Who knew that there would be dental bills and shoes to buy! For a horse? Well, you’re starting to learn that there was a little more involved than you first thought. Would you like some help?

Or, you’ve owned horses for years, know what you’re doing, and are a real “good hand.” But now you’re hearing about water quality regulations that involve riparian areas, mud and manure management, and how on earth are you going to deal with that? Would you like some help?

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is conducting a free workshop from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 24, to help folks just like you. It’s being held at the Middletown Fire Station, 21095 Highway 175, in Middletown.

The workshop is also being sponsored by the Upper Putah Creek Stewardship, East Lake and West Lake Resource Conservation Districts, Upper Cache Creek Watershed Alliance, and the Lower Lake Watershed Council.

Some of the topics will include pasture management, fire safety, conservation planning, mud and manure management, and dealing with riparian areas on your property. Jeffery Smith, DVM, will be there to give a veterinarian’s perspective on how to take care of your horse.

If you’re keeping a horse on small acreage and have more questions than answers, plan to attend this free workshop to get the help you’ve been looking for.  

Space is limited, so please RSVP to the Natural Resources Conservation Service at 263-4180, Extension 15. Be sure to let them know you’re going to be there, and how many folks you’ll be bringing along.

This should be a great workshop. Even if you don’t find all the answers to your questions, you’ll know more when you leave, then you did when you got there.

Don’t miss this opportunity – mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend.