I had the good fortune to spend some time this past weekend in Tampa for the inaugural event of the “Reining Classic.” Thanks to host and show organizer Frank Marley for a warm welcome and for all the efforts of his support team. Actually, it wasn’t so warm weather-wise, but the quality of the reining was outstanding. The sport is certainly attracting more attention these days and part of Frank’s goal is always to promote Appaloosa horses along with the discipline. Folks from Inside Reining television, the NRHA magazine and Quarter Horse News were there to cover all the action. Instead of the usual trophies, winners received a Seminole Hard Rock guitar. Good food, good fun, entertainment, a trade show and lots of tough reining competition made for a really good start for what Frank intends to make an annual event.
We’ll follow up with further details (or where to find them), and you can visit the photo album link for more of my weak attempts at photography.
Calizona and long time ApHC member, Debbie Herzman, was interviewed by “The Boulevard Magazine” after her recent experience of riding in the Rose Parade. This is a publication circulated in the San Diego County area of Southern California but also is on the Internet. See the link below for the on-line version to see the article and a great picture of Appaloosa horses.
On the Boulevard’s Home Page, scroll down to the Item titled “Investigate This” – Bonsall Woman Rides ….
http://www.theboulevardonline.com/current.html
Calizona congratulates Debbie on her media opportunity sharing her experience and love for the Appaloosa breed.
Leslie Foxvog
President Calizona ApHC
We certainly need to brag about Wade Clayton, Needville, Texas. He and roping partner Jake Kropik won the $86,000 top prize at the U.S. Team Roping Championships “open average” event in Oklahoma City back in October. Wade was riding an 11-year-old Appaloosa gelding named Below Freezing (nicknamed “Bear”), sired by Dashin Johnny Bar. The horse and rider have been together for several years.
Bear is just one more really outstanding argument against some of the myths about Appaloosa horses and their performance abilities. “USTRC” certainly ranks as top-level competition, for both horses and people. Having an Appaloosa at the top of the heap is, as some folks like to say, “way cool.” Congratulations!
Just a reminder that the Calizona regional club will be a featured equestrian group in this week’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. In case you forgot, the parade is on New Year’s Day (Friday)! Be sure to tune in and watch for the Appaloosas and their riders dressed in native garb.
The Calizona group will be 33rd in the line up of 92 entries in the whole parade. There are 23 equestrian entries all together. They will be between the City of Torrence and City of Burbank floats.
If you’re wondering about the photo, Christy Wood sent it along with a note about her preparations for the noise and atmosphere of the parade. She writes:
OK Everybody, you’ve been wondering what I have been doing??? Getting my horse ready for the Rose Parade. Go to YOUTUBE and type in Christy Dude and Joe the Drummer. You can watch my parade warm up. I will be riding with the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club. There will be 10 riders, all dressed in 1870’s Nez Perce Native American attire. I will be in the first row of 4 women, on the far left, on the tallest white horse with the longest white tail. I will be in a black wig.
If you want to see a picture of my Native American attire, go to my web site at www.wdnhorse.com or email me and I will send you a picture.
I’ll be waving at all of you on Jan 1st!
Once again, Gary and Niceene Connolly have been volunteer coordinators for an Appaloosa presence at the Cowboy Christmas trade show during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Thanks to them and to everyone who supported the cause. And thanks to Niceene for the photos and note below:
The 1st day of Cowboy Christmas at the NFR was an exciting one for the Appaloosa Booth, several old friends stopped by and the President of the Candian Appaloosa Club, Brad Meggison and his wife stopped by for a visit. Working the booth for the day was Gary & Niceene Connolly, their grandson Wyatt Willis; and Cindy Hughes (Las Vegas ApHC President). New for this year at the booth is a TV playing Appaloosa event DVD’s and 2 lettered Director Chairs. If you come to Vegas to the NFR we are booth 1731 at Cowboy Christmas in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Shown in the photo at right: Gary Connolly and Mary Sue Kunz (Las Vegas, NV.) – Mary Sue is a photographer whose photos from the Chief Joseph Trail Ride have appeared in the Appaloosa Calendar and are in the Trail & Distance Pamphlet.
I lost count, but a whole swarm of kids and their escorts came to a Holiday Open House at the Appaloosa Museum. Santa (he’s the one in the red outfit) arrived by horseback then greeted the youngsters as they waited for their turn to “ride.” He moved indoors for a more traditional visit including the wish list and a chat about good behavior.
Museum staff and volunteers organized cookie decorating, card crafting and other activities. Refreshments were popular, as always, and the gift shop did a brisk business.
Be sure to check out the photo album for more scenes, including Smitty, the other official greeter. He’s a weanling gelding owned by Julie Thorson. They were out front meeting folks and promoting the Museum’s latest fund-raising activity, a raffle to win a breeding to Smitty’s sire, An Awesome Secret. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at the Museum’s site. A very special thanks to Mark and Gail Smith for donating a service to this outstanding stallion.
Thanks to Gary Connolly for working the trade show and for this report.
The FFA Convention went great, they reported approximately 55,000 FFA members and their advisors were in attendance at the trade show. Niceene made up a basket with a Halloween bucket that included a Mark Shaffer DVD, a Youth Judging DVD, a “Know Before You Tow” (Safely Transporting Livestock) DVD designed by a committee I serve on for the Illinois Farm Bureau, an Appaloosa Water Bottle, an Appaloosa can koozie, and 2 Bags of Halloween chocolates, that we donated in the ApHC name to the FFA scholarship silent auction, the last bid I saw on it was $50.00.
Packets were given to new advisors, they were really impressed with the information included. I had enough of the Appaloosa Computer CD’s left on hand to add to each of these folders. Also Dan Moriarty’s wife & son came by the booth, we had a nice visit; they were really glad to see the Appaloosa so well represented at the event.
Volunteers pictured are Susie Rhoades (Indiana), Brandi Daugherty (Illinois) and Gary Connolly (Illinois).
The enduring relationship between Native people and the horse will be illustrated through vivid personal accounts and a spectacular array of objects in A Song for the Horse Nation, opening Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian in New York, the George Gustav Heye Center. Starting with the return of the horse to the Americas in 15th century, the exhibition traces how Native people adapted the horse into their cultural and spiritual lives and integrated it into their geographic expansion, warfare and defense. A Song for the Horse Nation will present 95 works, including elaborate horse trappings, clothing and photographs and will close March 7, 2011. The exhibition will then continue at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., from June 2011 through January 2013. Afterward, the exhibition is expected to tour nationally through the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service program (SITES).
Originally native to the American continent, horses became extinct but were reintroduced by the Spanish, and later by the French, English and Dutchbeginning with Columbus second voyage in 1493. Native people soon adopted the horse and became some of the worlds best horsemen. Horses were used to enhance trade, expand territory, facilitate hunting and wage war. Included in the exhibition will be a Lakota winter count (ca. 1902) by Long Soldier (Hunkpapa Lakota) that depicts when horses were first sighted by the community.
Paired with the introduction of the gun, the mounted Plains warrior was a formidable fighter, upsetting old alliances among the tribes and frustrating European advances. Young men proved their valor through the horse raid, where they captured horses from enemy camps.
Horses also became integrated in Native American cultural and spiritual life, representing the primary virtues of agility, grace and beauty. The exhibition includes a graceful dance stick (ca. 1890) by No Two Horns (Hunkpapa Lakota), created to honor his horse that died at the Battle of Big Horn.
Later, the rise of reservations, the U.S. Armys calculated destruction of American Indian ponies and government policies that forced Native people to adopt farming eroded the day-to-day relationship of Native people and horses. Despite these changes, the horses place in Native culture and memory remains strong. The Crow Nation has actively maintained its horse traditions, and others, like the Nez Perce, are engaged in rebuilding their horse breeds and revitalizing their equestrian way of life. The Future Generations Ride that involves Native youth has evolved from The Big Foot Memorial Ride, held as a healing ride to honor those massacred at Wounded Knee in South Dakota.
Even though the pinnacle of the horse lasted only a century, this exhibition details how Native people rapidly integrated the horse into their lifeways, quickly becoming among the best mounted soldiers in the world, said Kevin Gover (Pawnee/Comanche), director of the National Museum of the American Indian.
This exhibition, which traces the accomplishments and identity of Native people and the horse, perfectly complements our previous exhibition about Native womens dresses, Identity by Design, said John Haworth (Cherokee), director of the Heye Center. We are so proud to be premiering this exhibition, which will travel the country, here in New York.
A Song for the Horse Nation includes many examples of elaborate horse trappings, including a dazzling horse crupper adorned with exceptionally fine quillwork (Cree or Red River Metis, ca. 1850) and clothing adorned with images of the horse, such as a colorful Lakota baby bonnet (South Dakota or North Dakota, ca. 1900). New work has also been commissioned for the exhibition. A dazzling horse mask, with yellow, blue-gray and dark-red quillwork and trimmed with fresh-cut feathers, was created by Juanita Growing Thunder (Assiniboine/Sioux). The work is based on a 19th-century Northern Cheyenne quilled horse mask, also included in the exhibition.
A Song for the Horse Nation was curated by museum curator Emil Her Many Horses (Oglala Lakota). An accompanying publication edited by Her Many Horses and the scholar George P. Horse Capture (Aaninin) is available at the museums shops and the museums Web site.
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in New York, the George Gustav Heye Center is located at One Bowling Green in New York City, across from Battery Park. The museum is free and open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays until 8 p.m. For information, call (212) 514-3700 or visit the museums Web site at www.americanindian.si.edu.
Calizona members’ Appaloosas win big and shine at the Mojave River Valley Horsemans Association All Breed Futurity Show held September 20, 2009 in Apple Valley, California.
The Weanling Futurity was won by Dun Maid Me Grand (weanling gelding) owned by Dean’s Ranch and shown by Dennis Dean. Magic Dun Right (yearling filly) was the Reserve Champion for the Yearling Futurity and also shown by Dennis and owned by Dean’s Ranch. The Yearling Lunge Line Futurity was won by Play A Hand In Vegas (yearling gelding) shown by Caitlyn Raysser and owned by Amber Niess. Amber was very excited to have her horse win her very first futurity. The Reserve High Point Halter Horse title went to Exclusively Magic also owned and shown by Amber Niess. Other Appaloosas exhibited at the show include Prety Wild Ideas by Terri Hart and Man O Love by Toni Dean. It’s wonderful that the Appaloosa Breed is promoted to others outside the Appaloosa show circuit. Congratulations to the winners!!!
Leslie Foxvog
President Calizona ApHC
Post by Kevin Pullen, ApHC Trail/Distance Coordinator; Photo by Barry Grubb.
I just got back from Ohio and the 4th annual ApHC National Championship Endurance Ride (ANCER) and WOW, was it exciting! Cat Carter and her gelding TheSpurOfTheMoment swept the field for the second year in a row. It was a heated race as the frontrunners burst out of the woods into the meadow and headed for the finish line. A gentleman on his Arabian appeared first with Cat and Spur behind. Cat urged Spur forward and it became a runoff. In the remaining 100 yards, Spur caught and passed the Arab at the finish line, winning by a neck!
Cat and Spur’s unofficial time was 50 miles in 4 hours and 46 minutes — a full 1 hour and 45 minutes faster than last year’s time of 6:31. At an average of 10 ½ miles per hour, they were bookin’! Diana Macdonald on her 14-year-old mare ‘Loosi’ came in a close third. The unofficial results show 5 Appaloosas in the Top Ten out of a field of nearly 50 entries! How’s that for a showing of SPOTS in a major competitive event?!
Spur also received the coveted Best Condition Award, a category determined by the ride veterinarian as the horse “most fit to continue”.
Keep in mind that Cat and Spur won these two awards in two categories: the OVERALL Cracked OAATS Crunch ride (on which we piggybacked our ride) AS WELL AS our National Championship Endurance Ride.
Stay tuned for more details. At this point we are still waiting for the official results!
Kevin
The banners are fluttering everywhere in Calgary; local television covered the airport arrival of equine passengers from Europe, so it must be time for the “Masters” at Spruce Meadows. The first two events of the TELUS Battle of the Breeds were held Thursday. I guess we should also mention that the world’s best jumpers are also here and providing great thrills.
Team Appaloosa includes some new faces at the battle, but the people and horses performed well. In the photo is Allie Sutton of Sundre, Alberta, riding her four-year old stallion High on Believin. He’s a son of High Sign Nugget. This was the compulsory skills portion of the competition. Team Appaloosa was edged out of the top six placings in compulsories, but came on strong in Jeopardy Jumping later in the day, placing third. Overall points are pretty close, so today’s Precision Driving and Barrel Race will be exciting for the 12 teams.
There will be other photos from the 2009 Masters added to the album (left menu). Stay tuned.
Riding in Nez Perce Heritage costume, the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club won the “Equestrian Sweepstakes Award” in the Norco Valley Fair Parade held September 7 in the city of Norco, California for the second year in a row. Ten riders costumed in Nez Perce Indian regalia were joined by two others in Heritage of other eras riding their colored (and non colored) Appaloosas. The parade group included: Club President, Leslie Foxvog, Paul Foxvog, C.J. Brooks, Joe Brooks, Debbie Herzman, Evon Owens, Stephanie Vrabel, Larry Rawley, Danie Foxvog, Christy Wood, Steve Wood and Angila Gallagher. Club appreciation & thanks goes to CZ member, Debbie Herzman, for outfitting several of the group with her prized collection of costume pieces.
The Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club is the 2008 Regional Exemplary Award Winning Club. The club promotes horse owners to exhibit their horses as well as other breeds in a variety of diverse classes ranging from Western, English and Heritage. It is an important goal for Calizona to reach out to the public and the equine community with the focus on fun, family and friendship. The Club membership continues on a leading path to promote that the Appaloosa is a talented versatile breed, is family oriented and provides many benefits.
Calizona ApHC’s parade group will appear in the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2010.
Leslie Foxvog
President Calizona ApHC
This weekend’s fund-raising trail ride for the Appaloosa Museum was a great blend of pleasant diversions. The opportunity for friends of the Museum to get together is certainly a primary reason for people to make the trip to Deary, Idaho. The Palouse Hills Pony Club grounds is a beautiful spot. The trails are scenic and made better this year by recent rains to dampen the dust and boost the scent levels. Some of us, of course, simply show up for the Dutch oven dinner on Saturday evening. Whatever the motivation, the Museum benefits and Appaloosa connections are strengthened.
I got lucky and served as a judge of the Dutch oven creations. Believe me when I say that there could have been a 19-way tie for best of show! Everything I “evaluated” was delicious.
Folks who always ask about George and Iola Hatley can be reassured that the Appaloosa royalty were once again great hosts for the event. George positions himself near enough to the cooking area to give advice and monitor the progress of everything from bread to beans. Lots of friends/volunteers are involved from start to finish as well. Thanks to everyone for a memorable back-to-basics weekend.
A few photos have been posted on the album (menu at left). You’ll probably notice that I focused on the food and scenery. I didn’t intentially ignore people photos. In fact, the conversations were so good that I kinda forgot to take many pictures.
Last Saturday was the annual Appaloosa Fest here in Moscow at the Museum. Despite a chilly and breezy day, at least 100 youngsters and their parents/escorts came to ride the Appaloosas, play games, explore the Museum activity centers and help celebrate the local connection to Idaho’s State Horse. With the help of Museum staff and several dedicated volunteers, all the visitors were given special attention.
The young lady in the photo was an especially happy guest. She was anxious to go for a ride! And, when it was suggested that she should dismount and let someone else take a turn, she grabbed the saddle horn with both hands and protested loudly. Most of us thought it was very cute.
Visit the photo files for more pics from the Appaloosa Fest.
Thanks to ApHC member Missy Millhouse for sending along the cover image for this year’s NSBA World Show. It’s really nice to see fancy Appaloosas (the horse bottom left is also an Appaloosa) being featured for this prestigious event.
In addition to the “Appaloosas in the media” that are included in most issues of the Journal, there are quite a number of other examples – everything from supply catalogs, calendars, websites and literature to logos and labels. Whether you want to call it free publicity or just the common-sense thing to do, Appaloosas make for good attention-getters.
By the way, you can get more information about the National Snaffle Bit Association at nsba.com.
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