I guess everything really is big in Texas.
It must be “casual Friday” at the World Championship Appaloosa Show in Fort Worth — everyone seems to be wearing jeans! While watching the “stump” race, I’m reminded that we have some pretty cool horses that really can do it all. The variety of games classes have featured power, speed and finesse on the part of humans and their mounts. Other classes, from halter to pleasure driving, showcase the beauty, grace and style of horses that seem to already know they are special.
I’ll get final stats for you after the show, but for now I can tell you that we ended up with nearly 950 horses, a number very close the last year’s, and we had considerably more entries. In terms of quality, I’ve had several people express the sentiment that it’s better than they’ve seen in a few years. I have to agree. And, it was great to see bigger classes in cutting, working cowhorse, reining and others.
Our open, non-pro (and youth) exhibitors can compete with the best of any breed and so can our horses. Congratulations to all the winners, but more importantly, thanks to everyone who made the trip to Texas for the show. We know what it takes in terms of time, effort and money to be at a major horse show for more than a week. We appreciate you and your support of the Appaloosa breed.
We’ll post a full report on the World Sale as soon as possible next week. We know that the overall average was $2,933, up slightly from last year. Nearly the same percentage of horses changed hands (61 horses were sold and 32 were repurchased). The average price for horses sold and not repurchased was $1,800, down approximately 20 percent from last year. The high-selling lot was #98 for $5,500.
Christy Wood has been at the autograph table a couple of days this week to sign copies of her new book, “Your Best Horse Show: A Guide for Managers and Exhibitors.” Christy will also be available to sign copies of her book today from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Buy one (or register to win one).
Christy has made a name for herself in the equine industry. From showing to judging—Christy has done it all. She began showing horses as a teen and has persevered since then. After years of showing, Christy added show official and judge to her equestrian resume. She is currently a carded judge for several national and international associations, including the Appaloosa Horse Club, Pinto Horse Association of America, American Miniature Horse Association, Equestrian Trails Inc., Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada, American Paint Horse Association, California State Horsemen’s Association and American Mule Association.
Christy is the owner-trainer of Wood N’ Horse Training Stables, located in Three Rivers, Calif. She is a versatile trainer of all English and western disciplines. Christy also teaches riders from beginners to advanced levels. Christy has been awarded Top Trainer of performance horses, youth and amateur riders many times through the Cal-Western Appaloosa Horse Club. She is also an avid trail rider and participates in the historic Chief Joseph Trail Ride, sponsored by the ApHC.
Christy knows from experience what it takes to organize a successful horse show. Be sure to pick up a copy of “Your Best Horse Show: A Guide for Managers and Exhibitors” at the 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Show or order online at www.wdnhorse.com. To contact Christy, please call (559) 561-4268 or e-mail wdnhorse@theworks.com.
You need to hustle if you’re interested in an on-line bidder number for Wednesday evening’s World Sale. Go to LiveAuction.TV and follow their instructions. We can process the requests much more easily if received sooner rather than later.
Saturday at the World Show in Fort Worth was one of those good-news/bad-news deals. With a full schedule of classes and in some cases more entries, it was a very long day. We had good numbers in working cowhorse and several of the Non-Pro classes. Sunday’s activities are underway with team penning in the Justin arena and trail classes in the Watt. Lots of coffee for show officials, judges and exhibitors. Can’t help wondering sometimes what the horses might be thinking about the around-the-clock schedule of their human connections.
The photo is from Tioga Territory, supplier of a wide variety of official ApHC merchandise. Items are available here at the trade show, but also on-line. We’ve already heard good comments about this year’s show jackets and some of the other new apparel.
A reminder: we try to add a few new photos to the album each day, so keep checking for pics of possible interest.
The community of cutting horse owners, exhibitors and fans is a strong network of folks with a passion for equine athletes and a reverence for Old West traditions. At the World Show, there are ApHC-approved classes as well as additional futurities, sweepstakes and other classes for members of the Appaloosa Cutting Horse Association. Entries are up this year for ApCHA, thanks to a supportive group and the countless hours of volunteer time by such good examples as Liz Kincaid, the group’s current president.
While visiting with Liz, we couldn’t help notice that Billy Owens (left) of Brenham, Texas, and C.W. Tate of Bowie, were having more fun than most in attendance at the cutting. Something about their attitude and demeanor convinced me that horses and buddies make a good formula for genuine enjoyment.
One of the best parts of being at the World Appaloosa Show is visiting with ApHC members…really…it’s refreshing to not be encumbered by electronic static, guesswork about what a punctuation mark means or the basic distance between one place and another. In this case, I had a nice chat with Scott and Barbara Adcock from Raeford, North Carolina. They were interested in this show, the selection process for our National Show site, marketing of the breed and Non-Pro programs. And, they provided me with at least one very good idea about promotion (stay tuned).
Throughout the barn areas in Fort Worth at the Appaloosa World Show you’ll find ApHC members cleaning something — aisles, furniture, tack and their dogs. In this case, Gloria Gifford of Columbus, New Jersey, is working on her show saddle in preparation for the full range of Non-Pro events. Her effort is being evaluated by pal Brooke Flesner of Quincy, Illinois. (Now I can sound like one of the old-timers, since I can remember when Brooke was a wee lass).
This seems like a good opportunity to say THANK YOU to all the exhibitors and support teams who have made the journey to Texas for the ApHC’s prestige event. We appreciate the fact that you are here and we hope your experience at the World is a great one. Thanks for coming!
Greetings from Texas. Move-in day on Wednesday was a really wet one — the metro area received more than four inches of rain! ApHC exhibitors arriving for the World Show struggled throughout the deluge to unload horses and tack and try to get organized.
Thursday is a much better looking day. Folks are busy working horses, finishing stall decorations, getting paperwork taken care of (as in this photo from the show office) and in all sorts of other ways prepping for the week ahead.
Until I hear otherwise, I’ll assume the webcam will be up and running for tomorrow’s first class. Be sure to tune in.
One week and counting until the 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Show in Fort Worth. ApHC staff will be traveling this weekend and early next week to finalize preparations for this showcase event. Entry numbers are looking good and we anticipate an exciting show. Don’t forget to check the webcam if you can’t make it to Texas in person. And, be sure to register early (two days ahead) with LiveAuctions.TV to view and bid on horses in the sale Wednesday, October 28th.
For those of you hauling horses and/or coming to the show, we wish you safe travels and look forward to seeing you in Fort Worth.
With only two and one half months left in 2009, it’s already time to purchase your 2010 Appaloosa Journal Calendar! The calendar continues a tradition of excellence, giving you 12 months of photographs displaying the beauty and grace of the Appaloosa breed. Appaloosa Journal would like to thank Pierre Billy, Joseph Burkett, Doug Cochran, Lisa Estridge, Kathy Higgins, John Hoskin, Tammy McGarry, Amanda Price, Scott Sims and Conrad Theriault for submitting their photographs in the calendar contest, as well as everyone who submitted their 2010 entries.
The 2010 calendar makes a beautiful gift for the holidays, and can add a little Appaloosa color to any office, barn or room! To order, call 208-882-5578 ext. 258.
To participate in the 2011 Appaloosa Journal Calendar Contest, simply e-mail your photographs to calendar@appaloosajournal.com or send prints to Appaloosa Journal Calendar Contest, 2720 W. Pullman Road, Moscow ID 83843.
Sign up for a free webcast October 21!
Regardless of their breed preference, riding style or location, equine enthusiasts can find happy trails with help from a new course by My Horse University and Source Interlink Media’s Equine Network. From selecting a trail horse to preserving the trail, “Trail Riding 101” offers expert advice on every aspect of this international pastime.
Developed by equine experts at Michigan State University (MSU) and other major universities, “Trail Riding 101” takes participants through the process of selecting the right mount and equipment, feeding and conditioning the trail horse, and helping them learn about trail safety and etiquette. This course is aimed at helping riders get the most enjoyment from their riding experience, whether they trail ride at home, on vacation or in competition.
The $50 registration fee includes access to the course, where participants can read information, watch accompanying video clips and webcasts, and complete exercises and activities at their own pace. For more information or to register, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com/trail.
My Horse University and the Equine Network are also offering a FREE WEBCAST titled “On the Trail Ride – Best Practices,” which will air live on October 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The webcast will feature Jenifer Nadeau, associate professor of animal science at the University of Connecticut, who will share best practices for trail riding including how to determine where to go, route finding, safety, what to bring, ride preparations, how to select the right horse, how to deal with situations that arise on the trail such as crossing streams and roads, going up and down hills and encountering wildlife. A recording of the webcast will be available to anyone who purchases “Trail Riding 101.” For more information or to register, visit www.myhorseuniversity.com/trail.
The ApHC is bringing you the second annual Stallion Service Auction at the 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Show! This year’s auction will include online real-time bidding for your chance to breed to a champion Appaloosa stallion. While at the World Show, you can cast your bid at the Internet café sponsored by www.myhorseforsale.com, or bid the old fashioned way at the Stallion Service Auction booth in the lobby of the John Justin Arena.
Bidding begins Friday October 23, 2009, and ends at noon on Oct 31st. The auction will re-open on Nov 1st and continue through January 1, 2010 if there are any unsold services.
Contact the marketing department at (208) 882-5578 ext. 235 or e-mail marketing@appaloosa.com for more information. The stallion showcase and auction service can be accessed at www.appaloosa.com by clicking the World Sale icon at the bottom of the page.
Auction Website is LIVE http://www.horseauctionandmore.com/stores.php?store=790
From Blue Ribbon Downs
It is with deep admiration I write this press release. The breeder and owner of the winner was Victoria Ennis who was a champion of Appaloosa Racing in Oklahoma. She passed away earlier this year and she is truly missed in Oklahoma Racing.
Willies Chick, a gray filly by I Love Willie and out of the mare Lavish Moon was the winner of the 42nd running of the Cricket Bars Futurity G1 at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. She was bred and owned by V. Victoria Ennis and Ronnie Joe Ennis. The Oklahoma Bred filly was trained by Kevin Willis and ridden by Matt Casebolt. They ran the 400 yards in 20.28 on an off track.
Bonnie Cusimano
Marketing Manager
Blue Ribbon Downs
Sallisaw, OK
A quick note from the ApHC Performance Department — the 2009 World Show Pattern Book is now available online. Click on the home-page “show” button, then go to the World Show page.
Might be a good time to offer my/our appreciation to all the folks in the office. With World Show qualifying reports, invitations, entries and a raft of other show preparation details, everyone has pitched in and worked together to make things happen in Fort Worth.
Thanks to all!
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