Charlotte's Saddlery - Equestrian Supplies

Charlotte's Giddy Up Gazette©

Everything For Riding Except the Horse!


Vol. 1 Issue 04 - May 2007

Letter From the Equi-ditor


Charlotte's Saddlery OwnerCharlotte's Summer Camp Sale is in full bloom! Take $25 off your purchase of $150 or more when you purchase selected items from the following departments: All helmets under $125, all performance tops including Kerrits and Ariat (show shirts excluded), all riding tights under $100, all paddock boots under $100, all saddle pads under $100, all half chaps under $100, all gloves and all socks.

This is not advertised on eCatalog pages yet, giving Gazette subscribers the opportunity to make their purchases first.

Charlotte's president, Mark Raisbeck has written his annual "Fashion: What's in Style 2007" article otherwise known as TECHNICAL TEXTILES. Learn more about what you will be seeing in the English show ring and what you'll see (or should see) when you visit your local tack shop.

This month's Gazette couldn't be published without mention of a recent Pony Club Eventing Rally held at Pine Hill Farm in Bellville, Tx. My daughter Kendall and numerous other kids were in attendance. Seven teams from different regions of Texas made up the rally. Never attended a rally before? Make a point to do so. Rally kids are judged on their riding, tack presentation and stable management.


Pony Club Rally

Attending parents are there to watch and participate in volunteer positions, but are not allowed to help in anyway. The kids benefit not only from the fun they have with their friends and horses, but also enjoying a great "life experience" that will go a long ways toward their future growth. I've posted a picture of Kendall and her teammates.

The FEATURE article addresses Strangles, commonly called equine distemper, a bacterial disease of the horse's upper respiratory tract. "Strangles: 6 Myths Busted".

Last month's issue featured an article on "Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do". A very alert Gazette reader e mailed the following "you may wish to offer the following link to correct & verify some of the cellphone info you offered...not all of those items are true..." Unfortunately that does seem to be the case. Thank you for correcting my inaccuracies.

A reminder that all issues of the Giddy Up Gazette© are available online! Visit Charlotte's Saddlery website to review back issues or read the current issue.


Reading educates! Until next month.

Tim S. Raisbeck


Strangles: 6 Myths Busted


Myth #1: If your horse has swollen lymph nodes, he must have strangles.
The truth: There are many different things that can cause your horse’s lymph nodes to swell – and even to develop abscesses. The lymph nodes function in the body to "clean up" foreign invaders. When they’re simply active and doing their job, they may become enlarged. They’ll sometimes develop abscesses due to different organisms – and will open and drain without causing your horse any more illness. In the majority of strangles cases, abscessed lymph nodes will be accompanied by a fever and other signs of illness. That’s when it’s especially important to call your veterinarian, who can help you identify a potential case of strangles.

Myth #2: Once strangles appears at a barn or horse facility, it’s there to stay. It lives in the soil for years, and outbreaks will continue to occur.
The truth: The Streptococcus equi organism that causes strangles really only survives in the soil for several months ln facilities where strangles outbreaks occur year after year, it’s most likely due to a carrier horse living on the property If that carrier horse can be identified and treated, annual outbreaks should be eliminated

Myth #3: Annual vaccination will ensure your horse is safe.
The truth: Like any vaccination, the strangles vaccine isn’t a foolproof method for avoiding the disease. Although it may reduce the chances that your horse will become ill, or reduce the severity of his symptoms, your vaccinated horse can still get strangles if he’s exposed.

Myth #4: As long as your horse is vaccinated with the intranasal vaccine, you don’t have to worry about side effects. Those only happen with the intramuscular vaccine.
The truth: Whereas the intranasal vaccination eliminates the possibility that your horse will have an injection site reaction, he can still develop purpura hemmorhagica – the most frightening side effect known to occur following strangles vaccination. If you do decide to vaccinate, ask your veterinarian about first running a blood test to check the antibody levels already circulating in your horse’s bloodstream against Streptococcus equi. By avoiding vaccination when your horse’s antibody titer is already high (that is, he has a large number of antibodies in his bloodstream), you minimize the risk of this potentially serious complication.

Myth #5: lf your horse is diagnosed with strangles, it’s critical that he be treated with antibiotics immediately to avoid a serious problem.
The truth: Unless you can identify the disease very early, before lymph node abscesses develop, antibiotics generally aren’t recommended. Antibiotic treatment at the wrong time can actually prolong the disease’s course by preventing abscesses from ripening and draining. Not only that, you’ll lose the benefit of the good natural immunity your horse is likely to develop that will protect him from future strangles outbreaks. Of course, very old, very young or otherwise compromised horses may require antibiotics to help them fight off this disease – your veterinarian is the best person to help you decide in these situations.

Myth #6: Bleach kills just about everything. If I use it to disinfect all tack and equipment when strangles strikes, I’ll protect my horse.
The truth: Although bleach does kill most bacteria and viruses, it doesn’t work well in the face of organic material, such as your barn’s dirt and manure. In addition, simply disinfecting tack isn’t enough. Stall bedding is an important – and often overlooked – source of spread. Identify and control every possible source.


Product Spotlight: Avoid the Confusion


Did you know that you can purchase nameplates online through Charlotte's eCatalog? With the increase of shows this time of year, and the confusion that can occur with other tack, it is a good time to mention nameplates. Bridle tags, halter plates, saddle plates, and even stall plates are all available for purchase through our eCatalog. Avoid the confusion. Purchase your plates today. Orders are postage free in the states and are drop shipped right to you.


Little Known Dates


First Kentucky Derby: Anniversary
May 17, 1875. The first running of the Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY. Jockey Oliver Lewis rode the horse Aristides to a winning time of 2:37:25.


Charlotte Goes West : Imus 4-Beat™ by Circle Y "The Best Just Got Better"


Circle Y Imus Gaited Saddles

Brenda Imus has teamed with America's Leading Saddle Brand, bringing 45 years of quality and craftsmanship to the Gaited Horse. Brenda Imus is the world's most widely recognized authority on the subject of gaited riding horses. Her equestrian titles include "From the Ground Up: Horsemanship for the Adult Rider" and "Heavenly Gaits: The Complete Guide to Gaited Riding Horses".

Three Saddles: The Western Imus 4-Beat™ Gaited Saddle (featured), the Endurance Imus 4-Beat™ Gaited Horse Saddle, and the Endurance English Imus 4-Beat™ Gaited Horse Saddle.

Circle Y Imus 4-Beat Logo Why does a gaited horse benefit from the 4-Beat™ saddle?

Fitting gaited horses for a saddle is almost as much art as it is science. A rigid tree rarely is a good fit. When a horse is gaiting, every single foot moves independently of every other foot. This requires an unusual degree of flexibility across the back, loins, and shoulders. If a saddle has no flexibility, then the back action is restricted, and so is the gait. When a horse goes from an uncomfortable, rigid tree saddle to an appropriately made flexible tree saddle, the change is amazing!

Tell me the additional benefits for horse and rider.

From $1599 Bill Grace or Suzanne Gwyn for more info.


Habitat for Horses


Habitat for Horses Habitat for Horses is dedicated to changing the lives of horses and humans. Our goal is to create a world where horses are respected for their intrinsic value and for their ability to help us fulfill our emotional, behavioral and spiritual needs.

We provide equine rescue services to law enforcement agencies, an active equine adoption program, an equine education center and equine-assisted services to youths and adults.

We also welcome volunteers in donating their time and efforts at Habitat for Horses. What we do not do is rent horses, provide horses for rodeos, sell horses, offer horse rides nor have mares for breeding.

Established nonprofit rescue organizations in the United States involve many dedicated people. The challenge of an effective rescue, often under adverse conditions and with the help of law enforcement, is successful only because the equine rescue organizations involved see the neglect, abuse and possible death of a horse as being totally against our beliefs. While the challenge of educating an abuser is important, we see the obligation of saving the horse as an immediate need. Once the horse is safe, the problems behind the abuse can be handled. Educating the horse owner is important, something we had much rather do than to seize the horse, but our first commitment is to the welfare of the horse. We offer no apologies for our love of horses and we actively seek to find a solution to the economic and social reasoning behind the neglect, abuse and slaughter.

The bottom line is this: the life of a horse is greater than the need for a dollar. Education, commitment and understanding can make the challenge of horse ownership achievable, while the reward to all those involved is far beyond what words can describe.

Introducing the "Willie Nelson Signature Series" horses from Habitat for Horses and Willie Nelson.

There are legendary horses and then, there are legendary singers.

For the first time ever, qualifying individuals will be able to blend both. Now America's horse-lovers will have the opportunity to adopt a horse from one of America’s most famous living legends: Willie Nelson.

The legendary singer Willie Nelson has not only joined the Board of Directors of Habitat for Horses, he has turned his ranch in Luck, Texas into a foster home.

Willie has become a strong supporter of all that HfH stands for, including taking a strong stand against horse slaughter. This year he is speaking out with a voice that is being heard across the nation and he’s doing more than just talking. By offering his ranch as a foster home, Willie is acting on his beliefs and urging folks to take a stand by opening up their homes and hearts to the horses.

Most of the horses can be ridden, some are companion only and there is no increase in the adoption fee. The adoption rules are the same, with property inspections and background checks, but there is one big difference. Your final adoption contract will be signed by Willie Nelson!

Are you ready? Do you qualify? Are you willing to stand up with Willie Nelson and provide a forever home for one of God’s most noble animals?

Adopt: Please e mail us regarding adoptions, call 1.866.HFH.LSER(866.434.5737) or you can view an outline of our Adoption Process online.


The Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke in Horses


Be able to recognize the symptoms in horses. Older or poorly conditioned horses are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, but even well-conditioned horses can be affected if they're worked hard on hot, humid days. Here are some signs to watch for:

If the horse stops sweating altogether, collapses or goes into convulsions, the condition has progressed to deadly heat stroke and needs the immediate attention of a veterinarian.


Subscriber Specials


Charlotte's Summer Camp Sale is in full bloom! Take $25 off your purchase of $150 or more when you purchase selected items from the following departments: All helmets under $125, all performance tops including Kerrits and Ariat (all show shirts excluded), all riding tights under $100, all paddock boots under $100, all saddle pads under $100, all half chaps under $100, all gloves and all socks.

This is not advertised on eCatalog pages yet, giving Gazette subscribers the opportunity to make their purchases first.


Helpful Links


Keep in Touch: Contact the Equi-ditor
Charlotte's Storefront: Lets Shop!
Charlotte's Saddlery Locations and Hours: Where Can I Find You?


Frequency and Feedback


The Giddy Up Gazette© is usually mailed the first week of each month and offers special promotions and discounts from time to time. We understand your right to privacy. We will not abuse this privilege. Your feedback is important to us! Simply let us know of your concerns, questions or suggestions. Send us an email.