For the second consecutive year, RFD-TV broadcast “live” coverage of Equestfest 2008, an exciting show featuring the 2009 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade equestrian participants. The event took place on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, California. Popular rodeo commentator and National Cowgirl Hall of Famer Pam Minick hosted the three-hour broadcast.
RFD-TV’s Equestfest broadcast will repeat on January 1, 2009 from 6:00am to 9:00am EST.
I ran across a fun little book called HORSE BITS AND PIECES, by Sarah Widdicombe. Might have made a good Christmas gift for someone, but in the meantime I’ve borrowed the following:
Horse Seller’s Terms
Excellent temperament = Never been out of his field.
In-hand prospect = Bred for beauty, not brains.
Showjumping prospect = Looks superb jumping the gate out of his field.
Eventing prospect = Big, fast horse.
Dressage prospect = Big, slow horse.
Endurance prospect = Fast horse that will turn sometimes.
Games prospect = Fast horse that will turn when you least expect it.
Lots of potential = Under the right circumstances, you might be able to ride him.
He will do it all = Bite, kick, buck, rear….
Very brave = Even a whip can’t force him back.
Top bloodlines = He can’t do anything, but that’s fine because some horse 20 generations back did something.
Unregistered = Probably stolen.
Excellent mother = Don’t even think about going near the foal.
Women & Horses Seminar
‘From Dreams to Profit’
February 21, 2009, 8:30 – 4pm at the Kentucky Horse Park
Successful business women will offer great advice on making your equine business or organization more profitable. In this economy, we’re all looking for ways to keep our horses fed and our businesses going, so the Kentucky Horse Park is pleased to make this seminar available to assist.
Cost to attend:
Individuals: $75.00 (including lunch if registered before Feb 11)
Group Rate (5 or more) $67.50 each
Vendor Tables: $25.00
http://www.horseswork.com/events_pdfs/WomenHorses09+RegForm.pdf
For more information contact:
Nicole Rivera – 859-259-4219
nicole.rivera@kyhorsepark.com
We received a note from Sharon Clark in Michigan. She shared information about the video described below. If you haven’t seen it, the spotted horses should be of interest. Thanks, Sharon.
Didn’t know if anyone there has seen the new Brooks & Dunn video, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry”, with what looks like either two Appaloosas or a POA and an Appaloosa. You can view it at several sites including this one… http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/BrooksDunn/CowgirlsDontCry–205757045
The Chamber of Commerce told me last year that Moscow “usually” has mild winters and not a lot of snow. We proceeded to receive the second highest white stuff total on record. This is the scene today at ApHC headquarters, with more to come. I have to admit, the Palouse country is very pretty in its powdery cloak. We are virtually guaranteed a white Christmas, and that’s okay.
Mostly, I used the photo as motivation to send all of you a holiday wish for a very merry Christmas and all good things in the New Year. We truly appreciate our members, friends of the breed, sponsors and random fans. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
The National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL), a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, its commonwealths and territories, recently adopted a Horse Industry policy resolution co-sponsored by Rep. Sue Wallis (R-WY), and Rep. Dave Sigdestad (D-SD).
At its annual Fall Forum in Atlanta, GA, Dec. 11-13, 2008, NCSL adopted a policy urging Congress to:
• oppose legislation that would restrict the market, transport, processing or export of horses,
• recognize the need for humane horse processing facilities in the U.S.,
• and not interfere with state efforts to establish facilities in the U.S.
The passage of the policy provides the authority for NCSL staff in Washington D.C. to lobby on Capitol Hill as it effectively establishes the position of the States, the Associated Press reports.
– Lean Trimmings newsletter
The schedule in Jackson, Mississippi, for the Youth World Championship Show and the ApHC National Show has been revised to address some issues relating to youth participation. It’s basically a swap of show weeks so that the National Show Open and Non-Pro events will begin on Monday June 22nd. The Youth World Show will be AFTER the National Show. The middle weekend will feature the cattle classes, so the youth-only portion of the show will likely begin on Monday the 29th. Complete show dates are June 22 – July 4.
The 2008 Reichert Celebration RFDTV Show Special will air December 18th through the 20th on Dish channel 231 and Direct TV channel 379. The airing schedule is as follows:
Thursday 5:30 PM Eastern Dish 231/Direct TV 379
Friday 3:30 AM Eastern Dish 231/Direct TV 379
Saturday 1:30 PM Eastern Dish 231/Direct TV 379
We received this note from Jan Dobson in Tennessee and thought you’d enjoy reading some good news about Appaloosa people at their best. Thanks Jan and all the folks at the Tennessee club.
Last Wednesday night Stan and I were watching the local 6:00 p.m. News and there was a feature about a man riding a horse and leading a pack horse from the State of Michigan to Santa Fe New Mexico. He happened to be in the Lebanon, Tennessee area on that day.
Guess what?? He was riding a leopard Appaloosa mare and leading a blanketed App gelding. The interview was done by the reporter in station’s helecopter and the Appaloosas were very distinctive and recognizable. This man’s name was John Wayne Hayes and he had decided to sell all he had in Michigan and make this ride to visit relatives in New Mexico before he got too old. It had been a long time dream of his. He had owned his gelding for 18 years and was very dedicated to the versitility and abilities of the Appaloosa Breed.
Becky Slocum, Secretary of our Tennessee Appaloosa Club had also seen this interview and she tracked Mr. Hayes down where he had stopped for the night. Stan and I and Becky met with him for breakfast last Thursday morning and spent several hours talking with him and making
pictures and discussing Appaloosas. He visited our farm and looked and all our Appaloosas and was very interested in someday breeding his mare to Rajun, one of our 100%FPD Stallions. Becky generously stalled the two horses for Thursday night in her barn and worked to find John a place to stop for the next few nights.
Since John would be in the Middle Tenn. area for several days, we invited him to come to our Regional Club Awards Banquet which was last Saturday night, Dec. 6. He spoke to our membership about his trip and his horses and how nice it was to have such a warm welcome
from fellow Appaloosa owners. We enjoyed so much talking with him and admire his determination to make this long journey on horseback. He is still in Tennessee as of right now but is traveling South and plans to follow a southern route through Alabama, Miss. Louisana, and Texas into New Mexico trying to avoid as much cold winter weather as possible.
If John Wayne Hayes and his Appaloosas come through your area I would encourage you to try to meet him and help him on his journey with a warm place to stay for himself and his horses. You will enjoy meeting him.
Jan Dobson
Foggy Valley Farms
Auburntown, Tennessee
The holidays are here, and John Deere and the Appaloosa Members Advantage Program are spreading holiday cheer by giving away FREE John Deere hats—just in time to stuff the stockings! Download this valuable coupon and present it to your local John Deere dealership before Jan. 31, 2009 to get your FREE John Deere hat! http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/NTRAHatCoupon.pdf
John Deere is just one of our many partners providing ApHC members significant savings on quality products and services through the Appaloosa Members Advantage Program. ApHC members who become a part of the Appaloosa Members Advantage program are not only eligible for useful prizes, but benefit from significant discounts on premium brands such as John Deere, UPS, Sherwin Williams, Toshiba, Office Depot, OfficeMax IMPRESS and Equine Travel Advantage. Thanks to the Appaloosa Members Advantage Program, you can save money not only at home, but in the office at well!
If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for the program. Enrollment offers the opportunity to win prizes at ApHC-sponsored events, like the John Deere Gator awarded to Steve Springer of Mansfield, Texas at the 2008 World Championship Appaloosa Show in Fort Worth, Texas!
Most importantly, there is no charge for ApHC members to activate their Appaloosa Members Advantage! Who says you can’t get something for nothing?
Remember to call Appaloosa Members Advantage before you make your next purchase, call the Appaloosa Advantage Program at 888-304-SPOT!
Not a current ApHC member? Joining is easy! Visit www.appaloosa.com to become a member, then call the toll free number to enroll in the Advantage Program. We think you’ll enjoy the perks.
The Appaloosa Honkin Hunter earned his weight and then some in dollars in the 2-year-old Hunt Seat Futurity at the Just For Pleasure Show in Perry, Georgia. Not only did the Appaloosa win awards and prize money from the class, the Appaloosa Horse Club bestowed an additional $50,000 to Honkin Hunter and his exhibitor Nancy Sue Ryan of Nocona, Texas!
Of the $50,000, Honkin Hunter’s owner, Jennifer Carter of Clarklake, Michigan, walked away with $10,000, and Nancy Sue Ryan won $40,000, thanks to the Appaloosa Excellence Program (APEX) and APEX Color payout respectively. APEX was developed to encourage owners to participate with their Appaloosas in open competition, and $10,000 payouts are certainly “encouraging.”
APEX $10,000 payouts are awarded to the winning Appaloosas in eight specific competitions at specific events, such as the Just For Pleasure and others such as cutting, reining and barrel futurities.
Honkin Hunter competed at Just For Pleasure like a pro, though a mere two months ago he made his show debut in Fort Worth, Texas, at the 2008 World Championship Appaloosa Show where he earned third palce in 2-year-old Snaffle Bit Hunter Under Saddle. This promising gelding, sired by The Hunter and out of Temons Tonka, was bred by Char-O-Lot Ranch, Myakka City, Florida.
For more information about APEX and other incentives, visit www.appaloosa.com.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to announce the launch of the Appaloosa Regional Club blog at www.appaloosaclubs.com! This exciting blog is a direct link to ApHC Regional Club news—you will always be up-to-date on deadlines, announcements and more. This interactive blog gives you the opportunity to check out photos, leave comments, chat with other ApHC Regional Club members and more. The Appaloosa Regional Club blog makes it easy for you to stay connected. Be sure to thank Saddlebrook Appaloosas, the generous sponsor of the Appaloosa Regional club! Visit www.appaloosaclubs.com today!
The annual Christmas Open House at the Appaloosa Museum was a big hit again this year. I’m sure the relatively mild temperatures and a nice bit of sunshine helped boost participation, but the event has become a required part of family tradition for lots of folks in the Moscow area.
With Santa’s arrival — on an Appaloosa, of course — things really get started. Youngsters wait in long lines for the chance to sit atop Shadow, the official Museum test ride horse. Then they wait in line again to visit one-on-one with the jolly elf. The card making tables were busy, the horse cookie decorating area was as popular as ever and the refreshments put everyone in a good mood.
Besides Museum staff, board members and family connections of both, a great group of volunteers helped with all the activities.
Be sure to click on the photo album link at the left to view more pics from the open house.
The problem of unwanted horses is being studied through a nationwide initiative of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) with help from equine associations, veterinarians, breeders, state and local law enforcement, horse owners, rescue/retirement facilities, and other facilities using horses. The first step is an online survey — and everyone with an interest in the welfare of horses is encouraged to respond at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/.
With tens of thousands of unwanted, neglected and abandoned horses in the United States, some say the problem is a fast-growing epidemic. However, much remains unknown. Currently, there are few documented facts about the accurate number of unwanted horses, their age, sex, breed, recent use, value or what happens to them in the long run.
“Although there are numerous media reports and much anecdotal evidence of a growing problem with unwanted horses, there have been no studies or surveys done to attempt to document it,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council (AHC), the national association that represents all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C. The UHC operates with the AHC. “The downturn in the economy, rising costs of hay, the drought that has affected many parts of the United States, the costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal, and the closing of the nation’s slaughter facilities have all made the problem worse. But no one knows its magnitude. That’s why the first step toward a solution is to gather and examine the facts. The goal of this survey is to get the input, observations, opinions and suggestions from anyone and everyone involved with horses.”
The Study on Contributing Factors Surrounding the Unwanted Horse Issue will be instrumental in filling factual gaps with actual data on:
• Awareness of the unwanted horse problem and perceived trends in recent years
• Level of concern
• Factors contributing to the problem
• Direct and in-direct experience with the issue
• Actions taken by owners
• Expectations about responsibility and assistance
• Solutions
Phase I of the study is an online survey of people most affected by and involved with the issue of the unwanted horse. An independent research firm developed the questionnaire and is hosting the online survey site at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/. The firm will also tabulate and analyze responses, and provide a full report.
A comprehensive view of the problem depends on representation from all corners of the horse industry, according to Dr. Tom Lenz, chairman of the UHC. “To ensure the broadest possible participation, we’re working to involve a variety of individuals, associations, state and local agencies, and equine-related companies to actively encourage their constituencies to take the survey and voice their opinions.”
The American Association of Equine Practitioners defines the term “unwanted horse” as, “Horses which are no longer wanted by their current owner because they are old, injured, sick, unmanageable, fail to meet their owner’s expectations, or the owner can no longer afford or is incapable of caring for them.” This definition, according to Lenz, is a starting point to discover what’s causing the problem and what can be done to correct it.
“Regardless of how horses reached this state, every owner—and the equine industry at large—has a responsibility to ensure that everything possible is done to guarantee the humane care and treatment of unwanted horses,” Lenz said. “Our message now is to please go to http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/, and provide us with feedback. Answers will be confidential. More important, this feedback will be invaluable in developing a strategy to solve the problem.”
The American Horse Council (AHC)
Founded in 1969, the American Horse Council was organized to represent the horse industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies. The AHC promotes and protects all horse breeds, disciplines and interests by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the equine industry. The AHC is member supported by approximately 160 organizations and 1,200 individuals representing every facet of the horse world, from owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and associations to horse shows, racetracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.
The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC)
The mission of the Unwanted Horse Coalition is to reduce the number of unwanted horses and improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety and responsible care and disposition of these horses. The UHC grew out of the Unwanted Horse Summit, which was organized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and held in conjunction with the American Horse Council’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., in April 2005. The summit was held to bring key stakeholders together to start a dialogue on the unwanted horse in America. Its purpose was to develop consensus on the most effective way to work together to address the issue. In June 2006, the UHC was folded into the AHC and now operates under its auspices.
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