News for Horse Owners

Noted Australian-UK Horse Expert To Visit Snohomish County

Flier on Jane Meyers Lectures and Ranch Tour

Jane Myers, an equestrian and small-acreage horse farm expert in both Australia and the United Kingdom, is visiting Snohomish County on May 9 and 10. Ms. Myers has authored several books on managing horses and horse practices and has taught classes worldwide. Her books include ‘Managing Horses on Small Properties’ and the nine-set Sustainable Horsekeeping series which includes ‘Understanding Horses and Pasture’ and ‘Riding Arenas and Training Yards’. Her informative website is www.equiculture.com.au.

Myers holds an MSc (Masters degree) in Equine Studies from The University of Wales (UK) and conducted research at the Royal Edinburgh Veterinary School on the grazing behavior of horses. She has taught riding and horse management for more than 25 years, including seven years at Glenormiston College (Melbourne University). Myers is a life-long rider, certified instructor with Horse Safety Australia, and has competed in events including: endurance, dressage, driving and show jumping. Myers is the recipient of the 2011 Winston Churchill Fellowship which supports her visits to other countries to both learn about, and teach, horse keeping and small farm management.

Snohomish Conservation District and Snohomish Parks & Recreation will host a talk by Myers at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe on Wednesday, May 9, from 6 – 8 PM in the 4-H building. On Thursday, May 10, the District and Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center will host a ranch tour at the camp (site of the Lights of Christmas) followed by a lecture. The ranch tour will run from 4:30 – 5:30 PM and Myers will speak from 6 – 8 PM in Maple Center. Warm Beach Camp is located at 20800 Marine Dr., Stanwood. Myers’ presentations will focus on horse grazing behavior, mud management through vegetation, chore-efficient and effective property planning.

Snohomish Conservation District offers farm management assistance to landowners and has programs for horse owners to make farm improvements for water quality. Lois Ruskell, Outreach Director for the District, said, “We hope to have lots of interest by the horse community, 4-H clubs, FFA students and stable managers. This is a unique opportunity to hear an expert in horse behavior, small farm and pasture management, and horse farm planning from another country”.  To register for either lecture or the ranch tour, please go to http://bit.ly/janeMyer.

Farm Planning - The District Can Help You!

Whether horses are your passion or your business, you no doubt want to keep them healthy and happy! Keeping a horse is a big responsiblity and your local conservation district can help you manage your pastures, prevent mud and manure problems, keep weeds at bay, and help to make your chore time more efficient!

Snohomish Conservation District has four farm planners available who will visit your farm for free and offer suggestions based on the goals you have for your property. The District has a cost-share program to assist landowners pay for improvements that not only keep horses healthier, but they keep our watersheds healthier too!

Farm Planners and their areas of expertise:

Farm Planning

Thinking about a farm plan to help you manage your equine property? We offer free farm planning services. Read this handout to find out what a farm plan can do for you.

Cost share

Need help implementing some of the practices that you need to prevent mud, manure buildup, or destruction of your pastures in winter? SCD has a cost-share program with a fairly simple application process. Call one of the farm planners to learn more.

Looking for Property?

Selecting just the right piece of property is essential in your future success boarding or hosting horses on your place. Check out this fact sheet to help you learn what it takes to make a good horse property.

Manure Share

Do you need manure? Do you have some to share? Call our manure share number to find a source for your garden or locate someone in need of manure. Contact Caitlin Price, at caitlin at snohomishcd.org

Caitlin can also answer your questions on composting. She can also be reached at

425-335-5634, ext 113.

Resources

NW Horse Forum

Small Farm Tips Guide

Stewards of the Trail Pocket Guide