We need to catch up on earlier news from Sunday’s Appaloosa Youth Association speech contest. There were nine entrants, two categories and two age divisions. As one of the judges, I can tell you that our Appaloosa youth members are GOOD! It was an enjoyable but tough task to assign scores to the presentations.
Pictured here are Anna Brown, ApHC Youth Program Coordinator, and Sarah Whitaker, winner of the 14-18 impromptu speaking category and second-place winner in the prepared speech competition. Sarah is from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and will be a sophomore at Auburn University this fall.
From Diane Rice, Editor
We’re excited to announce that Appaloosa Journal brought home seven awards from the 2008 American Horse Publications seminar and awards ceremony for material published in 2007. The seminar took place in Saratoga, New York, June 19–21, 2008. Placings included:
First place - 2007 Equine Calendar - designer Laura Vander Ploeg
Second place, publication staff ad - “Breed of Choice — Fun to Own” - designer Holli Sampson
Third place, service to the reader, circulation 10,000-20,000 - “Spotted in the Gate” by Tafra Donberger
Third place, one or two-page spread editorial design - “Pasture Partners” (Appaloosa Museum article, Nov 2007 - designer Evan Thompson
Third place, magazine cover page, circ 10,000-20,000 - “Craving Color” (March 2007) - designer Laura Vander Ploeg
Honorable Mention - personal column, circ under 20,000 - “The Bling Thing” (March 2007) by Diane Rice
Honorable Mention - personality profile, circ 10,000-20,000 - “A Straight Shooter” (AUG 2007, about Laurence Hiatt) by Cheryl Dudley
In addition to Appaloosa Journal’s award-winning entries, we’re proud of the accomplishments of our freelance writers and former Appaloosa Journal employees. Congratulations to:
Stacy Pigott (3rd place, Quarter Horse Track, Instructional singe article, and 1st place, Cutting Horse Chatter, feature article)
Tracy Gantz (2nd place, Paint Horse Journal, instructional single article)
Michelle Anderson (honorable mention, John Lyons Perfect Horse, horse care)
Debbie Moors (honorable mention, Horse & Rider, service to the reader)
Doreen Shumpert (1st place,NRHA Reiner, personality profile)
Juli Thorson (honorable mention, Horse & Rider, personality profile)
Betsy Lynch (3rd place, John Lyons Perfect Horse, editorial)
You’ll be able to view the PowerPoint awards presentation in its entirety this coming week at www.americanhorsepubs.org (Break from the Gate in 2008 Seminar).
American Horse Publications consists of nearly 500 members comprised of equine publications and associations, corporations, college/universities, students and affiliate members. AHP entries are judged by an independent panel of expert professionals in the fields of writing, editing, design, photography, illustration and education.
The ApHC just received word today that Embry Curry, long time member and manager of the Sheltowee Trail Ride, passed away Wed afternoon June 18th. Additional information is welcome. We’ll post a remembrance very soon.
For those of you in the trail riding community, you know what a devoted Appaloosa guy Embry was. He had a unique and mostly charming style that endeared him to anyone who expressed even the slightest interest in our breed and in riding the trails. He struck me as one of those people you could learn a lot from, either on purpose or by accident. I know we’ll all miss him, but his spirit will be a part of the ApHC Trail Program for a long time.
We received the note below and thought it worthy of dissemination. If a regional club or other group would be interested in supporting Beth, it could certainly be a rewarding endeavor. I mentioned to her that we are in the process of organizing the Appaloosa Foundation, which will be an appropriate channel for this type of request. More details about the Foundation will be available once it’s official.
Hi, my name is Beth Levine. I am an accomplished Para-equestrian rider. A Para-equestrian rider is a rider with some type of physical challenge. I have been on the “long list” of the USA Team for Para-equestrians for some time. One can find out more about this type of riding and competition at USEF web site under the sub-heading of “high-Performance”. Additionally, information can also be found on the USET web site. The Paralympic movement was begun after WWII in an effort to offer soldiers injured in the service of their country more opportunities for rehabilitation as well as a chance to again excel.
In order to be moved to the “short list” of the USA Team I need an appropriate partner to stand out with. Such a horse will need to be competitive at an international level in dressage to Prix St. Georges and would have the opportunity to be an exceptional ambassador for his/her breed! The United States Equestrian Federation recognizes dressage as the fastest growing area of the horse industry and is fueled by the Amateur Owner.
I propose that your association assist me in purchasing a horse that will wonderfully represent your breed. Not only will this offer a yearly chance to internationally promote your breed to the “dressage community” as a representative of Team USA but also we (the horse and I) would be available for other events and FEI competitions to promote your extraordinary breed throughout the year! I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you,
Beth
“Not only does YOUR breed excel in Dressage-but it is SO wonderful that it can do so with a challenged rider”.
Contact Information
BETH LEVINE
19723 112th Ave. NE
#D203
Bothell WA 98011
Email: bethrides@yahoo.com
The Appaloosa Horse Club is pleased to announce the results from the 2008 Board of Directors election.
There were contested elections in two territories. In Territory I (Zone A) the new director will be Lynette Thompson, Garfield, Washington. In Territory III (Zone A) Jim Jirkovsky, Kearney, Nebraska, is re-elected. Each will serve a three-term on the board.
The following directors ran unopposed and are therefore re-elected to an additional three-year term:
In Territory II (Zone A), Dennis Dean, Apple Valley, California;
In Territory IV (Zone A), Larry Baker, Sumner, Texas;
In Territory VI (Zone A), Laura Lyon, Howell, Michigan;
*In Territory V (Zone A), Although technically “properly nominated and deemed” re-elected, Eric Beené has declined the directorship term which begins July 3, 2008. According to ApHC bylaws, the Board of Directors may make a termporary appointment of any directorship to be filled by appointing an ApHC member domiciled in the affected geographical zone, but a special election is required when the unexpired term of the vacancy exceeds one year.
The bylaws do not require a special election to be held immediately, therefore a temporary appointment could be made and remain in effect for the period of time between swearing in and the next regularly scheduled election. Of course, the appointed person may then run as a candidate for the unexpired term.
ApHC members from several regional clubs gathered in Moscow, Idaho, this past weekend for another in a series of Territory I workshops. The group visited the ApHC office and the Appaloosa Museum before settling in for some good discussion and idea sharing. As you might expect, topics ranged from the economy to the rulebook. It was encouraging to hear quite a bit of conversation about ways regional clubs could do more things cooperatively, or at least communicate more with each other about what works and what doesn’t.
It was a treat for the members to have George and Iola Hatley join us for dinner on Saturday evening. Mr. Appaloosa was also our celebrity tour guide during the museum visit.
Member services, ApHC programs, marketing, registration questions and suggestions for ways to reach out to prospective members were all discussed. A summary of meeting topics will be posted soon, but here are a few items from my notes:
Keep working on some version of an “Appendix Registry” and consider expanding to include sport horses and others.
Consider adjustments to requirements for show approval such as the application deadline, minimum distance between shows, mandatory classes, number of horses entered, etc.
Allow youth and non-pro exhibitors to lease their horses.
Add a “horses-wanted” section to the website.
Upgrade the ACAAP program to make it more prestigious (and understandable).
Provide incentives to groups hosting show circuits or multiple shows.
We really enjoy getting reports from the field about Appaloosa folks doing well and spreading the gospel. Here’s a note from Brian McLachlin about daughter Kaylee, who is a member of the Alberta ApHA:
The photo is of Kaylee (McLachlin), Amigo and Frank Madden from the 3 day clinic at the Mane Event. The clinic went very well, and was a very positive experience. The sessions each day were 75 minutes long, and done in groups of 6 riders. The other 5 horses in Kaylee’s group were all large bays that were 1 to 2 hands taller than Amigo. Needless to say, Amigo stood out. I heard one girl sitting near us say “I want to see the Appy go, it might give me hope for mine.”
The first day was mostly flatwork, and Frank made a few comments like “That was good for an Appaloosa”, so I wasn’t too sure how the 3 days would go. Saturday saw some more flat work and Amigo stood out, not because of his size or color but because of his nice extended trot. It certainly caught the eye of the crowd which was huge on Saturday. There was more jumping than the day before and Kaylee more than held her own. She and Amigo rode clean, while a few of the other horses were taking down a rail or two.
Day three was mostly jumping, and Frank couldn’t say enough nice things about Amigo. One of the warm-up exercises saw the riders doing 5 strides between fences at a fairly open gallop. When it was Kaylee’s turn, Frank figured they would have to do 6 strides, but they did it in 5 like the bigger warmbloods. At this point he commented on how Amigo was “a real tryer”. Near the end of the session they did the course as if it was a jump-off situation. Amigo and Kaylee made some very neat inside turns, and went clear. The last 2 fences Frank was saying “What a horse! What a horse!” He told the crowd that he has great jump.
It was wonderful to see the difference in his comments from Friday to Sunday. By the applause you could tell Amigo was definitely a crowd favorite. Kaylee had many people coming up to her after the clinic to talk about her horse. The clinic was a great learning experience. Kaylee improved her fundamentals, and learned a lot about course management. It also showed that she is doing many things correctly, and that Amigo is getting some excellent training by Kaylee’s coach.
Brian McLachlin
Appaloosa Horse Club members from Montana, Idaho, Washington and Alberta gathered in Missoula April 26 & 27 for a Territory I Workshop. Discussions were productive and engaging. Ideas and strategies were shared among the regional club representatives. Thanks to Jan Phillips, president of the Western Montana ApHC, Lynette Thompson, Sandy Jones and all who helped organize the event.
My take on the meeting is that ApHC members are rallying together to find ways around current and projected economic conditions. There is more discussion of promotion and overall marketing at the local level. The group asked some really good questions, but also had some really good suggestions for ways to make the ApHC more user-friendly and effective. Not only did I take notes, I support many of the ideas offered and plan to share them with staff and directors. As an example, we’ll be talking about a better ways to build communications between new members and their respective regional clubs. We’ll be working on simpler language to explain some of the existing programs (ACAAP, trail ride approval and registration) and we’ll be providing more information about the Performance Permit and other recent developments.
Not only did Kevin and I enjoy the visit, we managed to win a door prize or two. Yes, we accepted gifts, but there were no promises made in return. Thanks again to all the members who attended the workshop. We enjoyed meeting you and sincerely appreciate your willingness to spend some time talking about our Appaloosa future.
ApHC Trail & Distance Program coordinator Kevin Pullen seems to like the latest piece of advice from Edith Stanger. They were discussing the 2008 Chief Joseph Trail Ride and the logistical challenges of moving 200+ horses, riders and support crew through the Bitterroot Valley and beyond. Edith made the trip from her home in southeastern Idaho to the Territory I workshop in Missoula, Montana.
Workshop participants engaged in good conversations about regional club issues, ApHC programs, member services and a host of topics related to ensuring a solid future for the organization and the breed. Higher costs of doing business and general economic trends tempered much of the discussion, but the members also focused on ways to cope and perhaps be more creative at the local level to maintain Appaloosa enthusiasm.
Sandy Jones, Deer Park, Washington, was the winning bidder for a terrific piece of art from the silent auction at the Territory I workshop this past weekend in Missoula. Sandy also helped organize the workshop and is a longtime Appaloosa breeder and supporter.
The artist is Kathy Hanson of Kalispell, Montana. She and husband Jeff operate J Bar K Horse Ranch and Rockin H Appaloosas. They participated in the workshop along with folks from regional clubs in Montana, Idaho, Washington and Alberta. Kathy is being recruited to do some artwork for the ApHC office!
I promised not to make fun of Rita Nicholson’s best friend, so let’s emphasize the positive and allow the little canine to show off her Appaloosa Fan Club attire.
There was no post-event press conference to hear analysis of what the pooch learned at the Territory I workshop this past weekend in Missoula, but she did seem anxious to head home to Salmon, Idaho, and apply whatever new knowledge had been acquired.
You’ll know Rita as the author of the popular book, NATIVE TREASURE, a wonderful tribute to the Appaloosa horse and its magical appeal. The book is available through the Appaloosa Museum and can be ordered on line.
We thought you’d like to know that some helpful additions have been made to the website collection of information about registering your Appaloosa. From the appaloosa.com home page, click on the “registration” button and then go to the “FAQ’s” (Frequently Asked Questions) area for more details about HYPP and DNA testing. The DNA tutorial features a step-by-step guide to collecting, handling and shipping samples.
In case you missed it, there is also information about the Performance Permit Program that can be found in the registration section or by clicking on the “show” button in the main menu.
Owners of Appaloosas registered with the ApHCC have a wonderful opportunity to dual-register their Appaloosas with the ApHC.
IT’S SIMPLE! No Stallion Breeding Reports, Breeder’s Certificates, or Transfers of Ownership necessary!
To receive an ApHC Certificate of Registration, simply submit your request along with a photocopy of the front and back of the ApHCC Certificate of Registration, four current photographs of your horse, clearly showing both sides, a complete front and rear view, and a $100 fee (US funds).
For an ApHCC Re-Registration form, please go to this link: http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/CanadianOpenWindowRE_REG.pdf, or call us at 208.882.5578 ext. 300
ApHC registration classification and eligibility are subject to ApHC rules and regulations.
More than 8,000 people attended the 18th Annual South Dakota Horse Fair held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 14th-15th. Once again, Appaloosas were given a chance to shine at the South Dakota Horse Fair by having a booth in the breed boulevard hosted by the Center of the Nation Appaloosa Horse Club (CON ApHC). The CON ApHC offered information in the booth about Appaloosas as well as having a live Appaloosa yearling, RDA Fancy Lady owned by R Dream Appaloosas, available for people to see.
The ApHC provided Youth Judging Guides for a judging clinic, and the helpful books were a big hit with many of the youth there to learn more about judging horses. During the Breed Parade, the history of the Appaloosa was shared with the spectators as Appaloosa horses were exhibited in the arena showcasing the versatility and temperament of today’s breed.
Appaloosas were also represented in Stallion Avenue by ImpressMeDocO’Pepper, a 7-year old stallion owned by Colin and Denise Dutenhoffer. Pepper gave many people insight in to what the Appaloosas can be like and visitors could not believe they were actually observing a stallion that was so relaxed that he laid down in his stall in spite of the crowds enjoying the Horse Fair. Pepper also showed off his gentle temperament by allowing a 5-year-old girl ride him bareback in the arena during the Breed Parade.
The South Dakota Horse Fair also hosted a Stallion Versatility Competition, with only the stallions on Stallion Avenue allowed to participate. Stallions participated in 5 events: Western Pleasure, Barrels, Freestyle Reining, Ranch Cutting, and Halter to earn points toward the high place overall versatility award. ImpressMeDocO’Pepper, ridden by Denise Dutenhoffer, participated in four of the five events but did not win the title.
Interested in brushing up your equine judging skills? Then gather your friends and head to Jackson, Miss. as the Appaloosa Youth Association (AYA), the official youth program of the Appaloosa Horse Club, is proud to host the Youth/Collegiate Horse Judging Contest at the 61st National Appaloosa Show & 2008 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show. This exciting event will be held Monday, June 30 at 8 a.m. in Barn 14 at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.
The collegiate and youth divisions are open to teams and individuals. Youth teams with participants 18 and under are limited to four per team, and collegiate teams are limited to five per team.
Participants will judge four halter classes and four performance classes. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten individuals and the top four teams in both divisions for excellence in judging halter, performance, reasons and overall.
The fee for individuals is $25, and $75 for a team. Be sure to enter early as fees increase after June 1 to $35 for individuals and $100 for teams. Lunch will be provided by the ApHC for participants and the awards ceremony will take place later that afternoon. Entry forms must be received in office by June 13.
Entry forms can be found in the Appaloosa Journal or visit www.appaloosayouth.com
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