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.
It’s time for the 2007 World Championship Appaloosa Show and to get yourself in the mood you can hear all about it from Appaloosa Horse Club CEO Steve Taylor.
I’ll be your show blogger once again and to prepare for my participation I talked with Steve by phone. In our interview he covers all the action of the show which gets started at the end of this week.
You can listen to the interview with Steve here: 
Steve Taylor Interview (9 min MP3)
The suspense about how long the fall season actually lasts in Northern Idaho keeps everyone guessing. We at least get a brief opportunity to enjoy autumn colors and warm days. For those of you who haven’t been to the Inland Northwest or made a trek to ApHC headquarters, here’s a look at the facility on the edge of Moscow. On the left is the Museum addition that a few years ago helped make room for some wonderful exhibits and artifacts. The rest of the Club offices are farther right beyond the photo. Of course, guests are always welcome. As I tell everyone, the Museum is definitely worth the trip. Be sure to click on the web link from the appaloosa.com home page to see more reasons why a visit is a good idea.
A brief stop along the trail at the Bar U Ranch in Alberta is almost a must. The ranch is a National Historic Site and at one time encompassed 157,960 acres of deeded and leased land in cattle country. The photo is of a statue of George Lane inspired by a Charlie Russell painting. Mr. Lane arrived from Montana in 1884 and became foreman of the North West Cattle Company. In 1902 he and some partners purchased the Bar U. The scene depicted by the statue represents a true story of Lane’s encounter with wolves. George Lane is best remembered as one of the “Big Four” who underwrote the first Calgary Stampede in 1912.
Okay, this doesn’t have much of anything to do with the equine world, but I couldn’t resist a tourist moment while traveling through Alberta last week. Next door to a terrific ice cream parlor cleverly named “Two Scoop Steve’s” is a little shop full of goat milk products such as soap, hand cream, candles, etc. The biggest attraction though is the sight of goats “grazing” on the porch roof. Who can resist a marketing effort like that?
The Appaloosa Horse Club Board of Directors in July approved some changes to rules pertaining to “conditionally permitted medications.” Much of the impetus for amending the current rules came from a desire to make any disciplinary actions or punishment more appropriately fit the seriousness of the violation. For example, the use of behavior-changing or performance-enhancing medications carries stronger punishment than a small margin overage of ordinary pain medications or therapeutic drugs.
A board committee established for the purpose of reviewing medication rules and making a final recommendation to the full board worked with several veterinarians and also consulted with our drug testing laboratory to ensure that their proposal included humane treatment options, at the same time including medications that would not interfere with testing for performance-enhancing drugs. The board also reviewed a comparison chart indicating that ApHC approval of certain medications would bring us closer to the specifications followed by organizations such as AQHA, American Paint Horse Association, NSBA and the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
The Appaloosa Horse Club continues to be very specific in its definitions of “forbidden substance,” administration guidelines and permitted exceptions. The overall goal is quite simply to give ApHC members the benefit of “modern therapeutic measures” for improvement and protection of the health of the horse, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, unless the drug given also may stimulate or depress the circulatory, respiratory, or central or peripheral nervous systems.” It is important to remember that when maximum limits of any drug or medication are exceeded, ApHC considers it a “forbidden substance.”
To read the motion and accompanying data, please see motion #16-07-07 on pages M21–24 in the September issue of the Appaloosa Journal. The motions are also on the ApHC website at this address: http://www.appaloosa.com/association/bod.htm. Once there, click on Summary of Motions (July 8, 2007).
Dal-Worth ApHC Regional club is celebrating it’s 50th year in existence and the group observed the anniversary in a big way last Saturday night August 26th, 2007 at their Summer Sizzler show. The show was a roaring success with 752 entries — the largest show in the state of Texas in many years! Thanks to the tireless hard work of Dal-Worth Secretary Larry York and Vice-President Leslie Goolsby
(co-show managers) along with many other volunteers the show went off without a hitch.
It was a HOT time in the Pen and a HOT time at the free BBQ dinner that was offered to all exhibitors. “In a state as big as Texas we knew we would have to have a BIG party and pull out all the stops,” stated Larry York the clubs secretary.
Dal-Worth offered free t-shirts to every exhibitor in celebration of their anniversary and had
exhibitors come from as far as California! All exhibitors were welcomed by a big Texas Smile and that Southern hospitality!!!
If you missed the Summer Sizzler then you missed a hoop hollerin good time!!!! Dal-Worth still has one show left this season (November 17th and 18th), their Holiday FunFest show with more prizes and a guaranteed good time. So if you missed the summer sizzler, mark the FunFest on your Calendar and to all the exhibitors who made it a great show and a great time:
Ya’ll come back now Ya Hear!!!!!!
Dal-Worth ApHC
The Center of the Nation Appaloosa Horse Club held an open trail ride on July 21, 2007. Twenty-six riders enjoyed the hills and valleys of the Wolf Creek Valley outside Freeman, South Dakota. Trail boss Craig Roth guided riders thru creeks and down paths that led by original 1880’s homestead homes, including a sod house and a rock house. A good time was had by all on the ride in the valley with weather conditions almost perfect. 
Riders even got to spend some time cooling off in the spray of an irrigation pivot and a few horses were reluctant to leave the cool mist. Following an afternoon of riding, Doug Richards tended the grills and served hamburgers and hotdogs provided by CON ApHC. Lots of other food to share was brought by the trail riders and everybody ate well.
Plans for the next club ride may include the southern part of the Wolf Creek Valley that leads to the James River. Please check the CON ApHC website at www.conappclub.com for more news about the club and information about future activities.
The 10th Annual Apalousey All-Breed Trail Ride and Dutch Oven Dinner, hosted by the Appaloosa Museum board of directors, was dedicated to raising funds for improving museum facilities. This event was held at the beautiful Pony Club Grounds on George Hatley’s ranch near Deary, Idaho. Approximately 40 riders (and a bunch of other suppertime guests) participated this past weekend. It’s a real toss-up to determine which is more enjoyable, the scenic ride or the fabulous Dutch oven dinner. Okay, it’s not that difficult. The dinner is the big attraction. 
But the opportunity to mingle with George and Iola, loyal trail riders and long-time friends of the breed is a special treat as well. Folks were encouraged to shake loose from a bit of their money during silent and live auctions. The weather was perfect and the gathering proved once again that Mr. Appaloosa and the museum have plenty of true friends.
It’s always a good time to support the Appaloosa Museum. If you’d care to help, please contact the Museum at (208)882-5578 x279 or museum@appaloosa.com.\
Oh yeah, in the middle photo are King Rockhill, Museum Board President, and Alice, his trail pal wife. The other two are scenes along the trail. Although they seem to be pointed in all directions, they’re really just resting.
There’s no doubt that one of the big reasons why people travel considerable distance to participate in the Apalousey Trail Ride is the opportunity to visit George Hatley, otherwise known forever as “Mr. Appaloosa.” It’s great to see George out and about and doing so well after his recent stroke. It’s safe to assume that the Dutch oven dinner wouldn’t be quite so splendid without his expert supervision. George did manage to take off his flour sack apron long enough to pose with longtime friend and ApHC Communications Coordinator Juli Thorson.
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