The American Horse Council has released “Getting Involved in the 2008 Elections,” a federal election guide for the horse industry. The guide stemmed from the program at the AHC’s National Issues Forum in Washington explaining how the horse industry could take advantage of the 2008 federal elections to get more involved with their elected representatives.
The 2008 elections are a great opportunity for horse associations, businesses and individuals to step up and be heard by the candidates, incumbents and those running for the first time. Candidates for office want to hear from voters, they want your help and most of all they want your votes. 2008 is an opportunity to educate them about the issues important to the horse community and show them our votes are important. The AHC 2008 election guide explains how to do this.
The AHC encourages member organizations to distribute information for obtaining the guide to their state and local affiliates to help ensure the voice of the horse industry is heard this election.
The guide discusses why the horse industry should get involved in the upcoming elections and ways individuals and organizations can go about doing so. It includes sections on why candidates care about the horse community, being able to communicate issues of importance to the horse industry, getting to know the candidates, volunteering and fundraising, as well as knowing the laws governing political activities.
The AHC hopes this guide will be an important resource for all members of the horse community who wish to play a greater role in the democratic process.
Copies of “Getting Involved in the 2008 Elections” can be obtained by contacting the AHC at (202) 296-4031 or by email at ahc@horsecouncil.org.
The note from director Diane Rushing was titled “Our next generation of horsewomen.” The group incluees Jillian Hubbard (7), Emilia Hubbard (3), Rick Rushing (Grandpa) and Madeleine Hubbard (10) at an open show in Shelbyville, Illinois.
It was the first horse show for Jillian and Emilia (who just turned three in June).
We talk about Appaloosas as a family-friendly breed and I’d say this photo provides testament to the marketing approach. The second picture is of Emilia and Grandpa Rick at the Illinois State Fair.
Riding in Nez Perce Heritage costume, the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club won the “Best Equestrian Entry” in the Moreno Valley Family Fun Festival and 4th of July Parade held July 4 in the city of Moreno Valley, California. The six costumed members riding their colored Appaloosas included: Club President, Leslie Foxvog, C.J. Brooks, Stephanie Vrabel, Paul Foxvog, Danie Foxvog, and Diane Dodd with thanks going to CZ member, Debbie Herzman, for outfitting the group with her prized collection of costume pieces. Announcers along the parade route read the following:
“The Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club is an Exemplary Award Winning Club with 55 years of existance-making it the oldest in the Nation. The club allows horse owners to exhibit their horses as well as other breeds in a variety of diverse classes ranging from Western, English and Heritage. It is an important goal for Calizona to reach out to all breeds in the equine community with the focus on fun, family and friendship. The Appaloosa’s history dates back to the 18th century. The Nez Perce Indians bred spotted or blanketed horses known for their intelligence, strength and beauty. This horse has created so much history, it is known as Idaho’s State Horse! Presenting the “Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club.” “
This is the third year that Calizona has participated in Moreno Valley’s parade and the first win for the Club.
Leslie Foxvog
President Calizona ApHC
July, 2008
Officers elected for 2008-09 include: Frank Larrabee, President; Chuck McWhirter, Vice President; Chair of Planning & Review, Laura Lyon; Chair of Finance, Jack Zuidema; Chair of Rules Committee, Debby Letham; and Chair of Marketing, Dennis Dean.
The Board of Directors made a temporary appointment to fill a vacancy in Territory V, Zone A (Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi). Monty Holmes, Cabot, Arkansas, will serve until a special election in the spring of 2009. At that time, he may also run as a candidate for a full term.
Lynette Thompson, Garfield, Washington, was sworn in as the new director from Territory I, Zone A (Washington, Oregon, Alaska, British Columbia and Yukon).
Board Notes
No action was taken on the subject of changing Non-Pro age divisions (a previous motion to study the issue had caused some concern).
Discussion in the Regional Club Committee focused on the need for ongoing communications and ApHC support for non-show activities. There was a question about whether recommendations from town hall meetings have been addressed. In many cases, the suggestions became board motions or discussion topics. Several of the items have also been incorporated into program planning and customer service procedures in the office. We’ll work on a complete checklist that will be distributed.
The ApHC World Sale will include a silent auction of stallion services. Resulting foals will be eligible for Sale Incentive Classes. Owners of stallions sold in the service auction will also be eligible to pay entry into the incentive classes.
There was definite enthusiasm about a “National Appaloosa Day,” which could involve a variety of promotional activities at the regional club level. Stay tuned for more plans but let us know what you think and how your regional club might participate.
It is a consensus of interested folks that we need to bring back a more complete and more regular Journal listing of leading sires and leading-the-nation categories.
We are also exploring ways to get ApHC moving forward to make on-line registration a reality.
A proposal for double-pointed “Zone Shows” was discussed. Also on the table is a proposal to support smaller regional clubs by double pointing some two-judge shows. The board will be working on both ideas during the next few weeks.
ApHC will conduct a “workshop” at the 2009 National Show involving regional clubs, show secretaries and/or others.
A summary of board motions will follow soon.
Competitors at the 61st National Appaloosa Show and the 2008 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show were pursuing the daydream of winning one of these trophies. It’s always an exciting moment when the name is announced and an exhibitor gets to haul the trophy out of the arena.
Most of us involved with the horse show world have a good idea what it takes to get to that point, but it’s still a staggering amount of effort, time and money. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Jackson shows. We sincerely appreciate the personal sacrifices you made to be a part of these important events. Thanks for making the trip and thanks for helping us shine the spotlight on Appaloosa horses.
Although not an active campaigner for the position, Frank Larrabee, Corrales, New Mexico, was elected Appaloosa Horse Club President at the Board of Directors meeting last week in Jackson, Mississippi. Frank is a past-president and has been active for several years as the lead guy in international marketing. Several important intiatives have been launched in places such as Brazil, Australia and South Africa because of Frank’s efforts. The new International Registration Incentive Program in particular, came about due to his work toward a more global Appaloosa reach.
Newly elected from Territory I, Zone A, is Lynette Thompson. She’s from Garfield, Washington, and has been active at the regional club level for many years.
By virtue of a vacancy in Territory V, Zone A, the ApHC Board of Directors made a temporary appointment to serve members of that area. Monty Holmes (right) from Cabot, Arkansas, will serve until a special election is held next spring. At that time, he will also be eligible to run as a candidate for the complete three-year term.
Even as the 61st National Show was yet to conclude, ApHC directors began a series of committee meetings and board sessions to deal with various issues and program topics. The first order of business was an election of officers for the coming year. After a slow start, the choices were made for members of the Executive Committee and for a vacancy in Territory 5.
Frank Larrabee will serve as president and Chuck McWhirter is the ApHC vice president. Other members of the leadership team are: Jack Zuidema, chair of the finance committee; Debby Letham, chair of the rules committee; Laura Lyon, chair of planning and review; and Dennis Dean, chair of marketing.
This is my last post from the National Appaloosa Show. I’d like to thank the ApHC for having me out once again and hope to see you for the World Show.
Before I left I spoke to Show Manager, Keri LeForce. She’s seems to be the “lady who knows it all.” If Keri doesn’t know the answer, no one does. She says the show has been going really well and that the facility people are very responsive. To get ready for the new location she’s been on the site at least 5 times before the show. It gave her a chance to see how other shows used the facility for one thing.
I had heard a number of people mention how good the security is and she echoed that. Prior to the show she went through a security schedule with the staff here so that it’s as good as other venues. The feedback she’s been getting seems very positive. She says the theme of the comments she’s been hearing is, “We didn’t expect it to be this nice.”
One of the things that’s nice about this facility she says is that there’s so much parking that people can often park next to their barn. The site also has lots of hookups for anyone attending with a live-in trailer too.
You can listen to my interview with Keri here: 
Interview With Keri LeForce (5 min MP3)
National Show Photo Album
While I was wandering around the barns with Steve Taylor we came upon a relaxing Wayne Beck, Beck Farms. We sat down and had a nice conversation which I thought I’d share with you.
Wayne says he’s owned Appaloosas since 1950 and has been involved with other breeds too. He says the breed has been revolving around the quarter horse which has changed the look and performance of the breed. Wayne is for cross breeding.
I asked him what he thought about Jackson, MS and he said the judgment is still out. He says he told everyone during the last year that “If you come to Jackson with a good attitude, you’ll probably have a good experience. But if you come here mad and upset, your chances of have a good experience would be pretty short.” He’d like to see a better market for Appaloosas and more sales around the country.
You can listen to my interview with Wayne here: Interview With Wayne Beck (12 min MP3)
National Show Photo Album
After a 10 year absence, the Appaloosa Youth Judging Contest was re-kindled at the National Show. Helping make it happen is Lori Wunderllich, pictured to the left of some of the contestants.
She’s real happy with the results since there were 18 teams in the competition, 2 college/16 youth.
They judge horses in the morning then have to face a real judge in the afternoon where they provide reasons to justify their placements. Lori says the contest provides students a first opportunity to learn judging and develop some real self confidence in their abilities.
You can listen to my interview with Lori here: Interview With Lori Wunderlich (2 min MP3)
National Show Photo Album
The Trainer of the Year is Debby Letham, Letham Stables. She received her award during the year end awards banquet.
Debby says she and her husband train mostly youth and non-pro horses. She’s very honored to be chosen for the award. Debby says that they stand various stallions and have four of their own. They also breed mares and train colts and just pretty much stay very busy.
She attributes their success to the fact that they work well together as husband and wife. They complement each other. Besides training they also put on clinics and donate time to 4H. They like to give back to the horse industry they love.
You can listen to my interview with Debby here: Interview With Debby Letham (2 min MP3)
National Show Photo Album
Larry Baker, ApHC Vice President, walked the barns earlier this week at the National Show to talk with people about how things are going and what they thought of Jackson, MS. He was also helping present awards on Sunday night.
Larry says that the show has been good so far and the competitors he’s spoken with seem happy. He admits that the horse business is in a slump but says that good horses are still bringing some good prices. That’s why he promotes quality which is something shows like the one going on are all about.
Larry is optimistic about the future and says the “best is yet to come.” Overall, he describes the mood of the people he’s spoken with as upbeat.
You can listen to my interview with Larry here: Interview With Larry Baker (3 min MP3)
National Show Photo Album
Riders were gathered in the paddock this morning before the stake race and I couldn’t help noticing these particular boots. They certainly project an image of confidence and a need for speed.
It’s been fun watching the parade of colors and designs at the National Show. The horses and their riders provide plenty of variety, but you’ll also see fashion statements made by the assortment of saddle pads, braids, leg wraps and other accessories. It becomes obvious after a while that each discipline has a unique style and theme.
At the ApHC Year End Banquet a number of people were inducted into the Hall of Fame. One of them was Clarence Courtright who was sitting at my table.
I had a great conversation with Clarence who is still riding. His main involvement with Appaloosas has been racing although he says he has done some jumping with a mare he owned. In fact, he won some jumping competitions in Canada with that horse.
Clarence says he started riding at a very young age and was asked to ride and race Appaloosas. He recalls the Sacramento State Fair and winning races with Appaloosas in 1964. He says he won the first Appaloosa Derby in the state of California. Over the years he’s been on a lot of horses and really like Appaloosas. He thinks they’re great horses.
Clarence likes Jackson, MS. He’s been here before and like most towns he says, it just keeps getting bigger. He spent some time at the show and says it looks like the showing side of the business is coming back but he’s not too sure about the racing side of things.
You can listen to my interview with Clarence here: Interview With Clarence Courtright (5 min MP3)
National Show Photo Album
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