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Clinic with Joanne Ross
Joannes Scottcreek Farm is a leading farm in Oregon, USA, with around 80 horses, many of which regularly are top-10 in AMHA World Shows. Joanne Ross Horses have been Joanne’s passion since the age of nine. As a teenager she owned and managed a string of rental horses on the southern Oregon coast. During her college years, Joanne was fortunate enough to spend a year in Europe where she pursued her equestrian dreams by attending a British riding academy for a period of the time. Back at home she bred and successfully showed quarter horses and paints for a number of years prior to her involvement with miniatures. Many years ago, Joanne also apprenticed as a farrier. Originally this was done to minimize the costs of maintaining her sizeable herd of horses. This developed into a significant opportunity to learn and evaluate leg conformation of horses over the years. Since her involvement with miniatures, the many years of studying horse conformation has been an invaluable tool in evaluating horses for both show and breeding prospects. She is frequently called on by others to provide an educated opinion for the potential purchase of a horse or if there are questions about movement and possible remedies. Joanne can frequently be found at shows assisting various competitors with last minute hoof trimming or providing advice related to gait of various horses. Since becoming associated with miniature horses, Joanne, in past years, served on the AMHA Board of Directors and was elected to the post of AMHA Secretary.
On Saturday, a sociable, comfortably small group of about 13 people was present at Stal Groenendaal in Bunschoten, the Netherlands. All perils around fertility and foal birth in mini horses, as well as the training and presentation of a halter horse took centre stage. In the morning, Joanne gave much information about the preparation for a birth, the birthing process and the possible complications with birth. Joanne speaks from experience, as she and her husband Larry have (unfortunately) also come across a number of problems in their 30 years of breeding miniature horses.
One can also assist with the birth oneselves, like breaking the amnion and getting the body functions going. With difficult births, like a unfavourable position of the foal or the placenta appearing instead of the bag, causing the risk of death of the foal, you will be wanting to have the vet there. Proper knowledge will enable you to solve many a problem prior to the vets arrival. Joanne advises everybody to read the articles which are published at her website (www.scottcreek.com). After lunch, the presentation of a horse in halter class was practiced. Despite the cold and dressed in warm coats, we gathered in the indoor arena, where the horses that had been brought got tested for their willingness to cooperate with man. They were asked to stand next to the handler, show walk and trot, halt and stand still. The stallions that were brought found this very difficult and even with rather severe correction there was not much result. It was clear that it would take quite some time for them to alter their behaviour, time that wasn’t available that afternoon. It was nice to see the two mares showing fast progress. Sunday
This day started with roundpen training. By communicating in the language horses use amongst them, you demand leadership. The colt foal responded quickly and was easy to lead. The trained gelding quickly took Joannes side without a lead rope and stayed with her no matter which turn she took.
The afternoon was spent on farrier work: how the miniature horses hooves should be trimmed. Of course, knowledge about horse legs is needed to be able to confer with the farrier about the possible correction of faulty leg positions.
While trying to get warm again with a cup of coffee or tea, the weekend was evaluated and other questions were asked and answered. All in all, it was an educational and sociable weekend! Maaike de Vries
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