This is one show you don’t want to miss! New youth activities! Big money sweepstakes classes! Fierce but friendly competition! Beautiful Appaloosa horses!
And since we know you like to plan ahead, we want to remind you to make your room reservations by May 31 in order to get the best available rates. Visit www.appaloosa.com and click on the National Show link. You can find the Tulsa CVB housing bureau link and book your rooms on-line or by fax. Don’t forget that you must provide proof of lodging accommodations in order to pick up your exhibitor packet when you arrive at the show!
The Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau has offered a financial incentive package to assist the ApHC with costs associated with producing the show in Tulsa. In order to sustain their level of financial support, we must certify the number of hotel rooms used in the city during the show. The housing bureau that is staffed by the Tulsa CVB can not only help show attendees select hotels and book rooms during the show but will track hotel room usage in order to sustain the financial support they offer. That’s why it’s important to let them do the work for you!
And most importantly, incentive money offered by the host city helps the ApHC pay show-related costs, and helps avoid passing some of those costs on to exhibitors.
We have a wide variety of properties that offer rates starting at $49.99 per night and an impressive array of ammenities and award programs too! But to receive these great rates, you have to book through the housing bureau on the ApHC web site.
Click the link on the National Show page to review available hotel options in Tulsa. There’s sure to be one that will meet your needs! For best rates, book by May 31!
For more information about the 2011 National/World Youth Show please contact the ApHC at (208) 882-5578 or visit us online at www.appaloosa.com
We realize that exhibitors coming to Tulsa are curious and concerned about what the ApHC has in mind regarding EHV “biosecurity” guidelines for the show. Part of our planning process has included frequent conversations with the State Veterinarian in Oklahoma, the Expo Square facility and many others. Our intent is to publicize some recommendations at a point when we feel that the landscape might not change drastically and folks can have the latest and best advice. Of course, we also want to provide exhibitors with enough time to make appropriate preparations with their local vet and to help with their travel plans. Stay tuned.
Many of you know Dr. Dave as our official veterinarian for the Chief Joseph Trail Ride. He shared a note that went out to his local clients regarding the EHV situation.
Note to horse clients: Some thoughts on the EHV 1 outbreak: May 19, 2011
The rumor mill is in overdrive. This is a disease we have lived with for a long time, it has appeared right here in our valley many times. Every time I see a horse with neurologic signs, it potentially has EHV1 till proven otherwise. Every time I see an aborted fetus, or a horse with a snotty nose, it is potentially EHV1 till proven otherwise. Due to the difficulty and non specificity of laboratory diagnostics, and our inability or reluctance to spend the money to get the diagnostics done on an animal that has either already died, or is obviously going to get better with conservative treatment, diagnostic tests are not always done in the real world. This is not a new disease, and the nature of the Herpes Virus makes it highly likely that your horse already has it.
You have all heard the saying, “Herpes is forever”. That is true. As you know, cold sores and genital herpes do not go away in people, even with all the medical efforts by our human counterparts. Shingles is a latent herpes infection that can becomes active in anybody who has ever been infected with the herpes virus that causes chicken pox. EHV in horses acts the same, once a horse has been exposed, he has it forever.
It is difficult or impossible to find a horse that is not harboring the equine herpes virus. The horse’s immune system keeps it under control until it either becomes immuno suppressed from stress (such as what happens after traveling cross country in a horse trailer, commingling with a bunch of other horses in a strange facility, probably eating unfamiliar feeds, breathing dusty air, and being asked to perform incredible feats of athleticism), or overwhelmed from the sheer number of virus particles in the environment.
The reason that this case is on the national radar is not that it is EHV1. We’ve had it here before many times; it didn’t even make the local paper. The reason it is on the national radar now is that it was traced back to a high profile show, and has potentially spread all over the country. It has exposed the very best seed stock in the Quarter Horse industry directly, and other breeds indirectly. It is probably no more deadly than the cases we have seen before that have already killed lots of horses; although there is a possibility it may test out to be a more contagious strain.
I have been getting many phone calls and questions regarding what we should do as a local community, and as individual horse owners. This is my advice (subject to change at any time, of course, as nobody has all the answers)
First, don’t panic. We’ve already ridden this path many times, and it will blow over. The chances that your horse will get EHV1 and die are miniscule. He has already been living with it his entire life.
Second, stay away from public horse events till this blows over. I see no problem with riding with friends or even on public trails; make an effort to avoid close contact with horses you don’t know.
As far as I know, no states have issued directives as of yet to restrict your freedom to move horses as you choose. However if it gets worse, restrictions from the state could be instituted. The best way to keep the state from taking control is for people to control their horses contact with other horses voluntarily. The chances of you picking it up at a local horse gathering or event is miniscule, but when you multiply miniscule by thousands of events across the state and country it becomes obvious that if people don’t take precautions, the disease is likely to spread.
As many of you know, the Washington State Veterinarian is Dr. Leonard Eldridge, a longtime Lewiston, ID veterinarian; and one of his assistants is Dr. Ben Smith from Juliaetta, ID. The last thing they want to do is issue regulations that will impair your ability to use your horses as you see fit; but if we don’t stop this on our own they have the authority to shut down all horse transport in the state.
Third, don’t feed the rumor mill. Check out information before passing it on. Most of us local veterinarians try to stay on top of current information; we are generally a good source. However if you want to get to the root of the best information, the following link will take you to the web site of every official State Veterinarian’s Office in the country. If you hear that something strange is happening in Texas (or any other state) click on the state, and check it out for yourself. If you don’t find the information you need, give them a call; they are paid to answer questions, and I have found them to be extremely helpful.
http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/StateVets.aspx
Finally and most importantly, continue to use and enjoy your horses. There are many horse activities you can enjoy that do not involve congregating large numbers of horses you don’t know and owned by people you don’t know. Going to the mountains, or trail riding with friends, or having a roping event or barrel race with friends is no more dangerous from an animal health standpoint today than it was prior to this outbreak, as long as you know the horses have not recently been to a large public event, or exposed to horses who have.
Good Luck, and Happy Trails,
David A. Rustebakke, DVM
As part of the strategy discussion leading to the development of a more focused business plan for the ApHC, we need your help and your insights. More than personal preference or personal opinion, we need your best understanding of what’s going on in the equine industry generally, and within our breed in particular.
Today’s question(s): How do we address the needs of the “entry-level” horse person? How do we attract them and how do we keep them excited about owning an Appaloosa? As the movie actor might ask the director: what’s my motivation?
Congratulations to Moon Bully for winning the National Cowboy & Western Heritage $30,000 stakes race at Remington Park on Saturday May 21. He bested 8 other horses in thrilling come-from-behind fashion and won by a photo-finish nose. Follow the link to watch the replay. (10th race)
http://www.remingtonpark.com/Multimedia/Race_Replays/
Moon Bully, 2010 ApHC Appaloosa Race Horse of the Year, is by Man With The Power and out of TB Fancy Moon. He’s owned by Dub Seely of Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
Seems to be a wide range of information – and speculation – about the Equine Herpes Virus situation. It’s always a good idea to consider the collective wisdom of the professionals who probably have a better handle on the facts.
We’ve noticed the addition of several resources and links on the American Association of Equine Practitioners Web site, www.aaep.org. The “frequently asked questions” page and guidelines for horse owners might be especially helpful. There are also state-by-state reports and info from USDA as well as Cal-Davis and others.
The Arkansas ApHC show scheduled for this coming weekend (May 21) in Texarkana has been cancelled. Stay tuned to this page for updates and news about other cancellations.
You can also check the status of regional shows on the “show calendar” page of the Web site. If we know that a show has been cancelled, it will be designated on the calendar listing.
Neither rain nor sleet nor dark of night will keep premium books for the 64th National Championship Appaloosa Show / World Championship Youth Show from arriving on your doorstep! But because of mail delivery delays, we’ve extended the pre-entry deadline until Friday, May 20, 2011. All pre-entries in the ApHC office by May 20, 2011 will qualify for pre-entry fee prices and will be included in the Official Show Program. Entries will be accepted after May 20th at the post entry fee (1½ times the pre-entry fee).
The premium book, all entry forms and current information on the show can all be accessed from the ApHC Web site. It’s your best source for up-to-date information on the show! If you haven’t received your premium book yet, please go to www.appaloosa.com and click on the National Show logo on the front page to access all show information and download the forms you need.
Don’t forget, non-pro and youth exhibitors may enter 9 classes at regular price and may enter a 10th class for FREE! This option is available for pre-entries only! Non-pro and youth exhibitors may take advantage of this special regardless of the number of different horses they exhibit as it is based solely on the number of classes in which that non-pro or youth exhibitor enters. Entries for multiple horses MUST BE RECEIVED TOGETHER in order to credit the exhibitor for the free class. Once entries have been received, classes can not be substituted, scratched, added or changed in order to qualify for a class. After the pre-entry deadline, regular post-entry processes and fees apply to any changes or added classes. Equipment, cattle and NSBA charges must still be paid on all classes even if these are assessed in the class in which the non-pro or youth exhibitor does not have to pay the entry fee.
Stall reservations and payment must be received in the ApHC office on or before May 24th to request a preferred location.
You don’t want to miss this show! We have a great line-up of classes, sweepstakes events, youth activities and special performances that will make this an event to remember!
What are you waiting for? Download entry forms and stall reservation forms online at www.appaloosa.com by clicking on the National Show icon at the bottom of the page. Or, contact the ApHC Performance Department at (208) 882-5578 ext. 400 for more information.
See you in Tulsa!
Dear ApHC Members,
With reported cases of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) in some Western states, it is appropriate to be vigilant for symptoms of this disease which is contagious among horses (but not transmittable to humans).The Equine Herpes Virus can affect the respiratory, reproductive, and nervous systems causing a wide variety of diseases.
You may have heard about facilities being quarantined and events cancelled. The ApHC does not currently intend to issue any directive to regional clubs that would compel you to cancel approved shows, nor is there any consideration of cancelling the National Show/Youth World Show in Tulsa at this time. Along with other equine groups, we urge caution and extra care when introducing new horses to your facility, traveling to equine events and in observing the health condition of horses at home.
Visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners website for “infectious disease control” guidelines (www.aaep.org). There are also useful updates and resources available on the National Cutting Horse Association site, www.nchacutting.com . You may also want to monitor information coming from your State Veterinarian. We received an update/advisory from the State of Idaho with advice and precautions, so we’ll assume that most states are doing the same.
We received word that Karen Grimm, Black Horse Ranch, Minden, NV, passed away early this morning. We’ll provide additional information about services and memorials as soon as its available. Karen was a true friend of the Appaloosa community and a dedicated breeder of outstanding horses. She will be dearly missed.
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend the 2011 Land of Liberty Trail Ride June 12-18. Beginning Sunday evening, participants will embark on a week-long adventure involving all of our favorite things: friends, family, food and of course Appaloosa horses.
Located on the western edge of the Allegheny National Forest, four miles north of Tidioute, PA – the 150+ acre ranch is just a stone’s throw away from the only congressionally designated wilderness area in the Commonwealth of PA. Encompassing 8,663 acres, this pristine area abounds with many species of wildlife including white-tailed deer, coyotes, eagles, wild turkeys and black bear. There is a nearby virgin forest. The trail terrain is moderate rolling hills and single-track and old shale-based logging roads with creek crossings and is suitable for beginning to intermediate riders. Expect to ride an average of 15 miles per day.
And don’t worry about the price of fuel!! If you want to attend but you don’t want to haul your horse cross-country, there are rental horses available from Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch, the site of the base camp. They have primitive camp sites for no additional charge. Or you can rent a cabin or a camp site with hook-ups for an additional fee. Contact them directly at 814-484-7520 to reserve your rental horse and/or cabin.
Click on the link below for more information and for a reservation form. We are still accepting reservations with no late fee so be sure and send yours in today!
http://www.appaloosa.com/trail/aphc-trail-rides.htm
If you have any questions, please contact the ApHC office at 208.882.5578 ext. 264 or by email at trailrides@appaloosa.com.
Jan and Stan Dobson, ApHC members from Auburntown, Tennessee, stopped by the office this week for a visit. They had already been to Oregon for some serious horse trading and were headed home. The Dobsons are long-time Appaloosa breeders – 40+ years! – and have focused on producing Foundation-bred horses. We were delighted to accept some registration paperwork and have the chance to chat.
Annual Membership Meeting: Friday, July 8
2011 ApHC Board of Directors Summer Meeting: July 8 – 10
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the Youth Awards Banquet Sunday July 3rd; and the Year-End Awards Banquet for open, non-pro, race, trail and distance on Sunday July 10th.
Wow! Mr. Awesome Affair and Eric La Porte just finished 4th in the inaugural World Championship Freestyle reining competition at the Kentucky Horse Park. Standing room only and the only Appaloosa in the competition, Eric took his bridle off and they spun into the money at the landmark event. Way to Go Team Awesome! Click on the link for the replay and so much more!
http://usefnetwork.com/2011KYCupReining/
$25,000 added money; held at the end of the Five Star Reining competition, CRI5* (Concours de Reining International), the sport’s highest level and held concurrently with the Rolex Three Day Event.
12 competitors including David O’Conner; Totally packed house!
He did the same routine he won App Worlds with – Desparado.
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