will go to horse rescue.<br />
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If you would like to get involved or find out more, pls take a minute and visit <a href="http://www.savingamericashorses.org/press.html">http://www.savingamericashorses.org/press.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-74570127494417825122009-03-05T01:51:00.001-08:002010-05-05T06:05:36.336-07:00Full House at Hessian State Stud of Dillenburg<div align="center"><a href="http://www.pferdehessen.de/imagegallery/hengstschau-dillenburg-03-09"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309639188708544338" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sa-gteB3T1I/AAAAAAAAAOs/I1kWs-HPz7c/s400/Welpoet_OSM+Balzer.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 268px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <span style="font-size: 78%;">Sire Weltpoet under HSM Balzer, Dillenburger Landgestuet</span> <span style="font-size: 78%;">(click to view Gallery)</span><br />
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<strong><em>Full House at Hessian State Stud of Dillenburg</em></strong><br />
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<div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;">The history of horse-breeding in today's regional state of Hessia was constituted by consolidation of Kassel, Korbach and Weilburg state studs in 1870. However it goes back in time way further to 1589 when under “Wilhelm the First” the "Wild Horses of the Zapfenburg stud" developed to the "Sababurger" which were considered to be particularly tough.Later under “Wilhelm the Rich”, the "Dillenburg Ramsnoses" which derived from spanish and neapolitan stallions were sought after as parade riding horses but also as carriage horses for state coaches, due to their expansive gaits. The royal stud of Beberbeck was established in 1724 through the combination of the estate of Beberbeck with Sababurg stud and only a few years later, in 1737, Kassel state stud emerged from it. In 1869, Dillenburg became the state stud of Prussia-Hessia-Nassau and one year later, the first state stallions occupied their loose boxes there. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sa-hZXCt4kI/AAAAAAAAAO0/gh6bsOTIQIU/s1600-h/Leute_Hist.+Reithalle.jpg"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309639942747316802" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sa-hZXCt4kI/AAAAAAAAAO0/gh6bsOTIQIU/s200/Leute_Hist.+Reithalle.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 134px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></span></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309641039561557186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sa-iZM_nBMI/AAAAAAAAAPE/uPc79jwanZo/s200/Abreite.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 134px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sa-hj_w1rmI/AAAAAAAAAO8/sxJ4dUUcM30/s1600-h/Leute_Schmiede.jpg"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309640125476875874" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sa-hj_w1rmI/AAAAAAAAAO8/sxJ4dUUcM30/s200/Leute_Schmiede.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 134px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></span></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309641235367633954" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sa-ikmbapCI/AAAAAAAAAPM/wnLANXsHKDs/s200/Hof.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 134px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /><br />
Last weekend now the state stud opened its doors for the annual state stud presentation 2009 to the public again. In its 4th year in cooperation with the state stud of Lower Saxony Celle the state stud Dillenburg also this time again presented two and four-legged stud colleagues from Celle. Celler stallions from the Youngster Hohenzollern up to the experienced sires Rascalino and Perigueux presented themselfes in very good form without exception.The list of “stars” was promissing and accordingly the large indoor riding arena was occupied with 1.200 spectators up to the last seat.One looked forward to presentations of well-known and successful Dillenburger Sires such as Chalet, Weltpoet or D-online among many other things and were facilitated by the land stable masters Mr. Xanke and Dr. Brockmann.The “work at hand” with a balanced D-online under OSM Lenz inspired the public likewise as an extremely convincing and dominant older gentleman named Reflektor lead by apprentice Scholz. Show-jumping specialists Exodus under apprentice shepherd and Excursion under apprentice Scherneck convinced the interested public as well as many other stallions by expression and vigour.<br />
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This presentation of two state studs Dillenburg and Celle once reflected professionalism and teamwork on all levels. Colleagues of both studs worked hand-in-hand and set an example of outstanding co-operation. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span></div><br />
<div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;">All together a very well planned and successful event whereat the public and breeders had the opportunity to get a” behind the scenes” look at operations along with an outrlook on what’s in store for the breeding-season 2009. </span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-31956875216551654722009-02-26T10:35:00.000-08:002010-05-05T06:05:53.984-07:00Green Equestrians to the Rescue !!!!!<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sabtc4wwOZI/AAAAAAAAANc/-lXOR8K2TdA/s1600-h/Green+Eyes.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307190291431700882" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sabtc4wwOZI/AAAAAAAAANc/-lXOR8K2TdA/s400/Green+Eyes.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a> <em><strong>Thirty Horses in Dire Need – Need Your Help</strong></em></div><div align="justify">The Washington Area Humane Society received numerous calls of concern about a horse farm in North Franklin Township where the animals have been starved by their absent owner. Newly sworn-in Humane Officer, Matt Walsh’s first encounter at the Bedillion Road farm on Friday, February 20th left him horrified at the sight of the emaciated frames. Worse than that were the horses that were no longer standing, several of them dead on the frozen ground.<br />
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Walsh and WAHS manager and Humane Officer Lorie Schooley, quickly put their hands on some hay bales and hauled them to the starving animals. As soon as the government buildings opened in Washington, PA this Monday morning, Walsh obtained a warrant that is a “seizure in place” version which allows for help to reach the horses without the necessity of moving them immediately, while simultaneously barring the owner from setting foot on the property.<br />
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“Although a creek runs through the property,” explains Walsh, it has been contaminated by the decaying carcasses of the dead horses. </div><br />
<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sabtc4wwOZI/AAAAAAAAANc/-lXOR8K2TdA/s1600-h/Green+Eyes.jpg"></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><strong>WAHS is seeking emergency help from the public. </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/Sabtc4wwOZI/AAAAAAAAANc/-lXOR8K2TdA/s1600-h/Green+Eyes.jpg"></a></strong></div><br />
<div align="justify">Any hay that can be spared — the 29 remaining horses can easily chew through 30 square-bales per day — and help with relocation of the horses is badly needed. Monetary donations will be used to purchase hay as well, while homes are sought for the animals. Anyone who is willing to foster, adopt or otherwise house any of these unfortunate horses should <strong>call the Humane Society at 724-222-7387.</strong> Please leave a message with your name and number if you get voicemail. Charges of animal cruelty are pending against the owner.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SabvVlokvDI/AAAAAAAAANk/4IkOjCHW4_U/s1600-h/Pferdekopf.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307192365061291058" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SabvVlokvDI/AAAAAAAAANk/4IkOjCHW4_U/s200/Pferdekopf.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 120px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 101px;" /></a><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: 85%;">Become a Green Equestrian Today </span></em></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 85%;">follow this blog and make a difference !</span></em></strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-35409031211856490572009-01-14T10:17:00.000-08:002009-01-14T11:01:08.490-08:00Happy 2009 to all Green Equestrians :-))<div align="center"> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;"><strong>"Hoppy <span style="color:#ff6600;">New </span><span style="color:#00cccc;">Years</span>" </strong></span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000000;"><strong>to all</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Green Equestrians ;-)<br /></div></span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Hello everyone, </span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">on 5th of January WINTER finally arrived at our stables - and it din't leave us, yet. Temperatures have stayed below the 20's most of the time and just today we are reaching 28 Fahrenheit during daytime.</span></strong> </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#006600;"><em>So now, by "popular demand" and as promissed to some very dear friends, here are the pictures of our winterized estate .....</em></span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291221424468321106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SW4x2fle41I/AAAAAAAAALk/LecwVXSRRc8/s320/DSC00525.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Stable for three, closed to keep the waterpipes from freezing....</span></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">House (back)& Dog-kennel( lft. frt.) At 03:20 pm the sun is about to go down, too....</div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291221919724726114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SW4yTUjz52I/AAAAAAAAALs/nE36c06eFCk/s320/DSC00523.JPG" border="0" /></p><div align="center">Looky here, front of my favorite "horse-car" 1988 Jeep Cherokee :-))</div><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291223366911498818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SW4znjwBmkI/AAAAAAAAAL0/7te8OoabNj4/s320/DSC00521.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">And here is our meadow with "Aunt Gwendolyn (lft) and Mr. Marengo (rght.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">I would love to see your stables, too. Send me your pics, I will post them on our blog for everyone to see !!!!</span></strong></span></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">Regards from Germany :-)) </span></strong></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">and good luck and health in 2009 to family, horses and friends .</span></strong></p><p align="center"><br /></p></span><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"> </p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-25685930035616950502008-12-15T03:12:00.000-08:002010-05-05T06:06:18.391-07:00News from the "Swat-Team"<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUY9_ilvBKI/AAAAAAAAALU/-vn9jUxuvv0/s1600-h/Trophy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279975774964614306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUY9_ilvBKI/AAAAAAAAALU/-vn9jUxuvv0/s200/Trophy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a><span style="color: black;">Last month I published an article about WNV and preventive measures to take in order to avoid infection. </span><br />
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</span><strong><span style="color: #660000;">The feedback from "The Green Equestrian -Community" was great and so was the input.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000;">It makes me happy to see, that so many of you take interest in this blog and help to make it a unique resource for equestrians around the world by providing usefull information.</span></strong><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">So here are the trophies for you :-))</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Below I have listed some of the input from "Swat-Team-Members" and I hope this will be of help to our readers.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;">Debbie Solano,</span> </span></strong><a href="http://tulsarealestateweb.com/new_site/index.php"><strong><span style="font-size: 85%;">http://tulsarealestateweb.com/new_site/index.php</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">:<br />
<span style="color: black;">"I heard another thing on the radio that here in Oklahoma it is crows that first succumb to West Nile Virus. They are a kind of bellwhether. Therefore, when ranchers see dead crows on their place, they know they have a serious problem. If they see crows alive, then the chances are good that WNV is not a problem yet. "</span></span><br />
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Nicole Musanno, </span></strong><a href="http://www.gowestequestrian.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">http://www.gowestequestrian.blogspot.com/</span></strong></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">:</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">"I worked with Pfizer on sponsoring a horse show I was working on and they have a product for fly control. I guess its effectivity is supposed to be amazing, unfortunately the barn manager was not interested in using it. As for mosquitos, there is still nothing I guess. Sad, because while I have known no horses affected, I have known MANY people hit with the disease, including my mother. We think I was affected too but I was one of those lucky few who showed next to no side affects. But my friends and family, I feel for them and it was a long hard recovery. "</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;"><strong>Maryanne Gabbani,</strong></span><a href="http://miloflamingo.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;"><strong>http://miloflamingo.blogspot.com/</strong></span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;"><strong>:</strong></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">"Here in Egypt, it has been endemic since at least the 1930's and most of our horses and many of our humans have had it without ever being aware, since the symptoms are those of a mild flu. I don't vaccinate for WNV here but I do work at keeping my horses in the best of health. Garlic and onions, by the way, are not particularly good for horses unless adminstered on the outside of the body. They both can cause Heinz' anemia, as they do in dogs. There are some marvelous machines that run off of gas cylinders and they give off a stream of carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes and then there is a small vaccum that sucks the hapless insects into a net to be disposed of later. I've seen one in use at a neighbour's place here and it does a very good job. They are made for outdoor areas. Don't know that they'd help with flies, though."</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;"><strong><br />
Thomas Voss, Greater Nashville Area:</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">"Along with all the regular maintenace of vaccinations, removal of anything holding standing water and using a good insecticide spray. I use a small "bug zapper" outside the barn that seems to work really well."</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;"><strong>Rose Wallace , RWR Horses LLC :</strong></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">"Our preventative measures include vaccinations (2x year), using Pyranha, removing standing water, etc. Just because AZ is hot and dry, though, does not mean that we are out of the danger zone; we still have to minimize the potential risk."</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">Chad Mendell, </span></strong><a href="http://www.thehorse.com/"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">www.TheHorse.com</span></strong></a> :<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">"Hi Patricia, good overview on your blog. One correction, there are three FDA-approved vaccines available in the U.S. (Fort Dodge, Merial, and Intervet). We have a Webcast posted on www.TheHorse.com with two of the leading WNV researchers if anyone is interested. You can watch it here: http://www.thehorse.com/Video.aspx?vID=14"</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUZH88xrjaI/AAAAAAAAALc/qJSTAS2fTus/s1600-h/Weihnachten_Pferde.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279986725570710946" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUZH88xrjaI/AAAAAAAAALc/qJSTAS2fTus/s320/Weihnachten_Pferde.gif" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 275px;" /></a><br />
<span style="color: black;">Thank you again for your input !!!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #003300;">Happy</span> <span style="color: #660000;">Holidays </span></span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-79622277753204690882008-12-11T02:24:00.000-08:002010-05-05T06:06:38.514-07:00Equestrian Xmass in Germany :-)<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDrw8qlyQI/AAAAAAAAAJs/6rkOSuk9zN8/s1600-h/The+golden+book.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278477989429233922" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDrw8qlyQI/AAAAAAAAAJs/6rkOSuk9zN8/s320/The+golden+book.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 258px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 85%;">The holiday-season is here and following the tradition to exchange greetings I would like to do so by sharing some pictures with you.</span></strong><br />
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<div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;">In Germany St. Nickolaus visits us during the night of 5th/6th of December. He is carrying a golden book with notes about all the good and bad deeds of the people he visits. He looks somewhat like this fellow on top depending on the area of Germany he is visiting :-)</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
After discussing "bad habits" and praising good deeds with him all children will receive little presents to "sweeten up " the time left until x-mass-day arrives . (Ornages, tangerines, nuts, gingerbread ec.)</span></div><br />
<div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;">For equetrians this is a very special time of the year. The following pictures will tell you why !</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><strong><br />
This is a present to all of you from St Nickolaus here in Germany :-)</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><strong>ENJOY and HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!!!</strong></span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278481326903001954" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDuzNuWA2I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/GMpjKZQpGoA/s320/Rendeerhorses.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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St. Nickolaus visits the village......</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDvCEhx8XI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/nSAb4dgCu1k/s1600-h/niko1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278481582132425074" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDvCEhx8XI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/nSAb4dgCu1k/s200/niko1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 198px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDvUomlufI/AAAAAAAAAKM/if4Cgc9Jpxw/s1600-h/nikodeer3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278481901053917682" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDvUomlufI/AAAAAAAAAKM/if4Cgc9Jpxw/s200/nikodeer3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 149px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278481729439056178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDvKpSawTI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Jc6YdAm61oA/s200/niko2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 170px;" /></div><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDvh4ld3NI/AAAAAAAAAKU/AoxqVOsMmWs/s1600-h/nikodeer4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278482128682474706" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDvh4ld3NI/AAAAAAAAAKU/AoxqVOsMmWs/s200/nikodeer4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 132px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDv1sNpdiI/AAAAAAAAAKk/uQ4qu_yq-80/s1600-h/nikodeer2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278482468958729762" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDv1sNpdiI/AAAAAAAAAKk/uQ4qu_yq-80/s200/nikodeer2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 149px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278482344270178002" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDvubtlJtI/AAAAAAAAAKc/GSPP-uto2bY/s200/niko3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 162px;" /><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDwjnbXBwI/AAAAAAAAAK0/FscoDqy00tE/s1600-h/nikolausritt.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278483257948047106" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDwjnbXBwI/AAAAAAAAAK0/FscoDqy00tE/s200/nikolausritt.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDwxU2SLdI/AAAAAAAAAK8/S_MctF2VbRQ/s1600-h/nikolaus.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278483493478870482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDwxU2SLdI/AAAAAAAAAK8/S_MctF2VbRQ/s200/nikolaus.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 133px;" /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278483104477950930" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SUDwartPM9I/AAAAAAAAAKs/oFzulgCA-Hk/s200/nikodeer.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 186px;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-68569104649309701072008-12-10T08:11:00.000-08:002010-05-05T06:06:55.506-07:00Horse Drawn Farm Equipment ?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST_rJkHnsiI/AAAAAAAAAJU/_QF-xJkWo4s/s1600-h/146x110-pferdearbeit4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278195837848498722" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST_rJkHnsiI/AAAAAAAAAJU/_QF-xJkWo4s/s320/146x110-pferdearbeit4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 110px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 146px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST_rhCDT9iI/AAAAAAAAAJk/10QwbaRXe6Y/s1600-h/146x110-pferdearbeit5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278196241020483106" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST_rhCDT9iI/AAAAAAAAAJk/10QwbaRXe6Y/s320/146x110-pferdearbeit5.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 110px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 146px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST_rTf3-vII/AAAAAAAAAJc/xmrj1H-2fNI/s1600-h/146x110-pferdearbeit6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278196008507849858" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST_rTf3-vII/AAAAAAAAAJc/xmrj1H-2fNI/s320/146x110-pferdearbeit6.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 110px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 146px;" /></a><br />
I have been asked to post some links in regards to Horse Drawn Farm Equipment, since it seems to be not an easy task to find any.<br />
So here are some links I think would be helpfull to anyone seriously interested in truly organic farming: <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<ol><li><br />
<div align="left">For general information and manuals on livestock, crops, barns, farming systems, equipment, recipes, kids pages, marketing, poetry, stories, and political updates; IT'S ALL THERE! <a href="http://www.smallfarmersjournal.com/"><br />
<br />
<strong>http://www.smallfarmersjournal.com/</strong></a><br />
<br />
</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="left">Horse Drawn Farm Equipment from I & J Manufacturing is built for the 21st century with generations of Amish Horse Farming experience.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.farmingwithhorses.com/"><strong>http://www.farmingwithhorses.com/</strong></a><br />
<br />
</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="left">A farm equipment dealer who specializes in older farm equipment--from horse equipment to older tractor drawn equipment. With 37 years experience and 16 acres of equipment and parts, we hope that we can help with any requests.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.macknair.com/"><strong>http://www.macknair.com/</strong></a><br />
<br />
</div></li>
</ol><div align="left">These are the links I think will help those seriously interested in farming with horses. </div><div align="left">We would be happy to receive more input from the draft horse community in order to provide as much information on this subject as we possibly can find.</div><div align="left">So keep sending in those comments and e-mails :-))</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-79418929650513988352008-12-10T02:36:00.001-08:002010-05-05T06:07:27.670-07:00The "Garlic Issue" :-)<div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278108847636666546" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST-cCEU62LI/AAAAAAAAAJE/pWsaEVQ5JCA/s400/garlic-wreath-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 258px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 188px;" /><span style="color: black;">In connection with my post about the West-Nile Virus my statement in regards to feeding garlic to horses on a regular basis caused some wild discussions...</span></span></div><div align="center"><br />
<span style="color: black;">I was in complete shock, my friends !</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;">Some of you actually managed to scare me, somewhat :-)</span></div><div><span style="color: black;"></span></div><br />
<div align="justify"><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">We have been feeding our horses fresh garlic for years now. One might call it a "traditional thing" to do, based on knowledge passed on to us by former generations who did not have the luxury of calling a vet and buying expensive medicines. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">Now I received e-mails with warnings!</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: black;"><a name='more'></a><br />
Heinz Body Anaemia caused by feeding garlic to horses ???<br />
<div align="center"></div><strong></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;"><br />
After doing some research and talking to my business-partner, friend and professional member of the NZ Association of Medical Herbalists, Mr. James Hart, I am now able to provide all "green equestrians" with a proper feedback on the "Garlic-Issue" in order to stop the "HEINZ BODY HOO HA" haunting our community.</span><br />
<div align="justify"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST-pPUqA54I/AAAAAAAAAJM/r3slGSmY-kc/s1600-h/Mr.+Knobi.bmp"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278123369009571714" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/ST-pPUqA54I/AAAAAAAAAJM/r3slGSmY-kc/s320/Mr.+Knobi.bmp" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 198px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 159px;" /></span></a><br />
<div><span style="color: black;"></span></div><br />
<div align="justify"><span style="color: black;"><strong>First of all a very basic description of Heinz Body Anaemia:</strong><span style="font-size: 85%;">A condition known as Heinz body anaemia or hemolytic anaemia (most commonly seen in cats and dogs). In this condition, the red blood cells are damaged and they are removed from the body faster than they can be replaced, resulting in anaemia.</span> </span></div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">Secondly the source of information:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">About two years ago some reputable gentlemen and women from the Departments of Animal and Poultry Science (Pearson, McBride), Biomedical Sciences (Boermans), and Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences (Bettger, Lindinger), University of Guelph, Guelph in Canada published the results of their research supported by the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food,and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><strong>" Association of maximum voluntary dietary intake of freeze-dried garlic with Heinz body anemia in horses"</strong>In this study, horses were fed an increasing dose of freeze dried garlic to a maximum of 0.25gm/kg twice daily, and then continued at this dose for 71 days. This translates to a dose of 250gm a day for a 500kg horse – hugely more than one would normally give. No work has yet been done on the safe dose, but the horses recovered from the anaemia within five weeks of the end of the excessive supplementation.</span> </span></div><br />
<div align="justify"><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color: black;">And all good things are THREE:</span></strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">Horses will voluntarily consume sufficient quantities of garlic to cause Heinz body anemia. The potential for garlic toxicosis exists when horses are chronically fed garlic. Further study is required to determine the safe dietary dose of garlic in horses.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;"><strong><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Finally to quote James :</span></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">"In the meantime, we continue to give our horses and ourselves garlic on a regular basis, as the benefits at the lower dose levels far outweigh any observable negatives. Recommendations on how much to give vary depending on your source, but we have found that about a dessertspoonful, 15gm, of powder twice a day or half a fresh head daily is a good dose for an average-sized horse. If you are treating an infection, increase the dose to at least twice that, and try to use fresh garlic.Many herbalists believe that Chinese garlic is the best available. For the dried garlic we find that the imported product is fine, but we prefer to source locally-grown fresh garlic."</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: black; font-size: 85%;">The use of garlic for its medicinal properties has been documented as far back as Ancient Egypt. Codex Ebers a 35 century old document cites the plant as being useful in the treatment of heart disease, tumours, worms, bites and other ailments. Today garlic is well recognised by humans for its ability to help with heart disease, but it is also effective in the treatment of fungal, bacterial and viral infections. Along with Echinacea, Garlic must be one of the most studied herbs. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">So we will keep feeding garlic in winter to our horses in order to keep them healthy and prepare them for "The Bite-Patrole" in summer.</span></strong></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"></div></span></strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-38841512921241586792008-11-25T11:49:00.000-08:002010-05-05T06:08:20.101-07:00Does Your Horse smile ?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSxZqag0kMI/AAAAAAAAAIc/HTD2pcD9eiU/s1600-h/IMG_8386.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272687848950370498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSxZqag0kMI/AAAAAAAAAIc/HTD2pcD9eiU/s400/IMG_8386.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div><div><div><div><div><div>In between all this serious talk about "green" equestrian issues I would like to share a funny story with you. This way I am also following numerous requests to send pictures of our horses.<br />
</div><div></div><br />
<div>In summer of 2007 my second oldest son needed pictures for his portfolio (He was and still is trying to start a career as model... ) So the idea was to go ahead and try something extraordinary and somewhat unusual. I will refrain from adding any comments to the pictures which you are about to see, other than "the outcome supported my very own theory about the way horses look at us and wonder from time to time" :-)</div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272689027709564162" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSxavBu6dQI/AAAAAAAAAI0/a68ihWsEpIs/s400/IMG_8376.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /> <br />
<div></div><div align="center"><strong>See for yourself and tell me: " Have you ever seen your horse smile at you ?"</strong></div><br />
<div></div><div></div><br />
<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272687337230665362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSxZMoNVhpI/AAAAAAAAAIU/HajdgeKqvDo/s400/IMG_8383.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272688202260942162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSxZ--soDVI/AAAAAAAAAIk/CVnIO251Ljw/s400/IMG_8384.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div></div></div></div><br />
Those "happy fellows" from left to right are "Fixstern" daughter of the famous Hannoveranian stallion "Feiner Stern" out of Lucina from Lemon Park XX and "Marengo" Mecklenburger son of the famous thoroughbred Matador 3484XX.<br />
<div align="center">Before I forget, there is one more picture of "Number Three", aunt Gwendolyn who charmed her way into our hearts with her beautiful eyes and her determination to "get her way" no matter what</div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272693532749096402" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSxe1QUCZdI/AAAAAAAAAI8/aIBsstOyCcs/s400/Gwen5.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-42192758331368807552008-11-17T03:34:00.000-08:002010-05-05T06:08:43.604-07:00West Nile Virus - Join the "Swat-Team"<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSFXNRFG71I/AAAAAAAAAH8/Iacol210Yns/s1600-h/West_Nile_Logo_Fnl.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269588924434935634" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSFXNRFG71I/AAAAAAAAAH8/Iacol210Yns/s200/West_Nile_Logo_Fnl.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 190px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><strong>"Green" Tips for "Fighting the Bite"</strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify">WNV is a mosquito-borne infection that horses and humans can develop from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, which develop into thousands of mosquitoes in 7-10 days. Take the following simple steps to minimize the risk of disease in your horses. Controlling mosquito larvae is important because it limits the number of adult mosquitoes in the area. Adult female mosquitoes bite humans and animals and can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria, and several types of encephalitis. By controlling mosquito larvae, you can lessen your chances of getting bit by mosquitoes that spread these diseases.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269592690715433746" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSFaofkWmxI/AAAAAAAAAIE/0QFXKAf4F50/s200/chd_mosquitolarvae.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 122px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div align="justify">So limiting exposure to mosquitoes is fundamental to helping prevent the spread of West Nile Virus. Reducing the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding is a key factor.</div><br />
<div align="justify">Here are some simple tips for your stable, barn and your surroundings:</div><br />
<div align="justify"></div><ol><li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Vaccinate:</strong>There are two licensed products available. Contact your Vet to ensure your horses vaccination status is current. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Dusk to Dawn:</strong>House horses indoors during peak periods of mosquito activity. Turn out after sunrise and<br />
return to stable before sundown.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Lights Off Inside:</strong>Avoid turning on lights inside stables during the evening and overnight. Try to limit your activities to daytime hours. This will help in avoiding mosquitoes and conserving energy at the same time.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Lights ON Outside:</strong>Place incandescent bulbs around the perimeter of the stable to attract mosquitoes away from horses.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Up-Side-Down:</strong>Feed Buckets upside down, keep whellbarrows empty in upright position, any water-holding container upside down or dispose/ recycle if no longer needed.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>No Tires -No Trash-Recycle:</strong>Remove and recycle all discarded tires.<br />
Dispose of items that can hold water, including cans, cups, and bags. Make sure trashcans are tightly covered to prevent rainwater from collecting. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Buy Fish and Filter:</strong>Stangnant water breeds mosquitoes ! Areate your pond or oranmental pools and stock with ,mosquito fish. These fish eat mosquito larvae that have just hatched from eggs. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Manage Drainage:</strong>Clean roof gutters and keep outdoor drains free flowing, keep barn gutters clear of leaves and debris that can cause water pooling. Fix leaky hoses and faucets that may create puddles. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Cover up:</strong>Use flysheets and fly masks for protection</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Garlic against Vampires:</strong>Start feeding garlic on a regular basis at least three months before mosquito-season starts</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Close Doors:</strong>Close stable doors and use screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your barn.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="center"><strong>Keep it clean:</strong><br />
Keep stalls as clean as possible and horses free from sweat. (e.g. hose off after work)<br />
<strong><br />
Most important:</strong><strong>KEEP YOUR HORSES TAIL IN CHECK !!!</strong><strong>This is the most effective fly swat around !!!</strong></div></li>
</ol><br />
<div align="center"><strong><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269603867753504722" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SSFkzFR439I/AAAAAAAAAIM/JHrl9-HHbq8/s200/flyswat.gif" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 102px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 130px;" /></strong></div><div align="justify"></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-68847254251374535922008-11-14T19:21:00.000-08:002008-11-17T00:58:28.931-08:00Can You Help Azafady in Madagascar?I am working with a wonderful environmental and humanitarian charity. It's called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AZAFADY</span>. They are based in London and conduct operations in Madagascar. They're not one of the "big guys" who get lots of publicity and support, or attention from celebrities and the media, but they are doing wonderful things in perhaps the most environmentally significant spot on the planet.<br /><br />I hope you will take a moment to visit <a href="http://www.azafady.org/">http://www.azafady.org/</a> to read more about their work. I hope you will make a donation, or even volunteer to become a "pioneer" with them in Madagascar. And I hope you will tell others about this caring, effective organization that needs your help.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for caring, learning, and doing. Together we are making a difference.<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>jp taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215323002600174861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-49409719543226780882008-11-04T00:30:00.000-08:002008-11-04T06:20:34.981-08:00What does your presidential candidate stand for ?<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Electronic Farm Hands – High tech among the crops </span></strong><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><ul><p align="center"><br /> </p><li><div align="left">A<strong>lternatives to wasting fossil fuels ? </strong></div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Alternatives to bio-fuels ? </strong></div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Solution to environmental problems of corporate farming ? </strong></div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Support of regional markets in agri-businesses ? </strong></div></li><li><div align="left"><strong>Funding of environmental research ?</strong></div></li></ul><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Well, tomorrow is on its way. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SRAMxYmlnmI/AAAAAAAAAG0/cjy9Sxy0fQA/s1600-h/Helios.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264722006953533026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SRAMxYmlnmI/AAAAAAAAAG0/cjy9Sxy0fQA/s320/Helios.bmp" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SRAPwzMAO8I/AAAAAAAAAG8/DWWwHg7dZD0/s1600-h/TRaffic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264725295444802498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SRAPwzMAO8I/AAAAAAAAAG8/DWWwHg7dZD0/s320/TRaffic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.goethe-bytes.de/dw/article/0,2144,3753995,00.html"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.goethe-bytes.de/dw/article/0,2144,3753995,00.html</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.goethe-bytes.de/dw/article/0,2144,3751384,00.html"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.goethe-bytes.de/dw/article/0,2144,3751384,00.html</span></a><br /><br />Those are the type of research-projects which need to be funded !!<br /><br />We urgently need alternatives to todays energy patterns.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am asking myself today: "Which of the presidential candidates represents a more down to earth approach towards energy alternatives and environmental issues ? Who will be able to get the backup of key players in the global market in order to do so ? " </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><em>"I will end three decades of failed energy policies; stop sending $700 billion to countries that oppose American values and finance our enemies; and drill for oil and natural gas. We must strengthen incentives for all energy alternatives -- nuclear, clean coal, wind, solar and tide. We will encourage the manufacture of hybrid, flex fuel and electric automobiles. We will lower the cost of energy, and create millions of new jobs." <span style="font-size:78%;"><strong>( John McCainSeptember 5, 2008 Acceptance Speech)</strong></span></em><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><em><a href="http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/65bd0fbe-737b-4851-a7e7-d9a37cb278db.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264738815047169362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SRAcDvoY9VI/AAAAAAAAAHE/FZuqclwa_uA/s320/McCain_Enviroment.jpg" border="0" /></a></em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><em>" We've got rising food prices here in the US. In other countries we're seeing riots because of the lack of food supplies. So this is something that we're going to have to deal with. There are a number of factors that go into this. Changes in climate are contributing. There's no doubt that biofuels may be contributing to it. My top priority is making sure that people are able to get enough to eat. And if it turns out that we've got to make changes in our ethanol policy to help people get something to eat, then that's got to be the step we take. But I also believe that ethanol has been a important transitional tool for us to start dealing with our long-term energy crisis ultimately. Over time we're going to shift to cellulosic ethanol, where we're not using food stocks but we're using wood chips & prairie grass. " <span style="font-size:78%;">(Obama on </span><a href="http://www.ontheissues.org/2008_Meet_the_Press.htm"><span style="font-size:78%;">Meet the Press: 2008 "Meet the Candidates" series</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> May 4, 2008 )<br /></div></span></em><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264747534394577410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SRAj_Ruz0gI/AAAAAAAAAHM/75i1nYU-1pk/s320/Environment+Obama.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">(Click on Picture to read more)<br /><br /></span></strong></p><br /><div align="justify">To me it is clear: Whoever sets foot on the right path will succeed in all respects. The world turned into one giant marketplace where cause and effect dictate the rules. Bio-fuel for one means hunger for someone else and less money in our pockets. </div><br /><div align="justify">For us equestrians the wrong path could cause a rise of feed prices, land loss due to corporate farming, loss of regional markets, less alternatives in regards to our resources ec... just to name a few..</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><strong>Think about it twice before you cast your vote.<br /><br /></strong></div><a href="http://rural.johnmccain.com/rural.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264806333175661810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 42px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SRBZd0QphPI/AAAAAAAAAHU/M5w0wGYHz5Y/s320/farm_ranch_header.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">(Click on Picture to read more)</span><br /></strong></p><div align="center"><strong>Will your presidential candidate stand for this ?</strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-30927550361135277102008-10-31T09:07:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:09:06.532-07:00Organic Hay for Sale ???<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQszf2175LI/AAAAAAAAAGc/GAe5ZE9OKvs/s1600-h/Karl_Heinisch_Heuernte.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263357211903255730" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQszf2175LI/AAAAAAAAAGc/GAe5ZE9OKvs/s320/Karl_Heinisch_Heuernte.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 194px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> As I promissed all of you I went on the search for<br />
<br />
<div></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQszseM4plI/AAAAAAAAAGk/Dit0A0El8P0/s1600-h/tgross04_heuernte_fuer_tierpark.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263357428626925138" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQszseM4plI/AAAAAAAAAGk/Dit0A0El8P0/s320/tgross04_heuernte_fuer_tierpark.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 240px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong>"ORGANIC HAY"</strong></div><div align="center"></div><br />
<div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">BUT this was not an easy task and the results are not very satisfying, maybe even questionable.</div><br />
<div align="left"></div><div align="left">Even though organic hay prices tend to be higher than hay that isn’t organic, there is still a very high demand for it. In fact, demand is so high that it is difficult for producers to keep up. Currently, the demand is about 20 percent higher than the supply. This is great news for anyone considering the addition of organic hay to their farm’s crops. </div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div align="justify">So during my research I came across articles about farming operations growing forage on 100's of acres in order to meeet demands for organic hay. Experts talking about how wonderfull this is for farmers, because it was another way of generating income.</div><br />
<div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Some of you might remember my post about organic farming. I talked about the carbon footprint being lots higher in organic farming then in traditional farming. On top of that the tendency of american farmers towards large scale farming -no matter what- adds other problems.</div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>We are talking about monocultures, soil compaction, erosion.....</strong></div><div align="left">Another phenomenom results out of the regulations of USDA for organic farming:</div><div align="justify"></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>Under USDA rules, fields must be chemical-free for at least three years to qualify for organic certification.</strong></div><br />
The intension is good, but farmers are smart !!! Whenever there seems to be a problem with weeds due to monocultures of ALFAFA eg. farmers go ahead and take that field out of production. Once out of production regular pestizides come into use and after three years the field is brought back into production.<br />
<div>So it is with a heavy heart and a very doubtfull mind, I am posting a view links were one might be able to find Organic Hay.</div><div><a href="http://www.haybarn.com/search/search.asp">http://www.haybarn.com/search/search.asp</a></div><br />
<div><a href="http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/">http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/</a></div><div></div><br />
<div><a href="http://www.bid4hay.com/">http://www.bid4hay.com/</a></div><div></div><br />
<div>However I do believe in the creation of regional networks. </div><br />
<div></div><div></div><div>So pls, before you go shopping elsewhere for organic hay produced under questionable circumstances, try your farmer next door :-)<br />
<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQs0HpZolqI/AAAAAAAAAGs/r62rNo1cZyc/s1600-h/_wsb_684x415_Heuernte%2BHallig.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263357895489656482" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQs0HpZolqI/AAAAAAAAAGs/r62rNo1cZyc/s320/_wsb_684x415_Heuernte%2BHallig.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 194px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div align="left"><strong></strong></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-74026131861811181472008-10-30T07:40:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:09:29.984-07:00Hop on your Horse and Send me a Picture !!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQnKD5s40EI/AAAAAAAAAFs/HSrD6pePWwY/s1600-h/mcdonalds-drive-through-in-romania-.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262959807936647234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQnKD5s40EI/AAAAAAAAAFs/HSrD6pePWwY/s320/mcdonalds-drive-through-in-romania-.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a> Hello everybody,<br />
<br />
<br />
Many of you follow my blog with great interest and think this is great, but what can I do ???<br />
<br />
Well if you belong to those who always complain about not having enough time for their beloved horse, here is a proposal :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262965249196286002" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQnPAn-R4DI/AAAAAAAAAGE/2c4j_kOQh8Y/s320/horses_lindsayb.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong>How about setting an example in your community ??<br />
Hop on your horse instead of using your car..</strong><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><br />
<div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><br />
<div align="justify">Make good use of your horse, and have fun at the same time ! You will find this very beneficial to both of you. The horse will get some extra training and you will save fuel and catch plenty of fresh air. Besides, you will be amazed at how many people you will get to know.... </div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262966053933168418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQnPvd2gNyI/AAAAAAAAAGU/UtzS_vMQQqk/s320/Winyershopping.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 229px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
<div align="justify">If you have things to do in your neighbourhood, then consider doing this with your horse. I myself am "going by horse" whenever I need bread from our local bakery or go to the post-office. It is a lovely way to start Sunday mornings with my teen-agers, too.<br />
<br />
Below are some pictures to give you an idea ....</div><div align="justify"></div><br />
<br />
<div align="justify"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQnKwLoXOYI/AAAAAAAAAF0/8FQAMP9RCwM/s1600-h/horsebackdrivethru.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262960568663751042" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQnKwLoXOYI/AAAAAAAAAF0/8FQAMP9RCwM/s320/horsebackdrivethru.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><br />
<strong>If you happen to follow my example , pls make sure to send me a picture for The Green Equestrian . I would love to post this on here for everybody to enjoy :-)</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQnPffu-sHI/AAAAAAAAAGM/rg5IFCUSCGs/s1600-h/Shopping.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262965779560575090" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQnPffu-sHI/AAAAAAAAAGM/rg5IFCUSCGs/s320/Shopping.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 166px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="justify"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-13986811693721788182008-10-30T02:44:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:09:51.114-07:00GREEN Trailriding ?Planning to go on the great adventure, again ?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="justify">Thinking about packing up a camp, saddling horses , pack stock, and heading into the backcountry ? Well think about it twice ! Restrictions for horse and rider on trail have multiplied over the years and opposite to this development less land is available for trail riding, due to America becoming subdivided and paved.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
So the little land left for trail riding should be handled with care in order to keep trail riders priviledges! Keeping a “low profile” while on trail might be one of the key-issues here. The less the tracks left behind, the less others will have reasons to complain, put up new rules, build fences ec…..</div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
I posted this issue on a trail riders discussion board asking what would be essential in order to make trail riding GREEN, but to my surprise there were not a whole lot of answers.<br />
However it is simple, if one thinks about it.<br />
<strong></strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>“Research, plan, and organize accordingly”</strong></div><strong></strong><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
</div>I am not a trail-rider, but it is a fact to me, that PLANNING “to go on trail” is the main part of it all. Training for Eventing we do a lot of cross-country tours and we also take our horses on “fox-hunts” . The better we are prepaired, the smoother the event.<br />
<br />
<div align="justify">Here are some of the things I would suggest.</div><br />
<ul><li><br />
<div align="justify">Talking to local authorities such as the Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service and owners, learn the regulations for this area and your camping destination, go online, inquire locally, and read trailhead signs.Let them know you are coming and listen to what they have to say.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify">Try to reduce the number of equines in string by packing only what’s necessary and load the horses up to capacity. Selecting light equipment and trying to do with one pack horse per every two or-better yet –three riders will help reduce impact on trail and campgrounds.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify">Treat your trail as if it was your friend’s living room !!! Don’t take shortcuts, don’t leave trail and don’t litter !!! Do not ride in extremely muddy weather, delay your departure until things dry up. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify">Clean up behind you in order to keep good relations with backpackers and other non-riders. Don’t leave manure and hay behind, clean it just the same way you would clean your stables. Bring plenty of trash bags, crush any cans, and pack it all out. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div align="justify">Think about a proper solution to contain horses at camp ahead of time. Think about protection of trees and grass. You might want to highline or bring an protable electric fence.</div></li>
</ul><br />
<div align="justify">These are just a few things coming to my mind, but I am sure there are a lot more….</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262881559936156994" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQmC5RLyxUI/AAAAAAAAAFk/ERLmKHougl8/s320/Take+nothing+but+pics.gif" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 219px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 250px;" /><br />
<div align="justify"><strong>Happy GREEN Trail :-)</strong></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=www.eco-lite.blogspot.com&layout=button_count&action=recommend&font=arial&colorscheme=dark" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-61281627108324208942008-10-23T00:18:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:10:08.012-07:00Reseeding Time !!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQAsikc3_NI/AAAAAAAAAFM/oMkAumVvlzQ/s1600-h/Pferde1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260253337180699858" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQAsikc3_NI/AAAAAAAAAFM/oMkAumVvlzQ/s320/Pferde1.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a> As some of you might already know, our family currently resides in Germany. Over here days are getting shorter now and autumn is running its full programm as scheduled :-)<br />
<br />
<div align="justify">Rain, storm, fog, a little ice here and there.. Generally I love this season. The forests turn into glowing fireworks, the wind is blowing cold, but the sun still has enough power to warm one up.</div><br />
<div align="justify">However my garden is calling for help and so are the meadows. So for me cutting, digging, planting, raking and reseeding will take off an extra hour or two of the time I have available to work and take care of my family (including horses and all)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260257086524174386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQAv8z2BMDI/AAAAAAAAAFc/SYqzggwZVgQ/s320/Herbstbilder24.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
<div align="justify">So, after pooring myself a nice cup of tea I sat down and thought about you guys :-) Reseeding is a big issue since it builds the foundation of your equestrian operations. Your meadows supply forage for your horses. But not only for them... Lots of animals and insects depend on it. It is part of the ecological system life is based on.</div><br />
<div align="justify">So responsible mangement of your meadows is vital to the environment and the health and welfare of our horses. Reseeding on a regular basis helps keeping your meadows healthy and in shape.<br />
But it is not an easy task. Some of you enjoy the benefit of green grass 24/7, some of you have harsh winters to face up to, some of you live in almost desert-like areas... </div><br />
<div align="justify"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQAvR2vlCgI/AAAAAAAAAFU/QrdCfFWDP3E/s1600-h/Herbstweide.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260256348568095234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SQAvR2vlCgI/AAAAAAAAAFU/QrdCfFWDP3E/s320/Herbstweide.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<div align="justify">However I thought providing you with a link to a nationwide listing for companies offering organic, non-GE, and untreated seeds would be a very good idea.</div><div align="justify">Most of those companies carry different type of seeds for different type of climates and locations.</div><br />
<br />
<div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Here is the link : <a href="http://www.crudeawakening.org/seeds.htm">http://www.crudeawakening.org/seeds.htm</a></div><br />
<div align="justify"></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>So , pls, do take some time to look into this issue. </strong></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>I already have and my seeds are on its way :-)</strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-88880606401591600462008-10-20T23:27:00.001-07:002008-10-21T03:54:37.003-07:00Snakes ? Call 911-Raptor !<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SP2D5NN1-rI/AAAAAAAAAE8/DBDE_ZyGgqs/s1600-h/North+American+Kestril.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259504958662113970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SP2D5NN1-rI/AAAAAAAAAE8/DBDE_ZyGgqs/s320/North+American+Kestril.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SP2DN9CSigI/AAAAAAAAAE0/AfWK6Xo5xoo/s1600-h/Nestingbox.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259504215584311810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zYEP86_JkoA/SP2DN9CSigI/AAAAAAAAAE0/AfWK6Xo5xoo/s320/Nestingbox.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify"><br /><div align="center"><strong>First of all I would like to thank you "guys n gals" for the positive feedback and the load of questions I received in regards to this block.</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="justify">So having said this I would like to pick up one of the question I received in connection with the article about Barn Owls. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><strong>"Do Barn Owls take care of my "snake-problem", too ? "</strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify">No unfortunately they don't. However keeping up the principles of the food-chain, nature did provide a snake-eater for us to make use of. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>The North American Kestrel, the smallest and most colorful raptor on the continent !</strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div>The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America—about the size of an American Robin and are often incorrectly called “sparrow hawks.”<br />Kestrels like exposed perches such as telephone poles, wires, fence posts, and dead branches on trees. They are swift, erratic fliers, and in a flat flight they may travel at up to 39 mph, and they can dive at speeds up to 60 mph. They pump their tails and bob their heads while perched, especially when agitated. Kestrels are capable of hovering when hunting, and this behavior is seen frequently over highway medians. They will dive feet first when hunting insects and usually capture them by pinning them to the ground rather than capturing them with their beak. They will dive for other prey items head first to gain additional speed and force. </div><div><br /></div><div align="justify">Its diet consists of snakes, lizards, bats, smaller birds, mice, voles, and insects (beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas). Kestrels will feed mainly on mammals and birds during the early parts of the breeding season and lizards, snakes later in the breeding season. They concentrate on hunting invertebrates when readily available.</div><div align="justify"></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>Despite the overall health of American kestrel populations throughout the New World, some populations, including those in Florida, Texas, Arkansas and some northeastern states, are decreasing due to habitat alteration.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div align="justify">Many raptor species are in danger. Human-caused changes in land use are escalating, and this affects the habitats and migratory corridors required by some raptors for survival. Vast forests are removed for timber and other paper products, and industrial emissions pollute water and air resources.<br />Critical shoreline and riparian zone habitats are rapidly converted by expanding human communities and agricultural needs. Illegal shooting and trapping are also lowering raptor numbers. It's only a matter of time until more raptor species may face extinction, unless we protect their habitats.</div><strong><div align="center"><br />However humans need raptors !</strong></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>Here are only a few of the benefits raptors provide: </strong></div><ul><li>Raptors help keep animal populations in balance. </li><li>Raptors consume many animals that humans consider as pests, including mice, rats and destructive species of insects. This helps to control disease and damage to crops. </li><li>As top predators of their food chain, raptors are an indicator species of the overall health of the ecosystem in which they live. </li><li>Of equal importance, witnessing wild raptors enriches each of our lives. Imagine what life would be like if we could no longer gaze upon the grandeur of raptors soaring high above. </li></ul><p align="justify">Efforts to save threatened and endangered raptors require cooperation and support at international, national, regional and individual levels. You can help in this cause. Installing nesting boxes and protecting vital habitat required by these raptors will help to stabilize these populations. Recycle forest products, plant trees around your meadows, eliminate or reduce pesticide use. Support breeding programs for endangered birds of prey at zoos and other animal care organizations. Let your elected representatives know your views about the conservation of migratory birds and their wild habitats.</p><p align="center"><strong>Here we have it, another project for those long winter nights :-)<br />Building Nesting Boxes for kestrels </strong></p><strong><p align="justify"></strong></p>I am looking forward to those pictures coming in from all of you and even more important, I would like to hear from you and your experience with your own little "raptor community"<br /><br />If you would like some more input on how to deal with those "little guys" you might want to check out: <a href="http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/per/b2a.htm">http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/per/b2a.htm</a><br /><br />Have fun :-)<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-5923556265551816522008-10-12T08:15:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:10:21.241-07:00Songs for Eco-CrusadersHello Green Equestrians. I am delighted to be able to contribute to this blog. My sincere thanks to Patricia for inviting me to join this group of eco-crusaders.<br />
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Like you, I care deeply about the environment and protecting our planet and all of its creatures. And through my songs, I hope to inspire more people to go green in their daily lives.<br />
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I believe a song can change the world. A song can open eyes, minds, and hearts. Songs can inspire and encourage. The Earth needs people with passion to help us get back on track. My songs are for these people, for you – looking forward, being positive, and having faith that we can turn things around.<br />
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As an example, “Rise to the Challenge” is one of those songs. I wrote this song especially for the folks who are trying everyday to do right for the planet. They do the little things that, when put together, make a big difference. They live the "Three Rs": reduce-reuse-recycle.<br />
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I hope you'll take a moment to visit <a href="http://www.jp-taylor.com/">http://www.jp-taylor.com/</a> and have a look, and a listen. And if you think there is a way I can help you on your eco-crusade, please let me know.<br />
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Thanks for caring and doing your part everyday.<div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>jp taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02215323002600174861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4696707901000925583.post-75547584743075557352008-09-29T07:48:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:10:34.960-07:00"Soil Compaction " Beware of Big Wheels !<div align="justify"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 85%;">Due to structural and technological developments in cultivation of fields the agricultural sector has been subjected to profound changes over the last 30 years. The use of ever heavier machines left its “footprints’ on the way farmers are forced to do business these days.<br />
We call this footprint “Soil Compaction” and it could be one of the reasons why today’s farmers are complaining about heavy losses in yields. “Soil Compaction” is one of the major problems we are dealing with in “modern technology farming”, because losses in harvest caused by this phenomenon could go all the way up to 20%.</span><br />
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</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 85%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 85%;"><strong>So what is “Soil Compaction”?</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;"></span></strong></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;"><br />
Soil compaction occurs when weight of livestock or heavy machinery compresses soil, causing it to lose pore space. Soil compaction changes pore space size, distribution, and soil strength. Affected soils become less able to absorb rainfall, thus increasing runoff and erosion. Growth of plants is slowed down in compacted soil, because with pores closed by compression of soil there is little space left for air and water, which are essential for root development.</span></div><br />
<div align="justify"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 85%;">There are several forces, natural and man-induced, that compact a soil. This force can be great, such as from a tractor, combine or tillage implement, or it can come from something as small as a raindrop. Listed below are several types of soil compaction and their causes.</span></div><br />
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<div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;"><strong>Raindrop impact</strong> - This is certainly a natural cause of compaction, and we see it as a soil crust (usually less than 1/2 inch thick at the soil surface) that may prevent seedling emergence. Rotary hoeing can often alleviate this problem.</span></div></li>
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<div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;"><strong>Tillage operations</strong> - Continuous moldboard plowing or disking at the same depth will cause serious tillage pans (compacted layers) just below the depth of tillage in some soils. This tillage pan is generally relatively thin (1-2 inches thick), may not have a significant effect on crop production, and can be alleviated by varying depth of tillage over time or by special tillage operations.</span></div></li>
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<div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;"><strong>Wheel traffic</strong> - This is without a doubt the major cause of soil compaction. With increasing farm size, the window of time in which to get these operations done in a timely manner is often limited. The weight of tractors has increased from less than 3 tons in the 1940's to approximately 20 tons today for the big four-wheel-drive units. This is of special concern because spring planting is often done before the soil is dry enough to support the heavy planting equipment.</span></div></li>
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<div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;"><strong>Minimal Crop Rotation</strong> - The trend towards a limited crop rotation has had two effects: 1.) Limiting different rooting systems and their beneficial effects on breaking subsoil compaction, and 2.) Increased potential for compaction early in the cropping season, due to more tillage activity and field traffic.</span></div></li>
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<div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;">Greater axle loads and wet soil conditions increases the depth of compaction in the soil profile. Compaction caused by heavy axle loads (greater than 10 tons per axle) on wet soils can extend to depths of two feet or more. Since this is well below the depth of normal tillage, the compaction is more likely to persist compared to shallow compaction that can be largely removed by tillage.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;"><strong>What is the conclusion ?</strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
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<div align="justify">Well, thinking about farming for a global market ? Forget it !! </div></li>
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<div align="justify">Thinking about farming for a local community ? Way to go !!!</div></li>
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<div align="justify">Is bio-diesel a real alternative ? Not at all, folks.</div></li>
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<div align="justify">Soil Compaction is accompanied by an extensive use of fertilizers in order to gap the bridge of harvest loses. It also is a contributing factor towards erosion and many other negative effects on plants and animals. Bio-fuels for example are based on large scale farming, a non sustainable form of agriculture.<br />
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<strong>As equestrians we need to pay attention to these things, too:</strong>We need to be much more selective when buying feeds for our horses, reconsidering current diets and maybe replacing them with more common and more economical, but better feeds from local farmers.<br />
We need to manage our land more carefully, we need to promote small scale farming for and organic farming with workhorses in our communities. </div><div align="center"><strong>With 9,6 million horse-owners in the US and many more world-wide we do have a voice loud enough to be heared !</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div align="center"><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=www.eco-lite.blogspot.com&layout=button_count&action=recommend&font=arial&colorscheme=dark" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">For more sustainability in your equestrian life
visit www.green-e-lite.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18168901787761257553noreply@blogger.com0