One of the bonus features at the World & National Shows in Jackson is the farmers market located on the fairgrounds. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday each week, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of homemade products and a very good cafe with all the expected Southern treats such as cornbread, butter beans, black-eyed peas and gravy on whatever you want. I’ll keep testing the options and provide a full report on specific menu items.
This year’s Appaloosa Museum raffle horse, better known as “Mister,” is as confused as the rest of us about seasonal changes in Moscow, Idaho. It really is June 10th and snow warnings are posted for the Cascade Mountains. We’re getting a sample down here at 2,500 feet. Of course everyone seems to resort to discussing the weather, so there’s plenty to talk about today.
Every once in a while it’s my duty to broaden the range of topics available to Blog Spot readers. This photo is of Drew Eggers, a mint farmer from the Nampa, Idaho, area. His irrigated farm was part of a tour for folks attending a Livestock Publications Council workshop this past week in Boise. As a relative newcomer to the Gem State, I continue to learn about the variety and inter-connectedness of our agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Eggers produces peppermint and spearmint, processes the harvested material through the distillery in the photo and markets the oil. His product ends up in your toothpaste, chewing gum and a host of other everyday stuff. As with most other commodities, the value of mint oil has doubled in the past year. Of course almost all of a farmer’s input costs have soared as well. But it’s pretty impressive to think that a barrel of mint oil is worth approximately $10,000 these days. Almost makes gasoline seem affordable.
May 24-25 “Cow Country Classic Catalog Sale” and on Sunday, our “SPECIAL APPALOOSA SESSION” - our 5th annual!! It’s limited to 100 head! And - more geldings, mares, stallions, ponies, and young stock, too! Cowboy Church at 8 a.m. BLS Sale Arena! Loose horses sell at 9 a.m. with riding horses previewing at 10 a.m. We’ll rope at 11 a.m SALE TIME: 12 Noon! Supplement horses will follow with open consignment winding up the day’s activities.
See the consignments as they come in at http://www.billingslivestock.com/Horse_Sales/Sale_Horses.html
View the complete catalog on line Thursday, May 15 at http://www.billingslivestock.com/Horse_Sales/PDFs/horsecatalog.pdf
Jann Parker
Billings Livestock Comm / Horse Sales
406.245.4151 BLS
406.855.1947 Cell
see it all @ http://www.billingslivestock.com
While sorting through the backroads of the Bitterroot Valley in our scouting for this year’s Chief Joseph Trail Ride, we were impressed by this property entrance. Of course logs are plentiful in the area, but golly, this thing is huge. Not a lot of folks pass by, so it’s apparently a source of personal pride for the landowner.
Maybe it’s a topic unrelated to planning for the Chief Joseph Trail Ride, but while warming ourselves in Mike McNeill’s hobby shop, we were fascinated by this genuine made-from-scratch utility tractor. Parts for this little number came from all sorts of machines and pieces of equipment. Mike is either a genius or he has way too much time on his hands.
In the background is a 1955 Chevy that he occasionally drives. He’s also working on a couple of other vintage cars, a truck or two and a camper (or two).
Gene and Lena Winchester, owners of Happy Heart Ranch near Homedale, Idaho, provided a classy Appaloosa representative in the Idaho Horse Expo stallion parade. The daily program gave visitors a good look at various breeds and programs. This two-year-old already has a solid show record and drew considerable interest.
Once in a while it’s a good idea to stop and smell the fresh air. In this case, to also share the scenery along Highway 95 on the more arid side of the mountains enroute to Nampa for the Idaho Horse Expo this weekend. The meteorologists are predicting more snow on Sunday. It’s safe to say that even the crusty veterans around here are anxious for warmer weather and more sunshine.
KLAMATH FALLS, OR – Cascade Magazines is once again offering scholarship awards for the 2008-2009 school year. Eligible applicants must be a college freshman, sophomore or junior at the start of the school year and pursuing a degree in the equine or livestock industry.
Applicants will be selected based on their career goals, education and civic achievements, commitment to the industry and their essay submission. Applicants will need to submit a completed application form, letters of recommendation, a photograph and a 300-word essay on “The Future of the Livestock/Equine Industry and How I Fit in That Career.” Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2008. Late entries will not be considered.
Two scholarships of $300 each will be awarded. Each scholarship winner will also receive one complimentary ticket to the 2008 Ride the West event at the Running Y Ranch, Klamath Falls, OR, July 11-13.
Funding for the scholarships is provided by monies raised during the annual Poker Ride at Ride the West, as well as money donated by Cascade Magazines.
To receive an application, contact: 2008 Cascade Magazine Scholarship, P.O. Box 1390, Klamath Falls, OR 97601; (800) 275-0788 or email dsalstrom@heraldandnews.com.
You’ll notice an addition to the appaloosa.com home page menu on the left side. A button called “Wallpaper Download” will take you to a rendition of the Journal cover and calendar for the current month. It can be downloaded for use as a background for your computer monitor. You’ll have options for size to best fit the resolution of your screen. Another good idea we’ve stolen, but we like it. The April calendar is posted now.
Ever dreamed of being a real cowgirl? Can you picture yourself horseback riding through the open countryside? If so, then Cowgirl University’s Kindle the Cowgirl Spirit Retreat on May 8-11, 2008, in the Texas Hill Country, is perfect for you. This annual weekend adventure, made possible by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, is not just another themed girl’s-getaway with a cowgirl twist.
Cowgirl U’s Kindle the Cowgirl Spirit Retreat is the real-deal, bringing National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame Honorees together for one benefit – to share with you their stories and teach you skills needed for Western life. Whether or not you have extensive experience in the saddle, this retreat is for beginners and seasoned horsewomen alike. Retreat-goers are welcome to bring their own horse or rent one for the weekend.
Set on the Simmons’ Ranch, a sprawling 2,000 acre working ranch in Burnet, Texas – located approximately one hour northwest of Austin, Texas; one-and-a-half hours north of San Antonio, Texas – Cowgirl U’s Kindle the Cowgirl Spirit centers on horsemanship skills taught by the Honorees who embody that Cowgirl Spirit. As this is a working-cowgirl retreat, women will learn inside tips on how to assess, handle and care for a horse firsthand from some of the nation’s top horsewomen. Retreat-goers will dine on gourmet-ranch cuisine and sleep in comfortable guest homes on the ranch conveniently located to activity and meal areas.
This year’s Honorees include Sherri Mell, 2004 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree - 2006 Appaloosa Horse Club Hall of Fame. The photo shows Sherri with her parents Suzanne and Hennig Koch, both of whom are also ApHC Hall of Famers. The picture doesn’t necessarily go along with the story, but we always like an excuse to brag about our Hall of Fame folks.
While many cowgirls specialize in just one or two key rodeo events, Mell enters and often wins an array of rodeo and horse show competitions. However, she is best known for her success as a calf roper. Mell is the only woman to win a championship at the National and World shows in calf roping – an event dominated by men. Since 1990 she has led the nation in non-pro calf roping. She is the first woman to win a National Finals Rodeo Championship title riding an Appaloosa, her only mount, and has won more than 100 world and national rodeo and horse titles throughout her career.
We were excited to learn that Idaho’s 4-H horse judging team, coached by ApHC director Dave Schjeldahl, earned the title of Reserve Champion Overall at the National 4-H Horse Classic at the National Western Stock Show in Denver last week. The Idaho team consisted of Emily Kvamme, Melissa Cook, Katie Cook, and Meghan Wescoat. They competed against teams from 15 other states. There were 64 individuals in the contest. We also need to mention that the team members are all Appaloosa Youth Association members. Congratulations ladies!
Part of our enthusiasm is due to fact that we were able to support the team’s trip by using funds generated by the Idaho Appaloosa license plate program. You may know that the Appaloosa is the official state horse of Idaho. Money from the license plate fund must be used for the benefit of Idaho youth equine activities.
Here are the Idaho results from the 4-H Horse Classic:
Halter - Individual
Emily Kvamme - 9th
Halter - Team
Idaho - 4th
Performance - Individual
Melissa Cook - 3rd
Emily Kvamme - 5th
Performance - Team
Idaho - 2nd
Reasons - Team
Idaho - 8th
Overall - Individual
Emily Kvamme - 5th
Overall - Team
Grand Champion - Colorado
Reserve Champion - IDAHO!!!!
The TRAIL END DVD is now available…and just in time for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. The DVD includes the award winning short film TRAIL END, starring Barry Corbin ( and the Appaloosa co-star Chippen Gold, aka “Chip”, and a Behind the Scenes featurette about The Making of Trail End.
Purchase the DVD by going to this link: http://www.justhank.com/trailenddvd.htm
The American Horse Council’s (AHC) recent National Issues Fall Forum was a resounding success. Over 100 industry professionals and horse enthusiasts from every sector of the equine world gathered at Keeneland Racetrack on November 2nd for important updates on some of the horse world’s hottest topics and primary concerns. Complete details, including several presentation downloads, are now available on the AHC’s web site: www.horsecouncil.org
The fall forum topics covered included:
Preserving Our Land and Use–Conservation Easements, by attorney Margaret M. Graves, a board member of Bluegrass Conservancy, and attorney Shannon Bishop Arvin, of Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC. Attendees were given an overview of how land is protected, and the various prices, fees, taxes, and concerns that are involved. Various easement and conservation programs were highlighted, with special consideration given to programs initiated by the state of Kentucky. Graves stressed that most conservation programs are geared toward, “ … staying true to the heritage of growing in a compact, contiguous way.” Graves also stressed that the states and Federal government are beginning to notice the monetary impact of farm conservation, “Farmland contributes more to government coiffeurs,” she said.
Own Responsibly–Spread the Word, Latest from the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) with Katy Carter of the UHC, Kristin Hix of The Jockey Club, and Sally Baker of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Katy Carter stated that no one currently knows how many horses go unwanted each year in the United States. Carter indicated that the UHC’s primary goal is to educate owners to “own responsibly.” In order to “spread the word about unwanted horses” the UHC has created a number of new public education tools, pamphlets and materials. Everyone is encouraged to visit the UHC’s web site for details and downloads: www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org. New to the Web site is a listing of facilities that can take unwanted horses. The group has also created advertisements to promote responsible horse ownership. These publications can be used in reprint. The UHC presentation is available on the AHC’s web site: www.horsecouncil.org
Federal Legislation and Regulations Affecting the Industry by AHC President Jay Hickey. In his discussion of several changes to federal laws and regulations, Mr. Hickey focused on efforts that are currently being made to offer the Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act of 2007, better known as AgJOBS, as an amendment to the Farm Bill or any other legislation to be considered by the Senate. AgJOBS (S.340) is a comprehensive solution to many of the horse industry’s immigration problems with respect to H-2A workers at horse breeding farms and ranches. Mr. Hickey also discussed the provisions in the Senate farm bill that would make horses eligible for federal emergency assistance; the “Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Land Act,” legislation just introduced by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) that would require federal land managers to consider the historic and traditional use of horses on public lands in any exclusionary effort; and the Equine Equity Act, which includes several favorable tax changes for horses.
Keeping the IRS at Bay–Federal Tax Laws for Horse Owners, by attorney Doug Romaine of Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC. Mr. Romaine focused on the differences between so-called “hobby” equine activities versus “business” activities in relation to the various ways in which the Internal Revenue Service distinguishes between the two. By focusing on a strong business model and, “carrying out your horse activities in a business-like manner” those involved in the horse industry can be better prepared should the IRS audit their activities. Among the best advice given, Mr. Romaine also suggested that horse owners and breeders keep separate books and ledgers for their horse business, perhaps even, “by horse” in order to distinguish profits (or losses) on a horse-by-horse basis.
The Ins and Outs of Movement–Import/Export Issues for Horse Owners, by Andrea Morgan, DVM, Associate Deputy Administrator for Regional Operations, USDA. Dr. Morgan’s entire presentation is available on the AHC’s web site (www.horsecouncil.org). Dr. Morgan explained the import-export laws for horses in and out of the United States. She further touched upon the recent discussions regarding public versus private quarantine facilities, a major issue that has surfaced in relation to the upcoming World Equestrian Games to be held in Kentucky in 2010. Dr. Morgan stressed that, as an industry, “ … we have the shared responsibility of getting horses in and out of this country in a dedicated and responsible way.”
The Sleeping Giant–Update on Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), by Kent Fowler, DVM, Chief Animal Health Branch, California Department of Food and Agriculture. Currently, EP is classified as a “foreign-animal disease.” Dr. Fowler’s presentation highlighted all the essential safeguards that the equine industry can take to make sure that EP remains foreign and isolated. Dr. Fowler explained how EP is transmitted by ticks and has been shown to have a twenty-percent fatality rate among equines. Fowler reviewed the various red-blood cell affecting symptoms associated with the disease, which he warned, “often go undiagnosed.” Fowler also remarked on the various measures the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and others are taking to make sure EP does not become endemic to the United States.
Do You Have A Match?–Immigration Issues Facing the Horse Industry, by attorney Charles R. Baesler Jr. of Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC. As a compliment to some of the broader immigration issues discussed earlier in the day by the AHC, Mr. Baesler went into a more in-depth analysis of H-2A and H-2B alien workers, as the current rules apply to the horse industry. Baesler noted that getting such workers admitted is quite often, “complicated and time-consuming.” He explained the so-called “no-match” letters in relation to the government’s pursuit of workers with questionable or falsified documentation. Baesler emphasized the importance of clarity and consistency when dealing with alien workers and federal agencies.
This is only the second time the AHC has held a major National Issues Forum outside of Washington, DC. In summarizing the event, AHC President Jay Hickey said, “This event was a good review of some of the issues currently affecting the American horse industry. This fall forum is the perfect opportunity for the horse world to be well-prepared for the year ahead.” The AHC will hold its annual DC-based National Issues Forum in June of 2008. Details regarding this event will be available online in early January 2008.
The AHC’s National Issues Fall Forum was sponsored by event host Keeneland Association; The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders; Equestrian Services, LLC; Spring Mountain Vineyard’s “Chateau Chevalier” wine-label, and Blood-Horse Publications.
Last night’s program included a short show by Diana Olson who is President of the Arizona Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association. She certainly woke us up as if anyone was sleeping at that point.
I’ve really enjoyed my opportunity to be with you once again and for my first World Show. I hope you enjoy the interviews and pictures and really appreciate the great staff of the ApHC for working with me to bring you some of the sights and sounds of a great show.
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