Pat Gervais passed away Thursday, July 21, 2011, in Helena.
Patricia Therese Birgen was born Sept. 11, 1957, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Clare Birgen and Ruth (Jennings) Birgen. She lived on the family farm near Worthing, S.D., until her graduation from college.
Pat loved animals, especially horses. In 1983, she pursued her childhood interest in horses and began taking riding lessons. This was the beginning of her involvement in the horse show world. Pat was a member of the Vigilante Appaloosa Horse Club. She served on the board of directors of the Montana State Horse Association and the board of directors of the Yellowstone Reining Horse Association. She also served as secretary of the WYO-MONT Appaloosa Club, Big Wyoming Appaloosa Club and the Montana State Appaloosa Club.
Pat proved to be an accomplished horsewoman earning Rookie of the Year in 2009 from Cowboy States Reining Horse Association. Other awards include WYO-MONT High Point Amateur, BWAHC High Point Non Pro Showmanship and 1987 BWAHC Rookie of the Year. Pat graduated “Green Reiner” in one year from the Montana Reining Horse Association.
Pat was not only interested in the science of horsemanship, but pursued many aspects of equitation including dressage, driving, reining, showmanship and western pleasure. She had a love of Appaloosas but an appreciation of all breeds. She received a special joy from watching youth bloom into accomplished equestrians.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Cancer Treatment Center, c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com
The Appaloosa community is in the mood to brag at least a little after documenting a 25 percent increase in entries at this year’s National Show and Youth World Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 4-16. Along with a 30 percent increase in the number of horses, the statistics indicate strong support for the move back to a central location. There may also be a glimmer of cautious optimism about economic conditions and a general sense of positive things happening in the equine world. Whatever the logic, exhibitors from across the continent were anxious to compete, renew friendships and enjoy one of the best youth events in years.
The 64th National Appaloosa Show and Youth World Championships included a few bonus opportunities such as the revival of a youth “champion of champions” competition, five sweepstakes classes with extra cash and prizes on the line and the inaugural Appaloosa National feature race at the adjacent Fair Meadows track. With an expanded trade show, a splashing good time at the water park for youth exhibitors and even an egg toss contest, the entertainment meter rose considerably.
We were delighted with all aspects of the show and we heard lots of positive comments from our exhibitors. There’s always something special about everyone working together to provide a proper stage for our great breed.
Appaloosa racing’s current star, Captain Bucko, won a Speedhorse Sprint Futurity trial at Fair Meadows track here at Expo Square in Tulsa and set two new standards. Not only did he break the 350 yard track record, he also broke the 350 yard world record!
Both records were previously held by You R My Sunshine with a 17.51 won in 2005. Captain Bucko ran a 17.50!
Congratulations to RacinRNs – Anita Ruiz and Jessica McCurry, trainer Luis Villafranco, jockey Adalberto Candanosa and all Captain Bucko’s connections! The two-year-old is by Cartel Success and out of Joyball.
The futurity finals will be run Saturday July 23rd.
In case you missed it, the July issue of the Appaloosa Journal has a feature story about Captain Bucko (p. 126).
It’s here! It’s “Get Your Pink On” night! Tonight the Appaloosa Horse Club is hosting its inaugural Get Your Pink On, a Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink event. Exhibitors, show officials and staff will all be wearing pink carnations in support of breast cancer awareness. We will be taking donations at the door and in exchange for a donation, the donor will receive a ticket for some great door prizes including gift certificates, jewelry, equipment and a Dale Chavez silver bridle. And if you show up wearing pink we will give you 2 tickets! But you have to be present to win! We look forward to a sea of pink tonight!
It’s been a busy week and a half at the Youth World and National Show. We’re up to 900 horses along with lots of people having a good time. Entries are up from last year by at least 25%. Had a nice rain shower this morning, so we can assume that the steam bath will be turned on this afternoon. As you might expect, there have been a few cases of heat stress in horses — and people, but in general everyone seems to be coping quite well. The Expo Square facilities are receiving positive reviews and we’ve especially appreciated the proximity of “vital” retailers within a biscuit’s throw from the grounds. Be sure to check the Daily Network at appaloosajournal.com for more details about classes, participants and placings. We’ve had a great response to the Kathy’s Show Equipment Sweepstakes classes. There are a lot of other folks who helped out with sponsorship support and we thank them all.
Each year the American Horse Council awards the Van Ness Award to a person that embodies the dedication and service of the late Mrs. Marjorie Van Ness, one of the founders of the New Jersey Horse Council.
The American Horse Council is pleased to announce that it has awarded its 2011 Van Ness Award to Edith Stanger of Idaho Falls, ID.
In presenting the award, AHC president Jay Hickey noted that, “Mrs. Stanger has given her time continuously to the promotion of all aspects of the horse industry. She was instrumental in founding the Idaho State Horse Council in 1975, where she continues to contribute to this day – almost forty years later! Mrs. Stanger recognized the need for a united voice for all horse interests, and was instrumental in joining the AHC as one of the earliest State Horse Council members.”
Together with husband, Dick, Edith Stanger created the Double Arrow Ranch, the largest registered herd of Appaloosa horses in the world. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Appaloosa Horse Club, as President of the Intermountain Appaloosa Club, and as Secretary of the Snake River Valley Horse Show.
“Edith has also worked for the entire industry,” said Hickey. “She helped get legislation promoted to aid the racing industry; to get the brand inspection check-off fee dedicated to the Idaho Horse Board which awards grants to horse activities that meet the strict criteria of use for research, promotion, or education; and recently got a bill through the Idaho legislature allowing simulcast lease holders to move off-site.”
“Thank all of you who are supporters of the Council, and thank you for this great honor you have bestowed upon me,” Mrs. Stanger said in accepting the award. “And thank you to the past, present and future generations that love the horse, are truly concerned for its welfare, and are active in its treatment,” she added.
The horse community in Idaho has benefited greatly from the loyalty and dedication of Mrs. Edith Stanger. She has won many awards for her service to the horse industry, has been elected to the National Appaloosa Horse Club’s Hall of Fame, the Idaho Horse Council’s Hall of Fame, the Idaho Horsemen’s Hall of Fame, and has been deemed a living legend in her community. “She can now add the Van Ness Award to that long list of accomplishments,” said Hickey.
Happy July 4th from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the World Championship Youth Show. Classes are underway, the trade show is busy and people are excited about what’s next. There are a few photos posted in the album (left) with more to come.
Today’s classes include Youth Hunter in Hand, stake races, Hunt Seat Equitation (the Novice clas had 70 pre-entries, so we know that one will be big) and Hunter Hack.
No matter where you are, it’s worth taking a minute to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy and the wise and brave people who have made, and continue to make, them possible.
…are the ones I get to meet at their first-ever ApHC Youth World Championship Show! Alexis Steele is from Discovery Bay, California, and will be busy during the coming week in Tulsa. She’s entered in six classes that I know of and is anxious for things to get underway.
It’s a busy Saturday as most of the trade show vendors are moving in and finishing the set-up process. Horses are getting used to their temporary homes and exhibitors, especially the youth, are putting in some riding and practice time. Some of us are just happy that the ice cream stand is open for business!
Billy Clarence Myers, Jr., 59, passed away at his home on June 27, 2011. He was born on July 5, 1951 to Billy Clarence and Elizabeth Richardson Myers. He was preceded in death by his father. Bill was a 1971 graduate of West Forsyth High School and a member of Bixby Presbyterian Church. While still in high school, Bill opened the very successful Bill Myers Truck Sales. He was the owner of Auto World of Winston-Salem, a division of Bill Myers Truck Sales. Although cars and trucks were his business, horses were his passion. Bill showed multiple World and National Appaloosa Horse Club Champions.
He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Ellen Bagby Myers; daughter, Amy Myers Brooks and husband Nick; son, Bryon Ross Myers; grandson, Colton Myers Brooks; brothers Rick Myers and wife Beverly, Mark Myers and wife Sheila; several nieces and nephews and his devoted Miniature Australian Shepherd, Dallas. Memorials may be made to Bixby Presbyterian Church, PO Box 2227, Advance, NC 27006-2227 or Hospice of Davie-Mocksville, 377 Hospital Street, Suite 103, Mocksville, NC 27028. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com.
The Appaloosa Horse Club wants to be the club that cares! We are hosting Get Your Pink On, a Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink event, at the National Show on the evening of July 14. We will be taking donations at the door and in exchange for a donation the donor will receive a raffle ticket for some great prizes. And if you show up wearing pink we will give you 2 raffle tickets!
If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation in our Team Name, please click on the Team URL http :// www.info-komen.org/goto/Appaloosas Our team id is 10354923. Please include this important number on all your donation forms.
Exhibitors from across the continent began arriving this morning at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Today and Saturday are big move-in days for anyone involved with the Appaloosa Youth World Championship Show. Several Appaloosa Youth Association activities are scheduled for Sunday the 3rd, with the evening highlight being the annual awards banquet. Classes start on Monday the 4th.
Numbers are looking good. We may have mentioned somewhere that pre-entries for the youth, non-pro and open shows combined were 17% above last year. We’re also glad to report that three of our barns are sporting brand new stalls. The facility is ready to go and so are we. Stay tuned for updates.
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