American Quarter Horse Association’s Youth World Cup Seeks Volunteers

The American Quarter Horse Journal, February 24, 2010 – Oklahoma City will host the 2010 Youth World Cup July 3-11, and the American Quarter Horse Association is calling on volunteers – two-legged and four-legged – to make the event a success.
What began as a competition between Australian and U.S. youths more than two decades ago has evolved to include kids from a number of countries – 17 countries are expected for the 2010 Youth World Cup.

Each Youth World Cup team consists of five American Quarter Horse Youth Association members plus a coach. The youth take part in eight days of educational seminars, riding and showmanship clinics, leadership training and competition. Alternate members of the teams attend the educational and leadership seminars. Each team draws a pool of six volunteered horses to use throughout the two-day competition. Each horse is ridden at least once in each class.

Competing team members do not show their own horses. The host country provides each team's horses for clinics and competition, and AQHA relies on horse owners to supply this event with the best American Quarter Horses around. American Quarter Horses are needed for cutting, reining, showmanship, trail, western pleasure, horsemanship, western riding, hunter under saddle and hunt seat equitation. Visit www.aqha.com/youth/activities/pdf/YWCHorseProviderForm.pdf for the horse volunteer form, and your horse might be an international star in July.

Human volunteers are also needed to help feed the horses, assist with team meals, work the gate, set trail obstacles, work as ring stewards and assist in other areas at the event. AQHA members are the heart and soul of the event and help is needed with all the behind-the-scenes work so the AQHYA members can shine in the arena. If you would like to meet some great AQHYA members from around the world while volunteering at the 2010 Youth World Cup, visit www.aqha.com/youth/activities/pdf/Volunteerletter.pdf to learn more.

“To make the event a success, we are calling on AQHA members to provide American Quarter Horses for our AQHYA members to ride at the 2010 Youth World Cup,” said David Avery, AQHA director of international programs. “We are also looking for volunteers to assist with and be part of the excitement of this international event. Many of the AQHYA members have dreamed of competing at the Youth World Cup, and we want to make this an experience of a lifetime that they will never forget.”

Team rosters are due to AQHA by March 31. Team USA has announced the names of the AQHYA members that will represent the host country in 2010.

Team USA Riders:
Peyton Bivins – Amarillo, Texas
Alison Ceresani – Tuckerton, New Jersey
Katie Krshka – Yukon, Oklahoma
Reed Kyle – Whitesboro, Texas
Nick Murphy – Jackson, Missouri

Team USA Leadership:
Taylor Duncanson – Raymond, Maine
Lauren Halvorson (and rider alternate) – Guthrie, Oklahoma
Jocelyn Tanner – Webster, New Hampshire
Leah Thomas – South Royalton, Vermont
Kaitlyn Wadman – Haverhill, Massachusetts

For the latest information on the 2010 Youth World Cup, visit www.aqha.com/youth/activities/ywc/youthworldcup.html. Forms for volunteers and horses can be downloaded at the site.

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.

Varsity Competition Offers Horses a Second Career

The American Quarter Horse Journal, February 18, 2010 – College equestrian programs depend on reliable horses, and no horses fit the bill like the American Quarter Horse.
That’s certainly the case for the University of Georgia, which recently reclaimed its top spot in the bimonthly poll of Varsity Equestrian coaches, just months before the National Championships that will be held April 15-17, 2010, in Waco, Texas.

Of the Georgia Bulldog horse herd, many are American Quarter Horses, said Georgia equestrian coach Meghan Boenig.

Georgia athletes practice their riding skills on the horses, many of which have been donated to the university for equestrian competition.

In Varsity Equestrian competition, a competitor from each of two colleges rides the same pattern on the same horse in English and Western events. Riding many different types of horses gives Georgia athletes an edge, Boenig said.

“What’s wonderful about having a diverse herd is that we often can find a horse similar to any circumstance at any school,” she said. “In fact, a lot of times, we’ll compete somewhere and watching the school and we’ll say, ‘That horse rides a lot like one we have in our herd.’ That is a fantastic tool.”

Equestrian coaches use different horses to teach different skills. One of Georgia’s best teaching horses is Whizards Old Spice, a 1999 bay gelding.

“ ‘Whiz’ would be my No. 1 pick,” Boenig said. “This horse has been ridden during every national championship since 2004. If I have a rider who needs to practice lead changes in a horsemanship pattern, I put her on Whiz. I would say he’s our most valuable American Quarter Horse.”

Whiz’s breeder, Samuel Burger of Dalton, Georgia, said Whiz’s initial training was from reining trainer Mike McEntire of North Carolina. When Burger no longer had time to ride or show the horse, he learned the Georgia equestrian team was looking for good reining horses and donated the gelding.

“He was a sweet horse,” Burger said. “He still is. I call and check on him over there from time to time. When the Georgia athletes won the national championship, they signed a poster of Whiz and sent it to me. And I like knowing he has a home for life.”

To learn more about giving your horse a second career at a university, go to the Web sites of Varsity Equestrian or Intercollegiate Horse Show Association at www.varsityequestrian.com or www.ihsainc.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.

AQHA to Present “The Traveler Award” to the Winning Horse at Road to the Horse

February 9, 2010 – (Amarillo, TX) The American Quarter Horse Association, the official sponsor of the Road to the Horse Remuda, announced today its development of a special perpetual award which will be presented at the World Championship of Colt-Starting. “The AQHA Traveler Award” will be presented to the winning clinician's horse at the event in Murfreesboro, TN on March 6-7, 2010 and recognizes the aptitude and flexibility of the American Quarter Horse as exemplified at the one-of-a-kind event.
“AQHA is excited to award the top horse at Road to the Horse with ‘The Traveler’ award,” says Don Treadway, AQHA executive vice president. “Named after one of the Quarter Horse breed’s foundation sires, The Traveler [award] recognizes the confirmation, athleticism, gentleness and willing attitude of the American Quarter Horse to excel in any arena. Road to the Horse is a fitting place for The Traveler to be awarded in recognition of the horse that is a ready partner for the winning clinician.”
The award is named for the foundation sire known as Traveler. After a successful career as a race horse in Texas, Traveler began producing quality foals with good dispositions, conformation and speed. Traveler made his greatest impact on the breed when he sired Little Joe, Texas Chief and Possum (King). Passing away in 1912, it was estimated that he was 32 years old when he died. Traveler was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 1994.
Since it's inception, Road to the Horse has used American Quarter Horses to educate and entertain horse owners nationwide. Because Road to the Horse advocates the incredible abilities of Quarter Horses, joining forces with the American Quarter Horse Association was a natural fit.
In addition to presenting the Traveler Award each year, the AQHA will assist with the evaluation and selection of the Road to the Horse remuda prior to each event. With the combined efforts of Road to the Horse and the AQHA, one ranch will be chosen to provide ten colts for the remuda each year. These colts will all be born within a few months of each other and will be of similar, well-respected bloodlines. As the world’s largest equine breed registry and member organization, the AQHA has the resources to select the highest quality remuda possible for Road to the Horse.
“I can remember as a little kid sitting on my grandfathers couch thumbing through the well read Quarter Horse Journal. I would have never expected that I would have this incredible opportunity to have the privilege of working with the AQHA and the presentation of the “Traveler Award”. The partnership of the AQHA and Road to the Horse is a perfect fit in both our endeavors to recognize the positive impact of the American Quarter Horse, not only in my life but in all our lives.
Road to the Horse
Road to the Horse, the World Championship of Colt-Starting is unlike any other event in the equine or entertainment industry. The two-day sold out event matches three of the country's best horse trainers and clinicians of today against one another as they train unbroken colts to ride in just a few short hours in front of a packed live audience and television cameras. By combining education, edge-of-your-seat suspense, entertainment and the love of the horse, Road to the Horse has been responsible for solidifying the position of today’s horsemanship heroes and launching the careers of tomorrow’s hottest new stars. In the process, the event itself has become a catalyst for the advancement of natural horsemanship. Hosted by Rick Lamb, of RFD-TV’s The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, spectators are guaranteed not only to have a good time, but also to walk away with training knowledge that will improve their relationship with horses.
Road to the Horse is proud to partner with many outstanding companies across the equine industry including Road to the Horse presenting sponsor, Western Horseman and strategic partner AQHA along with Nutrena, Quarter Horse News, Cinch/Cruel Girl, Roll-A-Cone Manufacturing, Horses Magazine, Martin Saddlery, Wahl Clipper, Gist Silversmiths, John's Ariat Country, Rockin' J Horse Stalls, CSI Saddlepads, Horsecity.com, Extreme Mustang Makeover, WW Livestock, the Tennessee Walking Horse Association Breeders & Exhibitors Association, Hoofbeats Magazine, Horse South Magazine, Salt Block Gazette and Horsemen's Roundup. For sponsorship opportunities and more information on the 2010 Road to the Horse visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325-736-5000.

Special Report: Expert Predictions on Equine Welfare Realized

CHICAGO, (EWA) - On February 4th the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) posted a release issued by the Animal Welfare Council (AWC) claiming that "experts" warned of current issues facing the horse industry if slaughter was ended. Reminiscent of past years, the AQHA is again promoting disinformation in the hope the American public will trust them for their good name.

The refusal to address the excess breeding of horses over the years has caught up with slaughter proponents. Once again, they find themselves scrambling to find scapegoats for a problem they created. Driven by the quest for registration fees, the AQHA has promoted overbreeding for decades as they have built their ever expanding empire worldwide.

The release revives the myth of the "unintended consequences" by claiming "experts" warned of a negative impact on horse welfare if slaughter was ended.

Not only has horse slaughter not ended but in 2008, the first full year after the US plants closed, the "unintended consequences" resulted in the second highest slaughter count since 1995.

"There is nothing stopping anyone from sending their horse to slaughter." said Equine Welfare Alliance's (EWA), John Holland. Blaming the closure of the plants for excess horses from an organization that alone brags of registering in excess of 135,000 foals every year, is hypocritical.

According to the USDA, the leading breed on the slaughter trucks are Quarter Horses, yet in 2008, AQHA's former executive vice president, Bill Brewer, warned of a pending horse "shortage" and suggested offering incentives to increase breeding.

The release builds on the "imaginary ban" by stating that horses are at forty percent of their value since the plants closed. EWA's Vicki Tobin asks the AQHA and AWC, "In the face of the greatest economic downturn since the 1930s, are home values, retirement funds and other assets that have decreased in value due to the closure of the slaughter plants?"

The release questions the lack of funding in the federal horse protection legislation, HR 503/S 727. Not stated is why the government should be responsible for privately owned horses or a breeder's choice to breed more than they can sell.

Beginning in July, US horses must comply with European Union (EU) drug regulations. This critical issue impacts human food safety and yet, it was not mentioned. American horses are not tracked or considered food animals by any US government agency and routinely receive medications that are banned by the EU. Equine welfare advocates have been warning of the drug issue for years.

Combined with the drug compliance, the current downturn in international demand for horse meat will further exacerbate the issue.

A study released by EWA members in 2008 concluded with a warning of exactly what is occurring today, "Abuse and neglect is largely determined by economic conditions. ...As of the end of the study period, abuse and neglect did not appear to have exceeded norms for the baseline year of 2006, but to the extent that the economic conditions continue to deteriorate, this trend may become more worrisome in the months to come."

Meanwhile, the AWC, AQHA and slaughter proponents continue to blame "activists" for the "unwanted" horses that they are responsible for producing every year.

American Quarter Horse Association blames non-existent "ban" for the consequences of its own policy

CHICAGO, (EWA) - On February 4th the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) posted a release issued by the Animal Welfare Council (AWC) claiming that "experts" warned of current issues facing the horse industry if slaughter was ended. Reminiscent of past years, the AQHA is again promoting disinformation in the hope the American public will trust them for their good name.

The refusal to address the excess breeding of horses over the years has caught up with slaughter proponents. Once again, they find themselves scrambling to find scapegoats for a problem they created. Driven by the quest for registration fees, the AQHA has promoted overbreeding for decades as they have built their ever expanding empire worldwide.

The release revives the myth of the "unintended consequences" by claiming "experts" warned of a negative impact on horse welfare if slaughter was ended.

Not only has horse slaughter not ended but in 2008, the first full year after the US plants closed, the "unintended consequences" resulted in the second highest slaughter count since 1995.

"There is nothing stopping anyone from sending their horse to slaughter." said Equine Welfare Alliance's (EWA), John Holland. Blaming the closure of the plants for excess horses from an organization that alone brags of registering in excess of 135,000 foals every year, is hypocritical.

According to the USDA, the leading breed on the slaughter trucks are Quarter Horses, yet in 2008, AQHA's former executive vice president, Bill Brewer, warned of a pending horse "shortage" and suggested offering incentives to increase breeding.

The release builds on the "imaginary ban" by stating that horses are at forty percent of their value since the plants closed. EWA's Vicki Tobin asks the AQHA and AWC, "In the face of the greatest economic downturn since the 1930s, are home values, retirement funds and other assets that have decreased in value due to the closure of the slaughter plants?"

The release questions the lack of funding in the federal horse protection legislation, HR 503/S 727. Not stated is why the government should be responsible for privately owned horses or a breeder's choice to breed more than they can sell.

Beginning in July, US horses must comply with European Union (EU) drug regulations. This critical issue impacts human food safety and yet, it was not mentioned. American horses are not tracked or considered food animals by any US government agency and routinely receive medications that are banned by the EU. Equine welfare advocates have been warning of the drug issue for years.

Combined with the drug compliance, the current downturn in international demand for horse meat will further exacerbate the issue.

A study released by EWA members in 2008 concluded with a warning of exactly what is occurring today, "Abuse and neglect is largely determined by economic conditions. ...As of the end of the study period, abuse and neglect did not appear to have exceeded norms for the baseline year of 2006, but to the extent that the economic conditions continue to deteriorate, this trend may become more worrisome in the months to come."

Meanwhile, the AWC, AQHA and slaughter proponents continue to blame "activists" for the "unwanted" horses that they are responsible for producing every year.

Fix My Horse

The new series in The American Quarter Horse Journal will give amateurs a professional perspective on their show-ring skills.
The American Quarter Horse Journal, February 3, 2010 – Amateurs who want an expert opinion on their show-ring skills sometimes wonder where to turn.

The American Quarter Horse Journal, the leading American Quarter Horse industry publication, wants to help amateurs by offering them the chance to get advice from an AQHA Professional Horseman.

The series debuted February 1, 2010, with a story in the February issue of The American Quarter Horse Journal and an accompanying video on America’s Horse TV, americashorse.tv, on the How-To channel.

In the first episode, now available, amateur Laura Stevens of Canyon, Texas, is featured with her mare, Didya Notice Me, in a western pleasure class. Stevens has questions about how to ride her horse more effectively, and AQHA Professional Horseman David Dellin answers those questions. Dellin suggests exercises to help Stevens prepare her horse for the show ring and offers advice on presentation for a more competitive ride.

In the second episode, which will air in March, amateur Sandra Olson of Panaca, Nevada, asks AQHA Professional Horseman Clark Bradley about how to fix her horse’s spins. Bradley’s advice will be in the March issue of The American Quarter Horse Journal, and a video of Olson riding Conquistador Trouble will be on America’s Horse TV, americashorse.tv, on the How-To channel with Bradley’s comments.

The Fix My Horse series will continue through 2010.

The American Quarter Horse Journal is accepting videos of amateurs in other classes as well, including halter and showmanship. To submit a video for consideration, write to aqhajrnl@aqha.org with the words “Fix My Horse” in the subject line.

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.

AQHA Welcomes Dressage as an Official Class

The American Quarter Horse Journal, January 25, 2010 – Dressage is now an official AQHA class – one in which you can earn AQHA points, qualify for AQHA Incentive Fund earnings and compete for year-end awards. Beginning at Training Level 4, AQHA dressage classes will be held within existing classes at competitions licensed by the United States Dressage Federation or United States Equestrian Federation.
The same USDF-USEF judges will preside over the AQHA classes; the only additional requirement is that the judges must be AQHA members. Exhibitors must also be current members of AQHA, and the horse must be a registered American Quarter Horse. A competition license fee of $85, good for the lifetime of the horse, is also required. The shows must be approved by AQHA at least 60 days in advance.

Horses competing in dressage are given scores, expressed in percentages. The Quarter Horse show industry has always been a point-driven system so AQHA has created a conversion table to change dressage scores into AQHA points. To see the conversion table, go to www.aqha.com/showing/guidetoshowing/dressage.html and click on “frequently asked questions.”

In addition to awarding points, AQHA is recognizing the three high-point American Quarter Horses at each of the nine USEF-USDF Regional Championship shows in 2010 and has also created a high-point recognition program for the open, amateur and youth divisions in each level of dressage competition. Amateur and youth eligibility is based on criteria found in the AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations.

If you’re interested in getting your American Quarter Horse started in dressage, America’s Horse – AQHA’s membership magazine – initiated a year-long series on Training Level dressage in the January-February 2010 issue. For more information, search for “dressage” on americashorsedaily.com. Included in the search results, you’ll find an excerpt from “The USDF Guide to Dressage,” written by Jennifer O. Bryant and much more.

The United States Dressage Federation is giving AQHA members a 10 percent discount on the guide books. Visit www.aqha.com/showing/guidetoshowing/dressage.html to find the offer code and link. Enter the code at checkout.

AQHA welcomes comments regarding the new dressage program. To submit a comment, e-mail shows@aqha.org.
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

AQHA Welcomes Dressage as an Official Class

The American Quarter Horse Journal, January 25, 2010 – Dressage is now an official AQHA class – one in which you can earn AQHA points, qualify for AQHA Incentive Fund earnings and compete for year-end awards. Beginning at Training Level 4, AQHA dressage classes will be held within existing classes at competitions licensed by the United States Dressage Federation or United States Equestrian Federation.
The same USDF-USEF judges will preside over the AQHA classes; the only additional requirement is that the judges must be AQHA members. Exhibitors must also be current members of AQHA, and the horse must be a registered American Quarter Horse. A competition license fee of $85, good for the lifetime of the horse, is also required. The shows must be approved by AQHA at least 60 days in advance.

Horses competing in dressage are given scores, expressed in percentages. The Quarter Horse show industry has always been a point-driven system so AQHA has created a conversion table to change dressage scores into AQHA points. To see the conversion table, go to www.aqha.com/showing/guidetoshowing/dressage.html and click on “frequently asked questions.”

In addition to awarding points, AQHA is recognizing the three high-point American Quarter Horses at each of the nine USEF-USDF Regional Championship shows in 2010 and has also created a high-point recognition program for the open, amateur and youth divisions in each level of dressage competition. Amateur and youth eligibility is based on criteria found in the AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations.

If you’re interested in getting your American Quarter Horse started in dressage, America’s Horse – AQHA’s membership magazine – initiated a year-long series on Training Level dressage in the January-February 2010 issue. For more information, search for “dressage” on americashorsedaily.com. Included in the search results, you’ll find an excerpt from “The USDF Guide to Dressage,” written by Jennifer O. Bryant and much more.

The United States Dressage Federation is giving AQHA members a 10 percent discount on the guide books. Visit www.aqha.com/showing/guidetoshowing/dressage.html to find the offer code and link. Enter the code at checkout.

AQHA welcomes comments regarding the new dressage program. To submit a comment, e-mail shows@aqha.org.
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.

Fort Dodge Versatility Ranch Horse Championships Begin in Denver

The American Quarter Horse Journal, January 12, 2010 – The Fort Dodge Versatility World Championship Show returns to the historic National Western Stock Show in Denver January 13-14.

In versatility ranch horse competition, a horse and rider combination competes in five events: ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch cutting, working ranch horse and ranch conformation. The competition win goes to the horse and rider with the highest number of combined points earned in each class placing. There are three competition divisions: open, amateur and youth. The first Fort Dodge Versatility World was in 2008, and the show has remained a steady attraction for top versatility competitors since.

Mike and Holly Major of Fowler, Colorado, are back for this year’s Fort Dodge Versatility World Championship Show. Defending his 2009 versatility ranch horse world title, Mike will be back in the open division on Smart Whiskey Doc. This horse and rider duo also won the 2008 versatility ranch horse reserve world champion title. Holly, who won the bronze in the amateur division in 2008, will be riding Chica Shine at this year’s event.

Then, there’s Bryan and Christine Lee of North Platte, Nebraska. Bryan, who competed at this championship show the past two years, is competing in the amateur division with Docs Croton Lobo and in open with Lees Doc O Sunrise. Christine will be riding Ladys Croton Lobo in the amateur division.Docs Croton Lobo is the sire of the Lees’ other two horses.

Thirty entries (28 horses and 25 riders) will compete for top honors with an estimated $28,000 in cash and awards up for grabs.

Another potential story that could come out of this year’s show is two horse and rider teams that will be vying to become the first horse and rider combo to win world championships in both divisions. Competing in the open and the amateur are Daniel Colton and his American Quarter Horse Circle Bar Pistol and Bruce Hasbrouck and his American Quarter Horse Teninolenas Angel. The horse to come closest to winning both titles was Sixsation in 2009. That year, Robert Valdez rode the mare to the amateur title and his wife, Betty Lou, rode her to third in the open.

Returning to compete in the open are Chance O’Neal and Burnett Ranches’ Stylish Future, the 2009 reserve champions. O’Neal won the inaugural open title in 2008 with Burnett Ranches’ Sixes Pick. Also returning are top ranch competitors Jimbo Humphreys of Dickens, Texas, and Josephs Catchum All; Kris Wilson of Lubbock, Texas, and Chic Packin; Debby Sanguinetti of Farmington, California, and Peps Command; and Cody Crow of Eaton, Colorado, this time riding Banjoes Doll.

In the amateur, returning competitors include 2009 amateur versatility ranch horse reserve world champions Martin Kribs of Driggs, Idaho, and Just Train, as well as the 2008 amateur reserve champion Betty Lou Valdez of La Junta, Colorado, riding a new horse, Smart Tic Tack.

The American Quarter Horse Journal will be on site for the online event coverage with immediate results, standings updates, winning runs and competition slide shows. Visit www.aqha.com/showing/shows/vrhworldshow/index.html for the Journal’s coverage.

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.

Adequan becomes AQHA’s Newest Corporate Partner

America’s Horse, January 7, 2010 – The New Year begins with a new partnership between Luitpold Pharmaceuticals’ Adequan® and the American Quarter Horse Association. Luitpold is the manufacturer of the well-known joint therapy product Adequan® (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan). Adequan® is now the official equine joint therapy of AQHA.

As AQHA’s newest Corporate Partner, Adequan® will be the title sponsor of the Adequan® Select World Championship Show, which is the world’s largest, single-breed world championship horse show open exclusively to amateur exhibitors age 50 and older. The company will also sponsor the AQHA World Championship Show and the Adequan® Derby Challenge, which is part of the Bank of America Racing Challenge Program.

“AQHA is the largest equine breed association, and this will give us a great opportunity to interact with all of the horse owners, trainers and riders that participate in the various disciplines,” said Allyn Mann, Senior Manager of Animal Health Divisions for Luitpold. “I am really excited to have the opportunity to attend the AQHA events and to get a little more involved in all aspects of the American Quarter Horse industry. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to educate AQHA members on joint health and how a product like Adequan® can really offer some great benefits to their animals that they love and enjoy. We’ve prided ourselves in the last five years on promoting education and then secondarily selling our products because we feel that an educated consumer will make the right choices in the best interest of their animals.”

Non-infectious arthritis and degenerative joint disease (DJD) are significant causes of poor performance and economic loss in athletic horses. In 1984, Luitpold founded its animal health division to develop and manufacture a treatment for DJD. The company developed Adequan® i.a. (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan), which obtained the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for intra-articular injection in 1984. The efficacy of Adequan® i.a. (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan) won acclaim and became an asset to the field of veterinary medicine. When Adequan® i.m. (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan) was introduced in 1989, it offered the benefit of systemic treatment and a route of administration useful to a large group of equine veterinarians. The medication works in four ways by: blocking the damaging enzymes as they form, relieving the pain of inflammation, improving lubrication in the joints and inhibiting degeneration before cartilage damage can continue.

For more information on Adequan and Luitpold Pharmaceuticals visit www.Adequan.com.

The American Quarter Horse Association is the world’s largest single-breed equine registry and membership organization. Today, the Association that was founded in 1940 has more than 5 million American Quarter Horses registered worldwide and more than 320,000 AQHA members. For more information on AQHA, visit www.aqha.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.

Quarterfest Tickets on Sale Now

All breeds are welcome to attend the weekend that combines equine fun and education.

America’s Horse, January 4, 2010 – The popular American Quarter Horse party known as QuarterFest is returning to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 2010, and tickets are now on sale. The Tennessee Miller Coliseum at Middle Tennessee State University will host QuarterFest April 30-May 2.

QuarterFest gives equine enthusiasts the opportunity to connect with other people who share their passion. Participants can bring their horses for great clinics (limited availability), watch exciting equine entertainment and shop at the trade show.

Tickets are on sale now. This year, the ticketing experience is even easier with just two options: either come for the experience by selecting General Admission or bring your horse and select Clinic Admission. General admission tickets allow you to watch the clinics of your choice from the stands without your horse.

American Quarter Horse Association members receive discounts on tickets. General Admission three-day QuarterPasses start at $50 and Clinic Admission three-day QuarterPasses start at $175 and include six clinics of your choice (limited availability).

Many world-renowned clinicians are lined up to share their talents with QuarterFest attendees and help owners build a better relationship with their horses. The list of clinicians includes Julie Goodnight of Poncha Springs, Colorado; Christy Landwehr of Aurora, Colorado; Mike Major of Fowler, Colorado; Ken McNabb of Cody, Wyoming; Curt and Tammy Pate of Helena, Montana; Stacy Westfall Mount Gilead, Ohio; and Bo Winslow of Estes Park, Colorado.

Visit the www.aqha.com/quarterfest for the latest information on QuarterFest activities including clinics, shopping and entertainment.
QuarterFest is a three-day, education-packed celebration of the American Quarter Horse April 30-May 2 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where AQHA members and horse enthusiasts from around the world will gather for fun, entertainment and festivities to honor the world’s most versatile horse – the American Quarter Horse. Our sponsors – B&W Trailer Hitches, Bank of America, Farnam, John Deere, Justin Boots, Pfizer, Professional’s Choice, Tractor Supply Co. and Wrangler – share our passion for horses and are an integral part of QuarterFest.

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.

Qualifying Points Approved for the 2010 AQHA World Championship Show

The American Quarter Horse Journal, December 29, 2009 – The qualifying season for the 2010 Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open World Championship Show is under way, and the recommendations for qualifying points have been approved by the American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee.

AQHA’s in-house World Show Committee uses a formula to determine the qualifying points that includes information on entries for the previous World Show. The committee then presents the recommendations to the Executive Committee for approval.

Qualifying points for the 2010 AQHA World Show will remain the same as in 2009, with the exception of progressive working hunter. For 2010, the progressive working hunter class will require four points to qualify to compete at the World Show compared to the six points needed for 2009. The qualifying period for the 2010 AQHA World Show began August 1, 2009, and will conclude July 31, 2010. To check your current points, visit www.aqhamembers.org.

The 2009 AQHA World Show had 3,464 entries, with open ranch sorting being the class with the largest number of entries (160 horses comprising 80 teams). Held for the 33rd time in Oklahoma City, the 2009 Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open World Show had an economic impact on the Oklahoma City area of $30.9 million.

The 2010 Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open World Championship Show will return to Oklahoma City November 5-20.

Below is a complete list of classes and qualifying points for 2010.

CLASS
2010 PTS
OPEN DIVISION

Weanling Stallions
n/a

Yearling Stallions
4

2-Year-Old Stallions
5.5

3-Year-Old Stallions
7

Aged Stallions
5

Performance Halter Stallions
2

Weanling Mares
n/a

Yearling Mares
5

2-Year-Old Mares
11

3-Year-Old Mares
10

Aged Mares
13.5

Performance Halter Mares
3

Weanling Geldings
n/a

Yearling Geldings
5

2-Year-Old Geldings
9.5

3-Year-Old Geldings
7.5

Aged Geldings
20.5

Performance Halter Geldings
4

Junior Cutting
4.5

Senior Cutting
4.5

Junior Working Cow Horse
4

Senior Working Cow Horse
5

Junior Tie-Down Roping
10.5

Senior Tie-Down Roping
15.5

Junior Heading
18

Senior Heading
25

Junior Heeling
20.5

Senior Heeling
27

Junior Barrel Racing
4.5

Senior Barrel Racing
8.5

Junior Pole Bending
5.5

Senior Pole Bending
9

Junior Reining
13

Senior Reining
12.5

Junior Western Riding
4.5

Senior Western Riding
19

Junior Trail
18

Senior Trail
33

Junior Western Pleasure
19.5

Senior Western Pleasure
17.5

2-Year-Old Western Pleasure
n/a

Junior Hunter Under Saddle
16

Senior Hunter Under Saddle
10

Jumping
2

Junior Working Hunter
2

Senior Working Hunter
6

Progressive Working Hunter
4

Junior Hunter Hack
2

Senior Hunter Hack
5

Junior Pleasure Driving
2

Senior Pleasure Driving
2

Team Penning
10.5

Ranch Sorting
10

CLASS
2010 PTS
AMATEUR DIVISION

Weanling Stallions
n/a

Yearling Stallions
2

2-Year-Old Stallions
2

3-Year-Old Stallions
2

Aged Stallions
2

Performance Halter Stallions
2

Weanling Mares
n/a

Yearling Mares
4

2-Year-Old Mares
7

3-Year-Old Mares
11.5

Aged Mares
9.5

Performance Halter Mares
3

Weanling Geldings
n/a

Yearling Geldings
4

2-Year-Old Geldings
8

3-Year-Old Geldings
7

Aged Geldings
18

Performance Halter Geldings
4

Showmanship
26

Cutting
3

Working Cow Horse
2

Tie-Down Roping
4.5

Breakaway Roping
3.5

Heading
15.5

Heeling
15

Barrel Racing
7

Pole Bending
5.5

Reining
12

Western Riding
9

Trail
18

Western Horsemanship
16.5

Western Pleasure
22

Hunter Under Saddle
21

Jumping
2

Working Hunter
5.5

Hunter Hack
3

Hunt Seat Equitation
13.5

Equitation Over Fences
4.5

Pleasure Driving
2

Team Penning
8

Ranch Sorting
10

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.

Ranch Sorting and Team Penning Rule Changes Take Effect January 1

The American Quarter Horse Journal, December 21, 2009 – New American Quarter Horse competition rules will be in effect with the New Year. Several rule changes involve team penning and ranch sorting, two of AQHA’s most popular classes.

“At AQHA, nothing is more paramount than ensuring the welfare of the American Quarter Horse during competition,” said Don Treadway Jr., AQHA executive vice president. “For more than 40 years, AQHA’s welfare and competition policies have been set in place to protect the horse, and for the past year we have spent a lot of time reviewing and fine-tuning those policies within AQHA’s own rules and in discussions with all of our alliance partners.”

Horses competing in team penning and ranch sorting may continue to be ridden with a snaffle bit or hackamore no matter the age of the horse. Riders using a snaffle bit or hackamore in team penning or ranch sorting may use two hands on the reins. Beginning January 1, 2010, a curb bit may be used on any horse regardless of age in team penning and ranch sorting, but when using a curb bit, the horse must be ridden one-handed. This rule change can be found in the AQHA Official Handbook as Rule 455 (a) (10) for team penning and Rule 456 (q) for ranch sorting.

Language has been added throughout the 2010 handbook to make clear AQHA’s commitment to the welfare of American Quarter Horses. Excessive use of a whip, rope, crop, bat or reins anywhere on the horse will result in a no time for team penning and ranch sorting competitors at AQHA-sanctioned events. This new rule applies to other classes as well.

These and other rule changes can be found in the AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations posted at aqha.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.

VERTICAL VISION AFTER FIRST STAKES WIN

The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal, December17, 2009 – Vertical Vision, who has placed against Grade 1 stakes competition, is well spotted for his first stakes win in the $100,000-added Hialeah Derby on Saturday afternoon at Hialeah Park.

Owned by Brian Muse’s Blurred Vision Partnership, Vertical Vision (Visionarian-Vertical Horizon by Strawfly Special) showed his class at age 2 with a close third-place run in the Dash For Cash Futurity (G1) at Lone Star Park, then finishing third behind champion Brenda Beautiful in the $305,000 Southwest Juvenile Championship (G1) at Zia Park.

Trainer Brian Muse might have Vertical Vision back in that top form for the first running of the Hialeah Derby. He raced to his second 2009 win from six starts when he won his derby trial by a neck over third-fastest qualifier Plain Shady (Easy Winning Jet-A Shady Investment by Foolish Investment). Vertical Vision set the fastest-qualifying time of :21.735 for the 440 yards.

Reneta Alvfares Santos’ Sixes Sign (Streakin Sixes-Katies Sign by Vital Sign) also stepped forward in his trial with a daylight time of :21.738, narrowly missing top-qualifier honors. The Reimar Cabrera-trained colt scored his second career victory in his fifth start.

National training champion Paul Jones is in his usual position of having multiple finalists. He has three qualifiers, headed by fifth-fastest qualifier RC Mezoom (Shazoom-Dashing Chanel by Dash For Cash). RC Mezoom was second in the Manor Downs Derby (G3) this spring, qualified for the Bayer Legend Texas Derby Challenge (G3) last summer and won his Hialeah Derby trial by a neck after a troubled start.

Jones is also represented by Far West Futurity winner SC Captivator (Oak Tree Special-Oh Bobbette by First Down Dash) and the superbly bred Little Surfer (First Down Dash-Runaway Wave by Runaway Winner), a Grade 2 qualifier and brother to world champion Wave Carver and champion Ocean Runaway.

Fans can watch live racing at Hialeah Park and many other tracks throughout the year by subscribing to Q-Racing Video. Subscribers have unlimited live access to almost every American Quarter Horse simulcasting signal in the United States, plus unlimited access to archived race video. For more information, visit aqharacing.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.

2009 FINAL AQHA RACING & HORSEPLAYERPRO.COM WEEKLY TOP 10 POLL

The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal, December 16, 2009 – Freaky’s dominating performance in last Saturday’s Champion of Champions (G1) secured his position as the undisputed No. 1-rated performer in the season’s final AQHA Racing-HorseplayerPRO.com Weekly Top 10 Poll. Meanwhile, juvenile filly Runnning Brook Gal closed the 2009 polling season atop the national 2-year-old rankings, a position she maintained since winning the All American Futurity (G1) on Labor Day.

The Champion of Champions certainly had a major impact on the season-ending poll for older horses, even with its odds-on winner in Freaky. Chasing the second-fastest Champion of Champions winner ever proved a tall order for horses like Foose, though his second-place finish Saturday night jumped him up two spots in the final poll of the season to No. 3. Inseperable, the champ of the Grade 1 All American and Rainbow derbies who who was forced to miss the Champion of Champions and recently retired, earned the No. 2 ranking for the season from pollsters.

On the 2-year-old front, multiple Texas futurity winner Tempting Dash finished a narrow second in the balloting, 89-82, to Runnning Brook Gal after a tremendous autumn campaign. Last Friday’s Los Alamitos Two Million winner, Good Reason SA, also proved formidable as a late-season force, rising all the way to No. 4 after scoring the “Deuce.”

The 2010 AQHA Racing Weekly Top 10 Poll will return the first Wednesday in March with a preseason ranking as the stakes action gears up at tracks like Los Alamitos and Remington Park.

NATIONAL RANKINGS, 2-YEAR OLDS:
1. RUNNNING BROOK GAL (89)
2. TEMPTING DASH (82)
3. FIRST KLAS FRED (70)
4. GOOD REASON SA (57)
5. THE PARTYS ON FIRE (44)
6. STREAKIN LAQUINTA (43)
7. FIRST PRIZE LEESA (37)
8. SHEZA FIRST RATIFY (28)
9. ZOOMIN WITH EASE (18)
10. PEACE FIRE (12)

Jumpn Beduino (9), First Corona Call (6), Ragazzo (4), Apolitical Jess (3), Favorite Cartel (1)

NATIONAL RANKINGS, 3-YEAR OLDS & UP:
1. FREAKY (90)
2. INSEPERABLE (71)
3. FOOSE (66)
4. FIRST MOONFLASH (55)
5. JESS YOU AND I (51)
6. FIGHTER ON FIRE (47)
7. STOLIS WINNER (35)
8. TERRIFIC ENERGY (26)
9. STYLISH JESS BR (25)
10. SEPARATE BET (14)

Alice K White (8), Fantastic Corona Jr (3), Streakin Cherry (2), Little Bit Of Ah Ha (2), Noconi (2), Little Bit Of Baja (1), Charal Kid (1), Saturday Nite Fever (1)

The nine voters are:
Ed Burgart (Los Alamitos announcer/handicapper)
Martha Claussen (writer/handicapper)
Mike Cusortelli (writer/handicapper)
Tom Dawson (network television producer)
Dale Day (Remington Park announcer/handicapper)
Mike Joyce (TVG analyst)
Jeremy Plonk (ESPN.com contributor)
Terry Turrell (HorseplayerPRO.com handicapper)
Ty Wyant (writer, Daily Racing Form and AQHA)

Poll results are also available at aqharacing.com and HorseplayerPRO.com.

Fans can watch live American Quarter Horse racing throughout the year by subscribing to Q-Racing Video. Subscribers have unlimited live access to almost every Quarter Horse simulcasting signal in the United States, plus unlimited access to archived race video. For more information, visit aqharacing.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.

BANK OF AMERICA RACING CHALLENGE ENROLLMENT HOLDS STEADY, PROGRAM CHANGES PROPOSED

The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal, December 14, 2009 – Bank of America Racing Challenge enrollment numbers have remained strong in 2009, despite a downturn in the racing industry and the overall U.S. economy. With slightly more than two weeks remaining in 2009, owners have enrolled 2,476 horses, down only 240 from 2008.

“We are extremely pleased that the Challenge enrollments for 2009 are comparable to the final 2008 numbers,” said Darrell Hare, director of AQHA’s Racing Challenge. “In view of the current economy, the uncertainty of the future for racing at some tracks that have traditionally hosted Challenge races, plus the current discussions taking place about proposed changes for the Challenge program, Challenge supporters have demonstrated their continued belief in the program by enrolling their horses.”

Horse owners have until December 31 to lock in prices for weanlings and yearlings; fees are higher for 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds.

“The Bank of America Racing Challenge remains the most successful program for racing American Quarter Horses, and even in difficult economic times, horsemen support the Challenge and add value to their horses by enrolling them into the program,” said AQHA Executive Director of Racing Trey Buck.

During the past year, AQHA has researched ways to enhance the Bank of America Racing Challenge. Through task force meetings and the creation of working groups, many ideas have been presented, and a working proposal is available for public input.

“While the Challenge is the most successful racing program of its kind, we also want to ensure that it stays viable and sustainable for breeders of American Quarter Horses,” Buck said. “The purpose of expanding the Challenge program is to give more opportunities for racing owners and drive sales and value of Challenge-enrolled horses for breeders and stallion owners. We’re challenging the racing Quarter Horse industry to develop a program that meets those goals for the future of the business.”

Interested parties may read the current version of the plan and provide feedback by visiting www.aqha.com/aqharacing.com/challenge/challengeexpansionplan.html. That page is also directly accessible at www.aqharacing.com.

The following is a list of individuals who have generously donated their time and talents to improve the Challenge:

Stallion Working Group:
Dr. Glen Blodgett of Burnett Ranch, Guthrie, Texas
Dr. Larry Findley of Delta Equine Center, Vinton, Louisiana
Tyler Graham of Southwest Stallion Station, Elgin, Texas
Phil Stewart of Bob Moore Farms, Norman, Oklahoma
AQHA Racing Council member Jeff Tebow of Piedmont, Oklahoma
Scoop Vessels of Vessels Stallion Farm LLC, Bonsall, California
Jerry Windham of Windham Ranch, College Station, Texas
AQHA Racing Council member Matt Witman of Lazy E Ranch, Guthrie, Oklahoma

Foal Enrollment Working Group:

AQHA Racing Council member John Andreini of San Mateo, California
Dr. Steve Burns of Burns Ranch, Menifee, California
Sharon Brandsness of Las Vegas, Nevada
Kirk Goodfellow of Dreams Come True Ranch, Nacogdoches, Texas
Mac Murray of MJ Farms, Veguita, New Mexico
Rachuan SuarezCorda of Vera, Mexico
AQHA Racing Council member Walter Fletcher of Lakin, Kansas

Funding/Operational Issues Working Group:
AQHA Racing Council member Ross Brigden of Medicine Hat, Alberta
Bob Broadstock of Nestleton, Ontario
Frank Cavazos of Lyford, Texas
AQHA Racing Council member Kelvin Childers of Mound, Minnesota
K.C. Carden of Tennessee Colony, Texas
Bill Hoburg of Kennewick, Washington
AQHA Racing Council member Walt Knorpp of Clarendon, Texas
Wade Siegel of Los Angeles, California

AQHA began the Bank of America Racing Challenge in 1993 and since that time has distributed more than $52 million to breeders and owners of racing American Quarter Horses. 2010 marks the program’s 18th season with 71 regional, championship and undercard races. More than $5 million in total purses and awards were distributed in 2009, thanks to corporate partners, host tracks, horsemen and the Bank of America Racing Challenge purse fund.

The Bank of America Racing Challenge was created to increase racing opportunities for older American Quarter Horses, but the benefit of nominating is also seen in the sale ring where Challenge-enrolled horses have historically brought more money. The Bank of America Racing Challenge is the richest and most successful program in American Quarter Horse racing today – a championship series developed for the “World’s Fastest Horse.”

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.

AQHA Announces Versatility Ranch Horse Competition Changes

The American Quarter Horse Journal, December 10, 2009 - In July 2009, an AQHA task force recommended changes to several versatility ranch horse rules. Approved by the AQHA Executive Committee, the rule changes will more closely align versatility ranch horse classes with AQHA Alliance Partner Ranch Horse Association of America and other ranch horse associations like the American Ranch Horse Association and the Stock Horse of Texas.

These changes will make it easier for exhibitors to compete in multiple associations with a single set of rules and will make it easier for show management to have classes that are dual-approved by multiple associations. The task force also recognized the need to decrease the time needed to conduct the class, which has limited the number of exhibitors able to participate.

Highlights of the changes that will go into effect January 1, 2010, include:

Separate novice amateur and youth classes, and allow these classes to conduct a reining pattern, then box and drive the cow to the middle of the arena.

Develop patterns for novice amateur and youth that can also be used for dual-approved classes.

Combine ranch riding and trail. The exhibitor will complete the trail course and then perform a ranch riding pattern along the perimeter of the arena.

Development of a trail scoring system ranging from minus ½ to plus 1 ½ that can be used by shows.

Eliminate driving and penning the cow in ranch cutting. Open and amateur competitors will have a two-minute time limit and must work two head. In novice amateur and youth, the exhibitor is only required to work one cow within 1 ½ minutes.

For complete versatility ranch horse class rules, consult the AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations. Exhibitors wishing to receive a rulebook should call AQHA customer service at (806) 376-4811 or log onto http://www.aqha.com/showing/divisions/versatility.html.

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.

Stacy Westfall Joins QuarterFest Clinician Lineup

America’s Horse, December 8, 2009 – Bridleless reining phenom Stacy Westfall will be bringing her brand of magic to QuarterFest: A Celebration of the American Quarter Horse, April 30 - May 2 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The AQHA Professional Horseman from Mount Gilead, Ohio, will offer clinics on training your horse to stop; spins and steering; and controlling your horse’s body for advanced maneuvers.

Stacy is best known for her bridleless and saddleless reining performances aboard Whizards Baby Doll, or “Roxy.” She started her winning ways in 2003 by winning the National Reining Horse Association’s freestyle reining competition. Since then, she and Roxy have continued to stay in the spotlight, even appearing on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

In 2006, Stacy scored another major win at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro – site of QuarterFest – when she became the first woman to compete in and win the Road to the Horse colt-starting challenge.

Stacy is a regular contributor to America’s Horse, AQHA’s member magazine, where she often writes inspirational columns about setting and reaching goals with horses. Her clinics are similarly motivational, so look for her QuarterFest appearance to be both educational and uplifting.

Tickets for the 2010 QuarterFest go on sale January 4. Visit www.aqha.com/quarterfest for regular updates on the event and for information on how you can sign up to ride with Stacy at QuarterFest.

On the QuarterFest site, you’ll also find information about the other great clinicians – Ken McNabb of Cody, Wyoming; Curt and Tammy Pate of Helena, Montana; Jeff Griffith of Bozeman, Montana; Christy Landwehr of Aurora, Colorado; Julie Goodnight of Poncha Springs, Colorado; and Bo Winslow of Estes Park, Colorado – in our lineup, as well as information on the shopping and educational extravaganza that is QuarterFest!

QuarterFest is a three-day, education-packed celebration of the American Quarter Horse where AQHA members and horse enthusiasts from around the world will gather in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, April 30-May 2 for fun, entertainment and festivities to honor the world’s most versatile horse – the American Quarter Horse. Our sponsors – B&W Trailer Hitches, Bank of America, Farnam, John Deere, Justin Boots, Professional’s Choice, Tractor Supply and Wrangler – share our passion for horses and are an integral part of QuarterFest.

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.

AQHA Announces New Drug Testing and Welfare Initiatives

The American Quarter Horse Journal, December 7, 2009 -- AQHA is implementing a drug testing and show processing fee that will go into effect January 1, 2010. Starting with shows in January, show management will begin collecting a $5 per horse per show fee that will go toward increasing the breadth and depth of drug testing and the development of a stewards program.

Nothing is more paramount than ensuring the welfare of the American Quarter Horse during competition. For more than 40 years, AQHA’s welfare and competition policies have been set in place to protect the horse. In keeping with what was best for the horse, AQHA followed the lead of the United States Equestrian Federation and guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners to establish therapeutic medication rules in the mid-1990s.

To enforce the rules, AQHA dramatically increased its drug testing of horses at shows in 2006 with the goal of testing more than 300 shows per year. This expense has been offset by a drug testing fee of $3 per horse, which totaled $875,000 in 2009. However, total costs for drug testing at AQHA shows and the world championship shows total more than $1 million in testing fees alone. This amount does not include administrative costs or expenditures for hearings or addressing positive tests.

“Due to the importance we place on ensuring the welfare of the horse and the integrity of AQHA competition, the Association has been subsidizing the drug testing program to this point. Those more directly involved in show competition will now accept a larger share of the burden. This fee increase is necessary to ensure we have a sound testing program and to develop a way to monitor animal welfare at AQHA events,” said Gary Carpenter, AQHA executive director of breed integrity and animal welfare.

During the March 2009 AQHA Convention, the AQHA show council voted to increase drug testing, in addition to developing a stewards program to monitor humane welfare at AQHA shows. To finance these essential programs, the council recommended a $5 fee per horse per show, excluding exhibitors from Canada, international and California, who pay a $4 processing fee.

As competitors voice greater concerns about the health and welfare of the horse and the need for a level playing field in our events, the show council felt it necessary to implement these changes, Carpenter said.

While AQHA can implement rules regarding proper use and administration of therapeutic medications and banning performance-enhancing substances, no policy is valid unless it is enforced through a comprehensive enforcement plan.

These changes reflect AQHA’s commitment to maintaining the welfare of the horse, the integrity of the breed and the fairness of AQHA competition.

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.

AQHA to Host English Riders Forum at Judges Workshop

AQHA and USEF to discuss promoting English riding Wednesday, December 16.

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 25, 2009 – AQHA Professional Horsemen Association members who compete in English events or train English riders are invited to attend an AQHA open forum to be held during the AQHA judges workshop in December.

The English forum will be Wednesday, December 16 at 8:30 a.m. The forum will inform members about AQHA’s alliance with the United States Equestrian Federation and discuss ways to cross-promote the American Quarter Horse in over-fences and flat classes outside of traditional AQHA show events.

“We look forward to drawing from the knowledge of AQHA professionals and other interested people involved with the English division to improve AQHA classes and increase participation,” said AQHA Executive Director of Judges Alex Ross. “The discussion will include all over-fences and flat classes, consideration of equipment and attire regarding show rules, eligibility rules and establishing a defined purpose for each class.”



There has been a high level of interest in over-fences/hunter under saddle competition in recent months, and AQHA is hoping to make strides to improve those classes and provide consistency for people who compete in English events.

The English forum will be at the Sheraton Grand DFW in Irving, Texas. Please RSVP for the forum by notifying Shelly Spears at (806) 378-4712 or sspears@aqha.org before December 9.

AQHA has a special room rate at the Sheraton, but reservations must be made by the December 9 deadline.

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.

Bobby Murphy Produces USEF Showcase at AQHA World Championship Show

Oklahoma City, OK- November 25, 2009 - This weekend the USEF highlighted its new National Affiliation with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) during a presentation of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) disciplines at the AQHA World Championship Show. Bobby Murphy of Kentucky Horse Shows LLC was brought in as the producing director for the USEF showcase, which was held on Friday, November 20. The event showcased the disciplines of eventing, show jumping, endurance, reining, dressage, combined driving, and para-equestrian.

Top riders were flown in from across the country to represent each discipline. Phillip Dutton has been a member of two Olympic Gold Medal teams and four world championship teams in eventing; Will Simpson was a member of the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal in show jumping; Valerie Kanavy has participated in five World Championships and won Individual Gold twice in endurance; Pete Kyle was part of the 2008 Silver Medal Reining team at the World Championships; Holly Bergay is vying for a spot on the 2010 WEG Para-Equestrian Dressage team; and Mike McLennan is ranked 5th in the nation and is also vying for a 2010 team spot in Combined Driving.

The event featured an exciting twist at the end, when Kyle re-entered the arena during the show jumping demonstration to the Toby Keith song, "Should've Been a Cowboy." Kyle offered his cowboy hat and challenged Simpson to ride his top reining horse, Gimme More Bucks.

The cowboy was evident in Simpson, and reining seemed to come naturally to him. The riders then all came back into the arena and spread the importance of the World Equestrian Games on American soil by throwing autographed prizes into the crowd. On the way out the ring, the AQHA presented the riders with gifts and a proud handshake for what had been accomplished for the horse industry in this partnership.

"There was a lot of symbolic meaning when putting this production together," said Murphy. "The moment that Will got on that reining horse a feeling came over every person in that coliseum, a feeling that we are the generations that decide the future meaning of the horse in this country, and it didn't matter what discipline you represented - a passion for our equine partners is universally the same."

Later that evening, the riders went on to sign countless autographed pictures at the USEF display, and the AQHA raffled off 2 tickets to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Another great moment took place when Joanie Morris, Director of Communications - International High Performance for the USEF, and Brad Ettleman, the Reining Discipline Manager for the 2010 WEG, exchanged coats, with Morris sporting one from the AQHA World Show and Ettleman wearing a new red and blue USEF coat.

"As more and more equestrian organizations come together, we can develop a unified force to show the world that America has grown into one of leaders at International Equestrian Sport," said Morris. "During those 16 days at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, we will all get the opportunity to prove what these horses mean to America."

The AQHA is located in Amarillo, Texas, and has registered more than 5 million American Quarter Horses and serves more than 350,000 worldwide members. AQHA functions as the official governing body of the American Quarter Horse industry. This newly formed partnership is a giant leap forward in the progression of horse sport in the United States.

This new partnership is perfectly timed with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) coming to the America in less than a year. On September 25th, 2010, history will be made when the first WEG held outside of Europe makes landfall in Lexington, KY, at The Kentucky Horse Park, which has recently taken on the brand identity as the number one equestrian facility in the world, and also the home of the USEF.

Kathy Meyer, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the USEF described it best when she said, "Whether we're talking about today, tomorrow, 2010, or beyond, its when we are all working a unified force that we can truly see the potential of our horse sports."

2009 AQHA World Show Sends Home Champions

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 24, 2009 – The 2009 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show came to a close in Oklahoma City November 21, following 16 full days of competition. As the dust settled in Jim Norick State Fair Arena, 100 world champion trophies had been distributed among 3,464 entries, which came from 46 states, six Canadian provinces, Brazil, France, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Exhibitors and owners competed for more than $2.7 million in cash and awards.

Among the world champions, many other star exhibitors and horses were recognized with special awards. The Featherlite All-Around Amateur was again a highly contested race with 72 horse-and-rider pairs vying for the title. When Bank of America Amateur week concluded November 13, Jessica Johnson of Pickerington, Ohio, and her horse Royality In Blue emerged the winners.

Johnson and Royality In Blue earned 58 points, competing in five classes. They won world championships in hunt seat equitation and equitation over fences. They also won a reserve world championship in hunter hack and had top-10 finishes in working hunter and pleasure driving. Featherlite presents the All-Around Amateur winner with a $25,000 voucher for a Featherlite custom award trailer. The All-Around Amateur also receives a WeatherBeeta embroidered blanket, specially commissioned bronze by Lisa Perry and a rose bouquet.

Coming in reserve for the All-Around Amateur title and taking home $2,500 was Elizabeth Borders of Wichita Falls, Texas, and her horse Finely Principled. Rounding out the top five were Meghan O’Malley, Medina, Ohio, and A Chanceof Blueskies, third; Sharnai Thompson, Cornelius, North Carolina, and Sleepin In The Rain, fourth; and Stefanie Pullin, Conroe, Texas, and Suddenly A Good Time, fifth. Third- through fifth-place finishers each received $1,000 from AQHA.

During FedEx Open week, the most prestigious title is the Featherlite Superhorse award. This year’s contest had 54 contenders, but by the end of the week, one horse stood out among the rest. The Krymsun Kruzer owned by Gerri Leigh Pratt of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, took the Superhorse win by a landslide, earning 48.5 points.

The Krymsun Kruzer competed in seven classes. He won a world championship in junior working hunter, a reserve world championship in junior hunter hack, third place in junior pleasure driving, fourth in junior hunter under saddle and fifth in performance halter stallions. For owning the Featherlite Superhorse, Pratt received a $25,000 voucher for a Featherlite custom award trailer, a WeatherBeeta embroidered blanket, a bronze by Lisa Perry and a rose bouquet.

Several other horses competing in open classes received special recognition at the show for being named Most Valuable Horse. The MVH award goes to the horse earning the most points in six divisions. Each MVH winner receives a $5,000 check from AQHA. Below are the MVH winners for 2009.

Speed (barrel racing, pole bending) – Gotta Another Gear, owned by Doug Smith, Ward, Arkansas

Timed (team penning, ranch sorting) – Playin With Oaks Leo, owned by Jordan Lesh, Perry, Oklahoma

Western (western pleasure, western riding, trail) – Vital Signs Are Good, owned by Joe and Karen Moran, Laguna Hills, California

English (hunter under saddle, hunter hack, working hunter, pleasure driving, jumping) – The Krymsun Kruzer, owned by Gerri Leigh Pratt, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Roping (heading, heeling, tie-down) – Chex This Dually, owned by Donald Tisdall, Castle Rock, Colorado

Pattern/Cow (cutting, reining, working cow horse) – Luckys Starlight, owned by Joan Cain, Vero Beach, Florida

Top owners of American Quarter Horses competing at the World Show also were commended for their achievements. Each year, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce recognizes the leading owner at the show. This year’s winner for the sixth year in a row was Rita Crundwell of Dixon, Illinois. Crundwell had 38 entries at the show, and took home seven world championships and five reserve world championships along with 11 top-10 finishes. For being named the Oklahoma City Leading Owner, Crundwell received a specially commissioned bronze presented by the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

The reserve leading owner was Dr. Gigi Wood Davis of Savannah, Tennessee. Her horses earned two world championships, four reserve world championships and 17 top-10 finishes. The American Quarter Horse Journal presented her with a commemorative silver cup.

For complete coverage from the World Show, including results and interviews with the champions and award winners, please visit www.aqha.com. Also, be looking for features from the World Show to be on America’s Horse TV, americashorse.tv.

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.

American Quarter Horses Compete in CRI2* Event at AQHA World Championship Show

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 17, 2009 -- On Monday, November 16, 2009, the American Quarter Horse Association hosted an International Equestrian Federation CRI2* (Concours de Reining Internationale) event at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. The FEI competition took place in conjunction with the senior reining preliminaries during the FedEx Open AQHA World Championship Show.

“We had a great event here during the World Show, which can be told by the number of entries we had – 15 – and especially the five international entries that we had,” said AQHA Professional Horseman Pete Kyle, who won the November 16 event aboard Gimme Major Bucks, scoring a 217.5. The Whitesboro, Texas, horseman is also the chair of the United States Equestrian Federation Reining High Performance Committee.

“It was one of our qualifiers for the U.S. Team Selection Trial to be held at the Battle in the Saddle in July 2010 in Oklahoma City,” Kyle added.

U.S. members must mark an average score of 68 or higher in three CRI trials to be eligible to compete in the USEF Reining Championships, which will be during the Battle in the Saddle July 6-11 in Oklahoma City. From that competition, four U.S. riders and one alternate will be chosen to go to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, taking place next fall at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The trial also makes participating riders eligible for other 2010 international FEI events.

It’s not a coincidence that the qualifier and the trial were and are being held at AQHA-sponsored events.

“AQHA has a huge involvement with the USEF and helping the sport of reining continue on into the World Equestrian Games,” Kyle said.

Another highlight of the November 16 event was the return of reining superstars Smart Spook, Snow Gun and Von Reminic.

Smart Spook, who has more than $328,000 in National Reining Horse Association earnings, is by Smart Chic Olena out of a Grays Starlight mare. Smart Spook won the 2004 NRHA Futurity and was the 2005 AQHA World Champion in junior reining. Finishing third with a 216 in the November 16 event, Smart Spook was shown by $3 million NRHA Rider Shawn Flarida of Springfield, Ohio.

Shown by Luc Gagnon of Quebec, Snow Gun is a 10-year-old daughter by Colonels Smoking Gun, aka “Gunner,” and out of a Trashadeous daughter. Snow Gun was a finalist in the 2002 NRHA Futurity. In Monday’s event, Gagnon and Snow Gun scored a 213 to finish fourth. Snow Gun appeared on the cover of National Geographic when she performed at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Germany.

Twelve-year-old Von Reminic, who is by Reminic and out of a Colonel Freckles daughter, was the 2000 NRHA Futurity champion and has NRHA earnings of more than $180,000. The bay stallion was shown by Josh Armstrong of La Mesa, New Mexico. The pair finished 12th, with a score of 205.5.


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.

Original Orren Mixer Painting of Wimpy P-1 Sells for $120,000

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 16, 2009 - On Sunday, November 15, an original painting of Wimpy P-1 sold at the 2009 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show Sale for $120,000. The legendary painting by the late American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame member Orren Mixer was purchased by Hendrik and Lettie Smeding of Pope Valley, California, via telephone bid.

The painting was commissioned by Rex Cauble, the last recorded owner of Wimpy P-1, the first horse registered with the American Quarter Horse Association at its founding. It was consigned by Reynolds and Lisa Moreland of Mays Lick, Kentucky, who purchased the painting from Cauble prior to his death in 2003.

“We had inquiries about the painting,” Reynolds said about his decision to sell the painting, the original of an iconic image of Wimpy P-1 used publicly for decades. “I had people approach me to give it away.

“I approached Mike Jennings (of Professional Auction Services Inc.) last year and asked him, “'Have you ever thought about auctioning artwork?’” he continued. “After Mr. Mixer passed away, I had people show an interest. I told Mike what my idea was, he said this might be something we could do.

“(Selling the painting at the World Show Sale) in my opinion, that was going to be the best audience, the largest audience in one spot that would be interested in it,” he added. “It’s my understanding that none of Mr. Mixer’s paintings have ever sold (at public auction), it was all commission work.”

When the gavel fell Sunday at the World Show sale, Hendrik and Lettie Smeding were the new owners of this historic painting.

“We plan to keep it and enjoy it,” Lettie said. “We’re pretty excited. It was one of those things when we saw it in the sale, we just decided let’s see if we can get it or not.”

The Smedings own a ranch in Napa County, and have horses and cattle, and recently acquired a new stallion, Dual Star Cat.

“We like Quarter Horse art and all kinds of horse art,” Lettie said. “It was a good fit and good timing.”

She added that it was exciting to see a painting of the late Orren Mixer go through public auction.

“We were hopeful and really surprised (to get it),” she said. “Growing up and seeing this painting and photographs of the painting, it was just something that stood out in my mind that it would be neat to have: the No. 1 horse!”

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.

AQHA Offers New Releases on DVD

“Showing to Win: Trail” and “Showing to Win: Western Pleasure” available at the AQHA World Championship Show this month.

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 13, 2009 – With the release of the second DVD in the Showing to Win series – “Showing to Win: Trail” – AQHA has once again piqued the interest of the horse-showing public. When it was released in the spring, “Showing to Win: Western Pleasure” became the best-selling AQHA DVD of all time. Now “Showing to Win: Trail” is riding the same trail to the top of AQHA sales. These DVDs are geared for all exhibitors, trainers and judges.

For “Showing to Win: Trail,” AQHA teamed with some of the best-known and well-respected AQHA Professional Horsemen, judges and exhibitors in Charlie Cole, Leslie Lange and Jim Searles, who walk viewers through the required parts of the pattern and explain the maneuver scores, pluses and minuses.

“Showing to Win: Trail” illustrates the standards and provides information exhibitors need to successfully navigate a trail pattern and the judge’s score card. Using unique graphics and video technology, “Showing to Win: Trail” defines the trail scoring system and what the judges are looking for in a trail pattern.

“This DVD series is designed to help exhibitors understand the rules and the judging standards of the classes to help improve the performance of their horses in the show pen,” said Alex Ross, AQHA executive director of judges. “We appreciate the AQHA Professional Horsemen who shared their expertise in trail to help other exhibitors become better riders.”

Retailing at $24.95, AQHA members receive a $5 discount and can purchase either video for $19.95. “Showing to Win: Trail” and “Showing to Win: Western Pleasure” will both be available for purchase at the Quarter Horse Outfitters booth at the AQHA World Championship Show Trade Show, November 6-21 in Oklahoma City. The DVDs also can be purchased online at Quarter Horse Outfitters, www.aqhastore.com.

Watch for more class DVDs in the Showing to Win series to be released by AQHA.

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.

AQHA to Honor Best Remuda Recipient

America’s Horse, November 12, 2009 – During the Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo, Texas, in the company of top ranch cowboys from across the country, AQHA will recognize this year’s AQHA-Bayer Best Remuda Award recipient, the Haythorn Ranch Co. of Maxwell, Nebraska.

The Best Remuda Award is presented each year to honor the contributions that ranch horses have made to the heritage of the American Quarter Horse. The term “remuda” means a group of working horses bred by the ranch specifically to work and pen cattle.

The 2009 Best Remuda bronze will be presented in the arena before the November 14 performance of the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, which is sanctioned by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (www.wrca.org). Also on November 14, a reception honoring the Haythorns will be held at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum (www.aqhhalloffame.com).

Howard Haythorn came to Maxwell on horseback at age 13, helping his father trail in a herd of cattle and horses to their new home. He stayed in the Nebraska Sandhills to raise his own family and continue the legacy started by his grandfather: raising cattle and well-conformed, cowy American Quarter Horses with which to work them. Today, Howard and his son, Harry Byron Haythorn, run a 1,500-head cow-calf operation on 20,000 acres.

“The only way to handle cattle is on horseback,” Howard said, “and if you have horses, you may as well own good ones. We breed 20 to 30 mares a year. We don’t follow the whims of the market. We raise horses to suit our needs, which translates into horses that can be used by a wide variety of people for a wide variety of activities.”

The ranch stallions are Rusty Gun 876, by AQHA World Show Superhorse Real Gun; Peppy San Kai, by a son of Senor George; Snickelfritz Mickey by Snickelfritz Chex; and Mickey 612, a 3-year-old by Snickelfritz Mickey. Most of the mares are homebred, and many of them trace back to horses owned by Howard’s father, Harry Jr., and his uncle, Walter.

Walter’s grandson Craig and his sons run Haythorn Land and Cattle Co., in Arthur, Nebraska, which received the first Best Remuda Award in 1992.

Both ranches share a common heritage. Howard’s grandfather was born Harry Haythornwaite in England in 1861, and he stowed away on a ship bound for America when he was 16. When he was discovered on board, he was put to work caring for a shipment of Hereford bulls. When the ship docked in Galveston, Texas, Harry went to work for the Texas rancher who owned them. He later shortened his name to Haythorn and became a hand on the boss’ ranch. He went to Nebraska on cattle drives and on his second trip there, he stayed and began building his holdings.

From that foundation, Howard has built his own legacy, breeding American Quarter Horses for half a century.

Check out the November issue of America’s Horse, where Jim Jennings has a cover story and beautiful photos from the award-winning Haythorn Ranch Co.

To learn more about past winners, Jennings’ book “Best Remudas,” available at Quarter Horse Outfitters (www.aqhastore.com), offers up amazing photos and great stories about the first 15 Best Remuda award winners.

Any ranch that has five or more American Quarter Horse mares used to produce horses for ranch work and is a member of AQHA is eligible for this award.

For more information about the Best Remuda award or to request an application, visit AQHA’s Web site at www.aqha.com/association/benefits/awards.html. AQHA will be accepting applications for the 2010 AQHA-Bayer Best Remuda Award until December 1, 2009.

AQHA/Bayer Best Remuda Award Winners
2009 Haythorn Ranch Co. – Maxwell, Nebraska
2008 Moorhouse Ranch Co. – Benjamin, Texas
2007 S Ranch – Billings, Montana
2006 Tule Ranch – Tulia, Texas
2005 Babbitt Ranches – Flagstaff, Arizona
2004 Douglas Lake Cattle Co. – Douglas Lake, British Columbia
2003 Lacey Livestock Co. – Paso Robles, California
2002 W.H. Green Cattle Co. – Albany, Texas
2001 Van Norman Ranches Inc. – Tuscarora, Nevada
2000 CS Cattle Co. – Cimarron, New Mexico
1999 Bogle LTD – Dexter, New Mexico
1998 Pitchfork Land & Cattle Co. – Guthrie, Texas
1997 R.A. Brown Ranch – Throckmorton, Texas
1996 Bar B Ranch – Beaver, Oklahoma
1995 Stuart Ranch – Caddo, Oklahoma
1994 Waggoner Ranch – Vernon, Texas
1993 6666 Ranch – Guthrie, Texas
1992 Haythorn Land & Cattle Co. – Arthur, Nebraska

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.

State Fair Park to Host Equine Event with an Estimated $340,000 in Purses

Battle in the Saddle to feature top horses competing in five western disciplines.

Oklahoma City, November 11, 2009 – The world's most talented horses and cowboys take center stage July 6 in Oklahoma City to battle it out for top honors at the inaugural Battle in the Saddle competition. State Fair Park and the American Quarter Horse Association have teamed to present this first-of-its-kind equestrian event. Battle in the Saddle, owned by Oklahoma State Fair Inc. and managed by AQHA, will be a premier equine competition showcasing five western disciplines.

Beginning July 6 and continuing through July 10, 2010, at State Fair Park, competitors will shoot it out in five fast-paced, exciting events: reining, working cow horse, roping, cutting and ranch horse competition. Open to all breeds, horses and riders will compete for their share of more than $130,000 in added money, contributing to an estimated $340,000 in purses.

The cutting, reining, roping and working cow horse classes will be recognized as AQHA special events. All breeds are welcome but American Quarter Horses competing will receive AQHA points. The ranch horse competition is open to all ranches that meet the criteria of the AQHA-Bayer Best Remuda Award.

The roping events will be recognized by the American Rope Horse Futurity Association and follow ARHFA rules, which combine times with judges’ scores to get a contestant’s overall score. Horses competing in the cutting will receive National Cutting Horse Association recognition. Ancillary reining classes will be approved by the Oklahoma Reining Horse Association. The National Reined Cow Horse Association will be involved, as well.

“We are extremely proud to be a part of this inaugural event and look forward to Battle in the Saddle becoming an additional world-class equine event for Oklahoma City,” said Timothy J. O’Toole, President/General Manager of Oklahoma State Fair Inc., the organization that operates State Fair Park. “The citizens of Oklahoma City have allowed us to create one of the finest equine facilities in the world at State Fair Park. We look forward to working with AQHA to present an equine competition that will be unique and fun for the whole family.”

Adding to the excitement of the competition, the United States Equestrian Federation

National Open Reining Championship and Official United States Equestrian Team

Selection Trial for the United States Reining Team will be the qualifying event that selects the U.S. team to compete at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. See who will make the U.S. Equestrian Team as reining members go for the gold at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

To add to the international flair of Battle in the Saddle and the WEG selection trial, the AQHA Youth World Cup will also take place in conjunction with the event. Youth World Cup is a team competition featuring some of the best American Quarter Horse Youth Association members from around the world. Youth exhibitors from 17 nations are scheduled to attend and compete in the 2010 Youth World Cup. Youth World Cup competition alternates between the United States and another host country every two years.

State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, often referred to as “The Horse Show Capital of the World,” is a premier equine facility that annually hosts the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show, the National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Derby, the U.S. Team Roping Championships, the International Finals Rodeo and many other major equine events. With more than $70 million in recent renovations and stalls available for 3,000 horses, State Fair Park has become the go-to destination for top-tier equine competitions and events.

“State Fair Park and AQHA have been partners for nearly 35 years on the AQHA World Championship Show, and we are excited to manage this new event designed to stimulate competition and fill a vacancy that existed in State Fair Park’s calendar,” said AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr. “We’re looking forward to a premier event in a premier facility – one that will be different from others we traditionally conduct.”

In addition to the top-caliber equine competition in the arena, Battle in the Saddle will also feature a trade show. Look for updates on exciting additions to the Battle in the Saddle line-up.

Don’t miss the exciting action of this historic equine event! More information, including entry forms, will be available at www.battleinthesaddle.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.

World Show Sale Features Original Orren Mixer Wimpy P-1 Painting and Many Great Horses

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 10, 2009 – Besides a large number of performance-bred American Quarter Horses, you’ll have a chance to buy the original Orren Mixer painting of Wimpy P-1 at the 2009 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show Sale November 14-15 in Barn 3 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. The auction is held in conjunction with the FedEx Open and Bank of America Amateur AQHA World Championship Show.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to offer the original Orren Mixer Painting of Wimpy P-1,” said Mike Jennnings, president of the sale management company, Professional Auction Services Inc. “This iconic image of the first registered American Quarter Horse will be offered before the horses on Sunday morning, November 15.”

You can view the painting at www.professionalauction.com/09wimpy.htm.

Nearly 400 outstanding horses will also be offered for sale. To view and download the complete catalog or see the preview with photos and videos, go to www.professionalauction.com/09wld.htm.

Once again, live online bidding will be offered through HorseAuctions.com. The sale will offer the World Show Entry Sale Supplement sessions each day. Horses can be entered into the supplement by Thursday, November 12, at 5 p.m. Horses have sold as high as $50,000 in these sessions in the past, with an average price of $8,872.

This year’s sale features these, plus many more, outstanding horses:

Protect Your Assets - 1995 bay stallion; a leading pleasure sire (World Show Supplement Entry)
Rock Starlet - 2004 sorrel mare; currently the leading AQHA amateur halter mare and second in open halter mares; entered in 2009 AQHA World Championship Show
She Did Me A Faver - 1994 sorrel mare; dam of seven-time world champion She Scores. Plus, the choice of embryos by CK Kid and Image Of Kid selling separately
MTK Elegant - 2003 brown mare; 2008 AQHYA High-Point Halter Mare; All American Quarter Horse Congress reserve champion; bred to Acoolest
Embryo - (RL Best Of Sudden x Flashy Zippers Best)
A Classic Kid - 2004 palomino stallion; 2009 PHBA World Champion Aged Stallion
Please Dont Touch - 2004 sorrel mare; superior halter; Congress champion
Ms Blonde Bombshell - 2005 palomino mare; 2009 PHBA world champion
Sooo Good - 2008 red roan mare; full sister to Good Luck Girl, Congress Masters champion; half sister to One Hot Krymsun; AQHA Incentive Fund enrolled
Open Invitational - 2008 bay gelding; by Invitation Only; AQHA Incentive Fund enrolled; out of dam of Hot N Blazing
One Good Venture - 2008 black gelding; by Invitation Only; out of dam of AQHA World Champion Cool Assets
Good Stormy Romance - 2008 red roan mare; full sister to A Gift So Good
Genuine As Diamonds - 1992 palomino stallion; superior heading and heeling; full brother to Shining Spark
Jet Sparkles - 2003 palomino mare; by Shining Spark; AQHA Incentive Fund enrolled; 2009 World Show qualifier senior heeling
Photolena - 1994 bay mare; superior heading and heeling; bred to Dun It Big
Madrid - 1996 sorrel mare; fifth in World Show junior heading, superior heading and heeling; out of the dam of With All Probability
Duke Of The Coop - 2004 sorrel gelding; qualified for 2009 World Show in junior heading and heeling
Photons Pepita - 1998 bay mare; NRCHA $7,456; bred to Dun It Big
Especially Vested - 1993 chestnut stallion; superior western pleasure; full brother to Absolute Investment
Perfect Execution - 1993 bay stallion; superior western pleasure
Totally Tricked Out - 2006 buckskin mare; 2009 ABRA World Champion
Hangten In T Juana - 2001 black gelding; $3,860 NRHA earnings
Jos Neat - 1996 brown stallion; 2009 World Show qualifier amateur working cow horse
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.

NRHA AND AQHA TEAM UP IN MEXICO

WHIZMO IS THE FIRST CAMPEON EN REINING CUARTO DE MILLA

Oklahoma City, OK – November 9, 2009 – (From American Quarter Horse Journal story by Tonya Garrison) At the NRHA Mexico Regional Affiliate Championship, October 31-November 1, more than 100 entries from across Mexico competed for NRHA regional awards, Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship qualifying positions, futurity trophies, year-end honors and a trailer awarded by AQHA to the owner of the high-point Reining horse in Mexico.

The concept for the show and high-point award trailer started earlier this year when NRHA and AQHA officials met with the NRHA Mexico and Mexico Quarter Horse Association representatives. AQHA and NRHA teamed up to develop initiatives for grassroots riders in Mexico as well as those competing in premiere events.

“We met in February to try to promote Reining in Mexico,” said organizer Raul Leal. “It has been very successful and has helped us a lot. We are very thankful to AQHA and NRHA for all the support they have given us and all the hard work helping us.”

Mexico’s hosted an NRHA North American Regional Affiliate Championship for the past three years. However, with the alliance partnership, AQHA-, NRHA- and Federation Equestre Internationale-combined events were set up for the first time in Mexico.

“It has been a really good show,” Raul said. “The competition was tough, and we had more entries. The competitors contending for the trailer were on the edge until the last run. We were wondering up to the end who would win it. But that’s Reining – you never know until the finish.”

Winning the first Campeon en Reining Cuarto de Milla 2009 trailer was Whizmo, a nine-year-old palomino stallion owned by Gilberto Leal of San Pedro, Nuevo Leon.

“I’ve had Whizmo for three years, and I’ve been riding him for about a year,” Gilberto said. “He’s a nice horse, very quiet and very honest.”

Gilberto was thrilled to win the trailer from AQHA and shortly after it was awarded, his old trailer pulled up so tack could be loaded into the new one.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Gilberto said with a laugh. “Thank you, Whizmo, and thank you, AQHA.”

The NRHA Mexico Futurity was also held during the event. Winning the open was Jaime Fuentes on Gerardo Leal’s Sailin With Juice with a 217.5. Sixteen-year-old Gerardo Leal Jr. took the non pro title on his dad’s mare, Hermosa Hollywood.

During the two FEI-CRI 2* events, Canadian open rider Lisa Coulter won the first class against nine riders on Western Whiz. Taking the second class with 10 riders was Mexican non pro rider Ruben Pacheco on Topsail Command.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit nrha.com.

AQHA Debuts Redesigned Registration Certificates

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 9, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Association has debuted redesigned registration certificates. After a significant amount of input from customers, AQHA has made changes to the official registration certificates, which will improve the security, usability, value and visual appeal of the document.

“The goal was to create a document worthy of framing, and I think we’ve done that,” said Trent Taylor, AQHA treasurer and executive director of operations. “Our members told us what they wanted, and we heard them.”

Other features of the new certificates include:
Horses’ pedigrees will be larger and more visible on the now landscape-oriented certificates.

Photographs will no longer be included on the front. “Since most horses are registered as weanlings, our members didn’t like the photo of an awkward-looking weanling to be the first thing someone saw on the certificate,” Taylor said. “Also, the goal was to create papers that would be more relevant as a horse ages. So now, the horse’s photo will be on the back of the certificate."

The photos submitted by the owner will be used to illustrate the horse’s markings, making it easier for everyone to identify the horse. “If the photos do not clearly show what we need to illustrate a horse’s markings, then we will use the drawn markings that were on the back of the application,” said Tammy Canida, AQHA director of registration operations.

Better security. Each certificate features a heat-activated authentication seal that disappears when the certificate is copied, to reduce the possibility of fraudulent sales of grade horses as registered American Quarter Horses.

The Association began distributing the new certificates Monday, November 2, with the first certificate going to Henry Omar Diaz Lopez of Venezuela. Henry just happened to be in Amarillo for the U.S. Team Penning Association finals and stopped by AQHA headquarters to obtain a duplicate registration certificate for his mare, Buffythebovineslayer. He had no idea he would become part of AQHA history by being the first to receive the newly redesigned certificate.

“I’m very excited to be – el primero – the first to get the new registration certificate,” said Henry, who called his sons over to hear the news when he found out.

From now on, when a horse is transferred, the new owner will receive the new certificate. Also, those who purchase a horse at the AQHA World Championship Show Sale on November 14-15 in Oklahoma City will get the new certificate when they transfer those horses at the AQHA on-site services booth outside the sale pavilion. Anyone who would like to get the new certificate for their horses can order them for just $10.

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.