archives

Pre 2022 material from the old website

Happy Trails Marty

archives, Archives-Our Community /

Many people in the horse community knew of Marty Marten. Marty passed away early Christmas in Kansas—four days away from his 71st birthday with family near. Marty made a huge impact on all of our lives—humans and horses alike–helping others get to a better place. I recently received an e-mail from Jody Marken about Marty. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marty’s family. He was a friend of the Boulder County Horse Association for so many years before he moved back to Kansas to be closer to family as he dealt with health issues. He never let go of his hope, and he cherished his faith in God. Marty received the Colorado Horse Council Horse Person of the Year Award in 2007 in recognition of his contributions to the Colorado horse industry. “Marty Marten is an author, trainer, teacher and mentor. A student of Tom and Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman, Marty has trained countless horses and riders, and through his hugely popular books and clinics has made the world of practical horsemanship available to many who would not otherwise have the chance to experience it. His contributions of expertise, time, experience and patience have changed the lives of horses, horsemen and horsewomen throughout the West.” For many of you who have one or more of his books take a moment and open the cover. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see—“May you always ride good horses and happy trails”—how he often signed his books. I reached for my book today to read “To […]

Happy Trails Marty Read More »

A Good Resource on Trails in Indian Peaks Wilderness

archives, Archives-Trails History /

Before heading out in the high country, whether on horseback or on foot, it is a good idea to check your local weather conditions, and carry an emergency kit for both you and your horse. I found the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance (IPWA), a Boulder-based nonprofit, a good source for information on trails in the Indian Peaks—just a short drive from the Front Range. This area is one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the U.S. With 73,391 acres, the  Indian Peaks Wilderness is located primarily within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and includes more than 50 lakes, 28 trails covering 133 miles, and six mountain passes across the Continental Divide. Elevations in the wilderness vary from 8,400 ft. to more than 13,500 ft. IPWA volunteers assist the U.S. Forest Service (FS) by going on hiking patrols during the summer and winter season’s to help protect our local wilderness areas. Their trail reports, which can be found on their website, list the conditions of the trails. For more on summer trail conditions or to volunteer for this wonderful organization please visit IPWA. Other resources: USFS Website  Backpacking information/permits, trail maps, and more visit: Indian Peaks Wilderness at USDA. Additional trail information, check out: Protrails.com. NOLS: For Wilderness First Aid offers classes locally. I took mine through REI here in Boulder, CO. Have a safe and surprising summer! LindaP

A Good Resource on Trails in Indian Peaks Wilderness Read More »

Wild Parsnip—Who Knew!

archives, Archives-education /

A friend of mine posted this information about the Wild Parsnip plant today on my Facebook feed. I have seen this plant many times but never knew it could cause such a violent skin reaction, let alone kill a horse. – Linda P Wild Parsnip (or Water Hemlock) Wild parsnip or water hemlock is one of the most deadly of poisonous plants that grow in the fields or open range country. In Colorado it is usually found growing on ditch banks or in meadows. The common garden parsnip, as well as the cow parsnip, are related but quite different plants and are not dangerous to livestock. When a garden parsnip escapes from cultivation and grows wild it does not become poisonous. All parts of the plant are poisonous but more especially the root stalks The poison is a resin known as toxin. The root and stem of one plant will kill a horse in an hour. After a horse has eaten wild parsnip he will manifest symptoms of violent colic within a few minutes. He soon develops symptoms of cerebral frenzy, saliva flows from the mouth, the pupils are wildly dilated and the breathing is labored. The poison in wild parsnip js rapid in its action that any remedy to be effected must be given promptly. In an animal that can vomit an emetic should be given without delay. Morphine to relieve the terrible pain and melted lard or some other fatly substance may be given. It is doubtful whether permanganate of potash would be effective in

Wild Parsnip—Who Knew! Read More »