Herman Kennard passed away March 8, 2007, at the age of 91. Herman was born July 14, 1915, in Arcadia, Oklahoma and resided in Oklahoma City. He was a long-time ApHC member and the breeder and only owner of the great stallion Alias King, who produced 319 registered foals. Sixty-three of those foals earned 1,951.6 performance points, 69 earned 962.5 halter points, 45 foals earned 87 registers of merit, and collectively they earned 13 bronze medallions and three superior achievement certificates among many other awards and achievements. Herman bred 224 registered Appaloosas.
He was also recognized for more than 50 years in the grocery business and as the owner of Kennard Discount Foods.
Despite his notable accomplishments, nothing made Herman prouder than being the patriarch of a large family. He loved holidays and family gatherings. He was never happier than with a house full of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Three children, 11 grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren survive Herman.
Carl Randolph “Randy” Layne was born November 8, 1936, in Smith County, Texas. Horses played a significant role in his life, from riding for pleasure to riding in the Smith County Sheriffs Posse. He was a businessman—owner and operator of Randy’s Paint & Body Shop in Tyler, Texas, and served 12 years as Deputy Sheriff of Smith County.
Randy bought his first Appaloosa from David Feagin in 1987 and became an Appaloosa Horse Club member in 1988. His first Appaloosa, DF Bold Dynasty, “Bodie,” produced several outstanding foals. Randy trained Bodie himself, and participated in breakaway roping for the National Old Time Ropers Association and a lot of trail riding.
Randy and his wife, Frances, joined the regional East Texas Appaloosa Horse Club in 1998 and have been active members since that time. Randy was elected president of ETAHC in 2003, served a two-year term and later served as club director. Always very active in promoting Appaloosas, he continually helped organize activities for the club such as benefit rides for members with medical bills. In 2004–05 Randy headed up the Trail of Tears ride which benefited the New London Museum and School. The ride raised funds that were divided between the museum and school, and filtered into scholarships for students.
Randy and Frances seldom missed a meeting. Whether it was strictly business, a hard days work preparing for one of the club events, or a busy day in the saddle, he always gave to support the club.
“Randy was always generous with his time for anybody that needed him,” David says. Randy provided encouragement for those who were down on their luck, and suggested they work with horses. He personally knew it was good therapy and always said, “It helps to get your mind off your troubles.”
His last trail ride was in November of 2006 along the beautiful Mineola Nature Preserve. No more than a week later he was diagnosed with pneumonia and never fully recovered. While his immune system was low, leukemia slipped in, leaving him weak and unable to work for more than two or three hours at a time. In January 2007 he was halter-training foals, but on February 5, he was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. Refusing to go directly to the hospital, he returned home to discuss the proposed treatment with his family and by early on February 10, Randy passed away with his two sons at his side in prayer.
Randy is survived by Frances, his wife of 40 years, two sons, four daughters, several grand and great-grandchildren and several horses. His first Appaloosa, Bodie, is now a 20-year-old gelding. As part of Randy’s final ceremony, Bodie was led around the gravesite, saddled, with boots in the stirrups and hat and lariat on the saddle horn—symbolizing this beloved cowboy’s last ride.
Randy’s passing was a great loss to East Texas, the area police departments, and especially to his friends and members of the ETAHC; his funeral was standing room only. Though Randy is sorely missed, his life and legacy leave all who knew him with a sense of pride and fulfillment for having such a close and loyal friend.
Roger Ott of Bakersfield, California, passed away March 13, 2007. A long-time Appaloosa contributor, Roger was a part of the Appaloosa show world since the early 1960’s. He was a trainer, judge and recently inducted into the Cal-Western Appaloosa Hall of Fame for his contributions to the California Appaloosa industry. He was an original promoter of the working cow horse and had much to do with the development and promotion of working cow horse competitions in California and the world as a whole. He also spoke at Color Breed Council seminars on the working cow horse class. He judged the National Show, and led groundbreaking changes that allowed judges with handicaps to judge after he had suffered a stroke about eight years ago. Also, he and his wife, Toni, established the Golden Empire Regional Club, which is still operating and putting on shows in the Bakersfield area. His wife Toni and his two daughters survive him.
Directors came to Moscow, Idaho, with a number of important and interesting topics on the agenda. A complete summary of Board motions will soon be posted on the appaloosa.com website. In the meantime, here’s a quick look at just some of the issues. Remember that several items will need a second vote at the July meeting before they are either approved or set aside.
Regional Clubs
New regional club charters approved include Southern Oregon Appaloosa Promoters (the acronym will look great on a sweatshirt), Louisiana Appaloosa Horse Club, and the Iowa Appaloosa Association (a group formed by merger last year).
Results of the ApHC Regional Club Exemplary Awards were announced. Details will be posted soon.
The Board will have a second vote in July on a motion that, at all ApHC approved shows, results of a class must be announced for before the next class starts and that, at minimum, the name of the exhibitor and entry number of the horse should be announced.
Shows
ApHC will be publishing information about the pros and cons of lining up under each judge versus recognizing the top 16 finalists at the National and World Shows. Board members want more feedback from exhibitors/members before taking a vote in July.
Approved addition of Non-Pro Timed Tie-Down Roping and Non-Pro Times Heading & Heeling as non-qualifying classes at the 2007 World Show (qualification will be required in subsequent years if ultimately approved for regional shows).
The Show Committee will be conducting a “top-to-bottom” review of the show category of ApHC. Items for discussion will include the number of judges permitted/required at events, the National Point System, and the World Show qualifying point requirements. A recommendation will be made in July with the intention of making changes for 2009.
Extended the single-show fee waiver for two more years (and incorporate this topic into discussions outlined above).
First reading and approval of a proposal to award ApHC Medallions to class winners of the European Championships.
The Board will take a second vote in July on an amendment to ApHC Drug Rules pertaining to conditionally permitted medications.
Youth
Approved the Appaloosa Youth International Exchange Program; approved a committee review of potential for a Miss Appaloosa Program;
First reading and approval of a change to ownership rules for Youth: with the exception of leadline, the youth or member of their immediate family must own any horse exhibited by a youth in a youth class. Horses under lease but not owned by any member of the family may not be shown in youth classes.
Breeding/Registry
First approval for the International Registration Incentive Program; approved the Performance Permit Color Incentive Fund Payout Plan;
Separate the Leading Sires list into categories for halter horses and hunter-in-hand horses.
First reading and approval of a proposed Frozen Semen/Embryo Rights Retention Permit system that is intended to facilitate international marketing as well as clarify rules for domestic breeding programs.
Trail/Distance
Adopted a new set of guidelines for Trail Ride Classifications, for example a “Class A” ride would be those such as the Chief Joseph Trail Ride that are sponsored and managed by ApHC; a “Class B” ride would be managed/sponsored by a regional club, and approved by ApHC; a “Class C” ride would be almost any other trail ride not managed or approved by ApHC and would not count toward mileage awards.
Effective immediately, all participants on ApHC-sponsored rides must be ApHC members, as a condition of ApHC liability insurance coverage.
We’ve been reminded that it’s not only the 60th Anniversary for our Appaloosa National Show, it’s also Oklahoma’s Centennial year. So…if you haven’t already booked hotel/motel accommodations, it might be a good idea to do so as soon as possible. The local activity calendar includes several more activities than normal.
Top winners team up for only the second time
It’s absolutely great to see a member of the Appaloosa family making headlines. Whether an Appaloosa was involved or not, we are proud of Nick and offer our congratulations!
San Antonio, TX (March 24, 2007) – An unlikely pair teamed up for the second year in a row to compete in The George Strait Team Roping Classic – and walked off first-time winners. Header Nick Sartain (Yukon, OK) and Heeler Jhett Johnson (Casper, WY), who do not rope together during the regular season, decided to rope as partners on a last second whim. The two ropers teamed up in the 2006 GSTRC but did not make the finals. This year was a different story. The duo took first with a combined three round score of 16.84.
627 teams traveled to The Rose Palace in San Antonio, Texas this weekend to compete in the 25th Anniversary edition George Strait Team Roping Classic. Hosted by country superstar and avid team roper, George Strait, the sold-out GSTRC event is among the largest and most prestigious open ropings in the country and annually plays host to the most accomplished names in the sport. Ropers competed for a chance at cash prizes totaling more than $500,000, two Chevy Silverado Trucks provided by Cavender Chevrolet of Boerne, TX, two Strait X-treme 3-horse slant trailers by Bruton, Twister saddles and Gist Buckles.
Before we start summarizing board action taken at last week’s meeting, it seems especially appropriate to acknowledge and say thank you to everyone who participated. Even though directors are reimbursed for travel expenses (if they request it), they still must make the trade-off of being away from their homes and business interests for several days at a time. Then they are required to spend some serious time in committee and board meetings focused on not only the concerns and needs of members in the territories they represent, but also the overall demands of the worldwide organization.
In addition, it would be difficult for me to calculate and make you believe the amount of staff effort and time that is required to support board meetings. Let’s just say it’s a lot of work for everyone and each person is important and greatly appreciated.
Thank you Board members and staff. And — to the ApHC members who chose to come to Moscow and be part of the process — thank you as well.
We’re finishing up the fairly extensive list of committee meetings. As I type, the Rules Committee is discussing medication/drug rules and how they may need to be adjusted in terms of classification updates, labeling, penalties, etc. As you all know, keeping up with new drugs, new uses and new problems is a real challenge. We don’t relish the role of enforcement, but we know that fairness to all exhibitors and participants is critical.
One discussion that may not involve lots of people, but is linked to breed identity is the range of qualifications for the Heritage Class. Looks like there may be a proposal to return to the original definition that specifies Native American heritage and make less room for the broad range of “costumes” we sometimes see. No board decision yet, so stay tuned. * Update — the Board decided to keep it simple and add a line in the rulebook that gives judges some room to discriminate against “frivolous and/or disrespectful attire or presentations.”
Interaction has been good. Committees have forwarded recommendations on a wide variety of topics. Note — there are several proposals on the table that have come from the membership — through their directors and directly to a committee. You are being represented.
In any case, I believe it’s always a good idea for board members to visit Moscow, see the office and museum, and get better acquainted with staff members. The current rule states that the board needs to come to Moscow at least once every three years.
Have to say, I’m pleased with the participation and focus of the volunteers who serve the members. I’ll do my best to provide some highlights no later than sometime Monday.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to announce its new partnership forged with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the world’s largest association of equine veterinarians with nearly 9,000 members.
The newfound alliance promises to provide equine enthusiasts the most up-to-date veterinarian information available. The coalition will offer more avenues to information regarding equine health, which will not only benefit Appaloosa owners, but also horse owners across the breed spectrum.
ApHC members and non-members will have 24-hour access to articles written by veterinarian professionals regarding the latest health topics via Appaloosa.com, AppaloosaJournal.com and the print version of the Appaloosa Journal. The benefits of such a partnership will continue to build in 2008, as the Appaloosa Journal will begin featuring editorial content provided by the AAEP.
In addition to full-length feature articles, the AAEP will also be providing brochures to further educate ApHC members and non-members alike. The educational brochures promise to offer a wealth of information, as they are prepared in conjunction with the AAEP’s educational partners, which include leading corporations in the equine health industry.
The partnership goes beyond the printed word, as the AAEP will provide veterinarian lecturers at ApHC events, including the Youth World/National Show in Oklahoma City, Okla. and the World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Seminars featuring AAEP speakers will be held during the course of the events on show grounds. The seminars are free and open to the public. Information regarding the lectures will soon be made available on the ApHC Web site. The ApHC and the Appaloosa Journal Web sites will soon feature links to aaep.org, the official AAEP equine health Web site, which offers a database of articles stretching the gamut of horse health issues.
The ApHC is the newest addition to the AAEP Alliance Partner Program, which includes the United States Dressage Federation, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Arabian Horse Association, the United States Equestrian Federation and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.
In case anyone missed me/us, someone had to make another trip from Missouri to Idaho with a rental truck full of “prized possessions.” After the first day on the road, I was thinking I could enjoy the life of a professional trucker. By the third day, I decided to leave things as they are. Bless the folks who make it their vocation.
As you can guess, ApHC staff folks are busy preparing for the Board of Directors meeting here in Moscow next week. Committees have considerable work on their agendas and we’ll be fully engaged for three days. Several initiatives will be considered and it’s budget time. The ApHC fiscal year ends March 31st. It’s also important to update everyone on programs and activities and – hopefully – have a discussion about what we can and should do in terms of priorities for the future. The equine world is changing and challenging. A critical step in the process of planning for an Appaloosa future is to deal with the convergence of registration and transfer numbers, financial pressures, membership concerns and doing the right things right.
We’ll try to offer a recap very soon after the meetings conclude.
American Horse Council reports that a bill in the House of Representatives that would bar employers from discriminating against those who take part in legal recreational activities such as horseback riding, motorcycling, ATV riding and snowmobiling in the health insurance programs they offer their workers. The AHC supports this legislation and will work with a coalition of other recreational groups for its passage.
Aged horse special
The Appaloosa Horse Club is offering members an opportunity to register eligible Appaloosas over 2 years of age for the reduced rate of only $150.
ApHC Regional Clubs are eligible for monetary incentive by recruiting members to take advantage of this special opportunity!
February 1, 2007–December 31, 2007— Eligibility requirements:
• ApHC members only (you may purchase a membership at the time of registration)
• Applicant horse may be eligible for Regular (#) or Non-characteristic (N) classification
• Applicant horse must be 2 years old or older
• Applicant horse must meet all ApHC registration requirements
• Applicant horse must meet ApHC bloodline requirements: at least one parent must be ApHC-registered with Regular (#) classification; non-Appaloosa parents must be registered with an approved breed association (AQHA, JC or AHA)
Just wanted to offer a reminder that the latest issue of the ApHC member e-newsletter has been distributed to the subscriber list. It’s also available on the appaloosa.com website.
Topics this month include: ROM for distance riding, Aged Horse Special extension, and a host of other updates and notes.
Calendar
Wednesday March 7th – Executive Committee conference call;
Friday March 9th – Planning & Review Committee Call 3 pm PST;
Tentative schedule and agenda for the BOD meeting should be posted on the website and emailed to the Board today.
Sponsors
We’ve had preliminary discussions with four major corporations about potential sponsorship deals, but no specifics to report as yet.
Kathleen Cox, Lexington, Kentucky – is the person we’ve engaged to help with sponsorship development (as well as to provide some public relations “consulting”). Her background is the same as her business name – Events and Marketing. She’s an experienced horse industry person and serves on the marketing committee for the U.S. Equestrian Federation. She’s worked with the Riata Ranch Girls, New York Racing Association, Equitana USA and Europe, etc.
Marketing Committee member Darron Locke has been very busy lining up sponsors for award money and prizes for timed events at the 2007 World Show. We’ll provide all the details once things have been finalized, but we can share that he’s so far raised over $10,500 in cash and $20,000 in prizes!
The ApHC has finalized the agreement with AAEP and will be distributing a press release about the partnership this week.
Other
The HorseFlicks production of our 2006 National Championship Endurance Ride episode is nearly complete. The script for the Youth Show episode is being reviewed and production will proceed fairly soon.
From the Odessa, Texas, American: 10-year-old Ramesh Babu Ghanta of Odessa, Texas, won his regional qualifier for the National Spelling Bee by correctly spelling the word ‘appaloosa.’ Ramesh will be competing May 30 in Washington, DC against 274 other accomplished spellers.
From the Grand Rapids, Michigan, Press: Ice takes to stage like horse to water: Bright stage lights can melt even a steady soul like Ice, a 9-year-old appaloosa featured in the opening scene of “Oklahoma!” at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Usually obedient and level-headed, the horse became stage struck on his third appearance and didn’t want to leave the stage. Now owner Grace Hoyer stands in the wings with a crop if he gets stubborn. “He loves all the attention,” Hoyer said. “He jumps in the trailer, he’s so excited to go.” Ice is one of four horses belonging to Bill and Grace Hoyer, of Coopersville. Their 16-year-old son, Will, is in the cast of “Oklahoma!” When director Penelope Notter was looking for a horse to come on stage for the opening number, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” Hoyer selected Ice, because he doesn’t spook easily. Ice has competed in dressage and English riding, but he prefers a good trail ride, Hoyer said. In the summertime, he particularly likes to run through water and loves to visit Lake Michigan.
Postal Regulators Recommend 2-Cent Stamp Hike
A postal regulatory commission recommended Feb. 26 a 2-cent increase in the cost of a first-class stamp, as well as other rate changes for Express Mail, bulk-mailed weekly magazines and household magazines, and postcards.
The recommendation to increase the cost of a stamp from 39 to 41 cents was one penny less than what the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) had requested. The commission’s recommendations now go back to the USPS Board of Governors to either accept or ask for reconsideration. If the governors accept the recommendations, the new rates could be in effect within 60 days.
A key proposal in the commission’s plan is to develop a “forever stamp,” which could be purchased for the first-class rate and would remain valid for mailing even if rates increase.
We’ve been receiving calls and have heard about considerable misinformation floating around about board election eligibility. As a reminder, there are different types of “suspensions” at ApHC. Some are minor and temporary, others are disciplinary and a few are permanent.
According to the ApHC Official Handbook, to be eligible to serve as an ApHC director, a person must be an active member in good standing of the ApHC and have been an active member in good standing of the ApHC for at least three (3) consecutive years next preceding the applicable election. In addition, to be eligible to serve as an ApHC director, a person cannot have been found guilty of any ApHC disciplinary action.
A member is only ineligible if they’ve had a disciplinary suspension or are currently suspended for reasons other than disciplinary. All candidates for the 2007 election meet ApHC eligibility requirements.
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