TOBA ANNOUNCES 2009 SEMINAR SCHEDULE

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) has announced its 2009 seminar and clinic schedule. The schedule includes three new owner seminars, a three-day breeding clinic and three pedigree and conformation clinics.  TOBA’s goal is to provide industry participants with the knowledge necessary to improve their likelihood for success in the Thoroughbred business. The seminars, sponsored by Blood-Horse Publications, will feature discussions by industry experts. The 2009 seminar schedule is as follows:

 

New Owner Seminars

March 13, Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Ark.

April 30, Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville, Ky.

June 5, Belmont Park, Elmont, N.Y.

 

Breeding Clinic

May 29 -31, Lexington, Ky.

 

Pedigree and Conformation Clinic

February 28-March 1, Calder Race Course, Miami, Fla.

August 11, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

October 12-13, Lexington, Ky.

 

Seminar fees are listed on TOBA’s website and include all support materials, admission and presentations.  Discounts are given to TOBA members. For more information visit www.toba.org or call Erin Halliwell at 859-276-2291 or ehalliwell@toba.org.

 

TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred horse breeders and owners.  TOBA’s mission is to “improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders.” Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, The Racing Game, Sales Integrity Program and Claiming Crown.  TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse Inc., and is represented on the Board of Directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a founding member. 

Help Fund Equine Research with NEW Horseman’s Card® VIP Benefit Partners

Lexington, KY (Jan 30, 2009) – Since 1992, the Horseman’s Card®  has been supporting the health of the horse, making it the credit card of choice for horse owners and enthusiasts.

 

Every time the Horseman’s Card is used for a purchase – whether it be airline reservations, a saddle, a bag of feed, or a tank of gas – a contribution is made, at no additional cost to the cardholder, to the world-renowned Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center.

 

Created in 1987 by officials of the University of Kentucky's Department of Veterinary Science in Lexington, KY, the Gluck Center is one of only three centers in the world dedicated exclusively to researching the diseases and physiological problems of the horse. Work conducted at Gluck is done for the benefit of horses of all breeds. Scientific findings from the Gluck Center benefit people as well, including investigations into arthritis, aging and immune response, viral and bacterial infection, genetic diseases, reproduction, and parasite control.

 

In addition to raising funds for important equine research, through its exclusive V.I.P. Benefits Program, the Horseman’s Card offers its cardholders unbridled savings on a wide selection of merchandise and services chosen especially for the equestrian. The Horseman’s Card is happy to announce the addition of some very special gifts, art and collectibles, and apparel and accessories companies who have joined the V.I.P. Benefits Program.

 

Dark Horse Chocolates® are inspired by the magical partnership between horse and rider. Each chocolate is handmade from the finest ingredients and sports a unique equine design. These exquisite chocolates make elegant gifts at affordable prices. Dark Horse Chocolates introduces NEW Trail Mix, an irresistible treat of dark chocolate-covered almond butter crunch, almonds, pecans and dried cranberries. Horseman’s Card members receive 10% off their total order. For more information, visit www.harborsweets.com or call (800) 243-2115.

 

EquiBaby™ is a niche boutique specializing in fine equine-themed items for infants and toddlers. EquiBaby offers a unique and fun selection of “Just Horses. Just Babies©” clothing, toys and rockers, feeding and bathing items, along with teething and health-related products. As a Horseman’s Card member, receive 15% off your total order. For more information, visit www.EquiBaby.com.

 

Oughton Limited provides a line of equestrian luggage for riders to organize all the gear needed for life on the road with horses. Quality materials and craftsmanship coupled with a classic, timeless design give these bags a fashion sensibility of long-lasting utility and timelessness over trend. As with life or show hunters, it’s about preparedness and presentation… a great trip begins with the right bag. With your Horseman’s Card, receive a 10% discount on all Oughton Limited products. Visit www.oughtonlimited.com or call (802) 325-2482 for more information.

 

Shandell's, a working lampshade and vintage lighting studio, is always transforming a bit of the past into something new. Using sporting art images, Shandell’s specializes in nightlights, lampshades, lamps, tissue box covers and more. Shandell’s decorates with vintage sporting art imagery, vintage wallpaper and bits of nature. Horseman’s Card members receive a 15% discount on orders over $100. To view Shandell’s creations, visit www.shandells.com or call (518) 789-6603 for more information.

 

For more information about The Horseman’s Card, or to apply by phone, call (800) 437-0180 or apply online at www.horsemanscard.com.  

Madeleine Genereux Wins USEF/Breyer Youth Sportsmanship Award

(Pequannock, NJ – Jan. 30, 2009) -- A life centered on volunteering has been rewarding in many ways for Madeleine Genereux, winner of the 2008 United States Equestrian Federation Youth Sportsman’s Award sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®. Genereux, 18, of Stillwater, Minnesota, was nominated by her local horse show association, Minnesota Hunter Jumper Association (MHJA). MHJA nominated her for the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Youth Charter Revere Bowl which she won. After winning the USHJA Youth award, the USHJA nominated her for the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. The award is designed to develop youths to become leaders in the equine industry from all breeds and disciplines and the award is named after the Sportman’s Charter which is the motto of the USEF. Genereux was selected from an outstanding group of young adults from across the country. Breyer signed on as title sponsor in 2008.

 

Breyer’s sponsorship of the award made the honor especially meaningful for Genereux. Like many avid riders and competitors, Maddie Genereux’s childhood included Breyer model horses. “I live on a farm with six real horses and 44 Breyer horses. My pony hunters and drafts, Arabs and Paints, Gaited horses and eventers all live together happily,” she said.

 

“We are honored to sponsor this award and to recognize outstanding young equestrians from all disciplines,” said Stephanie Macejko, Breyer’s Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. “We know that Breyer has been a part of their lives and our sponsorship gives us a chance to thank them for their support.”

 

Volunteerism has been a major part of the Genereux’s life since her early teens. In eighth grade, she began helping at a local food bank through her church. In ninth grade,

Genereux joined a service partnership, Mahtomedi Service, a program that improves life in community through volunteer work. “I started out low on the totem pole but by junior year I was part of the core group,” she said. The volunteer group collected over a ton of food for local people, raised funds through garage sales and helped with landscaping the community. In her senior year of high school, the group initiated a recycling campaign which increased recycling in her high school alone by 250%. “The student body really got involved; it was incredible to watch the school come together. There is no bigger joy than spreading success to someone else,” said Genereux.

 

As a junior MHJA member, Genereux also helped created a junior board in which youth become more involved at horse shows. The junior board held ice cream socials at shows, helped at clinics, and worked as jump crew.

 

Through it all, Genereux kept up her grades. The National Merit Scholarship winner was also a member of the National Honor Society.

 

Now a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, Genereux has aspirations to become a doctor. She spends her time studying, volunteering and tutoring at a local elementary school and working out at a local gym, practicing gymnastics. Her horse Nairobi, a dark bay Selle-Francaise jumper, stayed home this semester, though Genereux hopes to bring him to school in the future.

 

Genereux credits her mother, a rider and her first trainer, for getting her involved with horses. “She is able to stay in touch with her passion as well as help us [her siblings] at shows. I am so grateful for everything she’s done for me.” Today, Genereux trains with Mary Konu and Mary Armstrong at Brookside Farm.

 

In accepting her award from USEF President David O’Connor and Breyer’s Kathleen Fallon, Genereux said, “I am honored to be recognized in the sport I love so much. My Breyer collection fostered my passion and the USEF keeps that passion alive.”

 

As for her future in equestrian sport, Genereux is certain that horses will always be in her life. “I know that horses are my passion, always have been, and always will be. I hope to keep riding through medical school and ride along with my career.” Ultimately, she hopes to combine her passion for horses with a career as a radiologist.

 

 

Praise for Madeleine Genereux

“What set Madeleine apart from the other excellent nominees are her well-rounded efforts to give back – she is active in the equestrian community and the MHJA. She has outstanding academic accomplishments and she has demonstrated an on-going commitment to the community around her. Her passion and exuberance are inspiring.”

—Karen Homer-Brown, USEF Managing Director of National Affiliates

Michigan Conservancy Wins $10,000 Breyer-ELCR Grant

Breyer Names ELCR Beneficiary of 2009 Breyer Benefit Model Program

 

(Pequannock, NJ – Jan. 30, 2009) -- “Every time we turn our backs, we lose land to development,” says Sharon Greene of the Highland Conservancy. Her group, based in southeastern Michigan, is the 2008 winner of Breyer Animal Creation’s Equestrian Land Preservation grant, awarded through the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR), Lexington, Ky.  Highland Conservancy will use the $10,000 grant to purchase land that connects a road in neighboring Rose Township to Highland Oaks Park, a popular park for local trail riders. This purchase will help preserve land and an equestrian way of life in an area, like so many, that is struggling with encroaching development.

 

The ELCR is the only national organization dedicated to saving land for horse-related activities. The organization’s goals are to get horsemen to understand the magnitude of the land loss issue and to guide them in taking grassroots action to preserve open space. Breyer created a special model horse from which a portion of the proceeds will create a fund to help local groups preserve land for equine use through the ELCR. Breyer has pledged a minimum of $20,000 to the ELCR over two years.

 

“Loss of land use for equestrian activities cuts across all breeds and disciplines and affects everyone who loves horses,” said Stephanie Macejko, Breyer’s Vice President of Marketing & Product Development, and a frequent trail rider. “That’s why we named the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource as the beneficiary of our 2008 Breyer Benefit Model program and why we will continue this

program with the ELCR in 2009.  If we don’t act, the land we ride on, drive through, pasture and raise our horses on will be gone.”

 

“It’s not enough to be aware,” agrees Deb Balliet, ELCR CEO. “You have to take action and be advocates in understanding and conveying appreciation of the value of horses.”

 

The Highland Equestrian (Land) Conservancy, the first of its kind in Michigan, started as a small group of area residents with a mission to conserve and protect natural resources and the equestrian heritage of Highland Township.  Merle Richmond, Coordinator of the Oakland Equestrian Coalition, Paula Weaver from Highland Trail Riders, Sharon Greene, a 4H, US Pony Club and Equestrian Team mom, (all Michigan Horse Council members), and Dr. Fay Hansen of Oakland University and the Oakland Land Conservancy, spearheaded an effort to work with horse facilities, trail clubs, equestrian groups (4H, Pony Club, Equestrian Teams), Highland Business Association and the township Downtown Development Authority.  The “Highland Model” was established to promote  open  space, interconnecting greenways and wildlife corridors.

 

Plans are underway for hitching posts and stabling for equestrians to ride into the horse-friendly town. The Conservancy has already established two greenways with riding trails around local housing developments. The HEC is working on two more to create a network.  The “Highland Model” is now recognized  as a strategy for preserving the rural character of developing townships. Information on the Highland Conservancy can be found at www.highlandequestrians.org.

 

Applying For Funds

To support the program, Breyer has created two new model horses for 2009 in ELCR/Breyer branded custom-designed boxes that also contain an application to apply for funding. The ELCR Benefit models will be available from January-December 2009 at specialty toy stores, tack shops, and agricultural retailers nationwide in specially marked displays. Details about applying for funding will also be available online at www.breyerhorses.com or www.elcr.com.

St. Christopher's Horse Show Returns For 2009

Contact Ryegate Show Services Today To Request Your Prize List!

 

Quentin, PA-January 30, 2009-The St. Christopher's Horse Show will return to the Quentin Riding Club in Quentin, PA, May 6-10. 

    

The horse show features a $10,000 Mini Prix and hunter-jumper competitions for all ages and ability levels, from children's and pony classes to amateur-owner classics. U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) "A"-rated hunter classes, a Hunter Breeding Division, and exciting jumper action, including the addition of Young Jumper classes and the 3'3" Amateur/Owner Hunter Division, will highlight this year's schedule.

    

"We are very excited about the return of the St. Christopher's Horse Show this year," said, horse show manager Lloyd Longenecker of Ryegate Show Services. "It was unfortunate that a scheduling problem forced the cancellation of last year's show, but we are back and better than ever with exciting classes and great officials."

    

St. Christopher's features three rings of competition and hosts North American League, Washington International Horse Show and Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series classes.  Courses will be designed by Jumper course designer Manuel Esparza and Hunter course designer Paul Jewell. 

    

Exhibitors at this year's show can look forward to competing under the experienced eyes of Hunter division judges Leo Conroy and Jim Zulia, Kathy Doyle Newman in the Hunter Breeding divisions, and Jumper judges Leslie Brown and Mike Christian.   

    

Hunter classics include a Jr/AO Hunter Classic, Pony Hunter Classic, NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic, NAL/WIHS and Children's Hunter Classic.   The show also offers Qualifying classes including a NAL Pony Jumper Qualifier and NAL Open Speed Qualifier. Some of the Jumper classes are the NAL Low Jr/AO Jumper Classic, High Jr/AO Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic, NAL/WIHS Jumper Classic and NAL/WIHS Children's Jumper Classic.  

    

In addition to the world-class equestrian action, the horse show features exhibitors' parties on Wednesday and Saturday and an ice cream social on Saturday during the horse show.

    

Those interested in participating in the horse show should visit Ryegate's website at www.ryegate.com to download a prize list or call 717-867-5643 or email stchris@ryegate.com. In an effort to make the horse show more environmentally friendly, Ryegate will only be mailing prize lists to those who request them. 

RUNAMUK BENEFIT TRAIL RIDE

(Roundup) Runamuk Benefit Trail Ride, 10:00am, June 28-29, 2008; at Runamuk Guest Ranch, 733 Goulding Creek, Roundup, MT

Shine up yer spurs and dust off yer chaps, it's that time again! You got it...the 5th annual Runamuk Benefit Trail Ride, June 27-28--trail ride, wine social, barn dance and horsemanship clinic. Set up yer camp Friday night and join us for a campfire. On Saturday, starting at 10am, enjoy an afternoon sitting on the back of a horse or comfortably in a horse-drawn wagon seeing the sites of the Bull Mountains in Roundup, Montana. Ride a total of 15 miles through timbered trails, open meadows and over sandstone rimrock. For lunch, tie up your horse and enjoy Charolais beef. Meander your way back to the ranch with more fantastic views and a gander at a homestead cabin. Once back at the ranch, relax before dinner with our popular wine social and live music by Mike Morgan. Following dinner, a live auction will be held. Top off your night with an ol' fashioned barn dance with music by The Roger Mack Family and Mike Morgan.

For those of you who can't get enough time in the saddle, wake Sunday morning to homemade donuts and ride with us at 8:30am as we cover more country on horseback. DeBruycker Charolais has donated two quarters of beef. To purchase your raffle tickets, contact Jody. We'll announce the winners June 27 during the auction and you need not be present to win!

Our intensive horsemanship/working cow horse clinic by Reed Trexler of Corvallis, MT is open to a maximum of 6 participants. Sign up separately for this.

Come join us for a great time for all ages. Pitch a tent or contact Roundup motels. Horse boarding available. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 406-323-3614 or visit www.runamukguestranch.com Recommended donations of $30 for Sat. trail ride, $20 for Sun. trail ride, $40 for the dinner, wine social, auction, and dance. *Please pre-register by June 22.

Join us Friday-Sunday for a clinic by Reed Trexler of Corvallis, MT Horsemanship/Cattle Handling Clinic: 

The clinic is in addition to the ride. 

Number of participants: 6 maximum 

Cost: $325 per person 

Friday: 1:00-2:00 intro to cattle handling/ 2:00-9:00 cattle handling(team penning, sorting, cutting demo & trouble shooting session) 

Saturday: 8:30-4:30 (8:30-9:30 intro to horsemanship) 10:00-4:30 all day practical horsemanship on the trail with elite group(focusing on control, fine tuning, communication & problem solving) 

Sunday:_8:30-12:00 practical horsemanship on the trail continued/ 1:00-4:00 cattle handling 

 

About Reed: Reed Trexler's no-nonsense approach to horsemanship is a timeless and traditional artform. Gleaning his knowledge from the best horsemen, he shares his knowledge and practices with horse enthusiasts to teach better communication skills with, and understanding of, the animal. His mainstream approach is well-understood by the wide spectrum of horse lovers-from the weekend rider to the serious cowboy. Reed's respect for the animal shines through in his teaching. 

Reed believes a horse should travel and guide with no resistance allowing the rider to be in complete control at all times. Reed realizes that each horse has a different abilities for which he adjusts his program to meet their specific needs, by doing this each horse is given the opportunity to perform at their full potential. 

Chase Hawks Memorial Association

In September of 1994, a six-year-old Montana cowboy named Chase Hawks was killed in a tragic accident.  Family and friends gathered to form the Chase Hawks Memorial  Association (CHMA) with the goal of finding hope for others facing crisis and possibly easing some of their own heartbreak.  The Association keeps Chase's memory forever in the hearts of many while bringing the comfort of much needed assistance to many more.  CHMA is simply neighbors helping neighbors in the cowboy tradition of community spirit.

The Association has become a viable source of help for families needing short-term assistance or help with travel, facilities, and local benefits that are not addressed by larger charities or insurance because of immediacy or circumstances. The Association has been able to effectively pull together volunteer efforts from the community at large and provide media focus and corporate cooperation at an unprecedented level. This is primarily due to the universal appeal of a community crisis fund and the fact that the organization is an all-volunteer effort. 

The Association's efforts are anchored by the Annual Roughstock Rodeo and the Cowboy Gatherin' dinner and dance. These events have brought fans from a three or four hundred-mile radius to Billings for the weekend. This is a welcome influx for the motel and service businesses at a traditional slow time. The visitors are also in town during the last few days of shopping before Christmas. The rodeo was considered one of the premier roughstock events in the Country the first year and is currently being aired on national television as a one-hour special since its second. The willingness of world-class rodeo personnel to offer their time, as well as the fact that the event draws the best cowboys in the world have established this event as a regional highlight as well as a great advertising opportunity for local and national sponsors.

The Association has provided travel expenses and lodging for family tragedies as well as transplant donors and recipients. Help with peripheral expenses for medical problems, therapy and family travel and expenses due to illness and death have been provided by the fund. Construction of wheelchair ramps and collection of clothes and household items for fire victims have also been accomplished. Co-promotion and media attention have allowed the Association to secure a car, airline and bus tickets, and matching funds from area department stores for families in need. Emergency surgery, funeral expenses, rent, rehabilitation, and retrofit expenses, as well as toys and Christmas money have been provided. Recipients and their friends and families have become volunteers. This is an organization that makes people feel good about their communities and themselves.

THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL LUSITANO COLLECTION AUCTION GALLOPS INTO FLORIDA

During the weekend of February 19-20, 2009, members of the equestrian community and South Florida social scene will gather at the 111-acre Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, for the second annual Lusitano Collection Auction. The prestigious event will indulge guests with lavish cocktails and a gala dinner, courtesy of The Lusitano Collection. .

Guests may view and examine over two dozen horses during the week prior to the auction as well as shop at various sponsors’ tents. The Lusitano Collection made its United States debut in Wellington during the world-renowned Winter Equestrian Festival in March, 2008, when buyers came to the Sunshine State from as far as California, Texas Connecticut, Mexico, Colombia, Belgium, Denmark and Guatemala.  It was the first time that such a collection of Lusitanos had been sold on US soil and gave clients the advantage of acquiring horses that are not available elsewhere in the world without the necessity of importing them either from Portugal or Brazil.  While the Lusitano Collection is a trademark created by five premier world breeders of the Lusitano horse, this year’s collection will only include horses from Interagro Farms, the largest Lusitano breeder and exporter in the world and Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga of Brazil.

Dr. Paulo Gaviao Gonzaga, who founded Interagro in 1975, oversees the breeding and training of 700 horses on his historic coffee plantation outside Sao Paulo.  He is assisted by his daughter, Cecilia Gonzaga, who heads the stud farm which consists of 20 stallions, many of whom are actively competing successfully in dressage.

Prior to the auction, the horses’ rigorous training is initiated under the expert guidance of Director Maurício Delucchi Borrelli and Swedish-born Pia Aragão, Brazilian Dressage Champion. “The objective of our work in the Picadeiro is to have all of our animals achieve international standards of dressage,” said Borelli.  “We seek to produce a horse capable of performing whatever activity his owner wants him to. I want people to see our horses and dream of riding them. I want the horses we sell in auction to be ridden safely and trouble-free by anyone anywhere in the world.”

Aragão adds, “Before a horse is chosen for the auction, it must be disease-free, have its legs x-rayed, pass a pre-purchase exam and be evaluated for ride-ability and quality.”

She noted that the four- and five-year old horses that travel to the US for auction have lovely ground manners, load well and could easily compete in dressage at the novice level.

The breed is well known for its exceptional performance in all equestrian disciplines so it is no surprise that Lusitanos from Interagro have been exported to nine countries and trained in jumping, dressage, driving, and even as  cutting horses.  The Collection presents horses under saddle and includes a selection of geldings and a limited number of mares.

Dr. Gonzaga noted, “Recently rediscovered, the Lusitano horse has re-acquired the prestige it enjoyed in the past centuries as one of the best saddle horses in the world.”

For more information about the 2009 Lusitano Collection Auction, visit www.lusitanocollection.com.

ABOUT LUSITANO HORSES

Native to the Iberian Peninsula, the Lusitano was domesticated sometime around 5,000 BC by a nation of warriors who fought on horseback. As their lives depended entirely on their horse’s temperament and reliability, the Lusitanians selected a noble, easy to ride horse, famous for its intelligence and willingness to work. These qualities allowed for the development of modern equestrian sports and contributed to the exceptional performance of the Lusitanos in all disciplines, which created an ever- growing demand for the Lusitano. Its possession has since become a symbol of status.

MSEDA GOES AHEAD WITH GALA CELEBRATION

The Mid South Eventing & Dressage Association Will Take Place Tomorrow Despite the Weather

 

Lexington, KY. January 30, 1.00pm.  The Mid South Eventing & Dressage Association (MSEDA) Gala Celebration will take place on Saturday, January 31st at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington.  The fun-filled event promises something for everyone beginning with an educational seminar and concluding with a fabulous evening of dinner, dancing and a wonderful selection of silent and live auction items.  So step in from the cold and join in the fun.

David O'Connor gets the day underway after breakfast with a fact-filled educational seminar exclusively for MSEDA members that includes the latest topics affecting the sport.  David will present the honors at the Annual Awards Luncheon where members will enjoy a video presentation with their friends and family of some memorable rides this past year.

The evening will kick off with cocktails at 6pm followed by a dinner of fine food and wine with musical entertainment provided by the Jimmy Church Band. 

The silent and live auction items will benefit the Kentucky Horse Park's stabling project and additional enhancements to the dressage complex for the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games and beyond. These projects rely entirely by private donations, which make this event especially important to the equestrian community. 

COME JOIN US FOR A FUN PACKED CELEBRATION

The Live Auction gets under way with a memorable souvenir generously donated by Karen O'Connor:

A framed set of shoes worn by Theodore (Teddy) O'Connor at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

Vacation House in Destin, Florida for one week along with one weeks board for two horses at Southern Cross Dressage Facility

Two VIP tickets to Badminton Horse Trials with Grandstand Seating and behind the scenes tour of the 18th century stables

One week vacation at any Marriott time share resort in the world

Two portable cross-country fences

Luncheon and Tour of Private Gardens at Gainesway Farm

Sculpture of Sir Walter Lyzalot

The Silent Auction includes:

Tempur-Pedic mattress

Two stadium fences

Four Keeneland Clubhouse tickets for spring or fall meet (excl. Bluegrass S. Day)

Mountain Horse Winter Jacket

Sweater from Bridle Suite

Horse Radio Network is a media partner for the day and will produce a show about the event that will be on the MSEDA and also available for download on iTunes.

Fraser Valley Hunt Update

Hi everyone,

 

We are scheduled to hunt this Sunday, Feb 1st at the Koeman Farm in Aldergrove. However, at this point it looks like we may have to cancel, with frozen ground and ice making conditions unsafe.

 

Please call kennels Saturday evening/Sunday morning to check (604-856-6170) - if things thaw out, we will be able to go. Our territory captain is keeping a close eye on things and will make the call at the last minute.

 

Tally ho!

 

Remember: The Fraser Valley Hunt is a drag hunt, where everyone has a great day - including the fox!!

Peter Wylde and Esplanade 7 Post First Grand Prix Win of 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival

By ROXANE THEIDEL

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 29--Peter Wylde, 2004 Olympic team gold medalist for the USA, Thursday night rode Esplanade 7 to his first Grand Prix win of the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.

The pair took the fourth leg of the $30,000 Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge Cup Series under lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Fifty seven combinations started the class with 15 going clear to move to the jump off.

Six pairs posted clear rounds in a thrilling dash around the shortened course.

Wylde, who lives in Maastricht, The Netherlands, and Esplanade 7, owned by the Louisburg Farm, cleared the course in 41.63 secs., only 0.6 sec. faster than second place winner Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil and Let's Fly, owned by Double H Farms. Wellington's Lauren Hough was 1.05 secs. off the winning time with her ride aboard Quick Study, owned by Laura Mateo, to take third place.

Wylde was thrilled with his horse because it was "her first REAL big show."

"Tonight she was perfect," he said. "She's the best when you have to go, you can really go with her and she just jumps higher. I was really pushing the whole way."

Wylde used the class as a warmup for Esplande 7 for the $150,000 FEI World Cup presented by Spy Coast Farms, on Saturday, Feb. 7, also under the lights.

Pessoa also used his ride on Let's Fly as good practise for night classes.

"It was his first time under the lights tonight and I was really pleased," he said.

Adding a stride into the double and not pushing too hard, Pessoa was thinking about this Sunday's $75,000 Bainbridge Companies FEI Grand Prix in which he will ride Let's Fly.

Pl  Horse                           Rider                              Nat      Faults    Time      Faults    Time

1 ESPLANADE 7          PETER WYLDE            USA                    79.48               41.63

2 LET'S FLY            RODRIGO PESSOA         BRA                     81.83               42.23

3 QUICK STUDY          LAUREN HOUGH         USA                80.36               42.68

4 MISS INDEPENDENT     LAURA KRAUT      USA                79.28               42.75

5 PITAREUSA            YANN CANDELE           CAN                79.73               43.75

6 IN STYLE             IAN MILLAR                       CAN                78.04               43.78

7 SOUVENIR             KEVIN BABINGTON        IRL                   83.02               46.17

8 MURKAS PALL MALL     PETER CHARLES     GBR            79.78       4            43.81

9 DIABLO               MARIO DESLAURIERS      CAN             81.43       4       44.48

10 ATHENA               CHARLIE JAYNE           USA                81.45       4       44.94

11PICCOBELLO DU VAL DE AMY MILLAR      CAN          82.71       4       45.38

12 TOP GUN              BETH UNDERHILL         CAN              80.37       4       47.60

13 ASLAN                LJUBOV KOCHETOVA       RUS            83.78       9       52.60

14  H C'S CORAYA Z       MARGIE ENGLE           USA         80.15      16       55.95

15 QUINCY B             HILLARY DOBBS          USA               78.88      17       60.74

Has it been tampered with?

Blue Springs MO —

As a horse owner you should be able to have assurance that the products you are buying for your horses are safe and have not been tampered with. Tamper-evident design is perhaps most visible in the area of product packaging, where it can be vital to know that the product has not been altered since it left the manufacturer.

Cans of baby-food were among the first high-profile tamper cases, where manufacturers were blackmailed by persons claiming to have added poisons to baby-food, and replaced them on supermarket shelves. Then there was the Tylenol Crisis of 1982 that involved over-the-counter medications. The amount of stock which needed to be destroyed (because it was impossible to tell if a given item had been tampered with) and the threat of public fear meant that tamper-evident design principles had the potential to save a lot of money and bring security to the consumer.

Packaging that tears open raggedly or otherwise cannot be resealed is sometimes used to help indicate tampering. End-users need to be educated to watch for signs of tampering.

Durvet is converting their equine wormer packaging to a new safety seal pak that will be tamper-evident! This new safety seal pak will not only bring security to the consumer but work as a theft deterrent for the retailer! Be sure to ask for Durvet equine wormers at your favorite feed, farm and tack stores!

Durvet brings you a better product at a better price! Watch your retailer’s shelf for several new equine products from Durvet in 2009! www.Durvet.com 

Exquis World Dressage Masters Grand Prix Kicks Off Friday

Olympic, World Cup Stars from Six Nations

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 30--The highly anticipated €100,000 ($130,000) Exquis World Dressage Masters that brings together some of the top horses and riders in the world kicks off Friday with the Grand Prix of 20 invited riders at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The order of go that was a so-called "straight draw" with no regard to world rankings produced a surprising lineup for the class that begins at 1 p.m. in the centerpiece International Arena.

The first rider on course is USA's Michael Barisone on his Olympic reserve horse Neruda followed by three time Olympic gold medalist and nine time World Cup champion Anky van Grunsven on IPS Painted Black. The pair won the Amsterdam World Cup qualifying competition last weekend.

Next in the order is Canada's three-time Olympian Ashley Holzer on Pop Art, fresh from success in Wellington and perched atop the North American League FEI World Cup standings.

In the second block of five rides is American star Steffen Peters on his Olympic mount Ravel followed by the popular Edward Gal on Interfloor Next One. Gal confirmed Thursday that he will ride Lingh, the horse he rode at the 2005 World Cup in Las Vegas to capture the hearts of American dressage fans, for Karin Offield in Sweden on Friday, Feb. 13.

Denmark's Lars Petersen on his Success will follow Gal, then Hans Peter Minderhoud of The Netherlands on Exquis Escapado. He is at the top of the standings of the fiercely competitive West European League.

The draw was made after the veterinary jog during which all 20 horses passed inspection and deemed fit to compete.

The Grand Prix that starts at 1 p.m. Friday is free to spectators who are at the show grounds at noon.

It will be followed on Friday night by a clinic by van Grunsven with six North American horses and riders, open only to holders of reserved seats or seats purchased at the gate.

The Grand Prix Special is scheduled for Saturday during the day with the Grand Prix musical freestyle on Saturday night under lights.

The inaugural Exquis World Dressage Masters at PBIEC followed by three in Europe will conclude with a special exhibition after the frestyle by van Grunsven. Details will be announced Friday.

Tickets for WDM are available online at http://www.equestriansport.com and clicking on Buy Tickets.

 

Ticket options are:

 

-International Club $750 for a table of six per night on Friday night or Saturday night, or $1,350 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included.

 

--International Club individual seats $125 per night on Friday night and Saturday night, or $225 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included.

 

-VIP boxes $50 for individual seats on Friday night and Saturday night, or $90 for both nights.

 

-Reserved General Admission is $20 per night, or $35 for two nights.

General admission tickets are available at the gate for $10 or $25 for assigned seating for each night.

 

For more information, call Annette Goyette at 561 793 5867.

 

The Wellington competition is the inaugural and only U.S. event in the WDM series. The other competitions are Salzburg Austria, (May 1-3), Munich, Germany, (May 21-24) and Hickstead, Great Britain (July 23-26).

Skara Glen Stables Wins Absorbine® Stall Safe® Tack Room Award At Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL- Exquisite teak furniture, a tastefully decorated dressing room and an old-fashioned icebox are just a few of the highlights of the Skara Glen Stables' decor at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival that make their tack room warm and inviting. These highlights and more helped Skara Glen Stables win the Absorbine® Stall Safe® Tack Room Award during the third week of the WEF show circuit.

The Stall Safe Award is presented weekly to a stabling area that is visually attractive, well thought out in design and safe for horses. Stall Safe spotters noticed Skara Glen Stables' navy and sky blue color scheme, Bali teak furniture from Idlewild and magnificent iron tack hooks that grace the wide aisles of their barn area.

Grand Prix rider Candice King, trainer for Skara Glen Stables, was on hand to show off the many assets of the stabling area, including an antique refrigerator that is cooled by a giant block of ice. King said the ice blocks are custom-made and delivered daily.

This is Skara Glen's second season at WEF, and the barn was thrilled to be recognized for their outstanding tack room area. Also included in their tack room décor is a western-style hitching post, a nod to the farm's owners, the Gumberg Family, who also own Quarter Horses.

As winners of the weekly Stall Safe Award, Skara Glen Stables was awarded a Stall Safe basket overflowing with Absorbine products. Absorbine Stall Safe is committed to the safety and comfort of horses and riders, including keeping stalls and horse areas virus and bacteria free. A disinfectant and sanitizer for stalls, stables, trailers and utensils, Stall Safe can be used wherever a horse is likely to come in contact with harmful and life threatening bacteria and viruses. It is also safe for use in dog kennels.

Stall Safe has been shown to be effective in guarding against Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 and Equine Influenza A Virus. It is an easy-to-use alternative to commonly-used chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, iodine, and pine cleaners.

The Stall Safe Award is given weekly by an Absorbine spotter who visits the stabling areas at WEF each week in search of award winning tack rooms that have found their inner equestrian interior decorator. For more information on Stall Safe, visit the Absorbine website at www.absorbine.com.

HorseTV to Broadcast HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Full Six-week Show Circuit will be Available for Viewing

Dallas, Texas - HorseTV announced today that an agreement had been reached with the Saugerties, NY-based HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) organization for nose-to-tail broadcast coverage of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, February 3rd through March 15th. 

 

On February 3, 2009, HorseTV Live, the live broadcast component of the HorseTV.com television portal, will make equestrian industry history by providing simultaneous coverage of six active rings of competition for the entire six weeks of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, including the full roster of Grand Prix events.

 

The broadcast is the first in the back-to-back series of equestrian competitions covering all breeds, sports and disciplines which will be available worldwide on HorseTV.com during its roll-out of live events in 2009.

 

HorseTV's chairman, Bernard Uechtritz, stated, "The  Horse TV Live component of the  multi-faceted online television portal now in development is one of the cornerstones of what will be the most revolutionary media platform to date to embrace and lead the equestrian sector.  However, for all intents and purposes, this first broadcast under the HorseTV brand is really just a continuation of the building blocks already in place for our soft launch, as the company prepares for the unveiling of the fully interactive portal later this year. You'll be seeing a constant stream of announcements as we move towards that moment."

 

Jon Cromer, now director of the Hunter/Jumper division of HorseTV Live, and formerly the head of Productions East, a well-known provider of video services to some of the top shows on the east coast, will produce and direct the six-week long coverage. 

 

Said Uechtritz, "Tom Struzzieri and Tony Hitchcock over at HITS are consummate professionals, lead a forward thinking organization, and have had an open-book approach with us. They were the perfect team with whom to start our broadcast roll out, and we are really privileged to have this opportunity. Cromer is a beloved and trusted figure in the hunter/jumper circuits, so for this segment of the horse world we have really put together a great alliance. This will be great for everyone and we'll have some fun along the way, as well."

 

Tom Struzzieri, CEO of the twenty-seven year old special events management company which specializes in world-class hunter/jumper shows coast-to-coast, said, "We are very pleased to be part of the  debut of HorseTV Live, and are looking forward to working with their team on our other shows, as well. This is a great synergy which benefits competitors, sponsors, advertisers and ultimately the industry as a whole."

 

In addition to providing the six-week long broadcast to jumping enthusiasts worldwide, HorseTV Live will also be making available individual competitor DVDs of the performances of every horse and rider during the competition, which can be ordered on the show grounds or online after the circuit is over.

 

Starting February 3rd, viewers can access the broadcast by going to HorseTV.com, clicking on HorseTV Live, and selecting the "HITS 2009 Ocala Winter Circuit" from the schedule.

 

 

About HorseTV:

HorseTV is the first and only multi-media network dedicated to the equestrian industry worldwide. The company's goals are to serve horse-oriented viewers while also attracting general, family-oriented audiences with new and current equestrian lifestyle programs, and to expand the awareness, interest and the population of horse people worldwide. Promoting the equestrian industry on a global basis, HorseTV addresses its goal by creating, acquiring and affiliating with reliable and accessible multi-media platforms and world class equestrian programming to provide reach for every horse sport, event, discipline and breed.

 

For more information:

www.HorseTV.com

972-633-1133 phone

972-578-0675 fax

news@horsetv.com

Shannon Dueck Wins The Oaks of Lake City FEI Award at Gold Coast Dressage CDIW Opener

West Palm Beach, FL – Dressage rider Shannon Dueck was all smiles after winning the FEI Test of Choice class aboard her Oldenburg mare Ayscha at the Gold Coast Dressage Association Opener CDIW show. Dueck's class was sponsored by The Oaks of Lake City and Dueck was presented with a beautiful Oaks of Lake City embroidered cooler for her mare.

 

"She's a spectacular mare and I really love her," Dueck said. "This was her first Prix St. George test and we had one mistake when the tent flapped. My plans are to get Ayscha comfortable in the show ring.  I think in time she will be a top Grand Prix horse."

 

Dueck, who lives year-round in Loxahatchee, Florida, has dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. She has long been one of Canada's leading dressage riders, having represented Canada at the 1999 Pan Am Games, the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, the 2003 World Cup Final, and the 2003 Open European Dressage Championships. Dueck now rides for the US.

 

Dueck, who has also made a name for herself brining along young horses, has owned Ayscha for a year-and-a-half and said Ayscha's victory was especially nice since it was only her third test at a show. The 17.2 hand, eight-year-old mare, finished with a score of 68.555 and Dueck was pleased with her horse and the cooler they won from The Oaks of Lake City. Dueck had won the Oaks of Lake City cooler riding her client's horse at the December Wellington Classic Dressage show, now she has one for her own horse to wear!

 

The Oaks of Lake City is a residential community in Northern Florida designed to enhance the equestrian and rural lifestyle. The community is home to The Oaks Equestrian Center, the inaugural O'Connor Signature equestrian facility. The community and its Equestrian Center cater to a variety of equestrian disciplines and is committed to supporting the equestrian community through sponsorships and clinics. 

 

Olympians Karen and David O'Connor, in partnership with Equestrian Services, LLC, have designed and put their stamp on the community, whose standards reflect their commitment to an equestrian facility designed to offer residents the finest in equestrian lifestyles. Professionally managed by Equestrian Management, LLC (an affiliate of Equestrian Services, LLC) the facility offers a 33-stall barn, a 122' x 225' covered riding arena, a 60 foot covered round pen with world-class footing, 15 miles of looped trails and the O'Connor designed 11 acre cross-country jumping course.

For more information on The Oaks of Lake City, visit their website at www.theoakslakecity.com.

“Extremely” Exciting Equine Event! – Celebrating 10 Years!

Northwest Horse Fair & Expo 2009

An “Extremely Dynamic” weekend of equine entertainment and excitement is coming together for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, presented by SilverLite Trailers, March 20 through 22, 2009 at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center in Albany, Oregon.  Headlining the event are Craig Cameron’s Extreme Cowboy Race Ô and the Extreme Mustang Makeover, presented by the Mustang Heritage Foundation. According to John Cloe, event promoter, “We’re extremely proud to present these two “Extreme” Events at Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, as part of our 10th Anniversary Celebration.”  

EXTREME COWBOY RACE

       “We’re thrilled to bring back Craig Cameron’s Extreme Cowboy Race  by popular demand!” said Mr. Cloe. “This fast-paced competition will stretch the limits of competitors and horses, as they show off their horsemanship abilities, ranch skills, speed and finesse!” The Extreme Cowboy Race features 36 cowboys and cowgirls competing for $7,200 in cash prizes. Mr. Cloe continued, “You won’t want to miss this competition in a special indoor venue. You can pick your favorite competitor and cheer them on, as they negotiate this demanding course of obstacles. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat! There’s a reason they call it Extreme!” 

EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER

The Extreme Mustang Makeover competition, debuts for the first time in the northwestern United States at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo. Trainers chosen from applications to the Mustang Heritage Foundation, have received their wild mustangs and have 90 days to train and prepare them for the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition. In a total of 3 competitive classes at the Albany event, the 30 trainers will first showcase their mustang’s training and talents. According to Kali Mullins, spokesperson for the Mustang Heritage Foundation, “The three and four year old Mustangs, gathered in Oregon, will be judged on conditioning, groundwork, and a “Horse Course” that requires maneuvers and includes obstacles found in trail and recreational riding situations”. The top 10 mustangs and trainers from these three classes will compete in the Freestyle Competition in the Finals, on Saturday, at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo. Immediately after the conclusion of the Finals, the mustangs will be made available for adoption through an oral bidding process. 

“SNEAK PEAK” STARTS THURSDAY

Two “Extreme” events will kick off the10th Anniversary beginning at 4pm Thursday, March 19, with the first rounds of the Extreme Cowboy Race and the Extreme Mustang Makeover. Admission Thursday is $10/person for the 2 “Extreme” events. Ticket sales begin at 3pm Thursday. Cash only at the gate; no advance purchased tickets accepted that day. 

CLINICIANS & DETAILS

In addition to the “Extreme” Entertainment at the event, a full line-up of world-class clinicians and trainers will provide daily clinics, including international coaches and riders and equine experts with extensive riding and training experience. The stars include: Craig Cameron featuring daily Ride Smart clinics; Kay Meredith spotlighting Dressage; Linda Allen, presenting daily Hunter/Jumper clinics; Peggy Brown conducting Centered RidingÒ and Centered DrivingÒ clinics; Steve Rother offering Excel With Horses; and TV and Radio host and author Rick Lamb providing a series of horsemanship lectures. Details about the equine experts and their presentations are: 

      Craig Cameron, a native Texan, is a life-long rancher, working cowboy and horse trainer. He’s just about done it all from cow-calf, stocker operations, custom hay-baling, or capturing wild cattle for fellow ranchers. In the early 80’s Craig was fortunate to meet Ray Hunt who opened his eyes to the art of working through understanding when training horses. Craig soon discovered his aptitude for communicating with the horse and meticulously refined and nurtured this talent.  Craig’s philosophy of teaching eliminates rough handling of horses and has earned him a well-deserved international following. He still starts hundreds of horses each year, and conducts four-day clinics held at his ranches in Bluff Dale, TX and Lincoln, NM teaching basic to advanced horsemanship, colt starting, ranch and cattle work, problem-solving, reining and trail obstacles. Cameron’s cowboy humor and his common sense approach are opening the eyes of horses and horse enthusiasts world-wide. In addition to hosting the exciting Extreme Cowboy RaceÔ, Craig will give 5 clinics at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo. On Friday he’ll present: “Colt Starting 101” and “Reining 101”, and he’ll continue these clinics on Saturday, with “Colt Starting 102” and “Reining 102”.  Craig’s Sunday presentation will be “Hobbling & Trailer Loading”.  

      Kay Meredith, from North Carolina, has trained and successfully competed through Grand Prix levels in dressage, representing the United States in international competitions and competing throughout the U.S. for three decades. Among her many accomplishments, Kay was a member of the 1983 United States Equestrian Team (USET) Gold Medal Dressage Team at the Pan-Am Games in Venezuela. She has won United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals; and in 1979 was named the AHSA Horsewoman of the Year. Kay’s Northwest Horse Fair presentations will demonstrate dressage through the levels:  On Friday, a lecture “Basics of Dressage, Including Judging, Directives, Purpose – Training Through 2nd Levels” and a riding clinic “Basics of Dressage – Training, First & Second Levels”. On Saturday, Kay will offer both a lecture and riding clinic session entitled “Higher Expectations of 3rd & 4th Levels”, followed on Sunday by lecture and riding clinics “Higher Expectations of FEI Dressage”. 

      Linda Allen is an Olympic Jump Course Designer, Equestrian Facility Design Consultant and a renowned clinician for Riding, Judging, and Course Designs. She is a Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Official International Course Designer, an FEI Course Director and FEI Steward for Show Jumping as well as an FEI International Judge and a US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Registered Judge for Jumpers, Hunters and Hunter Seat Equitation. She was the official Course Designer at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, in addition to providing course design for a multitude of prestigious International competitions. Linda is a much sought-after clinician, providing clinics and seminars in Riding, Judging, and Course Design in many countries of the world. Linda joins the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo 2009 from Texas, providing both lectures and clinics, including: On Friday, a lecture on “Jumping Courses: Information for Better Designing, Walking and Riding Courses” and a clinic entitled “Making Your Best Impression on the Judge for Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation Classes”. On Saturday, Linda will present a riding clinic “Improving Your Performance in the Jumpers and Advanced Equitation”, and on Sunday, Linda will offer a lecture “How & Why Setting Goals Can Make Riding More Fun & Rewarding” and a riding session on “Introducing Horses & Riders to Jumping”. 

      Peggy Brown is an international Level IV Centered RidingÒ and Centered DrivingÒ Instructor and Clinician from Ohio. She has taught clinics and given demonstrations in North America, Australia, and Europe. Peggy has trained horses and riders for over 30 years, coaching and competing in Dressage, Hunter, Jumper, English and Western Pleasure and Performance classes, Trail, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing and Versatility classes. Peggy competes in Combined Driving Events and was long-listed for the US Equestrian Team in Combined Driving in 2003 and 2004.  Peggy will present a variety of clinics applying Centered RidingÒ principles, at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo. Her presentations are: On Friday, a lecture, “Good Hands – Tips & Exercises for Improving Your Hands” and a clinic, “Ride for Life or at Least Until You’re 90 – How Centered Riding Keeps You Young in the Saddle”. On Saturday Peggy will present a lecture on “Centered Driving Basics”, a clinic on “Centered Driving for Pleasure and Combined Drivers” and a riding clinic on “Centered Riding for Trail Riding and Ranch Work”. On Sunday, LMF Feed Youth Day at the Northwest Horse Fair, Peggy will present a riding clinic on “How You and Your Horse Can Become a Winning Team” and a lecture “Versatility Training for Horse & Rider – Do It All with the Same Horse”.

      Steve Rother combines a unique blend of education and entertainment to teach a wide variety of people to improve the relationship and training tools with their horses. Steve mixes his background in working cattle, Ranch Roping, Reining, Cutting, Dressage, Jumping, Rodeo, Liberty, Trick Training and Mustang Taming to provide one of the most well rounded clinic programs offered today. Steve is dedicated to all horse people who strive to teach their horses by educating themselves. By blending education with entertainment, and utilizing equine psychology, Steve helps people unlock the potential of their equine dreams. Steve comes from Washington to the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo. During the Expo, Steve will present three clinics: On Friday, “The Ultimate Partnership – Liberty Work and Advanced Groundwork”; on Saturday, “Riding Adventures – Overcoming Trail Obstacles”; and his Sunday presentations will be “Please Respect Me – Problem Solving (Biting, Bucking, Rearing, Kicking, etc.)” and “Why Do They Do That? Horse Psychology, Vital Information for Any Horse Owner”. 

      Rick Lamb, from Phoenix, Arizona, is a veteran TV and Radio host, author, and speaker. He’s well known for his syndicated radio program, The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, and more recently, his television program The Horse Show with Rick Lamb on RFD-TV. His wife, Diana, is director and primary videographer for this magazine format TV program, which has also been recognized with numerous awards. Rick brings a wealth of insight and speaking skill to his expo lectures, leaving audiences with plenty of food for thought as well as practical suggestions for improving their lives with horses. While at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, Rick will present four lectures: On Friday, “Micromanagers Need Not Apply – Giving Horses What They Really Need”; on Saturday, “Mythbusting – Dispelling Common Misconceptions about Natural Horsemanship”; and he’ll give two Sunday presentations: “Finding Flicka – Choosing a Horse That’s Right for You”; and “The Power of Natural Horsemanship – Understanding & Using a Horse’s Nature”. 

TRADE SHOW & HORSES GALORE!

      A large trade show, filling two buildings, will offer an “Extremely” wide array of products and services for horse and farm enthusiasts.  Fantastic shopping awaits with show deals on horse trailers, and rows of booths filled with equipment and clothing for rider and horse, equine and farm products, feed, artwork, gifts and much more!

      The Breed Showcase and Stallion Review will represent the full spectrum of horses in all colors and sizes. Massive Black Friesians and tiny miniature horses will run the gamut of equine….from one “Extreme” to the other! 

TICKETS & MORE INFORMATION

      Sunday at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo is “LMF Feed Youth Day”. Admission is free that day for Pony Club and 4-H members, 18 year of age and under, who show their current club ID at the entrance gate.

      Advance tickets for the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo are $10 per day for adults and $5 per day for children aged 6 to 12. Tickets at the gate are $12 per day for adults and $6 per day for children 6 to 12; children 5 and under get in free. Cash only at the gate. Advance tickets are on sale at select retail outlets throughout Oregon and Washington. A complete list of ticket outlets is available at www.equinepromotions.net . Advance ticket sales end Thursday March 19 at store closing time. Hours for the equine exposition are: Thursday, March 19 for the first rounds of the Extreme Cowboy Race Ô and the Extreme Mustang Makeover, from 4pm to 8pm; Friday, March 20 from 10am to 8pm; Saturday March 21 from 9am to 8pm; and Sunday, March 22 from 9am to 6pm. 

      For more information on the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo and Expo, go to www.equinepromotions.net, email jjcloe@equinepromotions.net or call 765-655-2107.

      Sponsors for the 2009 Northwest Horse Fair & Expo include: the Presenting Sponsor of the Expo, SilverLite Trailers; Beelart Embroidery; Coastal Farm and Ranch; Guaranty RV & 5th Wheel Centers; KRKT; LMF Feed; Purina Mills, LLC; and Northwest Rider, the official publication for the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo.

      No pets are allowed at the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo, and videotaping of any event by the public is prohibited.

The Syracuse Sporthorse Invitational and National Horse Show Host Meetings to Gain Feedback

Wellington, FL - January 29, 2009 - The Syracuse Sporthorse Invitational featuring The National Horse Show held an informal meeting last night at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Club. The meeting, let by a panel made up of Leo Conroy, John Madden and Mason Phelps, was held as a forum to help the organizing committee 'gain information and feedback from the professionals concerning all aspects of the Syracuse/National Horse Show.'

 

The group, made up of mostly hunter riders and trainers, had an overall feeling that last year's horse show was great, but discussed areas where improvements could be made. Some issues raised were whether everyone liked have the National Horse Show in Syracuse, how to make the show more appealing to the hunters, the inclusion of a hunter derby class, adding more jumping classes in the hunter divisions, limiting riders to one horse per class, and finding a balance between the hunters and jumpers. The main question was 'what can the horse show do better?'

 

John Madden, head of the organizing committee for the Syracuse Sporthorse Invitational, feels very strongly about making his horse show appeal to the hunter riders and trainers. "The international jumpers and equitation people feel like it is their show, like they are a big part of the event," Madden stated. "I think that has been the key to our success and we want the hunters to feel the same way. We have gotten fantastic support from the hunter community and we are open to a lot of things."

 

Trainer Stacia Madden voiced her opinion, stating that the possibility of adding a hunter derby might strengthen the show's appeal to the hunter community, and many in the room agreed.

 

Kathy Newman supported Madden's suggestion, saying, "I think that is the most fun you can have in the hunters. It is exciting with the crowd, it is special and you can make it an event that really appeals to people."

 

Another suggestion was made by trainer Rodney Bross, who suggested giving the hunter divisions four over fences classes and limiting each rider to one horse.  "If we have four over fences then you don't have so much emphasis on the under saddle," Brass commented. "I think that people will feel like they have a better chance that way. Also, if you limit everyone to one horse per rider, then people will only bring their best horse, which brings up the quality of the show."

 

Other points of discussion turned to how to make the show more important to the riders and trainers in the horse community. To this point, John Madden shared his theories. "This is a small community, so if we do something and make it important, then it will be important," he said. "If the hunter community decides it will be important, then it will be. We are offering a pallet, and if we can do a good enough job, then everyone will be proud of it."

 

The final discussion centered on the question of whether people want the National Horse Show to be a part of the Syracuse show. Larry Glefke along with many other, said yes. "It used to be more important to win one class at the National Horse Show than to be champion at any other show," Glefke stated. "I think that as a community, we need something special."

 

Mason Phelps Jr., chairman of the National Horse Show agreed, saying, "Going to Syracuse and being a part of John's show is the next best thing to being in New York City."

 

The panel of Leo Conroy, John Madden and Mason Phelps will be holding two other meetings to include the opinions of as many of the horse show professionals as possible. The next meeting will be February 17 in Palm Springs, CA, at HITS Thermal, and the other will be March 3 in Ocala, FL, at HITS Ocala.

 

For more information on the Syracuse Sporthorse Invitational and National Horse Show please visit, www.syracuseinvitational.com or www.nhs.org.

Foreman Named Chair of AHC Horse Show Committee

The American Horse Council is pleased to announce that Cam Foreman has been appointed Chair of the AHC Horse Show Committee.  The AHC's Horse Show Committee includes representatives of various AHC organizations in the horse show community and advises the AHC Board of Trustees on national federal issues important to the horse shows, trainers and exhibitors.

"I am very happy to be asked to Chair this AHC committee.  There are a lot of federal legislative and regulatory issues facing the showing industry that we need to be aware of and involved in," said Foreman.

Mr. Foreman is currently the Executive Director of Shows and Regional Services for the American Quarter Horse Association.  He oversees the shows, amateur, professional horsemen, international, drug testing, and regional services departments of AQHA.  He also serves as General Manager of the AQHA World Championship Show, Ford AQHYA World Championship Show, and the AQHA Bayer Select World Championship Show. 

"The AHC is very fortunate to have Cam Foreman as the new Chairman of our Horse Show Committee.  With his extensive background in the horse show world, both domestically and internationally, he will be a valuable addition to an already accomplished group of horsemen and women.  The AHC's Horse Show Committee is an important part of the AHC's efforts in Washington.  It provides the important link to people involved in the $29 billion horse show industry," said Hickey. 

Other committees that currently advise the AHC are the Animal Welfare Committee, the Health and Regulatory Committee, the Racing Advisory Committee, the Recreation Committee, and the State Horse Council Committee.  As a whole, these committees collaborate with the AHC to pursue legislation that is in the best interest of the horse industry. 

For more information on the work that the American Horse Council does, please visit their website at www.horsecouncil.org.

Saddle Up with Dennis Brouse

Saddle Up with Dennis Brouse, a new TV program about humans and their horses, is now airing on public stations across the country. The 13-part series showcases the transformation of a problem horse plus training tips, off-the-beaten trail riding and more. 

Each week, audiences will witness highly respected trainer Dennis Brouse, in his humorous, straight talking style, as he works one-on-one with a horse and its owner. 

Dennis Brouse, says, "Whether you own a horse or just love to watch them in the movies, we'll explore our storied partnership with this magnificent animal. The series will appeal to everyone from the serious horse owner to the arm-chair rider. We're grateful to public television and our sponsors: American Cowboy, Featherlite, Fund for Horses, and Gold Buckle Network."

Taping for the second season will begin this spring. DVDs will be available for purchase at www.saddleupwithdennisbrouse.com.

Ashley Holzer and Jan Brons Win Grand Prix Classes Sponsored By Absorbine® Myoplast® At Gold Coast Dressage Opener

West Palm Beach, FL – Canadian Olympic dressage rider Ashley Holzer and Pop Art captured the High Score Grand Prix award during the Gold Coast Dressage Association Opener Festival with their win in the CDI Grand Prix Freestyle. The show, which was held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, was a World Cup qualifier.

 

Holzer, who hopes to head to the 2009 World Cup in Las Vegas, earned a score of 76.250% aboard Pop Art and was awarded the High Score Award by Absorbine® Myoplast®. Holzer and Pop Art, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, represented the Canadian Dressage Team during the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

 

Absorbine Myoplast also sponsored the FEI Grand Prix de Dressage class, which was won by Jan Brons aboard his horse Jourdan. "I was happy with my horse and it was a wonderful ride," Brons said. "It was also a new test so I was glad to stay on course, and of course winning was nice."

 

Brons said that Jourdan, an 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Elmshorn out of Signorita, has been out of competition for the past two years due to an injury. Brons said he is taking it slow with the gelding's return to the show ring but so far Jourdan feels great and is having fun.

 

Both Holzer and Brons were happy to win classes sponsored by Absorbine Myoplast, an amino acid supplement formulated to support muscle performance in horses. European champions have been using Myoplast, the number-one-selling muscle supplement in Germany and only available in Europe through veterinarians, for many years. Absorbine Myoplast is now sold in the United States and is available at local tack shops, in catalogs and feed stores.

 

"We have had many dressage riders report that Myoplast is working wonders on their horses," said Liz Cohen, an Absorbine Brand Manager who was on hand for the GCDA Opener. "It's always great to get positive feedback from riders who are using the product and finding that it really does work."

For more information on Absorbine Myoplast, visit the Absorbine website at www.absorbinemyoplast.com.

Spring Tapeworm Control Important for Grazing Horses

Parasites transmitted through infected pastures

 

DULUTH, GA. — January 29, 2009 — Before turning horses out on pasture this spring, remember to check with your veterinarian to ensure your deworming program includes tapeworm control.

 

Tapeworms are transmitted by an intermediate host, the oribatid mite, which lives on pastures. While grazing, horses can ingest the mite and become infected. Once infected, it takes the tapeworm about two to four months to mature inside the horse.1

 

“Spring is a perfect time for transmission of the tapeworm,” says Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, MS, manager, Veterinary Services, Merial. “Horses begin to get out and graze and may become infected with tapeworms, which can lead to colic.”2

 

Some research suggests that tapeworms, specifically Anoplocephala perfoliata, are associated with up to 80 percent of ileal impaction colic cases.2 Tapeworms can cause many other kinds of problems in the digestive system. For instance, tapeworms attach to the ileocecal area and cause inflammation, ulceration and bowel obstruction.2,3 In young horses, tapeworm infections can cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as intussusception, which is the telescoping of the intestine into itself.3

 

Dr. Cheramie warns that these health concerns aren’t just for a particular age or geographic area. Tapeworm infections can occur in all ages,1 and tapeworms are common in grazing horses across the country.4 In fact, more than half of the horses in one survey had tapeworms. Infection rates were as high as 95 percent in the upper Midwest.4 In Southern states, infection rates were still as high as 84.3 percent.3,4

 

“It doesn’t matter where you live; tapeworms are likely a concern in your area,” Dr. Cheramie says. “It’s important to make sure parasite control programs include effective tapeworm control, but using a tapeworm control doesn’t eliminate the risk of tapeworms or other illnesses.”

 

However, many dewormers are not effective against tapeworms. Horse owners should look for ingredients like praziquantel — found in broad-spectrum dewormers such as ZIMECTERIN® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel). ZIMECTERIN Gold is approved to control more species and stages of parasites,5,6 including tapeworms, than any other brand. It is more than 99 percent effective against natural tapeworm infections.*,5 Plus, ZIMECTERIN Gold is approved for use in adult horses and foals as young as two months of age.6

 

“Spring is a great time to consider your parasite control and make sure horses are set up for a healthy year,” Dr. Cheramie says. “Treating for tapeworm infections, as recommended by your veterinarian, can easily and inexpensively help prevent the potential health concerns that go with tapeworms.”

 

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,400 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2008 sales were over $2.6 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

Horse Whisperer Julie Goodnight Tapes Television Show in Arizona, Accepts Cast Member Applicants from the Carolinas

QUEEN CREEK, Arizona, January 27, 2009: Popular horse training expert Julie Goodnight (http://www.juliegoodnight.com and http://www.horsemaster.tv) taped 6 episodes of her horse training television show, Horse Master in Queen Creek January 20-22, 2009. The shows--featuring six horses and riders from Arizona-- will air March-June of 2009 on RFD-TV, DirecTV 345 and Dish 231 as well as many cable outlets.

Tune in to see your local horse people and get a behind the scenes tour of the new Queen Creek, Horse Shoe Park and Equestrian Centre (http://www.queencreek.org/Index.aspx?page=196) where the shows were taped.

Goodnight, based in Salida, Colorado, travels frequently to tape episodes for her weekly show--which won Telly and Aegis production awards in its first year on the air. In the past, Goodnight and her crew (producer Heidi Nyland of The Whole Picture, LLC, and videographer and editor Steve Schott of 12Basket Productions, to name a few) have taped in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Los Angeles, California and Ocala, Florida. The crew chose to film in Arizona because of the area's mild winter climate. They were pleased to find the brand new Queen Creek equestrian facility was ready and welcoming for their shoot. Local horsewomen Lea Ann Fergusson and Vickey Wootten, both of Queen Creek, volunteered as "grips" during the shoot.

Goodnight says, "I was totally impressed with the facility-seems like every detail was considered and it is well-designed and well-crafted. What a great asset for your community! Not only will numerous people enjoy the events that happen there, but seeing all the local riders in the community arena each evening was really heart-warming. It was obvious that they appreciated having a nice place to ride and also being able to visit with neighbors. The staff at the equestrian center was so good to us and obviously took great pride in the facility. Everyone made us feel welcomed and it left us with a very good feeling about the folks in Queen Creek."

Clips of the show will be posted on Goodnight's Youtube.com channel as they are prepared then will air on television in their entirety. Visit http://www.youtube.com/juliegoodnight to see clips of the show and keep up with Goodnight's travels on Facebook and Twitter. Templeton Thompson, who sings Julie's "Cowgirl Creed" theme song also has a new YouTube channel--find it linked at the bottom of Julie's channel.

Arizona episode airing schedule: Week of March 30/April 1, 2009 and May 11, 2009 HM207 "Loaded Up," The Horse Master's methods help a fearful and rearing horse load in a trailer (Laurie Barnhart of Tucson and her Thoroughbred horse Orion; special thanks to Bloomer Trailers and Freedom RV of Tuscon)

Week of April 6, 2009 and May 18, 2009 HM 208 "Backstretch to Backyard" The Horse Master helps an ex-race horse become a family horse (Andrea Cotrell of Tempe and her Thoroughbred horse, Merlin)

Week of April 13, 2009 and May 25, 2009 HM209 "Saddle Up" The Horse Master introduces a saddle to a young, fearful horse (Beth Moon of Queen Creek and her Thoroughbred horse, Belle; thanks to Circle Y saddles and Cavallo pads for equipment used in the shoot)

Week of April 20, 2009 and June 1, 2009 HM 210 "Homeward Bound" The Horse Master teaches a worried rider to cope with herd-bound tantrums (Mika Monck of Sahuarita and her Quarter Horse, Bente)

Week of April 27, 2009 and June 8, 2009 HM 211 "Big Go, No Whoa" The Horse Master teaches the emergency stop, calms a nervous rider (Barbara Hawkins of Maricopa and her Thoroughbred horse, Copper Mountain)

Week of May 4, 2009 and June 15, 2009 HM 212 "Lost in Transition" The Horse Master helps a young rider deal with an explosive canter Devon Danvers of Phoenix and his Half Arabian horse, Rocky (aka. Bradaigh)

Also, sign up to receive more Questions and Answers every month with Julie's free e-newsletter. Sign up at http://juliegoodnight.com/articles/ and ask friends to sign up, too.

Find more tips at Julie's websites:

http://www.JulieGoodnight.com

http://www.horsemaster.tv

http://www.youtube.com/juliegoodnight and during Julie Goodnight's weekly TV show on RFD-TV (Wednesdays at 5:30 EST). Goodnight is sponsored by Circle Y Saddles, Cosequin, Spalding Fly Predators, Troxel, and works closely with CHA.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE REVISED FOR 2010 GAMES

New Schedule Shifts Reining, Vaulting Competitions

 

LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced a revision to the competition schedule for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The new schedule moves the Reining competition to September 25-30, and shifts the Vaulting competition to October 1-10. No other discipline schedules were altered.

As an added benefit, NBC Sports will extend its coverage of the 2010 Games on September 26th, adding an extra 30 minutes of Games programming. The broadcast, tentatively scheduled for noon-1:30 p.m., will feature the opening ceremonies, and highlights from the Reining and Endurance competitions.

"We are very confident that this is strong schedule, providing a variety of top sport on each day of the Games," said Competition Director Kate Jackson.

To view the updated competition schedule, please, click here.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.  For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

Dressage Competitions Invited to Submit Applications for USEF/NAJYRC Qualifiers

By Jennifer Keeler

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.® (USEF) invites licensed dressage competitions to apply to become an official 2010 “qualifying competition” for the USEF Dressage Developing Programs and the FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Dressage Championships (NAJYRC). 

The USEF Developing Programs & the NAJYRC Program include the following:

   USEF National Championships for Juniors, Young Riders, & Young Adult “Brentina Cup”

   FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Dressage Championships

   USEF National Young Horse &  Developing Horse Dressage Championships

Competitions licensed for dates from January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010 will be considered at this time.  A completed application for each licensed competition must be submitted and received by April 30, 2009.  Please note: Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. In an exciting development for this year and to streamline the collection of applications, a new on-line application is available via the USEF website at this link:  http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allDressage/natdressage.aspx. This on-line form allows for easy electronic completion and submission of competition applications.

WASART's Activities in January, 2009

A series of snow, ice, and rain storms before Christmas 2008, and a second set of storms January 4th through 9th, resulted in unprecedented flooding in King, Snohomish, Pierce and other Washington Counties. The floods washed out roads, isolated and inundated towns and rural farmlands. These were particularly difficult times for folks with animals near rivers and at lower elevations.

As in September 2008 when 22 WASART members volunteered to assist with water rescues of animals in Louisiana (Hurricane Gustav), WASART members responded to calls for help with evacuating animals, assisted with intake at temporary animal shelters, staffed Emergency Operations Centers, located food supplies and got them to animals owners. WASART also played a proactive role by visiting flood-prone locations to assess conditions and prepare members for an emergency call out.

Many WASART members were actively involved in evacuations and Emergency operations, others were on standby, prepared to deploy for pet and livestock evacuations. WASART does not self-deploy so all assistance provided was at the request of a governmental agency of from calls from private citizens.

The following is a synopsis of WASART’s efforts to assist with saving animals and assisting Emergency operations during the January 7 – January 9 flooding disaster: WASART response in Snohomish County:

Two members staffed an ‘animal’ desk at the Emergency Operations Center for

successive 12 hour shifts;

Two members assisted with intake at a temporary animal shelter in Everett and

followed up by wrangling cattle on Ebey Island;

Two members deployed to Ebey Island to check pastures with animals and a

history/high probability of flooding;

One member evacuated a stressed Friesian mare from a rapidly flooding road;

Nine members were on stand-by for livestock evacuations on Ebey Island;

WASART response in Pierce County:

15 members were on stand-by for livestock evacuations in Orting;

WASART response in King County:

Four members evacuated goats and sheep from Pacific flooding;

11 members were on standby to assist with pet evacuations in Maple Valley;

While the above teams were deployed or being deployed, calls were also being exchanged with various governmental agencies in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Lewis, and Skagit Counties, matching donors with animal owners in need, and giving interviews to the Tacoma Tribute (Kathleen Merryman’s column of January 8, 2009) and to the Seattle PI (Mary K. Swift’s column of January 12, 2009). The word is getting out that WASART is a valuable and effective asset to our communities and governmental agencies. Our proven proficiency, training and willingness to respond quickly and effectively are building our credibility as an organization to call when small or large scale animal emergencies occur. The WASART’s Board of Directors thanks all members who responded to this emergency. Once again, WASART members did WASART proud!

Applications Being Accepted for US Dressage Chef D’Equipe/National Coach

By Joanie Morris

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has launched its search for the next Dressage Chef d’Equipe/National Coach.

The USEF has undertaken the task of outlining and redefining the role that the next US Dressage Chef d’Equipe/National Coach will play in the US Dressage program. With input from a variety of stakeholders, the job description has been finalized. The High Performance dressage athletes played a major role in defining this position and their recommendations were sent to the USEF High Performance Dressage Eligible Athlete committee and the High Performance Dressage committee. This input was considered and utilized by these committees when they drafted the job description. The job description was then finalized by the search committee.

The search committee is composed of:

Capt. Mark Phillips: Eventing Chef d’Equipe

George Morris: Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe

John Madden: Show Jumping representative

Karen O’Connor: Eventing representative

Mary Anne McPhail: High Performance Dressage Committee

Susan Blinks: High Performance Dressage Eligible Athlete

Guenter Seidel: High Performance Dressage Eligible Athlete

The USEF will accept applications for this position up to May 15. The search committee will review the applications and determine which applicants should be interviewed based on their fulfillment of the position requirements. Interviews will be conducted jointly by the chair of the search committee (still to be determined), members of the USEF High Performance Dressage Eligible Athlete committee, and USEF staff. The Eligible Athlete committee will then put forward their recommendation to the search committee. 

A link to the job description can be found on the USEF home page at: www.usef.org

Admission to Palm Beach International Equestrian Center For Friday & Saturday Dressage Day Events

--Clarifying News Release of Jan. 28--

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 29--Admission will be free to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during day events only if spectators enter before 12 noon Friday and Saturday. Admission to the night events will be for ticket holders only.

The Exquis World Dressage Masters Grand Prix will be held during the day Friday and the Grand Prix Special will be held during the day Saturday.

The Anky van Grunsven clinic on Friday night and the Grand Prix Musical Freestyle on Saturday is for reserved seat holders or spectators who buy tickets at the gate.

Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) issued a clarification of its news release dated Wednesday, Jan. 28 that announced the free admission policy. Some reserved seat holders and others who had not reserved seats questioned whether the entire event was free.

Friday 1 p.m. -- Grand Prix competition of invited riders in the International Arena. Free admission to PBIEC before 12 noon.

Friday 5 p.m. -- Anky van Grunsven, Steffen Peters and Edward Gal autograph signing in Tiki Hut beside International Arena. 

Friday 7 p.m. -- Anky van Grunsven clinic in International Arena. Admission only by reservation or by purchasing tickets at the gate.

Back on Track product giveaways to spectators.

Friday post clinic -- Anky van Grunsven autograph signing at the Special Events Pavilion overlooking the International Arena. Live band, food and beverages available.

Saturday 3 p.m. - Grand Prix Special in International Arena. Free admission to PBIEC before 12 noon.

Saturday 5:30 p.m. - Autograph signing with Steffen Peters and winner of Grand Prix Special at Tiki Hut.

Saturday 6 p.m. - Festivities begin for Grand Prix Musical Freestyle in International Arena. Admission only by reservation or by purchasing tickets at the gate. Back on Track product giveaways to spectators.

6:30 p.m. Parade of Nations--Musical Freestyle riders paraded in convertibles around International Arena. Back on Track product giveaways, Brian O'Connor special demonstration, live band and more. First horse in arena 7 p.m.

Awards ceremony and special finale exhibition by Anky van Grunsven. Live band, food and beverages in Special Events pavilion. 

Tickets for WDM are available online at http://www.equestriansport.com and clicking on Buy Tickets.

 

Ticket options are:

 

-International Club $750 for a table of six per night on Friday night or Saturday night, or $1,350 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included.

 

--International Club individual seats $125 per night on Friday night and Saturday night, or $225 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included.

 

-VIP boxes $50 for individual seats on Friday night and Saturday night, or $90 for both nights.

 

-Reserved General Admission is $20 per night, or $35 for two nights.

General admission tickets are available at the gate for $10 or $25 for assigned seating for each night.

 

For more information, call Annette Goyette at 561 793 5867.

 

The Wellington competition is the inaugural and only U.S. event in the WDM series. The other competitions are Salzburg Austria, (May 1-3), Munich, Germany, (May 21-24) and Hickstead, Great Britain (July 23-26).

PBIEC INFORMATION & TICKETS: http://equestriansport.com or 561/793-5867

FTI exists to help companies and their stakeholders protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex economic, legal and regulatory environment. FTI is the trusted advisor entrenched in many of the game-changing events that make headlines, move markets and create business history. To locate one of FTI's offices in the United States or around the world, call: 410.951.4800 or online at www.fticonsulting.com.

THE FACILITY: The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is home to the Winter Equestrian Festival and the site of the first outdoor Nations Cup held in the United States. The competition areas include the 360' x 280' all-weather International Arena, the Bertalan DeNemethy Arena, Mogavero Ring and Grand Hunter Field in addition to several other competition rings. The competition and warm up rings have all-weather footing. Amenities include the International Club, refreshment and shopping areas.

DIRECTIONS: From the Florida Turnpike south, take Exit #93, Lake Worth Blvd., and travel west, crossing over US 441. Travel five miles to South Shore Blvd., turn right on South Shore and proceed one mile to Pierson Road, then turn left at the light. Spectator Entrance is first left, Equestrian Club Road.

From Interstate I-95, take Exit #49. Travel west on Forest Hills Blvd. 11 miles to South Shore Blvd. Turn left on South Shore and follow to Pierson Road. Turn right at the light on Pierson. Spectator Entrance is first left, Equestrian Club Road.

UHC Speakers Available

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 28, 2009 – The Unwanted Horse Coalition's (UHC) National Speaker Program is up and running. If you are an equine group with an upcoming event and would like to have someone speak about the UHC, what it does and the problem of unwanted horses, the UHC has a program to provide you with this support. The UHC has volunteers across the country who may be able to attend your event and present information from the Coalition.

If you have an equine related event coming up, please contact the UHC to request a speaker and we will try our best to accommodate you. Any type of event is welcome. If the subject of unwanted horses is a matter of concern to your attendees, or you would like to help spread the word to "Own Responsibly," please take advantage of this program.

The UHC will provide literature to hand out at the event, as well as a power point presentation about the coalition and the unwanted horse issue. When you contact the UHC to request a speaker for an event, the UHC will try to locate the volunteers available and put you in touch with them.

"We hope people will take advantage of this opportunity to spread the word about the issues surrounding unwanted horses and the work of the coalition to equine enthusiasts across the nation," said Julia Andersen, Director of the UHC.

If you are interested in requesting a speaker for your upcoming event please contact the Unwanted Horse Coalition at 202-296-4031 or contactus@unwantedhorsecoalition.org.

Palomino Horse Breeders Association Convention Registration Deadline

Feb. 12th Second Deadline!

Don't forget to get registered for the upcoming PHBA Convention.  The 2nd Deadline is Feb. 12, 2009.

Remember to donate your items for the PHBA Auction, Amateur Association & Youth Auction.   Send items to the PHBA office or contact us to make arrangements.

 

The Hotel Reservation deadline is Feb. 16th, 2009.  For reservations, call Cherokee Casino Resort at 1-800-760-6700.

For more about PHBA, visit www.palominohba.com. 

"Battle of the Sexes" Riders Battle For Title, But All Win Absorbine® Myoplast®

Wellington, FL – It was a classic showdown between male vs. female in the “Battle of the Sexes” show jumping competition at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, but in the end it was the ladies who reigned triumphant. While the ladies rode away with the “Battle of the Sexes” title during the third week of the world-class show, the men didn’t leave empty handed either.

 

Absorbine, at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, made sure everyone left a winner by awarding all of the riders who participated in the “Battle of the Sexes” with a case of Absorbine® Myoplast®. The riders not only received cases of the amino acid supplement, but also became very familiar with the look of the black, red and yellow Myoplast jar thanks to the distinctive Absorbine Myoplast jump which was used throughout the evening. The Myoplast jump was also featured as the final jump in the Six Bar, the third phase of the “Battle of the Sexes “The ‘Battle of the Sexes’ was a great event and a tremendous amount of fun,” said Liz Cohen, an Absorbine Brand Manager who was on hand for the event. “It was great meeting all of the riders that took part in the show, and of course I loved the fact that the ladies won.”

 

The team of women, which included Georgina Bloomberg, Hillary Dobbs, Casey Hodges, Candice King, Laura Kraut, Ljubov Kochetova, Christine McCrea, Beezie Madden, Debbie Stephens and Danielle Torano, scored 31 points during the three phases of competition to split the $50,000 purse. The men scored 24 points and collected a $5,000 purse to share. The male riders included Kent Farrington, Charlie Jayne, Darragh Kerins, Eric Lamaze, Jonathan McCrea, Todd Minikus, Ali Nilforushan, Shane Sweetnam and Jimmy Torano.

 

The “Battle of the Sexes” event turned out to be a huge crowd pleaser with thousands of fans cheering on the riders as males vs. females competed in the match race. In the Six Bar, the final phase of the three-phase competition, fans held their breath as the riders soared over the jumps that grew higher with each round.

 

The field of riders included Olympians, newcomers and accomplished Grand Prix riders, as well as two husband and wife teams: Jimmy and Danielle Torano and Christine and Jonathan McCrea. All the riders were thrilled to receive a case of Absorbine Myoplast following the event.

 

Absorbine Myoplast is a concentrated amino acid muscle supplement formulated to support muscle performance in horses.  Often referred to as the European Secret, Myoplast was previously available only in Europe through veterinarians. Absorbine introduced Myoplast to the United States as an over-the-counter supplement available at local tack shops and feed stores. For more information on Myoplast, visit their website at www.absorbine.com.

Free Admission to Exquis World Dressage Masters Grand Prix & Special, Anky Expands Clinic

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 28--The huge response from across the United States and Europe to the inaugural Exquis World Dressage Masters Musical Freestyle in Wellington led to the organizers announcing Wednesday that admission to the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special will be free.

The Grand Prix will be held Friday afternoon in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The Grand Prix Special will be held Saturday afternoon.

The Grand Prix Musical Freestyle is scheduled for Saturday night under lights, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. with a live band, and the first horse to enter the ring at 7 p.m.

Anky van Grunsven, triple Olympic gold medalist and nine-time World Cup champion, also expanded her Friday night clinic to include six invited riders.

"We have been so struck by the interest and excitement for the clinic that we wanted to respond in kind by adding more riders, inviting six instead of four, and extending the time to 2 1/2/ hours," Anky said.

Equestrian Sport Productions that is managing the event announced the following schedule:

Friday 1 p.m. -- Grand Prix competition of invited riders in the International Arena. Free admission for all. Spectators who have made reservations for VIP tables and boxes for the Friday night clinic will be able to use their assigned seats for the Grand Prix. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Friday 5 p.m. -- Anky van Grunsven, Steffen Peters and Edward Gal autograph signing in Tiki Hut beside International Arena. 

Friday 7 p.m. -- Anky van Grunsven clinic in International Arena. Back on Track product giveaways to spectators.

Friday post clinic -- Anky van Grunsven autograph signing at the Special Events Pavilion overlooking the International Arena. Live band, food and beverages available.

Saturday 3 p.m. - Grand Prix Special in International Arena. Free admission for all. Spectators who have made reservations for VIP tables and boxes for the Friday night clinic will be able to use their assigned seats. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Saturday 5:30 p.m. - Autograph signing with Steffen Peters and winner of Grand Prix Special at Tiki Hut.

Saturday 6 p.m. - Festivities begin for Grand Prix Musical Freestyle in International Arena.

6:30 p.m. Parade of Nations--Musical Freestyle riders paraded in convertibles around International Arena. Back on Track product giveaways, Brian O'Connor special demonstration, live band and more. First horse in arena 7 p.m.

Awards ceremony and special finale exhibition by Anky van Grunsven. Live band, food and beverages in Special Events pavilion. 

Tickets for WDM are available online at http://www.equestriansport.com and clicking on Buy Tickets.

 

Ticket options are:

 

-International Club $750 for a table of six per night on Friday night or Saturday night, or $1,350 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included.

 

--International Club individual seats $125 per night on Friday night and Saturday night, or $225 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included.

 

-VIP boxes $50 for individual seats on Friday night and Saturday night, or $90 for both nights.

 

-Reserved General Admission is $20 per night, or $35 for two nights.

General admission tickets are available at the gate for $10 or $25 for assigned seating for each night.

 

For more information, call Annette Goyette at 561 793 5867.

 

The Wellington competition is the inaugural and only U.S. event in the WDM series. The other competitions are Salzburg Austria, (May 1-3), Munich, Germany, (May 21-24) and Hickstead, Great Britain (July 23-26).

PBIEC INFORMATION & TICKETS: http://equestriansport.com or 561/793-5867

FTI exists to help companies and their stakeholders protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex economic, legal and regulatory environment. FTI is the trusted advisor entrenched in many of the game-changing events that make headlines, move markets and create business history. To locate one of FTI's offices in the United States or around the world, call: 410.951.4800 or online at www.fticonsulting.com.

THE FACILITY: The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is home to the Winter Equestrian Festival and the site of the first outdoor Nations Cup held in the United States. The competition areas include the 360' x 280' all-weather International Arena, the Bertalan DeNemethy Arena, Mogavero Ring and Grand Hunter Field in addition to several other competition rings. The competition and warm up rings have all-weather footing. Amenities include the International Club, refreshment and shopping areas.

DIRECTIONS: From the Florida Turnpike south, take Exit #93, Lake Worth Blvd., and travel west, crossing over US 441. Travel five miles to South Shore Blvd., turn right on South Shore and proceed one mile to Pierson Road, then turn left at the light. Spectator Entrance is first left, Equestrian Club Road.

From Interstate I-95, take Exit #49. Travel west on Forest Hills Blvd. 11 miles to South Shore Blvd. Turn left on South Shore and follow to Pierson Road. Turn right at the light on Pierson. Spectator Entrance is first left, Equestrian Club Road.

Olympian Joe Fargis Wins Absorbine® Myoplast® Sponsored 1.30m Class At WEF

Wellington, FL – With Olympian Joe Fargis in the irons, Diams III cruised to victory in the Absorbine® Myoplast® sponsored 1.30m first timed round during the third week of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Thanks to the victory, Fargis rode out of the winner's circle with the much sought-after Absorbine Myoplast tote full of Absorbine products.

Show jumping legend Fargis, of Middleburg, Virginia and Wellington, Florida, rode Diams III, a former Grand Prix horse owned by Mary B. Schwab. "It was her first show in 18 months due to an injury," Fargis said, adding that the victory was a nice comeback for the mare. "I was lucky to have that ride on her and I'm very happy."

Fargis was also happy with his Absorbine Myoplast prize, which is awarded to the winner of the 1.30m first timed round each week during WEF. "I love Absorbine," Fargis said, rubbing some Absorbine liniment on his hands and then taking a whiff of the smell of the liniment, a trademark smell that many riders have grown up with over the years.

Fargis, one of the most accomplished and respected riders in U.S. show jumping history and a member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, is probably best known for his double clear gold medal performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games aboard Touch of Class. He also earned a third Olympic medal when the helped the U.S. team win silver at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.

"Jumping Joe," as many fans have called him over the years, was pleased with his win on Diams III, and equally pleased with the Absorbine tote he won. Fargis' win in the 1.30m division awarded him the highly sought-after tote full of Absorbine products, including Absorbine Myoplast, an amino acid supplement formulated to support muscle performance in horses. European champions have been using Myoplast, the number-one-selling muscle supplement in Germany and only available in Europe through veterinarians, for many years. Absorbine Myoplast is now sold in the United States and is available at local tack shops, in catalogs and feed stores.

For more information on Absorbine Myoplast, visit the Absorbine website at www.absorbinemyoplast.com.

AHJF’s Emergency Relief Fund Will Score Points Bowling for Equestrians In Need!

Wellington, FL – January 15, 2009 – Scoring points for the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation’s (AHJF) Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) will be the goal on Sunday evening, February 15 in the third annual “Bowling for Equestrians.”  This event benefits the AHJF’s Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) and takes place at Greenacres Bowl (6126 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres, FL) from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. 

“This is one of my favorite events! It gives equestrians a chance to come together with their family and children for a fun-filled evening to benefit an important cause,” commented AHJF Executive Director, Michele Perla.

The Emergency Relief Fund assists equestrians in their time of monetary need.  Established in 1995, this important AHJF program focuses on those in the sport in a time of financial crisis.  The Board of the AHJF reviews urgent situations, (medical emergency, accident disability or death in the family, drug or alcohol abuse, fire or a disaster) and makes a determination in accordance with the need. The monies come from the AHJF, private gifts and from other donations such as The Capital Challenge Horse Show and each WCHR horse show member event.

All donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions. Over the past 12 years the ERF has assisted many equestrians and has distributed close to $395,000. Last year “Bowling For Equestrians” allowed the AHJF to distribute an additional $45,000 to needy individuals and families.

When event Chair Katie Robinson came up with the idea of a bowling event there was some skepticism.  Not only was it a huge hit but those present were thrilled to have a fun-filled non-horse activity they could enjoy with family and friends. 

Groups are encouraged to dress up for the occasion; matching outfits, and creativity are encouraged. Among the many prizes given out throughout the evening are the most creative matching group outfit and the Best Male and Best Female bowlers.  Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorships are available and families, barns or individuals can purchase a lane for $2,500 or $1,250 or individual tickets for $150.  Raffle tickets will also be on sale.

 

Last year’s fundraiser brought together over 300 people to enjoy a world beyond the horses.  In addition to the bowling there will be food, beverages, karaoke, gift giveaways and a game room.  One of the prizes is by casual game developer and publisher MumboJumbo.  They are providing copies of two of their recent releases, Polar Bowler for Nintendo DS™ and Polar Sports Volume 1 for the PC. 

The AHJF was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider competition. Other programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan. The day before Bowling for Equestrians, the AHJF will host its Hunter Classic Spectacular in Wellington, FL (February 14).  The AHJF WCHR Professional Finals take place on October 2 in Upper Marlboro, MD.  

For more information, to reserve a lane, or to make a tax donation to the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund to help fellow horsemen call 508-835-8813, email AHJF@earthlink.net, visit their web site: www.ahjf.org or write: AHJF Relief Fund, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583. 

Nature’s Balance Care Doing Its Part to Stimulate the Economy By Rolling Back Prices to the 1990’s – OVER 40% Price Slash

“Our pet loving customers and store owners alike are all sacrificing so much in today’s economy that I asked my staff how and what can we do as a company to help people and to stimulate the economy?” Missy Wryn CEO asks.  “My staff came together as a family and came up with a three pronged approach.  First we negotiated discounts with our raw material suppliers; second we reduced our profit margins and third our staff agreed to freeze their wages for the next six months so we could slash our prices by over 40% to the customer and the retailer!  Wow I was impressed and humbled by my staff’s gracious sacrifice and thankful to our suppliers for agreeing to the discounts.  We have rolled back prices to the 1990’s so people can now better afford to continue supporting their pets, horses and livestock with our organic approved insect control and skin care products and we even slashed the price of our Kid Safe Organic Insect Repellent so families can better afford to be safer without DEET or use of neuro-toxic chemicals”.  

Nature’s Balance Care has been serving the organic community since 1994.  We have the deep roots and stability to weather through these hard times.  You can count on Nature’s Balance Care to provide you and your family safer organic products at fair and sustainable prices.

For further information and high resolution pictures call 1-866-821-0374.

To learn more about Nature’s Balance Care all natural, OMRI approved dog, horse, livestock and people care products visit www.NaturesBalanceCare.com. 

Missy Wryn is CEO, owner and founder of Nature’s Balance Care since 1994 and founder of WHolistic Horsemanship -  Training the Whole Horse® www.WHolisticHorsemanship.com plus inventor of the ALL-IN-ONE Training Halter Bitless Bridle. 

AEGIS helmets announces new release for spring 2009!!

Aegis Helmets, the very popular line of equestrian riding helmets by Devon-Aire is pleased to announce that they are releasing this spring the Junior Fun Pony helmet; this helmet provides the latest in safety technology with the popular AEGIS dial fit retention system. AEGIS was the first to introduce the now popular dial fit retention system making a comfortable, custom fit as easy as turning the dial.

 

The Junior Fun Pony helmet has a heavy duty anchored retention system with easy snap adjustable strap system for a secure and safe custom fit. Removable cushioned head pad can be washed and re attached. Multiple, mesh lined vent system allows plenty of circulation while keeping out dirt and debris to keep you head clean and comfortable.

 

The galloping pony design screams FUN, FUN, FUN with colorful hearts all around to express your love of horses.

 

Made exclusively for small equestrians in XS size.

 

The Junior Fun Pony helmet is SEI approved to meet or exceed the latest ASTM standards.

 

Available at fine tack stores nationwide. Suggested retail: $49.95

 

About Devon-Aire/ Aegis-

Devon-Aire is the country’s leading English riding apparel manufacturer, still family-owned and -operated after 35 years. Based in Tampa, Florida, Devon-Aire designs and manufactures a full line of apparel for show and schooling, including Aegis(TM) helmets, paddock and tall leather boots, breeches, jodhpurs, tights, show shirts, coats, and schooling tops. Every product introduced is first thoroughly tested in the field by real horse people, so consumers can be sure they’re getting a product that has lived up to the most demanding expectations. For more information, please call 813-884-9544 or visit www.devonaire.com

 

A portion of every purchase made goes to support United States Pony Club. Devon-Aire is the exclusive apparel sponsor for the United States Pony Club.

Telluride Farm's Caitie Hope Scores Top Ribbons at Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL - January 28, 2009 - This past weekend Diane Carney and her student Caitie Hope traveled to Wellington, FL, to show at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Over the weekend Hope worked with Andre Dignelli of Heritage Farm and competed in the equitation classes. Hope resides in Barrington, IL, and trains with Diane Carney at Telluride Farm in Hampshire, IL.

 

Hope rode Heritage Farm's horse Cadeau in the equitation, and they came away with first place in the WIHS Hunter Phase with a score of 88. They also earned a solid score in the Jumper Phase, finishing eighth overall. Hope then captured second place in the ASPCA Maclay and pinned seventh in the USEF Hunt Seat Medal.  

 

"I couldn't be more pleased with Caitie and our experience with Heritage Farm," commented Carney. "We flew in on Thursday night, and she had a lesson the next morning and started showing at 8 a.m. She got to show a fabulous horse and just nailed the Washington Hunter Phase. She also did well in the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search and was called back for the flat. She rode consistently well in every class, which is really what we're going for this year."

 

She continued, "The competition was huge, and finishing in the top ten in those classes is great. This was her first time showing in the equitation at WEF, and she arrived ready to compete. My hope for Caitie throughout these past years has been for her to really hit the target when she showed in Wellington. Any time you compete at a big show and are in the ribbons, it is a great sign that you're in a good rhythm and prepared for what's ahead."

 

This year Hope's main focus is to ride consistently well in the equitation and jumper classes. Carney arranged for her to train with Heritage Farm in Wellington so she could gain more experience in the show ring and learn from Dignelli, one of the top equitation trainers in the industry. 

 

"Heritage Farm is a beautiful operation, and everyone is extremely polite," said Carney. "They have so many horses, but Andre and all of the grooms and staff members really spent a lot of time with us. It was impressive to see that Andre has the ability to run an intense and successful operation, but he is still so available to help." 

 

"From a horsemanship standpoint, Caitie had a lot of lessons and was able to ride horses all day on Saturday. In lessons, Andre worked on reinforcing the basics of riding, all of which make for a beautiful round in the show ring. I think it's very educational for Caitie to take lessons from trainers like Andre and Don Stewart and incorporate that experience into her riding."  

 

Diane Carney and her students will compete next at the Ledges Winter Series in Roscoe, Illinois. They will then show in Ocala, FL, at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Carney and Hope will return to Wellington, FL, later in the season, and Hope will participate in the Equitation Championship. 

 

Carney is based out of Hampshire, IL, at her hunter/jumper show stable, Telluride Farm. She has been both an active participant and influential trainer in the hunter and jumper community for many years. Her contributions to the industry extend to the many clinics that she teaches every year, in addition to those that she hosts annually for U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George H. Morris and top hunter/jumper trainer Don Stewart Jr. 

Washington State Horsemen WSH Slogan Contest

Win a Free WSH membership or Free WSH Convention Registration!

Come up with a catchy Slogan for WSH!

Send to WSH Secretary/Treasurer by April 1, 2009

Winning Slogan will be chosen at the April 18, 2009 Broad Meeting.

Any questions? Email pattyo@harbornet.com Or phone at 253-857-6130  

Contest Rules:

If you are not a current member you will win a WSH individual or family membership.

If you are a currant member you have a choice of either a 2010 membership renewal, pay for a new 2009 WSH member or 2009 WSH Convention registration.

Winner will be chosen at the Full WSH Board Meeting April 18, 2009.

Slogan will be used to promote WSH.

Send to WSH by April 1, 2009.  Email or postal address:

Email to: little2deluxe@yahoo.com

Mail to:  9513 304th street East, Graham, WA 98338

You will be recognized at the WSH Convention as the creator of the Slogan.

Be sure to include your name, address/email and phone number.

Guidelines:

Short and to the point.

Examples: 

Built Ford Tough

America’s Horse

An Army of One

Uncle Sam Wants You

When you hear these phrases you know what they refer to.  That’s name recognition.  That is our Goal for Washington State Horsemen.

2.  Make it mean WSH. 

3.  When someone hears it in connection with WSH they will know what WSH is and have a perception of what WSH is about as an organization.

Laminitis is Not the End

"The Rock and Roll Road to Recovery"

Dr. Ric Redden to the Rescue

Wellington, Florida - January 17, 2009 -- Laminitis was once thought to be a death sentence for a horse yet with research the Equine community is discovering that more and more can be done to help horses that have this affliction so they can go on to have a successful life.

 

On May 23, 2008, a beautiful Belgian named Princess was saved from going to slaughter. She picked her human right at the kill auction and that was Victoria McCullough of the Triumph Project. The horse is unable to speak, if they have a problem it is up to their caretakers to listen to the unspoken words and find affliction or ailment. It did not take long for Victoria to find the problem with Princess, she has a 45% rotation in her front hooves. Now it was a matter of finding the correct answer to the question "Have we done all we can?". Victoria put out the calls to the experts. She called Dr. Mike Gerard and said. "I need an answer, I can deal with whatever it is but I need to know an answer." Dr. Gerard gave her the answer in three words. Dr. Ric Redden. Words from Victoria, "To actually "Rescue" is to define what each of our capabilities are of those of us who choose to save those who have been discarded, for me the Belgian Mare exemplifies the sad truth of slaughter auctions, young beautiful and all too often neglected or abused. From the beginning of my journey, I have sought to overturn the outcome for these horses; today I have learned that there are no boundaries for my mare or myself. Dr Redden has shown us the answer." Within 8 hours of her telephone conversation with Dr Redden, he arrived at her farm. Dr Redden is no stranger to horses going to slaughter. He himself has attended Sugarcreek, pulled some of the worst ones, corrected their issues and found them wonderful homes.

 

R.F. (Ric) Redden, D.V.M., is one of the rare individuals who is both a farrier and a veterinarian. His shoeing career began more than 40 years ago and has had a profound impact on his medical career.  He is one of the rare individuals who is both a farrier and a veterinarian. His shoeing career began more than 40 years ago and has had a profound impact on his medical career. Dr. Redden graduated from the Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio) College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974 with distinguished honors in Equine Medicine and Surgery. After graduation, he developed a racetrack lameness practice focused on thoroughbreds and standardbreds. His reputation as a lameness consultant quickly spread, and Dr. Redden soon found himself traveling around the world to care for horses living with diseased or injured feet. In 1983 he built the International Equine Podiatry Center (IEPC) in Versailles, Ky. It was the first podiatry center dedicated exclusively to the equine foot, and even today, it remains the only exclusive equine foot practice in the horse world. Dr. Redden's clinic is dedicated specifically to treating development problems in feet, as well as career and life threatening foot disease and injury. His innovative techniques and concepts have saved the lives of many seemingly hopeless cases where euthanasia is the only option.

For the past 17 years, Dr. Redden has organized and hosted the annual Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium in Louisville, Ky. He has organized podiatry seminars in 22 other countries throughout the world, and in 1998, Dr, Redden was inducted into the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame.

 

Kelly McGee, a local blacksmith was called and immediately arrived at Victoria's farm to assist Dr, Redden, some of the local Equine Veterinarians attended. According to Brad Gaver of Pure Thoughts Inc. who is also a farrier, "it was a a privilege to be able to observe and learn from such an out of the box and free-thinking individual who wants to share his knowledge for the benefit of all horses." 

Dr. Redden evaluated Princess and the x-rays then went to work designing a set of shoes called Aluminum Rock and Road Rail Shoes with a Gooseneck. These shoes will allow the pressure to be taken off of the tendon with the mechanical movement of the shoe.  The shoe was fabricated by cutting a rail shoe in half, fabricating the gooseneck out of plate aluminum, then riveting and welding the three parts together.  When the shoe was applied to the hoof it touched the foot at the heels and the hoof wall, alleviating the pressure on the toe and quarters.  The shoe was attached to the foot using e-head nails in a sole nailing procedure. The gooseneck was attached using Phillips head screws.  Adhere and hoof putty was applied to the gap in the quarters.  This shoeing application allows the navicular bone free from pressure so that the lamina can heal.  This should have a positive effect on the now negative angle of the navicular bone.  When the procedure was complete radiographs were taken of the hoof.  Princess will be re-shod in approximately six weeks. You may see the shortened video of this procedure here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-3GJrzQ0_U

 

We may not be able to re-write history but this may be able to change the future for many horses.

 

Author

Jennifer Swanson

Pure Thoughts Inc

For: The Triumph Project

www.PTHR.org

561-254-0415

Wellington Training Club Launches Web Site

Wellington, FL - January 28, 2009  -- Take a virtual tour of Wellington Training Club through the community's beautiful new web site, which was launched recently. Through the use of sophisticated graphics, Wellington Training Club's creative team has produced a video clip that gives the visitor the experience of being there.

Wellington Training Club, a 525-acre community of farms surrounding the area's premier equestrian amenities, broke ground last month on the 78,000-square foot covered arena. A laminated wood structure that soars high enough to accommodate an elevated viewing walkway, the covered arena is the central feature of the 66 acres of private amenities.

The web site, wellingtontrainingclub.com, gives a visitor every detail about the community, from an aerial layout of its location in Wellington and nearby major destinations to a welcome from the project's equestrian partners, John and Beezie Madden. John, a trainer and teacher who owns John Madden Sales, Inc., and Olympic champion Beezie, one of the most decorated riders in the sport, help tell the story of Wellington Training Club's focus on the comfort and well-being of the horse. It's a place where owners can build a customized farm the size of their choosing and have use of a full complement of highly-maintained equestrian amenities as well.

The virtual tour takes visitors across the elegant stone bridge entryway, highlighting the French Country architecture of the community located off 50th Street in Wellington's Equestrian Preserve. Visitors get a rider's view as the tour tracks a horse and rider along one of the bridle fairways, pausing briefly at one of the many gazebos designed for resting and water.

Virtual tourists then enter the 66-acre amenity, finding themselves inside the covered arena with its standing-seam metal roof at the laminated wood interior, it's designed with the Florida climate in mind.. The tour includes a look at the 39,000-square foot clubhouse and a stroll across the Founders Grove, a 10,000-square foot courtyard connecting the two structures. As the tour hones in on the two large grassed riding fields, visitors will get a sense that they're standing on the viewing deck behind the clubhouse as horses and riders work out below. 

The web site introduces visitors to Wellington Training Club's development team, parent company C.L. Financial Ltd of Trinidad and Tobago, and project managers O'Dell Inc. Land Development Consultants of Wellington. Other members of the team include Stuart-based Lucido & Associates, landscape architects, Smith and Moore Architects of West Palm Beach, engineer Alan Gerwig & Associates of Wellington, builder The Weitz Company of West Palm Beach, and Hunt & Gross, P.A. of Boca Raton, attorneys for the project. Diane Jenkins of Jenkins Realty Inc. is the exclusive listing broker for Wellington Training Club.

 

Visitors who want to be owners can select their favorite lot or assemblage of lots from the master site plan. Perhaps the ideal spot is adjacent to one of the three 2-acre training parks or perhaps near the four all-weather rings. Every farm will have access to the nine miles of wide bridle fairways.

Those wanting more information can leave a name and email address on the web site, or call Jenkins at 561-640-4059.

Boehringer Ingelheim Acquires Surpass® from IDEXX

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (January 28, 2009) –Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., (BIVI) announces its purchase of the product Surpass® (1% diclofenac sodium) from IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Effective immediately, BIVI is marketing the product through the existing animal health distribution channels and veterinarians.   “We are excited to add Surpass and its technical support personnel to our equine portfolio and team,” says Matt Musselman, Director, Equine Segment for BIVI.  “We are committed to providing veterinarians with unique and innovative products and superior technical equine service.”   Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (St. Joseph, Mo.), is a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation based in Ridgefield, Conn., and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies. The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 135 affiliates in 47 countries and approximately 39,800 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine. In 2007, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of US $15.0 billion (10.9 billion euro) while spending approximately one-fifth of net sales in its largest business segment, Prescription Medicines, on research and development. For more information, please visit www.bi-vetmedica.com.

2009 AYHC Symposium Offers Stellar Lineup of Presenters

The final touches are being made to a educational and fun three days in Lincoln, Nebraska for the 2009 National Youth Horse Leaders Symposium. Attendees will be offered a variety of educational experiences including tours, roundtable discussions, panel discussions and classroom presentations. A tour of Nebraska Horse Farms will kick off a fun-filled and educational three days in Lincoln on Friday, March 27, 2009.  The formal Symposium activities will kick off Friday evening with a welcome reception followed by networking roundtable sessions covering topics relevant to the youth horse industry.  The youth will have separate activities to begin a whole weekend of fun. Karaoke will follow to end the evening on a fun note!

 

Saturday and Sunday morning will bring classroom sessions aimed on three tracks aimed at youth,  adult leaders and industry professionals. The sessions aimed at the youth attendees include “Reining in Your Speaking Anxiety” by Kristen Wilson & Janie Dell of MD, “Understanding Yourself and Your Horse” by Brenda Aufdenkamp of NE, “Horsemanship Built on Basics” from Patty Kelly of PA, “Horse Showing Trends and Fads” from Kathy Anderson of NE and Careers in the Youth Horse Industry presented by David Denniston of CO.   Presentations that offer take home tools and activities for leaders include “Equine Science for You and Me” by Jeannie Griffiths from NY, “4-H Working Ranch Horse Program” from Amy Star of CO, “Games Horse Kids Can Play” from Renee Gore of FL, “Creating an Environment for Youth to Be Successful” from Doug Swanson of NE and “Model Horse Project, More Than Just a Toy” by Renee Gore of FL.   Important industry issues that will be covered include “Infusing Environmental Awareness into Traditional Youth Programming,” by Jenifer Nadeau and Emily Alger of CT, “Eat Smart, Be Fit, Ride Better,” from Kristen Wilson & Karol Dyson of MD and “The Story of the Traveling Horse,” from Donna Zang of PA.  A few other topics include “Unbelievable Happenings in Your 4-H Horse Program,” from Abbie Grossnicklaus from KS and a keynote address from Hanna Miller of Arabian Knights in FL titled “Making Horses Mainstream.”  On Saturday afternoon attendees will be transported to the University of Nebraska’s wonderful indoor horse facility for arena demonstrations from Mark Lyons – 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover Champion, Kathy Anderson will offer longeing exercises to help develop a more balanced rider and Amy Star and Monty and Gary Stauffer will cover the Working Ranch Horse Program with activities and demonstrations. Those are a few of the highlights, with many other topics covered! Sunday’s breakfast will feature presentations that the youth have worked on all weekend.

 

Make your plans to join the youth horse industry Lincoln! The conference facilities of the Holiday Inn in downtown Lincoln coupled with the educational and networking opportunities offered by top notch presenters make this a must attend event! For more information and a complete schedule go to: www.ayhc.com or call 800-TRY-AYHC or email: info@ayhc.com.

Equine Photographer's Winter Workshops in Ocala, Florida

Equine Photographers Network is excited to announce that internationally recognized photographer Gabriele Boiselle will return to lead two workshops at some of Ocala, Florida’s premiere equestrian facilities in March, 2009.

A prolific photographer well known for her books and calendars of horses and other wildlife, Boiselle’s style is easily recognized with her dramatic photos that capture the essence and the spirit of the horse. On location she will share with workshop participants the knowledge, passion and even some of the secrets that have caused her photos to be showcased in publications for the past 25 years. 

Boiselle’s paramount mission in her work is to capture the soul and essence of the horse, whether it be in equestrian competitions or in its natural habitat. From the exacting disciplines of the Olympics to the wild horses of the Namibian desert, she has been able to show the spirit and fire of our equestrian friends. She has trekked to the plains of Argentina to photograph the Criollo horses of the Argentinean Gauchos, and made stunning images of the Basuto pony of Lesotho and the Zumba pony of Indonesia. We welcome her to the US after her successful photo workshops in Russia, Portugal, Morocco and Poland. 

“Horse photography is something for crazy enthusiasts and horse lovers close to madness” said Boiselle. “If you are not burning inside to make good pictures, if you are not willing to cross rivers and get up in the middle of the night and prepare horses for a shoot, you will never achieve the satisfaction in making very special images. I am eager to share all my insights and experience with you during the workshop. And I promise you, you will be dreaming in the night of horses. We will think, love and photograph horses.”

Two separate workshops will be offered: One will be geared towards intermediate level photographers, and the second will be for advanced photographers. Book early to insure your place. 

Intermediate Group: March 13 - 15 

Advanced Group: March 17- 19 

View some video clips from last year’s locations: http://www.boiselleusa.com/Previews.html 

Complete workshop details available at: http://events.equinephotographers.net/flw09/

Karen Healey Stables Begins HITS Desert Circuit with Wins and Awards

Thermal, CA - January 27, 2009 - Karen Healey Stables started out their 2009 show season at the first week of the HITS Desert Circuit on January 20-25. The talented riders won classes, took home tricolor ribbons, and won best rider awards.

 

One of the most successful riders of the week was Addy Graves, who took home the reserve championship in the Children's 13 & Under Hunters on Dante, owned by Alexandra Block. They won two classes and added two seconds and a third to their ribbon count. In the equitation, Graves won the Marshall & Sterling Children's Medal, was second in the PCHA 14 & Under Medal, was fourth in the Onondarka Medal, and fifth in the THIS National Children's Medal. For her great success this week, Graves was named the Best Children's Rider for the first week of the HITS Desert Circuit.

 

Tina DiLandri of La Jolla, CA, continued her winning streak in the equitation classes in her opening show of the year. She and her horse RSVP won the USEF Medal and the ASPCA Maclay classes and were first and second over fences in the Equitation 16-17 division. She was also third in the WIHS Jumper phase. 

 

On Stephanie Danhakl's Capone, DiLandri was sixth in the $1,000 Small Junior Hunter Classic and received top ribbons in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter division. Riding Paladijn for Maria Bruggere, she took second and third place ribbons in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters. DiLandri was also competitive in the High Junior/Amateur Jumpers with Chanel 292 and received second place.

 

Hannah Selleck, a resident of Thousand Oaks, CA, won her 17th class this past week in the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search. This puts her only three wins away from a "gold medal" ranking in the history of the class.

 

Grace Shelton took up the ride this past week on Eventual, owned by Michelle Morris, and did very well in the equitation classes. They were second in the Central Equine Junior Medal, the THIS National Children's Medal, and the OCHSA Equitation Medal. She also won third, fourth, and fifth place ribbons in the Equitation 14-15 division. On Lanos, Shelton was seventh in the CPHA Foundation Equitation Medal.

 

Demi Stiegler and Vigo had a good week in the equitation classes. They picked up second place ribbons in the WIHS jumper phase, the USEF Medal, and the CPHA Foundation Medal. They also placed third in the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, fourth in the WCE Junior/Amateur Medal, fifth in the WIHS Hunter phase, and seventh in the CPHA Junior Medal.

 

Makensie Baker piloted Corelejo to fourth place in the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's Jumper Classic. In the Children's Jumper 16-17 division, the pair was first and fifth. Dylan Kornbluth and The Jackal, owned by Carlos Valenzuela, finished first and seventh in the Low Junior Jumpers. Ament took over the ride on The Jackal in the Level 4 Jumpers and finished second. Ament then rode Karen Healey's Safira 9 to ribbons in the Level 5 Jumpers. Tammy Chipko of Westlake Village rode her new mount Enrique to ribbons in the High Junior/Amateur Jumpers.

 

Alex Block and her horse Kool Shoes had a solid showing in the $4,000 Modified Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic and outlasted almost everyone in the class to finish second. Block then made the switch to the hunter ring when she rode Tammy Chipko's All That to third place in the $1,000 Large Junior Hunter Classic. She was also 10th in the classic with Walk the Line and received ribbons with both horses in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter division.

 

Karen Healey Stables will compete next at the second week of the HITS Desert Circuit on January 27 to February 1, 2009. For more information on Karen Healey Stables, please visit www.karenhealeystables.com. 

SBS Farms Notches Two Tricolor Performances at Jacksonville Winter III Horse Show

Green Cove Springs, FL - January 28, 2009 - It was another good week for SBS Farms at the Jacksonville Winter III Horse Show on January 21-25. They brought home two reserve championships and are prepared to go into full swing of competition for the new year. SBS Farms is led by head trainer Susie Schoellkopf and is based at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in Buffalo, NY.

 

The first reserve championship came early in the week. Jennifer Alfano, trainer and rider for SBS Farms, rode South Beach, owned by Bright Star 158 LLC and Jennifer Burger, to the tricolor in the Green Conformation Hunters. This was South Beach's second tricolor performance in a row at the Jacksonville series.

 

The handsome bay gelding was third in the model class. In the over fences portion of the division, South Beach picked up three second place ribbons as well as a fourth place. The pair finished second in the under saddle.

 

"I was very pleased with him again," Alfano said. "It's great that he is coming out each week with such consistency this early in the year."

 

Over the weekend, the turn to shine came in the pony hunter ring. Blue Ridge Sunset, owned by Sara Rimmler and Harper Hills LLC, won the reserve championship in the Large Pony Hunters with rider Taylor Ann Adams. They were trained by Shane Powell of SBS Farms and Bibby Farmer Hill.

 

The pair, who were champions in the first week of the Jacksonville show series, finished second, third, fourth, and fifth over fences in the division this week. They also picked up second place in the Large Pony Hunter Classic.

 

"We're very pleased with the way the pony is going," said Schoellkopf. "We're very excited to watch him compete this year and to have Sara win with him as well."

 

SBS Farms will compete next at the Jacksonville Winter IV Horse Show on January 28 to February 1, 2009, then they will move on to the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Ocala, FL. 

 

For more information on SBS Farms, please visit www.thebtrc.org. 

Dr. Temple Grandin to speak at Rocky Mountain Horse Expos Denver, March 14 and Colorado Springs (Falcon-Latigo), July 4

With two New York Times bestsellers and several other notable titles to her credit, Dr. Temple Grandin is perhaps the most widely-recognized expert in animal behavior and humane livestock treatment in the nation—and perhaps the world. She is also well known as a spokesperson on behalf of autism research and treatment. The Rocky Mountain Horse Expo is honored that Dr. Grandin has agreed to appear at two Expos in 2009.

 

Her 2006 book, Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (co-authored with Catherine Johnson) quickly became a runaway success. Her latest book, published this month and already on the NY Times Bestseller list, is Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals. It offers “facts and anecdotes about Temple Grandin’s favorite subject: the senses, brains, emotions, and amazing talents of animals (New York Times Book Review).” Nature magazine says, “At times, it is difficult to work out whether this is a book about animal behavior with insight from autism, or a book about autism that uses animal behavior to explain what it is like to be autistic. A major achievement of the book is that it is both.”

 

Dr. Grandin has designed livestock handling facilities around the world, awakened stock handlers to the psychology of grazing animals, written numerous articles on the humane treatment of livestock intended for slaughter, and broadened the public’s understanding of autism spectrum disorders. She offers a wealth of insights into animal and human behaviors.

 

For schedules and other information, visit RockyMountainHorseExpo.com or call (303) 292-4981.

Competitors Trade In Boots For Dancing Shoes At Sho Clothes "Dance Your Breeches Off" Event

West Palm Beach, FL- Competitors at the Gold Coast Dressage Association Opener CDI performed a new kind of musical freestyle when they kicked off their boots and strapped on their dancing shoes at the second annual "Dance Your Breeches Off" dance contest. The dance contest, sponsored by Sho Clothes and held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, was the highlight of the exhibitors' party.

 

A long day of showing didn't slow down the dancing crowd, who boogied and shimmied in different categories to win prizes from Sho Clothes. Bill McMullen and Kari Garber performed a rousing tango to win the Best Couple award and a $150 gift certificate from Sho Clothes. Garber also won the Stick Your Neck Out award for the most original female, with a beautiful necklace provided by Carol Ehrlich Designs.

 

Irwin Bruner and Mary Phelps had the crowd on their feet during their freestyle dance, which netted Bruner the Best Solo award and a $150 Sho Clothes gift certificate. "He definitely has the moves inside of him," said Judge Andreas Luetzner, a National Ballroom Dancing Finalist from the Fred Astaire West Palm Beach Dance Studio, who helped judge the event.

 

Additional celebrity dance judges for the evening included New York Times Best Selling author Tami Hoag, and Carol Cohen, owner of Two Swan Farms. Singer-songwriter Jenna Wyatt, who is also a dressage rider, helped host the event with Rick Silvia of Dream Street Stallions.

 

"It was a great event, the dancing was fabulous and everyone seemed to have a great time," said Michele Hundt, who co-owns Sho Clothes with Betsy Rebar Sell.

 

During the GCDA Opener Festival, Sho Clothes also sponsored the FEI Prix St. Georges Adult Amateur class. Anna Tillman on DreamBoy 35 won the class with a score of 67.368%.

 

Sho Clothes, located in Wellington, specializes in dressage apparel and their mobile boutique is a fixture on the Florida Dressage circuit. Hundt and Rebar Sell love being involved in the community, including hosting events such as "Dance Your Breeches Off."

 

Sho Clothes also offers a monthly get together for dressage folks, and in February they will host a Sho & Tell Expo featuring different vendors who will each set up booths and be available to answer questions. The February 10th Sho & Tell Expo is free and open to the public. For more information on Sho Clothes visit www.shoclothes.com.

The Paddock Saddlery and World Equestrian Brands Recognize CDI Jog Turnout Winners at Gold Coast Dressage Opener CDI

West Palm Beach, FL-. Dr. Kristy Lund and Marco Bernal were dressed to the nines during the jog presentation at the Gold Coast Dressage Association Opener CDI in West Palm Beach, Florida, which helped each horse and handler combination win their Best Turnout Award. Lund and Bernal each won beautiful Vespucci halters donated by The Paddock Saddlery and World Equestrian Brands.

 

Lund, a veterinarian from Wellington, jogged Fabio, her 13-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding and Bernal, also from Wellington, turned out to present the handsome 16.2 hand Trakehner stallion Halbgott. Bernal is a second time winner of the Vespucci halter and was happy to win again. "Soon you will go down my barn aisle and all my stallions will be wearing these beautiful halters," said an appreciative Bernal.

 

It is tradition for judges to choose a Best Turned Out Male and Female during a jog, and the spectators weren't disappointed during the jog. Lund and Bernal were especially pleased to be selected and receive the Vespucci halter. The Paddock Saddlery carries several of the World Equestrian Brand's lines including Vespucci halters, bridles and Amerigo saddles.

 

The Paddock Saddlery owner and operator, Lisa Gorretta, was pleased with the jog presentation and the chance to partner with World Equestrian Brands for a second year in a row. The Paddock Saddlery caters to the needs of English riders, from tack and clothing to saddle fitting. The Paddock Saddlery merged with A'Dashi, a popular dressage fashion boutique, and together they provide equestrians with the finest in couture and functional riding wear.

 

For more information on The Paddock Saddlery, visit their website at www.paddocksaddlery.com.

Haflinger Wins TailRx "Best Tail Award" At Gold Coast Dressage Opener CDIW

West Palm Beach, FL – Thanks to a gorgeous, thick and flowing tail, a Haflinger pony named Willo-The-Wisp BBR was awarded the TailRx "Best Tail Award" at the Gold Coast Dressage Opener CDIW in West Palm Beach, Florida. Mary Brunetti, developer of TailRx, was on hand to award the pony and his owner the prestigious title.

 

The seven-year-old gelding, owned by 11-year-old Leonard Behrens of Ohio, were at the show competing for the first time at second level. The pony-rider team trains with Jackie Paxton and has their sights set on moving up to the FEI Pony by the end of the season. While Behrens was happy to be in the ribbons at Second Level at the GCDA Opener, he was also happy to have Willo-The-Wisp win the TailRx "Best Tail Award."

 

TailRx, the revolutionary new mane and tail restoration system for horses, awards the TailRx "Best Tail Award" during the Wellington Dressage circuit to the horse or pony with the most luxurious tail. Brunetti, of Fine Equine Products, presented a beautiful basket full of TailRx prizes to the young rider and his pony.

TailRx was developed by Brunetti, an award winning celebrity hair stylist and nationally recognized technical hair consultant, and has revolutionized how horse owner's care for their horse's manes and tails. "TailRx is professional hair care for horses," explained Brunetti.

Behrens and Willo-The-Wisp were First Level Grand Champions this past summer at the Dressage Pony Championships and debuted successfully at second level this past weekend. While Behrens said his routine for his pony's tail is to wash and brush it, not all horses and ponies are naturally blessed with thick manes and tails like Willo's. Thankfully, Brunetti's TailRx comes to the rescue. Developed for equine hair recovery, TailRx is the first product of its kind that combats hair loss and helps horses develop a thick, luxurious mane and tail.

TailRx is an easy to administer three-step treatment and all horse owners need to do is follow the simple 5-minute application routine. Brunetti tells horse owners they can expect noticeable improvements from TailRx in the first week and then expect thicker, stronger and longer hair in just a few months.

TailRx awards for "The Best Tail" will be presented throughout the season at Gold Coast Dressage Association Shows and Wellington Classic Dressage Shows. TailRx is available from Dover Saddlery at www.doversaddlery.com, Schneiders at www.sstack.com. Additional distributors include Bradley Caldwell, Jack's Manufacturing, Inc., RJ Matthews and Veterinary Service Inc.  

 

For more information on TailRx, visit www.tailrx.com for more information.

ANIMAL ACTIVISTS USE GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS INAPPROPRIATELY IN HORSE SLAUGHTER DEBATE

The United Horsemen’s Front has learned the truth about a 906-page report detailing horrific injuries to slaughter-bound horses, obtained by an animal rights activist under the Freedom of Information Act, and widely promoted as irrefutable proof of horse abuse at U.S. processing plants. Although the incidents did occur as described, animal rights groups have presented this report out of context, exploiting the shock value of the photographs to mislead the public that appalling treatment of slaughter horses was standard practice and that the U.S. Department of Agriculture was not providing regulatory oversight.

The disturbing images were actually collected as evidence in a nearly six-year-old U.S. Department of Agriculture ongoing regulatory operation to catch unscrupulous killer buyers. Some of the investigations are still active, and USDA officials say they have won every case to date, putting dishonest horse shippers out of business and bringing the number of humane violations to nearly zero in the two years leading up to the closure of the last U.S. horse processing facility in December, 2007.

“These pictures were graphic. They were intended to be,” said Tim Cordes, USDA Senior Staff Veterinarian and National Coordinator for Equine Programs. Part of his job is to ensure that horses, if they must be transported to slaughter, are treated in a safe and humane fashion. “Those were all photographs that were taken to prosecute those that were violating the slaughter horse transport regulations. They were taken explicitly to graphically demonstrate to the administrative judges that these people needed to be prosecuted,” he explained.

Joey Astling, Compliance Specialist for the USDA/APHIS Horse Transportation Program, photographed the injured and dead horses as they arrived at the Beltex plants in Texas. He said the images were taken as early as 2003, and confirmed that the horses’ deplorable condition was due to injury or neglect suffered before or during the journey to Beltex, not at the processing facility itself.

“Once those animals are loaded on a conveyance moving toward slaughter, it is that person; that owner at that time’s responsibility, whether the injury is pre-existing or happens during transport,” Astling said.

Court documents included in the 906 pages of FOIA-requested material describe the civil charges and fines levied by USDA against several owner/shippers of slaughter-bound horses. They range from improperly-completed paperwork to failing to seek veterinary care for horses suffering a range of distress including non-weight bearing lameness, blindness in both eyes, and inability to stand or walk unassisted. The USDA’s rules prohibit transporting a horse for processing that is under six months of age; heavily in foal; blind in both eyes; unable to walk unassisted; or unable to bear weight on all four legs.

Each violation is punishable by a $5,000.00 fine.

“We want to prosecute to the full extent of the law, and the only way we’re able to do that is to submit really good, solid, hard evidence, and sometimes, unfortunately, that includes some pretty graphic pictures,” Cordes insisted.

By the time the horse processing plants closed at the end of 2007, the USDA had eliminated nearly all inhumane treatment of slaughter-bound horses.

Although there are no American slaughter plants currently in operation, horses shipped to Canada or Mexico for processing are still guarded by USDA humane transport regulations until they leave the United States.

“Once they cross the border, they are no longer American horses. We’ve lost whatever hold, whatever authority we had on them—and it’s a helpless feeling. When those trucks were backing into our plants, we had animal health technicians and veterinary medical officers assigned to those plants to receive those horses, and they all did a good job,” Cordes said. “We’ve lost that regulatory authority that we were doing so well with and getting better every day with.”

This is the first of a series of news releases from the United Horsemen’s Front on this topic. To learn more about the United Horsemen’s Front, visit www.UnitedHorsemensFront.org.

Fox Chase Farm's Rich History Contributes to Present and Future Success

Middleburg, VA - January 27, 2009 - Along with offering the $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series, Fox Chase Farm provides exhibitors with a show experience as rich in history as it is in prize money. Fox Chase Farm, located in Middleburg, VA, has endured decades in the heart of hunt country, hosting fox hunts, trail rides, horse shows and riding lessons, as well as visits from renowned celebrities and television crews.

 

Before Mr. and Mrs. Timothy C. Hanley purchased the farm in September of the year 2000, the facility went by many different names over the decades. Originally named Colony Farms, the place was owned by the legendary Benny O'Meara, a horseman whose enthusiastic spirit continues on today through countless stories told by local horsemen in the community. 

 

"There are so many stories about Mr. O'Meara," commented Maureen Hanley, daughter of the late Timothy C. Hanley and Director of Operations for Fox Chase Farm. "Supposedly he would line up his staff in the indoor arena and jump over them! I guess he jumped everything and anything, from people to trucks, tractors and cars. They say he was a natural rider and had a way with the horses, riding, and winning in the show ring against the very best."     

 

O'Meara produced many top show jumpers, including Silver Lining, Grey Lady and The Hood, who he rode to win the prestigious Jumper Championship at the National Horse Show. Unfortunately O'Meara was killed in a tragic plane crash in the early 1970s at the young age of 30. After his death, his horse, Gone Flying, won the National Horse Show Jumper Championship with Barney Ward in the irons. 

 

When the ownership of Colony Farms changed hands, it became The Stallion Station, a Thoroughbred breeding operation that was owned by several retired Redskin football players. It later became Paper Chase, a boarding and training facility. 

 

The farm took on the moniker Fox Chase Farm when the Hanleys became the new owners. "We named the farm in honor of its notable location in the best part of hunt country," noted Hanley.

 

In addition to talented horsemen and women, celebrities such as country music star Shania Twain and actor William Shatner have visited the farm. Ms. Twain spent time there while on tour, parking her bus on the property and riding horses during her time off. Mr. Shatner also rode at the farm while passing through town. 

 

In September of 2003, Fox Chase Farm was featured on "Perfect Proposal," a television show on The Learning Channel (TLC). In the episode, one of the reality stars proposed to his girlfriend at the farm after they went on a trail ride. Additionally, the farm has been featured twice on the local Fox News 5 with Tony Perkins. The first news cast included former Redskin kicker Mark Moseley, and the second involved Redskins players riding horses as a spoof for their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys. 

 

At another time, contestants from the CBS show "The Amazing Race" were filmed at Fox Chase Farm. The farm had also received requests from NBC to film scenes for the show "The West Wing." 

 

Fox Chase Farm currently plays host to the $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series, which started on January 10, 2009. The horse show series is an annual non-rated show circuit for equestrians in the Virginia area, and the farm hosts two shows a month. Competitions continue throughout the year until late September.

 

Fox Chase Farm also provides free online classifieds for local equestrians and businesses in the area. This free service is available on the farm's website. Members of the equestrian community can buy and sell horses and ponies, tack, farm equipment, cars, trucks, trailers, and post Help Wanted ads. 

 

To advertise for free on the Fox Chase Farm website, please go to www.foxchasefarm.net and click on "Free Online Classifieds." 

 

For more information on Fox Chase Farm, please go to www.foxchasefarm.net or call their main office at 540-687-5255.

 

2009 $20,000 TCH FOX CHASE SHOW SERIES FAST FACTS 

 

Event:  

2009 $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate TCH Fox Chase Show Series 

 

What:    

The TCH Fox Chase Show Series offers an annual non-rated show circuit for talented, local equestrians. The farm hosts two shows a month, and competitions continue throughout the year until late September, with year-end awards and $20,000 in prize money presented at the series' annual year-end party.

 

Where:  

Fox Chase Farm in Middleburg, VA. A horse show, clinic and event facility that is conveniently located in the heart of hunt country.  

 

When:  

January 10: Fox Chase Farm Kick-Off Horse Show, the first show of the 2009 $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Fox Chase Farm Horse Show Series. This show will be held indoors.

 

January 24: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show, held indoors

 

February 14: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

 

February 28: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show   

 

March 7: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show 

 

March 21: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show 

 

April 4-5: USHJA Emerging Athletes Program

 

April 11: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show 

 

April 25: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show 

 

May 9: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show 

 

May 23: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

 

May 31:$5,000 JUST JUMPERS MINI-PRIX featuring courses designed and built by Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis

 

June 13: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show 

 

June 20: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

 

July 11: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show

 

July 18: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show

 

August 1: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show 

 

August 22: $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show 

 

September 7: $5,000 JUST JUMPERS MINI-PRIX featuring courses designed and built by Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis

 

September 12: Final Horse Show $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Horse Show 

 

September 26:  Final Pony Show $20,000 USHJA/VHSA Associate Pony Show 

 

Hours:   

8am - 5pm daily 

 

Admission:      

Admission is free to the public.

 

Parking:        

Parking is free to the public.

 

Directions:    

Fox Chase Farm is located on Route 50 between Middleburg and Aldie at 23323 Foxchase Farm Lane, Middleburg, VA  20117. Detailed directions are available online. 

 

Website: www.foxchasefarm.net

 

Ring Dimensions/Specs:  

Both show arenas were recently re-graded and reconstructed. The outdoor arena has new dust-free footing that becomes sponge-like when watered. The rings have competition standard lighting, and the facility has a state-of-the-art sound system with 16 speakers placed throughout the arenas and stabling.

 

The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

 

Indoor: 80' x 200' 

Outdoor: 160' x 350'

Outdoor Schooling Arena: 165' x 130' 

 

Facility Features:

*New All Weather frost-free waterers in paddocks

*New fenced board paddocks

*Security system with code at gate

*47 stall barn with attached indoor arena 

*Weather-protected access to arena from stable for horses and riders

*Wash stall with hot/cold water and heat lamps

*Grooming stalls with heat lamps

*Gazebo, which comfortably accommodates up to 50 people for BBQs, outdoor receptions, and events

*Six stall owner's barn with hot/cold wash stalls and heat lamps, tack room and private bathroom and shower

*Cross-country course

*Individual tack lockers

*Private men's and women's changing rooms and showers

*Front office and lounge next to indoor arena with fireplaces, central heat and air-conditioning

*Newly remodeled men's and women's bathrooms with central heat and central air-conditioning

*Two bedroom/ two full bathroom cottage available for short term rent - equipped with kitchen and sitting area, perfect for visitors in town for foxhunting, showing, or just passing through Middleburg

 

Sponsors:        

Middleburg Bank

Merrifield Garden Center

Carr & Hyde Insurance

Margaret Weinberg Design

SiteWhirks

Wegmans 

Rainbow Child Development Center

Norden Insurance

Extreme Level

My Suburban Oasis

Old Waterloo Equine Clinic

 

Sponsor Contacts:

Maureen Hanley 540-687-5255, Diane Lunsford 703-618-9992

 

Horse Show Photographer: Peggy Smith, http://www.peggyjsmith.com

 

Awards and Recognitions:

2008 Top 10 Horse Shows - Virginia Horse Show Association

 

2008 Finalist Award: Small Business of the Year - Loudoun Chamber of Commerce

 

2007 Winner of Equine Business of the Year - Loudoun Chamber of Commerce

 

2007 Top 10 Horse Shows - Virginia Horse Show Association

 

2007 Finalist Award: Equine Business of the Year - Loudoun Chamber of Commerce

 

2006 Top 10 Horse Shows - Virginia Horse Show Association

 

Management:             

Maureen Hanley, Director of Operations 

Fox Chase Farm, LLC

P.O. Box 743

Middleburg, VA 20118

Email: foxchasefarm@verizon.net 

website: www.foxchasefarm.net 

Office: 540-687-5255

Fax: 540-687-3084

Individual Tickets for the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas Go On Sale February 16

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - January 27, 2009-Individual tickets will go on sale Monday, February 16 to see the world's best horses and riders compete at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, April 15-19. The city of Las Vegas sets the perfect backdrop for high jumping, side stepping, non-stop equestrian competition.

Once again hosted by Las Vegas Events (LVE), the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals bring spectators edge-of-their-seat entertainment as they watch riders compete for the title of FEI World Cup champion in the Olympic disciplines of show jumping and dressage.

"This is a great year for the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals," said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events. "We are thrilled to bring the Finals back to the city of Las Vegas and are very excited about presenting this prestigious event to equestrian fans from around the world.  Series seats have sold extremely well, and we urge everyone to take advantage of the start of the individual ticket sales.  With so many wonderful things planned, there has never been a better time to experience Las Vegas and the World Cup."

In addition to the excitement of the competitions, the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals will also feature the official retirement ceremony of one of the world's most beloved dressage horses, Brentina. Rider Debbie McDonald and owners Peggy and Parry Thomas will be on hand to honor this amazing mare that, along with Debbie, has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in U.S. dressage history.

The pair earned the United States its first FEI World Cup Dressage Championship in 2003 and represented the United States at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. At the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, they led the U.S. to the bronze medal.

In 1999, Debbie and Brentina put in an amazing performance at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, winning both the individual and team gold medals.  Brentina's retirement ceremony will take place on Friday afternoon, April 17, during the Las Vegas Dressage Showcase.

Interested fans can sign up for World Cup Club membership and order tickets at the official website at www.WorldCupLasVegas.com. Individual tickets are priced as follows:

Dressage Tickets

April 15: VIP - $250; Plaza - $55; Balcony - $35

April 16: VIP - $250; Plaza - $90; Balcony - $50

April 17: VIP - $250; Plaza - $90; Balcony - $50

April 18: VIP - $250; Plaza - $100; Balcony - $60

Show Jumping Tickets

April 15: VIP - $250; Plaza - $60; Balcony - $30

April 16: VIP - $250; Plaza - $70; Balcony - $50

April 17: VIP - $250; Plaza - $75; Balcony - $50

April 18: VIP - $250; Plaza - $75; Balcony - $55

April 19: VIP - $250; Plaza - $85; Balcony - $60

Started in 1979, the FEI World Cup Jumping Final is an annual international showdown among the world's best show jumping horses and riders.  Approximately 45 riders qualify from 13 leagues around the world.  In the 30 finals held through 2008, United States riders have emerged with the most titles, having won the championship seven times. 

The 2009 event will mark the eighth FEI World Cup Jumping Final to be held in the United States, following Finals in Baltimore in 1980, Tampa, Fla. in 1989, Del Mar, Calif. in 1992 and four in Las Vegas in 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2007.

First held in 1986, the FEI World Cup Dressage Final has been held in the U.S. three times, in 1995 in Los Angeles and 2005 and 2007 in Las Vegas.  The Netherlands has dominated the competition, winning nine titles, followed by Germany with seven.  The United States won its first title in 2003 when Debbie McDonald rode Brentina to the championship.

Las Vegas Events, Inc. (LVE), producer of 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2007 FEI World Cup Finals, was founded in 1983.  LVE has grown with Las Vegas as the city has emerged as one of the world's top special event and resort destinations. A private, not-for-profit organization, LVE is funded by hotel room tax and serves as the exclusive major special events agency for the city.  Since 1991, Las Vegas Events has produced, presented or supported more than 440 events, which have driven more than 3.8 million visitors to the area, resulting in an economic impact of more than $2.3 billion.

Further information about the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping and Dressage Finals, including information on purchasing tickets, is also available at the official website.

APPALOOSA LICENSE AND SOUVENIR PLATES BENEFIT YOUTH

MOSCOW, Idaho—The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) would like to invite equine enthusiasts to join Appaloosa owners, breeders and enthusiasts in showing their commitment to the Breed of Choice by purchasing a souvenir Appaloosa license plate! This unique Appaloosa plate is the first United States license plate to prominently feature a state horse along with the name of the breed.

  While Idaho residents have the advantage of displaying their enthusiasm for the breed on their bumper, anyone in the world can purchase a souvenir plate! Souvenir plates are only $30 and include free personalization.

 Getting your souvenir plate couldn’t be easier. Visit www.accessidaho.org, click “DMV,” then “Vehicle Services,” followed by “Special Plates” and, finally, click on the rotating license plate graphic.

 Not only will you be proudly promoting the Appaloosa breed, purchase of a license or souvenir plate helps the ApHC educate youths about horses. The ApHC receives $20 for each souvenir plate sold; and $25 for each initial registration, $15 for each yearly renewal of the Idaho license plate. These funds are exclusively used for youth education programs, including the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center.

Though the ApHC supports the Appaloosa plate program, plates may only be purchased through www.accessidaho.org. The ApHC does not sell, manufacture or ship the license plates. However, we’re happy to provide customers with information.

For more information about Appaloosas or the ApHC, visit www.appaloosa.com or call 208-882-5578.

 The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.

APPALOOSAS TO STAR IN HAWKEY FARMS’ WESTERN SERIES

STAMFORD, Conn.—Western film fans will soon have a new series to enjoy, which will feature an Appaloosa as the equine lead!

 Hawkeye Farms Film Production Company, based in Stamford, Connecticut will be producing a slate of western films with an Appaloosa playing the equine lead. The films will follow the adventures of a new Man With No Name; inspired by the character portrayed by Clint Eastwood in the films of Sergio Leone. The series promises sophisticated adult western film entertainment. Hawkeye Farms owns a total of seven properties. Promotional trailers for the films were filmed in Wyoming this past November and are currently being edited. Plans are underway for production of the first installment in the series this year.  

 Starring as The Man With Name is Karl Avdek, who is also the writer and producer of the  series. Avdek has always been a part of the equine industry. He grew up on the largest farm in Iowa, and went on to become a trainer, equine professor and clinician. Avdek’s other passion is film. He has worked as a writer, actor and stunt coordinator for films and commercials in the United States and Europe.

 Michael Givens is slated as the director and cinematographer of the series. Givens is an internationally acclaimed cinematographer who has worked for directors such as Roger Corman, and both Ridley and Tony Scott. Givens has directed his own features and hundreds of commercials.

 Hawkeye Farms will also employ the talents of professionals such as internationally acclaimed cinematographer Christo Bakalov.

 Hawkeye Farms is allied with Frank Weller, author of “Equine Angels” and his equine charity; E.A.R.S: Equine Angels Rescue Service (www.foalrescue.com).

 Hawkeye Farms Film Production Company will be releasing the film through Plus Entertainment (www.plusent.com) and market the film DVDs with the Appaloosa Horse Club.

 For more information regarding the films, visit the official Web site at www.thenextwesternmovie.com.

 For more information regarding the Appaloosa breed, visit www.appaloosa.com.

 The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline, including racing, endurance riding or serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho; the heart of the Palouse region, the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.

Beneficial Tax Tips for the Horse Industry

Tax season is near and the American Horse Council has extensive tax information that can influence your equine business tax returns.  For 40 years, the American Horse Council has provided the horse industry with tax information through the Tax Bulletin, the Tax Handbook and other various publications.

The American Horse Council is pleased to announce that Mr. Joel B. Turner of Frost, Brown, Todd in Louisville, KY will be joining the AHC's Tax Bulletin Advisory Board.  Mr. Turner will be joining the very skilled group of professionals who are currently contributing to the AHC's Tax Bulletin.  The Tax Bulletin is a must have for the equine business person. A bi-monthly publication featuring timely articles on equine tax and business issues written by an editorial board of tax professionals, as well as updates on the latest tax court decisions, IRS regulations and legislation that might impact your ability to run a profitable business. 

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook.  This 1000-page book explains the Internal Revenue Code as it pertains to the U.S. horse industry. No one commercially involved with the horse industry should be without it. Topics covered in the Handbook include: Business versus hobby-including summaries of important court decisions; Forms of doing business; Sales, Exchanges and Involuntary conversions; Tax planning; Depreciation; Record keeping and accounting rules; and much more. 

AHC's Tax Bulletin and Tax Handbook are included in certain levels of membership or can be purchased separately.  For more information on obtaining these items, please contact us by phone at 202-296-4031 or by email at ahc@horsecouncil.org.  You may also visit us on the web at www.horsecouncil.org.

Liz Halliday supporting Nupafeed Supplements launch in the USA

California-born equestrian and race car driver Liz Halliday is supporting the launch of Nupafeed in the USA. Nupafeed has supplied a range of equine products in Europe for 25 years and is used by top professionals in all disciplines.

 

Halliday, who is now based in the UK and competes at International level in 3 Day Eventing, has used Nupafeed’s products with her horses for the past 12 months and has noticed a significant improvement in their performance "I first began using the Nupafeed Magnesium MAH on one of my top horses," said Liz "and I was so impressed with the natural results that I soon started using the whole range of their products on all of my horses. I am very pleased to see Nupafeed making a strong representation in the USA now, and I am sure that the rest of the US Equestrians will be as pleased with the results as I have been.”

 

Nupafeed products have been developed by the German pharmaceutical company Verla Pharm using only the highest grade quality ingredients, making them truly unique in the equine market. The effectiveness of Nupafeed products is the result of Verla Pharm's unique formulation processes. All ingredients are in conformance with FEI rules.

 

Nupafeed Liquid Magnesium Horse Supplement has been shown to aid in reducing stress and improving behaviour. The latest edition to the Nupafeed range is Nupafeed L-Carnitine Horse Supplement which has been shown to help promote stamina, and energy whilst improving muscle definition and function so shortening recovery time.

 

Nupafeed products are firmly established throughout Europe and are preferred by top equestrian professionals and veterinarians; their popularity has led to great demand in the U.S.

 

Nupafeed is only available through Full Collar Supply Co. who has thirty years of competitive horse experience for tailor made advice to ensure maximum results.

 

Available only Online or Mail Order, for more information call: (941) 921-1764 or visit www.nupafeedusa.com.

Missy Wryn on PetLife Radio’s Horsing Around

Audrey Pavia of PetLife Radio’s Horsing Around interviews Missy Wryn about her Three Foundations for a Safer Horse.  Available as podcast, iTunes, RSS and MP3 visit http://www.markiac.addr.com/PET_LIFE_RADIO/horsingep20.html.   Audrey invited Missy to return next week to talk about her Five Fundamentals for a Safer Ride.  Tune in…………

 

For high resolution pictures contact Info@HorseMAREship.com or call 503-630-3744.

 

Missy Wryn is the founder of WHolistic Horsemanship Training the Whole Horse®, IRON FREE Riding, HorseMAREship™, Sisters of the Saddle, plus inventor of the ALL-IN-ONE Training Halter Bitless Bridle.  Specializing in problem and dangerous horses Missy has developed a unique approach to training horses and riding Iron Free.  Training the Whole Horse® is the foundation to Missy’s innovative and simpler approach to training horses using effective communication that horses understand, honor and respect while having fun and being safer riding Iron Free (no bits – no spurs).  Check Missy’s schedule for appearances and lectures in your area at www.WHolisticHorsemanship.com.   

 

Missy Wryn is also CEO and founder of Natures Balance Care, LLC.  Natures Balance Care is the manufacturer of organic approved (OMRI) fly control and skin care products for dogs, horses, organic livestock and people.  Visit www.NaturesBalanceCare.com.

ALLISON SPRINGER PROMOTES WINNING PARTNERSHIP WITH EQUINE SOURCE

Virginia based International Event Rider Continues her Endorsement of Equine Source Products

Upperville, VA.  January 27, 2009  

International event rider, Allison Springer is continuing the sponsorship arrangement with Equine Source that began in 2001 and has provided tremendous support to Allison in the early days of her career.  Allison uses a variety of tack and apparel that has been very generously supplied by Equine Source, which is a family owned and operated mobile emporium and online tack shop located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin run by Monique and Carol Steinhoff.

 

"Equine Source was the first company to recognize my talents and really believed in me, which is why I want to help them in any way I can," said Allison.  "They carry a terrific range of beautiful products which I love using, such as the Cavallo Dressage Jacket and Mountain Horse clothing as well as an array of really great items for horse and rider." 

 

Equine Source carries a selection of top name brands such as Herm Springer, Charles Owen, Fleeceworks, Kyra K, Nunn Finer, Ovation and many more.   There is also a Daily Deals feature on its website at http://equinesource.com with 20-60% discounts, close-out items and specials.  Customers are invited to sign up online where they will receive a $5 coupon.  There is free shipping too for orders over $100.

 

"I love the Daily Deals specials, which are a great way to get a bargain," said Allison. "I know that we all have choices so I urge everyone in the sport to support Equine Source and enjoy some great shopping."

Lake Placid Horse Shows Welcome RV Sales of Broward As New Grand Prix Sponsor

Lake Placid, NY - January 27, 2009 - The Lake Placid Horse Show Association is excited to welcome RV Sales of Broward as the new title sponsor of this year's Grandprix of Lake Placid. 

The Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows return to the charming village of Lake Placid, NY, June 23-28 and June 30-July 5, and feature every level of competition from children under 6 competing in the Lead Line Division to Olympic veterans competing in the Grandprix - the pinnacle of equestrian show jumping competition. The two week long horse show series is one of the most highly regarded stops on the nation's hunter-jumper circuit.

RV Sales of Broward is owned by equestrian entrepreneur Gigi Stetler, who has been a regular competitor at the Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows for several years. RV Sales of Broward has been involved as a supporter of the horse shows in previous years, but this will be its first year as title sponsor of the Lake Placid Horse Show's headline event. This year's $75,000 RV Sales of Broward Grandprix of Lake Placid CSI 2* will take place on Sunday, June 28. 

"We are thrilled to welcome RV Sales of Broward as the title sponsor for this year's Grandprix of Lake Placid," said Richard M. Feldman, Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show Association. "Gigi has been a wonderful supporter of the Lake Placid Horse Shows, and she is a highly respected member of the hunter-jumper community."

The Grandprix of Lake Placid and $75,000 Hermès Grandprix CSI 2* on Saturday, July 4, attract many of the nation's best horses and riders. Both events offer thrilling competition to watch whether you are an experienced rider or first time visitor to the shows. 

"I always love watching the Grandprix events at Lake Placid," said Stetler, who competes in the Adult Jumper division at the horse shows while supporting the Grandprix as a sponsor. "It has always been one of my favorite horse shows to attend, which makes being able to support this year's Grandprix of Lake Placid very special to me."

The 2009 schedule for the Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows is full of exciting equestrian action. Don't miss your chance to visit the North Elba Showgrounds and be part of these action-packed equestrian events!

For more information, please call the Lake Placid Horse Show Association at (518) 523-9625 or visit www.lakeplacidhorseshow.com. 

MSEDA PREPARES TO HOST ENTERTAINING WEEKEND AT GALA CELEBRATION

Deadline  Approaches for Tickets to The Mid South Eventing & Dressage Association Weekend of Fun and Edutainment

 

Lexington, KY. January 27, 2009.  The deadline for tickets to the Mid South Eventing & Dressage Association (MSEDA) Gala Celebration on Saturday, January 31st at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington is Wednesday, January 28th.  The fun-filled event promises something for everyone beginning with an educational seminar and concluding with a fabulous evening of dinner, dancing and a wonderful selection of silent and live auction items.

David O'Connor gets the day underway after breakfast with a fact-filled educational seminar exclusively for MSEDA members that includes the latest topics affecting the sport.  David will present the honors at the Annual Awards Luncheon where members will enjoy a video presentation with their friends and family of some memorable rides this past year.

The evening will kick off with cocktails at 6pm followed by a dinner of fine food and wine with musical entertainment provided by the Jimmy Church Band. 

The silent and live auction items will benefit the Kentucky Horse Park's stabling project and additional enhancements to the dressage complex for the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games and beyond. These projects rely entirely by private donations, which make this event especially important to the equestrian community. 

COME JOIN US FOR A FUN PACKED CELEBRATION

The Live Auction gets under way with a memorable souvenir generously donated by Karen O'Connor:

A framed set of shoes worn by Theodore (Teddy) O'Connor at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

Vacation House in Destin, Florida for one week along with one weeks board for two horses at Southern Cross Dressage Facility

Two VIP tickets to Badminton Horse Trials with Grandstand Seating and behind the scenes tour of the 18th century stables

One week vacation at any Marriott time share resort in the world

Two portable cross-country fences

Luncheon and Tour of Private Gardens at Gainesway Farm

Sculpture of Sir Walter Lyzalot

The Silent Auction includes:

Tempur-Pedic mattress

Two stadium fences

Four Keeneland Clubhouse tickets for spring or fall meet (excl. Bluegrass S. Day)

Mountain Horse Winter Jacket

Sweater from Bridle Suite

Horse Radio Network is a media partner for the day and will produce a show about the event that will be on the MSEDA and also available for download on iTunes.

Top Horses, Riders Arrive in Wellington for Exquis World Dressage Masters

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 27--Some of the world's top horses and riders have arrived in Wellington in preparation for this week's €100,000 ($132,000) Exquis World Dressage Masters at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Triple Olympic gold medalist Anky van Grunsven arrived with her husband and two young children Monday night, fresh from last week's World Cup qualifying victory in Amsterdam. The black stallion, IPS Painted Black, that she has been campaigning this winter in Europe, was in quarantine in Miami and scheduled to arrived at PBIEC Tuesday.

Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud of The Netherlands also arrived Monday night and worked their horses under lights late at night.

The USA's Steffen Peters and Ravel, and Jan Ebeling and Rafalca arrived Sunday night and took the opportunity Monday to walk the completely remodeled show grounds.

"The show grounds are very beautiful," Peters said. "We can't wait to ride into the International Arena with it's fantastic footing before what we hope will be huge crowds.

"This is the kind of major event that we are so enthusiastic and happy to be a part of and that we hope the fans will be, too."

Many of the North American riders, including Canadian Olympian Ashley Holzer and Pop Art, and USA Olympic reserve rider Michael Barisone and Neruda have been in the Wellington area for several weeks. So, too, has Denmark's Lars Petersen and Success, who are among the combinations from six nations competing.

The schedule for this week is the veterinary jog on Thursday afternoon of the horses invited to participate in the event that kicks off the Exquis World Dressage Masters global tour. Three other events scheduled in 2009 are in Europe.

The Grand Prix will start at 1 p.m. Friday.

A clinic by van Grunsven, who is also a nine-time World Cup champion, with a handful of invited riders will be held under lights in the International Arena Friday night.

The Grand Prix Special is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday.

The highlight Grand Prix musical kur begins at 7 p.m. Saturday.

A special event never before seen in the Americas is planned after the awards ceremony Saturday night. Details will not be disclosed until Saturday night.

In addition to the world class competition, $10,000 worth of Back on Track products will be given away to spectators whose ticket numbers are drawn randomly Friday and Saturday nights. The $10,000 worth of Back on Track products to be distributed to spectators are 23 horse blankets, 22 pairs of leg wraps and 22 saddle pads.

Tickets for WDM are available online at http://www.equestriansport.com and clicking on Buy Tickets.

 

Because of high demand for the limited seating at both the Friday clinic and the Saturday competition, tickets will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Online ticket sales will be allocated first based on the date and time of purchase.

 

Ticket options for WDM are:

 

-International Club $750 for a table of six per night on Friday night or Saturday night, or $1,350 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included.

 

--International Club individual seats $125 per night on Friday night and Saturday night, or $225 for both nights. Dinner and open bar included.

 

-VIP boxes $50 for individual seats on Friday night and Saturday night, or $90 for both nights.

 

-Reserved General Admission is $20 per night, or $35 for two nights.

 

For more information, call Annette Goyette at 561 793 5867.

 

The Wellington competition is the inaugural and only U.S. event in the WDM series. The other competitions are Salzburg Austria, (May 1-3), Munich, Germany, (May 21-24) and Hickstead, Great Britain (July 23-26).

---

PBIEC INFORMATION & TICKETS: http://equestriansport.com or 561/793-5867

FTI exists to help companies and their stakeholders protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex economic, legal and regulatory environment. FTI is the trusted advisor entrenched in many of the game-changing events that make headlines, move markets and create business history. To locate one of FTI's offices in the United States or around the world, call: 410.951.4800 or online at www.fticonsulting.com.

Sponsors Return in Full Force for 2009 Challenge of the Americas Presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach

WELLINGTON, FL - January 27, 2009 - Sponsors of the Challenge of the Americas Presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach have returned in full force to support this year's event, which will be held on March 7, 2009, at International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, FL.  The Challenge, in its eighth consecutive year as an annual fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, showcases equestrian sport and features a gala dinner/dance.

"With all the news in the media about recession, inflation, and economic downturns, I was grateful to find that none of that bad news affected our sponsors for this year's Challenge," beamed Mary Ross, founder and co-chair of the event. "All of our sponsors for the myriad of amenities that make the Challenge so extraordinary are back. We even have a new presenting sponsor in International Polo Club, which makes a huge difference in our budget because they are hosting the event. We're introducing a unique new program that will be a surprise and a very entertaining evening. I'm looking forward to breaking new records in attendance and fundraising for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation this year!" 

International Polo Club - "Equestrians Do the Right Thing"

The Challenge has drawn more than 1,600 spectators and hosted 600-plus for the sold-out Challenge Gala in previous years at International Polo Club. John Wash, President of Club Operations at International Polo Club Palm Beach, believes that the equestrian community will continue that support for 2009. 

"Sure it's a different economy," Wash acknowledged, "but what I've seen with the equestrian community is that they are a community and they do rally around worthwhile charities and causes. Whether they're polo enthusiasts or the show jumping and dressage group, even the weekend warrior, it seems that equestrians go out and tackle things with a strong passion and purpose.  Because The Challenge supports breast cancer research, it is the type of event that regardless of the economy, equestrians will step forward and do what's right during this time." 

International Polo Club hosted The Challenge in 2006 and 2007, and Walsh is thrilled that the club is able to sponsor and host The Challenge for 2009. "I am really happy to have this event back at International Polo Club," Wash enthused. "The venue really speaks for itself, as does the layout of the fields for the viewing of this exciting event. We're looking forward to it!" 

Purina Mills - "Support Research and Our Female Customer Base"

Purina Mills has sponsored Team USA at The Challenge since 2007 and the company is back in full support for 2009. Dr. Mary Beth Gordon, Director of Research and New Product Development for Purina Mills for the Horse Business Group at Land O'Lakes Purina Mills, pointed out that her company's support has not wavered. 

"In times like this, certainly people can think, 'Let's just take care of our own needs first and our immediate needs for our company', which may cause some companies to decrease or cut out charitable giving or charitable sponsorships," Dr. Gordon noted, adding, "And that's certainly not how we have felt about our support of breast cancer research and the Challenge of the Americas at Purina Mills. The reason we are definitely involved in the event is to help support breast cancer research. In current economic times, it's even more important to support those events that are important to us. The Challenge requires charitable giving to help keep it going."

Dr. Gordon noted that The Challenge also provides Purina Mills with the opportunity to directly support its customers. "As a horse feed company, we know that most of our customers are female-based," Dr. Gordon said. "So helping to support breast cancer research in turn helps us to support our customer - the female rider who is taking care of her horse and riding and wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle." 

Team Purina Mills USA won the Challenge of the Americas title in 2007 and 2008.

"It's fun for us that we get to support breast cancer research through the Challenge of the Americas because it's just awesome to work with the riders - to see them put on the quadrilles and the demonstrations and the competition - and attend the gala dinner and the dancing," Dr. Gordon said. "That is great fun, but it comes secondary to our initiative to help support breast cancer research. We're glad that we're able to do that through the Challenge of the Americas."

Team International The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch - "Take Your Mind Off Your Portfolio!"

Josh Parker and Rex Seley of The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch are once again sponsoring Team International at The Challenge. 

"Obviously it's been a challenging environment for everybody economically, but we feel it's still important to be philanthropic," stated Josh Parker, Wealth Management Advisor for The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch. "The folks that are in need are feeling it even more than regular folks, so it's very important to stay in the charity mode. I know some people have to scale back in their philanthropic effort, but we feel it's important to support not only breast cancer research but also other types of ailments that people have, as well as the needy, whether it's Boys and Girls Clubs or other charities. They need support even more than the people that are suffering just because their stock portfolios are down!" 

The Seley Parker Group (formerly of Morgan Stanley) has sponsored Team International since 2007. Parker is looking forward to a third consecutive year of enjoying a brilliant night in Wellington. 

"The Challenge is a great spectacle and a night that will take our minds off of any recessionary thoughts," Parker said.  "It's obviously a great event because of the dressage and the dancing and the food. It's just fun! It's a great show. The talented riders and the festivities are a blast. It would be a good night to take your mind off your investment portfolio!"

SSG Gloves - "The Need Is Still Great"

Ed James, founder and president of SSG Gloves, sponsored Team Can/Am SSG Gloves in 2007 and 2008 and returns this year to support the 2009 Challenge.  

"It's not a down economy for the equestrian industry in my opinion," James said. "93% of the people in the U.S. are working and the 7% that aren't working, most of them are not horse owners. Breast cancer research is in as much of a need this year as it was last year and the years before. Because the media says it's a down economy, I'm not backing off anything that I'm doing. You've got to focus on the need. I support a lot of causes. When people come to me, I say if the need still is great, then the support is still great."  

James noted that it is 'business as usual' for SSG Gloves, including advertising, sponsorships, and support of charitable giving. "I'm always positive in these situations," James said. "I'll spend as much on advertising this year as I did the year before. In my case, regardless of what's going on, whether it's snowing or raining, or hurricanes, the need is still there for certain fundraising activities. You can't guess when the economic cycle's going to turn, so if you're supporting a great event like the Challenge of the Americas, then stay in because the need to help support breast cancer research is still there." 

Hampton Green Farm - "Values, Priorities, and Staying Committed to the Cause"

Kimberly Boyer, owner of Hampton Green Farm, returns for the second consecutive year as sponsor of the Challenge Gala. Boyer, who has attended every edition of The Challenge since 2002, is a long-time member of the Challenge Committee. For 2009, Kim and her husband Frederic Boyer will serve as Honorary Chairs of The Challenge. 

"During these times, people are not only re-thinking their budgets, but they're also re-thinking their values and their priorities," Boyer pointed out. "That's going to benefit charitable organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. People are getting in touch again with what their real values are and what's important to put your money into."  

Boyer noted that having The Challenge in the equestrian community of Wellington provides a unique opportunity for women to be involved in two of their passions - breast cancer research and horses. "Breast cancer is generally a woman's affliction, so women are passionate about fundraising to support research that seeks a cure for this disease," Boyer said. "In Wellington, women are also very passionate about their horses and the equestrian lifestyle. The Challenge involves all of those passions - supporting breast cancer research and providing a connection to the horses and the equestrian community."

Boyer remains as committed and enthusiastic about supporting her eighth event in 2009 as she has been for every Challenge since 2002. "Staying committed to The Challenge is definitely worthwhile," Boyer said. "It's important to stay committed to the things you were committed to last year or in better times. Don't give up on those things, because the problem hasn't gone away. Even though our financial situations may have all changed, the need for more breast cancer research hasn't gone away." 

Cunningham & Cunningham - "Celebrate a Joyous Night"

Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock Insurance, Inc. has been the official insurer of The Challenge since its inaugural event in 2002 and proudly returns for the eighth consecutive year in 2009. 

"It's not so much on a business level that I sponsor The Challenge - it's on a personal level that I'm a sponsor because I think it's such a great cause," states Tom Cunningham, founder and partner in his insurance company.  "It's really important that we support things like this because breast cancer is such a terrible disease. It's true that 'the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a person' - and that association holds true for The Challenge, tying in horses with supporting breast cancer research."

Cunningham notes that the bottom line for the 2009 Challenge of the Americas Presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach is to celebrate a wonderful event in support of an important cause. "Everyone should come and just enjoy it," Cunningham said. "It's such a joyous night for such a good cause." 

2009 Challenge of the Americas - Ticket and Table Reservations

The 2009 Challenge of the Americas Presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach will be held on Saturday night, March 7, 2009, at International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, FL. To make reservations for the Challenge Gala, VIP Box Seats, and General Admission Tickets, contact Mary Ross at 561-852-2591. 

Ariat Opens the Chutes in 2009 with New Bronc Stomper Boot

Ariat Reinvents Roughstock Footwear Category with High-Tech Boot  

 

Union City, Calif. January 26, 2008 – Ariat International, Inc. is proud to announce that the Ariat® Bronc Stomper™ – a revolutionary roughstock competition boot – has arrived and is taking the rodeo world by storm.

 

Ariat product developers worked closely with 2007 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Taos Muncy to take a fresh look at performance footwear for roughstock riders. What emerged is a modern boot specifically engineered for Saddle Bronc riding with Ariat-exclusive technology, a narrow square toe profile and a flat shank area. The Bronc Stomper is appropriate across disciplines, and has been arena-tested by some of the top roughstock riders in the world – to rave reviews.

 

“These boots are perfect for riding broncs, and they’re the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn,” said Taos Muncy, the 2007 world champion saddle bronc rider. “I can wear them all day, and they feel great – I can’t wear them out.”

 

Additional benefits include:  

“Ankle Armor” gel pad to protect ankle from hitting the cantle

Reinforced Bullhide heel counter provides maximum spur support

11 iron Toughstock™ leather sole for maximum durability and flexibility in a leather outsole

Ariat’s exclusive ATS® Technology

 

Quickly making its mark, the Ariat® Bronc Stomper™ is the toughest, most tech-packed roughstock boot in the market. It will take any rider to a 90 point ride and emphasizes spurring while withstanding even the roughest buck.

 

“We saw a need for a boot that meets the requirements of roughstock riders yet is up-to-date with the latest technology,” said Ariat Western Product Manager Shane Johnston. “This is the first high-tech footwear specifically created for them – and we’ve thought through every inch in order to deliver a boot that merges Ariat’s cutting-edge benefits with comfort, safety and a punchy style.”

 

About Ariat International, Inc.

Ariat International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel, handbags and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com.

 

Official Boot of the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour

Official Apparel Supplier of the U.S. Equestrian Federation

Business Cards Essential For Horse Businesses When Times Are Tough

Having a great business card is crucial for any owner of a horse business. It’s even more important in this tough economy, according to Laurie A. Cerny, author of Horsin’ Around The USA Guide to Marketing & Promoting Your Horse Business (One Horse Press/iUniverse).

           

“In today’s tough business climate it is crucial to not only have a card, but also that the card work for you,” Cerny said.  “Out of a dozen business cards I picked up while recently attending one of the top national all-breed shows in the country only three were extremely well done.”

   

A business card is essentially your calling card.  “It’s the first thing a potential client or customer sees,” Cerny added.  “If it’s poorly done, printed on cheap paper and from a home printer, you may be sending the message to potential customers that you cut corners – whether it’s in the quality of product lines you carry if you own a tack shop to the quality of the services you offer as a boarding stable or horse trainer.”

 

In this day an age when nearly every town has an office supply store, where you can affordably get a business card done, there is no excuse for not having one.

 

Cerny offers this advice about what to include on your business card:

Your business name:  Include the full name of your business, however, if you have more than one business have a card for each one. 

Your business’s contact information:  Make it easy for potential customers/clients to contact you. This means phone numbers, website address (if your have one) and e-mail address and cell phone number if you wish potential clients and customers to have round the clock access to you. If you are an ope ration where customers would physically patronize like a tack/feed store, boarding stable or training facility, include your street address.  If you are a service like a blacksmith, vet, massage therapist include the city and state and/or area serviced.  As a stallion owner/breeder you will want to at least include city and state so that potential breeders will know the locale of the stallion if they are breeding via live cover.

Your business hours:  For storefront businesses like tack shops, feed stores, and trailer dealerships make sure to include days of operation and hours. 

Photos:  Only use a photo if it is a great photo.  In addition, it should only be used if it helps to tell the story of what you do.  If you train hunter/jumpers a nice shot of a horse and rider clearing a jump might add to the card.  For stallions and because the size of a business card – unless you do a vertical layout, a head shot would be more effective than a full shot (which would be very small on a horizontal card.).           

Horsin’ Around The USA Guide to Marketing & Promoting Your Horse Business is available for $12.95 + S/H at www.iUniverse.com, or (800) 288-4677, and for $12.95 from One Horse Press at 70883 39th St., Paw Paw, MI 49079.

VALENTINE’S DAY WILL SHOW A LOT OF HEART FOR THE AHJF HUNTER CLASSIC SPECTACULAR

Wellington, FL – January 14, 2009 – On February 14, the top hunter riders will be hoping that they will be the lucky Valentine’s Day winner.  On that evening, The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation will host its 13th annual AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular at the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. 

The riders may be thinking hearts and roses but when they enter the arena after qualifying for this no entry fee event, the top national amateur, junior and professional show hunter competitors will show their true heart to the judges under the lights in the beautiful all-weather footing International Arena.  Watching from the International Club will be those taking part in the AHJF’s major fundraising dinner. 

Since its inception in 1997, the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular has been a highlight event for hunter horses and riders.  Champion and reserve champion riders, who are current members of the AHJF, qualify throughout the week (February 11-14) in the various hunter divisions to compete in this prestigious two-round competition under the lights.  Approximately $50,000 (through 12th place) is awarded with $12,000 guaranteed to the winner.  Since it is an add-back competition the final prize money is not determined until that night.

Eight judges are paired in teams of two and positioned in four places around the arena. Roughly 25 horses compete in the first round and the top eight come back for a second round. The height of the fences varies from 3’6” to 4’.  The winner of the class is the horse with the highest two-round score. 

The final list won’t be decided until that day but a number of competitors are already qualified.  These include Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA, the 2008 WCHR Professional Champion;  Liza Boyd, Camden, SC, who was last year's AHJF Hunter Classic winner; Patricia Griffith, Katonah, NY, the winner of the 2008 WCHR Pro Challenge;  Tammy Chipko, Thousand Oaks, CA, 2008 WCHR Amateur-Owner Champion and Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD, 2008 WCHR Junior Champion.  

 

Mr. & Mrs. S. Craig Lindner along with Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Jacobs will chair the activity happening in the International Club.  This year’s annual dinner party will have a heartwarming Valentine’s Day theme

The activities start around 6:30 p.m.  While the VIP Tent is humming, the horses and riders begin by first walking the course before the formal introduction of each of the riders to the public.  Riders and horses will then be prepping in the schooling area before they enter the ring, beginning at 7:30, to each take their turn over the galloping hunter course.  The evening will end around 9:30 p.m.

In addition to the prize money, the winner will receive the “The Dark Continent” trophy, courtesy of Jim Green; a custom jacket specially designed by Personalized Products; a cooler donated by Grazing Fields Farm; Leather halters and leather shanks for the top 12 riders. Additionally, the winning trainer will receive a check for $1,000, 2nd place $750, 3rd $500 and 4th $250. The grooms of the 1st through 4th place winners receive a check for $500, $300, $200, $100 (consecutively) sponsored by Archie Cox/Brookway Stables. The winning rider receives the “Let’s Dance Trophy” established by the AHJF in honor of Eugene R. Mische. And all competitors will be in contention for the “Strapless Challenge,” with a trophy and check going to anyone winning the class four times.

The AHJF was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider equestrian competition. The following evening, February 15, the AHJF also hosts “Bowling for Equestrians,” a fundraiser for its Emergency Relief Fund (in Greenacres, FL and the WCHR Professional Finals (October 2 in Upper Marlboro, MD).  

For more information contact the AHJF, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: 508-835-8813, www.ahjf.org, email: ahjf@earthlink.net.  

AQHA America’s Horse Championships to air on Universal Sports Network

AQHA World Show special featured January 30

 

The American Quarter Horse Journal, January 26, 2009 – American Quarter Horse fans have another opportunity to watch the action from the 2008 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show as the “AQHA America’s Horse Championships” presented by Bank of America is featured on the Universal Sports Network. The show airs Friday, January 30, at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time/Noon Pacific Standard Time. Available in 30 million homes, Universal Sports also will present encore episodes to be announced in February.

 

This episode that originally aired on NBC Sports features exciting working cow horse action, which combines reining agility and the cow sense of the American Quarter Horse, testing a horse’s skills in a way that is similar to ranch work. The event consists of two parts – reining or “dry work” and cow work or “fence work.” In the reining portion, the horse follows a predetermined pattern consisting of lead changes, spins and sliding stops. Then the action really picks up with the cow work. The horse matches wits with the cow – holding it at one end of the arena to show control and then driving the cow down the fence, turning it in both directions. Finally, the horse must move the cow to the center of the arena and circle it in each direction.

Featured competitors include champions Todd Crawford of Blanchard, Oklahoma; Robbie Schroeder of Gainesville, Texas; Jimmie Paul of Phoenix, Arizona; Ron Emmons of Ione, California; and AQHA all-time leading breeder Carol Rose of Gainesville, Texas.

 

Highlights from the reining and cutting events also will be featured along with an update about the World Equestrian Games featuring reining, which will be in Lexington, Kentucky, in 2010.

 

The program is presented by Bank of America and includes NBC and Universal Sports on-air announcer Tim Ryan and NBC’s reporter for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes Donna Brothers along with AQHA Professional Horseman Robbie Boyce of Jacksboro, Texas, as analyst.

 

Universal Sports, a partnership between NBC Sports and InterMedia Partners, serves as the preeminent multiplatform destination for Olympic-related and lifestyle sports programming available on television and online. Universal Sports is a 24-hour television channel available in 30 million television households in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Hartford, New Haven, Las Vegas, Reno and Omaha. Major world championship and Olympic qualifying events found on Universal Sports range from track and field, skiing, swimming, gymnastics, equestrian, marathons and cycling, to volleyball, rowing, triathlon, fencing, speed skating and martial arts. UniversalSports.com delivers an immersive experience via live and on-demand competition coverage, interaction with top athletes through blogs and in-depth access to Olympic sports news and information year round. For more information on the availability of the Universal Sports 24-hour television channel, please visit UniversalSports.com.

 

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

Absorbine® Myoplast® Honors Reining Competitors At Jacksonville Equestrian Center

Jacksonville, FL- Two happy riders recently rode away from the Florida Reining Horse Association Snowbird Slide show with extra prizes – giant gift baskets full of Absorbine products thanks to a sponsorship from Absorbine® Myoplast®. The National Reining Horse Association show, with sponsored classes from Absorbine, was held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Gus Spreng, aboard Smart Little Dudley, was the winner of the Rookie Level 2 class sponsored by Absorbine, and Terry Carter, on Katie Luck Be A Lad, won the Absorbine sponsored Green Reiner 2 class. Carter trains with George Aldridge from Webster, Florida.

"Competitors in the sport of reining were vying for some wonderful prizes sponsored through our partnership with Absorbine Myoplast. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was excited to be part of the partnership that provides sponsorship for this special event hosted by the Florida Reining Association," said Lesa Williams, Jacksonville Equestrian Center SMG Assistant General Manager.

"The attractive gift baskets were given to riders in entry level classes   and they were just thrilled," said Amanda Miller, show manager, adding that both classes were for non-professional, amateur riders. "The green class is our most entry level class, for those riders just trying to break into the sport. The rookie level is the next step up, for those that have gained some experience in the show pen, but do not yet feel ready to compete with the top level non-professional riders."

Absorbine was pleased to sponsor the show and introduce riders to Myoplast, an amino acid supplement formulated to support muscle performance in horses. European champions have been using Myoplast, the number-one-selling muscle supplement in Germany and only available in Europe through veterinarians, for many years. Absorbine Myoplast is now sold in the United States and is available at local tack shops, in catalogs and feed stores.

"The products are used by all the horsemen so they were really thrilled," Williams said, adding that the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, which opened in 2004 and is one of the premier equestrian facilities in the Southeast, will host two NHRA shows at its facility this year.

To find out more information on Absorbine Myoplast, visit their website at www.absorbine.com.

Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies Joins Chester Weber's Team of Sponsors

Ocala, FL - Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies is pleased to announce they are jumping on the wagon with Chester Weber, or in this case the carriage. Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies, a well-respected feed manufacturer since 1919, is sponsoring one of the world's most famous carriage drivers -- World Silver Medalist Combined Driver Chester Weber.

Weber will be officially introduced as a "Pennfield Promise Partner" during Pennfield's "That's A Promise" tour Grand Gala Kick-Off party on February 8 in Wellington. The "That's A Promise" tour, which is co-sponsored by KER and the USEF, allows equestrians the opportunity to discuss developing their full potential as well as living up to the promise they have made to care for their horses to the best of their ability. During the Grand Gala Kick-Off, which promises to be quite a party, a high-end silent auction will also take place to support the USEF Young Rider fund. Weber will also take part in the first educational presentation of the "That's A Promise" tour on February 9th in Ocala.

Weber's champion team relies on high quality feeds from Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies, and the results show. Weber and his team are six-time U.S. National Combined Driving Champions, and Weber made history in 2008 when he became the first American to win an individual medal in the Four-in-Hand FEI World Driving Championships in Beesd, The Netherlands.

"Chester's been successful in his career because he knows that the horse comes first, which is exactly what Pennfield stands for. That's why his horse Jamaica, a Pennfield-fed horse who Chester has done an amazing job with, was named the USEF Horse of the Year for 2008. When it comes to Pennfield Feed, that just about says it all right there," said Jeff Katelan, National Sales and Marketing Manager, Pennfield Country Life Products.

Weber, who was named a 2008 Equestrian of Honor by the USEF, recently represented Pennfield during the USEF annual meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, during a breakout session. USEF members had the chance to speak with Chester about Pennfield and the feed he uses for his team.

"Two things I admire and respect about Chester is that he knows what's in his control, and he knows exactly what his goals are. With WEG in his sights, one thing that without a doubt is within his control between now and then is the nutrition that goes into his horses. He knows that's what gives him an edge, and that's why he's always chosen Pennfield. Knowing he'd been feeding Pennfield of his own accord, it was a natural progression to bring him into the fold as an official Pennfield Promise Partner," Katelan said.

Weber feeds the EnduroEvent Ener-G feed from Pennfield's Gold Medal Line. The Pennfield Specialty Feeds are designed for the intense needs of high performance horses. This calorie-rich "Gold Medal" line feed contains vitamin and mineral fortification and Diamond V Yeast Culture- everything Weber's horses need to for peak performance.

For more information on Pennfield Equine Feed Technologies, visit their website at www.pennfield.com. For more information on Chester Weber visit his website at www.chesterweber.com.

The Paddock Saddlery "Smart Station" Returns To Help Dressage Competitors

Wellington, FL- One of the best "dressage inventions" in recent history will again be available in Wellington this winter when The Paddock Saddlery brings its "Smart Station" to town. The "Smart Station" will be located in the Paddock Saddlery's mobile store during the prestigious winter dressage circuit.

The "Smart Station," a place for dressage competitors to ask questions and have them answered, is the brainchild of The Paddock Saddlery owner Lisa Gorretta, dressage Technical Delegate. At the "Smart Station," dressage competitors can ask questions ranging from dressage rules, the correct length of a dressage whip, which bits are legal or any other number of topics.

Gorretta, a dressage Technical Delegate with over 25 years of regional and national dressage committee experience, will man the "Smart Station" and make sure the competitors follow the dressage rules to the letter. "It is an easy way for us to assist the competitors and have them avoid costly mistakes," Gorretta said.

The "Smart Station" will again offer a "whip snip" service in which Gorretta will measure competitor's whips and snip them if they are not the correct length. New whip lengths are 120 cm, which is 47.32 inches and not 48 inches, so many competitors will find the "whip snip" service handy.

Other questions competitors may ask includes the issue of wearing half chaps in competitions. Gorretta said half chaps can now be worn in USEF first and training level competitions.

As the owner of The Paddock Saddlery, Gorretta is dedicated to helping the  dressage community. Gorretta has served the USDF on local, regional and national levels and currently serves on the USEF Dressage Committee.

The Paddock Saddlery caters to the needs of dressage riders, from tack and clothing to saddle fitting. The Paddock Saddlery merged with A'Dashi, a popular dressage fashion boutique, and together they provide equestrians with the finest in couture and functional riding wear.

For more information on The Paddock Saddlery, visit their website at www.paddocksaddlery.com or stop by the mobile store for answers to all your technical questions.

 

The "Smart Station" will be at these shows in Florida:

January 29 – February 1: ESP Wellington-Dressage of the Masters CDI*****, WPB/Wellington

February 6-8: Wellington Classic Spring Challenge-CDI***/Y, Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, West Palm Beach

February 21-22: Welcome Back to White Fences I, Loxahatchee

February 26 – March 1: Palm Beach Derby CDI-W/Y, WPB/Loxahatchee

March 6-8: Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge II, Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, West Palm Beach

March 12-15: WEF Dressage Classic CDI-W/Y/J, WPB/Wellington

March 21-22: Welcome Back to White Fences II & III, WPB/Loxahatchee

March 27-29: Dressage at Equestrian Estates, WPB/Loxahatchee, FL  

2009 "OPEN TO THE WORLD" NRHA EUROPEAN FUTURITY AND NRHA SHOW - Enter Now!

Offering in addition to the NRHA European Futurity, a NRHA-approved Full-Slate-Show will be held - 

This means: Category 1 Classes, open for horses of all ages!

Kreuth, Germany - January 26, 2009 - The first ever 'OPEN TO THE WORLD' NRHA European Futurity and NRHA Show will take place in Rieden-Kreuth, Germany March 23-29. The NRHA European Futurity will award the highest prize money ever paid out outside of the United States, and will be the event of the year for riders and visitors in Europe! Whoever wants to experience a history-making show, needs to attend. 

The Futurity classes are open to four-year-old horses with the best horses and riders in the world expected to participate at this European Futurity in Germany. All levels of Futurity Open and Non Pro classes are offered with an exceptionally high purse.

Additionally, the show offers a Full-Slate of NRHA classes for horses of all ages with appealing prize monies.

The total prize money of the Show is $ 284,000 added. We invite all reiners from all over to participate in this unique Show. Interesting Reining classes for all levels, from Youth to Open, are offered. Therefore, this first ever NRHA European Futurity and NRHA Show is a MUST for every reiner whose heart beats for the amazing sport of Reining!

NRHA Category 1 Classes:

$15,000 Open Lawson Trophy  

$5,000 Intermediate Open

$500 Limited Open

$7,000 Non-Pro Lawson Trophy

$3,500 Intermediate Non-Pro

$200 Limited Non-Pro

$1,000 Novice Horse Open Level 2

$1,000 Novice Horse Non-Pro Level 2

Jackpot Rookie Level 2

Jackpot Youth 13 & under

Jackpot Youth 14 & 18 under

Attention:

Entry deadline for participating reiners is February 17th, 2009.

Entry forms and Show conditions to download at:

www.nrha.com  

www.nrha-european-futurity.com 

www.reining-deutschland.de  

www.itrha.com 

ARHA Rewards Youth Members for Their Reading and Their Riding

Since the founding of the American Ranch Horse Association in 2004, the organization has been dedicated to supporting its youth members in a variety of ways. In 2009, ARHA expanded its support with a new scholarship program. Recognizing that some youth members excel in the saddle and others' highest strengths are in school, ARHA is offering two opportunities for them to earn scholarships for continuing education.
 
High-Point Youth Scholarship Program

The newest ARHA scholarship program is based on youth members' performance in the show ring. A $500 scholarship will be awarded each year for the ARHA youth member who earns the most points in competition from January 1 through December 31. 
 
Youth members of any age are eligible to win the scholarship award, although the money will be kept in an interest-bearing account and awarded when the member enrolls in a post-secondary education program such as a college or trade school. There is no application process, as all members' and horses' points are automatically tracked by ARHA.
 
The High-point Youth Scholarship winner will be announced during the ARHA National Convention each year. 
 
Youth Academic-Based Scholarship Program

ARHA youth members who are planning to enroll in or who are already enrolled in post-secondary education such as a college or trade school are eligible to apply for an academic-based scholarship. Each applicant must be a current member in good standing and have been an ARHA member for a minimum of two years to be eligible. An application form and further application details are available on the ARHA website. 
 
The deadline for academic-based scholarship applications is December 31 each year. The recipient will be notified in June, and announcements of scholarship winners will be made at the ARHA World Championship Show.
 
ARHA and its regional charter clubs host fundraising programs throughout the year for the scholarship programs, including silent auctions and individual and corporate donations.
 
"As in our mission statement, we promote well-broke, reliable working horses and members who share a love for the equine athlete. We promote these scholarship programs to help our hard-working, reliable youth who share that same love. We are truly proud of our youth and believe they will help take ARHA to the next level," said ARHA executive secretary Erica Keeney.
 
Formed in 2004, the American Ranch Horse Association promotes the abilities of the all-around versatile working horse in a positive atmosphere where western tradition is genuinely honored. Rapidly growing with more than 7,000 members, ARHA hosts competitions, clinics and educational events throughout the year. 
 
For more information about the ARHA scholarship programs, visit www.americanranchhorse.net/scholarship.htm or call 606-872-2742.

FTI RIDER CHALLENGE - $200,000

FTI WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

As of Jan. 25, 2009

Rank

Name

Country 

Points

 1.

Peter Charles

GBR         

249

 2.

Lauren Hough

USA

233

 3.

Beezie Madden

USA

225

 4.

Charlie Jayne

USA

222

 5.

Marilyn Little-Meredith

USA

217

 6.

Georgina Bloomberg

USA

202

 7.

Debbie Stephens

USA

191

 8.

McLain Ward

USA

181

 9. 

Natalie Johnson                     

USA

173

10.

Rebecca Johanson-Hoffman

USA

167

11.

Ali Wolff

USA

150

12.

Margie Engle

USA

144

13.

Mario Deslauriers

CAN

139

14.

Todd Minikus  

USA

138

15.

Amy Millar

CAN

136

16. 

Ramiro Quintana            

ARG

133

17.

Andrew Welles

USA

124

Robin Sweely

USA

124

19.

Peter Wylde

USA

123

20.

Leslie Howard

USA

120

21.

Danielle Torano

USA

116

22.

Candice King

USA

113

23.

Christine McCrea

USA

112

24.

Sloane Coles 

USA      

108

25.   

Jonathon Miller   

CAN

107

The FTI Rider Challenge accumulates points from a series of designated Grand Prix events at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. $200,000 is awarded at the end of WEF to the top four riders--$100,000 to 1st place, $50,000 2nd, $30,000 3rd and $20,000 4th.

--

FTI exists to help companies and their stakeholders protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex economic, legal and regulatory environment. FTI is the trusted advisor entrenched in many of the game-changing events that make headlines, move markets and create business history. To locate one of FTI's offices in the United States or around the world, call: 410.951.4800 or online at www.fticonsulting.com.

Lauren Hough & Naomi 152 Win $50,000 Braman Motorcars Grand Prix

Beezie Madden & Danny Boy Second at FTI Winter Equestrian Festival

By ROXANE THEIDEL

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 25--Sydney 2000 Olympian Lauren Hough on her new mount, Naomi 152, Sunday posted her first grand prix win of the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in the $50,000 Braman Motorcars CSI-2* at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Of the 55 starting riders, 13 combinations  moved on to the jump off where only four combinations went clear.

Hough, of Wellington, and Naomi 152, owned by Quail Run Partners, completed the short course in 39 secs. flat, only 0.39 secs. faster than 2004 and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y. aboard Danny Boy, owned by Abigail Wexner. Rounding out the top three was Charlie Jayne of Elgin, Ill. and Urbanus.

"The first course didn't suit a big horse, but in the jump off I did five strides instead of six down the last line and I think that was the difference," Hough said of her winning ride.

This is only the third time Hough has competed the mare and said she believes she "is a really special horse."

"But learning a big horse like her has been the biggest challenge so far."

Madden chose to do six strides down the last line because "it was only his first Sunday Grand Prix and he is nine years old," she said of Danny Boy, whom she has brought up the ranks since acquiring him as a five-year-old.

Danny Boy was the best young horse at Aachen, Germany last year and "may have to end up stepping into the number one spot," because her 2004 and 2008 Olympic mount, Authentic, also owned by Abigail Wexner, and the Iron Spring Farm's stallion, Judgment, have been left home to rest for the winter.

Pl Horse                  Rider                            Nat      Faults  Time    Faults  Time

___________________________________________________________

1. Naomi 152               Lauren Hough              USA         0     83.82        0     39.00

2. Danny Boy               Beezie Madden            USA         0     85.05        0    39.39

3. Urbanus                   Charlie Jayne               USA         0     87.28        0    41.38

4. Mila                          Georgina Bloomberg    USA         0    86.70         0    45.19

5. Murka's Pom d'Ami  Peter Charles               GBR        0     83.38         4    38.62

6. Chapeau Z               Debbie Stephens         USA         0     86.72         4    39.83

7. Ranville                    Frankie Chesler0Ortiz   CAN        0     86.46         4    41.38

8. Costa Rica               Amy Millar                     CAN        0     86.52         4    42.23

9. Skara Glen's Davos Candice King                USA         0     87.25        4     46.08

10. Comtesse du Lys   Marilyn Little-Meredith  USA         0    84.87         8     37.64

Mustangs Bring Magical Performance to Fort Worth Stock Show; Adoption sale averages more than $3,800

January 25, Bertram, Texas - The fans had it right. When given the opportunity to predict the winner of the January 23-24 Mustang Magic competition, more than 10,000 voted on line for Norman, Oklahoma's Bill Lopez and the mustang Spoonful of Buckshot. The team did not disappoint as they bested a field of 11 other mustangs at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Spoonful of Buckshot, a well-made five-year-old buckskin gelding, captured the attention of the judges and the standing room only crowd in the 2,000-seat John Justin arena during both the preliminary round January 23 and freestyle finals January 24. As fans waved posters proclaiming Lopez and Buckshot worthy of a "10" ride, judge and Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Carol Rose of Gainesville, Tex., shared their assessment, giving the duo a "10" for both technical skill and artistic merit.  PRCA World Champion and judge J.D. Yates of Pueblo, Colo., matched her score, while former Pitchfork Land Cattle Company General Manager Bob Moorehouse posted 9.5 scores, as did Equibrand CEO Ken Bray of Morgan Mill, Tex.

"I can hardly believe this horse has only been in training for 125 days," said Rose. "I don't see stops on a lot of reiners at 125 days like this horse already had."

Sponsored by Hull Construction, Mustang Magic, developed from the highly successful Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions and produced by the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), debuted at the Stock Show to rave reviews and featured 11 trainers from across the country that have already shown their mettle as mustang trainers. The trainers were as unique as the horses they trained with stories ranging from an Arizona beauty queen to a former inmate who changed his life in the course of training mustangs. Horses were released to trainers for training in late September 2008 after being carefully selected for the Stock Show by Bureau of Land Management officials.

Buckshot was placed for adoption immediately following the competition, with Moorhouse, Bray and Yates quickly forming a syndicate to join the bidding but was beat out by an enthusiastic crowd of interested buyers as the buckskin brought $7,000. Yates said the horse went for about half of what he was worth.

Ironically, it was the horse finishing last that rang the bell for the highest-adopting animal as a Las Vegas club and casino owner claimed High Mileage Mike for $8,500. Trained by Monett, Missouri's Chad Kelly, Mike's adopter was clearly betting on the come with the flashy gray that Kelly said would be one of his best yet. Adoptions averaged $3,877.27 on 11 head.

"This colt is definitely one of the best I've ever worked with," said Kelly, who has trained more than 100 mustangs for competition and through the Foundation's Trainer Incentive Program.

Mustang Magic had all the elements of popular TV reality shows, with fans given the opportunity to text message in their vote for fan favorite following the Friday night performance and judges critiquing contestants with prompting by famed horseman Chris Cox before holding up scores to either the cheers or boos of the crowd.

The Foundation plans to place another 1,000 horses for adoption in 2009, having placed in excess of that number since the beginning of the Extreme Mustang Makeover in September 2007. Since it's creation, an estimated 100,000 fans have filled the stands and walked the barns of events held across the U.S. and fans will have even more chances in 2009 as the Foundation will hold 10 events from Oregon to Florida. Following the invitational Mustang Magic competition is the Northwest Extreme Mustang Makeover in Albany, Ore. March 19-21; the Gatorland Extreme Mustang Makeover held in conjunction with Lynn Palm's Women LUV Horses in Ocala, Fla., April 3-5; the Midwest Extreme Mustang Makeover in Madison, Wis., April 19-21; the Norco Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge May 15-17 in Norco, Calif., the Western States Extreme Mustang Makeover June 12-14 in Sacramento and the Wyoming Extreme Mustang Makeover August 14-16 in Douglas.

Two more competitions will be offered as "national" in Fort Worth in September and Murfreesboro, Tenn., in October with 100 trainers accepted for each event and two competition divisions will be offered, Legends and Idols.

The Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), created the Extreme Mustang Makeover and Mustang Challenge events to highlight the recognized value of American Mustangs through a national training competition. The event will give the public a unique opportunity to see the results of wild horses becoming trained mounts and then participate in a competitive bidding process to adopt one of these treasured animals. The purpose of the competition is to showcase the beauty, versatility, and trainability of these rugged horses that roam freely on public lands throughout the West, where they are protected by the BLM under Federal law.

Nearly 30,000 Mustangs roam federal lands across the country. In order to manage the herds and maintain both land and herd health, the BLM oversees the adoption of wild horses and burros through public adoptions held throughout the United States. Since 1973, more than 219,000 wild horses and burros have been adopted.

Results:

1.    Spoonful of Buckshot, trained by Bill Lopez of Norman, Okla. Total score: 562. Adopted for $7,000.

2.    Jabez, trained by Cindy Branham of Topeka, Kan. Total score: 553. Adopted for $5,200.

3.    Sundance, trained by Joe Misner of Idaho. Total score 538.5. Adopted for $4,000.

4.    Trooper, trained by Wylene Wilson of Queen Creek, Ariz. Total score 500.5. Adopted for $2,200.

5.    Chance, trained by Lonnie Aragon of Colorado Springs, Colo. Total score 473.5. Adopted for $6,500.

6.    Davey Crockett, trained by Chase Dodd of Soddy Daisy, Tenn. Total score: 470. Adopted for $1,800.

7.    Lyle, trained by Dave Schaffner of Lampasas, Tex. Total score 397.5. Adopted for $1,800.

8.    Smoke, trained by Ken Schwab of Hutto, Tex. Total score 395. Adopted for $800.

9.    Forest Gump, trained by Weldon Hawley of Vernon, Tex. Total score 378.5. Adopted for $1,650.

10.     Jacks to Win, trained by Suzanne Myers, PhD, of Port Matilda, Penn. Total score. 356.5. Adopted for $3,200.

11.    High Mileage Mike, trained by Chad Kelly of Monet, Mo. Total score: 326.5. Adopted for $8,500.

About the Mustang Heritage Foundation

The mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the goal of the Extreme Mustang Makeover is to increase the adoption of mustangs across the country. The Mustang Heritage Foundation created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event to showcase the recognized value of mustangs through a national training competition.

About the Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing 258 million acres of public lands, located mostly in the West.  Wild horses and burros roaming public rangelands are managed in a manner consistent with BLM's overall multiple-use mission, as set forth in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 219,000 horses and burros into private care through adoption. For more information, visit wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or call 866-4MUSTANGS.

Equine Motorcoach at the Exquis World Dressage Masters in Wellington, Florida

(Wellington, Fl.) – Equine Motorcoach has made its home at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida. When founding partner, Mark Bellissimo, invited the unique all-in-one, luxury motorized RV and horse transport to exhibit at the 2009 event, Equine Motorcoach principals welcomed the opportunity.

“We could not ask for a better place this winter to exhibit the Coach,” said Bob Wiegand, who travels with the Equine Motorcoach. “Our prospective customers are definitely at WEF. It is a great winter home base for us.”

“WEF is producing spectacular equestrian events and providing the highest level of facilities and services to build a top equestrian showcase,” said Julie Calzone, Equine Motorcoach principal and dressage competitor. “This week’s Exquis World Dressage Master event is a perfect example of their achievements”

The Exquis World Dressage Masters runs Thursday, January 29 through Saturday, January 31. $135,000 prize money has attracted the top U.S. and international riders to the spectacular Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. This list of riders is the Who’s Who of the international scene with many who were Olympic, World Cup and World Equestrian Games medalists.

Friday and Saturday will present two days of unprecedented dressage festivities in the United States with the entire International Arena including the International Club, VIP boxes and general admission seating available for reservations.

On Friday, Anky van Grunsven will host a clinic with a group of selected riders in the International Arena under lights, an environment that is similar to the 2008 Olympic equestrian venue in which van Grunsven won her third straight Olympic individual gold medal. The riders in the clinic include young riders, small tour competitors and Grand Prix combinations.

Saturday will be the World Dressage Masters highlight with the $40,000 Grand Prix Special and $80,000 Grand Prix Freestyle.

“Mark, his team, WEF and this facility are very special to us,” said Calzone. “This is the place we debuted our Equine Motorcoach, sponsored our first events and launched our dream. I am always amazed at how they continue to work night and day to add new things that create that ‘wow’ factor for spectators and competitors.”

The Show Grounds covering well over 80 acres host the complete range of jumping, children's, juniors and young rider class and show hunters competitions for both professionals and amateurs in several arenas. In addition to a re-design and upgrade of the facilities that has been home to the WEF for a quarter century, outdoor cafes, extensive landscaping and infrastructure improvements were developed.

Sexes Battle for a Spectator Win Saturday Night at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 24--Male against female. Husbands battling wives. Established stars challenged by sparkling newcomers. Olympic gold versus Olympic gold.

The winners were thousands of spectators who turned out Saturday night for the Battle of the Sexes at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, the first time for such an event in the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center that has been completely remodeled at a cost of $10 million.

For the record, the team of 10 women scored 31 points to win $50,000 shared between them, while the runnersup (males) scored 24 points and collected $5,000.

The teams competed in three contests -- a speed class over jumps at about 1.35 meters, a match race in which male and female riders raced their horses over jumps side by side and a six-bar in which each combination jumps a straight line of obstacles that get progressively higher until one wins or they call it quits.

The event was created in hopes of drawing spectators to PBIEC for a Saturday night of festivities that included the opening of a two-story Tiki hut overlooking the International Arena that was bathed in stadium lighting for the occasion. An Argentine asado party to welcome exhibitors to the world's leading winter circuit was held at the same time. So, too, were children's activites including a bounce house, face painting and other fun festivities.

The result was thousands of spectators packed into the International Club, VIP boxes, the exhibitor party in the Special Events pavilion and near capacity general admission seating.

Among the highlights were relative newcomer Casey Hodges, 21, of Aiken, S.C. being the top scorer for the women with 10 points,  

equaling Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Russian Olympian Ljubov Kochetova won both her speed and match races, as did the USA's Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y. over Canada's Eric Lamaze who won individual gold and team silver at the 2008 Games. The top rider for the combined speed and match races was Candice King of Wellington, Fla. who took home a Nespresso coffee maker in addition to her share of the winner's purse. Jimmy Torano was equal first in the six-bar with Casey Hodges.

In addition to Jimmy riding against his wife, Danielle, Christine and Jonathan McCrea, husband and wife, also rode against each other.

LAEC Opener Kicks Off Southern California Show Season

BURBANK, CA -  Theodore Boris (trainers Laura Santana and Rick Fleiderman) started 2009 the same way he finished 2008. Boris took home nine equitation blues on Du Calme (Duke) from the LAEC Opener Horse Show; including winning both phases of the Washington International. He’s had the Dutch Warmblood for one year. "Last year was the first year I did equitation competitively," he said. "It gives me a better foundation and teaches me for jumpers. I ride without stirrups a lot. I’m working on getting stronger in my leg and softer with my hands. I focus on my upper body."

Boris has a jumper, Santor (Marley), and started equitation to improve his jumping. "Certain things I learn in equitation I use in jumpers," he said. "We’ll show Santor in the High Junior Jumpers this year. Flat work is important. My goals for this year are qualifying with Marley for Zone 10's NAJYRC Junior team and qualify for all the medals with Duke. I made the top 25 in the McClay at Syracuse last year."

Laura Ware moved seamlessly from the Junior Hunter ranks to the Amateur Owner ranks, winning the A/O 18-35 on her eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Parker she’s had for three years. They imported him from Europe where he’d done the 1.15 meter jumpers. "He was almost unrideable," explained Ware. "He was really strong and he was dragging me around. We did a lot of gymnastics, like putting down a collection pole. He’d jump and land way too far, or we’d end up with a horrible short stride. It wasn’t pretty." Ware started showing Parker in equitation classes and they added some hunter classes as well. "We started to do Junior Hunters to give him more experience. Now, he’s adjustable and rideable. He’s so trained that he does really well in the handy hunter classes. "

Ware finds it strange to be riding as an amateur. "It’s weird to be in the younger A?Os," she said. "I competed against a lot of these people as a little kid." Ware hopes to sell Parker so she can concentrate on her young Selle Francais jumper waiting in the wings. Ware’s mother, Carolyn Biava is a professional and the enjoy a dual relationship of mother-daughter and trainer-student. Ware is in her first year at UCLA.

Jane Fraze beat herself in the Amateur Owner Hunters 36 & Over. The first two rounds, she got blues with her new horse White Oak, but in the end it was the reliable Mandarin (Orange) who won the championship (Peter Lombardo, Trainer). "He (White Oak) belonged to a junior in Archie’s (Cox) barn," she said. "When I got back from indoors in 2008 they said I needed another horse and to practice more." In the open hunter sections, Mandarin was Regular Conformation Hunter champion with trainer Peter Lombardo. "Orange is 13," said Fraze. "He loves his job and he’s in great shape."

This was Lombardo’s first show on his own as Frontier Farm, and since Lombardo has always ridden Fraze’s horses she continued with him. Lombardo also got the ride on Martel (Star Lane Farms) and earned the championship in the Green Working Hunters. Elsa Horrigan of Star Lane Farms trains with Jim Hagman’s Elvenstar and plans to assume the ride on Martel as he gains experience.

Jamie Sailor (trainer Michael Edrick) won two championships: Large Junior Hunters on Edrick’s Golden Touch (Goldie) and Junior/AO Jumper champion on Tiny Toons. "Goldie just turned five," she said. "She’s a baby. This was her first real show and her first time in Junior Hunters. She was really good. I’m excited that she’s doing so well. She is a really cool horse. She’s fun to ride and has a good future."

Tiny Toons, a Danish Warmblood, is 18’1". "We started calling him Tiny," she said. "I’ve had him for a year. This is his first show back from an injury. He was four months in recovery. He won two classes and was second, and we had no rails. It’s a great way to start the year. He’s only seven. I hope to do my first grand prix in Arizona. He’s such a big horse. We work on lengthening and shortening for elasticity."

Le Petiit was Children’s Jumper champion with owner Clancey Cornell in the irons (trainer Kathy Megla). "He’s mainly a jumper," said Cornell. "We’re planning to move up a few levels. This was the first time we did the 1.15 meter and we won a class." Cornell rides her father’s horse, Add Years On in equitation. "I used to like equitation but now it’s jumpers," she said. "It’s addictive. I ride the two horses differently. Dad’s equitation horse is softer and slower. Pete is crazy fast. Pete is a little wild but he’s careful."

Over in the Pony Hunter arena, Tara Spencer (trainer Jeni Brown) won the Large Pony Hunter championship on Storytime. "She’s really an all around pony," said Spencer. "She came from Holland where she was a pony jumper. We quieted her down to make her a hunter. She has a really big stride. I can do horse strides at home. We are going to do all pony medals., and we’ve already qualified for the USEF Pony Hunter Finals."

The LAEC Opener kicked off LEG’s hunter/jumper shows at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Complete results are online at: http://www.langershows.com/laec_show_details.php?show_id=99

World's Greatest Horseman, NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere, Circle Y Ranch Derby

NRCHA Fort Dodge Celebration of Champions to Begin January 31

Just days remain until the commencement of the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Fort Dodge Animal Health Celebration of Champions. The prestigious reined cow horse event has moved to a new home – the 1st Community Federal Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo, Texas. The new venue is sure to make great impressions on the exhibitors, thanks to the hospitality and support from the San Angelo Community.

From complimentary shuttle services to points of interest in San Angelo and a concierge desk to help plan excursions, to exhibitor breakfasts and help finding stalls, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association and its volunteers have rallied together in hopes of making this event spectacular.

The nine days of competition begin on January 31. The nation's top 4- and 5-year-old cow horses compete in herd work, rein work, and cow work in the Circle Y Ranch SRCHA Derby, which will conclude on February 2. In 2008, the three-day event crowned champions in seven divisions paid out an impressive $107,303 to 203 entries. Corey Cushing piloted Soula Moolah to the Open Championship, pocketing $11,753.

On February 3, the preliminary competition kicks off for the 2008 NRCHA World Championship Show, presented by John Deere. All year long, contestants showed in the 12 reined cow horse classes to earn a chance to compete for the World title. Last year the show saw 289 entries compete in preliminary competition with the top 10 in each class advancing to the clean-slate finals for a chance at a title and part of the $171,299 purse. The World Championship Show Finals will be held Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7.

And on February 8, the final day of the Celebration of Champions, the Western horse industry's best riders and horses will team up for the World's Greatest Horseman contest to win one very impressive title. The event tests each team's skill in the traditional reined cow horse events – cutting, reining, and cow work – but also adds one more element, steer stopping, to the mix. The 31 entries will compete in the preliminary competition early in the week, narrowing the field to the top ten. In 2008, Russell Dilday and Topsails Rien Maker earned the Championship and $30,000 – and are retuning in 2009 to avenge their title. In fact, every former Champion rider will be competing in the event in 2009.

Admission to the NRCHA Fort Dodge Animal Health Celebration of Champions is free during the Circle Y Ranch SRCHA Derby and Preliminary week, and will be $5 February 6-7 and $10 on February 8 for the World's Greatest Horseman Finals. There will also be a weekend package available for $15. Along with the great reined cow horse action in the arena, participants can enjoy a great trade show, which will be in the arena concourse and in the NAME building.

This year will be one for the NRCHA's history books. Along with the move of one of its largest shows, the Association will celebrate its 60th Anniversary, and the new NRCHA Youth Association will announce its first NRCHYA Officers.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2009, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes John Deere, Adequan®, Wayne Hodges 4-Star Trailers and Outlaw Conversions, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, Great American Insurance Company and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.

Rare Opportunity - The HEAL Experience for Less

Chehalis, WA — Internationally renowned horsewoman and psychotherapist, Leigh Shambo, MSW, LMHC, offers her introductory seminar, Invisible Horsemanshipä in Chehalis, Washington on Saturday, February 28th.  Leigh practices Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning (EFP/L) which is a growing field creating worldwide interest in this unique approach to being with horses through which people have the opportunity to learn about themselves.  Leigh’s commitment to broadly sharing the power of this work has led her to offer this one-day experiential seminar for a reduced fee for those who register with a friend, an offer she rarely extends.

Leigh Shambo, MSW, LMHC, founder of HEAL (Human-Equine Alliances for Learning), has developed a curriculum for building an active relationship with the horse that is powerfully transformative at the personal level.  The purpose of the work is to promote human healing and evolution through the creative and non-violent experience of the horse-human bond.  Participants often experience dramatic positive changes in a single session, reporting the results as “life-changing.” 

Leigh Shambo’s equestrian coaching and interpersonal therapy focus on a blend of psychological savvy, energetic awareness and relationship building with horses. Her work attracts clients interested in personal growth, psychological, spiritual and energy work across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

“The most meaningful work for horses today is to guide us in a new language of connection—to nature, to ourselves and to each other,” says Leigh.  Her “Horse-Human Connection” workshop, “teaches people about that elusive quality known as ‘feel,’ while applying gentle and effective principles that work in virtually all relationships,” Leigh believes.

Leigh Shambo, MSW, LMHC, is a clinical therapist, educator, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State.  She incorporates her lifelong work with horses into her practice; using horses in her therapeutic strategies.  Leigh is a frequent guest lecturer and has been invited to present workshops throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.  She is a member of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Chapter of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), and an Advanced Instructor in Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning, certified by Linda Kohanov’s Epona Center in Tucson, Arizona.  When not teaching or traveling, Leigh can be found at home on her ranch near Chehalis, Washington, nurturing and being nurtured by her herd of five horses.

For further information please contact:

Leigh Shambo, MSW

Therapist and Educator

leigh@humanequinealliance.org

(360) 266-0778

www.humanequinealliance.org

Exclusive Genetics Sponsors NRBC Open Draw Party

The National Reining Breeders Classic has announced a new twist to a favorite event. This year the always-anticipated NRBC Open Draw Party will be sponsored by Exclusive Genetics.

The annual Draw Party is one of the trademark events of the NRBC, scheduled for April 13-19, in Katy, Texas. The draw is done for each finals with special collectible finalist wine glasses and the décor features the NRBC crystal awards throughout the upstairs party room at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum. But this year the decoration and the drama take on a new theme – borrowing from the excitement of the bucking bull industry.

Exclusive Genetics, the new sponsor of the Open Draw Party, is an Orchard, Texas-based company that is a leader in breeding bucking bulls, and is also the creator of the Million Dollar Bucking Bull Futurity.  Billy Jaynes, Exclusive Genetics CEO said, "We are thrilled to be working with the NRBC. The reining horse industry and bucking bull industry have so much in common, great people and great animals. The animals are truly athletes in both of these exciting events, and while both industries are business oriented they are also about having fun and watching the animals compete.  At Exclusive Genetics we provide a place for fans of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to become more involved in the bull business. We want to give them the ability to have some fun, but also provide many new investment opportunities for people excited about our industry."

The Million Dollar Bucking Bull Futurity is an awesome opportunity for anyone to own their own bull, name him, watch him grow and ultimately compete for one million dollars. Exclusive Genetics is creating bull calves from top PBR bull genetics and offering 100% ownership in these calves. This unique program fits right in with the concept of the NRBC, as both venues focus on genetics that are from a select group of sires. Exclusive Genetics has taken the concept a little further and has combined the idea of a breeder's classic with the excitement of an NFL type draft. Much like how the NRBC finalists get to pick what number they will show in the final event, Exclusive Genetics gets their participants on stage at the PBR Finals in Vegas to choose their bull calf according to their draft pick.  Purchasing a place in the draft allows buyers to pick from a list of existing pregnancies, then when the bull calf is weaned the buyer can take physical possession of his or her bull, or leave it with Jaynes or choose another trainer to get it ready to take a chance at the Million Dollar purse. Even a person who knows nothing about bucking bulls and lives in a high rise can participate. Fittingly, Exclusive Genetics' slogan is "No Truck, No Trailer, No Ranch, No Experience Necessary." 

The National Reining Breeders Classic and Exclusive Genetics partnered up thanks to the help of longtime NRBC sponsor, Victoria Lambert, President of Caballo Rojo Publishing, an agricultural marketing firm. NRBC Secretary and Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux noted, "Victoria has been a great advocate of the NRBC, as a sponsor and winning owner. We appreciate her generosity and support of the NRBC."

"When Billy and his wife, Kay, visited me to discuss some marketing ideas they saw all the reining horse photos that I have in my office," Lambert said.  "Kay knew what reining was all about and when I told them about my favorite show, the NRBC, they really wanted to be a part of it. Exclusive Genetics has customers from all over and they are hoping that some of their bull owners will come and join them in the sponsor's area to watch the reining. After all, if you love to watch animals that are athletes you have to love watching reining horses and bucking bulls." 

Besides being the creator of The Million Dollar Bucking Bull Futurity, Exclusive Genetics sponsors such great bull riders as, Mike Lee, McKennon Wimberly, Pistol Robinson, and Josh Koschel. For information on Exclusive Genetics, visit the web site at www.exclusivegenetics.com.

The National Reining Breeders Classic is the most successful stallion incentive program in reining history. In just twelve years, the NRBC has grown to include upwards of 275 subscribed stallions and in 2008, there were over 2,800 enrolled foals. Annually, the payout at the National Reining Breeders Classic exceeds $1.4 million. For information on the NRBC, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.

Non-Stop Hoof-Care Learning Coming At Every Turn

There’s still time to register for the world’s premier footcare event being held in early February in Cincinnati

 

BROOKFIELD, WIS. — Featuring in-depth sessions on all aspects of equine footcare, the 6th annual International Hoof-Care Summit offers 76 hours of continuing education opportunities.

Being held from February 3 to 6, 2009, in Cincinnati, Ohio, this sixth annual event will offer solid footcare answers from 49 outstanding farriers, equine vets and hoof researchers. While the audience is mainly hoof-care professionals, the American Farriers Journal hosted 4-day Summit will also appeal to horse owners wishing to learn much more about the equine foot.

Along with 74 in-depth general sessions, Hoof-Care Classrooms and Hoof-Care Roundtables, the Summit includes a trade show with more than 90 exhibitors introducing their many new footcare products for 2009. The event is being held in the Duke Energy Center and the Hilton Hotel in downtown Cincinnati.

You can download a copy of the 12-page Summit program at americanfarriers.com or by calling (866) 838-8455. Besides outlining all aspects of this intensive footcare event, the program offers details on how to register for the event via the Internet, phone or with on–site registration in Cincinnati. Rooms are still available at the overflow Hyatt Regency Hotel by calling (800) 233-1234 or (513) 579-1234 and mentioning the money-saving $99 room rate for the Summit.

Some 65 hours of continuing education credits have been approved for equine veterinarians, veterinary technicians and farriers attending the Summit.

AAEP and Bayer Healthcare Animal Health Launch Improved GET-A-DVM Online Locator Service

 

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, in conjunction with Bayer Healthcare Animal Health, recently launched its new and improved GET-A-DVM locator service. This online service allows horse owners to locate AAEP-member veterinarians quickly and easily anywhere in the world.

 

The GET-A-DVM search engine has been updated to include advance search options such as practice type and services offered, and is updated daily to ensure the information listed for each AAEP member is current. Horse owners can access the GET-A-DVM service by visitingwww.aaep.org/horseowner and clicking on “Find a DVM in Your Area” on the “May We Help You” menu.

 

As a world leader in animal health, Bayer HealthCare Animal Health is committed to providing products and educational programs for veterinarians and horse owners alike. Bayer collaborates with the AAEP on a variety of educational initiatives, including the popular series of client education brochures. Additionally, Bayer exclusively sponsors two of AAEP's continuing education meetings (Focus and Resort Symposium) for veterinarians each year.

 

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

 

Larry Langer Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

BURBANK, CA - Earlier this month Larry Langer was honored with the California Professional Horseman’s Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Langer was recognized for a successful lifetime spent in the horse show industry.

Langer is best known as the President and CEO of Langer Equestrian Group, one of the top horse show management companies in the country. Among the many shows produced by LEG, Langer created the Los Angeles National, which is one of the most prestigious shows in the country and culminates the West Coast’s "A" circuit with championships, medal finals, and the LA National Grand Prix (CSI-W).

Langer also developed the Colorado Summer Circuit at the Colorado Horse Park, a four show series that attracts horses and riders from more than 25 states, Mexico and Canada. He and his management team have also served as the Competition Management for the North American Junior Young Rider Championships three different times, most recently in 2008, at the Colorado venue.

Highlights of Langer’s career include serving as the Show Jumping Competition Manager for the Olympic Games (1996 Atlanta, GA), and also managing the 1992 Show Jumping World Cup Finals (Del Mar, CA).

Langer’s success in horse show management is predicated on a lifetime spent riding, training, and teaching. Growing up in New York, Langer developed a solid foundation that he took to California when he attended college. He started riding, teaching and training while pursuing his Mechanical Engineering degree, and after working in the aerospace industry while teaching a small group of clients, he decided to dedicate his life to the horse show world. For ten years he owned and operated the Pacific Horse Center (Elk Grove, CA), and in addition to a stable full of top show horses, Langer also operated the Horsemastership program, three college accredited courses where a number of today’s successful professionals got their start. During this time he obtained his second college degree in Business Administration.

Langer also holds judging and steward licenses for both the USEF and the FEI. Throughout his career, Langer has been involved in governance, serving as either president of chairman of every major organization in California. He also served on the USEF Board of Directors, and was president of the National Hunter Jumper Council, the precursor to the USHJA on whose board he serves. He is also the co-chairman of the USEF Jumper Committee, Competition Management Committee, and the Legislative Committee.

Langer was honored by the award bestowed on him by the CPHA and his peers, which came as a complete surprise to him. "This is a great honor. Thank you," said Langer at an unusual loss for words when he accepted the award. Unbeknown to him many of his closest friends, peers, and family were in attendance to help celebrate and honor Langer:

 

Katie Young                 George Chatigny

Glenda McElroy           Sandra McKeon

Benjamin Martinez        Brenda Outwater

Charlotte Skinner         Joan & Walt Malkiewicz

Linda McRae               Robin Serfass

Michael Roy Curtis      Chris Collman

Kristen Schweiger        Ian Elliott 

 

 

LEG Up News provides public relations and marketing services to the equestrian sport. LEG Up News focuses primarily on the internet and web based solutions and activities. For more information or to obtain photos, please contact LEG UP News at LEGUpNews@aol.com. Additional stories from this and other shows are available and may be downloaded from our website at www.legupnews.com. Additional quotes may be available. Please contact us via e-mail.   

AMERICAN FARRIER’S ASSOCIATION 38th ANNUAL CONVENTION Awarded 29 CE Credits by RACE

 

Professional Farriers encourage Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians to attend their Chattanooga, TN Educational Event

 

 

Continuing education is a must for today’s professional farrier^TM.  And, often, that continuing education involves coordinating and collaborating with other equine professionals.

 

So it’s not just farriers who will gather in Chattanooga from February 25th through February 28th, 2009 for the American Farrier’s Association’s 38th Annual Convention.  AFA farriers will be joined by a number of equine veterinarians and veterinary technicians specializing in hoof care.

 

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians participating in the AFA’s hoofcare event qualify for up to 29 continuing education credits awarded through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) RACE program for continuing education*.

 

In making the announcement, Greg Johnson, an AFA Certified Farrier^TM, and AFA Convention Coordinator, stressed the importance of building collaborative relationships within the professional community, saying, “The AFA’s mission is all about promoting equine welfare, and recognizing hoofcare as a team effort is essential to that mission.”

 

 

·         From the AAVSB:  "The American Farrier’s Association’s 37th Annual Convention Program was reviewed and approved by the AAVSB RACE program for continuing education. Please contact the AAVSB RACE program at race@aavsb.orgshould you have any comments / concerns regarding this program's validity or relevancy to the veterinary profession."

 

 

The American Farrier’s Association is a non-profit organization with a mission to further the professional development of farriers, to provide leadership and resources for the benefit of the farrier industry, and to improve the welfare of the horse through continuing farrier education.  For more information about the American Farrier’s Association, call (859) 233-7411, or visit www.americanfarriers.ORG. 

 

Certification, Communication, Education, Innovation, Research ^TM

FTI RIDER CHALLENGE - $200,000

FTI WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL As of Jan. 22, 2009 Rank Name Country  Points  1. Peter Charles GBR          149  2. Marilyn Little-Meredith USA 127  3. Lauren Hough USA 123  4. Leslie Howard USA 120  5. Rebecca Johanson-Hoffman USA 119 Beezie Madden USA 119  7. Charlie Jayne USA 118  8. Ramiro Quintana ARG 117  9.  Andrew Welles                      USA 112 10. Todd Minikus USA 104 11. Margie Engle USA 102 12. McLain Ward USA 101 13. Georgina Bloomberg USA 100 14. Jorge Zamudio   ARG 94 15. Debbie Stephens USA 93 16.  Natalie Johnson             USA 89 17. Ali Wolff USA 88 18. Mario Deslauriers CAN 85 19. Christopher Pratt CAN 77 20. Bernardo Naveillan CHI 74 21. Robin Sweely USA 72 22. Shane Sweetnam IRL 71 23. Laura Kraut USA 67 24. Jenna Thompson  CAN       61 25.     Danielle Torano                     USA         58 The FTI Rider Challenge accumulates points from a series of designated Grand Prix events at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. $200,000 is awarded at the end of WEF to the top four riders--$100,000 to 1st place, $50,000 2nd, $30,000 3rd and $20,000 4th. Photo: Great Britain's Peter Charles remained atop the $200,000 FTI Rider Challenge series after finishing second aboard Murka's Pall Mallin the Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge III at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestriean Center Thursday. © 2009 Ken Braddick-HorseSport USA -- FTI exists to help companies and their stakeholders protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex economic, legal and regulatory environment. FTI is the trusted advisor entrenched in many of the game-changing events that make headlines, move markets and create business history. To locate one of FTI's offices in the United States or around the world, call: 410.951.4800 or online at www.fticonsulting.com.

APPALOOSA IS FINALIST IN CAVALIA STAR CONTEST

 

MOSCOW, Idaho—An Appaloosa colt is competing for his chance at stardom in the world renowned Cavalia, a “spectacular equestrian odyssey” often described as an equine ballet. Frosted With Class is one among the nine finalists looking to be one of the two colts bestowed the honor of opening each Cavalia performance during its two-week run in Scottsdale, Arizona, beginning Feb. 14.

 

Cavalia hosted a contest recruiting colts, ages 6 to 18 months old, in the Arizona valley area. The nine finalists were announced in early January, and the winners will be announced any day. This is the first time since its inception five years ago that Cavalia will feature local colts in the performance.

 

Laurie Hawkins of Globe, Arizona, is the proud owner of Frosted With Class (A Plaudit For Frosty x Classical Impression). She is anxiously waiting to find out the names of the selected colts, and is hoping Frosted With Class is among the chosen.

 

If selected, Frosted With Class and another colt will open the performance of 75 human and equine artists by entering the stage with the freedom to “express themselves, discover their unique surroundings and play with toys—as every one-year old should,” according to the official Cavalia Web site. Cavalia artists will then make their entrance as the colts greet them.

 

Not only will the chosen colts make their show business debut, they will enjoy the celebrity life in the Cavalia stables with the show’s stars during the two-week engagement.

 

For tickets or more information about Cavalia, visit www.cavalia.net.

For more information about Appaloosas, visi twww.appaloosa.com or call 208-882-5578.

 

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938 with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.

 

Exhibitor Welcome Party for 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Saturday Night at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

All exhibitors are invited to the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Jumpoff Party on Saturday night in the Special Events Tent at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The party will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the events tent overlooking the International Arena.

Tickets are required and are available from Exhibitor Services.

There will be pony rides, street performers, balloons, face painting, petting zoo and a bounce house for all families starting at 6 p.m.  

The $55,000 Battle of the Sexes speed class, match race and six-bar competition of teams of 10 men and 10 women and the $25,000 Isle Casino Pompano Gambler's Choice will start at 7 p.m..

The party will be an Argentine Asado with a barbecue, beer, wine and music. ID will be required for alcoholic beverages.

The first annual Winter Equestrian Festival party was held last year.

Olympic Gold Medalist Eric Lamaze on Narcorique Captures First Grand Prix Win at 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 22--Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze of Canada on Narcotique de Muze II posted his first grand prix win at the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Thursday, capturing the third leg of the Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge Cup Series.

They were the last of 12 combinations from 53 starters to move into the jumpoff after going clear on the course designed by Richard Jeffrey of England.

The world's top ranked rider had to win on time as eight pairs had clear jumpoff rounds in the $30,000 class at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Lamaze and the 11-year-old Belgian warmblood mare completed the course in 34.143 secs., just 0.224 sec. ahead of Britain's Peter Charles on Murka's Pall Mall. The British pair continued to shine at the 12-week WEF after winning the Equisport Grand Prix last Sunday. In third place was the USA's Marilyn Little-Meredith on Comtesse du Lys.

"She is a winner, and I know her well," Lamaze said of the mare owned by Ashland Stables that recently returned from a successful European circuit.

"She is always behind the scenes behind Hickstead, but she has been the work horse.

"Everywhere she goes, she manages to do something good. She is fast in the air, and has a big stride. You can keep pushing her at every jump. She has good instinct when you are coming forward to a fence."

Lamaze described WEF as "really hard competition" with "good footing" and "really refreshing, modern" jumps that for the first time at WEF have been supplied by Germany's Frank Rothenberger.

CLONING IS THE TOPIC OF FORUM AT 2009 AQHA ANNUAL CONVENTION

America’s Horse, January 22, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Association will host a forum on equine cloning at the 2009 AQHA Annual Convention, March 5-9 at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio.

Within the past couple of years, commercial cloning of a number of horses, including American Quarter Horses, has been well publicized. However, under Rule 227(a) of the AQHA official handbook, a rule that became effective in 2004, American Quarter Horses produced by any cloning process are not eligible for registration.

At AQHA’s 2008 convention, the AQHA Stud Book & Registration Committee was for the first time presented with a proposed change to Rule 227(a) that would allow a live foal produced via a particular type of cloning to be registered if its DNA matches that of a registered American Quarter Horse. At that time, the stud book committee recommended that any decision regarding the proposed change be postponed pending further study to be undertaken at the direction of the committee. As a result, on October 15, representatives from Colorado State University, Texas A&M University and ViaGen, a commercial cloning company, met with the stud book committee in Amarillo to discuss equine cloning.

The proposed change to Rule 227(a) will again be on the SBRC agenda at the 2009 AQHA Convention March 5-9 in San Antonio. In an effort to make the most recent information on equine cloning available to AQHA members, AQHA has scheduled an open forum for Friday, March 6, from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt hotel. AQHA anticipates the forum will include presentations by a panel of speakers from the equine industry and educational research institutions. This forum is open to all interested AQHA members.

In addition to the forum, an article on equine cloning will appear in the February issue of The American Quarter Horse Journal and The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal. To subscribe to The American Quarter Horse Journal, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

APPALOOSA IS FINALIST IN CAVALIA STAR CONTEST

MOSCOW, Idaho—An Appaloosa colt is competing for his chance at stardom in the world renowned Cavalia, a "spectacular equestrian odyssey" often described as an equine ballet. Frosted With Class is one among the nine finalists looking to be one of the two colts bestowed the honor of opening each Cavalia performance during its two-week run in Scottsdale, Arizona, beginning Feb. 14.

Cavalia hosted a contest recruiting colts, ages 6 to 18 months old, in the Arizona valley area. The nine finalists were announced in early January, and the winners will be announced any day. This is the first time since its inception five years ago that Cavalia will feature local colts in the performance.

Laurie Hawkins of Globe, Arizona, is the proud owner of Frosted With Class (A Plaudit For Frosty x Classical Impression). She is anxiously waiting to find out the names of the selected colts, and is hoping Frosted With Class is among the chosen.

If selected, Frosted With Class and another colt will open the performance of 75 human and equine artists by entering the stage with the freedom to "express themselves, discover their unique surroundings and play with toys—as every one-year old should," according to the official Cavalia Web site. Cavalia artists will then make their entrance as the colts greet them.

Not only will the chosen colts make their show business debut, they will enjoy the celebrity life in the Cavalia stables with the show's stars during the two-week engagement.

For tickets or more information about Cavalia, visit www.cavalia.net.

For more information about Appaloosas, visit www.appaloosa.com or call 208-882-5578.

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938 with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed's namesake and point of origin.

ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

DATE: January 22, 2009

LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced a partnership with the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

"The University of Kentucky is pleased to partner with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games," said President Lee T. Todd, Jr. "As the Commonwealth's flagship university, we share in the state's commitment to make the Games the world's premier sporting event in 2010. This international competition places Kentucky on the world stage, and we are ready to help showcase our state."

 

The university's sponsorship includes a broad range of partnerships across UK's departments and organizations. In addition, UK HealthCare will be the "Official Medical Provider" of the 2010 Games, and will provide first aid and medical services for spectators, fans, and participants during the Games including personnel and equipment. UK will donate more than 7,000 hours in medical personnel time during the Games.

Dr. Mike Karpf, UK executive vice president of health affairs, said, "UK HealthCare is excited to play a significant role in the operations of the 2010 Games. As we welcome thousands of guests to our community, I can assure you that UK HealthCare is fully prepared to provide the medical and emergency care for our visitors."

 

UK's College of Agriculture will also be the "Official Equine Initiative" of the 2010 Games, partnering with the Games and others in the equine industry to discover, share, and apply new knowledge to enhance the health, performance, and management of horses. UK's Office of Commercialization and Economic Development will also work with the 2010 Games to provide access to the Coldstream Research Campus as needed.

Other UK Colleges, departments and campus units, including Foreign Language, Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Design, as well as the Career Services Department, will provide assistance and support for the 2010 Games when appropriate.

"We are very grateful to the University of Kentucky for this significant pledge of support to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games," said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. "We are confident this partnership will help the university expand its programs, enhance learning opportunities, and garner recognition as the first-class university it is."

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

EVENTING RADIO SHOW BEGINS EXCLUSIVE ROLEX KENTUCKY THREE DAY EVENT COVERAGE

The Horse Radio Network Adds New Programming to its Line-up

Lexington, KY – January 22, 2009:  The Horse Radio Network is pleased to announce the launch of the Eventing Radio Show.  The Eventing Radio Show provides exclusive coverage of the thrilling sport of eventing.  Through April 26, 2009 it will be covering the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event on the weekly online radio show (podcast).

This one-hour weekly show covers all the current news and information about the sport of eventing.  With less than three months before the Rolex Event at the Kentucky Horse Park the show will focus on Rolex by interviewing show organizers and the some of riders that are expected to attend.  Episode 2 is now available and includes an interview with Janie Atkinson, Executive Director for the Rolex Event.  Janie speaks about all the changes and construction going on at the Kentucky Horse Park as a result of the preparations for the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games and how they will impact the Rolex Event.

The show is hosted by Glenn the Geek and Chris Stafford, both located in Lexington, KY.  Chris is a former event rider who has been an equestrian journalist and broadcaster for over 30 years and has covered all the major events.  Glenn is an experienced radio host and actor who has been involved with the horse industry for over 20 years with an emphasis on eventing.

In addition to the weekly radio show, the Eventing Radio Show website is a fantastic resource of information about the sport of eventing.  It includes a news aggregator highlighting all the eventing stories on the Internet and some personal insights from the hosts on their blog.

Listeners can catch new shows each Thursday at www.eventingradio.com or by subscribing through iTunes or Zune. The show is available to download to MP3 players or iPods, so folks can listen while they are doing their favorite barn chores or on the road to the next horse show!

Certified Horsemanship Association Produces Professional Videos That Can Be Found on YouTube

(January 2009) – The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) recently finished six short safety videos that can be found on the CHA website at http://cha-ahse.org/videos_cha.html and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=certified+horsemanship+association&aq=f

The topics of the videos include:

1.      How to Perform a Safety Tack Check

2.      How to Saddle Correctly

3.      How to Bridle Safely

4.      How to Mount

5.      How to Fit a Helmet for Horseback Riding

6.      How to Pick a Horse’s Hoof Safely

“These professional videos were produced by CHA for the horse industry and the general public,” says CHA Chief Executive Officer Christy Landwehr. “Please feel free to contact us about the possibility of putting them on your websites so that we can all help get the word out about having fun safely with horses.”

The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call toll free 1-800-399-0138.  To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you visit www.CHAinstructors.com.

National Parks Service Awards Grant to Equestrian Land Conservation Resource To Develop a National Equestrian Trails Organization

The National Parks Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS RTCA) has awarded the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) a technical assistance grant to develop a national equestrian trails organization. The terms of the grant include assigning an NPS RTCA staff person to facilitate of process, identify issues and needs of trail riders nationwide, determine an effective organizational structure to represent horse trail users; and provide a contact point for land managers to communicate with trail riders. The determination of the needs and appropriate organizational structure will be developed by conducting a series of meetings with stakeholders in 2009.

 

An organizing meeting was held in 2008 at the National Trails Conference. In 2009, a series of in-person and conference call meetings are planned. The plans also call for an on-line bulletin board to post the meeting agendas and notes. The on-line forum will also provide an opportunity for trail users and trail organization representatives to share their comments. In addition to ELCR and NPS RTCA representatives, representatives from the following organizations participated in the process: American Horse Council, Back Country Horsemen of America, Southeast Equestrian Trails Conference, Ohio Valley Equestrian Trails Symposium, Pennsylvania Equine Council, US Forest Service, and the US Department of Transportation Recreational Trails Program.

 

The project goals are to increase to the number of trails open to horses, promote good stewardship of the trails, enhance communication with land managers, develop positive relationships with other trail users groups, and serve in an advocacy role on the above issues and other issues identified during the grant process.

 

If your organization would like to join our national efforts to save land and trails for horses, visit www.ELCR.org, or call (859) 455-8383 for more information.

CIRCLE Y AND TUCKER SADDLES ANNOUNCE YEAR END SALES AWARDS

(Yoakum, TX) January 23, 2009…Circle Y Saddles and Tucker Saddlery recently recognized their Regional Account Managers for 2008 Year End Sales Awards. Personalized plaques with hand tooled leather trim and  silver conchos made in the  Circle Y saddle shop, were presented in 8 categories, including a Million Dollar Sales group.

 

Receiving the Million Dollar Club Award were Jim Cleary, AJ Garofolo, Darrell Nephew, and David Royal. Darrell Nephew also received awards for Top Salesman-Highest Total Sales and the Highest Sales for Tucker Brand.

 

Presented with achievement awards were David Royal- Highest Sales Circle Y Brand; Jim Cleary-Highest Sales High Horse Brand and Highest Percentage to Total Tack Tucker Brand; Laurie Tyler-Highest Percentage Increase Over Forecast All Brands; and Daniel Fojtik-Highest Percentage To Total Tack Circle Y Brand.

 

The awards were presented at the Circle Y and Tucker dinner meeting held during the WESA Denver Market January 16-20, 2009. “We are fortunate to have the best sales force in the industry,” said Mark Jemelka, COO and General Manager of Circle Y/Tucker. “They continue to represent our brands with the same dedication, skill, and professionalism year after year.” 

BLOODHORSE.COM ANNOUNCES NEW STALLIONS VIDEO TOUR OF 2009

Lexington, Ky. – BloodHorse.com has rolled out an engaging series of videos showcasing new sires of 2009, including Brother Derek, Cougar Cat, Divine Park, Elite Squadron, Ready’s Image, Salute the Sarge, Showing Up, Sightseeing, Student Council, and Zanjero. The videos are available for viewing on the BloodHorse.com Video Portal at http://www.BloodHorse.com/Horse-Racing/Videos.

 

The three- to five-minute video features include walking and conformation footage of the young sires at the farms and interviews with farm and stallion managers. Some of the farms, Airdrie Stud (Brother Derek and Divine Park), Walmac Farm (Ready’s Image and Salute the Sarge), and Adena Springs South (Showing Up), also took advantage of an opportunity to post their videos on Stallion Register Online.

 

About Blood-Horse Publications:

Blood-Horse Publications is a multimedia publishing company that traces its roots to 1916. Its flagship publication, The Blood-Horse, is the leading weekly Thoroughbred racing and breeding news and information magazine. In addition, Blood-Horse Publications also publishes the award-winning The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care, a monthly equine health care magazine; The Blood-Horse MarketWatch, a newsletter for Thoroughbred investors; the official Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup souvenir magazines; Auction Edge; and Keeneland magazine. In addition, Blood-Horse Publications also publishes equine-related books and videos under the Eclipse Press banner, and operates a family of award-winning Web sites including BloodHorse.com, TheHorse.com, StallionRegister.com, ExclusivelyEquine.com, the official store of Blood-Horse Publications, and TrueNicks.com.

Rescue Horse Jamaica and Owner Chester Weber Celebrate Big Wins at USEF Annual Convention

Cincinnati, OH – Jamaica, one of the most talked about horses of the year with his slaughterhouse to silver medal story, was named the 2008 Farnam® Platform® Horse of the Year at the recent United States Equestrian Federation's Annual Meeting. Jamaica's owner, Chester Weber, had a lot to celebrate during the awards ceremony as Jamaica won the highest horse honor in the industry. Jamaica and Weber received a standing ovation when the winner was announced. In addition, Weber was recognized as a 2008 Equestrian of Honor and won the Becky Grand Hart Award and his Four-In-Hand team won the Year End Combined Driving Championship.

 

"It's a great chapter in Jamaica's amazing story," said Weber. "Of course Jamaica's career isn't over as I am hoping he will be one of my superstars during the 2010 World Equestrian Games."

 

Jamaica, an 18-year-old Warmblood, was headed to a slaughterhouse in Belgium years ago before being rescued and used as a tourist carriage horse. After Weber bought him, Jamaica found his true calling in life as a Four-In-Hand Combined Driving horse.

"More than a decade ago when Jamaica was on his way to the slaughterhouse no one could have predicted he would be named the 2008 Farnam/Platform  USEF Horse of the Year," said Weber. "He was instrumental in helping me win a Silver Medal in the Four-in-Hand Combined Driving competition at the 2008 FEI World Championships in The Netherlands. With this honor Jamaica has earned his place in history."

 

As part of Weber's team, Jamaica not only helped Weber capture the Silver Medal at the FEI World Championships but also helped Weber's team win the Four-in-Hand National Championship title – six years in a row.

 

As part of his USEF honor, Jamaica earned a 39-inch bronze sculpture which is on permanent display at the USEF headquarters in Kentucky. The sculpture was commissioned by well-known equine artist Alexa King, and Weber received a replica.

 

During the USEF awards ceremony, the rest of Weber's team – and Jamaica's teammates – were honored with the Year End Championship for Four-In-Hand Combined Driving. Weber's horses who were honored were Rolex W, Jamaica, Boy W and Para. Weber's driving horse Senate took fifth place.

 

Visit www.chesterweber.com to view the USEF tribute video to Jamaica and Weber's acceptance speech for the award.

Rider Training Clinic with Patrick Wyse

Dates: March 11-15, 2009

Location: Lord Hill Stables, Snohomish , WA

Times: 3/11- 3/13: evenings 

          3/14 & 3/15: morning & afternoon sessions    

          All riders will ride in every session

Cost: $375-$400 ($375 if all installments are made by the installment deadline. See below for more info.)

Practical instruction for riders and horses in any discipline: Learn how the horse thinks why he reacts, and how this affects his training. Patrick has taught successful professionals and non-pros in many disciplines, as well as recreational riders.

What are people saying about Patrick Wyse?

"It boils down to this, it's fun, it just plain works, and I understand why, plus the system is backed up with facts, and there are no negative patterns to be unlearned later!"

"This method has stood the test of time and has proven to be very helpful to beginners and professionals, alike."    - Doug Milholland, Purcell, OK

"Few trainers are as skilled with horses as Pat (and) are similarly blessed with the ability to communicate with people."  - The Western Horse

"Pat Wyse taught me two of the most important concepts I need as a trainer – the physical mechanics, abilities, and limitations of horses and riders, and an understanding of the horse's mind and thought process. I use the basic handle for every horse I train, whether it's headed for the trails, the reining pen, or even English disciplines. "  - Sue Muir, NRHA Judge, Lynnwood, WA

Installment Schedule: 

Deposit #1: $125.00, due 12/31 (discount $10 on final payment if on time)

Deposit #2: $125.00, due 1/31 (discount $15 on final payment if on time)

Final Payment: due 3/2 ($125-$150, depending on installments)

Please note: all installments are non-refundable unless your reserved space can be sold to another rider.

Riding spaces are limited, so sign up soon.

To sign up or get more information on this clinic

Call 206-979-2836 

Or Email:    Horse@Laseritnow.com

For more information about Patrick Wyse, check out his website at   www.HorseWyse.com

Horizon Structures Offers Horse Rescue Donation with Every Sale

ATGLEN, PA – Horizon Structures is beginning an innovative new program, called “Horizon Cares About Horses”, that will donate $25 from the sale of every horse barn or run-in shed to a horse rescue organization of the customer’s choice.  With the economic downturn an ever-present reality that may be with us for a while, Horizon Structures is looking forward to the opportunity to step up to the plate and give back to its community.  “We wanted to do something for horses and the people that have supported us all these years, and this is really a win-win situation for everyone involved. We’re very excited to be able to do this,” says the company’s owner, Dave Zook.  Horizon customers can feel great about not only getting a top-quality building, but also about supporting a company that goes beyond constructing the roofs and walls that shelter the animals we all love.

Here’s how it works.  Once an order is paid in full, $25 will be added to the tally of that customer’s chosen rescue.  In December 2009, Horizon Structures will mail out checks to all the groups that have accumulated monies throughout the year. If rescue groups wish to promote this program as a fundraiser, Horizon will gladly provide free brochures or other sales support.  In return for all this, Horizon Structures merely requests a link on the rescue group’s website.

A form will be provided on Horizon Structures’ website to allow customers to submit a rescue group to the program.  In order to participate, the group must have a website and be designated as non-profit (it must have 501(c)3 status).  In addition to the cash donation, all qualified groups will receive free publicity via a link on Horizon Structures’ website and promotion of the program through their quarterly newsletter.  Horizon’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Jill Siragusa, elaborates: “Our website receives a tremendous amount of traffic – we hope to use this to help raise public awareness for the cause of equine welfare, and in turn benefit the groups participating.”

Horizon Structures takes a 2009 horse barn or run-in shed purchase to the next level by allowing customers to choose a horse rescue organization to receive a $25 (or more!) donation.  For questions or more information, please contact Jill Siragusa at 888-447-4337 or info@horizonstructures.com.