Received word from George Ehmer that he and P.S. No Joke (Joker) have qualified for the finals in the American Competitive Trail Horse Association competition to determine “America’s Favorite Trail Horse.” They’ll be heading to Austin, Texas, next week. George says to watch for them on RFD-TV and be sure to vote for them!
Way to go George…and Joker!
There are several items on the National Show page of the website that have recently been activated. Among the downloadable forms is a facility map with extensive information about each stall barn such as stall dimensions, type of surface, water and electric locations, etc. Very cool.
Other forms include the advance bedding order and stall reservation form. And, of course, entry forms for ApHC open and youth classes, cutting and reining association classes, sweepstakes and NSBA. And, oh yes, the entire Premimum Book is also available for online viewing.
From ApHC member George Ehmer, Milton-Freewater, Oregon
The April 8th audition (one of many across the country) for “America’s favorite horse,” a competition organized by the American Competitive Trail Horse Association, was held at the beautiful Sky Hawk Ranch near Redmond, Oregon.
All 35 riders met with Carrie Scrima, one of the founders of ACTHA, who explained the course obstacles, the free ride and the interview process.
The obstacles were:
First: 6 logs, 8 in. in diameter, with the first two spaced 28” apart and the last spaced to 36” apart. This was done at the trot.
Second obstacle was a stop straddling another log with a marker in the center where we were supposed stop.
Third obstacle was a side pass to the right off of the log.
Fourth and final obstacle was two cones spaced four feet apart that we were to back a figure 8 around.
The next phase was to do a free ride with a time limit of 45 sec.
The last phase was an interview of 3- 10 minutes to talk about our horse and why the horse should be America’s favorite trail horse. As usual Joker and I were the first team in; we did everything ok – could have been better. In the interview I focused on the heritage of the Appaloosa horse, the Nez-Perce and what they contributed the Appaloosa breed and the many accomplishments of my horse Joker. I also wanted to let the world know how much he has done to help me be a better rider and person.
We will be notified within the next couple of weeks if we will be traveling to Austin, Texas, for the finals.
The photo is of George and Joker competing in the Supreme Cowboy Race (similar to an extreme trail challenge) at the Idaho Horse Expo this past weekend.
The following Appaloosa Year Books can now be purchased online:
2010 Appaloosa Horse Club Yearbook
Yearbook will be mailed 2-5 weeks after the 64th National Appaloosa Show/2011 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show
2009 Appaloosa Horse Club Yearbook
2008 Appaloosa Horse Club Yearbook
2007 Appaloosa Horse Club Yearbook
2006 Appaloosa Horse Club Yearbook
Limited quantity
2005 Appaloosa Horse Club Yearbook
Limited quantity
To purchase a yearbook simply click on the “Online Services” link at the top our main webpage, Click on the “Appaloosa Yearbook” link on the left hand side of the screen, then select the yearbook(s) that you would like to purchase.
ApHC members now have the ability to purchase DNA and HYPP test kits online for Registered Appaloosas and Non-appaloosas that exist within our database.
The kits that are available online are as follows:
DNA TEST KIT
HYPP TEST KIT
HYPP & DNA TEST KIT
To purchase a test kit simply click on the “Online Services” link at the top our main webpage, Click on the “DNA/HYPP TEST KIT” link on the left hand side of the screen, then select the test kit that you would like to purchase.
Users will be required to enter additional information associated with the horse for which they are purchasing the kit. Once the kit request has been processed via the work order system, staff will create the kit and send it to the appropriate recipient.
The Appaloosa Horse Club Board of Directors held its March meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Many of the regular agenda items were put on hold to engage in a discussion of “big-picture” issues facing the equine industry and the club. In fact, there was a consensus resolution to not adopt any new rules or make any major rule changes at this meeting. ApHC members in attendance also participated in roundtable chats about key topics such as membership, registration, marketing, regional clubs, shows and the youth and non-pro programs.
President McWhirter has followed up the initial conversation with the appointment of a Strategic Planning Group, which will be gathering input from all the directors and as many ApHC members as possible. In fact, we’ll be posting questions and surveys so that members can respond and participate in the process.
The ApHC has operated with several assumptions about direction and priorities, based on earlier versions of a strategic plan and on a general understanding of what’s going on in our business. As was often noted in the March discussion, the world has changed and the ApHC needs to ensure that it is focused on the changing needs of the membership. Above all, an organization’s primary mission is to provide value for the investment of dues dollars. We need to understand more about what the “value proposition” means for today’s members and the various membership segments. And, we need to use all of our resources in ways that build on what works and that support a positive climate for Appaloosa activity worldwide.
A 2012 budget of $3,988,810 was approved by the board. Among the areas of focus for the coming year are making the National Show and Youth World in Tulsa successful events, international marketing, stronger numbers of registrations and memberships, and more interaction with regional clubs, non-pro’s and the Appaloosa Youth Association.
Don’t miss the Youth World Show in Tulsa! We’ve added a youth CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS competition to take place on Saturday, July 9 at the conclusion of the youth show classes. It’s a mash-up of Freestyle Reining with equitation and horsemanship!
The first place winners of the following classes will be invited to compete in the Champion of Champions competition: bareback horsemanship (13 & under, 14-18), western horsemanship (12 & under, 13-15, 16-18), hunt seat equitation (12 & under, 13-15, 16-18) and saddle seat equitation (18 & under).
Contestants will have a maximum of 3 minutes to complete their self-designed pattern to music.
Judges will score maneuvers, degree of difficulty and artistic impression. Spectators get to participate by showing their appreciation and an applause meter score will be given to each exhibitor. All that added together determines the winner!
Awesome awards will be given to the overall winner and are sponsored by The Behind the Barn Gang!
See the premium book, Appaloosa Journal and www.appaloosa.com for more information!
Start practicing! We’d love to see you there.
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