I made it “down” to Nampa for the Idaho Horse Expo this past weekend. Crowds were almost as good as the weather and there was definitely something for every interest level. It’s always entertaining to watch the activity surrounding the private treaty sale, training clinics, ranch horse events and the trade show.
A real crowd pleaser was the Supreme Cowboy Race, which is basically timed, extreme trail. One of our own, Talea Morgan-Metivier, from Chewelah, Washington, competed with the best of them on two great looking Appaloosas. The picture is of Talea and her four-year-old mare Smart Little Cayenne, by Smart Little Sign (also a star of the event), who is by High Sign Nugget. Thanks Talea for showing of with colorful Appaloosas!
Thanks also to George and Lise Jumper, long-time ApHC folks from Emmett, Idaho, who came by to help at the Appaloosa table.
More photos are in the album (see left hand menu).
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) congratulates Calizona ApHC of California for earning the title of 2009 Exemplary Appaloosa Regional Club, an honor developed to recognize regional clubs that go above and beyond when promoting the Appaloosa breed.
Calizona ApHC, a representative of the Appaloosa breed in Southern California and Arizona, receives $500, a trade show space at the World or National Show, two tickets to the annual ApHC banquet and a certificate of award. 2009 is the third consecutive year Calizona ApHC has received this honor.
The 2009 runner up for this prestigious award is Maine ApHC, representing Territory VI. The Maine ApHC made their debut run this year giving the winner a real run for the glory by hosting a variety of activities that showcased the versatile traits of the Appaloosa, enhanced the regional club experience in their community and promoted our Breed of Choice.
A portfolio detailing the club’s Appaloosa shows, activities, sales and other member hosted events is submitted to ApHC. Clubs are then judged on various categories that focus on member participation and breed promotion. The highest scoring regional club in each territory receives $200 and a certificate of award from the ApHC and moves on as a finalist to compete for the exemplary award.
Territory winners are: Appaloosa Horse Association of Alberta, Canada, Territory I; Calizona ApHC, California, Territory II; Illinois Appaloosa Association, Illinois, Territory III; Sooner ApHC, Oklahoma, Territory IV; Maine ApHC, Maine, Territory VI; *Honorable mentions to Utah ApHC, Territory II; Appalachian Appaloosa Association, Territory VI; and, Great Lakes ApHC, Ohio, Territory VI.
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.
The March cover story of Horseback Magazine will be about the Chief Joseph Trail Ride and the saga of the 1877 flight of the Nez Perce. The piece is by Steven Long, Editor of HM. In addition to that position, Long is an avid horseman, author of several books about crime and the accompanying courtroom drama, and a freelance writer for publications such as Cowboys and Indians Magazine and Western Horseman. He’s also been a special correspondent and anayst for CNBC and, along with his horse Facade, has appeared on Animal Planet’s “Animal Cops Houston.”
Horseback Magazine has evolved from its origins as Horse Talk, then later as Texas Horse Talk. The publication also has a strong Internet presence at www.horsebackmagazine.com.
Received this note from Monty Holmes, ApHC Director, 5A:
I thought that you’ll might enjoy reading about Lynn Bliss and her Appaloosa “Webster”. She gave me permission to share this story. It is an example of “thinking outside the box” and is an idea that may be of benefit to some of you along the way.
FYI: Lynn is a longtime member of the ApHC and the Arkansas ApHC. She and her family have been in the Appaloosa business for many years. I got to know her several years ago when we attended college together at Arkansas State University and she rode her Appaloosa “Rebel Cry” in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association events. She has served as an officer in the AApHC and has represented Territory 5, Zone A on the ApHC Non Pro Advisory Committee. My wife, Suzi, and I are proud to call Lynn and her husband, David, our friends and friends of the ApHC.
This is Lynn’s email…
Subject: Fundraiser & Webbie!
Dave and I donated a ‘Two Hour Adventure with Webster the Wonder Horse” to a local fund raiser auction that was held last night. Basically — two hours of hand-on interaction at the barn with Webster…. grooming him, interacting with him, learning some basic horsemanship, working with him on some showmanship stuff, getting to ride him a little bit, cleaning stalls, etc…. learning parts of horse, about horses, history of Appaloosas, and you get to take home a horse-shoe worn by Webster in competition and a blue ribbon won by Webster in competition — you had to be at least 10 years of age. Well…. a 40-something woman bought it for $400!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Afterwards the local Boys & Girls Club asked us if we would donate the same thing to their upcoming fundraiser……
Lynn Austin Bliss
Get more for your money with new bundled advertisement packages available for the 2009 Appaloosa Yearbook and the Year-End issue of Appaloosa Journal (May), in addition to bonus links on ApHC social media Web sites and during the live video stream of the 2010 National and Youth World shows!
Commemorative Package A:
• Full-color spread (two pages) in the May issue of Appaloosa Journal: $1,470
• One full page in the Yearbook: $800
• Live link and logo in the May, June and July e-newsletter: $360
• May, June and July “Feature of the week” on all ApHC social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Appaloosa Blogspot and MySpace) pages for one month (four weeks): $300
• Logo and live link on National Show live streaming video page: $275
Total value: $3,205
Your price: $2,270
Commemorative Package B:
• One full-color page in the May issue of Appaloosa Journal: $780
• One full page in the Yearbook: $800
• Live link and logo in the May, June and July e-newsletter: $360
• Logo and live link on National Show live streaming video page: $275
Total value: $2,215
Your price: $1,580
Commemorative Package C:
• Choice of one full-color half page or one black and white page
in the May issue of Appaloosa Journal: $490
• 1/2 page in the Yearbook: $400
• May and June e-newsletter feature with logo and live link: $240
Total value: $1,130
Your price: $890
Commemorative Package D:
• One business card ad in the May issue of Appaloosa Journal: $85
• 1/8 page in Yearbook: $100
• May or June e-newsletter feature with logo and live link: $120
Total value: $305
Your price: $185
Note from Dorine Bennett
This week on the Women’s Pro Rodeo Today show on RFD-TV (episode 52) the featured profile was about Sherri Mell! What a wonderful person to include in their show! Good to see!! As you may know, Sherri has been a part of the Appaloosa world for many years and has been inducted into the Women’s Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
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.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) would like to invite all ApHC Regional Clubs to compete for the title of Exemplary Regional Club of 2009, an annual honor bestowed upon a Regional Club that goes above and beyond when promoting the Appaloosa breed.
Regional Clubs are asked to submit a detailed scrapbook featuring their Appaloosa shows, banquets, trail rides, clinics, sales and other events. The scrapbook should also include membership information, examples of newsletters, Web site and other communications.
One qualifying Regional Club is selected from each of the 18 zones and receives a Certificate of Merit. From those 18 qualifiers, one club from each of the six territories advances to the final round and receives $200 and a plaque. Of the remaining six, one club is named the Exemplary Regional Club of 2009.
The winning Regional Club receives a $500 check, a trophy, trade show space at the World Show or National Show as well as two tickets to the ApHC Award Banquet held during the 63rd National Appaloosa Show & 2010 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson, Miss., June 21-July 3.
All submissions must be received by Jan. 30, 2010. For more information, please visit www.appaloosa.com and click “Regional Clubs.”
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
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