Wild Mare Horse Camp

Looking for a unique horse camping experience at the beach? Go checkout Wild Mare Horse Camp. This camp lends itself to a fun and relaxing camping trip that has something for everyone.Looking for a unique horse camping experience at the beach? Go checkout Wild Mare Horse Camp. This camp lends itself to a fun and relaxing camping trip that has something for everyone.

Wild Mare has 12 beautiful sites with paved, level camping areas. There is potable water located throughout the camp for easy access and manure dumps on either end. Each site features fire rings and picnic tables. There are nice new-ish galvanized horse pens in about half the sites and the other sites feature sturdy, functional wood pens that are well maintained. This camp is well taken care of with lots of amenities that make it an easy and enjoyable experience. It’s one of the nicer camps we’ve visited.The ride to the beach is about a mile through a beautiful canopy of alder and spruce, with a mossy forest floor that feels like a fairy tale at times. The trail opens into the dunes which are covered in gorgeous swaying grasses and evergreen beachy scrub. We saw coyotes and deer, dragonflies and lizards and enjoyed the misty sea breeze as we rode. The trails go through the dunes most of the times so plan on a lot of deep sand and slow miles. It’s a tough workout for the horses so our group would do 3-5 miles at a time and then return to the camp for a cocktail and a snack and to give the horses a break. We would ride again later on for an evening ride when the tide was out. We found the mornings to be sunny and clear. Later in the day the dense fog would roll-in along the beach. You can also ride west of the horse camp where there are marked horse trails, through interesting scenery, huge dunes and views of the lake.

What Back Yard Flock owners Should Know About AVIAN FLU!

Avian Influenza is a common aquatic bird virus that is currently spreading in the United States. It began on the eastern side of the country, but with seasonal bird migrations it has moved West and there are increasing reports of the illness in back yard flocks. While it is not common for the virus to spread to humans, it is not impossible. There have been a few cases of cross-over to humans in commercial poultry operations. Avian Influenza is a common aquatic bird virus that is currently spreading in the United States. It began on the eastern side of the country, but with seasonal bird migrations it has moved West and there are increasing reports of the illness in back yard flocks.

While it is not common for the virus to spread to humans, it is not impossible. There have been a few cases of cross-over to humans in commercial poultry operations. While it isn’t common five types of avian influenza A viruses have been known to transfer to humans (H5,H6,H7, H9 and H10) Specifically A(H5N1) and A(H7H9) are the primary strains causing the bird illness that is currently circulating. If you suspect your flock has been infected it is important to where personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with sick or dying birds. The primary source of infection at this time is within water foul populations, however through migratory patterns they have documented significant transmission to backyard and commercial poultry operations. Ducks often do not show symptoms but carry the disease.

Barn Safety

5 Quick and Useful tips

Winter and spring are a great times to evaluate your barn for safety. While you are thinking of blanket repairs, water deicers and swapping seasonal equipment, you can apply a critical eye to your farm management routines that will help you keep your property safe for horses and humans.

Chief Paulina Horse Camp

Horse camping at the Newberry Volcanic Monument is truly a unique experience. The variation of scenery, terrain, and access to amenities is unmatched compared almost any other location in Central Oregon. Yet, almost every summer we head to Chief Paulina Horse Camp, the only horse camp within the caldera, and there is almost no one else using the camp. We often visit on holiday weekends because it’s a first come, first serve camp (fee $14-18). When all other camps are likely full we have never failed to get a nice spot at Chief Paulina Horse Camp. In fact, many times we’ve had the whole place to ourselves. Although solitude can be nice for us, I get concerned when I see such a great camp woefully under utilized. If we don’t use it we just might lose it. So, set aside a little time this summer to visit this wonderful camp and experience this incredible national monument that’s right in our back yard.

The $600 vs. $80 Equestrian Helmet

Hanging in my tack room are two well-worn helmets. The GPA Speed Air (retails arounn $649) and the Tipperary Sportage (retails around $79.95). I am asked a fairly consistent range of questions about them by curious riding buddies. Here are a few of my thoughts on how they stack-up.

1. Is the expensive helmet really more comfortable?

The short answer.... Yes, most of the time. The specific hat sizing, in 1/8” increments, of the GPA seems to provide the better fit. When I first put it on it took just a few tiny tweaks of the lining and it fit like a glove. The less expensive helmet came in standard S, M, L sizing. I have readjusted it a number of times and although it’s fine, and comfortable enough, the fit of the GPA is better.

Sharing the Trail

Tips for horse people & non-horse people for having pleasant interactions while out and about in Central Oregon

by Shawna Bowin

Trail conflicts are nothing new, and will probably never go away. And with warmer weather upon us, horses and riders are hitting the local trails regularly, and occasionally riding on the roads to get there. If you’re not a horse rider yourself, how should you handle your interactions with them, and maybe more importantly, WHY should you? If you are a horse rider, you may already have a good idea how to handle these interactions, but I’d be willing to bet that some of these tips will be helpful to you as well.

Why should I care?

Horses typically weigh 800-1200 pounds, react very quickly, and are prone to kick if they feel threatened. You don’t want one coming into contact with your vehicle, bike, dog, or body—it’s not likely to end well for anyone.

Shavings 101

So many things to consider…

by Shawna Bowin

Maybe you’re new to owning a horse, or just new to having one on your property. Or maybe you’ve had horses so long that it’s been a while since you’ve even thought about shavings. What type do you want, what should you watch out for, and how do you want them packaged and/or delivered?

First, what type of shavings do you want?

It’s easier to determine the shavings you definitely do NOT want. Do not buy shavings from any company that also processes hard woods. Some may be safe for horses, but there are some, such as walnut or maple that are definitely toxic. Cedar is one that’s on the fence. Some horses are fine with it (and their owners love the smell!), but some horses can get respiratory issues or have skin irritation. Best to steer clear if you’re not sure how your horse will react, or if you have multiple horses who will use the shavings (more chances of one of the horses being sensitive). Pine and fir are both generally safe choices (though any animal can turn out to be allergic to any substance, of course) and are plentiful here in the northwest.

3 Spectacular Spring Trail Rides in Central Oregon

By Kim McCarrel - Kim is the author of five guidebooks about the horse trails of Oregon and southwest Washington. Her book, Riding Central Oregon Horse Trails, is a must-have for local trail riders. Learn more at NWHorseTrails.com.

Central Oregon certainly deserves its reputation as a mecca for equestrian trail riders. With its abundant sunshine, horse-friendly terrain, and spectacular views, it’s hard to imagine a better place to trail ride in the spring.

In Central Oregon, you have plenty of choices for spring trail rides.