Urban Horses, Urban Horseman

by Gabriel Denison

As Central Oregon experiences growing pains as a physical community, and developments crawl slowly over the High Desert, the lifestyle of the Central Oregon horsemen can become challenged. There are plenty of trails left to explore, but sometimes horse owners find the mix of equine requirements and urbanization a curious combination. Some choose to trailer their horses to wilder areas, and some pioneer the urban trailride, using bike paths instead of bridle paths.

In 1996, Oregon State University released it's Oregon Equine Impact study, disclosing more than half the horse owners in Oregon used their horses for ranch work, riding strings, etc, and private owners were the minority. Currently, Central Oregon experiences an almost boom town status, changing the landscape and the profile of horse owners.

In a 2003 study conducted through local feed stores, William Bering, a marketing representative, discovered that while one out of every five customers owns horses in 1996, one out of every two customers is now a horse owner. These horses are usually kept on small acreages, and close to town. “People want their horses easily accessible, where they can enjoy them,” Bering explained. Within this accessibility are safety and health concerns for horse and rider. Grazing potential, exercise areas, manure control and traffic are some of the concerns that are raised. Traffic presents a formidable problem for urban trail riders, as roads are cutting up previously open riding space – much as the barbed wire divided the ranges long ago. Riding in urban areas can be a spiritual experience for the neighborhood, as children rush out to see a real horse, but barking dogs and bicycles can be as much of a challenge as cars. “Always wear a helmet,” advises Lori Wetherspoon, an veteran at in-town riding in Bend, “and walk your horse across traffic, no matter how much you dislike mounting and dismounting. It's safer in the long run.” She also advises short exposure periods for your horse initially, as city sounds need desensitization. Reassure your horse, and ride him forward.

At home city care requires more planning than old school care, but even on two to five acres, a safe, effective home can be workable for you and your horse. Firstly, consider the natural needs of the animal – just standing in a dry lot is no fun, and doesn't inspire either of you to enjoy the other. Grazing is a natural behavior to a horse, and even a green area that allows him to graze for an hour, twice a week, it's important habitat for your urban ranchero. Divide your equine apartment into small areas with specific purposes. No matter how small your designated horse area, spaces should be assigned for manure, grazing and exercise, as well as a 12'x12' shelter for your equine friend. Exercise space can be just large enough to use a lunge line, and keep him in shape. Your exercise area can also include a tie spot where you can secure your horse while brushing him. Manure control is more complicated. It can be used as mulch for flowers, or spread to keep down dust. In the Central Oregon heat, spread manure dries quickly, and rarely causes the parasite concerns that an untended manure pile does. The Extension Service recommends tarping a manure pile, to encourage a speedy composting process.

Planning your small plot for it's maximum potential is highly advocated by the Oregon State Agriculture Extension office. They offer a small manual, available for $4.00, complete with pictures. As the Small Agriculture Horse Industry gains momentum across the country, many other states offer manuals and advice over the Internet.

For many new arrivals to Central Oregon, owning a piece of the High Desert can be a dream come true, but locals know that our unforgiving environment takes careful management to preserve the landscape we all cherish. Working against nature can be tremendously expensive, and counterproductive. Working with the High Desert includes mulching to conserve topsoil, spreading your manure to enrich the soil and keep down parasites, rotating your grazing and preserving natural plants when possible. It also includes respecting the heightened enforcement of the EPA Clean Water Act, which now may affect the many small horse owners.

To avoid problems, protect any open channels of water on your property, and provide adequate water tanks for horses away from streams. This prevents any concern of contamination of water sources by your horse. Create buffer zones with trees between your horses and your neighbors to protect against runoff from your property. Break up the manure piles in your pasture with a rake, and keep your unvegetated dry areas to a minimum.

In the long run, all these precautions work together to create happy, healthy surroundings that will sustain