The American Horse Council’s (AHC) recent National Issues Fall Forum was a resounding success. Over 100 industry professionals and horse enthusiasts from every sector of the equine world gathered at Keeneland Racetrack on November 2nd for important updates on some of the horse world’s hottest topics and primary concerns. Complete details, including several presentation downloads, are now available on the AHC’s web site: www.horsecouncil.org
The fall forum topics covered included: Preserving Our Land and Use–Conservation Easements, by attorney Margaret M. Graves, a board member of Bluegrass Conservancy, and attorney Shannon Bishop Arvin, of Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC. Attendees were given an overview of how land is protected, and the various prices, fees, taxes, and concerns that are involved. Various easement and conservation programs were highlighted, with special consideration given to programs initiated by the state of Kentucky. Graves stressed that most conservation programs are geared toward, “ … staying true to the heritage of growing in a compact, contiguous way.” Graves also stressed that the states and Federal government are beginning to notice the monetary impact of farm conservation, “Farmland contributes more to government coiffeurs,” she said.
Own Responsibly–Spread the Word, Latest from the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) with Katy Carter of the UHC, Kristin Hix of The Jockey Club, and Sally Baker of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Katy Carter stated that no one currently knows how many horses go unwanted each year in the United States. Carter indicated that the UHC’s primary goal is to educate owners to “own responsibly.” In order to “spread the word about unwanted horses” the UHC has created a number of new public education tools, pamphlets and materials. Everyone is encouraged to visit the UHC’s web site for details and downloads: www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org. New to the Web site is a listing of facilities that can take unwanted horses. The group has also created advertisements to promote responsible horse ownership. These publications can be used in reprint. The UHC presentation is available on the AHC’s web site: www.horsecouncil.org
Federal Legislation and Regulations Affecting the Industry by AHC President Jay Hickey. In his discussion of several changes to federal laws and regulations, Mr. Hickey focused on efforts that are currently being made to offer the Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act of 2007, better known as AgJOBS, as an amendment to the Farm Bill or any other legislation to be considered by the Senate. AgJOBS (S.340) is a comprehensive solution to many of the horse industry’s immigration problems with respect to H-2A workers at horse breeding farms and ranches. Mr. Hickey also discussed the provisions in the Senate farm bill that would make horses eligible for federal emergency assistance; the “Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Land Act,” legislation just introduced by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) that would require federal land managers to consider the historic and traditional use of horses on public lands in any exclusionary effort; and the Equine Equity Act, which includes several favorable tax changes for horses.
Keeping the IRS at Bay–Federal Tax Laws for Horse Owners, by attorney Doug Romaine of Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC. Mr. Romaine focused on the differences between so-called “hobby” equine activities versus “business” activities in relation to the various ways in which the Internal Revenue Service distinguishes between the two. By focusing on a strong business model and, “carrying out your horse activities in a business-like manner” those involved in the horse industry can be better prepared should the IRS audit their activities. Among the best advice given, Mr. Romaine also suggested that horse owners and breeders keep separate books and ledgers for their horse business, perhaps even, “by horse” in order to distinguish profits (or losses) on a horse-by-horse basis.
The Ins and Outs of Movement–Import/Export Issues for Horse Owners, by Andrea Morgan, DVM, Associate Deputy Administrator for Regional Operations, USDA. Dr. Morgan’s entire presentation is available on the AHC’s web site (www.horsecouncil.org). Dr. Morgan explained the import-export laws for horses in and out of the United States. She further touched upon the recent discussions regarding public versus private quarantine facilities, a major issue that has surfaced in relation to the upcoming World Equestrian Games to be held in Kentucky in 2010. Dr. Morgan stressed that, as an industry, “ … we have the shared responsibility of getting horses in and out of this country in a dedicated and responsible way.”
The Sleeping Giant–Update on Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), by Kent Fowler, DVM, Chief Animal Health Branch, California Department of Food and Agriculture. Currently, EP is classified as a “foreign-animal disease.” Dr. Fowler’s presentation highlighted all the essential safeguards that the equine industry can take to make sure that EP remains foreign and isolated. Dr. Fowler explained how EP is transmitted by ticks and has been shown to have a twenty-percent fatality rate among equines. Fowler reviewed the various red-blood cell affecting symptoms associated with the disease, which he warned, “often go undiagnosed.” Fowler also remarked on the various measures the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and others are taking to make sure EP does not become endemic to the United States.
Do You Have A Match?–Immigration Issues Facing the Horse Industry, by attorney Charles R. Baesler Jr. of Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC. As a compliment to some of the broader immigration issues discussed earlier in the day by the AHC, Mr. Baesler went into a more in-depth analysis of H-2A and H-2B alien workers, as the current rules apply to the horse industry. Baesler noted that getting such workers admitted is quite often, “complicated and time-consuming.” He explained the so-called “no-match” letters in relation to the government’s pursuit of workers with questionable or falsified documentation. Baesler emphasized the importance of clarity and consistency when dealing with alien workers and federal agencies.
This is only the second time the AHC has held a major National Issues Forum outside of Washington, DC. In summarizing the event, AHC President Jay Hickey said, “This event was a good review of some of the issues currently affecting the American horse industry. This fall forum is the perfect opportunity for the horse world to be well-prepared for the year ahead.” The AHC will hold its annual DC-based National Issues Forum in June of 2008. Details regarding this event will be available online in early January 2008.
The AHC’s National Issues Fall Forum was sponsored by event host Keeneland Association; The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders; Equestrian Services, LLC; Spring Mountain Vineyard’s “Chateau Chevalier” wine-label, and Blood-Horse Publications.
Just a quick note to let you know that the 2008 Official Handbook of the Appaloosa Horse Club is now available on the website in pdf format. Better known as the “rulebook,” the annual publication includes general rules, registration information, information about programs such as racing, trail and distance riding, shows, regional clubs, youth and non-pro activities.
We thought you might like some numbers from the 2007 World Championship Show in Fort Worth. And, of course, we always like sharing good news.
Non-Pro entries – 1,221
Open Halter entries – 393
Open Performance entries – 918
Total entries – 2,532
Total horses – 978
Total entries increased by 10.13% over last year and we were up 35 horses (3.7%) over last year! Entries increased in all divisions (non-pro, halter, performance).
Appaloosa Horse Club President Eric Beené and directors in Territory VI invite ApHC members to a “Town Hall” meeting December 7th – 9th, 2007, at Nomads in South Windsor, CT (100 Bidwell Road in the JES Industrial Park).
The purpose of the meeting is to identify issues, opportunities and strategies for the Appaloosa Horse Club. Board members are welcoming member input and discussion about ways to advance the breed and the organization.
Please RSVP to Chuck McWhirter by email: chucksvf@aol.com. If you have specific questions or wish to submit agenda items for consideration, please include them in your reply.
Our host hotel for those requiring overnight accommodations is the Best Western Colonial, located at 161 Bridge Street in East Windsor, CT. Ask for the ApHC group rate of $59 (+tax) and make your reservation as soon as possible.
AGENDA
Friday, December 7th, 7:00 p.m.
• Meet and greet;
• Identify issues, concerns and opportunities
Saturday, December 8th
• 8:00 a.m. – Form working groups to address specific topics;
• Noon – Lunch;
• 1:00 p.m. –Group reports and discussion;
Sunday, December 9th, 8:00 a.m.
• Additional discussion/strategy session, if necessary
Beginning in 2008, Appaloosa Horse Club members will have more advantages than ever! The ApHC is proud to announce that the club has joined forces with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) to bring greater value to your ApHC membership through the creation of the Appaloosa Advantage Program.
The Appaloosa Advantage Program means ApHC members are eligible for preferred pricing on premium brands such as Dodge, John Deere, UPS, Office Max and Sherwin Williams Paint.
Watch the ApHC website and the Appaloosa Journal for more news and information about the Appaloosa Advantage Program including the details you will need to get the fullest advantages from your 2008 ApHC membership.
WASHINGTON, DC November 7, 2007 –Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced the Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act (S. 2238) on November 1st. This bill is similar to the so-called “Right-to-Ride” bill that was introduced in the last Congress by Senator Crapo.
“Senator Crapo has been a champion of preserving riders’ access to public lands,” said American Horse Council (AHC) President Jay Hickey. “He has retooled the bill he introduced in the last Congress and we appreciate his steadfastness in introducing the legislation again. Equestrians are going to have to let Congress know that they are concerned about access to trails and public lands and that they support this bill if we hope to get it passed.”
The bill directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to manage the federal lands under their jurisdiction “in a manner that preserves and facilitates the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals” on lands on which “there is a historical tradition” of use. The bill provides that such lands “shall remain open and accessible to the use of pack and saddle stock animals” where there is such a tradition. The bill applies to the management of the National Park System, BLM lands, National Wildlife Refuge System land, and National Forest System land.
The bill does not limit the federal agencies’ ultimate authority to restrict such use, provided the agencies perform the review required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The bill would also impose additional specific and designated procedures to be followed by agencies before any land closures. These procedures include advance notice of any proposed reduction in use to allow public comment, convening a public meeting near the area involved, and collaboration with various users during the process.
Those who enjoy riding on public lands have been concerned about the reduction of trails and public lands available to horses and pack stock. This bill recognizes the importance of saddle and pack stock in the settling, exploration and recreation of our country by ensuring that the horse’s historic and traditional use is recognized as our public lands are managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service.
Hickey further stated, “The AHC thanks Senator Crapo for introducing this important bill. Horses are an immensely important part of American culture, history and heritage. This bill recognizes the strength of the horse industry and helps to preserve time-honored American traditions and values.”
For more information about the American Horse Council, please visit: www.horsecouncil.org or call 202-296-4031.
Fairly Flashy, an Appaloosa youth horse appearing in the Appaloosa Horse Club’s new “Breed of Choice” ad series, will be featured in the January 2008 issue of Horse & Rider. He’ll be the first Appaloosa to appear on the magazine’s “We’d Love To Own” page, which debuted in 2007 to showcase horses the H&R editors encounter in their travels and wish they could claim as theirs.
He was proposed as a candidate for the page by H&R Lifestyle Editor Juli S. Thorson, who met him while directing a “Breed of Choice” photo shoot on behalf of the ApHC. His full-page photo and write-up will be seen by a magazine audience of about 180,000. He’s already been seen by ApHC members, in “Breed of Choice” ad previewed in the November 2007 issue of Appaloosa Journal.
Owned by Rachael Bany of Wilsonville, Oregon, Fairly Flashy is a 2002 gelding by Zippin Bonanza Flash, and out of Fairleta, by Fair Charles. He’s trained by Robin Williams of Forest Grove, Oregon.
Yearling Incentive Sale average = $4,513
Average price of the Top Five = $13,400
Average price of the Top Ten = $11,025
Select Sale average = $2,432
Average price of the Top Five = $4,750
Average price of the Top Ten = $3,595
Yearling Sale averages were down from 2006, primarily due (we assume) to the increase in the total number of consignments in the sale. Averages for the Select Sale were up slightly from a year ago.
Individual prices are posted on the on-line catalog. The ones without prices were either not sold or were scratched from the sale.
The ApHC Sale Committee met for a de-briefing on Thursday and discussed various aspects of the sale for next year. Obviously, there are always improvements and changes that can be made. Overall, however, the sale was a good one. Our first attempt with on-line bidding was interesting and successful. We had 178 viewers/bidders on line during the sale. At least two lots were sold via the Internet and several other consignments were helped along with active on-line bidding.
We would like to extend a special word of thanks to Bruce McCarty, who stepped in as auctioneer for Keith Babb, who suffered a severe leg break while on a hunting trip. Bruce did a great job and was helpful on many fronts.
Congratulations to the buyers and sellers. We look forward to a renewed effort in 2008.
Last night’s program included a short show by Diana Olson who is President of the Arizona Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association. She certainly woke us up as if anyone was sleeping at that point.
I’ve really enjoyed my opportunity to be with you once again and for my first World Show. I hope you enjoy the interviews and pictures and really appreciate the great staff of the ApHC for working with me to bring you some of the sights and sounds of a great show.
Keri is smiling because it’s the last day of the show and all has gone well. As show manager, Keri LeForce has a lot of organizing to do.
She says that this year’s show is bigger with about 6% more horses and entries than last year. That’s a good increase. Another thing she likes about this year’s show is the extracurricular activities like the clinics and the screening of the movie “Trail End.” She says they enhance the participants experience and she’s heard very positive feedback about them. Keri says the staff will wrap up the World Show and get back to work on the National show which will be in Jackson, MS next year. She says the city there has been very supportive and hopes to really impress ApHC members when they attend.
His real name is Roland but everyone calls him Pete Woods. Pete’s been judging Appaloosas for 51 years now!
Besides judging he’s also painting and at the information booth here at the World Show you can see a couple of Pete’s paintings. I sat down with Pete this morning to get a little bit of his perspective from his career. He says he got his first Appaloosa in 1949 and it was the first registered one in New York state. He was drawn to the breed because of their color and disposition. Pete’s ApHC membership number is 420 by the way. He was one of the first Appaloosa judges to be carded too.
One of the things that stands out in his memory were shows like the National Show in Salem, OR in 1973 when there were huge numbers of horses in the classes and they only had 3 judges. If you’re going to be a judge Pete says, “You have to satisfy yourself.” He says you can’t satisfy everyone.
You can listen to my interview with Pete here: Pete Wood Interview (6 min MP3)
When you’re trying to getting the bidding up in an auction you’ve got to try different things. Like this move during the pre-rope race auction last night.
Each of the contestants was auctioned off in a Calcutta and had to parade around the ring to generate excitement and hopefully some competitive bidding. The auction raised $4,500 to fund scholarships for Appaloosa youth. The winning bidder received $2,250!
I don’t know about anyone else but when our American flag came by in the ring during our National Anthem last night I got a lump in my throat.
This kicked off the ceremonies last night at the Toys for Tots Performance. Awards were given out and sponsors and dignitaries like Barry Corbin were honored.
There are a number of pictures from the event in my photo album.
I had not seen a rope race until the National Show earlier this year. It’s a lot of fun to watch. Last night we had an invitational event with halter exhibitors. This video has the first heat so you can see what it was like.
At the National Show we met MyHorseForSale.com owner, Jan Erhardt (right). Now she’s got an exclusive website set up for the ApHC for members to sell their horses. You can find it in the Marketplace section of the ApHC website using this link.
I spoke with Ginger Baker (center) about the new website and what it means for ApHC members. She says it’s really easy to use. If you have a horse for sale then you just go to the website and use the tools built in to list your horse, including the ability to upload pictures. As of yesterday there were nearly 200 horses already listed so it looks like the service is already receiving a lot of activity.
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We thought you might like some numbers from the 2007 World Championship Show in Fort Worth. And, of course, we always like sharing good news.
From the American Horse Council
Fairly Flashy, an Appaloosa youth horse appearing in the Appaloosa Horse Club’s new “Breed of Choice” ad series, will be featured in the January 2008 issue of Horse & Rider. He’ll be the first Appaloosa to appear on the magazine’s “We’d Love To Own” page, which debuted in 2007 to showcase horses the H&R editors encounter in their travels and wish they could claim as theirs.
Last night’s program included a short show by Diana Olson who is President of the 
Keri is smiling because it’s the last day of the show and all has gone well. As show manager, Keri LeForce has a lot of organizing to do.
His real name is Roland but everyone calls him Pete Woods. Pete’s been judging Appaloosas for 51 years now!
When you’re trying to getting the bidding up in an auction you’ve got to try different things. Like this move during the pre-rope race auction last night.
I don’t know about anyone else but when our American flag came by in the ring during our National Anthem last night I got a lump in my throat.
At the National Show