California Heartland™


	PROGRAM - 244

HORSES SPECIAL

Horse Whisperer
Next to cattle, it would be hard to find any livestock more valuable to the development of the heartland than the horse. Over the decades horses have been beasts of burden, the power behind the plow, vehicles of control over herds, and companions. Mechanization changed much of that, but the horse is still revered by Californians. The key to the success with horses is understanding. And our first report is about a man who they say, speaks the language of horses.

Cutting Horses
The history of agriculture in our state was supported in large measure by animals. And none was more important than the horse, specifically, the "cutting" horse. A good cattle pony was a valuable asset to the cattle rancher. We wanted to get a closer look at the 1990s version of the "cutting" horse.

Equestrian Center/Arabian Horses
It's no simple task trying to determine the qualities of a horse. What do you look for when you're out searching for a horse to buy? In earlier times you may have judged a horse by the condition of its hooves or depending on its use, its disposition. Well today, science and technology have raised the study of horseflesh to a new level. Technology gives present day horse lovers a distinct advantage.

Farriers
Horseshoers, as we know, shoe horses. But, did you know that they are actually called farriers. The term "farrier" comes from the Latin word "farraius," meaning a "worker in iron." But, as you'll see in the next story, farriers are more than laborers, they are artists.

Alamo Pintado
Whether it's used for racing, working, or recreation, the horse is the hub of one of the most successful industries in the world. As equine sports grow in popularity, so does the need for equine health care. Allison Thompson visited the Santa Ynez Valley where one equine medical facility is on the cutting edge.

Project R.I.D.E.
Science and medicine are discovering new ways that interaction with animals can enhance the well being of the sick and the elderly. Allison Thompson found a story of one program that brings horses in contact with some very special children.

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