OklahomaHorses Magazine September 2020

4 OklahomaHorses • September/October 2020 ON THE COVER: RC Smart at Nexus Equine PHOTO BY: Jennifer Hustis RC Smart (Registered AQHA name) is a beautiful 7-year-old palomino gelding that was donated to Nexus Equine because his former owner wanted him to continue his career. 
RC Smart was shown in the NRHA and then found a second career in the roping pen. He spent his career qualifying for the AQHA World show and accumulating points. RC Smart is a beautiful gentleman that loves attention and is extremely talented. RC Smart is by RC Fancy Step LTE, winner of over $300,000 in the NRHA, and by the Great Wimpys Little Step, a $5 million dollar sire. His dam is nothing short of amazing; her sire was Smart Chic Olena, NRHA Hall of Famer and $10 million dollar sire. RC Smart is going to continue his career with the Nexus Equine Take Two Lease Program, a program that allows youth and adults a chance to show with high value horses. For more information about RC Smart or other available horses, contact info@nexusequine.org. I love history, and especially Oklahoma history and art. So when my editor, Anna Holton-Dean, said she took her two boys to the Claremore Gun Museum for an outing this summer, I thought that sounded fun and interesting for them. Little did I know what I was in store for! Saddles. Lots of saddles. Beautiful, historic saddles. Saddles with intricate patterns, custom artwork, even one made for a trick monkey. With one glance, you know they have a story to tell—one we had to share with you. Be sure to check out Anna’s article on page 27! Choke is a serious yet containable condition in horses, and Dr. Grace Owen explains all the details in this issue. While most cases have a successful outcome, there is an ever- present danger of permanent, serious damage. Knowledge is power, so be sure to know the signs of choke. To coincide with the arrival of our gorgeous fall weather in Oklahoma, we’ve included a list of premium campgrounds that are horse friendly. Oklahoma has quite a few fantastic camping facilities for your enjoyment, and we’ve showcased the best ones that allow your horse to join you. Lastly, Jennifer Hustis educates us on the interesting concept of herd behavior and equine body language. Enjoy the read and accompanying art from this talented Oklahoma author and artist. Thank you for your readership, and we’ll see you next time with some fun holiday surprises. Marilyn King Volume 3, Number 5 PUBLISHER Marilyn King 918.520.0611 mking@oklahomahorsesmagazine.com EDITOR Anna Holton-Dean 830.837.1662 anna.holton@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sally Roper WEB MANAGER/AD SALES Steve Kirkpatrick 918.230.2493 steve@oklahomahorsesmagazine.com ADVERTISING SALES Marilyn King 918.520.0611 mking@oklahomahorsesmagazine.com Steve Kirkpatrick 918.230.2493 steve@oklahomahorsesmagazine.com Rosalie Childs 918.630.5775 rfchilds@me.com Jimmy Jones 405.250.1718 jimmy43jones@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Casie Bazay Lechelle Calderwood Jennifer Cocoma Hustis Kris Hiney, DVM Anna Holton-Dean Grace Owen, DVM Summer Terry Mary Westman www.oklahomahorsesmagazine.com P.O. Box 14128 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74159-1128 ©2020 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. FROM THE PUBLISHER Marilyn and Tag