Everyone in attendance at this year’s Color Breed Council International Judges Seminar in OKC carries around with them at least one breed association handbook. New applicants have to be familiar with the rule book because they are tested on it. Veterans keep the book handy to discuss/debate the finer points of meaning and interpretation. In the photo, John Tabb, ApHC judge and a presenter at the seminar, discusses the bracket system for games classes with Michelle Nyberg, a judging applicant, and Alexcia Livinstone, ApHC judges coordinator.
Participating groups in the Color Breed Council include American Miniature Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, ApHC, International Buckskin Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association, Palomino Horse Breeders of America, Pinto Horse Association of America, Pony of Americas and the United States Equestrian Federation.
This year’s group of ApHC judges are attending the Color Breeds Council International Judges Seminar this week in Oklahoma City. In order to retain “active” status as an approved judge, folks must attend the seminar once every three years. One of the sessions at the ApHC portion of the workshop was led by Linda Norton-Neely, shown here as she discusses legal and prohibited bits. Linda also talked about required, optional and prohibited attire in various classes.
The group engaged in a question-and-answer session, with some good ideas coming forward for ways to clarify the rules. Several directors are in attendance and most of the people who serve on the judges committee. Over the next three days, additional workshops will focus on specific classes and how they are judged. The list includes working cow horse, team penning, cutting, western pleasure and showmanship, hunter under saddle, western riding and working hunter over fences.
Let’s talk about the non-show segment of the ApHC membership.
Which areas of “other” activity do you see as the best opportunities for growth? Some of your choices might include polo, trail, dressage, distance, driving, endurance, ranch horse, racing, open and specialty events, etc.
And, part two, share examples or ideas from your part of the world that illustrate good ways to introduce new folks to the breed.
Some exciting news for a couple of Appaloosa folks in Arizona. Congratulations and thanks for helping to promote the breed!
From Arizona Range News and Arizona Silver Belt:
Laurie Hawkins entered her colt, “Frosted With Class”(in the photo), better known as “Jigsaw” into a contest giving “Frosted With Class” a chance at becoming the next Cavalia Star where he would perform with 75 other two and four legged artists. The show comes to the valley after returning from a two-year European tour which was completely sold out.
“Frosted With Class” has made it to the finals with eight other colts thoughout Arizona for a chance to perform in Cavalia, a spectacular equestrian odyssey show to be held in Scottsdale being Feb. 14.
And, the colt, Huntin Justice, belonging to Willcox resident Cheryl McLaughlin has also “made the cut” in the equestrian show.
Cheryl and her husband Fred own McLaughlin Appaloosas and Quarter Horses in Willcox. They are “dedicated to breeding world-class horses for pleasure or performance,” according to their website. More information can be found at www.mcappys.net
The equestrian show held their search for two Valley colts to join its production Dec. 9 through Jan. 1, Amber Cassise, a spokeswoman for Cavalia said.
“The two colts chosen will star in the opening scene of Cavalia for the entire run of the show in Phoenix,” she said. “The colts will live the celebrity life on-site at the Cavalia stables with the other stars of the show.”
“In the opening scene, the two young colts make their entrance on stage where they are free to express themselves, discover their unique surroundings and play with toys – as every one-year old should,” Cassise said.
“The Cavalia artists then make their entrance as the colts ‘greet’ them.”
This is the first time in any market that Cavalia will choose local colts to play in this opening scene, she said.
Described as a “spectacular equestrian odyssey,” Cavalia chose Phoenix to kick off an exclusive encore trip to the United States, following a sold-out, two-year tour in Europe, she said.
This “grand scale show” runs from Saturday, Feb. 14 until Sunday, Feb. 22, under the White Big Top in Scottsdale, at the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Loop 101.
It brings “exciting new energy and personalities from its 75 two-and-four legged artists,” Cassise said.
“Charged with poetry and pure emotion in dream-like virtual settings, the show combines acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts, and live music in the equestrian arts,” she said.
“Under the world’s largest touring big top, a 50-metre wide stage allows the horses to express themselves in all their beauty, their grace and their strength, at times in total liberty.”
Laurie has seen the show a couple of times, once in Scottsdale and again in Las Vegas and is excited about the possibility of seeing it once again with her own colt “Frosted With Class” on stage. This grand-scale show opens in Scottsdale on Feb. 14. Tickets are available for purchase and can be obtained by calling 1-866-999-8111 or visiting their website at www.cavalia.net.
By Drovers news source (1/21/2009)
Distillers’ grains have become a staple in some bovine diets, but a Kansas State University researcher is not recommending that they be used in horse rations.
“People have asked ‘can I feed dried or wet distillers’ grains with solubles to my horses?’” said Teresa Slough, equine nutrition specialist with K-State Research and Extension.
Given the information researchers have so far, Slough said she would not recommend feeding DDGS to horses. There has been little research done in feeding DDGS, a byproduct of the ethanol production process, to horses, she said. So far, the studies that have been done examined feeding DDGS for only a short period of time.
“There is no information available so far on the long-term effects of feeding DDGS to working horses, mares or foals,” she said.
The upside of feeding DDGS to horses is that they will eat it and, in fact, they like it, said Slough, who is an assistant professor in K-State´s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. In addition, it is sometimes a less expensive source of protein.
But Slough warns that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. “Horses are very susceptible to fumonisin poisoning from moldy corn. Fermentation during ethanol production doesn’t destroy the mold; rather it is concentrated.
“Feeding DDGS contaminated with fumonisin just once could cause death,” she said.
Another disadvantage, the researcher said, is that DDGS has a high phosphorous content.
“Unless the other feedstuffs in the horse’s diet are very high in calcium, the potential exists to create a diet inversed in its Ca:P ratio and negatively affect bone development,” Slough added. “This is of particular concern with broodmares and foals.”
DDGS has a high sulfur content, which also makes it problematic for horses. “Sulfur toxicity in horses, although rare, can result in colic, jaundiced mucous membranes, labored breathing, cyanosis and convulsions, followed by death,” she said. “The bottom line is, feeding DDGS to horses is not recommended unless it’s been tested for fumonisin and contains less than five parts per million, and then it should only comprise a small percentage of the total diet.”
(this story is provided by the Humane Society of the United States)
Just before Tuesday’s presidential inaugural parade was set to begin in the nation’s capitol, alarming news came over The Humane Society of the United States radio: “Horse hit by truck at 4th and Pennsylvania.”
The HSUS Emergency Services team swung into action.
With approximately two million people on hand in the nation’s capital to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama, The HSUS had been asked by the D.C. Department of Health to provide animal welfare services for this historic event. HSUS staff and volunteers were spread out across the National Mall to assist with animal emergencies, and The HSUS’ mobile command vehicle was situated inside the perimeter of the staging zone to provide support for the police horses and dogs on site.
When the emergency report of an injured horse was sounded, HSUS and Health Department staff immediately alerted Lt. Col. John Stott of the U.S. Army Veterinary Services and the Days End Horse Farm Rescue equine ambulance which was on call with HSUS. The group rushed to the aid of Mouse, a10-year-old appaloosa horse who had suffered a visibly mangled leg and multiple lacerations.
When responders arrived on site they found a bloody scene: Mouse was lying on the ground with his hindquarters suspended in the air and his rear leg caught in the front grill of a heavy-duty truck. Incredibly, Dr. Stott was able to stabilize the horse before he was loaded onto the ambulance and transported to the Prince George’s County Equestrian Center.
“When The HSUS first came upon the scene, things were looking dire for Mouse. I did not think he would survive,” said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of Emergency Services at The HSUS. “Twelve men and women labored for nearly two hours to untangle Mouse’s leg so that he could be transported for further treatment. It is an immense relief to know that this horse is expected to recover from his life-threatening injuries.”
Another happy ending played out earlier in the day for Showtime, a palomino appaloosa cross from the Michigan Multi Jurisdictional Drill Team and Color Guard. A mayday for help was called into the HSUS mobile command unit, stating that Showtime had fallen ill and needed immediate medical attention. HSUS staff and Dr. Stott of the U.S. Army Veterinary Services rushed to the horse’s side. After receiving medical attention, Showtime recovered from his gastric distress and was able to participate in the parade.
“Showtime is 23, and is the only surviving horse from the 1993 inaugural parade,” said his handler, Fran Veal II. “He is quite a special animal, and I am glad that the Department of Health, The HSUS and Dr. Stott were on site to take care of him.”
Although pets were not allowed inside the inaugural festivities, The HSUS was on site to respond to any emergencies, and the HSUS headquarters in downtown Washington was set aside as a temporary shelter for dogs. For the most part, however, attendees heeded warnings to leave their pets at home. HSUS staff and volunteers were prepared for the worst, but thankfully did not face any emergency situations with ‘civilian’ animals in the inauguration parade – although the mobile command center served as a warming station for resting police dogs.
The HSUS was joined by a number of volunteers from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, United Animal Nations, the ASPCA, and Noah’s Wish.
NOTE FROM AMY:
Thanks for al the well wishes and worrying! Yes! Mouse is really OK. Quite a bit of road rash and only about 5-6 stitches, numerous scrapes all over, and I’m sure very sore if it weren’t for the good drugs he was given. He has won the “best horse” award from his Vet and care team on the Eastern Shore. He had a great support team and an EXTREMELY well orchestrated rescue.
We certainly send best wishes for a speedy and calm recovery!
by Dave Russell, Brownfield Network
As the number of horses testing positive for contagious equine metritis (CEM) nationally continues to grow, comes word from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) that CEM is not a “fix-it-yourself” disease.
BOAH has been receiving questions from horse owners who would like to treat their mares on their own without oversight or guidance from regulatory officials. BOAH equine director Dr. Tim Bartlett is discouraging that from happening saying it could negatively impact the nationwide eradication of the disease, which is why he recommends horse owners contact BOAH with questions and concerns.
“If not done properly, there’s always a risk that an individual animal may not be completely cured,” said Dr. Bartlett. “The USDA has a very specific testing and treatment protocol that must be met to ensure CEM is eradicated.”
Treatment has begun on all three stallions traced to Indiana, under the supervision of BOAH.
Stephanie Hutcherson, GA equestrian enthusiast, side saddle rider, and founder of Georgia Ladies Aside, a regional side saddle club, will be riding aside on her registered Appaloosa gelding, Touche Roman in the Inaugural Parade on Jan. 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. Mrs. Hutcherson will be joining another group of side saddle riders from Ohio (Southern Ohio Ladies Aside, or SOLA) who applied for and were granted an opportunity to appear in the parade, representing the state of Ohio. Mrs. Hutcherson and her GALA group frequently interfaces with the SOLA team in parades, clinics and social events. For more info see www.georgialadiesaside.com. Many thanks for your consideration….we are so happy to be able to participate in this most historic event.
From the georgialadiesaside website: On December 13th, 2008 GALA President Stephanie Hutcherson and her Appaloosa gelding, Romeo opened the Winter Classic Interscholastic Equestrian Show at Sonora Farms in Canton, GA by presenting the colors. Stephanie and Romeo carried the American flag and rode aside to a very traditional version of the National Anthem. Stephanie rode in a reproduction black Civil War habit. Once the colors were presented Stephanie quickly changed into 21rst century attire and co-coached two middle and two high school equestrian teams. Romeo was entered in one of the classes with a beginner high school girl and they received a blue ribbon in their class.
The inaugural Stallion Services Silent Auction, hosted by the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC), came to an end Jan. 15 after earning a notable $9,225!
The auction, which kicked off at the 2008 World Championship Appaloosa Show in Fort Worth, Texas, boasted 21 quality Appaloosas that displayed the versatility of this mutli-talented and colorful breed.
Bidders silently competed for some of the industry’s finest Appaloosas including: Authentic Sonny, Choc Full Of Chips, Distinctive, Heza Dreamer, Impulsive Invitation, Impulsive Zipper, JR Hunter, Maid Magic, Mr. Cool Hand Luke, Nastyattitude, Rather Inclusive, Renaissance Man, Sacred Dream, Skipa Maxi Treat, State Of The Art, Supreme Court Dream, The Radio Flyer, Undertack, Zip Me Impressive, Zips Dark Chocolate and Zips Strawsam MMR.
Foals resulting from breedings through this unique opportunity will be eligible for the World Championship Appaloosa Sale Incentive classes and compete for large payouts as two year olds.
The ApHC would like to thank all of the stallion owners who donated breedings to the Stallion Services Silent Auction. We would also like to thank everyone who participated in the auction, and congratulations to all of the winning bidders! Without your generous contributions, this exciting event would not be possible.
Visit www.appaloosa.com and click on the World Championship Appaloosa Show logo for the detailed results, and be sure to stay tuned to learn more about the upcoming 2009 Stallion Services Silent Auction!
Let’s talk about World Show qualifying. We hear from regional clubs that it’s getting tougher to pay for facilities, judges and other expenses related to hosting an ApHC-approved show. We’ve heard the viewpoint expressed that it’s too easy for horses to qualify by going to one or two shows. Some folks say we need the bigger, multi-judged shows in order to attract exhibitor numbers, but at the same time, many regional clubs wonder why we can’t level the playing field and insist that everyone have two-judge shows.
Question: Should the point system for qualifying be adjusted upward, be changed in some other way or left as is?
Question: Should Open and Non-Pro horses/exhibitors be required to earn the same number of points to qualify?
Question: Should Youth exhibitors be required to earn qualifying points for the World Youth Show?
Question: What would you do with the system to make it better for ApHC and the regional clubs?
Okay, I know I keep sneaking extra questions in there, but most of you like to cover several angles at the same time anyway. So, let’s see what happens.
We received a fun note from Sally Altenbernt, ApHC member from Michigan, who will be riding her Appaloosa in next week’s Presidential Inaugural Parade.
Greetings. I am riding a registered ApHC mare, My Executive Fantasy, in the Inaugural Parade. Our mare is by Easy Payoff, a son of The Executive, out of Rock Me, who is a daughter of Rock Star. I am honored to ride a mare that was bred and raised on our small farm, and a result of my husband’s years of experience with the breed. I am riding with the Michigan Multi-Jurisdictional Drill Team and Color Guard. Although I am riding with my neighborhood watch, the Augusta Township Mounted Patrol, I am also a reserve deputy in the Mounted Division of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department with this same mare.
In the photo of three of our horses, Fantasy is on the left, ridden by my husband; Ms Bright Glows Exec in the middle, and my old mare Boots, with me aboard on the right. The blade you see is the University of Michigan’s Life Flight helicopter. We were on three of the four horses that didn’t spook when the copter landed.
Sally Altenbernt
More images of the mounted patrol can be seen at: www.barnboy.com/atmp
A full break-down of the money to be paid out this spring can be found on the appaloosa.com site by clicking on the show, trail or racing buttons. The estimated total payout for 2008 activities is $46,500.
Total payout is divided into 20 divisions:
19 zones for regional show competitors in those zones; payout in each of the 19 zones will be for the year end high-point horses competing in open classes at any ApHC-approved regional club shows within that that zone. Horse must earn at least one point in a halter class and one point in a performance class.
20th division is split between ApHC Racing and Distance programs; 50% will go to the Race program — awarded to the year-end high-earning starter. 50% will go to the Distance program split between: Year-end high mileage endurance horse and Year-end high mileage competitive trail horse.
If there are no qualifying horses in a particular division, that money will be equally divided among all other divisions with qualifying horses and paid out in the same calendar year.
See the pdf document for complete details about qualifications, tie-breakers, etc.
The ApHC Judges Committee has initiated a streamlined process for ApHCC (Canada) judges to receive a “guest judge” card in 2009 and, if they choose, to eventually become approved ApHC judges.
A Fact Sheet and Application is posted on the appaloosa.com site. Completion of the requirements is the responsibility of the applicant, not the ApHC or the ApHCC. Documentation must be sent to the Appaloosa Horse Club. This program is a one (1) year window to allow ApHCC Judges to gain ApHC Judges’ card. If the applicant meets the requirements they will be considered an active ApHC Judge with restrictions to only judge ApHC shows in Canada for 2009.
From the ApHC Performance Department
If you are looking for a way to raise money for your club treasury, consider holding a single-judge, fee waiver show. You can offer an ApHC-approved show to regional club participants and local Appaloosa enthusiasts, earn national points and you don’t have to collect or pay any national point fees to the Appaloosa Horse Club.
In addition, this is a great way to expose owners of other breeds to the Appaloosa community and our wonderful Appaloosa horses.
Here’s how it works:
1. Approval fees remain intact at $25 per judge/show.
2. Minimum class requirements still apply. See the show approval application form for details on minimum requirements for open, non-pro and youth divisions. This form is available on the ApHC Web site.
3. Shows must be combined with open, all-breed classes and said classes must be intermixed with regular ApHC-approved classes.
4. There is to be a limited selection of basic classes at these shows. However, regional clubs may choose a class list that best reflects the needs/interests of horse owners in their geographical area.
5. These single judge shows shall not be held in conjunction with another ApHC-approved show and shall not be held at the same facility within 5 days of another ApHC-approved show.
6. At the conclusion of the show, submit all class placings in all ApHC-approved classes so that horses and exhibitors may earn national points. DON’T turn in any national point fees!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Single Judge Shows can a Regional Club hold per year in which National Point Fees are waived?
A: There is no limit on the number of shows per year as long as the show(s) go through the standard approval process and meet rulebook requirements.
Q: What is the minimum number of horses required for the single judge show?
A: 24 horses. All requirements for an ApHC-approved event apply.
Q: Can a club hold two shows concurrently in separate arenas, hiring a judge that will only judge in the single point show and one judge for the other show?
A: No. In order to be eligible to waive the point fees, you may NOT hold single-judge fee waiver shows concurrently or in conjunction with another show.
Q: Is it required for the exhibitor to be an ApHC member and/or Regional Club member to earn points in the Single Judge Show?
A: Regular membership and ownership requirements apply to all horses and exhibitors in all ApHC-approved classes.
Q: Is the horse required to be ApHC registered?
A: In ApHC approved shows only horses, including current year foals, registered with the ApHC in the Foundation, Permanent, Tentative, or CPO registry are eligible to participate. Horses with Certificates of Registration stamped, “Not eligible for show or exhibition in ApHC-approved events” are not eligible to show at any approved show.
In order to make this event financially successful for your club, we recommend that you:
1. Find an inexpensive place to hold the show – maybe a local pony club grounds or saddle club grounds arena or maybe the practice barn of one of the trainers in your area. You really don’t need an indoor space – just an arena that offers enough parking for trucks and trailers.
2. Hold all your classes on one day and let everyone show out of their trailers. Stalls aren’t a necessity and cutting them out can mean saving money on facility rental.
3. Find an ApHC judge who lives nearby to help save on travel expenses.
4. Pace the show so that you are able to present awards while the horses are still in the arena. Everyone loves to be recognized in front of their peers.
5. Be sure to advertise locally and extend invitations to local 4-H groups and/or saddle clubs. The point is to get people involved with your group who may not otherwise come into contact with you at a regional show.
6. Remember, these are beginner events. The point is to try and increase interest in your club, the ApHC and the Appaloosa horse.
Many people who attend these types of shows leave feeling nostalgic about the “way things used to be”. Try to keep a relaxed and social atmosphere. There are a number of regional clubs already offering these types of events with success. They’ll tell you that the secret is to give recognition in the arena, offer some type of awards or ribbons and pair it up with a social activity (maybe a barbecue lunch or potluck). Try to get some local businesses to donate items for a raffle or ask club members to donate items. Have a tack swap. Sell your used show clothes. Have a dog show during lunch break – everyone knows that dogs and horses go together! Most of all – remember to have fun!
And best of all, submit your show results to ApHC so that horses can earn points in the ApHC-approved classes FREE OF CHARGE!
Remember that Appaloosas competing in the all-breed classes can also earn ACAAP merits for their placings.
Several regional clubs are doing this with success and even hold several shows and offer cumulative awards based upon participation in more than one of the shows. If you’re looking for a great fundraiser that still gives you the opportunity to earn some points and get you a little closer to your show-ring goals, why not hold a single-judge, fee waiver show? You may be surprised at how successful it can be!
The schedule for the 62nd National Appaloosa Show and 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show is now posted on the appaloosa.com website – go the the National Show page and you’ll find it. Just a reminder, the National Show (Open and Non-Pro events) will be held the first week and the Youth show is the second week. There is a youth cutting class on Saturday the 27th and assorted AYA activities Sunday (28th) afternoon before the full slate of youth classes gets started on Monday the 29th.
Show dates for the 2009 National Show/World Youth Show in Jackson, MS are:
June 22 – 29, 2009 – 62nd National Championship Appaloosa Show
June 29 – July 4 – World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show
The decision to hold the National Show week to be followed by the Youth Show was made due to conflicts that many of our youth competitors who live in the northeast had with the previous format. Later dates for school dismissal combined with mandatory state testing requirements eliminated many youth members from competition at the 2008 show. For that reason, the board of directors’ show committee voted to make this scheduling change for 2009 and 2010. This will be reconsidered for the 2011 show as show dates for that year may change.
Please contact the ApHC Performance Department at 208.882.5578 ext. 400 with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Special events of note include the 2008 Year-End Awards Banquet on Saturday June 21st, a Youth Horse Judging Contest on Friday June 26th and a benefit performance that evening, followed by a “Moonlight Madness” sale in the Trade Mart. Sunday June 28th is the Youth Foundation Speech Contest and AYA meetings. The Youth Year-End Awards Banquet will be Monday evening June 29th. Stay tuned for more details.
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