Monday, November 30, 2009

Scholarship Established in Honor of Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi

Scholarship Established in Honor of Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi



A scholarship in honor of Patrick Swayze and his wife Lisa Niemi has been established by the Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF), based in Denver, Colorado. Swayze and Niemi have had close ties to the Arabian horse breed and owned Arabian horses for many years. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), also based in Denver.



Announcement of the scholarship was made at the association’s annual convention in Reno, Nev., November 19-21. The scholarship will be awarded annually in the spring to a youth who is involved with Arabian horses and aspires to a career in the performing arts. Scholarship applications are available online. The scholarship was launched with an initial pledge by Iron Horse Farms and Trisha Phelan of Canton, Georgia.



“The establishment of the Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi Scholarship was a natural fit for the foundation and the association,” explained AHF President, Larry Kinneer, who made the announcement before approximately 400 delegates and alternates. “Establishment of the scholarship creates a lasting testimony to their careers in dancing, theatre and movies, love of the Arabian breed and contributions over the years to AHA youth programs.”



A highlight and emotion-filled moment at the convention was the showing of a video that captured special times in the life of the late film star and performer who died in September after a lengthy battle with cancer.



The Arabian Horse Foundation has several categories to which donations can be directed: Youth Scholarships, Horse Rescue and Rehoming and Equine Research. In the past two years, the foundation has given over $60,000 in grants in these particular areas. “Having options for people to decide how they want their donations used is a great benefit and incentive for the donor,” Kinneer explained.



“Now, we have established a very special scholarship for people to direct their contribution to. Donations are needed to assure the scholarship will be there for deserving students in the future.”



Kinneer added, “We are looking, not only at the Arabian horse community to lend financial support to this scholarship, but to the public who admired the work of both Patrick and Lisa over the years and want to honor them in a special way. A generous amount of funding will assure the scholarship’s longevity and could lead to more than one youth being awarded the scholarship per year.”



Both Patrick and Lisa competed for many years in Arabian horse shows, often drawing spectators and fans to watch them perform. “Several years ago, Patrick Swayze had a beautiful poster produced picturing him with his champion Arabian stallion, “Tammen,” Kinneer said. “The poster was sold and continues to be sold with profits going to youth programming for AHA. It has become a collector’s item with inquiries from all over the world about how one can obtain one of the posters.” The posters are available by phoning AHA, (303) 696-4500.



Donations to the Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi Scholarship can be made by sending a check to the Arabian Horse Foundation, 10805 E. Bethany Rd., Aurora, CO., 80014-2605. Be sure to indicate the donation is for the Swayze/Niemi Scholarship. It is also possible to make a donation online by visiting www.arabianhorsefoundation.org.

Over $100,000 in High JR-Amateur Owners Jumpers Added to Gulf Coast Winter Classics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Client: The Classic Company



MEDIA CONTACT: Robbi Meisel, (859) 734-3713 robbi@flashpointmediaservices.com





Over $100,000 in High JR-Amateur Owners Jumpers Added to Gulf Coast Winter Classics



Harrodsburg, KY—November 30, 2009—While many events are making cut backs in prize money Bob Bell and Janet McCarroll, co-managers of the 2010 Gulf Coast Winter Series, were ecstatic to announce an increase to the High Junior and Amateur Owner Jumpers this season.



Over $100,000 will be awarded during the six-week 2010 winter series. “That is a lot!” a happy Bell commented. The high section will offer $2000 per class and on the weekends there will be a $15,000 High Jumper Classic –“this is for each and every week!” said Bell. Thanks to new sponsor Nordic Lights Farm the spotlight will shine brightly for this talented group of jumpers. “We’re so appreciative of the Bruheim family and Nordic Lights’ support and the ability to reward our exhibitors’ hard work to compete at this level of competition.” Janet McCarroll said.



The Low section of the Junior-Amateur Owners jumpers will see an increase in their purses as well. Each class will offer $1000 and there will be six $5000 Jumper Classics. And not to be forgotten the Children’s and Adult Jumper divisions will award $500 in each class and their weekly Classics will increase to $2500 with NO Nomination fee required.



Grand Prix jumpers have some added incentives – Six $25,000 classes in 4 weeks! Befitting of the nearby casino action, Week Three will offer riders the chance to double down with a $25,000 Welcome Prix presented by EMO Insurance and the $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix. But it doesn’t stop there- Nordic Lights Farm and the Bruheim family will sponsor a new $25,000 Welcome Grand Prix prior to the $25,000 Budweiser Grand Prix during week five of the series. “The added prize money is great, but it’s more than the money that keeps riders happy…and returning.” Bell continued, “We have one the best grass fields in the country. Horses love it, riders love it, and our course designers love it! A lot of our riders say the money is just the cherry on top to their Sundae treat of competing in Gulfport.” New Orleans, LA based professional rider and longtime attendee of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, Sean Steffee said of recent years big growth in the jumpers, “Well the best kept secret for winter showing is definitely out! Gulfport is becoming the place to be…and it should. Aside from great footing, stalls, staff, and the normal things we all look for in a series, Gulfport is simply GREAT fun!”



The Young Jumpers are expanding in 2010 as well. Instead of one class per age group, this season will offer 3 class divisions for the up and coming talents of tomorrow. “We wanted to provide a better showcase for the young horses outside of their previous choices of one special class and a handful of regular classes, so we’ve added divisions just for them.” Bell explained.



“And I want the hunters to know we’re not forgetting them either. Week Four will be our Celebration of Hunters!” Bell said. Packed into this special week will be the World Championship Hunter Rider class, the USHJA International Hunter Derby, a delectable luncheon honoring the hunters, and the new USHJA 3 Foot Hunter Derby.



Bell went on to say their new motto, “The Change You’re Looking For” is evident not only with new additions of prize money, special classes, wonderful venues, but in bringing the enjoyment of horse showing back to the exhibitors. “Isn’t it suppose to be fun? That’s what I ask myself with every show we plan.” Bell concluded. Classic Company believes they’ve got the answer with a combined total of 13 weeks USEF AA rated competitions. Beginning with the blustery month of January riders facing harsh cold weather in the US and Canada can enjoy 5 weeks at the Jacksonville Winter Series, January 6th-February 7th, held in Green Cove Springs, FL then take a leisurely drive over to Gulfport, MS for the next 6 weeks, February 10th – March 21st, and finally welcome spring with 2 weeks at the Atlanta Spring Classics, March 24th-April 4th, located at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.



To learn more about Gulf Coast Winter Classics please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the office at 843.768.5503. To book hotel or condo reservations please contact Connections at 800-262-9974.



Flashpoint Media Services, based in Harrodsburg, KY, is a comprehensive public relations firm specializing in the equestrian sports. For additional information contact Robbi Meisel, 859-734 3713, robbi@flashpointmediaservices.com

Friday, November 13, 2009

AQHA Offers New Releases on DVD

AQHA Offers New Releases on DVD

“Showing to Win: Trail” and “Showing to Win: Western Pleasure” available at the AQHA World Championship Show this month.

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 13, 2009 – With the release of the second DVD in the Showing to Win series – “Showing to Win: Trail” – AQHA has once again piqued the interest of the horse-showing public. When it was released in the spring, “Showing to Win: Western Pleasure” became the best-selling AQHA DVD of all time. Now “Showing to Win: Trail” is riding the same trail to the top of AQHA sales. These DVDs are geared for all exhibitors, trainers and judges.

For “Showing to Win: Trail,” AQHA teamed with some of the best-known and well-respected AQHA Professional Horsemen, judges and exhibitors in Charlie Cole, Leslie Lange and Jim Searles, who walk viewers through the required parts of the pattern and explain the maneuver scores, pluses and minuses.

“Showing to Win: Trail” illustrates the standards and provides information exhibitors need to successfully navigate a trail pattern and the judge’s score card. Using unique graphics and video technology, “Showing to Win: Trail” defines the trail scoring system and what the judges are looking for in a trail pattern.

“This DVD series is designed to help exhibitors understand the rules and the judging standards of the classes to help improve the performance of their horses in the show pen,” said Alex Ross, AQHA executive director of judges. “We appreciate the AQHA Professional Horsemen who shared their expertise in trail to help other exhibitors become better riders.”

Retailing at $24.95, AQHA members receive a $5 discount and can purchase either video for $19.95. “Showing to Win: Trail” and “Showing to Win: Western Pleasure” will both be available for purchase at the Quarter Horse Outfitters booth at the AQHA World Championship Show Trade Show, November 6-21 in Oklahoma City. The DVDs also can be purchased online at Quarter Horse Outfitters, www.aqhastore.com.

Watch for more class DVDs in the Showing to Win series to be released by AQHA.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

QUALITY APPALOOSAS SELL BIG AT 2009 WORLD APPALOOSA SALE

NEWS RELEASE

November 12, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE






Contact Information:

Karisa Saywers, Public Relations Coordinator

Office: (208) 882-5578 ext. 273

Fax: (208) 882-8150

QUALITY APPALOOSAS SELL BIG AT 2009 WORLD APPALOOSA SALE



FORT WORTH, Texas— Consignors and prospective buyers gathered Oct. 28 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, to view more than 90 quality Appaloosas up for auction in the 2009 World Appaloosa Sale, held in conjunction with the prestigious 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Show.

The highly anticipated event, hosted by the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC), was comprised of several sales, including the Yearling Incentive Sale, the Broodmare Incentive Sale and the Select Appaloosa Sale. Consigners and buyers enjoyed a reception hosted by Dubai To Vegas Equine LLC.

The overall average for horses sold was $2,783; more than 60 percent of the consignments sold to new owners. Appaloosas in the incentive portion had an average price tag of $3,380, and the high-seller sold for $13,500. Horses consigned to the Select Sale had an average selling price of $1,473, with the highest bid being $5,500. View complete sale details at www.appaloosa.com and click the World Sale icon.

“While everyone understands the impact of tough economic conditions, the 2009 sale showcased an outstanding group of Appaloosa horses and gave buyers the opportunity to add proven genetics to their programs,” said ApHC CEO Steve Taylor.

Appaloosas purchased through the Yearling Incentive Sale will be eligible to compete in the Two-Year-Old World Sale Incentive classes at the 2010 World Championship Appaloosa Show in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition, the resulting foals of mares in the Broodmare Incentive Sale qualify to participate in World Sale Incentive classes as two year olds. These classes are guaranteed to offer $10,000 in prize money.

While the auction attracted many ApHC members and buyers from throughout the country, the 2009 World Appaloosa Sale was truly a global event, with representatives from the following affiliates participating: Asociación Argentina de Criadores de Caballos Appaloosa, Australian Appaloosa Association, Appaloosa Horse Club United Kingdom Ltd, Asociacion del Caballo Appaloosa de México, Appaloosa Horse Club of Brazil and Associazione Italiana Appaloosa as well as buyers from Uruguay.

Consignments for the 2010 World Appaloosa Sale will be available in the coming months and due August 1, 2010. Stay tuned to www.appaloosa.com for more information!

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 690,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline, including racing, endurance riding or serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho; the heart of the Palouse region, the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Event Program Announced for USET Foundation Fundraiser

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lauren Fisher for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Fisher of Phelps Media Group, Inc. International at (561) 753-3389 or at pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

WEB SITE: Phelps Media Group, Inc. International Press Releases are available at http://www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Photo Credit: Lynn Palm and Rugged Painted Lark will be performing their Bridleless Musical Exhibition at the USET Foundation Holiday Gala Fundraiser in December.
Photo courtesy of Lynn Palm. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.

Event Program Announced for USET Foundation Fundraiser

Wellington, FL – October 28, 2009 – The program for the USET Foundation Holiday Gala Fundraiser is shaping up to be big as many of the country’s top riders have now signed on to participate. A pioneer among women in the equine industry, Lynn Palm Pittion-Rossillon, has announced that she will perform her famous Bridleless Musical Exhibition during the weekend’s events. German vaulter Kai Vorberg has also been added to the list of participants and will perform an exciting vaulting demonstration. SUCCEED® and Wellington Classic Dressage will be hosting the Holiday Gala Fundraiser on December 11 & 12, 2009, to benefit the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. The venue for the fundraiser will be the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

AQHA champion and trainer Lynn Palm has built an immensely successful career with a wide spectrum of abilities and experiences. While perhaps best known for her work with the two-time Superhorse champion, Rugged Lark, Lynn has created a legacy of training and showing an unmatchable cadre of outstanding performance horses. Breaking the mold of the age-old adage, “those who can’t do, teach” Lynn Palm is an all-around western and English horsewoman and a legend in her own time.

Palm has an outstanding list of achievements to her name, the most notable of which include: 34 Reserve and World Championships; Four Superhorse Championships; AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year; over 50 special bridleless exhibitions with the legendary Rugged Lark at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, National Horse Show, The Washington International Horse Show and the International World Cup; 2003 Equine Affaire Exceptional Equestrian Educator Award Winner; 2006 AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year; and Named 2000 AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation.

Palm and Rugged Painted Lark, by the world-famous Rugged Lark, have been chosen to perform their Bridleless Musical Exhibition at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on October 2-9, 2010 in Lexington, KY, and will be previewing that performance at the USET Foundation Holiday Gala Fundraiser. Within a 12-minute performance, Palm includes elements of dressage, reining and jumping to showcase the beauty, amazing athleticism and outstanding ability of this young horse.

“We do one song in the western saddle with reining and dressage movements, then
switch to the hunt seat saddle and do dressage and jumping movements without the bridle,” she explained. “It is very unique and we are very proud to showcase the unique abilities of western, dressage, and jumping as well as demonstrate dressage principles that apply to all disciplines. Most of all we are very proud to show a happy horse while performing!”

“I am proud to be a part of a very special event to support our finest horse and rider teams in their gold medal quest at the World Equestrian Games,” Palm added.

Along with her unique performance, Palm will also be donating an autographed 2007 Breyerfest Celebration Horse Limited Edition Rugged Painted Lark model to the auction.

The two newest additions to the Holiday Gala roster are Kai Vorberg and Templeton Thompson. Vorberg is a German vaulter who also has many great accomplishments to his name. Vorberg is a two-time World Champion (2004 and 2006), two-time European Champion (2005 and 2007), seven-time German champion (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009), four-time Vice Champion, Vice World Champion in 2008, has a total of 11 medals at World and European championships, and has led the world rankings for three years. Singer/songwriter Templeton Thompson is one of Nashville's most sought-after session vocalists and she has performed on stage for audiences across the US, in Europe and in Japan. Her love for horses along with her passion for music has made Templeton a favorite at major horse expos as well as National and International horse events. Templeton will be performing songs from her “Girls & Horses” CD as well as her new and soon to be released “Life on Planet Cowgirl” CD.

Other events on the fundraiser program include: Pony Club Mounted Games featuring Gina Miles, Cathy Wieschhoff, Hawley Bennett, Karen O’Connor and Jeanne Lambrecht and more; a Dressage Pas de Deux featuring Monty Roberts (the man who listens to horses) and Courtney King Dye (2008 Dressage Olympian); a Freestyle Dressage to Music presentation by Pierre St. Jacques riding Lucky Tiger; a showcase of reining and Join-up from the saddle featuring Monty Roberts; dressage Commentary by Rolex World Cup Dressage winner and 2008 Olympian Steffen Peters, featuring demonstration riders Kim Gentry and Stephan Kiesewetter, a Showjumping Pas de Deux featuring Kate Levy and 2008 Olympian Samantha St. Jacques; a book signing by renowned bestselling suspense author Tami Hoag; a Small World Showcase featuring miniature horses and Shetland ponies; “Finding the Courage Within" presented by Jeanne Lambrecht; a Grand Finale featuring four-in-hand champion Chester Weber, driving the surprise celebrity equestrian Santa into the arena. Who could Santa be?

Along with the exciting equestrian performances, the Holiday Gala will feature a catered VIP dinner and bar along with a fundraising auction featuring many one-of-a-kind high dollar items. Monty Roberts will be the guest auctioneer. The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center will also host a special shopping village, which will be perfect for last minute holiday shopping.

Tickets for the USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser are on sale now. Ticket pricing will be $30 for preferred seating (per night) and $175 for VIP seating per night (if VIP seating is purchased for both nights the price will be $275 for the ticket). There will be no discount for purchasing preferred seating for two nights.

For further information on the fundraiser or if you are interested in being a vendor at this event, please visit the fundraiser website www.succeedevent.com for details. To purchase tickets, please see the ticket page on the event website or contact 561-227-1525 or email tickets@wellingtonclassicdressage.com. Inquiries to this email address should include "USET Fundraiser" in the subject line. Please note that participants and events are subject to change.

SUCCEED®, is a daily nutrient program that supports total equine digestive health for optimal appearance, temperament and performance. Thousands of horse owners and trainers feed their horses SUCCEED®, every day, including top equestrians in nearly every breed and every performance discipline. SUCCEED®, is the official digestive conditioning product of USEF, USEA and USDF. For more information, call 330-562-0888 or visit www.succeed-equine.com. Freedom Health, the manufacturers of SUCCEED®, are dedicated to finding, perfecting and delivering superior, innovative products that address real and significant health-related issues for animals and the people who care for them.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on Wellington Classic Dressage, please visit www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com.

Horse Industry related news and opinions as well as personal observations about life, love and horsiness from HorseSouth Magazine founder and publisher Tess Vanattia.

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I'm Tess the owner and founder of HorseSouth Magazine. The south's BEST horse publication. I am 38 years old. I am happily married to a wonderful guy. We have 3 beautiful children, 4 horses, 2 dogs and a very busy life. http://www.horsesouth.com