May 2014 - Billings Saddle Club

Billings Saddle Club ~ Alkali Creek Road ~ PO BOX 385 Billings, Montana 59103 ~ 406-252-8272
2014 BOARD MEMBERS
President
1st Vice President (Membership)
2nd Vice President (Horse Activities)
3rd Vice President (Social Activities)
Corresponding Secretary
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
3 Year Director
2 Year Director
1 Year Director
Stirrup Editor
Clubhouse Rentals
Past President
Jimmie Jimison
Sue Malmstrom
Racquel Kaelberer
Muri Cole
Sarah Swenson
Bev Grauman
Alexa Coolahan
Charlene Murphy
Jason Harkins
Lorie Nelson
Polly Olsen Namen
Muri Cole
Nancy Bjelland
850-9378
670-2488
600-7348
425-2859
545-7173
720-0006
373-6546
245-8450
670-8812
259-3699
698-0066
425-2859
860-8536
jim.jimison@kniferiver.com
suem@tbems.com
racquel.kaelberer@gmail.com
muri.cole@rocky.edu
as_swenson@msn.com
bevgrauman@yahoo.com
3coolahans@gmail.com
clvmurphy@msn.com
harkinstaxlaw@aol.com
nbaroranch@gmail.com
barlazyp@gmail.com
muri.cole@rocky.edu
nbjelland@yahoo.com
Do you have any information that might interest other club members, such as classified ads,
event results, awards, member achievements, or upcoming events? If so, please contact Polly at
633-9400 or barlazyp@gmail.com to place the information in your STIRRUP.
A message from your Horse Activities Chair, Racquel Kaelberer…….
Great way to start the O-Mok-See season, our first O-mok-see was fantastic. A good time was had by all. A BIG
thank you for all my arena and office help!!
Thank you for all those who came early and helped us cleanup the grounds - Special thanks to Sue Malmstrom,
Clint Anderson, and Jimmie Jimison for hiking up the mountain to get the broken water line fixed.
The BBRS Barrel Race scheduled for May 28, has been moved to August 13.
Next O-mok-see will be May 18th @10am. We will have a benefit Barrel Race afterwards to help one of our own,
Tanya Punt.
Results from May 4, 2014 (see attachment)
Please remember I do send the results to the Billings Gazette - great memories.
Loved seeing you all ~~
Cheers ~~ Racquel
2014 BSC CALENDAR
Horse Activities Chair: Racquel Kaelberer – (406) 600-7348 or racquel.kaelberer@gmail.com – Call for status of
event in case of bad weather. Check our Billings Saddle Club Facebook page for updates.
2014 O-MOK-SEE Schedule
May 18th – 10 am Pat Cole, Clint&JanetteAnderson/SaraSannes/MuriCole/Rachel&ChaseHolst/DeniseBacon/LoriNelson
June 6th – 7pm Connie/JimmieJimision, JoanLunder/CherylCathey/BevGrauman/Andrea&NelsPearson/BrendaCasey
June 13th – 7 pm Sue Schwend, KelleePierce/SadieChristoferson/Bernie&VinceSwanson/LewisWard/MelissaChristoferson/HaleySchwend
June 28th – 10 am RacquelKaelberer, Rob&KristenLunder/SueMalmstrom/RossMalmstrom/NancyBjelland/CharleneMurphy
June 29th – 10 am SueMalmstrom, Andy&SarahSwenson/MattKoplinFamily/MuriCole/NicoleThompson/NancyBjelland
July 11th – 7pm LorieNelson, JenniferCarmody/TanyaPunt/LexCoolahan/ShaneSchieck/GerelePelton/Dwayne&AmyVogle
National O-Mok-See – July 19-25, 2014 – Buffalo, Wyoming
August 1st – 7pm CharleneMurphy, RodLeafdale/DebbieMagilke/Mike&NikkiHofmann/Andy&SarahSwenson
August 22nd – 7pm DoreenMcKenney, CarolynGilstrap/Shane&SaritaStolt/Steve&CindySundheim/Jimme&ConnieJimison
State O-Mok-See - Aug. 29-31 at BSC !!
September 14th – Memorial O-Mok-See – BSC BOARD
FOR SALE :
Used early 70's International 275 Swather 14' header with conditioner. Used 7' International Sickle Mower, 3
point. Used Horse Walker.
Please call Bev Kudrna at 661-6099 if interested or for more information.
2014 Horse Activity Committees
05/18/14 O-Mok-See
Pat Cole - Chair
Clint & Janette Anderson
Sara Sannes
Muri Cole
Rachel & Chase Holst
Denise Bacon
Lori Nelson
06/06/14 O-Mok-See
Connie/JimmieJimison
Joan Lunder
Cheryl Cathey
Bev Grauman
Andrea & Nels Pearson
Brenda Casey
06/13/14 O-Mok-See
Sue Schwend - Chair
Kellee Pierce
Sadie Christoferson
Bernie & Vince Swanson
Lewis Ward
Melissa Christoferson
Haley Schwend
06/28/14 O-Mok-See
Racquel Kaelberer-Chair
Rob/Kristen Lunder
Sue Malmstrom
Ross Malmstrom
Nancy Bjelland
Charlene Murphy
06/29/14 O-Mok-See
Sue Malmstrom - Chair
Andy and Sarah Swenson
Matt Kopplin Family
Muri Cole
Nicole Thompson
Nancy Bjelland
07/11/14 O-Mok-See
Lorie Nelson – Chair
Jennifer Carmody
Tanya Punt
Lex Coolahan
Shane Schieck/
Gerele Pelton
Dwayne & Amy Vogle
08/01/14 O-Mok-See
Charlene Murphy-Chair
Rod Leafdale
Debbie Magilke
Mike and Nikki Hofmann
Andy & Sarah Swenson
08/22/14 O-Mok-See
Doreen McKenney- Chair
Carolyn Gilstrap
Shane & Sarita Stolt
Steve & Cindy Sundheim
Jimmie/Connie Jimison
09/14/14 O-Mok-See
BSC BOARD
05/18/14 Barrel Race
Doris Gillespie
Linda Crowder
Paula Harris
Brenda Kirkland
Polly Namen
Kristi Spring
TBD Barrel Race
Racquel Kaelberer
Eva Schaff Family
Rod & Phyllis Brosz
Shirlee & Tim Kaczmarek
TBD Barrel Race
Racquel Kaelberer
Eva Schaff Family
Diane Bomar
Linda Hegle
Shawn & Nikki Shelhamer
TBD Barrel Race
Racquel Kaelberer
Eva Schaff Family
Rod & Phyllis Brosz
Shawn & Molly Fossum
WELCOME NEW MEMBER APPLCIATIONS ~ we are glad to have you!!
New member applications: Jan Falstad / Marty, Landy & Hannah Petrie / Sadie Christoferson
Congratulations go out to:
Kale Crowder – 2014 MSUB graduate
Shay Shelhamer – Valedictorian Shepherd High School Class of 2014
Muri Cole – 2014 Rocky Mountain College graduate, Multi Engine Complete at
RMC Aviation Program (see photo below)
"You know you’re a rodeo child when your mom knows exactly where your horse’s papers are but has no
clue where your birth certificate is." ~ Alli Allen
TIDBITS~~~
- The Board is accepting bids to spray the spotted knap weed and goat heads. Please contact a
board member if you are interested.
- BSC needs a new webmaster. Please contact a board member if interested.
2014 Clubhouse Rentals:
May 16; June 16; June 21 – Chase Hawks – Clubhouse & Arena; June 27; June28; July 4-5
Arena Rentals:
Chase Hawks – June 21; BBRS June 4, July 9, & August 13; Young Riders Tuesdays 5/27-8/5; Mounted Shooting 6/14 & 15,
7/12 & 13; Pay it Forward Barrel Race (Shirlee Kaczmarek-Huntley Wrestlers) – 6/14 – BSC Co-Sponsor
MEETING MINUTES
BSC BOARD MEETING 4-3-14
Present at meeting were: Sue Malmstrom, Racquel Kaelberer. Lex Coolahan, Lori Nelson, Jimmie Jimison,
Charlene Murphy and Bev Grauman
Meeting was called to order April 3, 2014 at 5:35pm.
Secretary Report: Minutes from the last meeting were approved
Treasurer Report: $3458.08 in checking, $2593 in memorial and $1543 in CDs
Membership: Grandchildren cannot be added to Grandparent's membership pursuant to the bylaw provisions.
New member, Caroline Gilstrap, was approved.
New gate code will begin 4/9/14.
Correspondence report: Nothing to report at this time
Horse Activities: Awards for State O-mok-see are done
Social Activities: This is the 75th Anniversary of the Billings Saddle Club.
Club House Rentals: The next scheduled rental is 5/3/14. Anyone can show the clubhouse for prospective
renters but please do not allow dogs in the clubhouse.
Arena Rentals: Nothing to report. Still have not received the contract back from Big Sky Shooters.
Old Business: The new clubhouse roof should be on by the first of May.
Racquel & Jimmy will get bids for weed spraying
It was determined that the club does need a website. We will continue to look for a volunteer to set it up.
We are still looking for another refrigerator
We will get bids for arena fence repair
New Business: Racquel will set up committees for State Omoksee
Supplies needed for cleaning days were discussed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:47pm
Respectfully - Bev Grauman
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O-Mok-See Results 5/4/2014
Under 8: Pole Bending : 1st AJ Swenson 64.54, 2nd Brooke Christoferson 71.18, 3rd Aspen Swenson 74.91, 4th
Dillon Pitman 82.63
Key Race : 1st Brooke Christoferson 28.18, 2nd AJ Swenson 29.86, 3rd Dillon Pitman 41.28, 4th Aspen Swenson
45.54
Half 8 : 1st AJ Swenson 34.04, 2nd Aspen Swenson 85.59, 3rd Dillon Pitman 38.87*
Polo Turn: 1st Brooke Christoferson 26.01, 2nd AJ Swenson 34.36, 3rd Dillon Pitman 46.03, 4th Aspen Swenson
72.47
Arena Race: 1st Brooke Christoferson 17.83, 2nd AJ Swenson 24.62, 3rd Aspen Swenson 30.22, 4th Dillon Pitman
36.16
8 – 11: Pole Bending: 1st Kyra Christoferson 34.10, 2nd Ella Kopplin 45.27, 3rd Rileigh Newkirk 52.75
Key Race: 1st Kyra Christoferson 18.56, 2nd Ella Kopplin 18.92, 3rd Cole Anderson 21.16, 4th Rileigh Newkirk
24.00
Half 8: 1st Rileigh Newkirk 17.44, 2nd Kyra Christoferson 19.38, 3rd Cole Anderson 20.19, 4th Ella Kopplin 37.14
Polo turn: 1st Kyra Christoferson 14.64, 2nd Rileigh Newkirk 20.05, 3rd Ella Kopplin 21.87, 4th Cole Anderson
23.02
Arena Race: 1st Kyra Christoferson 10.86, 2nd Rileigh Newkirk 13.56, 3rd Cole Anderson 15.87, 4th Ella Koplin 16.14
12 – 15: Pole Bending: 1st Alli Allen 27.22, 2nd Megan Anderson 43.78, 3rd Hannah Petrie 49.42, 4th Haley
Anderson 53.85,
Key Race: 1st Alli Allen 11.98, 2nd Hannah Petrie 16.38, 3rd Megan Anderson 18.38, 4th Hanna Carstensen 18.83, 5th
Haley Anderson 18.94
Half 8: 1st Alli Allen 16.75, 2nd Haley Anderson 18.36, 3rd Hanna Carstensen 19.20, 4th Hannah Petrie 23.32
Polo Turn: 1st Hannah Petrie 17.21, 2nd Megan Anderson 19.21, 3rd Hanna Carstensen 21.98, 4th Alli Allen 23.81,
Haley Anderson 26.02
Arena Race: 1st Alli Allen 10.24, 2nd Hannah Petrie 12.85, 3rd Hanna Carstensen 13.62, 4th Haley Anderson 18.83, 5th
Megan Anderson 15.43
16-39: Pole Bending: 1st Haley Schwend 29.04, 2nd Michelle Holzwarth 34.05, 3rd Sara Sannes 37.30
Key Race: 1st Sara Sannes 17.99, 2nd Michelle Holzwarth 18.65, 3rd Haley Schwend 19.81, 4th Katie Belobraidic
46.29
Half 8: 1st Haley Schwend 13.88, 2nd Michelle Holzwarth 15.75, 3rd Sara Sannes 17.57, 4th Katie Belobraidic 36.97
Polo Turn: 1st Haley Schwend 15.19, 2nd Sara Sannes 19.07, 3rd Katie Belobraidic 38.13
Arena Race: 1st Haley Schwend 11.09, 2nd Michelle Holzwarth 11.50, 3rd Sara Sannes 15.21, 4th Katie Belobraidic
18.00
40+: Pole Bending: 1st Jimmie Jimison 26.58, 2nd Patty Propp 39.35, 3rd Sue Malmstrom 32.09, 4th Lori Nelson
34.37, 5th Connie Jimison 37.65, 6th Joan Lunder 38.77
Key Race: 1st Jimmie Jimison 11.52, 2nd Lori Nelson 13.61, 3rd Sue Schwend 13.82, 4th Patty Propp 14.81, 5th Connie
Jimison 15.44, 6th Joan Lunder 15.80
Half 8: 1st Jimmie Jimison 11.16, 2nd Patty Propp 12.53, 3rd Connie Jimison 13.55, 4th Lori Nelson 13.68, 5th Sue
Schwend 14.05, 6th Sue Malmstrom 15.07
Polo Turn: 1st Jimmie Jimison 13.31, 2nd Patty Propp 13.38, 3rd Sue Schwend 15.24, 4th Sue Malmstrom 16.56, 5th
Lori Nelson 16.61, 6th Connie Jimison
Arena Race: 1st Jimmie Jimison 10.35, 2nd Sue Malmstrom 10.99, 3rd Lori Nelson 11.40, 4th Sue Schwend 12.21, 5th
Connie Jimison 12.33, 6th Joan Lunder 14.49
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Charlene Murphy for updating the men's bathroom at clubhouse, etc.
Jimmie, Connie & Parker Jimison – repairing fence by clubhouse.
Tim Kaczmarek – for the posts for the sign board.
Everyone that showed up at the workdays. You members are awesome.
Racquel Kaelberer & Nancy Bjelland for the great lunch served at the MSCA
Spring Board Meeting.
Photos from the MSCA Spring Board meeting:
Identity Crisis: Why Marking Your Horse Is Still Important
Many of us have childhood memories of our mothers putting our mittens on strings, writing our names on our tack and grooming equipment before
heading off to a show, or monogramming a horse’s sheet so you know which one was yours. And while we all still have orphaned sheets and horse
blankets in our tack rooms, the indelible marker method works pretty well. But what about your horse—is it still necessary to be able to identify your
horse? And more importantly, can you prove that that horse really belongs to you?
Why ID?
Although still a hanging offense in some states—Western states in particular have a long memory for this sort of thing—horse theft in the U.S. is not
as uncommon as you might think. The numbers of horses stolen within the United States each year range from 40,000–55,000; however, for every
horse reported stolen, it is assumed that 1–2 thefts occur that go unreported. What’s worse is that this is a growing problem for both horses and cattle.
And if these numbers don’t scare you, factor in the number of horses that go missing due to natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, or a downed
fence that lets horses and cattle alike roam free. While theft is a common means for a horse to go missing, it is by no means the only culprit.
The History of the Brand
When most of us think about marking a horse, branding is generally the first thing that comes to mind and has long been the most common means of
identifying animals and marking ownership. Egyptians branded the royal herds, and evidence of these early round-ups can be seen in wall paintings of
ancient tombs going back as far as BC 2780. When Cortés arrived in Mexico in the early part of the 16th century, he marked his Spanish horses with
three Latin crosses. Not even one hundred years later, Coronado pushed into the southern reaches of the United States with branded cattle. By the
time the great Texas cattle drives began in the years just prior to the Civil War, branding and reading brands had developed into a Western art form.
Mark Your Territory
Why has so much effort and ingenuity been put into marking animals for well over 4,000 years? Not only does branding prove ownership, but it also
deters theft. Let’s look at the different options available for marking your horse.
Hot-Iron Branding
When most of us think of branding, we think of mugging down a calf while eating a fair amount of dust. Two people hold while one brands. It’s a
rather traumatic experience for the calves, but for most of us, it’s a day of hard work but good times spent with family, friends, and neighbors. The
principles of hot-iron branding have remained the same since the Egyptians with the exception that fires to heat the brands most likely come from a
propane tank instead of some old fence posts. The iron is heated in the fire, and once hot, it is applied directly to the horse’s skin. Thanks to the
wonders of modern pharmaceuticals, using a sedative or analgesic can minimize any pain experienced by the horse.
Hot-iron branding is the most commonly performed type of identification for cattle, but definitely less so for horses. Why? We cringe at the thought of
hurting a horse, and hot branding iron seems like it would do just that. I spent some time talking about brands with Pete Olsen, a Montana State
District Brand Inspector. With 26 years of experience, Olsen has a long memory for brands as well as a good idea of what works and what doesn’t. And
of all of the identification methods available to horse owners, he still prefers the old-fashioned, hot-iron brand for the simple reason that if you “put a
good brand on the horse, it will be recognized. A clear, visible brand is a ‘return to sender’ mark on a lost cow or horse.”
Freeze Branding
A popular alternative to hot-iron branding is freeze branding. Freeze branding is just what it says it is—instead of red-hot branding irons, super-cold
branding irons are cooled in liquid nitrogen or dry ice and alcohol and then applied to the horse’s skin. The melanocytes, cells that produce the hair’s
color pigment, are killed, causing white or colorless hair to grow in at the brand site. Freeze branding is especially popular with horse owners because
the brands stand out on the horse and, we hope, a super-cold iron is not as painful as a hot iron.
Figure 1: Freeze-branded hip—notice the white hair grown in at the brand site
If you have a light-colored horse, i.e., grey, buckskin, palomino, or a roan, freeze brands are generally not a good option as an identification mark. The
horses’ coats are simply too light to provide the necessary contrast between the coat color and the white hair at the brand site.
The New Age of Branding
In recent years, branding has taken on a new life as a vanity plate or an advertisement for a ranch. If a horse walks into a pen with that certain brand,
we all sit up a bit straighter and expect to see something special. On the East Coast, where the majority of states do not require brands, many ranches
or breeding facilities have taken to branding their horses simply for marketing purposes. While these brands are often not registered, these brands
easily identify the ranch or facility from which these horses originate. Bell Performance Horses uses the “bell” brand on the horses the operation owns
because the brand is easily identified with the ranch. Other easily recognized brands include the Babcock Ranch’s chevron or Greg Ward’s running
GW.
Brands are also used to indicate bloodlines. The historic Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, 1993 winner of AQHA’s Best Remuda Award, brands its horses to
indicate ranch lineage, year foaled, and sire or dam. In certain instances, foals with similar markings are born. In these specific cases, as an additional
method of ensuring proper identification, those foals will also be microchipped. The Four Sixes registers about 85–100 foals per year, so they need to
be certain which foal is which.
There are different categories of livestock brands, and reading brands can be a voyeuristic peek into a ranch owner’s state of mind. Livestock brands
fall into four different categories: humorous (walking “S”), sentimental (the Diamond Ring Ranch), illustrative (bell), and risqué (dragging “A”).
Brands under the heading of humorous or risqué can often be found in old bars and bathrooms, and part of the fun of brands is reading them as they
are meant to be read.
Figure 2: Risqué brand—the ever-popular “Too Lazy to Pee”
Altered State
It’s not unheard of, even as we move into an age of nanotechnology, to find “doctored” brands. According to Pete Olsen, freeze brands are especially
susceptible to alteration, although hot brands can be modified as well. Even worse, it’s not always easy to tell when brands have been changed.
Whether you are hot branding or freeze branding, keep in mind the following pointers:
 If you’ve never branded a horse before, find a person with lots of branding experience to help you. Not only will you learn
how to brand, the chances of you injuring the horse or getting injured yourself are greatly reduced.
 When applying a brand, minimize the discomfort for the horse by using a sedative or analgesic. Talk to your veterinarian
about possible recommendations.
 Properly applied brands are applied to the skin, not through the skin.
 If the brand doesn’t “take” or appear clearly, you will need to rebrand the horse. Apply steady pressure long enough for the
branding iron to leave a clear, readable mark.
 A brand grows with the colt to which it was applied. As the colt grows, so will the brand.
 Both hot branding and freeze branding produce thermal injuries, so some healing time is necessary with either type of brand.
Be prepared to see some skin welting at a freeze-brand site.
 Hot brands are not considered to be legal until the brand begins to peel. Freeze brands are not considered to be legal until
the white or colorless hair grows in at the brand site.
Freeze Marks
Before we get any further, let me just say this: freeze marks are not freeze brands. About the only thing that freeze marks have in common with a freeze
brand is that both are cold, very cold. But while an entire horse or cattle herd can be marked with a freeze brand, no two freeze marks are alike. Freeze
marks denote the horse as an individual by using a combination of nine capital letters and numbers, incorporating individual elements that are
characteristic of that horse.
Freeze marks were developed by Washington State University veterinarian Dr. Keith Farrell in the 1960s. The Bureau of Land Management has been
using freeze marks since 1978 to mark each horse as an individual. Freeze marks can be somewhat of a challenge to read, especially on horses sporting
winter coats. These symbols are protected by copyright, and owners of horses bearing this mark will receive cards describing the symbols as well as
identifying marks on the horse.
Figure 3: Horse with freeze-marked neck—notice the combination of letters and numbers, marking the horse as an individual. This particular horse
was from the Pryor Mountains and adopted through the Bureau of Land Management’s wild mustang adoption program.
Microchips
Microchipping a horse as a means of identification is the new kid on the block. Like freeze marks, microchips can be compared to a person with a
Social Security number or your truck’s vehicle identification number. Each person (or vehicle) is assigned only one, and no two are alike. Two
microchips dominate the equine implant market, the AVID® Microchip and the Schering-Plough HomeAgain® Microchip Identification System. Of
the two, AVID has specifically addressed the possibly usage of its microchip in horses.
Keep in mind that inserting the microchip is only half the job. Each chip comes with paperwork that must be filled out and returned to the
manufacturer in order to register that specific chip number to that horse. You will also supply information about the horse as well as contact
information for the owner of record in case the horse does go missing.
Some benefits of the microchip? Any licensed large-animal veterinarian can implant the microchip, and you don’t need to worry about a possible
infection of the brand site. But there are some drawbacks to microchipping to consider. The chip can migrate—just because it was implanted at a
certain site doesn’t mean it will stay at that site. The microchip scanner could malfunction, causing the chip to go unread. Whereas a brand can act as
a homing beacon for a lost or stolen horse, a microchip can only do so if the identification number can be read.
In the US, microchips are most commonly used for companion animals, namely dogs and cats. However, outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform
Encephalopathy (more commonly known as BSE or Mad Cow disease) and Foot and Mouth disease in Europe and an isolated instance of BSE in
Washington state and Canada have made front-page news around the world. Rising concerns about disease control and food safety here in the US and
abroad have identified the possible need for a national identification system for livestock. Undoubtedly, many horse owners have received a torrent of
email about the United States Animal Identification Plan (USAIP), mandatory microchipping by 2006, and how it impacts their horse. For now,
mandatory identification deals more with food animals, i.e., cattle, pigs, and sheep. Should the governing bodies of the different breed associations
deem it necessary, room has been left within the plan itself to accommodate equine microchipping.
The mandatory identification topic arose at the October 2003 American Horse Council meeting in Washington, D.C., and the discussion continued at
the United States Equestrian Federation meeting in mid-January. For now, most breed associations, including AQHA, are taking the “wait and see”
stance about the possibility of mandatory microchipping for horses. The equine industry needs more information, and above all, mandatory
microchipping must be safe, affordable, and effective. For more information about the USAIP and how its potential effects on the horse industry,
please go to www.horsecouncil.org and read the most recent press releases regarding this issue.
Tattooing
It is not uncommon for racehorses to extend their careers as either a performance horse or in the rodeo arena, so don’t be surprised if you come across a
horse that has a numeric tattoo applied to its upper lip. Tattoos aren’t just a fashionable accessory for racehorses—it really acts as a definitive form of
identification. A horse cannot start in a sanctioned AQHA or Jockey Club race without a tattoo. Registration papers are necessary, but the tattoos are
also important as the horse cannot start in a sanctioned AQHA or Jockey Club race without a tattoo.
Approximately 27,000 new Thoroughbreds are tattooed each year. The tattoo number is added to the horse’s registration papers, thereby entering its
permanent record. AQHA and Jockey Club both sanction individuals to apply tattoos. Racetracks then hire those individuals to perform tattooing at
the track. For more information about AQHA’s policies regarding tattoos as well as a listing of individuals who can apply tattoos, please go to
www.aqha.com/racing.
Inspecting the Brand
Don’t forget about brand inspections—even if your horse doesn’t have a brand, most Western states still require a brand inspection to cross county
and state lines. There are three different types of brand inspections: trip permits (from point A to point B, such as a sale, public auction, or out-ofstate destinations); annual permits allow travel only within the state for an entire year; and permanent/lifetime brand inspections allow travel
within the US as long as ownership of the horse does not change. For example, let’s say that you have an annual brand inspection for your horse but
need to cross into a neighboring state for a cutting futurity. In this instance, you will need to get a trip permit from your local brand inspector.
However, if you see a lot of interstate travel in your near future, it would be easier and more economical to get a permanent or lifetime brand
inspection. Remember, states may have different laws regarding travel and brand inspections, so check before you load your horse in the trailer and
head on down the road. You will be held liable if you are found to be without a proper brand inspection.
To find your local district brand inspector, check with the Department of Livestock, Department of Agriculture, or Stockgrowers Association for your
individual state. Although some veterinarians are licensed to write a brand inspection, this is not always the case. A couple of helpful things to
remember:
 Brand inspections are not health certificates, and health certificates are not brand inspections!
 Even if your horse is “slick” and does not have a brand, you will still need a brand inspection if you live in a brand state or are
traveling to or through a brand state.
 When buying a horse, check that the bill of sale identifies the horse and depicts any brands or marks on that horse. Verify
that these same marks also appear on the horse’s registration papers. Don’t lose the bill of sale or the registration papers as
you’ll need them when applying for a brand inspection.
The Paper Chase
If you hadn’t guessed by now, performance horses require a LOT of paperwork. Breed associations such as AQHA or APHA issue registration papers
and numbers for every registered horse. Hot brands, freeze brands, freeze marks, and microchips also require either an additional permit, registration
certificate, or laminated card. If you’re thinking that all of this is some recycling waiting to happen, think again. What you really have is an
opportunity to get organized. Here are some ideas to get your paperwork in order—and keep it that way:
1. Depending on the number of horses you own, purchase several three-ring binders with plastic sleeves. These are great for
keeping horse paperwork in an easy-to-find location.
2. Gather all breed registration papers, brand inspections (current and expired), and Interstate Certificate of Veterinary
Inspection (ICVI) or health certificates (current and expired). After sorting, you should have one stack per horse.
3. Add current paperwork to the binder’s plastic sleeves. As a brand inspection or health certificate expires, don’t throw it out.
Instead, move expired paperwork to a file cabinet or drawer to keep a paper trail. Again, use one folder per horse. This paper
trail can be yet another way to prove ownership over a period of time.
4. Make copies of this information and store it in a different, secure location like a fireproof cabinet or safety deposit box.
Preventing Theft
Like much of life, preventing the theft of your horse has as much to do with common sense as anything
 Be a good steward of your livestock. Aim to do a visual check at least once per day of all of your livestock, either with your
own eyes or those of someone you trust. By simply keeping an eye on your horses, you reduce the chances that horse thieves
get a head start on their getaway, or more likely, that your horses haven’t had a nasty encounter with the fence.
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Use two or more identification methods to mark your horse definitively. At least one of these identification methods
should be a brand or mark that is clearly visible from a distance.
Record identification markings with state and national registries, if applicable. If you have a horse that is unregistered,
the United States Equestrian Federation provides an equine identification chart is clear and easy to use. To download these
forms, go to www.usef.org.
Take detailed photographs of your horse showing these identification marks. These photos should include close-ups of
particularly identifying marks such as blazes, hair whorls, chestnuts, and scars.
Keep registration papers, all brand inspections (even out of date), and veterinary records in a secure, fireproof
location. A long and detailed paper trail could be pivotal in proving ownership or finding a stolen horse. Detailed records
should include the type of identification mark, location of that mark, and if possible, the individual responsible for applying
that identification mark.
After a Disaster
We can all think of any number of horrible things that could happen—wildfires, blizzards, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, or someone making off with
your horse in the dead of night. But while you (hopefully) have rational and logical thinking on your side, your horse doesn’t. What can you do to help
keep your horse safe in the event that the worst really does happen?
 Use any two of the above-mentioned identification methods to clearly mark your horse. Again, make sure those identifying
marks are recorded with the appropriate registries. Keep detailed, accurate records of those marks and identification
methods readily available to prove ownership.
 Have accurate, up-to-date photos of all of your horses. Make sure that those photos clearly document any identifying brand
marks within the photos.
Who Can You Call?
You’ll need a current copy of the yellow pages handy because you’ll probably need to make several phone calls in order to find your missing horse.
Good places to start include state brand offices, livestock auction yards, surrounding veterinary clinics, equine facilities, racetracks, fairgrounds, the
humane society, the sheriff’s office, tack shops, and feed stores. And never underestimate the power of talking to other horse owners.
While there are several options to consider for marking your horse, new technology is not always the best method. The most important reason to mark
your horse is so that someone else can identify that horse as belonging to you and get them back to you as soon as possible.
References
 American Quarter Horse Association. www.aqha.com
 AVID Equine ID. www.avidequineid.com
 Collector, Stephen. Law of the Range: Portraits of Old-Time Brand Inspectors. Livingston: Clark City Press, 1991.
 Donald, J. Amelita. Horse Theft Prevention Handbook. Lexington: The Blood Horse, Inc., 1999.
 Duncan, Susan. “Microchip Identification of Horses.” http://www.nawpn.org/IDqanda.htm
 Four Sixes Ranch. www.6666ranch.com
 Schering-Plough Home Again ID. www.homeagainid.com
 United States Equestrian Federation. www.usef.org
 Wolfenstine, Manfred R. The Manual of Brands and Marks. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1970.
Specials thanks to Pete Olsen, Montana State District Brand Inspector and Dr. Tom Linfield, Montana State Veterinarian. This article was originally
published in Performance Horse in 2005.
MAY 18, 2014
FUNDRAISER FOR
TANYA GODFREY-PUNT
BILLINGS SADDLE CLUB
756 E ALKALI CREEK ROAD
BILLINGS, MONTANA
(Weather Permitting)
Time Only Barrel Runs - $5.00 or 3 for $12.00
Open 4D Barrels ($15.00 to Jackpot) $20 Entry Fee
Open 3D Poles ($15.00 to Jackpot) $20 Entry Fee
Splits:
3D: Fast Time, FT+1, FT+2 (17.5; 18.5; 19.5)
4D: Fast Time, FT+.5, FT+1, FT+1.5
Enter @ 12:00 pm, Time Only Barrel Runs, 4D Barrels, 3D Poles
Time Only Runs will start at 12:30 pm. Barrels & Poles immediately following.
Come ride in the O-Mok-See beforehand
O-Mok-See @ 10am.; entries close 9:45am.
BRING SOME ITEMS FOR SILENT AUCTION
More Info: Racquel @ (406) 600-7348, Sue @ (406) 670-2488
Message re Rainout (406) 373-6736 or Billings Saddle Club on Facebook
RIDE’N FOR A CAUSE O-MOK-SEE
2014 Cause: Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone County (Riverstone Health)
BILLINGS SADDLE CLUB
756 E ALKALI CREEK ROAD (Near the Blgs Airport)
BILLINGS, MONTANA
June 28 & 29, 2014
(Weather Permitting)
Saturday (10 am.)
Sunday (10am)
Pole Bending
Key Race
Polo Turn
Arena Race
360 8 Race
Flying W
Keg Race
Speed Barrels
Barrel & Stake
2-Barrel Flag
Flag Race
Turn & Burn Pairs (Draw for Partners)
Age Groups (@ 1/1/2013): Under 8, 8-11, 12-15, 16-39, 40+
Entry Fees (Suggested Donation):
Under 8 - $20 for both days, or $15 for 1 day
All Other Age Groups: $35 for 2 days/$20 for 1 day – Max. $100/family
Training Class: $15 for 2 days/$10 for 1 day.
Flying W Side Pot: $5 (100% payback, .4D, .75 splits, equal payback per division)- Cash Entry
Stalls (Suggested Donation): $10/weekend per horse
ENTRY DEADLINE: 9 am June 28 & 29, 2014-Enter on Site.
Lucky Draw Prizes in each age group.
More Info: Sue @ (406) 670-2488 or Racquel @ (406) 600-7348