From the Horses Mouth August 14, 2008

By: Doug May

Hello horse fans, welcome to August. August is a time when unbearable heat, vicious insects, flash floods and everything that interrupts our perfect equine existences comes to life. While these little issues are by themselves annoying, we (May Performance Horses) choose this time of year to wean our babies.

Why?... Good question. We try to wean when the foal is around 4 months of age. Weaning as a group is easier than solo, so when we have more than one foal, we wait until the youngest is 4 months and then, of course, a time when we will be home for a few weeks. That pretty much dictates early August for most of us. I am convinced there is no easy way to tackle this job and every year this time, I swear I will find an easier way to do it next year.

One thing for sure, if breeding contracts for next year had to be signed in August, we would have a lot less foals. For those of you who raise a baby or two, send me an email and share your weaning methods and maybe a funny story or two. I will share these with the group next month, nameless of course.

August is also a good time to get up to date on the mid-year vaccination boosters. Sleeping Sickness and West Nile come to mind. Contact your veterinarian to see what is needed in your program. We also need to remember that while the heat and insects are annoying to us, they are also annoying to our horses.

Fresh clean water is a must and providing some defense against the insects is equally required. Fly mask, sprays, roll on, spot on and just a few easy ways to avoid problems down the road. A bath weekly to remove the sweat and salt will also help avoid skin irritations that will require attention later. Another reminder is to pay attention to your feed. Some feeds, not brands but textures are subject to mold during high humidity. If in doubt throw it out, it is cheaper than a vet bill.

Now that we have attacked August for all the bad things it brings, it also introduces us to some good things. As we move into August we start planning our fall show schedule. Fall always brings enjoyable show and riding weather but also futurities. For those that do not know this term, futurities are classes designed for the young horses usually yearlings and two year olds.

You will see competitions offered in almost any riding discipline from racing to western pleasure horses. Many of these venues have already begun. As I sent you my last article we were in Tulsa, OK showing. Several area residents were on hand chasing a world title. Katie May of Greenwood was World Champion 2 year old mare with a horse named Yella Splenda. This mare is owned by Becky Young of Louisiana and was fitted and trained by Jarrell Jackson also of Louisiana. Patria Mauldin of Lynn Haven with her horse Reinvest in Blondes won three world champion titles. Casey Caldwell of Panama City won world champion versatility horse. George Flemings’ 2 year old was top ten in the NSBA two year old snaffle bit futurity. Our lounge line entry, Invest in Double D’s was 5th in the world and Ima Gold Investor, shown by Katie May won 6th in youth western pleasure.

Another bright spot on this trip, I was put on the Sundowner Trailers Pro Staff. This designation is for professionals in the horse industry that exhibit integrity, professionalism and equine experience that Sundowner Trailers feels are positive roll models to promote their products. I am honored to be added to that group and look forward to their sponsorship.

As I wrap up this month’s article in the Jackson County Times, I will be headed back to Tulsa for the Reichert Celebration. This is one of the largest horse shows in the United States. If you have time log onto www.reichertcelebration.com and go to web cast to view the performances live.

Please send your comments, stories, suggestions and articles to Doug May at professionalhorseman@hotmail.com.

From The Horses Mouth - July 24, 2008

By: Doug May

It has been a while since we last visited. Perhaps the most noticeable difference since then is that the price of fuel has continued to increase, as has the price of feed. Due to these rising prices, now is an appropriate time to re-evaluate your feeding program. We, at May Performance Horse, have spent a considerable amount of time and money researching feeds, and feeding, to arrive at the best feed for our particular program.

As we set out on this task, our main goal was not to save money but to feed our horses the best feed that would produce the best result. We, like many of you, ask a lot of our stock. However, the best breeding program, and the best stock, in the world cannot be expected to perform without the correct fuel. What we found, at the end of our research, was that the best feed money could buy actually saved us money each month.

I know this is hard to grasp, but it’s true. As you search feeds, make sure to notice the label and the recommended feed rates. What we found was that the cheaper feeds in the selection required a higher feed rate. We also found that, once you’ve actually examined the total feed program, that the more expensive brands required less feed and, in the long run, was less expensive to feed. We were feeding a scoop or 1 ½ scoops of brand X feed. We moved everything over to Nutrena Safe Choice and now feed ¾ to ½ scoop a day and have reduced our feed volume by half. We have found that Nutrena Safe Choice feed, coupled with quality grass hay, is producing the results we desire.

We, at May Performance Horse, are strong advocates of letting a horse be a horse. Our research has shown that horses are grazing animals. Unfortunately, their design does not really fit with our desired use. So, feeding heavy grain and high protein, high starch feed can turn into a disaster. For the past 10-12 years we have taken great pains to turn our show horses out to pasture for several hours each day. Presently, to save hair coats, we turn them out before daylight for about 3 hours and then again in the afternoon for another 3 hours.

While inside we try to keep coastal hay available to complement the feedings at 4:45 am and 4:00 p m. Safe Choice is a feed produced in pellets that is low in starch and medium in protein. Research has shown that low starch feeds are healthier for horses. Considering that feed pellets are easy to digest as well as easy to store with less chance of mold and spoil, Safe Choice has proven to be the best brand for us.

Another tip that costs a little up front, but saves in the long run, is a good wormer program. Wether you worm on a specific routine or use a daily wormer, the cost is worth it. You can end up spending a lot of money merely feeding worms, not to mention the damage they do to the horse’s digestive system. We feed a daily wormer and then every 4-6 months we use a paste wormer to target pests that may not have been eliminated with the daily wormer.

As we enjoy the summer, remember the other pests that also stress our horses: flies, gnats, mosquitoes, etc. Today there is a large spectrum of pest controls available. From daily applications to weekly and monthly application there is something for every program. We use daily application and fly masks, along with a fly spray system in our barn to control the pests. For the broodmares we use a bimonthly application that works pretty well.

While you are reading this article, we are showing at the Palomino World Show in Tulsa, OK. To view this event, go to www.palominohba.com and page down to web cast. This event will be broadcast daily through July 26. Enjoy the summer and, as always, have a nice ride.

From The Horses Mouth - February 14, 2008

By: Doug May

I would like to use this month’s article to congratulate a group of kids I am honored to be associated with. Each year during the Florida State Fair, horse judging competitions for FFA and 4-H horse judging teams are held in Tampa, Florida. This year there were 58 high school teams and 34 middle school teams from all over Florida enrolled in the competition.

One of the teams representing Jackson County was Malone High school’s FFA. Representing Malone High School’s FFA Senior team were Carly Barnes, Lawson Mosley, Candice Lipford, Sean Henry, while the Malone High School Junior team representatives were Niki Ferguson, Katie May, Sara Newsom, Brett Henry, and Emily Stevens.

The Team Coach is Shawna Ferguson and the FFA Advisor is Kim Barber. Malone High School’s FFA senior team finished fourth out of 58 teams while Malone High School FFA junior team finished thirteenth out of 34 teams. These young men and women gave up their extracurricular time, many nights and weekends to study and polish their horse judging skills. For the high school team an in depth written exam is taken initially followed by a judging of four halter classes and four riding classes.

Likewise, the middle school team takes a written exam but is required to judge four halter classes. I ask that you all join me in congratulating and thanking Malone High School’s FFA for an outstanding competition and fantastic representation of Jackson County. Follow up from last months Horses Mouth article, S.R. writes; "In your last article your response to Jill, I feel you left out a huge part of enjoying horses without riding; ground work.

I, too, have no desire to ride after being injured on a trail ride almost 20 years ago." S.R. writes that she has now met a friend that has introduced her to a new way to enjoy horses. Only a true horse lover enjoys the mundane and often stinky chores associated with horses. S.R. has discovered, as I will confirm, that for the true horse lover these mundane chores are actually another way to enjoy what a true friend a horse is. S.R. has discovered that simply walking her horse around, massaging him, bathing, feeding and yes even mucking out stalls is rewarding and time well spent. S.R. writes that not only has this been great for her spirit and the horses but this experience has lowered her blood pressure and caused her to lose weight. S.R, thank you for reminding me that sometimes the simple things in life are the most important, especially if spent with a true friend.

Doug e-mail is professionalhorseman@hotmail.com Visit the web at www.admayperformancehorses.com

From The Horses Mouth - January 31, 2008

By: Doug May

First off, let me wish everyone a Happy New Year! This is an exciting time of year as we prepare our broodmares for foaling. Over a year’s worth of planning, genetics and hope will soon begin to unfold; but the preparation is not yet complete. Annual vaccinations are due for most of us and particularly for a broodmare owner.

We try to vaccinate our animals twice a year and January is the first of that two part series. We feel the January vaccination, followed by a June-July booster, provides our horses with the best protection possible. We generally vaccinate for tetanus, sleeping sickness, West Nile, EPM, Influenza and strangles. However, you should consult your veterinarian for a vaccination schedule that is right for your program.

Another bonus of vaccinating on this schedule is that the new foals will be protected through the broodmares colostrum. Up until the last trimmest, the mares nutritional requirements have remained about the same as she was before conception. The last 3-4 months however, the mare’s nutritional requirements will increase as they will increase again after foaling.

If you are unsure of feeds and feeding a good place to look is www.nutrenaworld.com. There you can find a wealth of knowledge from the feed experts.

Finally, you cannot forget your de-worming program. There are several de-worming programs to choose from that meet your program preference. We use a daily wormer and then target specific parasites with paste wormer every six months. Most de-wormers are safe for your broodmare, but always consult the label or you veterinarian.

Last month I had a question from Jill that asked: "I really enjoy being around horses but have no desire to ride. Besides just watching horses in the pasture what other ways can I enjoy them?"

Jill, you are part of a large group of horsemen that do not ride. Some horsemen own horses that are ridden, trained and shown by professionals, others show these horses in halter classes and some show in lunge line classes. Our industry has become so specialized that most often the great horses only do one event, and that is their job.

Our program here at May Performance Horses is to begin with a yearling and with limited showing in lunge line and some halter classes create a solid framework for riding classes as a two year old. We have had several customers that purchase weanlings and yearlings just for that reason.

These customers hire us to train these youngsters through their two year old year and then sell the horse as a proven show horse and the customer again purchases another baby to do it all over again. Usually the sale of the two year old will support the total expense of the program from yearling through the two year stage affording the customer the enjoyment of horse ownership and showing with little or no cost.

For those of you who have an interest in participating in a program like this feel free to contact us. We can show you how the program works, the cost and the unbelievable enjoyment you receive.

From The Horse’s Mouth - August 23, 2007

By: Doug May

My name is Doug May and I am honored to be able to write an occasional article that deals with a passion that many of us share; horses. If you are a horse owner, like I am, then you know that when two or more of us are gathered together that a couple of things are going to happen; we are going to talk, we are going to brag about our horses, and we are going to agree to disagree. These articles will be used to discuss many aspects of the horse industry, as well as be used to answer any questions you may have concerning horses, or the aforementioned industry.

I hope, through these articles, we can visit about our passion and, at the same time, make it informative and enjoyable for those who aren’t as knowledgeable in the subject. With that said, allow me to extend an invitation to my fellow horse enthusiasts to send in any questions or comments they might have regarding horses, to e-mail me at Professionalhorseman@hotmail.com.

Some info on our Horseman - Doug May is a Florida native and has been a resident of Jackson County for 17 years. He has been passionately involved with horses for over 38 years. Along with his wife, Tina, his daughter, Katie and his son, Alex, Doug owns and operates May Performance Horses, a division of A D May Farm Inc. Presently the family trains, shows and markets western pleasure horses. They show all throughout the southeast, primarily at Palomino approved horse shows and American Quarter Horse approved horse shows. Doug is a lifetime member of American Quarter Horse Association, Palomino Horse Breeders of America and the National Snaffle Bit Association. He is also a member of American Miniature Horse Association and International Buckskin Horse Association. Doug holds judges cards with Palomino Horse Breeders of America, International Buckskin Horse Association, American Miniature Horse Association and National Snaffle Bit Association and is a member of AQHA Professional Horseman. A D May Farm Inc. is associated with Sundowner Horse trailers, Nutrena Feeds and Western Hauler Trucks. Their farm is located just north of Greenwood off highway 71. Doug has designated an email address to see to any questions or comments that you may have. Please feel free to e-mail him at

Professionalhorseman@hotmail.com.

Heat and Horses - For our first discussion I thought it would be fitting to discuss Heat and Horses. A typical Floridian summer is nothing to take lightly, especially when you have horses. Horse activities slow dramatically this time of the year. Things like heat, insects, vacations, etc, change or compete with how we spend our horse time. We, as horse owners, have to be cautious during this time of year. While our personal activities may take us to a more comfortable climate, whether geographic or man made, our equine friends are left to deal with the heat and insects by themselves. Heat and insects are stressful on horses and in extreme situations can be, and have been, deadly or disabling. Here are some tips that are important to maintaining your horses’ well being:

Always have clean, fresh water available - Horses can consume near 20 gallons of water per day. Clean fresh water is very important. Water containers need to be cleaned regularly and if possible located in a shade

Make Salt/Minerals Available - Salt and minerals should be made available to your horses. Each horse is an individual and requires differing amounts. Free choice salt/mineral is preferred. Provide insect protection- Flies, gnats, mosquitoes and other insects can increase disease risk and can also cause great discomfort to horses. Several products exist that can be applied to relieve this stress, some require application daily while others can be applied once and last several weeks. A face mask is also a useful tool for keeping the insects out of the horses’ eyes. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations- Living in this climate exposes our horses to many possible diseases from biting insects. Bi-annual vaccinations are a good idea to prevent these life threatening diseases. Consult your local veterinarian for recommended vaccines.

Physical Care- Just because we are not interacting as much with our horses does not remove the obvious necessities. Hoof care remains paramount in your horses well being. Usually, at the very least, a trimming every 6 weeks will keep your horses’ hooves in good condition. However, with the extreme drought, a good regime of hoof conditioner will help keep down cracking and brittleness. Another good idea with horses sweating as they do is an occasional rinsing or brushing to remove the sweat and salt build up. If left unattended it is likely a skin fungus will occur that may require more attention later.

Stalled Horses- For those of you, who choose to stall your horses, consider turning out early in the morning and late in the evening. Water supply will need to be increased. Also the addition of a fan or two will help assure your horse’s comfort. Again as with the horses kept outside, daily grooming to remove the sweat and salt accumulation will negate skin fungi.

From The Horses Mouth - September 13, 2007

By: Doug May

For most of us, Labor Day weekend is a time to barbeque, visit with friends and family and take that one last break before school. But for a few us it is a horse show weekend. For the Jackson County horse enthusiasts it means a Palomino Horseshow weekend at the Jackson County Ag center. Every year around mid-April, Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 1st weekend of November, Northwest Florida Palomino Association (NFPA) hosts horse shows, sanctioned by Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA.) PHBA’s international office is located in Tulsa, OK.

The international organization tracks, records and registers all palomino horses that meet registration requirements. The NFPA Show is one of many PHBA shows held Labor Day weekend and one of several hundred shows held annually across the country. Several Palomino horses compete at these shows, in various classes, not only for prizes given in recognition of their placement at the show, but also for national titles awarded annually. Several Horsemen attended the NFPA Labor Day Show trying to earn the aforementioned national titles. Youth Morgan Burns of Tallahassee, Fl attended this show and is currently leading the race for the national title of high point 13 and Under Horse in the nation. Katie May of Greenwood, Fl attended the show as well and is in the race for top ten western pleasure horse in the nation. Yours truly also competed this weekend and is in the running for High point Jr. Western Pleasure Horse in the nation; currently holding second place.

In addition to the prizes these horses win, the value of each animal increases with every accomplishment. This Labor Day crowd started gathering Thursday and Friday for a pizza party that would kick off the show on Friday night. The show started Saturday morning with halter classes, followed by English and western riding classes and ending with the timed events. Thirty-six horses and close to 100 horse loving people made for a great day. Exhibitors from North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida represented the southeast. Saturday afternoon ended with a cookout, provided by Jimmy and Patria Maulden and attended by exhibitors as well as local Jackson county residents. Sunday concluded the show weekend. NFPA will host its final 2007 show November 3-4 again at the Jackson Ag Center; admission is free, but I will warn you, once you come and visit you will want to own a palomino horse and exchange your spectator hat for an exhibitor’s hat. For more information on NFPA, log onto www.northfloridapalomino.com. For more information on PHBA, log onto www.palominohba.com.

Horse shows are just one way we can appreciate the wonderful creatures known as horses. Email me at professionalhorseman@hotmail.com if you have any questions or just wish to share with us how you enjoy time with your horse. Questions from last months "From The Horses Mouth" TE asked: Is it better for a horse to be stabled or left outside? Look for this answer in my next column.