NASMA Versatility Trail Program is designed to reward the hours you spend in the saddle or driving your mule or donkey outside of the arena. This program was devised for those individuals who want to promote the mule and donkey to the public as the best and most reliable of trail animals.
If you would like more information about the NASMA VTP or how you can host your own VTP ride you can reach VTP Chair Pamela Bennett at [email protected] or by
calling 620-341-0714.
For a complete listing of
upcoming NASMA Shows,
Trail rides and other
events you can go to
HELPFUL FIRST AID EXTRAS
The best first aid kit holds a range of products to deal with a wide variety of injuries or accidents. In addition to the basics, however, having the following products accessible will help you further prepare for almost any mishap:
Electrolytes - help hydrate your hard-working equines with an electrolyte paste.
Eye Cleanser - flush away dirt and debris from sensitive eyes with Eye Clens® or Clear Eyes.
Fly Mask - protect face wounds and eyes from insects.
Hoof Boot - treat abscesses and sore feet with a convenient boot kit, such as the HOOFix Kit or HOOFix Emergency Trail Boot.
Medicated Shampoo - kill bacteria and fungi on your equines skin and coat with a iodine-based shampoo.
Phenylbutazone - treat inflammation and manage muscle, joint, and bone pain with this non-steroidal pain medicine, available by prescription powder from your local vet
Poultice - draw out infections, soothe sore muscles, and more with a poultice, such as Epsom Salt , Icetight, or numatize
Tail Wrap - protect your equines tail and keep it out of your way with a tail bag.
Twitch - keep your equines attention while wounds are tended with a twitch.
FIRST AIDE TIPS
Accidents and injuries can turn even the calmest equine owner into a frazzled mess. But what your equine needs most when he suffers any injury or wound is for you to remain calm and focused on getting your equine the help he needs. Should you ever need to use your first aid kit, keep the following tips in mind:
Stay Calm - you can better help your equine when you're calm and collected.
Call for Help - an additional pair of hands will get more done faster.
Stay Safe - you won't be able to help your equine if you get hurt trying to help him.
Wash Your Hands - avoid contaminating any wound by first washing your hands and then wearing latex or rubber gloves.
When any injury occurs, the key is to act quickly and intelligently. To best ensure your equine is on the road to recovery as fast as possible, know where your first aid kit is at all times! In fact, show anyone who has access to your barn, travel trailer, or vehicle where your first aid kit is located. Better yet, mark your first aid kit with a cross fashioned out of red tape or a bright red permanent marker signaling its contents to everyone.
Happy Trails and be safe this year. Remember if you are 1% better every day in 100 days you will be 100% better.
Misty Valdez and
her mule, Rita Lynn