Tonight the chapter met once again and shared food, laughter, discussion, learning, and club business. We had a total of 23 people present, with 19 members and 4 guests. Tonight, two of our guests were Dr. Susan O’Brien, from Lebanon Equine Clinic, who presented on “Common Eye Injuries and Emergencies in the Horse”, and Cristy Trammell, the new Volunteer Coordinator for Butler County MetroParks. Quite a crowd for a rainy Monday night, and a great meeting.
Dr. O’Brien was very informative about common eye injuries and their treatment. We all learned that it is important to engage your veterinarian as soon as possible once an eye injury is detected, and there are few home remedies or medicines you can keep in your cabinet that are appropriate for treating eye injuries. We have reached out to see if we can make the presentation available via the website for members that could not attend. A big thank you to Kimm Nicolay for raising the concern that many/most of us are trail riders and that some injuries may occur on the trail. In the event of an emergency on the trail, Dr. O’Brien recommended that if the eye does need protection, cover it with a clean material such as a clean cloth or gauze, and make sure that it is well hydrated with either saline solution, or water. Vet wrap can be used to secure the cover in place, but she recommended making sure that the other eye remains uncovered so that the horse can continue to see out of the good eye. This is an emergency stop-gap only, and should not be considered an actual treatment for the eye condition. Covering the eye in this manner simply serves as a protection against further damage until you are able to return the horse to your trailer and get the horse to your veterinarian for professional treatment.
We were also blessed to have Cristy Trammell join us and participate in discussion of several topics during the normal meeting. Cristy is the new Volunteer Coordinator for Butler County MetroParks. If you have not previously filled out a MetroParks volunteer application, please take the time to download and complete the form so that Cristy can know who our volunteers are and can reach out to you if needs arise. Cristy and MetroParks appreciate the work we have invested in Sebald Park and our use of the trails at the park.
In December, we have the annual Christmas Party. The club has decided to provide the meat for the event, but attendees should bring a shared dish and non-alcoholic drinks.
If you are attending, please let Kathy Williams know and let her know what type of dish you will be bringing. Meat will be provided by the club, and Kathy will be making a decision regarding the meat (either Jocko’s or Walt’s Barbeque have been discussed). The party will include a gift exchange, not to exceed $15. If you have a spare extension cord and/or surge strip you can bring, that would be appreciated. The event will be held at the Chrisholm Historic Farmstead, 2070 Woodsdale Rd., Trenton, OH 45067.
Bill Ison proposed via email and at the chapter meeting that the Butler County chapter host a “Horse Day” at Sebald Park, open to the public, to raise awareness of horses and horsemanship, and to encourage children and adults to become more familiar with horses. The club has shown interest, assuming liability concerns can be resolved. Cristy Trammell from MetroParks is going to look into the liability concerns, and Oliver informed the club that if the event is an OHC event, event insurance is available via the state organization. A committee will be formed to pursue event planning and bring back a proposal to the club. If you are interested in participating in the planning committee, please contact Kathy Williams or Nancy Harris.
Keep in mind, we have quite a few upcoming events in the next couple of months:
- 11/19 – Preble County Tack Sale @ 9am to 4pm
- 11/20 – 4H Tack Sale @ Darke County Fairgrounds
- 11/25 – Black Friday Ride
- 12/03 – Lebanon Carriage parade
- 12/10 – Santa Parade in Fairfield Township (does anyone want to ride – if so, let Kathy Williams know so she can get the form sent back)
- 12/10 – Christmas Party @ Chrisholm Homestead @ 7pm
- 12/12 – No Meeting
- 01/01 – New Year’s Day ride (traditionally at Shaker Trace Trail, location to be verified)
- 01/09 – Next Meeting @ Bruno’s
- 01/23 – Fundraiser @ Walt’s
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas Party. Hope you are all able to make it, and be safe during the holiday season.
Technorati Tags: Butler County MetroParks, Christmas, Christmas Party, Cristy Trammell, Dr. Susan O'Brien, eye injuries, eye injury, eye treatment, horse, horse day, MetroParks, Sebald, Sebald Park
