Green Mountain
Draft Horse Association
of Vermont
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The
Green Mountain Draft Horse Association in
Highlights of Summer Meeting 2008
Karen and Al Myers hosted a very good turnout and all enjoyed a delicious lunch. The meeting started by discussing events that have happened so far this year. Thirteen participants and two teamsters participated in the driving clinic and they were split in two groups. The clinic ended with both groups taking turns driving while touring beautiful Shelburne Farms. Everybody had a great time and learned a lot. Feedback suggested that we include The Workhorse Handbook in future clinics. The 2008 auction was a success. The sale ended in the black. Money was also made by having a 50/50 raffle, bake sale and items donated raffle. Thanks to everybody for your help. Melissa Mazza and Jake Beauvrivage from Sam Mazza’s farm stand were great hosts for our wagon rides during their Strawberry Festival. The club brought in $427, but the Mazzas were very generous in giving us a check for $500. One rider was heard to say that it was the best money they had spent all day. Under new business, Jean Cross contacted Dr. Clyde Johnson VMD about doing a program in the fall. Dr Johnson has been an equine vet since the early 1960’s, and was the vet for the Eastern States Draft Horse show for 7 years. Charles Shapiro (a new member) has offered his barn for the talk. Jean will follow through with this project. Al Myers has contacted Will Lent about his coming east to do a horse shoeing demonstration for the club. Will is well known in the draft horse world for his work. Al will be in charge of investigating this idea. The meeting ended with a
drive/ride from the Myer’s house. We had 2 wagons full, plus 2 single drafts
pulling carts and 3 single minis pulling carts. Also there were 9 on horseback.
What a sight to see us all heading down the road. The total trip was about 2
hours of beautiful scenery, very few bugs, and wonderful conversation. We should
try to do it again this fall!
SUMMER MEETING MEMORIES 2008
Rain Rain Go Away! The increase in moisture and humidity are the perfect environment for skin infections AKA Rain Rot/Scratches. Rain Rot is just a lay mans term for a dermatitis or skin infection. They love it wet and dirty! It can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungal agents or any combination of the three. Rain Rot can present itself in different ways: scaly crusty bumps on the skin; areas of redness and hair loss; or flaky greasy skin. It is often found on the back, rump, and down around the lower legs. Not all causative agents are contagious but care must be taken not to share tack, bridles, or brushes. Treatment is based on cleanliness and dryness. Infected areas need to breathe so clipping the hair away from these areas is sometimes necessary. Infected areas should be cleaned with either a betadine scrub or other over the counter “rain rot” remedies (Microtek). It is important to dry the area after scrubbing. In certain situations, a topical antibiotic or antifungal may be used. Also, it is important to get the debris out of the coat, so I recommend shampoos on a weekly basis until the condition has cleared. It is important to boost the immune system in most of these animals. You can add a Vitamin E/Selenium to the feed to help boost the immune system plus or minus corn oil for additional fatty acids. In very severe cases, some horses need to go on systemic antibiotics/anti inflammatories. Despite all the above efforts, it will not go away if you do not keep it dry. This may mean avoiding turn out on the rainy days and waiting for the pasture grass to dry which could be never this year Good Luck and Keep Clean! Written by Matt Rose, DVM Balanced Rhythms, Inc
The
Strawberry Festival
For more information or questions on the web site contact Jean Cross
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Vermont was formed to establish friendly communication and to encourage the
exchange of ideas for the purpose of assisting its members in the areas of
breeding, exhibiting, buying, selling and promoting the varied uses of draft
horses, and also including mules, ponies and oxen. 
