Inspiration Archives ⋆ The Whoa Podcast

Horses in War-torn Ukraine

September 13, 2022 by John Leave a Comment

Horses in Ukraine

Horses in Ukraine have gotten a raw deal. Ukraine, in Eastern Europe, is a beautiful country about the size of Texas. Wikipedia says Ukraine is a unitary republic with a free-market economy. (While I’m not sure what that means exactly, as an American, it sounds pretty good to me.)

Then, Russia decided it wanted to own the Ukraine, and a war broke out. The conflict places thousands of horses in the middle. Well, all animals really. Many humanitarian groups have stepped up to help. One of them, Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation, is dedicated solely to helping horses.

Crisis of Food, Housing, and Vet Supplies

Before the war, Ukraine was one of the largest grain exporters in the world. Hay was relatively inexpensive. With some fields destroyed, no fuel for farm equipment, and a lack of Ag manpower, grain and hay production have plummeted. People are struggling for their own survival and caring for their horses has to take a back seat.

Stables in the war zone have been damaged or destroyed leaving many horses without proper care. The number of stressed and injured horses have strained the veterinary medical supply chain, too.

The UEF is working to fill those needs. With money donations, they’ve contracted to supply feed and medical supplies.

Horse in Ukraine Need Our Help

The brutal winter is approaching quickly in Eastern Europe. Without proper food and housing, many horses will perish. The UEF needs the world’s help now. From what I’ve learned about the UEF, they have the support of large equestrian organizations, including Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) and national equestrian federations. The extended international team consists of volunteers from England/France, Germany and Estonia. If you can help, and there are many ways to do so, please check out the links below. Horses enrich our lives so much. Sometimes it’s necessary to step up and return the favor.

Links to Help

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/helpuahorses

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/helpukrainehorses/

Ride for Ukraine 100-hour challenge
https://ride-for-ukraine-100-hours-challenge.raisely.com/the-challenge

Main UEF-CF website
https://helpukrainehorses.eu/

Donation page
https://helpukrainehorses.eu/en/donate/

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The Importance of a New Veterinarian

August 9, 2022 by John Leave a Comment

The Importance of a New Veterinarian

How important is a newly graduated veterinarian to an established practice?I worked as a animal care technician in the 1970s and was lucky to see a few new grads added to the practices I worked at. They always brought a new energy to the practice, not to mention new styles and techniques. The established doctors gave them the experience of working outside an academic environment in exchange for the latest in veterinary practice. It is a great deal for both sides.

The Golden Triangle of people important to your horse’s welfare are your veterinarian, farrier, and trainer. It’s essential you choose each one of these with care and consideration. I look for an experienced and knowledgeable veterinarian. I also wanted someone who offers more than one line of treatment when available. Last, I want a vet who understands the age and value of our horses and how we use‌ them, and adjust treatment options to fit our specific needs. Veterinary knowledge and diagnostic technology are advancing in leaps and bounds. Staying current with that knowledge not only helps your horse live a healthier life, but helps you when deciding on your horse’s care.

The three-man practice at Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital is a well-rounded team of professionals. They are plain-spoken, easy to understand, and stay current on the latest innovations in veterinary medicine. Dr. Tolley, Dr. Gonzalez, and Dr. Ordonez possess all the outstanding qualities I believe make for a good veterinarian.

Old Bakersfield Vet Hospital Sign

Links Heard on the Show

https://www.bakersfieldlargeanimal.com/

Join Us on this Journey

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we’ll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #204

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New Bakersfield College Rodeo Team Formed

July 26, 2022 by John Leave a Comment

New Bakersfield College Rodeo Team Formed

You’d think as big as an agricultural, beef-producing county as Kern is, there would be rodeos all the time. And, in reality, there are. We’ve got the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association producing bull riding, youth, and PRCA rodeos. There’s the Glenville Rodeo and the Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo. We have a Bakersfield Youth Rodeo Club. But, with all that, there was no community college rodeo. That is until adjunct professor, Andrea Prise, formed the Bakersfield college Rodeo Team.

If you’ve listened much to the podcast, you already know I am one of the least knowledgeable people when it comes to rodeo. But, I wanted to learn more, and I’ve attended many classes at Bakersfield College over the years (a story for another time). I tracked down Andrea and the Bakersfield College Rodeo Team President, Cloey Griffiths for a chat. We met in a study room at BC and had a great time talking rodeo.

Andrea and Cloey told me that support for the rodeo team was impressive. She’s getting help from a local stock contractor, Tinoco Bulls, and the Funny Farm. She’s also gotten a good response outside the ag industry with a local plumbing contractor, HPS Plumbing, providing the team with jackets to make them feel like real professionals.

Andrea talked about how valuable it can be for youth riders to compete at the college level. Not only can they hone their skills and get valuable experience, but they get an education too. Cloey is a perfect example. She was going to move away to find a college to rodeo at until she learned about the Bakersfield College Rodeo Team.

Links Heard on the Show

Contact Coach Andrea Prise

Connect with BC Rodeo on Facebook

Check out BC Rodeo on Instagram

Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #203

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Checkout My YouTube Channel John Harrer & Horses

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Gabrielle Diakon and Equestrian Yoga

June 7, 2022 by John Leave a Comment

Gabrielle Diakon and Equestrian Yoga

We last visited with Gabrielle Diakon, Gabby, nearly two years ago amid quarantine and COVID. Gabby is still doing yoga for equestrians and working with horses. Now, she is podcasting. Gabrielle Diakon’s Rolling My Third Eye Podcast is available on all podcast platforms. Her show focuses on equestrian mindfulness and deals with fear, anxiety, and many other issues competitive horse riders deal with. But, Gabby has also widened the show to include mediation, yoga, and connection outside of the equestrian world. Her philosophies help people deal with the problems life throws their way.

We chat about many topics in this episode. The importance of journaling and how it can help focus. We talk about the power of creative visualization. Gabby is very open and willingly shares stories of her life and experience.

Gabby holds online Yoga for Equestrians every Wednesday night at 7 PM central.

Links Heard in the Show

GET HALF OFF YOUR FIRST YOGA SESSION HERE

GMD Training Website

Facebook

Rolling My Third Eye Podcast

Instagram: GMDTraining

Email: Gdiakon@gmdtraining.com

Welcome to Our New Sponsor

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Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #201

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Cristobal Scarpati Horsemanship

May 24, 2022 by John Leave a Comment

Cristobal Scarpati Horsemanship

Cristobal Scarpati and I met at the 2014 Horseman Reunion in Paso Robles. There, among some of the top colt-starters of the time Buster McLaury, Trevor Carter, Mary Kitzmiller, Clayton Edsel, and Buddy Uldrickson, was Cristobal’s father, Oscar. I was new to horsemanship and colt-starting. Oscar walked into the round pen with no equipment and no shoes. How was this trainer going to start this colt? Over the next three days, Oscar had his colt gentled and ready to ride. This year, his son, Cristobal Scarpati, travels to the U.S. to host a few exclusive clinics showing Scarpati Horsemanship.

Cristobal’s philosophy extends beyond the horse and into all aspects of life. He comes to share his knowledge about horses and life in his clinics. Cristobal is also available for private lessons.He is only in this country for a short time. Take this opportunity to see his work.

Links Heard in the Show

Wild Horse Diaries – Amber McGee

The Wild Hope Website

Event Page for Cristobal Scarpati Tehachapi Clinic

Scarpati Horsemanship

Cristobal Scarpati Facebook

Welcome to Our New Sponsor

EcoGold Saddle Pads

Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #202

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Checkout My YouTube Channel John Harrer & Horses

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