Home from the Virginia Equine Extravaganza

What an action packed weekend!
Kent, the kids and I arrived in Richmond on Wednesday evening in Richmond for the Extravaganza. It was a long drive but the kids were really great!
Thursday had us helping folks setting up booths. Wade, my oldest is always running around trying to help folks out. He ended up meeting the folks from Golden Venture Farm ... these folks own Maxmillion the buckskin tobiano sporthorse. Man, he's one gorgeous horse. He looks a lot like my good friend Jody Cook's horse Charlie www.doublecstables.com
Templeton and Sam pulled up later on Thursday evening in their new "Angel Rig" thanks to their sponsors American Spirit Trailers and Suncoast Bedding. It was raining and yucky, but we were all praising the Lord for the rain. We got Jane settled in the barn and hooked up with old friends. It's like a family reunion after doing this magazine for 8 years. It's always a hug fest.
I got to spend some time talking to Ken McNabb who'll be competing at Road to the Horse. Ken is good people y'all. Much as I love Chris, it'd be hard not to cheer loud for Ken cause he's just a doll. I usually don't feature folks from outside the South but I am making an exception for Ken. Make sure you come to RTTH in March and see him too.
Scott Purdum who competed in the N.C. Trainer Challenge is a sweetheart and has so much talent it is really amazing to watch him both ride and interact with the crowd. He's a young guy and his star will rise quickly. He's a total Rockstar. You'll learn more about Scott in an upcoming issue too.
Got to meet Scott Holmes with Absolute Innovations ... that's Kiser TR3 rake. Scott is a great guy and is blessed with a beautiful singing voice. He sang "how great Thou art" at Cowboy Church on Sunday morning, with no music. It was outstanding. He spent 10 years in ministry before hooking up with his partner and doing the Arena Specialist thing. Get to know this company and the folks behind it, you'll not regret it.
Ok I know y'all want to know about the Trainer Challenge --
Ed Dabney won the VA Trainer Challenge with his paint sport horse from VA Sport Horses. He competed against Bob Jefferies and Kenny Harlow. Let me say right now that Bob is awesome and deserves everyone's total respect for not riding his horse. He had the most difficult horse and he made the dicision to not push him and I think he taught the crowd a valuable lesson by not riding. He told me in his booth that pushing his colt would have been wrong. He knew it would cause unfixable damage because his horse was really fearful.
Kenny Harlow I didn't get to talk to much but he seems like a really fun loving, great guy. He smiles a lot and I like people that smile a lot. Kenny is entertaining and made the trainer challenge more fun that it might have been to watch. He really amped up the competition between he and Ed Dabney. To the unknowning, Ed seems like a real quiet, reserved guy. He is in a lot of ways ... but the man has a wild streak. (Don't all cowboys?)
I missed the second day, I am sorry bout that. I tried to blog in Richmond but kept loosing internet connection.
The first day Bob, Kenny and Ed just went to work. Desensitization, gaining respect, introducing saddles, slickers, obstacles etc. They all did a good job. Kenny and Ed's final scores were one , only 1 point apart.
The difference that I saw is that Ed has a quiet confidence and he doesn't pay much attention to the crowd or the other competitors. He just does his job. I know Ed well and he can be funny, he can talk for a while about what he thinks etc. But during both the VA and NC competitions he just stays focused. Even when asked to comment, he doesn't say a lot. Except for a little arena race with Kenny ... Ed just stuck to the task at hand.
Kenny got a lot accomplished with his horse. He did every obstacle, all the while smiling and making the crowd laugh. I like Kenny. His horse was just a little, not much at all, but a very little less trusting in him as a leader as Ed's horse was.
It was close. I still give Bob major kudos for his decisions during this competition.
I told him I thought he was a rockstar and Suzanne Shephard, his partner .. said "great, now we won't be able to get his head in the truck!". Great people!

Til next time

Tess

Ok - shoot me I didn't post more at the Richmond show

Hey y'all

Soory I pooped out on ya at the Richmond Show and didn't blog anymore. Friday night Tempy and I ordered room service, we were totally indulgent and ordered way too much food.
It was our own personal slumber party and it was great fun. Sat night we went to dinner with Joe of the awesome Equissentials, Van from Farmlines, Sandi from Western Horseman, Pinot from Leather Therapy, and Vicki O'Hara from HorseTradeShow.com . Y'all I walked on the wild side and ate Sushi ... the raw kind! I feel so cosmopolitan now! I have to say, it was "ok" ... not on my list of things to eat in the near future. The salmon had wasabi ... so I didn't taste the fish.

The show was awesome and there will be tons of cool stuff in upcoming issues.

Bella Sara ... if you have a daughter under the age of 12 go to www.bellasara.com ... what positive wonderful inspiration for our girly girls.

Sabona Magnetic Bracelets - Ted and Darryl from Sabona are awesome guys and we are thrilled with the results from wearing these products. They are not only stylish but the help with pain. Tempy's helped her hand, mine helped my shoulder ... Ryan Gingerich ended up wearing one but I haven't asked him how he liked it yet.

Ryan's "Me" grooming products ROCK by the way. He is awesome too!

Leisha's ROCK n ROLL tack will be featured from Alamo Saddlery. Leisha is the CEO of Alamo, so come on ladies and let's support our sister in horses. You wont regret any piece of tack you get from Leisha, she is a stand up gal!

Phyliss Le Blanc from Harbor Sweets is my new best friend. Wanna know why? Cuz Phyliss makes devine chocolates! Better yet, they have horse themes on them so you can give your friends horsey chocolate! YUMMO

There are lots and lots more things you are just going to have to pick up or subscribe the magazine to see. I promise you ... you'll not find content like you get in HorseSouth in ANY other publication.

I'll have several things to tell y'all about in the next few days so check the blog often!

Blessings,
Tess

First day of the Richmond Wholesale show

So I am at Richmond at the Omni for the AETA / IEBA Trade show. Don't worry about organizations just know this is where all the new stuff comes to your tack store owner's attention.
I am wore slap out! Close to 300 booths at this event!
Names like Ariat, Montana Silversmiths, Kerrits, Devon Aire, Twisted X - they are all here selling to the tack / western wear stores.
I am roomin with my dear friend Templeton Thompson www.templetonthompson.com - I got lost last night with Vicki O'Hara from Equine Extravaganza. A freak thunderstorm left us in the dark at Best Buy!
It was a blast still.
I met the fellows from Sabona ... that's the magnetic and copper bracelets. Y'all those are the nicest guys ever! If you don't have a Sabona braclet. You gotta get you one. www.sabona.com
Leisha from Alamo Saddlery has the purdee-ist blingy headstalls ever put on a horse. What a gracious lady and what totally awesome awesome stuff.
Shannon at Petafour ... good golly miss molly! Shannon makes these insanely good and gorgeous treats for animals and for people! She lives in my home town of Cumming Ga.
Pat, if you are reading this beautiful lady ... everyone loves your shirt!! Y'all please go see Pat Wages awesome shirts at www.neighsayers.net
The new fall Kerrits stuff is awesome ... there is much to see and it will be a hard call on what gets space in the next issue.
More tomorrow.

Hugs y'all
Tess

Details ...

Ok, I am refreshed with a good night's sleep in my own bed. I've had a cup of MY good coffee from Harry's Farmer's Market ((YUMMO))
The final leg of yesterday's trainer challenge was the most interesting. Terry Myers had a new horse, a pretty buckskin gelding that he only spent an hour with. Admittly Terry told us his horse was a bit further along than the other two horses. Still his colt was pretty spirited. He was riding, loping in both directions and had the horse going fairly well ... his horse tired and finally bucked in objection to the work asked and Terry after riding some very hard bucks for at least the 8 second minimum came off. He didn't get hurt thankfully, only reopened some rope burns.
He did ride the colt again and all was well. He later admitted that he pushed the horse too far.

Scott Purdum's horse was fairly compliant about riding. Scott was a bit concerned with her balance issues. He spent a good deal of time trying to work those issues out. He too rode his filly at all three gaits ... He could crawl all over, stand on and wave whips in the air around his girl. She wasn't bothered by much at all. Scott told us that the filly had a lot of energy at first but then when pushed instead of bucking or bolting she'd just checked out. He said he'd have done thing similiarly but maybe used her energy levels to a better advantage.

Tommy Garland remarked that it's difficult to get in the pen and try to read a horse so quickly and grasp at straws to see what works for him and what doesn't.

Ed's horse was nervous and not happy about his new role as saddle carrier. He kept turning to Ed for support. Julie Goodnight moderated the entire challenge and was very clear in her accessment that Ed had the most difficult horse. He was very sensitive and bothered by little things like Ed's hat falling off as he tried to remove his mike. Ed rode his horse cautiously but didn't push him. When he asked him to trot, Lil Bucky said NO ... Ed rode out a bit of bucking fest. But the horse calmed quickly. After that Ed elected not to push the horse and over stress him. Ed told us during his 5 minutes of free time that it was his understanding that the challenge was "low stress" and he was doing his full level best to keep a very fractious horse calm.
When asked what he'd do differently Ed said he'd like 60 or 90 days with this horse to help him through his issues. He thought the horse was sweet and would make someone an excellent horse. He just needed a lot time to get over hurdles. He commented that this horse would always be a teacher and make his owner a better horseman. Which after all the bucking got a bit of laughter from the crowd.

The scores where added and all three trainers where within 5 points of a possible 400. They all did a great job and really deserve tremendous praise for their efforts.

Other than the trainer challenge, the show went off great. Good crowds, fabulous vendors. Everyone left with a bag or two of goodies. Everyone had a great weekend!!

Make sure you make plans to attend the VA Extravaganza in OCT ... http://www.equineextravaganza.com

ED DABNEY WINS THE 1st phase of the EAST COAST TRAINER CHALLENGE

I just got home and it's 1 am. I'll post details in the morning. Ed won the event. The NC Equine extravaganza was a success!!
more tomorrow ... I promise. My bed is calling my name ... I must go to it!

Blessings,
Tess

Day 2 of the NCEE and the East Coast trainer challenge

WOW ... day two was packed with folks!!
It's soo hot in Raleigh NC ... I think it's hotter than GEORGIA asphalt!
guy's I just don't have time to attend clinics and demos but I am making time to attend the trainer challenge so that I can be a good reporter and give you all the 411.
Today Terry Myers colt was pulled from the competition at Dr. Hougland's suggestion. He was a little sore and stoved up and Dr. H thought that while exercise was the prescription the unique challenges of colt starting would not be the medicine needed.
Terry worked with another colt after today's challenge to get caught up and will proceed tomorrow with this new colt. It's undetermined how this twist will really work into the competition.

So Scott and his buckskin beauty got along famously today. I have to say that had Scott thrown some floats and pool toys in the round pen I might have thought I was watching Clinton Anderson. I mean that as both a complement and a little bit of a tease. Even Scott's riding style, his horse's headset how he handled his horse today, he sorta climbed all over her staying in positions of "quick escape". She was calm and not at all distressed. He did a good job overall. Couldn't fault him if I tried.

Ed's colt got a review of bridling and saddling, handling and such but When Ed cinched up the girth, his colt got a little upset. He bucked, he hollared, he squealed and because Ed had made such good friends with his colt the colt turned to him for help, Ed had to back the horse off of him for safety reasons. He bucked a round or two and settled down when Ed's pony horse "Duke" sorta gave him the "what the heck is wrong with you" body langauge. The colt calmed down and his trust in Ed was apparent as he navigated obstacles like a champ. The dreaded blue tarp, even a sizable piece of plywood "bridge" ... after those the pole was a breeze. Ed's method of getting a horse ready to accept a rider is to set on the top of the round pen to get the horse acculmated to seeing a rider high in the saddle. Ed was going along well with this when Scott advised that he was planning to use a bullwhip ... so Ed climbed down and continued with ground work until Scott finished. He got a leg over, pressure on the stirrup, even his bottom against the saddle all from the safety of the round pen panel. The final leg is tomorrow at 12:30 but since I am checking out of the hotel early and there is no internet connection at the Fair Grounds ... you'll have to wait till I get back home late tomorrow night.
I've said from the beginning that I thought Ed would win this challenge based on experience ... today Scott showed us a lot but I still feel Ed will pull it out! I think his consistant methods and he careful consideration of the horse has made a lasting impression with the judges.

Blessings,
Tess

The Smokin' North Carolina Equine Extravaganza!!

Sittin in Raleigh NC exhausted from a full day at the Equine Extravaganza. This is the best show I've been to in several years!
There are rows of AWESOME vendors!! There are clinicians from every discipline and horse niche you could think of!
My friend Vicki O'Hara puts this show together and what a fire cracker and gorgeous lady!
The trainer challenge was awesome today. HorseSouth's own Ed Dabney with a little sorrel gelding that seemed to take to him right away. Scott Purdum with the only filly in the group ... a beautiful little buckskin that hooked on to him fairly well in the first session. Terry Myers had the second sorrel gelding, a smaller guy with great conformation but a lot of spunk.
Ed stayed to true to the methods he teaches. He broke things down in bite size pieces, gained his horse's trust, kept things easy going. Saddled his horse and put a bridle in his mouth right away!
Scott did a fair amount of round penning at liberty and on the lead too. I saw some flexing, some desensitizing and some respect being gained.
Terry Myers is an ambitious fellow, he was the first to saddle his horse. His little horse was spunky and had a bit of tantrum about the saddle thing but Terry seemed to calm the fight right out of him. It'll be intersting to see how this little colt reacts to things ... he not the easiest horse of the bunch.
None of these horses are easy however, they are fairly closely matched gaining respect and trust as always is going to be the determining factor in not only the winner but in who has the least issues in the saddle!
Stay tuned!!

Blessings,
Tess

Learning about Chris

Sorry for the delay in blogging about my convo with Chris Cox. It was short but turns out, we didn't need it to be long. I talked to him about HorseSouth and how its not typical and that we wanted to learn a little more about him outside the round pen. Turns out he was already thinking along those same lines and told me that he planned a whole talk for later that night at his VIP party.
I'll talk to him more but he's in Columbia now riding the president's horses! So here is what I found out about Chris ... he is shy. Those of you that feel he's got a big ego are probably seeing his shyness and mistaking it for something else. I don't think he's full of himself or anything like that. I do think he likes to be in control ... with his horses and with all that he has swirling around him. But get as well known as he has become and I bet it wouldnt't take much to feel as if you are spinning out of control. He likes to have a handle on about every aspect of his business. Honestly, there ain't nothin' wrong with that.
Whatelse ... hmmm ... Chris is a cowboy poet and he does a pretty good Johnny Cash impression both in the "Hi, I'm Johnny Cash" dept. and the "I hear that train a coming" too ... he can sing a little! Who knew?
He told us about growing up in the wilds of Austrailia and coming back home to America with a dream. He recanted some of his more memorable struggles in getting where he is today. Turns out his family is from Georgia (we will claim him!) and Tennessee. His uncle and some other relative type people were present at the party. My impression of Chris is not much different than it was when I first met him at Road to the Horse. He's a nice guy. He's pretty funny, he ain't hard to look at, he's honest and he's pretty humble. AND there is no doubt the man has skills ... with horses that is. I am sure he has some other skills but you younger, single, pretty girls will have to catch up to him on your own for that. Note to girls thinking of hookin' up with Chris. Don't wear shorts when you ride, he thinks its silly. He's a practical man. Probably don't cook him any pork and rice dishes ... just a guess there.
There will be a lot more in the next issue of HorseSouth about Chris. I still have to spend a little time with him on the phone. If you can get to one of his tour stops, I'd highly recommend it. For only $25 you'll learn a hell of a lot from a very knowledgable man. If you go to the VIP dinner (if they have one) you might even get to hear him sing!

Blessings,
Tess

Off to meet Chris

Evening all,
I am excited to report that we will be heading up to Murfreesboro, TN this weekend to interview Chris Cox for the Dog Days issue of HorseSouth. I was able to talk to Chris a little both before and after he won Road to the Horse back in March. He came across as a really humble guy that's maybe even a bit shy ... maybe not conventionally shy but shy in his own way.
I look forward to chatting with him. Do know that from July 16th thru Oct 1st, we will be giving $4 from ea. subscription order (full orders only) to 4H Equine programs. Chris picked 4H to recieve the big check he won for charity at RTTH, so we will see what we are able to contribute as well.
Plus my mom worked for the GA Cooperative Extention Service for many years and we have pretty strong ties to all things extention. As most of you know Extention agents are most often the 4H directos.
Be sure to check the blog early next week, I'll share tidbits from my interview.
Oh and Kent and I have lost our minds and have decided to ride the motorcycle to Texas in September. I need to take pics and interview Martha Josey and it seems like fun to take the bike. We will take several days to do the trip. Plus Martha lives at the TX / LA state line. So its about 650 miles. 6 hours on the bike ea day is totally doable. Yes, we have rain suits! Yes, we are nuts.

Hugs til later
Tess

Finding the time ...

Whew ... whirlwind city!
So busy lately but trying to keep everyone up to date on happenings etc.
Magazine going to press NOW. Helping folks promote their events. There sure are a lot talented people out there.
I hope I can teach my kids to recognize the talent and beauty IN people and to learn from what others have to offer earlier than I did.
There are a few exceptions but it seems that we are all rather like Ostriches ( head in the sand) until we get to a certain or level of maturity ... maybe it's the idea of proving yourself ... by yourself or something that kicks in. Dunno?

I encourage you all to take time to sit in the sun and in the shade to appreciate the beauty in both. Remember to take deep breaths and to stretch your muscles. Drink lots of good water and rest when you grow weary. Hug those you love, smile at strangers and laugh when the fancy strikes you.

Blessings to you and yours!

Tess

Look out, cool thingz cometh!!

YEE HAW ... what a great week!! (Warning ... this post contains massive rambling!)

Well there was that lil spill I took off Terra ( y'all saw my horse on the cover of the winter issue with Ed Dabney right!). Well the ground is still hard, so don't go pullin my tricks and stay IN the saddle.
Jody and Dawn are down at the Southern Cross Ranch relaxin and soakin in the quaint atmosphere. Y'all have fun ... go to www.southcross.com to learn more about Noel's place down there in Madison, GA.
Kent and I spent the weekend with Templeton and Sam, doing our interview and gettin pics for Tempy's cover. In the words of the now re-incarcerated Paris Hilton (tehehe) ... it's going to be "hot"! Y'all will have to get it and read it.

We have a new advertising rep, some of y'all know the awesome and beautiful Georgiana Norcross. If you are a horsey business owner be expectin' a call from Georgiana!

We are doin' a feature on female farriers ... so if you know any Sheshoers send 'em our way. We will feature 10 from around the South!

We will also be workin on a feature called "The 50 most influential horsewomen in America!" I am SOOOO excited bout this! Y'all gotta help me, because you DO NOT have to be famous to be included! We have a list of famous - semi-famous folks but I really want to mix it up with some people that are really out there making a difference! Like my friend Sue Vetsch. Sue ain't famous ... but boy howdy she is influential!! Rosemary Spence ... again ... famous? A teeny bit, she did win a big AQHA award. But more influential than anything. Hmmm ... who else? Cheryl Flanagan ... of www.savethehorses.com and Debi Metcalf from Netposse.com ... those gals deserve medals!

OH ... whew - wait til y'all check out the "Ya Gotta Have" section in the magazine. We used to call this "The product paddock" ... but not no more. We changed it ... duh. Marienne Morrison from Smooth Stride sent me some riding pants and now I can't wait til my shoulder and ribs get better so I CAN ride again. These are awesome pants! Dawn's got hers with her at the So. Cross ... they are TEE NINY ( as Tempy would say ) ... but Dawn is TEE NINY. Mine are not so tiny ... lol, oh well ... can't have everything. You'll see Dawn's TEE NINY butt in Marienne's awesome britches in the next issue. I am sayin' britches not breeches ... Marienne does have breeches or a brand of them. But Dawn's pants aren't breeches.

As I type this Miss Vicki ( O'Hara - EquineExtravaganza.com ) is out in CAL EE FORN NI A at the Western States Horse Expo, she's laughin it up at dinner with Kathy from Valley Vet! Y'all have fun! Geez, everybody is somewhere but me! My youngins are watchin Air Buddies - Air Bud, remember ... he's procreated!

Check the hot blog a lot ... Robbi and Cindy from Flashpoint are gonna be bloggin about the Atlanta Summer Classic Hunter Jumper show and Grand Prix! That's comin' up real soon. Here in GA we affectionately call that show "The Bob Bell" ... are you feelin' the love Bob?

Check back ASAP ... there will be lots to tell!

Home from all the LUV

Wow is really all I can say about this weekend at Women LUV Horses.
I was talking with Marie-Francis, who is Lynn's right hand woman and I told her that I thought no matter how many people came this weekend ... that they all went away touched.
The gathering of these souls that Lynn had the fortitude to bring together (and hats off to Marie-Francis for pulling it all off with style too) this weekend really transcended beyond the retreat, beyond the entertainment and education value and just resonated deep within a lot of women there. I was fortunate to have HS staffers Beth and Caitie Bellinger with me and they are mother and daughter, it was wonderful to see them share their love of horses and to be inspired in the way that I know Lynn imaged. My only sadness is that my two best girlfriends in the world that I share my love of horses with could not be there. Dawn ... I love you and you are my inspiration daily and I missed you so much this weekend! Kim ... I never get to see you and I haven't ridden with you in years but you were heavy in my thoughts this weekend. Stacy rides a black horse that looks like your Bandy and I always cry when she performs knowing that you and Bandy shared a bond like that and how we both still miss him.
What's so special too is the new friendships that I made Templeton Thompson you rock girl ... what an honor and a joy to have a new friend that I can ride and SING with!! Whoo hoo!! If y'all haven't heard Tempie sing ... she is the cat's meow! And Sam, her husband what a talented guy. Can't wait to come visit y'all!!
Sometimes you just know it when you've made a new friend for life! Miss Vicki O'Hara (and y'all need to make sure you get up to Raleigh August 3-5 for the Equine Extravaganza !!) I know God put her in my life so we could inspire and cheer each other on!
I didn't get to do my interview with Martha guys ... she was too busy ... so we will have to push her cover and appearence in the magazine to the August/ September issue .. and this time in June we will bring you my new gal pal Templeton! She's a knockout ... so I know it's gonna be a great cover.
What an honor to have all these gorgeous ladies on my covers. Lynn, Templeton then Martha ... wow. I'll have to bring the fellers back in that's Chris Cox and Craig Cameron ... in that order. Then y'all ... Jane Savoie!! I can't believe it. I am calling Carmen (my childhood riding instructor) and tellin' her ... I sat with Jane and she's gonna do an interview with me.
Guys I met so many great ladies ... you just don't even know. Kowgirl Glitz is a company that the gorgeous Kristin Smith ( who is a real rodeo cowgirl) formed. Y'all gotta go to her website www.cowgirlglitz.com ... her stuff is cooler than cool. And y'all!! My little girl pestered the foo out of her ... she was so nice to her. Thanx Kristin, your kindness will be rewarded. I promise!
Donna from the "getting pretty stinkin' famous" Donne & Cavalli is really an amazing lady. She'll be writing some columns and then we will venture down to St. Simons and bring you a full story on her.
I could go on and on ... but my intention is not to bore you to tears but rather to hopefully spur you into attending these type events ... to show you that it's important to share your passions with like minded folks and to treat yourselves!

Blessings and Good Night!!
Tess

Women LUV Horses!

I sit here in in the hotel after the Cowgirl Party on the second day of Lynn Palm's Women LUV Horses event in Concord, NC ... I am tired but having a ball.
This gathering of women is nothing short of amazing.
Tonight we saw Stacy Westfall perform her now famous bareback, bridleless reining demo. We saw a astounding dressage demo. Lynn showed her talents in a Western then English demo that also included bridleless riding.
We ate together ... listened to Martha Josey tell us about how she got back into horses after enjoying them as a child. Trail queen Cynthia Cantleberry told us about the mean lil pony that taught her riding skills and started her journey into horses.
I sat next to the incomparable Jane Savoie at dinner, for a while anyway.
I have the kids with me so I was running around a bit after them.
A big thanks to Beth from Kerrits Clothing for taking care of Sylvi for me. It's always so fun to see friends at these events. Alana from Horse & Rider, my good friend Brenda from Hoofbeats Magazine, seeing Stacy and getting to meet Jane. Vicki O'Hara and I barged in on my Mom in the Motor Home and watched the Preakness!! Dang, the Kentucky Derby winner almost won!
I love to migrate to the booths and see folks. I got to meet singer songwriter Templeton Thompson ... wait till you see her new Hippie Chic Cowgirl shirts ... they are just perfect! I got me one! Tempe is so talented ... will be featuring her on the cover of our winter issue!! Followed by Jane Savoie in the spring.
It's been an exciting weekend and when Lynn announces the next WLH, y'all need to make plans to be there.
And a big huge thanks to HorseSouth staffers Caitie and Beth Bellinger for stepping up to the plate and doing the Achievable Horsemanship demo since Jessica and Dawn couldn't be here.
But we do have new FOAL ... and baby girl (spotless :( .. ) but cute ... might be a dun or grulla? Hard to tell.
More tomorrow!!

Here is it is ... the 2008 RTTH line up

Of course Chris Cox ... returns to defend his title and he will be joined by ...

Ken McNabb

and

Tommy Garland

Details to follow later ...

ROAD TO THE HORSE CLINICIANS coming up!!!

I already know ... but I can't tell you just yet!!
Check back in the morning .... you'll know who's competing at the 2008 RTTH!!

2008 Road to the Horse Clinicians Announced May 12 on Rick Lamb’s The Horse Show; 2008 Road to the Horse Tickets on Sale May 14 MURFREESBORO, Tenn., May 8, 2007: Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland announces tickets to the 2008 event go on sale Monday, May 14, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. CST. Can’t wait to hear who’ll be competing? Tune in to Rick Lamb’s The Horse Show radio program just two days before tickets are sold, Saturday, May 12, 2007, to hear the competitors’ names revealed live on the air. “One of the most exciting parts of producing RTTH is bringing new surprises each year,” Bland says. “Once again, Road to the Horse is on the cutting edge. We have some great an unexpected plans.” Find out what surprises are in store for 2008 on May 12 when you listen to Lamb’s radio show. Lamb is the Official Host of Road to the Horse and will be first to release the names of the 2008 participants. Find out when the show will air on your local station or listen online at http://thehorseshow.com. The show will be available as streaming audio, or as a down-loadable podcast. Ticket Prices:
Premiere Seating— $105.00 (Good for both days of the event)
General Admission Seating— $55.00 (Good for both days of the event)
VIP Hospitality Room— $250.00 (limited number; VIP Hospitality Room Pass does not include admission to the event or a seat. The VIP Hospitality Pass gets you into the Hospitality Room for catered buffet meals, streamed video of the live event and a chance to visit with the stars)
RV Parking Space— $25.00 per night (Park your RV conveniently next to the MTSU Miller Coliseum with hookups). How to Order:Modern technology has its advantages. Purchase your tickets online and you can print them immediately. Plus, you’ll have a chance to see the arena’s seating chart and choose the seats best for you and your friends. Phone and Internet lines will be open at 9:00 a.m. CST, 10:00 a.m. EST. Log on to http://www.roadtothehorse.com before tickets go on sale to see seating choices and chart your ticket-purchasing plan. On May 14, log on to http://roadtothehorse.com/tickets.html to order. Bonus: If you order online, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win two Hospitality Room tickets—that’s a value of $500. One person’s name will be drawn. Only two Hospitality tickets granted. Online orders only, no phone orders entered in bonus drawing. Void where prohibited. About Road to the Horse:Top horse trainers tame three virtually untouched young American Quarter Horses in front of a 6,000 capacity Tennessee Miller Coliseum crowd. Each clinician demonstrates his unique way of gentling a colt and preparing it to be ridden and negotiated through an obstacle course. Road to the Horse showcases the respected technique of gentling instead of breaking horses—the techniques commonly called “horse whispering.” For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions.

New Mags are here

The new issue of HorseSouth arrived today and will be in stores early next week.
Subscribers can expect their copies to arrive on Wednesday or Thursday.

It's been a blast working with Lynn Palm on Women Luv Horses stuff. I got to meet Debbie and Nancy Lane of Full Cry Farm.
I am looknig forward to the next issue and all my interviews ... we are going to meet the Gypsy Vanners!
Hope you like it!!

sad news

I got a call from my parents this morning. Our good friend and HorseSouth's beloved former Director of Advertising Jill Fuller, lost her battle with bone cancer and passed away last night.
At times like this you hear things like "she's in a better place" or "she's not suffering anymore". While all this is all true, it never makes it any less difficult.
Jill was an intelligent, strong woman.
She was a consumate professional and loyal friend. Jill had a wry whit and she was one of those people that could think "quick on her feet". She was and will remain a blessing in the lives of those who knew her.
What is so nonsencial about Jill's fight is that she was the "healthiest" person that I knew. She was a naturalist and was extremely knowledgable about optimal health. It doesn't seem quite fair that she is gone given her dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
Jill is survived by her wonderful husband Gordon, her beautiful daughter Marte and her outstanding son, Trey. Marte and Trey are testaments to Jill's subtle greatness. That's an odd discription, I know. But that's how she was. A great person, helpful, kind, analytical .... a problem solver. Jill was small framed with soft blonde curls and bright blue eyes, fair skin and a smile that was a gift in itself. What I mean about subtle greatness is that Jill was sort of quiet ... to understand how smart, how amazing she really was ... you needed to sit down and engage her in conversation. She always blew me away with her insight, her well stated opinions and her wit.
Please keep Jill's friends and family in your prayers. Trey is flying home from China and needs prayers for safe travel.
So here I am ... sitting and thinking as we all do when someone we love passes. You think that life is short and that you should seize the day and live life to the fullest. Is that why people like Jill are taken so early in life? To remind us to live?
I'll be working on something special to honor Jill and will announce that in the coming days.

Godspeed, Jill ... we love you!

YAY for Lynn Palm! AND our own Rosemary Spence!!

Most of you have heard of the Lynn Palm's new event Women LUV Horses. It's in Concord, NC in May. www.lynnpalm.com to check it out!
Well, Lynn told me in interview on Tuesday that the AQHA had awarded her their coveted Horse Woman of the Year award!
Go Lynn! I can't think of a woman who deserves it more.
I can't wait for y'all to read the article in the Spring issue ... Lynn had the most interesting intro into her unique style of horsemanship! Make sure you are slated to get that spring issue!

Also, GA resident and trail riding enthusiast Rosemary Spence won the Trail Rider of the Year award for the entire US from AQHA too!
Rosemary is a ball of energy and is so passionate about trail riding, she is just a joy to be around!
Congrats Rosemary! We will have a short feature and little tribute to her accomplishments in the Spring issue too!

Road to the Horse Happenings - Chris Cox wins

Hey all you folks in cyber space. It's the morning after the 2007 Road to the Horse and I for one, am a tired puppy.
In case you don't know ... Chris Cox won the event.
Chris was humble during our interview session and made a point to say that "it would be the wrong thing for me to do right now", in reference to changing any techniques. Chris started his Cornelius Ranch colt, just like any other colt he'd start anywhere else.
"Out there, in the round pen with the colt, I'll be the most relaxed," said Chris and that shined through. His colt was flasy with lots of chrome but the least "friendly" of the 3. Join up never happened in a way that the crowd could really see until Chris' freestyle demo after he completed the obstacle course. After the course, the horse followed him about the arena like a loyal hunting dog (pausing only much on the hay holding up the jump obstacle.

Stacy Westfall's horse was pushier than the other two and invaded her space too readily. While Stacy did complete the course, it was obvious that her horse needed more work. True to form, Stacy continued to work "Kernel" (who she did buy) during the announcement of the winner. As the three stood there waiting ... Stacy was still moving the forequarters and teaching her colt to respect her space. You GO girl! As a girl myself, I happen to think Stacy ROCKS and can't wait to see Popcorn (from last year) continue his training and carry Stacy around bridleless next year. Additionally, it will be interesting to see Kernel's progression given that he is much more assertive horse than Popcorn.

Clinton Anderson ... Clinton's horse was very desensitized at the end of yesterday ... I don't know but I think you could have ridden him right through a 3 ring circus without spooking him. It wasn't clear if Clinton's horse totally respected him. Clinton asked a great deal of the horse in the time alloted and what a trooper ... his little colt pretty much took it in stride. He did get aggressive with Clinton a couple times but came around. Clinton completed the obstacle course but his colt didn't really want to give his face at times. Not sure if the colt lacked softness because Clinton, as always, did a lot of lateral flexion. It just seemed as if the focus for Clinton was on desensitizing the colt to lots of noise (chainsaws, leaf blowers, guns, whips etc.) and I'll call them "party favors" (pool "noodles", lots of floatation devices). Clinton had quite the aquatic theme going and even joked that he wasn't a strong swimmer so he was decking his colt out. He could have swam this colt back to Austrailia will all those floats!

All in all, it was a great event. But I have to tell you. I missed Craig Cameron. I missed his humor (although Clinton is a great showman!) ... Criag is somewhat infectious and as my fellow journalist Lisa (from HorseCity.com) said "his laugh alone, is worth the price of a ticket!" I couldn't agree more. I'd love to see Craig co-host this event with Rick Lamb. I can't imagine a more rip roaring good time.

My greatest and best news is that my dear friend Ed Dabney www.eddabney.com is being strongly considered to compete at the 2008 RTTH! Ed is a master horseman and I was so fortunate to have him along with me this year. His insight and knowledge of colt starting was astounding and it was great fun to sit beside him and hear his comments and opinions of the goings on. Later on, we may ask you readers to show your support for Ed by commenting on this blog on whether you'd travel to Murfreesboro, TN next year and buy a RTTH ticket to see him compete. I, for one, will be there with bells on!

As a little bonus, I got to meet country recording artist Chris Cagle. Turns out Chris is a reiner and a cutter. He and Clinton are buddies. I spoke to him about a feature in HorseSouth later on this year. So we will work with his folks to make that happen.
Also, many of you Clinton fans have ask me about a Clinton Anderson interview.
Before the fact that Clinton lives in Ohio kept him out of the running for our Southern based publication ... but NEWSFLASH! Clinton told me personally that he is moving to Texas in 08.
Clinton spent about 30 minutes reading HorseSouth on Sat. evening and complemented me on the magazine after the event yesterday. There in not a whole lot nicer than having one of the most admired horsemen in the world tell you that your magazine is 1st rate and a class act.
So when Clinton moves to TX we will go to down and roll out the HorseSouth carpet for him with a cover feature (and I am really thinking about a real red carpet! ... got to live up to that southern hospitality thing ... right.) Send me your mint julep recipes ... we will offer Clinton one when he exits the plane! lol

Road to the Horse producer, Tootie Bland said the tickets for 08 would go on sale in May. Buy them EARLY! Every seat in the house was FULL.