In case you haven’t taken a peek at the photos of activities in Jackson, you are invited to click on the “photo album” link on the left side of the blogspot page. We’ll keep trying to capture some of the people and scenes so that you’ll get a sense of what’s going on in Mississippi.
By the way, this happens to be one of the award saddles for the youth show. There came from our friends at KO Trading in Fort Worth. The saddles and the custom-made racks are terrific.
Today (Monday the 29th) is the beginning of the World Championship Show for our Appaloosa Youth. Trail classes are underway in the coliseum and a variety of roping and cow horse classes are in the Fordice Equine Center. Entry numbers are up from last year in the youth show and we already know that the quality is outstanding.
The AYA Speech Contest was held yesterday, with some excellent ambassadors for the breed participating. It’s always encouraging to meet our younger exhibitors/members, but I am also reminded of the responsibility we all have to keep them engaged in the Appaloosa community.
The ApHC and AYA hosted a horse judging contest for youth on Friday during the National Show in Jackson, Mississippi. At least 11 teams participated. Official results will be posted later, but we know a few basics. High-point overall team placings might not mean much to those who don’t know what the names represent, but here they are: 1st – Illinois Blue; 2nd – Stone Creek Stable; 3rd – Owyee; 4th – Ponchatoula FFA Blue; 5th – Southern Sensation; 6th – Boyd County A; 7th – New Era Ag Center; 8th – Ponchatoula FFA Gold; 9th – Lots of Spots; 10th – Illinois Orange tied with Boyd County B.
High-Point Youth 14-18 in performance judging and overall was Casey Parr; High-Point Halter and also High-Point in reasons was Cori Elliot.
One of several highlights during the Annual Awards Banquet was the announcement that Carol Jones was voted ApHC Trainer of the Year for 2008. Carol operates American Acres Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, and specializes in youth and non-pro instruction. In case you don’t know Carol, we can proclaim that she’s a friendly competitor,a steady coach and an all-around nice person.
Carol says the very best part about receiving the award is that it is determined by a vote of her peers. It’s a well-deserved honor and we are proud of Carol. Congratulations!
Meet Alexis Proulx, daughter of ApHC exhibitor, Melissa. They traveled from Connecticut to be part of the 62nd National Appaloosa Show.
Just before this “portrait” was taken, Alexis was sprawled on her back and had one of those totally sweet, innocent sleeping baby looks. As I made ready with the camera, she flipped over to try a new position, so this is what you get. The rest of us were jealous of her restful state. After spending any time outside in the heat, the cool Fordice Equine Center feels like a very good place to relax and even try a nap.
At the ApHC information booth at the National Show, things aren’t really ready until Mary Lou Minic arrives and takes control. She has been a friend of the breed – well, forever – and she is a mainstay at both the National and World shows. Besides greeting old friends and newcomers with the same warm smile, she helps with all sorts of service duties throughout the events.
In the photo, she’s apparently telling a great story and entertaining visitors, including Dawna Harwell, at right.
The Most Colorful at Halter class is sponsored by friends of the late George Minic, Appaloosa showman deluxe. It’s a very special time for Mary Lou, who presents the awards. Thanks ML for being part of the family!
This photo is from early yesterday as exhibitors in the Non-Pro Masters Showmanship class go through their last-minute practice routines. Precise patterns require a firm understanding between horse and handler. Hopefully, they are both in a comfortable and confident state of mind at the right time.
It’s certainly okay to be nervous and anxious, but coaches keep telling you not to let it show. How hard can that be?
Here at the National Show in Jackson, smiles on the faces of class winners — national champions! — are even brighter than the summer sun. When you think about the amount of time, money and effort required just to be here, you can’t help being a bit in awe of horse folks and their passion. This photo illustrates a big part of the motivation. There is immense satisfaction in achieving goals and fulfilling dreams.
Julia Binkley, of Newborn, Georgia, has the happy look of a winner. She’s just come out of the Fordice Equine Center with her NATIONAL CHAMPION Appaloosa, Get The Word Out. The duo won the Non-Pro Yearling Gelding halter class at the 62nd National Show. I think her husband is also in the photo, but I’m not the quickest on-the-spot reporter.
Today’s (Wednesday) classes include Non-Pro 35 & Over Showmanship, Non-Pro halter colts and stallions, Junior Western Pleasure, some reining and Two-Year-Old Snaffle Bit Hunter Under Saddle — among others.
For those hoping to watch the show on the Web, we’re being told technical issues can be resolved fairly soon. Please be patient. Transmission right now is VERY low, so things will improve a great deal once the capacity issue is addressed. (Update – looks like “resolution” won’t happen today. We are very sorry and really are trying everything that we can do at our end).
The 62nd National Appaloosa Show is underway. This scene is of exhibitors heading back to the barns after Non-Pro Most Colorful class. We can’t help mentioning that the temp reached 100 today, just one degree shy of the very old record. ApHC folks seem to be coping fairly well. Hydration is the buzzword for the week!
The trailers are parked and the horses are stalled at the fairgrounds in Jackson, Mississippi, host for the 62nd National Appaloosa Show and World Championship Appaloos Youth Show. Across the south and southeast the temp is high, with the heat index even higher, but most folks are adjusting. The show officially gets started tomorrow (Monday) with a full day and a nice mix of classes. This evening is the annual awards banquet.
Stay tuned for more updates and “features” from Jackson. I hear there are a couple of technical issues to work out, but all should be set for live streaming video from the show. Be sure to check the appaloosa.com site and see what’s happening.
Directors elected or re-elected to serve on the Appaloosa Horse Club Board of Directors for 2009-2012 include:
Territory 1, Zone b – Connie Taylor, Douglas, Wyoming
Territory 2, Zone b – Frank Larrabee, Corrales, New Mexico
Territory 3, Zone b – Bill Thiel, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Territory 4, Zone b – Sharon Marshall, Lexington, Oklahoma
Territory 5, Zone a – Monty Holmes, Cabot, Arkansas
Territory 5, Zone b – Steve Bennett, Climax, North Carolina
Territory 6, Zone b – Ray Burchett, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Territory 7, European zone – Jason Flinn, Bascara, Spain
All the bylaw amendment proposals were approved by a vote of the membership.
Our latest issue of the Sooner ApHC newsletter is now available online at www.sooner-aphc.com . Just go to the website and follow the links. The May/June 2009 issue should be at the top of the newsletter page. There is the complete version for high speed users, and it is broken up into 9 segments for those on slower connections like dial-up. This is a massive 76 page issue. We’ve included a brief tour of the ApHC Museum, as well as tributes to the passing of two fine ApHC mares, Wanna Be Brassy and Just-A-Chip, as well as our regular features. Enjoy!
Gerry (Sooner ApHC Newsletter Editor)
Oktaha, OK
www.diamond-run-farm.com
Sooner-ApHC http://www.sooner-aphc.com
Sponsor of the Appaloosa Celebration http://www.reichertcelebration.com
No, it’s not the underground train, it’s the sandwich chain of restaurants. The marketing folks at Subway have apparently been listening to the research and reminding themselves that Baby Boomers are still a fairly active and very large segment of consumers. Nothing says “be healthy” like an appeal to lifestyle choices involving physical fitness and some mental restoration/alignment (think about where we’ve been and the culture we grew up with). I guess a good sandwich can help.
The “Fit to Boom” campaign invites us to share our stories about later-in-life revelations and enter a “Refresh Your Life” contest. We like the fact that a spotted horse is part of the equation.
The point of this post is to direct your attention to a video on the Subway website. You’ll eventually see the subject enjoying the great outdoors on a colorful Appaloosa. That’s our version of “finding yourself” and being centered in the complex universe.
Thanks to ApHC member Pam Hargesheimer for sharing the information. Take a look.
http://fittoboom.msnbc.msn.com/?source=spotlight1>1=25054#/home/video/1/0
Don’t miss your chance to promote your business, farm or stallion at the 62nd National Appaloosa Show & 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show where you can reach thousands of equine-minded people with these valuable opportunities:
Banner advertising on the Live Streaming Video page on the ApHC web site is the most effective way to reach more than 33,000 people who will be viewing your banner ad while viewing the 62nd National Appaloosa Show & 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Show. Today, June 12, is the LAST DAY to advantage of the 50% discount—so call today!
The National Network is the show’s daily publication delivered directly to exhibitors that includes class results, schedules and so much more. Exhibitors anticipate receiving the National Network every day so be sure they see your ad when they are looking for the top ten results of their favorite class! These prices are for the entire 13-day event—you won’t find a better deal!
Full-page ad: $600
Half-page ad: $375
Quarter-page ad: $200
Text-only ad: $100 (max 4 lines)
Class and buckle sponsorships are a wonderful promotion tool as well as a great way to support the 62nd National Appaloosa Show & 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Show! Class and buckle sponsors receive recognition in announcements, the daily National Network, the ApHC web site and the Appaloosa Journal.
Sponsor one class for $125 and each additional class is only $75!
Sponsor a High-Point or Reserve High-Point buckle for $299 and each additional buckle is only $199.
Contact the Appaloosa Marketing Department for information regarding these opportunities at (208) 882-5578 ext. 235 or via e-mail at marketing@appaloosa.com.
Last Saturday was the annual Appaloosa Fest here in Moscow at the Museum. Despite a chilly and breezy day, at least 100 youngsters and their parents/escorts came to ride the Appaloosas, play games, explore the Museum activity centers and help celebrate the local connection to Idaho’s State Horse. With the help of Museum staff and several dedicated volunteers, all the visitors were given special attention.
The young lady in the photo was an especially happy guest. She was anxious to go for a ride! And, when it was suggested that she should dismount and let someone else take a turn, she grabbed the saddle horn with both hands and protested loudly. Most of us thought it was very cute.
Visit the photo files for more pics from the Appaloosa Fest.
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