Are you a beginner, a new horse owner, in 4H, or do you need to brush up on equestrian skills and the well-being and health of your horse? The Parks, Recreation & Tourism department in partnership with Lani Hall,  Jessy Wedell, Charlie Hall and Dr. Drew Justice, DVM, are offering exciting equine classes and clinics. Enjoy developing your skills and knowledge on a variety of topics surrounding the equestrian life style. Sign up for one class or sign up for the series.  Space is limited.  *Must sign up for both nights of the goat tying clinic.

 CLASS LIST

Jan 31:        * The first of a two night goat tying clinic

Feb. 1:         * The second night of goat tying clinic

Feb. 8:            Emergency First Aid for your horse

Feb 15:          Dummy roping

Feb 22           Horse grooming

Feb 29:          Showmanship Halter

March 7:       4H Showmanship

March 14:     **Ease your horse back into shape –Get ready for spring and summer equestrian events!

Registration:    Online and at the Parks Recreation & Tourism Office

Time:                 6-7 PM

Place:                 Ag building, Payson High School/** March 14^th class held at Payson Parks Recreation and Tourism Building

Fee:                    $8 per person per class or $40.00 for all 8 classes

• 10% discount for annual pre-payment
• Annual Program per horse $90.30 + tax
• Product delivered right to your mailbox
• No shipping costs
• No need to remember deworming schedules or product rotation
• All deworming products are safe for pregnant mares
• Easy to add or remove horses from the program at any time throughout the year

Sign up for the program and we will ship your dewormers to you the first week of every other month following the schedule below.  We will rotate the products for you so all you have to do is deworm your horse when the product comes in the mail six times a year.  The shipping charge is on us so there is no added cost to signing up for the program and your horses will be on a great deworming regimen throughout the year.  You can prepay the cost of the dewormers for the year and get an extra 10% savings on the cost of the program.

Latest updates will appear on www.azda.gov

Here is a couple of  excellent comprehensive articles on the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) Myeloencephalopathy outbreak that is affecting horses across the nation:

http://www.aaep.org/EHV_resourcesowner.htm

UC Davis EHV Brochure

USDA EHV Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions regarding EHV in the Rim Country

Q: Can the hay that I purchase for my horse(s) transmit EHV?

A: No, the hay itself can not carry the virus – it is spread by aerosol contact only.

Q: If the virus travels by air, just exactly how far does it travel?  Do those of us in Round Valley have to be concerned about any horses being brought to the rodeo grounds this weekend?

A: No, it can’t travel that far by air.  It is transmitted by direct or close contact for the most part.   It can probably only travel a few hundred yards by air.

artwork by Cassie Waggoner

Make sure your horse(s) are healthy this Spring by arranging for physical examinations and vaccinations.  This is a great opportunity to discuss feeding, deworming regimens, hoof care, and colic prevention with Dr. Justice.  Please call our office to schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience.