Did you know that ALL farms in Pennsylvania that generate or use manure MUST have a manure or nutrient plan for their farm?  That’s right!

Any farm that has a concentrated animal operation is required to have a certified planner prepare a nutirent management plan for their farm.  A farm with over 8 animals weighing 1,000 pounds or more that exceeds 2 animals per acre, is considered a concentrated animal operation.

Small farms with horses and livestock, that do not have a concentrated animal operation, are required to have a manure management plan for their farm.  Farm owners can prepare their own plans.

To help horse farm owners, Penn State Extension is offering a 2 night short course on how to write a manure management plan.  The short course will be held at the Northampton County Extension office June 6th, 2012 and June 27th, 2012, from 7:00PM until 9:00PM.

Space is limited to 20 participants, so everyone can receive individual help in preparing their plan.  Cost is $25. So register early to reserve your spot.

If you have any questions, contact Donna Foulk or Sarah Rihl at 610-746-1970.

Brigita McKelvie is a REALTOR®  (Pennsylvania License #RS297130) with Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, specializing in rural and horse properties and farms in Eastern Pennsylvania.  She has an e-Pro® (Certified Internet Expert) certification and a GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation. 

In a stand against the cut, the Pennsylvania Equine Coalition has produced a video featuring many racing and equine industry professionals. Cindy Stys, Broker/owner of Cindy Stys Equestrian Properties, is featured in a segment of the video, and explains how this budget cut will affect not only the racing industry, but the preservation of Pennsylvania’s open space, as fewer breeders will be interested in purchasing farms in this area due to decreased purses for race winners. The video will be presented to state legislators in an effort to put a stop to the potential devastation the horse racing community is facing.

The video can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=174XwqAv_M0

If you are interested in joining the effort to save Pennsylvania Horse Racing, please contact your representatives and let them know how important it is to maintain funding for the racing industry.

    With the nice weather setting in, many are turning to outdoor activities including horseback trail riding.  Eastern Pennsylvania offers many beautiful horseback trails to ride and hike. 

You can enjoy riding in the mountains of the Poconos at Big Pocono State Park located on Camelback Mountain.  Here you can enjoy the views of the mountains of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

There are 15 miles of horseback riding trails at Evansburg State Park in southcentral Montgomery County between Collegeville and Norristown, which offers scenic views of the Skippack Creek.

Jacobsburg State Park in Northampton County, just outside of Nazareth, has 18.5 miles of a network of trails on 1,168 acres of beautiful country.  The Bushkill Creek runs through the park, where it is stocked with fish for those who enjoy fishing.  There are a variety of trails for everyone with different levels of riding to enjoy and winds through some of the historic areas.

In Northeastern Pennsylvania, about 10 miles south of Scranton, there is Lackawana State Park on 1,445 acres with multi-use winding trails through the forest.  The 198 Acre Lackawana Lake in the center of the park also offers picnic areas.  The Park also offers campgrounds for overnight stays.

In northcentral Chester County you will find 1,727 acres to enjoy in Marsh Creek State Park.  The 535 acre Marsh Creek offer fishing and boating and an area to enjoy migrating water fowl.  The park contains various loops of trails for horseback riding.

Nockamixon State Park is located in scenic Bucks County in southeastern Pennsylvania on 5,286 acres.  The 1,450 acre Lake Nockamixon can also be enjoyed by boaters and fisherman.  A great place to also enjoy a camping vacation in cabins.  It offers 14 miles of horseback riding trails.

Ricketts Glen State Park is located on 13,050 acres in Sullivan, Luzerne & Columbia Counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.  It is known as one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania with many free-flowing waterfalls in the park.  You can enjoy 12.5 miles of riding trails with your own horse and campgrounds are available for overnight stays.

Located 16 miles from Philadelphia, Ridley Creek State Park has 4.7 miles of horseback riding trails on 2,606 acres of gently rolling terrain.  Hidden Valley Farms has a stable within the park and offers trail rides and assorted equine related services.

Tyler State Park consists of 1,711 acres within Bucks County, which is nestled in the original farm and woodland setting.  The Neshaminy Creek runs through the park.  The park offers 9 miles of riding trails along the Nexhaminy Creek.

Three miles north of Newark, Delaware, in southern Chester County, White Clay Creek Preserve offers 8 miles of horseback riding trails on it’s 2,072 acres. 

As you can see, Eastern Pennsylvania has many trail systems in their state parks for horseback riders to enjoy, along with many other outdoor activities and some with camping.  Just remember, when using the facilities to take care and respect the grounds so everyone can enjoy them.

Brigita McKelvie is a REALTOR®  (Pennsylvania License #RS297130) with Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, specializing in rural and horse properties and farms in Eastern Pennsylvania.  She has an e-Pro® (Certified Internet Expert) certification and a GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation. 

That’s right!  Selling a horse property is a team effort.  The responsibility does not just lie with the real estate agent. 

The real estate professional makes suggestions and recommendations to the Seller, markets the property, and makes sure everything in the selling process goes along smoothly.

To make it a team effort, the Seller must help out in the process.  How does the Seller help to sell the horse property?

For starters, the Seller should listen to the real estate professional’s recommendations and suggestions and follow through.  After all, the real estate agent does this for a living and has the know how.  Why would the agent steer the Seller in the wrong direction?  They both have the same goal in mind: Getting the property SOLD!

Next, even though this may seem like an inconvenience at times, the Seller should be flexible with the showing times.  I have seen some Sellers limit showing times on the properties.  This is the best way to chase away a potential Buyer.  Not everyone’s schedule matches.  There are exceptions in rare cases where no showings will be allowed due to certain circumstances. 

If there are pets in the house or horses on the property, Sellers should contain them or remove them during the showings.  Last thing anyone would want to have is a lawsuit because of someone getting hurt or having the pet escape.

Keep up the home and horse property maintenance, no matter how small.  Every little bit counts and it will be noticed.

One of the last major things the Seller is to consider to help sell the property and home, is to keep everything, neat, clean and organized.  The home, property and outbuildings should look like they are worth the asking price.  First impressions are always important and you never know when it will attract that special Buyer for the property.

So, remember when you place your horse property on the market.  It is a team effort to sell it.

Do you know that older horses have special nutritional and health needs? Do you have the older performance horse and want to help keep him performing as best as he can? Do you have that sweet, older “lawn ornament” but you want to do the best by him? Or are you involved with an equine rescue program and often take in under-nourished or neglected animals?

Then consider attending the Caring for the Geriatric and Aging Horseseminarwill be held Saturday, March 10, 2012, (9:00 AM-3:00 PM; registration starts at 8:30 AM) at the Best Western Conference Center in Bethlehem, PA.This seminar will present the latest information on how to meet the nutritional needs of geriatric, underweight, and metabolically challenged horses. Other topics will include adopting practices to increase comfort and manage pain in older horses; understanding diseases associated with the aging process; addressing the mental and physical needs of geriatric and/or rescued horses; and knowing when to say good-bye to your equine friend. This seminar has been developed for barn managers, non-profit or equine rescue groups that care for older and/or neglected horses, and anyone that rides or cares for older horses. Cost for the program is $45 per person which includes all talks, written materials, and lunch.

The program is being conducted by the Penn State Extension Equine Program Team as one of many educational seminars being offered across the state to those in the equine industry.  According to Donna Foulk, Extension Educator in Northampton County, “We are very excited to have such incredible speakers for this day-long program.”

Starting the program (9:00-11:00 AM) will be Dr. Sarah Ralston, VMD, and Associate Professor of Animal Science at Rutgers University, who will speak on “Feeding the Geriatric and Aging Horse” and “Metabolic Disorders Associated with Aging.” Dr. Ralston is nationally-noted for her research on aging equines and has authored many publications and contributed articles to numerous equine magazines.

Rounding out the morning program (11:00 AM-noon) will be Lisa Shotzberger of the Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines who will cover topics such as “What 100 Years of Caring for Retired and Rescued Horses Can Teach Us”, “Meeting the Physical and Emotional Needs of Geriatric and Neglected Horses” and “Tips for Running a Successful Non-Profit Retirement or Rescue Operation.”  The Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines is a retirement facility for aged and/or abused horses.  Founded in 1888, it is the country’s oldest, non-profit organization dedicated to equine care.  Located on 383 beautiful acres of rolling hills in southeastern Pennsylvania, Ryerss Farm provides a wonderful setting for horses to graze and play, living their golden years in comfort and dignity. 

From 1:00-2:00 PM, Dr. Jennifer Buchholz, VMD of Blauner, Vecchione and Associates in Skippack, will cover “Keeping Older Horses Comfortable and Mobile.” She will also touch on the use of alternative medicines and use of supplements.

Completing the program (2:00 – 3:00 PM) will be Dr. Ann Swinker, PSU Equine Extension Specialist, who will talk about “Knowing When to Say Goodbye.” Although some owners never want to think about that day, it is a reality and it is important to make decisions ahead of time on what and how to proceed, especially if your horse is boarded out or otherwise cared for by others. It is important to discuss these issues with family members, stable managers, and your veterinarian.

The Penn state Extension Equine Program team is also offering several “Equine Environmental Stewardship” short courses which will be held on the following dates and locations: March 7, 14, 21, and 28 – Lehigh County Ag Center, Allentown, PA; April 3, 10, 17, and 24 – Columbia County Extension Office; April 5, 12, 19, and 26 – Wayne County Extension Office. Additional sites are also being planned. Participants in this short-course will be made aware of new and emerging information that will benefit their horses, their farms, and the environment. Participants will learn how to: reduce grazing health risks; rotate and rest pastures; identify grasses, weeds, and toxic plants; properly fertilize soil; properly store, compost, and apply manure; develop feeding programs for horses that meet but do not exceed nutritional requirements. Participants will also learn how the new manure and nutrient management regulations will impact their farm. Cost is $45 per person for all four sessions.

For any of the course content information, contact Donna Foulk at dlf5@psu.edu or at 610-746-1970. To receive program registration materials or to be added to the list serve regarding future Equine Program Team offerings, contact Norma Young at njy1@psu.edu. For these and additional course offerings, you can also visit: http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/equine/Penn-State-Extension-Equine-Team/penn-state-extension-equine-program-short-courses-and-workshops or http://bit.ly/tKXAks. Penn State is an equal opportunity university.

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To Buy Or Not To Buy Horse Property . . . . That Is The Question

   You love horses and would love to have them in your backyard.  This way you can watch them outside your window whenever you want, plus have the convenience of walking out your door instead of commuting to your horse.

But wait!  There is much more involved.  Did you know that owning a horse property is much more involved?  It takes a commitment on your part to not only take care of the property, but also of your horses, 24/7, no matter what.

If you still say no problem, let me outline some of the responsibilities of owning a horse property.  Then make a decision.

First of all, about 1 1/2 acres should be allowed per horse.  This gives each horse enough room to graze, exercise and play.

Next, the paddocks and pastures must be fenced in, with the fences regularly maintained.  If the fences are not maintained, the horses will find their way out and decide to go exploring.  Most neighbors do not appreciate having horses explore their yards.

Next, the barn and/or run ins must be maintained and any repairs that are needed to be made ASAP.  This includes any damages that the horses did during their “play” (to the fencing, barn or stalls), broken water pipes and waterers, storm damage, etc.

Pastures must be maintained regularly.  The manure in the pastures is to be removed or spread, grass to be mowed regularly (Yes, this must be done, even though the horses graze on it.  Horses do not eat weeds, nor eat in the areas that they use as a bathroom.  Besides, mowing keeps the weed population down, allowing the grasses to grow.), pick up any debris, etc. 

There are also daily chores, such as feeding, mucking out stalls and turnout areas, scrubbing and filling water buckets, sweeping the aisles, checking on the horses for health and injuries, daily care of the horses, etc.  Then you have to make sure that there is ample supply of grain and hay to feed your 4 legged equine friends. 

In addition to all of this, there are always improvements to the horse property that can be made, plus home maintenance is still part of it. 

Now, all of this does not mean that you have no free time.  It just means that it is a full time job, 365 days a year. 

If you are prepared to dedicate yourself to do this type of work and don’t mind doing it, or are able to hire somebody to do it for you, then a horse property is right for you.  If you are not ready to commit to this, then a horse property is not for you.

Here are some great short courses offered in the Lehigh Valley, PA, for horse owners and anyone involved with horses.  Anyone that wants to learn more equine information can register.

Horse Owners Listen Up-Things are Changing:
Equine Environmental Stewardship
March 7, 14, 21, and 28 – Lehigh County Ag Center, Allentown, PA

All sessions are evenings, 7:00PM – 9:30PM
Cost: $45 for all four sessions at each location

•Are you aware that all farms with animals in PA are required to have either a certified nutrient management or a manure management plan?
•Do you know how pastures can benefit your horses and how and when grazing may put some horses at risk?
•Do you know how to manage your pastures to increase forage quality and reduce weeds and toxic plants?
•Do you know how to compost manure so that it is a resource that you can use in your pastures?
•Do you know how to feed your horses to supply the proper levels of nutrients in their diet?
The Equine Environmental Stewardship short course is an exciting, four-part educational series that provides practical hands-on experiences that will help farm owners develop the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt environmentally sound farm management practices. Equine research is providing new information that is generating many changes in recommendations in the management practices that have been in place for many years.

Participants in this short course will be made aware of new and emerging information that will benefit their horses, their farms, and the environment. Participants will learn about forage biology, how to reduce grazing health risks, how to rotate and rest pastures to increase plant growth, how to identify grasses, weeds, and toxic plants, how to properly fertilize soil, how manure and nutrient management regulations will impact their farm, how to properly store, compost, and apply manure, and how to develop a feeding program for horses that meet but do not exceed nutritional requirements.

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Horse Owners Listen Up-Things are Changing:
Caring for the Geriatric and Aging Horse
March 10, 2012
9:00AM – 3:30PM
Best Western Conference Center, 300 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017-9076
Cost: $45

This short course provides the latest information on managing the health and well-being of geriatric and older performance horses. Owners of older horses usually have cared for them for a long time and have developed a special bond with their animals. Research in the field of geriatric medicine has increased due to the interest of equine caretakers in enhancing the comfort, mobility and health of older horses.

This short course will present the latest information on how to meet the nutritional needs of geriatric, underweight, and metabolically challenged horses. Other topics include: dealing with equine metabolic diseases, adopting practices to increase comfort and manage pain in older horses, understanding diseases associated with the aging process, developing appropriate vaccination, dentistry and deworming programs, and addressing the mental and physical needs of  geriatric and/or rescued horses.

This short course has been developed for barn managers, non-profit groups that care for older and/or neglected horses, and anyone that rides or cares for older horses.

Registration information, etc.:

http://bit.ly/sYkCDn

or contact

Donna Foulk

dfs5@psu.edu or 610-746-1970

Brigita McKelvie is a REALTOR®  (Pennsylvania License #RS297130) with Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, specializing in rural and horse properties and farms in Eastern Pennsylvania.  She has an e-Pro® (Certified Internet Expert) certification and a GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation. 

Yes, that’s right!  Horse properties are for sale at great prices for a limited time only!!

Everyone has heard about agents advertising that “now is a great time to buy” and getting a little tired of hearing it.  It is true, though!

Just think about it.  How long do you think the interest rates will stay this low?  Eventually they will begin to climb.  History has proven that.

If the interest rates climb by 1%, you will not be able to buy as much property for the same amount of money as you can now.  If the rate goes up by 1%, you can afford 12% less.  If the rate goes down by 1%, then you can afford 12% more.

For example, if you are able to afford $200,000 at 4%, then at 5% you can afford $177,000.  The payments are the same for both.  So, if you are qualified, wouldn’t buying now make more sense, while the rates are still low, instead of waiting?

It even makes sense for Sellers to sell their current home instead of waiting until prices go up.  Once the interest rates rise, the Buyers will not have as much buying power as they do now.  After all, Sellers, you are probably Buyers once your current home goes under contract or sells.

Of course, if you don’t have to sell, it doesn’t mean you should.

Whether you are a Buyer or a Seller, why not take advantage of this great real estate market if you can, and get more horse property for your buck?

Brigita McKelvie is a REALTOR®  (Pennsylvania License #RS297130) with Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, specializing in rural and horse properties and farms in Eastern Pennsylvania.  She has an e-Pro® (Certified Internet Expert) designation and a GRI (Graudate, REALTOR® Institute) designation. You can contact her at 610-393-9424 or e-mail at brigita@brigitamklv.com   Find out more about her on her websites www.brigitamklv.com or www.RuralAndHorseProperties.com

The first statement is false and the other one has some truth to it.  Let me explain.

Right now is a good time to sell horse property.  There is less inventory this time of year, which means less competition.  Of course, if you don’t have to sell now, that is fine. 

It is true that there are fewer Buyers searching for real estate.  The buyers that drop out are the ones that are not ready to buy property yet.  They are pretty much just looking to see what is out there.  No matter what time of year, these Buyers would not have bought property.  The serious Buyers are still searching.

Besides, the holiday decorations make the homes more attractive.

Just think, if the property is not listed now, before spring, you may lose out on that buyer that is searching for a horse property just like the one you have.

When making the decision whether or not to sell your horse property over the winter, ask yourself this question, “Can I afford to lose a Buyer?”

Brigita McKelvie is a REALTOR®  (Pennsylvania License #RS297130) with Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, specializing in rural and horse properties and farms in Eastern Pennsylvania.  She has an e-Pro® (Certified Internet Expert) designation and a GRI (Graudate, REALTOR® Institute) designation. You can contact her at 610-393-9424 or e-mail at brigita@brigitamklv.com   Find out more about her on her websites www.brigitamklv.com or www.RuralAndHorseProperties.com

  Here’s your chance to possibly get some Christmas shopping done for that horsey person in       your life.  Or, sell any horse items you no longer need for extra cash for the holidays. 

On Sunday, November 20th. 2011, Windsor Castle Farm will be holding a Tack Swap from 10:00AM until 4:00PM.

(For those of you that do not know what a tack swap is, it is a horsey yard sale.  Any item pertaining to horses can most likely be found here, used or new, or you can come and sell any horsey item.  Live animals are excluded.)

Windsor Castle Farm is located at 1428 Windsor Castle Road in Hamburg, PA in Berks County.

Bring your own table or you can arrange to have a table supplied for $8.00.  No fee for bringing your own table.

Contact Sue or Dean at 610-562-0505 for more information or to reserve a space.

Brigita McKelvie is a REALTOR®  (Pennsylvania License #RS297130) with Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, specializing in rural and horse properties and farms in Eastern Pennsylvania.  She has an e-Pro® (Certified Internet Expert) designation and a GRI (Graudate, REALTOR® Institute) designation. You can contact her at 610-393-9424 or e-mail at brigita@brigitamklv.com   Find out more about her on her websites www.brigitamklv.com or www.RuralAndHorseProperties.com