The HorseSouth info hotblog

Out with my boots on ...

2010-05-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

A little while ago my FB friend Sonya posted a photo of her worn, beloved Justin Lacers. I've worn out a pair or two myself. Along with the photo she shared how she'd lived her life in those boots and I was inspired to ask our readers to send in photos of their boots. I also asked readers to tell us how their riding boots empowered them.
Right now, I am waiting tables at a local restaurant a few shifts a week for spending money and mostly to get out of the house and away from this computer! It's a lot of fun. I love the people I work with and I love our guests that come in to eat. So today I worked the lunch shift. It wasn't very busy and I was home before 3 pm. It was gorgeous here today!
I walked right in the house and took off my work clothes, put on my riding pants, an old t-shirt and ... my boots.
My boots are Ariat pull-ons, they were Wade's before they were mine. When I bought them for him, I knew they'd be mine when he outgrew them. It didn't take him long. They are black, but are scuffed so that in places they look brown. The soles are thin, it hurts my feet to walk on the big crusher run gravel in our driveway. They aren't cute. They aren't stylish.
They are utilitarian.
When I pull them on, I am transformed.
I am more determined. I am focused. I am ... cowgirl!
Today I pulled them on, went right out and got my mare. I saddled her up and took her out to the round pen. I did ground work and I had every intention of riding her. I had her going so well, following my cues. She was cantering in both directions and I was just getting her to change directions with a twist of the lunge wip and pointing the other way. My girth broke and the saddle suddenly slipped and fell under her belly and it scared her to death. She began to gallop faster and faster. I was scared she'd fall and hurt herself. But I stayed calm and yelled WHOA. It took me a couple times, I asked her change directions and she DID! I said WHOA forcefully but not at a yell ... and she did the prettiest sliding stop you've ever seen! She was scared and breathing heavy. She was trembling. I think I was too. I'd been so frightened that she'd get tangled and fall.
I rubbed her and spoke softly and tried to let her know she was safe. I carefully undid the remaining girth strap and let the saddle slide off of her. I led her away from the rail to the middle of the pen. That's her resting spot. I looked closely at her legs and felt her belly for any injuries and seeing none I wrappend my arms around her graceful neck and hugged her. She pressed her head into my shoulder, in what we horse people describe as the best *hugs* on earth. We stood there. I nearly started to sob. But I was so proud of her for not coming unglued even though she was so scared. She ran, but she didn't buck or act out. I was so grateful she was ok! I was grateful that I stayed calm and got her out of a dangerous situation as quickly as I could.
I stood there hugging my horse for a long time. I thought about a lot of things. I thought about how frustrated Sylvi gets when words and letters get mixed up in her head and she can't read a sentence that she was able to read the day before. I thought about how many times I'd ran from things I was scared of. I thought about what keeps you grounded. For Terra (my mare) her training held true. She listened to me when it was most important. I've been so scared to ride her since my fall. But today we trusted each other in a significant way. I think we will be fine now.
For Sylvi, it's calm reassurance that if she just closes her eyes and takes a break from what she's trying to read then tries again when she's calmer ... the puzzle usually solves itself. Guess what Sylvi thinks of to calm her down? Her little pony, Junior.
You can't force trust, you can't force away fear ... but you can go back to what grounds you. You can find the calm place within and center there.
I've been so distracted and so far from the things that ground me and keep me the calm, rational, insightful person my friends have come to expect me to be.
I've let some of you down when you've come to me lately needing support and advice. I am sorry. I'm coming back to center. Back to my place of rest and calm. Soon, I'll be all I was and maybe a little better for some of the things I've had to deal with recently. Somethings are hard. Sometimes you get knocked down. Sometimes you get your heart stepped on. Sometimes your spirit is nearly broken. You can choose to let hardships influence positively or negatively. You can choose to be bitter. You can choose to feel broken and unmendable. OR ... you can get up, dust yourself off and be grateful for the blessings you do have. With a broken heart, you can learn to be more compassionate to others. When you've been knocked down you learn to reach out to help someone else up. When you spirit is banged up and bruised, you learn how to motivate others when you sense the same bedraggled spirit in them.
Life is a journey ... so enjoy the ride!

Blessings,
Tess

Blogging via email

2010-05-13T10:35:00.001-07:00

Maybe I'll blog more now that I can do it from my email!

Abundant Blessings,
Tess

Tess H. Vanattia, M.A., Ph.D.

HorseSouth Magazine, INC & Teadora Media

30 Ridge Crest Drive | Blairsville, GA | 30512

678.448.7287 | Skype ( therese.vanattia )
tess@horsesouth.com

www.horsesouth.com
www.teadoramedia.com

what just falls out sometimes ....

2010-04-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

It always works out that when I need to write something, I can’t … but I can write something I want to. At least, that’s how it goes for me.
I guess there are a lot of quotes I could dig up about minding your tongue. There are many more about how your words affect folks. It's a two-way street. Your words might inspire or encourage or they might cut to the bone.
I'll share a very personal story.
About five days after my first child was born my then husband decided he didn't want to be married to me anymore. It sucked, pretty hard. I was mostly angry and because I had a precious newborn to care for I sort of adopted an attitude that I couldn't be bothered by his nonsensical crap. But I was broken on the inside, that big ol honkin' knife in my back was hard for me to ignore. Sometimes we package ourselves up in a way to seem more appealing to those we love or are partnered with. It’s not that we aren’t “ourselves” but sometimes you loose parts of yourself that were essential to the core of you. I had done that in this relationship, I cut away my cerebral tendencies, played down my intelligence. I lost so much of who I was. So the betrayal was two-fold for me.
My dear friend Templeton recently released a new album. She's an amazin' singer, songwriter, cowgirl poet. She has a song on this album called "Stronger in the broken places." http://www.templetonthompson.com
This song is an anthem for healing from anything that might have been a tough row to hoe for you. First time I heard it - tears instantly sprang to my eyes. It reminded me of nearly 13 years ago when I took my 6 week old baby to my post-havin'-a-baby appointment. I was alone. My husband was shacked up with his new love and I began the journey of raising my incredible son Wade on my own. In the waiting room this sweet and incredibly well meaning woman asked me or commented that she betted that my husband was sure proud of such a beautiful and perfect baby boy. Still full of a lot of anger, I said with as much grace as possible that I really wouldn't know. Without any great detail I explained that Wade's "dad" cheated on me while I was pregnant and was not really pitchin' in with the diaper changes. He was gone. I'll never forget that woman. She didn't belittle my ex-husband (who is making amends these days) but she said. "Well, honey ... you are in a better position than you think. You look in the mirror, you are so beautiful and you have this gorgeous baby boy and you will meet someone wonderful. You will meet a man that will fall in love with this child and with you, so don't you worry."
Her words were like a healing balm on a bad burn for me. Because at just 25 years old, I thought I was done. I’d loved two men at that point. One, who I could always be myself with, I’d lost due to my own stupidity and immaturity, and then my husband left me. I figured I was washed up. No more love for me. It’s amazing what you can dream up when you are feeling sorry for yourself.
I wish I knew that lady’s name.
She spoke my world into existence ... just threw it out there to the universe and about a year later I met Kent. Kent fell in love with Wade before he completely fell for me.
So what you say to someone, even if you are just bein' sweet or thoughtful can hold more meaning for someone than you ever realize.
We are stronger in the broken places ... love is a gamble; everyone’s bound to get knocked down. But, we all learn a little (or a lot) from each relationship.
I think that a lot of people feel broken these days (especially in the horse industry) because financial circumstances are beyond their control. It's hard not to feel broken when you don't have money to pay for the things you and your loved ones need. I know what that feels like. I also know we will all be better for the struggles. I really wonder if this isn't a higher power trying to wipe out that sense of entitlement that plagues our young people and many of their parents too. Many of us have been saying "we need to get back to basics" and how our values were eroding. Well, nothing will jerk you right into reality and make you aware of right from wrong like being absolutely forced live on the meager side. Maybe it's a collective smack upside the head? Variations of the quote “what doesn’t kill you, will make your stronger” have been etched into cave walls and still holds true today.
Having your circumstances change abruptly can make you a little jaded and cynical too. We can get past that. But moral decay is tough to turn around at a dead gallop, and baby – that horse has been stretched out and flat gettin’ it.
I don't know, but a lot of folks I know have spent the last year to 18 months getting back to those basics and enjoying time with their families. They are taking walks and enjoying simpler things.
I experience so much joy just from watching my kids. Yesterday, Sylvi and Wyatt stole an egg out of the fridge and were trying to “hatch” it. Sylvi is nine and knew better but she was humoring her little brother! My laughter was the product of pure, unadulterated amusement. You can't pay payments on that.
Just remember, no matter what happens … be it the loss of love, money or respect … tomorrow is another day. Take what you can from your mistakes and your experiences.
Regret can consume you if you don’t remember to ask yourself what you learned from stepping on the wrong path. A lesson sometimes will never make up for a loss you suffer.
This is true for me personally, but I am a better person today because of the mountains I’ve climbed, tunneled through or hiked around the long way.
I have three simple rules for life:
1. If you love someone tell them. Even if they don’t love you back you will make them feel special and they will remember you for how you made them feel. Complement people, they probably need it. Most of the time you are thinking … man I wish I could sing, play the guitar, paint, run, keep my house as clean, cook etc. etc. etc. as well as … anyway. Just tell them, geez.
2. Laugh, out loud and often as possible. Laugh at the absurdity, laugh at Murphy and his cruel jokes.
3. Remember to breathe, stop and look around … you are a puzzle piece in a giant jigsaw. But to know where you go, you have to be aware of where you are. Look up, pay attention and drink in the miracle of your existence. Everyone has a gift to share with the world. That’s the miracle of you.

Do these things and you’ll overcome most of your hurts and clear the obstacles that keep you from enjoying life.

You are stronger in the broken places!
peace and light
Tess

formspring.me

2010-04-01T21:05:00.001-07:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/tessvanattia

Road to the Horse day 1

2010-03-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

Jody Wood of the Wood Ranch brought a beautiful remuda for 2010. Greys, palominos, some striking bays ... it's alw.ays nice when the herd is colorful. These three year olds were also playful, alert and active.
I'll post photos on my return home.
I always like to ask folks which colt they would have picked. Interestingly, Tommmy Garland said he wouldn't have picked any of the colts choosen. He favored the bays. Josh Lyons did like the #9 horse. Ken McNabb chose #9, WR Turning Diamonds, a 2007 gray gelding by Blue Diamond Hancock out of Turning Commander.

Cameron chose colt #10, WR Shining Alamo, a 2007 palomino by Shining King Cody out of Alamosa Annie. Richard Winters chose #1, WR Shiner Flashback, a 2007 sorrel gelding by Shining King Cody by Flashy Flashback.

Winter's haltered his horse first and according to our resident training expert Jody Cook, may be ever so slightly further along than McNabb & Cameron. That said, Craig spent a lot of time bonding and rubbing his horse. It's so hard to tell this early.
All the horses were haltered and introduced to desensitization techniques of various degrees. But none were saddled.

They are closely matched for tomorrow's round pen sessions. It's just too early in the game to know. Predictions are all over the place.

On another note, the riding demos where outstanding.

Ken McNabb left not a dry eye in the house. He rode to the song "my father in me" while Trent and Kirk, his young sons played with cars in the dirt at the center of the arena. His flying lead changes, diagonals and half passes were outstanding. But when Kurt McNabb, Ken's father joined the boys to play ... 5000 people were moved beyond words. They wrapped the tear jerking ride with Ken dismounting and all four McNabb's walking out hand in hand.

Craig Cameron rode to a montage of two songs - and this man's ability to maneuver his horse at breakneck speeds is why he is the original "Extreme Cowboy". His seat is sublime and his cues are invisible - his ride is awe inspiring.

Richard Winters and his daughter Sara (age 20) executed dual reining spins, wore matching chaps and hats and executed a routine that rivaled any freestyle dressage or reining performance I've ever seen ... well, except Stacy Westfall's ... but really - how do you trump Stacy?

The opening ceremonies brought together Kurt and Trent McNabb and Tootie Bland's neices (4th generation Bland cowgirls) to carry the sponsor flags and Shortie Tarpley, wife of the new (and completely awesome by the way) boss wrangler Adam Tarpley.

For entertainment the incomparable "One Armed Bandit" John Payne was back with his buffalo, his mule and a new paint pony we should see him ride tomorrow. He ain't the 10 time PRCA entertainment act of the year for nothin' - it's just flat out jaw dropping to see him herd two buffalo up on top of a stock trailer and execute a reining spin on the same trailer while said trailer is pulling out of the arena.

and ... that, is all for tonight folks!

The Sanctuary Helps Raise Money For Charity With Successful Bernie Traurig Clinic and Standing Room Only Gala

2010-02-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release –

For more information contact:

Tom Grabe

The Sanctuary Equine Sports

Therapy & Rehabilitation Center

www.sanctuaryequinerehab.com

1-352-369-HEAL (4325)

The Sanctuary Helps Raise Money For Charity With Successful Bernie Traurig Clinic and Standing Room Only Gala

Ocala, FL (February 11, 2010) – A clinic by Olympian Bernie Traurig, held at The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, proved to be an over-the-top success that brought in top professionals as well as amateur and youth riders. Traurig, one of the most respected and sought after clinicians in the country, gave the clinic in conjunction with Global Connection, and a portion of the proceeds from the event benefited Horses and Heroes.

“Bernie’s clinic was an amazing success,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary. “The Saturday night gala dinner and silent auction were standing room only, and a great deal of money was raised for the Horses and Heroes charity.”

Traurig, reached the top of the horse show world in all three of the International Equestrian Olympic disciplines -- show jumping, dressage, and eventing – and was able to share his vast experience and talent with the clinicians. “Bernie is considered the greatest master of equestrian sport, so it was a thrill to watch him teach,” McDuffee said.

In addition to teaching the clinic, Traurig was available for a meet and greet during the Saturday night gala dinner and silent auction. “We are thrilled with how well the gala and auction went,” McDuffee said. “It was standing room only during the evening and it was exciting to see how much money was raised for charity.”

The clinic, gala and auction were held at the state-of-the-art Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, a multi-million dollar facility in Ocala dedicated to the healing, conditioning and well being of all equine athletes. The Sanctuary offers the latest in technological equipment designed to promote safe and rapid advancement for horses recovering from injury or in need of training.

A variety of physical therapy options at The Sanctuary also enable horses to receive the care that benefits them the most. The Sanctuary’s skilled staff is thoroughly trained and knowledgeable, with a passion for horses and the desire to see each horse return well rested, fit and ready to perform at the top of his game. For more information on The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, visit their website at www.sanctuaryequinerehab.com.

-30-

Photo: Olympian Bernie Traurig taught a successful clinic at The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in Ocala, sharing his vast show knowledge with professionals, amateurs and youth. Presented by Global Connection, a portion of the proceeds from the event benefited Horses and Heroes. (Photo courtesy of the Equine Chronicle)

Birmingham Equine Shortcourse ... registry includes a chance to win 1 Ton of Purina Feed!

2010-02-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

1st Annual
Birmingham Equine Shortcourse

Performance Horse Emphasis

February 20, 2010
Saturday, 8am-2pm
Inverness Country Club
#1 Country Club Drive
Birmingham, Al 35242
Drawing for a ton of Purina Feed

Speakers:
Dr. Kelly Vineyard, Nutritionist, Purina Mills “Nutrition of the Performance Horse and Supplements”
Laura Hellman DVM, Southern Equine Services, “Colic”
Kristen Talbott DVM, Coosa Valley Equine Hospital “Poisons”
Jud Easterwood DVM, Harrington Equine Hospital “Lameness”

Hosted by: Purina Mills, C&R Feed and Coosa Valley Milling

Lunch Provided
$25.00 pre register or $30.00 at the door
RSVP: 205-965-9494
rbowles@landolakes.com
Send Check by Feb 16 please
Rhonda Johnson Bowles
22401 US Hwy 411
Ashville, Al 35953
Bringing the latest research to you!
From our farm to yours!
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed

New Book On Small Equines Celebrates Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies

2009-12-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release –

For more information contact the:

American Shetland Pony Club

American Miniature Horse Registry

Zona Schneider, Director of Operations

309-263-4044

zona@shetlandminiature.com

New Book On Small Equines Celebrates Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies

Wellington, FL (December 1, 2009) – A new book on small equines is celebrating the small but mighty Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses in a big way! The Big Book of Small Equines, A Celebration of Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies, by Johnny Robb and Jan Westmark (Skyhorse Publishing, $29.95 Hardcover) is now available and being embraced by horse enthusiasts everywhere.

Filled with colorful stories of small equines, as well as beautiful full-page color photographs from some of the country’s most recognized equine photographers, the book embraces America’s love affair with small equines. New York Times Bestselling author Tami Hoag penned the foreward for the book, detailing her own love of a Shetland Pony named Dan that began her life-long love of horses.

Hoag writes in the foreward that Dan was the dream pony that every horse crazy kid imagines. “My very first horse show was with Dan. I drove him in a homemade cart with wheels salvaged from a Model-A car. We placed fifth out of five, but I got a big pink ribbon and never looked back.”

The Big Book of Small Equines also takes a look at several well-known equestrians who all started their riding careers on small equines. International dressage competitor George Williams, who represented the United States in the World Cup in Sweden and in Germany, is featured in a story about his Shetland Pony Mitzi “I would use a ladder to climb up her rump and get on her,” George fondly recalled.

Television star and style guru Carson Kressley, known for his shows Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and How to Look Good Naked, also began his career on Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses. Today, in addition to being a fashion and design expert Kressley is a Champion Saddlebred rider but says he will always have a soft spot for small equines.

The Big Book of Small Equines, A Celebration of Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies, captures the charm and delight that small equines have brought to so many riders. The book is available online at Skyhorse Publishing, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. It is also available in bookstores throughout the country and through the American Shetland Pony Club American Miniature Horse Registry website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.

Scholarship Established in Honor of Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi

2009-11-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-30T09:57:00.001-08:00

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

AQHA Offers New Releases on DVD

2009-11-13T10:31:00.002-08:00

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

2009-11-13T10:31:00.001-08:00

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.

Event Program Announced for USET Foundation Fundraiser

2009-11-02T07:07:00.001-08:00

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.

under-sharing

2009-10-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it HAS totally been forever since I shared my thoughts with the viewing public.
It's not as if I haven't had any. I am not sure what has kept me silent. It's really not like me.
Since I last posted personally a lot has happened!
I attended my high school reunion -
I rode my horse again after a two year "I'm skeert" phase -
I FINALLY got a new sofa! Actually I got TWO new sofas (isn't that lucky!)
I've been to TN, KY Florida and Illinois -
My kids have out grown nearly all their clothes again -
I've made some huge personal changes so that I can have more peace of mind and inner bliss.

This is very big stuff! Oh, and just tonight ... I registered to run / walk in my first 5K ever!

I've tried for years to hide under the delusion that I didn't like to run. Truth is I just suck at it. I am short and in school everyone just blurred past me. I don't like to do things I suck at, especially public things!
It wasn't that I was completely nonathletic. I rode horses, I was a gymnast, I rode my 10 speed everywhere and I can roller skate backwards!
But to be real here - I'm a brat. Seriously ... I'm the kid that quit playing Monopoly when I wasn't winning. Apparently, I have control issues. Running, I never worked at hard enough to be any good at it.
My Uncle Don is a runner! I tried to run with him a time or two, like for lessons. I think I thought it'd rub off on me. I was waiting for an instant transition in which my lungs wouldn't feel as if they'd descended into the pits of hell. Never happened and I just got out run by a dude that was more than twice my age. My uncle is now in his 70's, he's still in awesome shape. I think he walks more than he runs. My guess is, he can still kick my ass running any day of the week and all day on Sunday!
So I've had this secret desire to be a runner. I was perfectly willing to take it to my grave, honest! I'm sure I am at least 45 lbs over weight and walking around on battered knees and I am slightly asthmatic ... seems like I may have missed my peak time to excel at this activity. I have, however, paid my $20 for a 5K that is in exactly 2 weeks.
I am not sure whether to thank profusely or drop kick my good friend Jeanne for encouraging this bizarre behavior. I'll let you know around noon on Nov. 14th. Interestingly, this date is my childhood best friend's (also named Jeanne)birthday. This friend is an EMT, I don't think this is a coincidence. I need one Jeanne to encourage and inspire me and the other to administer CPR. It's all good!
I have two friends from high school that have recently completed half marathons. Megan and Rhonda are my heroes - my secret desire to run was first fueled by their facebook posts about their training runs and then of course their triumph over 13.1 miles! I will think of them as I waddle through this first 5K. I may curse them too, but I will not mean it, scouts honor! They are completely awesome!
I have some level of embarrassment in getting to this 5K. Because of my battered knees (insert gymnastics here) I have to go get uber good running shoes that correct my "over pronation" (check me out with my cool running terms!)this just means that I literally "run funny". So in order to have my gait evaluated I get to go to the running store, you know where the elite marathon types hang out. Those that have read my past columns know that I am a positive person. So, I will not crinkle my determination by worrying about the looks I might get in this mecca for runners. I am sure that pudgy women go there everyday embarking upon their own realization of secret dreams of athleticism.
I am listening to my cowgirl sister Templeton's song "I can do this" for more inspiration because it's late and Inspiration Jeanne has gone to bed. Paramedic Jeanne is likely awake, but I feel sure she'd discourage me from probable cardiac infractions.
Seriously, its not the 5K ... it's a run/walk and I walk 4 to 5 miles pretty often. A 5K is only 3.1 miles. I can't run it yet. But I will - that realization is somewhat scary.
Inspiration Jeanne says that if you are uncomfortable then you are growing, unless of course you have a sunburn or a hemorrhoid or something, then it just is what it is. I wont be uncomfortable walking this first 5K, but I will be uncomfortable because I won't be running. I am learning thou, a little at time that I don't have to and I can't control everything. I can't get in good enough shape to run a 5K in two weeks. I could wait, I bet that's what you are thinking. I could train and then do one in the spring. I could ... but I wouldn't.
I just need to go be uncomfortable. So I will ... remember, I paid my $20 already and Kent (my hubby) won't let me back out. That's a good thing.
So, wish me luck folks. I'm gonna get up stupid early in two weeks, drive 50 miles and likely be really cold. I'll walk 5 kilometers but most importantly, I am going to let go of my need to control everything in my life. Oh, don't get too excited ... I'll still need to control most everything else. But this I can do.
AND party bonus ... I get a t-shirt!

hunt down your bliss and nail it to the wall,
Tess

Exclusive Couture ‘Derby Hats’ to be Offered in One-of-a-Kind Online Charity Auction Benefiting Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility

2009-10-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cynthia Grisolia, Old Friends

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Maggie Mae Designs® (508-430-1626), info@maggiemae.com

Note: additional images available

Exclusive Couture ‘Derby Hats’ to be Offered in One-of-a-Kind Online Charity Auction Benefiting Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility

GEORGETOWN, KY—OCTOBER 22, 2009—Custom Millinery Maggie Mae Designs® has joined forces with Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Central Kentucky, to create an unparalleled online shopping experience: “Hats Off to Horses: The Road to the Derby.”

On November 1, 2009 Old Friends will auction the first of six elegant Kentucky Derby Hats handcrafted by acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs®. Each of the six Steinmann pieces will be inspired by one of the 70 retired racehorses pensioned at Old Friends’s Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, KY.

“Hats off to Horses: The Road to the Derby” will offer a new, one-of-a-kind millinery creation for bid each month, with all of the high-fashion action leading up to the most exciting two minutes in sports.

The first day of bidding on the “Black Tie Affair” will be November 1, 2009 and the auction will be available for 10 days only. Interested bidders can view the hat and learn more about Steinmann by visiting www.maggiemaedesigns.com and following the auction link.

Ms Steinmann is donating each of the hats, and 100 percent of the online proceeds will go to Old Friends, the 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization (recently featured in the Aug. 24th edition of the New York Times) founded by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen.

Steinmann has been making hats for Derby and many other racing events since 1998. Her designs were seen in the winner’s circle in 2008 when Big Brown captured the Run for the Roses. Her life-long love affair with horses has inspired her to create this matchless collection of Derby Hats to benefit Old Friends.

“Making hats is a passion,” said Steinmann, “but the horses are too, and with this project they are intertwined for me.

I have been wanting to do an exclusive fundraiser with just one equine-welfare organization for a long time,” adds Steinmann. “I had been corresponding with Alex Brown, who runs ‘ABR’ a horseracing website, and he suggested Old Friends–he couldn't possibly have known that they were my dream choice,” she laughs. “I was thrilled that Michael Blowen was excited about the idea, too.”

“It’s an honor to be working with Sally on this project,” said Blowen, who launched the facility in 2003. “Her work is exceptionally beautiful, and the hats will be fitting tributes to the great athletes we have retired here. We are so grateful for her generosity.”

The first hat on the block will celebrate Old Friends retiree Black Tie Affair. The now 23-year-old stallion won the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1991 and subsequently the Eclipse Award for “Horse of the Year”. His earnings on the racetrack exceed $3 million.

For this superlative athlete Steinmann has crafted an extraordinary chapeau. A foundation of luscious silver dupioni silk and silver silk organza has been layered with waves of pale silk organza brims.

The hat is, naturally, highlighted by…a black tie. Created in bold silk, the bowtie trim is adorned with red roses that recall the horse’s stable colors and a swirling black-dot veil that “reminds us of the lovely dapple gray coat he had during his of racing days,” said Steinmann.

The chic finish: a single red rose curl on the backside. “This final touch,” adds Steinmann, “makes the hat a stunning statement from every angle.”

Similar designs by Steinmann have sold for $700-900.

One doesn’t have to be a racing fan to know that wearing a sensational hat to the Kentucky Derby is a long-standing tradition. From the owners, trainers, and Hollywood celebrities sitting on Churchill Downs’s famed Millionaire Row, to the madcap toppers seen in the infield, the “Derby Hat” parade is as fundamental as the post parade on the First Saturday in May.

Even if you’re not Derby-bound, the Black Tie Affair hat would make an elegant addition to any formal ensemble.

“I’m so excited about Hats Off to Horses”, said Steinmann. “I can't think of a better way to celebrate the Derby and raise money for Old Friends all at the same time!”

To bid on November 1st go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and click on the appropriate link. Each new hat will be made available on the first day of the month through April 2010.

For additional information contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com or Maggie Mae Designs® at info@maggiemae.com.

For more information about Old Friends see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs® Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions – from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning and unique bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can been seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that is home to over 70 retired racehorses. It’s Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. For more information on tours, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, or to make a donation, contact the farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

ADEQUAN JOINS FORCES WITH THE ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION AS THE “OFFICIAL JOINT THERAPY SPONSOR”

2009-10-21T15:30:00.001-07:00

ADEQUAN JOINS FORCES WITH THE ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION

AS THE “OFFICIAL JOINT THERAPY SPONSOR”

The Arabian Horse Association announced that one of the nation’s leaders in the fight against degenerative joint disease in horses, the veterinarian-trusted name of Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is now a corporate sponsor and the “Official Joint Therapy Sponsor of AHA.”

Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of the flagship equine health product, Adequan®, will be represented at national shows and at the AHA convention in Reno in November during the general session. “Adequan is certainly an excellent fit for AHA,” said Cory H. Soltau, DVM. “Adequan has a long and safe track record for strong efficacy in the treatment of equine joints.”

Lance Walters, AHA president said, “We’re proud to have this new partnership with Luitpold Pharmaceuticals. The Adequan brand has a tremendously positive reputation – a terrific match for our 100-year-old breed association. From distance and racing to reining and the show ring, Arabian horse owners have long understood the usefulness of this fine product. We welcome Luitpold to the AHA family.”

Allyn Mann, Senior Manager of the Animal Health Division at Luitpold, said, “We continue to share the vision of Arabian Horse Association to promote excellence in their breed and the welfare of the horses. With Adequan® i.m., the only FDA-approved disease modifying joint disease treatment, Arabian horse owners can help keep their horses performing at the top of their game,” Mann continued. “We appreciate that AHA members have shown confidence in our brand, our product and our results. They know from experience that we understand the needs of performance horses and that we support the devoted equestrians and horses throughout the industry.”

Due to the rigors of competition, many performance horses suffer from joint disease. Adequan® is designed to help treat the underlying cause of the problem and break the cycle of damage, while reducing pain and inflammation.

To learn more about the causes, effects and treatments for equine degenerative joint disease, Adequan® offers a free educational CD or on-line video. To request this free educational video, call 1-800-974-9247, or visit www.adequan.com.

###

There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or PSGAG in horses. Studies have not been conducted to establish safety in breeding horses. Go to www.adequan.com or call 800-974-9247 for full prescribing information. Adequan® i.m. is a registered trademark of Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

AHA is a major equine association serving 37,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org

American Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse Registry National Convention to Be Hosted in Orlando, FL November 5th-7th

2009-10-21T15:29:00.001-07:00

American Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse Registry National Convention to Be Hosted
in Orlando, FL November 5th-7th

Orlando, FL (October 21, 2009) – Members of the American Shetland Pony Club, the American Miniature Horse Registry and the American Show Pony Registry (ASPC/AMHR/ASPR) will reap the rewards for a successful year and plan for 2010 at the small equine organization’s upcoming annual convention. Supporters of the versatile and popular small equine breeds will meet in Orlando, Florida, November 5-7.

The ASPC/AMHR/ASPR are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. “Despite a shaky economy, small equines have continued to grow in numbers throughout the country. Due to their small size and affordable price, both children and adults own and show these remarkable breeds,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the ASPC/AMHR. “Our annual convention helps us stay focused and continue to grow and promote the greatest little equines in America.”

Thanks to M & D Printing all convention attendee will be treated to a VIP evening at the Arabian Nights Dinner Theatre, home to Tap Dance Kidd (Dancer) a three-time Grand National Champion American Shetland Pony. In an effort to keep Shetlands and Miniatures in the spotlight, the ASPC/AMHR donated Dancer to Arabian Nights as the first-ever ambassador of the breed to appear at the popular attraction.

“Arabian Nights is also home to a black Shetland Pony that plays the role of ‘Little Black’ in the Black Stallion Literacy Program. Formerly named Brush Creek’s Success, the new Little Black was donated by Bruce Becker of Brush Creek Stables in Arlington, Illinois,” Robb said, adding that in the last decade the Club and its members have taken a proactive role in keeping their small equines in the public eye.
The American Shetland Pony Club and the American Miniature Horse Registry recently held their national championship shows, with thousands of the finest Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses from around the country competing for top money and big prizes. During the annual convention, the club will recognize top breeders, competitors and national All Star and Hall of Fame winners.

Started in 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club is one of the oldest equine registries in the United States. Incorporated in 1972, the American Miniature Horse Registry was first the registry for Miniature Horses in the United States and continues to be one of the foremost organizations committed to the preservation and promotion of these small equines. For more information on the annual convention, or small equines, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.

-30-

Top 10 things to remember about equine parasite resistance

2009-10-21T15:25:00.001-07:00

Top 10 things to remember about equine parasite resistance

By Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, MS, manager, Merial Veterinary Services
Dr. Cheramie's picture is available for download

Parasite control is an important part of every equine health care program. Today, it’s no longer enough just to know what worms are bugging your horse. Now, you need to understand the basics of parasite resistance to ensure your program is effective.

If you already have enough to keep track of, don’t worry — veterinarians are your ally in keeping all the information straight. They also will help with developing and monitoring your parasite control program to ensure effectiveness and to keep resistance at bay.

When considering your parasite control program, there are 10 key things to keep in mind:

1. Resistance is a real threat. With no new parasite control products on the horizon, it’s important to start protecting our ability to control parasites by keeping current products effective.
2. Know the product class. Nearly all equine parasite control products belong to one of three different classes: benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones and pyrantel pamoates.
3. Use what works. It’s important to know what class you’re using because many experts believe macrocyclic lactones is the only class of medications that is capable of controlling key parasites in adult horses.1,2 For example, ivermectin, one of the two main active ingredients in ZIMECTERIN® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel), is part of the macrocyclic lactones class.
4. Don’t rotate without reason. Many experts believe rotating through a series of different drugs will mask the effects of using products with resistance problems.3 In fact, information shows rotating through different parasite control products does not appear to slow the development of resistance.4
5. A few worms are OK. In the past, the goal of parasite control programs was to completely eliminate all parasites. However, today’s programs should be focused on reducing transmission of parasites, keeping worm burdens below harmful levels and treating clinically affected horses. Maintaining a population of parasites that can be killed by dewormers is an important factor in delaying the development of resistant parasites.2
6. Get the information. By performing a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), your veterinarian can help identify the key parasite threats on your premises, if the products you are using are working and what products should be included in your parasite control program.5
7. Know what’s on your farm. The species and amount of parasites attacking horses can vary by geographic area. For instance, tapeworms may be found more frequently in the upper Midwest or southeastern parts of the United States, rather than the West Coast.6
8. Get it done right. FECRTs can easily be misinterpreted if samples are collected, handled or analyzed improperly. Be sure these tests are properly conducted by veterinarians or by independent, reputable laboratories.
9. Treat the “problem” horses. It’s estimated that 20 percent to 30 percent of the horses on a farm put out about 80 percent of the parasite eggs, while other horses tend to shed fewer worm eggs whether treated or not.2 By focusing treatments on horses shedding most of the worm eggs, you can help maintain a population of susceptible parasites, reduce the risk of resistance and help keep horses healthy.2
10. Guarantee success. We are all concerned about keeping our horses healthy, and the best way to make certain your product works is to look for products with a 100 percent product satisfaction guarantee.

With several different kinds of parasites waiting to attack horses and confusion surrounding the resistance problems of some parasite control products, it is harder than ever to be sure all key parasite threats are controlled. Keep these 10 tips in mind and your veterinarian’s number handy, and you’ll be set for the new era of parasite control.

Dr. Cheramie specializes in equine surgery and performance horse medicine and has a special interest in colic and performance-limiting problems, including gastric ulceration and lameness. He holds a doctorate of veterinary medicine from Louisiana State University and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Warning: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. In horses, there have been rare reports of swelling and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue following administration of ZIMECTERIN Gold. These reactions have been transitory in nature. Do not use in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.

®ZIMECTERIN is a registered trademark of Merial Limited. ©2009 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. EQUIZIM934 (08/09).

For more information, contact:
Rachel Torbert
Bader Rutter
(402) 434-5307
rtorbert@bader-rutter.com

1Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Ionita M, Collins SS. Evaluation of parasiticidal activity of fenbendazole, ivermectin, oxibendazle and pyrantel pamoate in horse foals with emphasis on ascarids (Parascaris equorum) in field studies on five farms in central Kentucky in 2007. Parasitol Res 2008;103:287-291.

2Kaplan RM. These ain’t your father’s parasites: An evidence-based medical approach to equine parasite control. The Practitioner October 2008.

3Kaplan RM, et al. Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance cyathostomes on horse farms. Parasitology Today 1999;15(4):156-159.

4Uhlinger CA, Kristula M. Effects of alteration of drug classes on the development of oxibendazole resistance in a herd of horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1992;201:51-55.

5Reinemeyer CR. Rational approaches to equine parasite control. In: Proceedings for the 2004 Equine Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers. 2004:64-72.

6Reinemeyer C. Updates on the biology, diagnosis and control of cestodes in horses. Proc WAAVP 2003:16.

New Solution to Saddle Fit Challenges-

2009-09-30T07:38:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release-

For more information contact:

Saddlefit4Life®

http://www.saddlefit4life.com

ThinLine Inc

888-401-9101

www.thinlineinc.com

New Solution to Saddle Fit Challenges-

ThinLine and Saddlefit4Life® Introduce

New High-Tech Segue Saddle Pad

Durham, NC (September 30, 2009) - ThinLine Inc and Saddlefit4Life® have joined forces to create a new saddle pad designed to extend the fit of custom fitted saddles as horses mature and develop. The Segue saddle pad combines the revolutionary ThinLine technology and the latest in saddle fit innovations from Saddlefit4Life®. The Segue pad is designed as a solution for horses with recent muscle development that can affect the fit of the saddle and for riders looking for more impact absorption.

Researchers and designers at Saddlefit4Life® say, “We have looked around world to find a product like this. The Segue pad is truly second to none. It can help, in addition to proper saddle fit, to protect a horses back and rider’s spine from long term damage.”

Saddlefit4Life® and ThinLine designed this new pad to segue from either a not so recent saddle fit session or to protect a new horse until the saddle fitter can arrive. It is a temporary solution to offer immediate comfort for both horse and rider. The Segue pad is comprised of an Ultra ThinLine attached to a cotton half pad with pockets for placing inserts that are available in several sizes and thicknesses. Industry experts call this process ‘shimming’: creating a temporary fit until new saddles can be delivered or while horses are busy changing shape during training and growth.

The Segue offers an exclusive shimming system designed by Saddlefit4Life®. Special custom ThinLine shim thicknesses and sizing are available only with the Segue Saddlefit4Life® pad.

Saddlefit4Life® compares the benefits of ThinLine technology in the Segue pad to shoe inserts for marathon runners. Just as a thick layer of foam in his shoes would make a runner very unstable; thick layers of padding under a saddle make a rider unstable. For riders that are content with their current saddle but are intrigued by the possible benefits of the Segue saddle pad, the Segue pad is still useful. Jochen Schleese, a Certified Master Saddler for Saddlefit4Life® explains, “Without inserts this pad is thin enough to deliver shock absorbing benefits without altering perfect saddle fit.”

Elaine Lockhead, president of ThinLine, is thrilled with the new product saying, “The Segue saddle pad alone can offer horse and rider additional comfort and protection of their backs. The new shimming system has been specially designed to ensure that use of the Segue pad can only help the horse and never hurt him.”

The Segue pad is available now from Saddlefit4Life® representatives in North America, Europe and Australia as well as online at www.ThinLine.com and in many tack stores nationwide. For more information about the Segue pad, visit www.ThinLine.com.

Michelle Callahan and “Stylish” Win Year’s Supply of Vetrolin® Grooming Products From Farnam at American Shetland Pony Congress

2009-08-20T06:32:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release –

For more information contact the:

American Shetland Pony Club

American Miniature Horse Registry

Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing

561-753-4608

minipony@earthlink.net

Zona Schneider, Director of Operations

309-263-4044

zona@shetlandminiature.com

Michelle Callahan and “Stylish” Win Year’s Supply of
Vetrolin® Grooming Products
From Farnam at American Shetland Pony Congress

Cloverdale, Ind. (August 20, 2009) – Michelle Callahan and her Shetland Pony SMHC’s Freedom Stylish One, also known as “Stylish,” proved they had plenty of style at the 121st American Shetland Pony Congress Show when Stylish won the Vetrolin Grooming Award, sponsored by Farnam. Winning the title of “Best Groomed” pony at the show, earned Stylish and Callahan a year’s supply of Vetrolin® Grooming Products provided by Farnam.

“I am so excited that I won this wonderful award, especially since the judges voted on it,” Callahan said. “My boyfriend is always making fun of me because I take forever bathing Stylish and I am so tedious when getting the horses ready for their classes. But this time my hard work paid off!”

Callahan, who lives in Warrenton, Missouri, purchased Stylish at the beginning of July from Denise Johnson. Although she only had a short time to prepare Stylish for the show, she said bathing and clipping are always part of her regime. “I can’t wait to try all of the Vetrolin® products. I do go through a lot of shampoo and conditioner in order to give a ‘good’ bath,” Callahan said. “I am really pleased to see the diversified ingredients in the products. I also have a dog with a skin condition and the Vetrolin® products work on dogs, so that is wonderful.”

The Vetrolin® brand offers a comprehensive line of grooming products from cleaning and conditioning to soothing and invigorating; Vetrolin® products perform to the highest standard – serious grooming for serious competitors™. Vetrolin® products are renowned for the essential oils and invigorating aroma that sets them apart from the competition. The ten products in the Vetrolin® line provide a one-stop place to satisfy all your grooming needs and includes bath, body wash, conditioner, detangler, shine, green spot out, liniment and liniment gel products plus the newest additions to the Vetrolin® line White ‘N Brite™ Shampoo and White ‘N Brite™ Body Wash.

In addition to winning the “Best Groomed” award at Congress, Stylish proved he was more than just a pretty face by spending plenty of time in the winner’s circle. The stunning Shetland earned a first in Classic Model Gelding, a first in Classic Gelding 2 Years Old Over and was Classic Gelding Junior Champion. His flashy coat also earned him first in the Classic Gelding Multi-Color class and Reserve Grand Champion in the Classic Gelding Grand Champion Over class.

“The American Shetland Pony Club is really pleased that Farnam, the makers of Vetrolin® products, support our small equines and we are very grateful that they sponsored the Vetrolin Grooming Award,” said Johnny Robb, director of marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR). “Michelle was thrilled that her pony won the Vetrolin award and is sure to become a lifelong Vetrolin fan now. All of our American Shetland Pony Club members take pride in how they care for their ponies, which was obvious by all the gleaming coats at Congress.”

The 121st Shetland Pony Congress Show, held at the Crossroads Arena in Cloverdale, Indiana, was the largest in five years with over 500 ponies from all across the country competing for National Championship titles in classes such as driving, halter, jumping, youth and costume classes.

For more information regarding Vetrolin® products, visit www.farnamhorse.com. For more information on the Shetland Pony Congress, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.

Equine Rescue Team, Alpharetta GA - from Ed Gadrix

2009-08-19T17:47:00.001-07:00

I have had discussions with Lt. Bill Bourne of the City of Milton ( North Fulton, County, Georgia) Fire Department. That Fire Department has developed an equine rescue team that can work with saving horses in overturned trailers, caught in difficult circumstances, like swimming pools, and all kinds of problems.

They are the only fire department in the State of Georgia that has such a team. They serve more than the City of Milton, but they can't' serve the entire State. What they can do is share their recourses, training and equipment with others.

They are in need of a life sized horse mannequin to complete their training and to make it available for rent to other fire departments. http://www.rescuecritters.com/p18.html This mannequin is very expensive, like $10,000.00. They have raised some money, but need more. They have a fund-raiser at Jack Cashin's Chukkar Farm http://www.chukkarfarm.com/ this Sunday for the polo match there. Please go and pay the $20 which all goes to the fund raising effort , as Jack, as usual, is generous in using his polo fields and games to do such great work. The fire department keeps all the proceeds; Thanks Jack

But I have a pretty good list myself and I know Sue Vetsch has a huge list. Please make a contribution to the Milton Fire Department. You can send it to the City of Milton, or if you send your check to me, I'll get it to them.

This is needed in our State as our precious horses need qualified rescue in times of distress.

Ed Gadrix

Horse Lover's Field Day - Gillsville, GA

2009-08-19T09:31:00.001-07:00

The third annual Horse Lovers Field Day will be held at Grove River Ranch in Gillsville on Saturday, August 29, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. This is a fund raising benefit for the Banks County 4H program, a fun event for the whole family: hay ride parking shuttles, educational speakers in air conditioned classrooms, equestrian demos in the shady indoor arena, vendors, food concessions, door prizes, and a raffle. See attached flyer for more details and schedule of events. The most efficient driving directions can be found on my web site. Admission is $5/person OR a whole vehicle full of people for only $10!

We have a few slots available for equine-related vendors and a couple more entries in the Obstacle Challenge. Please contact me if you would like additional information as soon as possible.

Hope you will make plans to join us!

CJ Farmer
http://GroveRiverRanch.com

Shelley Van den Neste Sizzles Again at Summer Sizzler 2 Dressage at Canterbury

2009-08-19T09:28:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release -

For more information contact:

Shelley Van den Neste

Sunrise Farms Sport Horses

1-435-655-5808
srfsporthorses@aol.com

Shelley Van den Neste Sizzles Again at Summer Sizzler 2 Dressage at Canterbury

Newberry, FL (August 19, 2009) - Shelley Van den Neste, of Sunrise Farms Sport Horses, didn’t let the Florida heat slow her down at the Summer Sizzler 2 Dressage at Canterbury show. Van den Neste sizzled in the ring, riding away with Championships, Reserves and High Scores at the show held at Newberry’s Canterbury Showgrounds.

"I am very happy about my horses and students. They all had pleasant attitudes at the show despite the heat and rainstorm on Saturday. The new fiber enhanced footing at Canterbury is resilient and well groomed and is the same footing that is at Sunrise Farms," Van den Neste said.

Van den Neste and Susquehanna, a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Jill Costello of Gainesville, Florida, earned the Second Level Championship title and the Reserve Champion title in Third Level. Susquehanna and Van den Neste had similar results at Canterbury’s Summer Sizzler 1 show, winning the High Point in Second Level. “Susquehanna is really coming along and I couldn’t be more pleased with her,” Van den Neste added.

Van den Neste also found herself in the winner’s circle with Latin Lover V, a seven-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Erol and Christine Pinto of Wellington, Florida. “It was his first show in the United States and he was Champion in Training Level and earned the High Point of the show with a 77.6%. It was a great debut,” Van den Neste said.

Midnight Oil, a Danish mare who has been in training with Van den Neste for only a month, made her show debut at the Intro Level, finishing the weekend with a high score of 74%. “She won all three Intro Classes with her owner, Adult Amateur rider Johnny Robb,” Van den Neste said. “It was a great experience for the mare and I look forward to seeing great things from her in the future.”

Van den Neste, who is sponsored by MDC Intelligent Stirrups®, believes a great deal of her show success stems from the cross training she does with the horses at her Sunrise Farms in Newberry. “I ride the horses in the dressage ring but I also take them out and jump and ride across the country. It does great things for their brains and fitness level,” Van den Neste said.

Van den Neste’s farm offers quality training services, specializes in clinics and offers rehab services for show horses that are having problems returning to the show ring. Van den Neste, a USDF Silver medalist and an L graduate, currently competes two horses at the FEI level. For more information on the farm, visit their website at www.srfsporthorses.com.

Bestselling Author Tami Hoag Donates Signed Novel to Helping Horses Help Kids Silent Auction

2009-08-19T09:27:00.001-07:00

Bestselling Author Tami Hoag Donates Signed Novel to Helping Horses Help Kids Silent Auction

Pataskala, OH (August 19, 2009) – New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag, who is also an accomplished adult amateur dressage rider, makes her living writing thrilling and spine-tingling murder mysteries. Hoag will thrill those attending the Second Annual Helping Horses Help Kids benefit for PBJ Connections by donating a signed copy of one of her bestselling mysteries to the benefit’s silent auction.

Hoag has signed a copy of her novel Kill The Messenger, which will be auctioned off at The Helping Horses Help Kids benefit September 19. The benefit will take place at the adjoining properties of PBJDressage and the farm of Bill and Vanieta Decker in Pataskala, Ohio.

Hoag says it’s no mystery that PBJ Connections works hard to help children, and she was honored to be part of the auction. “PBJ Connections Inc., is a nonprofit organization offering equine-assisted learning and therapy for children and teens,” said Glenda Childress, Executive Director of PBJ Connections. “Our goal at the Helping Horses Help Kids benefit is to raise $20,000 that will be used to provide our services to area youth who could not otherwise afford them.”

Hoag is known for supporting worthy projects, and recently donated signed copies of her novels to the riders at the Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Championships in Findlay, Ohio. She also donated a signed novel to the student auction at the American Horse Publications annual meeting.

“PBJ Connections works hard to provide equine-assisted learning and therapy to area at-risk youth and their families,” Hoag said. “I admire the work that PBJ Connections does and am hoping that Helping Horses Help Kids is a huge success.”

Hoag is known around the world for her intense suspense novels and has 14 New York Times bestselling novels to her name including Alibi Man, Kill The Messenger, Lucky’s Lady, Dust To Dust and Ashes To Ashes to name a few. Hoag’s novels Dark Horse and Alibi Man combine her love of horses and writing and take place amidst the Wellington, Florida equestrian scene.

Fans everywhere are eager for dressage’s top mystery writer to deliver a new thriller and Hoag isn’t disappointing her fans – Deeper Than The Dead will be on bookshelves by the end of the year.

For more information about Tami Hoag, or to see a list of her novels, visit her website at www.tamihoag.com. For more information on the Second Annual Helping Horses Help Kids benefit, visit the PBJ Connections website at www.pbjconnections.org.

RTTH's Richard Winters lays his cards on the table!

2009-08-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Returning Champion Richard Winters Aims to Defend Title at 2010 Road to the Horse

Like a classic showdown in an old western film, only time will tell which outstanding horseman will claim the Road to the Horse 2010 championship. With all three competitors strapping on their boots and stepping into the arena to give the event their best, returning competitor Richard Winters will defend his title against Craig Cameron and Ken McNabb.

Having already accomplished winning this spectacular colt-starting competition, Winters “aims high” with the promise to give it his best “shot”. Returning to the Road to the Horse arena on March 6-7, 2010 at Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this California cowboy says he knows the road may be longer and more difficult than before.

“With the right circumstances any one of us could win. I have a one in three chance! I know that I’d sure like to win another one of those buckles. I won’t be competing for 2nd place! Let’s see what happens,” exclaims Winters.

Setting two precedents at Road to the Horse, Winters rode his colt in a halter during the obstacle course and freestyle portion of the competition where he also tracked a calf in the arena. Using the horse’s natural cow instinct along with his cow horse experience, he brought the audience to their feet in sheer amazement.

“Every time I step into a competition like this the dynamics change. The colts will be different, no doubt the colt that I choose will respond differently than my colt from last year. The judges evidently appreciated my particular style of horsemanship last year. I’ll try to approach my colt with the same philosophy and style in 2010 and see how it works out,” says Winters.

Wowing the judges with his patience and skill in 2009, Winters competed against John Lyons and Tommy Garland to win the championship on the 2006 AQHA bay colt, Plenty Brown Hancock of Bath Brothers Ranch in Laramie, Wyoming. Keeping cool and collected in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,000 people, Winters used his years of experience and California vaquero brand of horsemanship.

An already accomplished clinician and cow horse trainer, Winters says that he was privileged to have been able to participate in Road to the Horse 2009 and he is doubly honored to be invited back for the 2010 competition.

“Needless to say I was extremely pleased at being named champion of Road to the Horse 2009. However, I understand that title will not buy me anything in 2010. It’s a brand new set of colts with two new, very talented competitors. We’re all starting at the same spot. I’m going to do the best I can do and let the judges sort it all out,” says Winters

Road to the Horse

Road to the Horse is unlike any other event in the equine or entertainment industry. It is “the original colt starting challenge”. The two-day sold out event matches three of the country’s best horse trainers and clinicians of today against one another as they train unbroken colts to ride in just a few short hours in front of a packed live audience and television cameras. By combining education, edge-of-your-seat suspense, entertainment and the love of the horse, Road to the Horse has been responsible for solidifying the position of today’s horsemanship heroes and launching the careers of tomorrow’s hottest new stars. In the process, the event itself has become a catalyst for the advancement of natural horsemanship. Hosted by Rick Lamb, of RFD-TV’s The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, spectators are guaranteed not only to have a good time, but also to walk away with training knowledge that will improve their relationship with horses.

Road to the Horse is proud to partner with many outstanding companies across the equine industry including Western Horseman, Nutrena, Quarter Horse News, Gist Silversmiths, Horses Magazine, Martin Saddlery, John’s Ariat Country, Rockin’ J Horse Stalls, Horsecity.com, Hoofbeats Magazine, Horse South Magazine and Horsemen’s Roundup. For sponsorship opportunities and more information on the 2010 Road to the Horse visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325-736-5000.

ApHC to Host Second Annual Stallion Services Auction

2009-08-11T10:33:00.001-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

August 10, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:

Karisa Saywers, Public Relations Coordinator

Office: (208) 882-5578 ext. 273

Fax: (208) 882-8150

ApHC TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL STALLION SERVICES SILENT AUCTION

MOSCOW, Idaho—The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to once again host the Stallion Services Silent Auction in Fort Worth, Texas, in conjunction with the 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Show, Oct. 23-31.

The 2009 Stallion Services Silent Auction allows breeders to select a quality stallion and bid for their chance to win a breeding to their chosen stallion. The resulting foal from the breeding will be eligible for the 2013 World Show 2-year-old incentive classes with huge payouts.

Last year the Stallion Services Silent Auction earned more than $9,000, and the ApHC looks forward to continued success with this year’s event by offering more options. Breeders may submit their bid at the Stallion Services Silent Auction booth at the 2009 World Championship Appaloosa Show or online.

Bidding for the Stallion Service Auction begins Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, and ends at noon on Oct. 31, 2009. The auction will resume Nov. 1, 2009, and continue until Jan. 1, 2010, for any unsold services.

Owners who commit a breeding to the Stallion Services Silent Auction receive the following benefits:

· A certificate entitling stallion owners to select from the stallion’s offspring from the 2010 breeding season to nominate for the 2013 2-year-old incentive classes.

· Stallions will be marketed to loyal audience of mare owners interested in breeding at no-cost to the owner.

· Stallion and owner information will be featured on the auction web site with photographs, achievements, pedigree and additional promotional information, with the option of a direct link to the owner’s web site.

ApHC-registered stallions must hold a National or World Champion Title or sire thereof, or the ApHC-approved outcross stallion must have a comparable championship or sire thereof.

For more information regarding the Stallion Services Silent Auction, please visit www.appaloosa.com and click the “World Show” icon, then click “Stallion Service Auction.”

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 670,000 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 and 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.

###

Karisa Saywers

Public Relations & Trade Show Coordinator

Appaloosa Horse Club

208-882-5578 ext. 273

publicrelations@appaloosa.com

www.appaloosa.com

How to be a jockey workshop this weekend

2009-07-28T11:54:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2009

Norwalk , OH

For images please contant Tess Vanattia at tess@horsesouth.com

First of it's kind, Jockey workshop to be held at Equicizer headquarters!

Former jockey and inventor of the horseback riding training tool the Equicizer, Frankie Lovato, Jr. along with his wife Sandy, will host a jockey interactive workshop August 1-3rd in Norwalk, Ohio .

"For many years throughout my career and because of the Equicizer, I have been approached by hundreds of kids from all over the world that would like to become jockeys but have no idea where to start. So for all these people that feel this need for speed, I have created this workshop and will produce a DVD to follow that will answer the very question of What It Takes To Be a Jockey!"

A tough question, Lovato is prepared to fully answer with the workshop scheduled this weekend.
"Besides my own experience of 25 years in this industry and more than 15,000 races ridden, we will have phone calls during the workshop with other champion jockeys such as Mike Smith (riding Mine that Bird this weekend in the West Virginia Derby) Aaron Gryder, Chantal Sutherland, Hall of fame and legendary jockeys Angel Cordero, Chris McCarron, Laffit Pincay and Pat Day. Then America's leading trainer Steve Asmussen (also saddling Rachel Alexandra this weekend) and trainer Mike Stidham all willing to offer their advice to the attending students, Lovato explains.

The workshop will be done completely with safe simulated training exercises aboard Equicizers. There will also be lectures covering many topics from A-Z, videos and other means to answer the looming question! What DOES it take, to be a jockey? There will be no real horses used for this workshop and Lovato is very confident that this will offer the best means possible to anyone who feels they would like to take a try at this mystical career. The workshop also will provide a scale version of a one mile racetrack with furlong markers for more simulated exercises with students. The Equicizers are saddled and ready to run to help would-be jockeys get a real, albeit safe feel for what it's like to ride a race horse at breakneck speeds.

The official theme song for this weekend s event is Templeton Thompson s A horse that can fly. Available to listen to here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L_oF5SjJjQ or visit Templeton s website at http://www.templetonthompson.com

“Information about getting into the racing industry is obscure at best, it s my sincere hope that these workshops, dvd s and downloads will help those interested in racing and all the positions available to have a better understanding of how to make their dreams come true,” Lovato said.

To learn more about Frankie Lovato, Jr. and Equicizer visit his website at http://www.equicizer.com or call 419-663-1472

AQHA Hall of Fame inductees

2009-07-22T16:55:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release:
AQHA ANNOUNCES 2010 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

America’s Horse, July 22, 2009 – Three individuals and three horses will be inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame during the 2010 American Quarter Horse Association Convention, March 5-8 in Kissimmee, Florida.

The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame was established in 1975 to honor people and horses instrumental in the development of the breed and the American Quarter Horse Association. Induction into the Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors bestowed by AQHA.

Horses:
Poco Pine
Paul Curtner bought Poco Pine during the dispersal of Paul Waggoner’s 3D Stock Farm in 1954 when Curtner was searching for a filly by Poco Bueno and out of a Blackburn mare. Instead, Curtner’s wife encouraged him to buy Pretty Rosalie, a Pretty Boy mare with a long-haired colt, Poco Pine, at her side.

Poco Pine was named after Pine Johnson, Poco Bueno’s trainer, who had been enthusiastic about the colt when Curtner was not.

Training and age improved Poco Pine in Curtner’s eyes. He set a goal of winning 50 grand championships before he would retire Poco Pine from halter competition, and he thought he achieved that goal, though AQHA records only credit the horse with 46 grand championships and 7 reserve grand championships.

In addition to his 135 AQHA points in halter, Poco Pine earned 15 points in cutting and 2 in western pleasure. He was an AQHA open champion and earned his Superior in halter. He earned $776.11 in NCHA competition during the 1950s.

Poco Pine also proved to be a sire of show horses. His first foal crop included two AQHA Champions, Poco Chico and Poco Taos, as well as Poco Lottie, who earned 25 halter points, and Poco Annie, who earned 54 halter points.

His get earned $14,794 in NCHA competition and $3,428 at the AQHA World Championship Show. Of 464 offspring, 199 earned 10,949.5 points, with 41 becoming AQHA Champions. One of those foals, Great Pine, went on to be a major sire of reining horses as well as an AQHA Champion. Poco Pine’s son Poco Pecho sired Pecho Dexter, a Hall of Fame inductee.

Rocket Wrangler
Rocket Wrangler was foaled in 1968. In 1970, he hit the racetrack, winning seven of his 13 starts, including the Rainbow and All American futurities. He was the year’s high-money-earning horse and was named world champion 2-year-old colt.

After his 1970 win of the All American Futurity, at the time the richest horse race in the world, owner J.R. Adams of Guymon, Oklahoma, sold a half-interest in the horse to B.F. Phillips, who retired the horse to stud.

Rocket Wrangler spent two breeding seasons at Phillips Ranch, then Adams bought back his half-interest and returned the horse to the track. Rocket Wrangler at age 4 won the New Mexico State Fair Handicap over a field that included champion Mr Kid Charge. He was retired from racing permanently in February 1973 and was syndicated in 1980. He sired 1,629 foals, with 1,221 starters and 762 winners.

Rocket Wrangler is 30th on the list of all-time leading sires by earnings and eighth on the list of all-time leading sires by winners. He is 14th on the list of all-time leading broodmare sires by earnings and fifth on the list of all-time leading broodmare sires by winners. His offspring included Rocket’s Magic, Rambling Sallye, Quick Wrangler, War Star Wrangler and American Speed. His foals earned $9,407,809 on the track, with Dash For Cash accounting for $507,689 of that total.

He was euthanized November 28, 1992, after suffering from colic and was buried at Royal Vista Equine in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he was standing.

Zan Parr Bar
Zan Parr Bar was foaled April 30, 1974.

He was world champion halter stallion three times, the first horse to achieve that mark. In 1977, he was high-point halter stallion, standing grand at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. He earned 114 grand championships and 13 reserve championships.

In the meantime, he was also earning his way as a roping horse. He was the high-point steer roping horse in 1979, the same year he was world champion aged stallion. In 1980, he placed third at the AQHA World Championship Show in senior heeling, the same show at which he defended his world championship in aged stallions. He also placed in the top 10 at the World Show in heading and heeling. Zan Parr Bar also earned points in reining and western pleasure. In his lifetime, he acquired 602 points.

He retired from the show ring after the 1980 World Show. He continued to be ridden on the ranch while being used as a breeding stallion. His foals earned 44 world championships and 33 reserve world championships. His foals had 43 year-end high-point wins, five year-end all-around high-point wins and three reserve year-end all-around wins. In all divisions combined, his foals have earned 25,593.5 points. Of 653 foals, 236 have been point-earners.

Some of Zan Parr Bar’s better-known offspring are: Reprise Bar, the 1984 Superhorse; Sparkles Suzana; Zan Parr Snip; Sparkles Rosezana; Zans Diamond Sun; Zan Parr Jack; and Parr Skip Bar.

Zan Parr Bar died November 27, 1987, of colitis X. At that time, he was AQHA’s leading sire of performance horses.

Zan Parr Bar is currently sixth on the list of sires of all-time leading point earners and 17th on the list of sires of AQHA Champions.

Individuals:
Bailey “Stretch” Bradley
In the 1940s, Bailey “Stretch” Bradley started showing in reining, pleasure and cutting. In 1944, he bought his first American Quarter Horse, introducing the breed to the state of Ohio. He then began training and showing on a part-time basis.

In 1967, he was among the small group founding the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Through the years, he helped refine the show into the event it is today, taking on the ground work as his responsibility, a task he continued for 20 years.

He was the second president of the Ohio Cutting Horse Association and executive vice president of the NRHA. He was a director for OQHA and served on many committees. He was named an honorary director in 1986. He was a founder of the first 4-H horse and pony club in Ohio, the Triple T 4-H Club, and was a director of the Midwestern Horse Show and Rodeo.

In 1970, at age 48, Stretch became a full-time professional trainer, hauling Hall of Famer Miss Jim 45 in a 1970 show campaign that ended with 134 wins, 118 grand champion awards and 436 AQHA points for an honor roll title. In 1971, Stretch led Gold Margarita to the open year-end high-point title. In 1975, he did the same for Vallerina Miss, adding a world championship in aged mares. At the time, he was considered one of the nation’s best halter trainers. He often hauled to horse shows with youth exhibitors, such as Cindy Johnson, who won four youth honor roll titles.

In 1988, Stretch was named to the NRHA Hall of Fame’s third induction class, just months after his death at age 66, based in part on his commitment to seeing horses had the best possible grounds at Ohio horse shows and reinings. That same year, he was inducted into the Congress Hall of Fame.

Carol Rose
Carol Rose began competing in 4-H horse shows at age 8 in California. In college, where she was earning a degree in animal science and ag business, she was the high-point individual judger at the 1962 National Western Stock Show in Denver. In the early 1960s, she focused on reined cow horse competition.

In 1969, Carol was the first woman to make it into the NCHA Futurity finals. She was the NCHA non-pro world champion in 1967-1969 and again in 1975.

She was the first woman to serve on the AQHA judges committee. She has served on the international committee and the long-range planning committee and is a member of Texas Quarter Horse Association.

In 1966, Carol moved to Texas and began breeding horses.

Horses Carol has bred have earned 25 world championships and 30 reserve world championships. She has bred 14 year-end high-point winners, three year-end all-around winners and two year-end reserve all-around winners.

Her stallions Shining Spark, Genuine Doc, Zans Diamond Sun and Zan Parr Bar have extensive records of their own. Her mare Diamonds Sparkle is in the Hall of Fame.

Frank “Scoop” Vessels III
An AQHA life member, Frank “Scoop” Vessels III served as AQHA president in 2004. Vessels has been around good horses all of his life, since his grandfather, Frank Vessels Sr., who was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 1989, started both Los Alamitos Race Course and Vessels Stallion Farm.

A recipient of the 1999 AQHA Champion Breeder of the Year and the 2000 Gordon Crone Special Achievement Award, Vessels was first appointed to the AQHA Racing Committee in 1992. He was awarded the John W. Galbreath Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship in the Equine Industry from the University of Louisville’s equine industry program in 2003.

These outstanding horses and individuals will join the other 215 human and equine members of the Hall of Fame who have left their mark on American Quarter Horse history.

The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum opened in 1991, and following an extensive redesign, the 44,000-square-foot museum reopened to the public in June 2007. It now features state-of-the-art technology and exhibits. Hall of Fame members are featured in a timeline, which highlights their contributions to the breed.

For more information on any of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame inductees, contact the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum at (806) 378-5029 or visit www.aqhhalloffame.com.

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.

Ulcer Education Greens Up

2009-07-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Natasha Joseph
Merial
(678) 638-3690
natasha.joseph@merial.com Jennifer Ryan
Bader Rutter & Assoc.
(262) 938-5524
jryan@bader-rutter.com

Ulcer Education Greens Up
Educational Resources for ULCERGARD® (omeprazole)
Use Recycled Materials

DULUTH, GA. — July 22, 2009 — The only FDA-approved product to help prevent stomach ulcers in horses — ULCERGARD® (omeprazole) — once again breaks ground. Educational materials for the brand will now be printed on environmentally responsible materials.

“We are committed to educating horse owners about stomach ulcers, but we’re also dedicated to providing that education in a responsible way,” says Amanda J. McAvoy, product manager, Equine Pharmaceuticals, Merial. “Environmentally friendly efforts are important to the veterinarians and horse owners who use our product every day. Now our customers can feel even better about their use of ULCERGARD.”

As new educational pieces are developed for ULCERGARD, they will be printed on paper approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wherever possible. FSC-certified papers are independently certified to help ensure the forests that they come from are managed responsibly.

Because of the prevalence of stomach ulcers in horses — 93 percent of racehorses1 and 63 percent of nonracing competitive horses2 — veterinarians and horse owners are continually interested in the most current research and medical information to help keep their horses healthy. Now this information is being delivered in a more environmentally friendly way.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,400 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2008 sales were over $2.6 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

Egg membranes ... good for the joints??

2009-07-21T20:18:00.001-07:00

Julia Shuck

Public Relations Specialist

20 Research Park Drive

St. Charles, MO 63304 USA

888.906.6887

www.novusint.com

julia.shuck@novusint.com

For Immediate Release 07-20-2009

Ingredient that reduced human joint pain used in Arenus products

St. Louis, Missouri, July 20, 2009 – Natural eggshell membrane has been found to reduce joint pain and stiffness in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, according to the authors of the study published in Clinical Rheumatology (DOI: 10.1007/s10067-009-1173-4). This same ingredient is also available to horses and dogs through STEADFAST®, a product made by Arenus, a division of Novus Nutrition Brands, LLC (a Novus International company).

NEM® consists of eggshell membrane that was first used by ESM Technologies, a leading supplier in commercialized eggshell and eggshell membrane wellness ingredients. ESM Technologies owns the technology and recently released it to Arenus for exclusive use in animal products, making STEADFAST® the only horse and dog joint health supplement to contain NEM®.

NEM® 500 mg taken once daily significantly reduced both joint pain and stiffness (in humans) compared to placebo, both rapidly (10 days) and continuously (60 days) according to the study’s authors (Clinical Rheumatology DOI: 10.1007/s10067-009-1173-4). By the end of the trial, NEM® cut stiffness in half in approximately 32 percent of the patients remaining in the study.

Similar to humans, horse and dog joints, bones, tendons and ligaments can be damaged over time from athletic performance, environmental conditions and normal daily activity. NEM® is used as a unique, all natural joint support supplement that, similar to humans, provides relief from occasional discomfort related to normal daily activities and supports normal joint mobility.

“As an animal health and nutrition company that is dedicated to improving the health, performance and longevity of horse and pets, Arenus is excited to bring this technology used in humans to the animal health marketplace,” said Celeste Mohatt, Marketing Manager, Arenus. “Innovative solutions and research validated products create exceptional results.”

“What I found most remarkable about the study was the quickness in which people responded to the eggshell membrane preparation,” said Dr. Anne Winkler, a rheumatologist and one of the study’s authors. “Generally, we tell patients taking over-the-counter products that it may be two to three months before they notice any benefits. The fact that within a fairly short period of time (patients on NEM®) noticed a definite improvement in symptomology was impressive.”

Also noted in the study and important to both human and animal users, there were no serious adverse events reported during the human trial and the treatment was reported to be well-tolerated by study subjects.

A similar study showing that NEM® significantly reduces joint pain and increases range of motion in less than ten days was published in Clinical Interventions in Aging (May 2009).

For more information on NEM® in humans visit www.esm.com and www.arenus.com for NEM® in STEADFAST®.

Don't Miss the Mid-Atlantic Weekend of Pleasure Driving and ADS Annual Meeting

2009-07-21T08:50:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release
Date: July 20, 2009

Don't Miss the Mid-Atlantic Weekend of Pleasure Driving and ADS Annual Meeting

Morven Park, Leesburg VA
August 6-9, 2009

Registration Form (link fixed)
Updated Schedule (7/20/09)
Proxy Form

We have added some fun driving events, including a poker drive and a new event for the 2010 Rulebook, a Continuous Day of Driving. There will be a special Drive in Front of the Mansion for a memorable photo opp. We are offering the CAA Proficiency test and have added a prep course, taught by Andy Marcoux which is open to everyone. Mickie Bowen will do a clinic on “Driving Multiples”. In addition to the clinic, Mickie will be available for individual lessons with your experienced multiple or hers. To be scheduled and paid for at the event. Space is limited. Additionally, Dr. Richard Forfa will lead a seminar on how to condition your horse for driving.

Sprinkled among the horse activities are ADS committee meetings that are open to everyone. If you have an interest or an idea, this is the time to share it with the ADS Board. Right before the Virginia sized barbeque on Saturday, is the ADS Annual Members Meeting and Silent Auction. Well known artist Jean Clagett, and new Virginia resident has donated a special piece to the auction. Please bring your items to help support this event.

Cost is $80 for the weekend or $30 per day. Horse expenses are additional. Want to bring your horse and drive just for the day? There is a nominal $10 trailer in fee and the $30 day fee. See complete details on the registration form. Have questions, give the ADS office a call 608-237-7382 or e-mail us at info@americandrivingsociety.org

Are you unable to attend the meeting? Please send in your proxy vote form for the ADS Annual members meeting.

American Driving Society
1837 Ludden Dr, Ste 120, PO Box 278, Cross Plains, WI 53528
Office Hrs: Mon-Fri 9-4pm CST
Phone:608-237-7382 Fax: 608-237-6468 e-mail: info@americandrivingsociety.org

2009 PVDA Ride for Life and Dancing Horse Challenge

2009-07-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

2009 PVDA Ride for Life and Dancing Horse Challenge Brings In Record
Donations, Support

Belinda Nairn-Wertman and Jennifer Sirrine Named Challenge Winners

Upper Marlboro, MD--The Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA)
announced that their sixth annual Ride for Life dressage show and Jill
Hassler-Scoop Memorial Dancing Horse Challenge charity performance
brought in record donations and attendance this past weekend, June
27-28, 2009. The benefit for the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast
Center, took place at the Prince George?s Equestrian Center in Upper
Marlboro, Maryland.

At the Challenge, international-level equestrians rode their horses to
music for a chance to win the Dover/Nutrena People?s Choice Award
(awarded to Jennifer Sirrine) and Rosenthal Land Rover $5,000 Trophy
(First Place and $3,000 were awarded to Belinda Nairn-Wertman by
Olympic judge, Linda Zang).

Also competing in the Challenge were: 2009 Olympian, Courtney
King-Dye; Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel; 2009 Brentina Cup rider, Lauren
Sprieser; and Jules Anderson. Barbara Strawson performed a tribute
ride accompanied by the Bowen McCauley Dancers, Hope Garden dance
studio and the music of Eva Cassidy. Unable to ride, but in attendance
was Betsy Steiner. Dr. Cesar Parra, Cathy Morelli and Michael
Barisone, were also unable to perform at the last minute.

?Saturday evening?s Dancing Horse Challenge filled brought
approximately 2,250 spectators into the Showplace Arena, almost
doubling last year?s attendance. This is a notably high turnout for a
dressage event of this kind. By Sunday morning, people on multiple
online forums were comparing the event to the World Cup,? says Chair
of Ticket Sales, Hilary Moore.

Donations are still being counted and the total raised is pending, but
the pre-event auctioning of a dressage clinic with Olympian Debbie
McDonald brought in $8,500, the Saturday evening silent auction raised
over $10,000, and one group of North Carolina riders raised more than
$20,200 in donations themselves.

The PVDA Ride for Life brought in over $161,000 in rider donations and
sponsor contributions before this year?s event and plans on holding
their seventh annual show on June 26-27, 2010.

Saturday evening?s Dancing Horse Challenge has become one of the
largest equestrian freestyle performances in the Mid-Atlantic Region
and is popular with both the sport horse and non-equestrian
communities in the area.

Dover Saddlery, DressageClinic.com, El Paso Corporation, Nutrena,
Patuxent Nursery and Rosenthal Land Rover were key sponsors of this
year?s event.

For more information about the PVDA Ride for Life, visit
www.pvdarideforlife.org or contact Hilary Moore at (703) 400-9108 or
marketing@pvdarideforlife.org or www.pvda.org to learn about the PVDA.

Keeley Gogul Named President of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation

2009-07-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

KEELEY GOGUL NAMED PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN HUNTER-JUMPER FOUNDATION

Keeley Gogul recently took over the position of President of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation. She fills the seat of trainer, rider and judge Geoff Teall, who has been president of the AHJF for the past three years. Past president Louise Serio will remain in the position of Vice President.

The 39-year-old Miami University (OH) Magna Cum Laude graduate is looking forward to the challenge and brings with her some excellent credentials. She graduated in 1992 with a degree in communications. She started her work career at Maypine Farm and it was there that she met her future husband Jeff, a hunter trainer.

From the horse world she decided to try her hand in the corporate world and spent four years first as a corporate Branch Manager for Enterprise Rent A Car then as an account executive for a video production company.

After experiencing life outside the horse world Keeley happily returned in September of 1998 to start Flagship, a nationally recognized "A" level hunter/jumper program operating out of the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club in Gates Mills, Ohio, with Jeff in September of 1998. They were married in 2001.

Her affiliation with the AHJF Advisory Board began in the fall of 2007 and by 2008 she was named as a member of the Board of Directors. Keeley is also a past member of the USEF Safety Committee and a current member of the USHJA Junior Hunter Task Force.

Geoff Teall, Wellington, FL, was among those who felt that Keeley was the perfect person to fill his shoes for an organization that he not only presided over but helped to create. His decision to step down from the presidency was one he made after careful consideration.

“It is with very mixed emotions that I give up the Presidency of the AHJF. It has been an honor to lead such a small organization that has had a large impact on our hunter industry, and the rest of the equestrian community,” explained Geoff.

“I feel that we have led the hunters back towards where they needed to go, and I am proud of myself, as well as of all the people involved with the AHJF that have made this possible. I am also very excited that we will now begin to introduce some new blood to our organization, and some new ideas and viewpoints. It is very important for all of us that we continue to stay fresh and current with what is happening out there. I am very excited to have Keeley take over the reins.”

For Keeley the honor of being named President of the AHJF is not only something she is looking forward to but a position she takes with pride and conviction.

"Following in Geoff's footsteps is both an honor and a huge responsibility. In creating the AHJF, Geoff and Louise have built an organization that is focused, functional and responsive to its members,” commented Keeley.

“The various programs that have emerged from the AHJF, such as the World Champion Hunter Rider program and the Emergency Relief Fund, are great contributions to our sport, and an example of what this dedicated organization is capable of creating. As we go forward over the course of the next several years, it is my vision to work closely with the Board of Directors to expand on these successful programs while continuing to build a strong membership base and developing other member-driven programs to support our industry."

Past President Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA, the initial inspiration behind the creation of the AHJF, agreed with Geoff that Keeley is the right choice to continue their vision.

“Bringing new blood into the AHJF is the next faze for the organization. Geoff and I both thought of Keeley to succeed him. We are very proud of what we have accomplished and feel Keeley will keep it going with renewed strength and energy,” commented Louise.

The AHJF was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan and the AHJF Junior Hunter Challenge. While these programs are the nucleus of the organization, the continued support of its colleagues is critical to the AHJF. Over the past 16 years the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) has supported nearly 50 people in times of need, distributing close to $450,000. The AHJF’s Emergency Relief Fund was established in 1995 to provide emergency financial support to individuals and families involved in the hunter and jumper sport. The monies come from the AHJF, private gifts and from other donations, which are tax deductible as charitable contributions.

For information about the Hunter Classic, the AHJF or its programs, contact the AHJF at PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, call 508-835-8813, fax 508-835-6125, email ahjf@earthlink.net or visit their web site at www.ahjf.org.

Craig Cameron “Lays It On the Line” for Road to the Horse 2010

2009-07-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Road to the Horse

For more info contact:
Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
Ph: 325-736-5000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Craig Cameron “Lays It On the Line” for Road to the Horse 2010

“You lay yourself on the line through performance, but I've done that my whole life. You're out in the eye of the storm, but for me that's what Craig Cameron is all about. I'm determined to go to Road to the Horse and do a great job!” says Cameron.

Trainer and clinician Craig Cameron of Bluff Dale, Texas is not only known for his great horsemanship but also for his sensational personality. Displaying his skills and entertaining the audience at the 2010 Road to the Horse, Cameron will compete against Richard Winters and Ken McNabb on March 6-7, 2010 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN.

“Craig is the chili in chili pepper. He electrifies the crowd with his personality and wit. Part of Road to the Horse is entertainment and Craig sure knows how to entertain a crowd. You never know what's going to come out of him, but it's always fun. We're really excited to have him back,” says Tootie Bland, Road to the Horse owner and producer.

Sharing his experiences and knowledge with others, Cameron uses his witty and entertaining personality to make horsemanship fun and easy to understand. His love for horses and people is evident not only in front of a crowd or camera, but also in his day-to-day life on the ranch.

A life-long rancher, rodeo cowboy and horse trainer, Cameron has developed his own unique style and method through years of hands-on experience and hard work. He says that experience is the key to horsemanship and will be a factor in Road to the Horse 2010.

“Experience is the one thing you can't buy and it's something that can't be given to you. The key is to take the fear out of the horse. Then they'll relax and work with you. Everyone's approach is different, but not necessarily better. You just have to present it to the horse in a way they understand and then give them time to understand it,” says Cameron.

When asked about his competitors, Cameron says he is looking forward to visiting with Winters and McNabb and that they are two horsemen that he highly respects. Competitively however, Cameron has his eye on the prize and is focused on performing to the best of his abilities.

“I found out a long time ago when I was in rodeo that you can't worry about your competition. You just do the best you can do, but you can't worry about your competitors,” says Cameron.

To buy your Road to the Horse 2010 tickets and see Craig Cameron in action, visit www.roadtothehorse.com or order by phone at 1-877-772-5425. To learn more about 2010 Road to the Horse competitor Craig Cameron, visit www.craigcameron.com.

Road to the Horse

Road to the Horse is unlike any other event in the equine or entertainment industry. It is “the original colt starting challenge”. The two-day sold out event matches three of the country's best horse trainers and clinicians of today against one another as they train unbroken colts to ride in just a few short hours in front of a packed live audience and television cameras. By combining education, edge-of-your-seat suspense, entertainment and the love of the horse, Road to the Horse has been responsible for solidifying the position of today’s horsemanship heroes and launching the careers of tomorrow’s hottest new stars. In the process, the event itself has become a catalyst for the advancement of natural horsemanship. Hosted by Rick Lamb, of RFD-TV’s The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, spectators are guaranteed not only to have a good time, but also to walk away with training knowledge that will improve their relationship with horses.

Road to the Horse is proud to partner with many outstanding companies across the equine industry. For sponsorship opportunities and more information on the 2010 Road to the Horse visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325-736-5000.

Pretty stinkin' excited about this

2009-06-29T11:06:00.001-07:00

The ICE Adventure

2009-06-22T21:21:00.001-07:00

You've read maybe, about McKeever's First Ride. If not, back up ...

We arrive at Chastain Horse Park at roughly 9 am with about 20 bags of ice packed in coolers. At 9 am, it's about 95 degrees.
Those of you that know me well are aware that while I am not overly large, I am not tee-niny either. Publishing a magazine is not a physical job and well, I'll just say it. I'm somewhat lazy.
So, at 9 am I am helping Dee, Miss Deenie and Karen carry stuff for the event. It's not far really. A couple hundred feet, maybe not that much. Back and forth up the sidewalk. Within 5 minutes I am sweating like an unrepentant sinner on judgment day.
It's all good thou. We are happy and life is good. We get the drinks sorted into tubs and we are going to add the ice and water about 45 minutes before our guests arrive.
I asked God for a breeze and he supplied one! All was well.
We iced down the water and sodas and it quickly became apparent that in what was then 103 degree heat, we didn't have enough ice.
Karen was taking photos and we came in her truck, so Dee handed me the keys to her Range Rover and off I went to get ice.
Now then, Chastain Park for those of you that don't know is pretty much in the "hoity-toity" section of Atlanta. I wen to Publix to get ice and when I parked Dee's Range Rover there were two other Range Rover's in the lot but one was grey and the other was white. Dee's is black.
Into Publix I went. I gathered a dozen bags of ice into the buggy. I paid for them. I had the most pleasant cashier. It was going splendidly!
I walked out into the stifling heat and immediately considered climbing into the buggy with the ice.
I look around for where I had parked the car and noticed that ... while I was in the store ... about six Range Rover's IDENTICAL to Dee's where parked all around. I couldn't tell which was hers!!
This was a funny joke!!
Here I am on a black asphalt parking lot in 103 degree heat with a buggy full of ICE!
No problem, I'll use the key thingy to beep Dee's horn right? NO! Apparently, even though Range Rover's are in vogue in Buckhead, the keys aren't fancy enough to make the horns beep.
My ice is melting ....
Now I am suspicious looking because I am running around the parking lot with a buggy full of ice peeping in the windows of all the black Range Rovers.
I get several strange looks.
I want you to know it was the "horse person" in Dee that saved me! Her's was the only Range Rover with a saddle in the back.
I loaded up my dozen bags of melting ice ... and tried to shove Dee's gorgeous saddle as far away from the ice as possible.
Can't have water spots on the leather!
I just knew that before I got back, Dee was going to have a swimming pool in the back of her car.
Fortunately, the ice stayed frozen and many hands helped me carry the bags to the coolers and we managed to serve ice cold beverages to some very hot people!
Thank goodness the joke was only on me!

Abundant Blessings and ice cold drinks!
Tess

Healing Horses ....

2009-06-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

What an awesome few days I've just experienced. I'll try to put it into words.

On Wednesday, Karen Jones (our new editor) packed an overnight bag and made our way west to Cartersville, GA. We pulled up at the gorgeous Serendipity Ranch owned by one of those "angel on earth" people Deenie McKeever.
Deenie is about the size of my 12 year old son. Just a tee-niny cowgirl. She ushered us into her home where we met Elliot, her handsome Golden Retriever. Her home over looks a giant treehouse nestled among the woods. From there you can see the mountains from which Karen and I drove from.
Along the wall that leads to the back of the house is a great collage of photos and newspaper articles, basically a visual walk thru this incredible woman's life.

Deenie's dad Dan McKeever was a pioneer in the world of prosthetics. From what I gather, Deenie got her sweet positive spirit from this man. Deenie tells us her world got turned upside down one morning while listening to Good Morning America. The guest was talking about Horses for Heroes, a program that pairs disabled veterans with horses for both physical and mental therapy.
A light bulb turned on and Deenie went to work. McKeever's First Ride was born! On Thursday June 18th, a bus load of folks in town for the The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) and the Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) conference came to Chastain Horse Park for this amazing event.
McKeever's first ride became a part of other clinics like First Swing (Tennis), First Swim etc. All of these programs are an effort to promote fitness among those with limb loss.
My dear friend Ed Dabney was on hand to show people and their families how to communicate with the horse, how they learn and how you ask for a response from them. (Which led me to think WOW, wouldn't it be great if everyone was introduced to horses this way!)
It was nothing short of pure magic to see these brave, wonderful souls interacting with the horses. As their minds engaged in learning about the horse and their hands glided down their powerful necks all thoughts of disability faded and the horses did what they do best ... captivate!
Those of us with horses know that in the still quiet of the morning, or in the dusk of a summer evening when you are greeted by the low soft nickers that horses can soak up your worry, your frustration and sometimes even your fear. For some of the attendees at McKeever's first ride ... a connection happened.
I know some of those people will seek out horses for not only physical therapy but for the pure joy and euphoric feelings they give.

Feeling Grateful,
Tess

New Helmet Laws in Florida

2009-06-15T08:00:00.001-07:00

http://www.flgov.com/release/10814

GOVERNOR CRIST SIGNS BILL INCREASING EQUESTRIAN SAFETY FOR YOUTH

June 8, 2009

Contact:

GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

Governor Crist Signs Bill Increasing Equestrian Safety for Youth

~ “Nicole’s Law” promotes safety of children under 16 who participate in equestrian activities ~

LOXAHATCHEE – Governor Charlie Crist today signed House Bill 169, “Nicole’s Law.” The legislation creates safety standards to minimize the number of serious or fatal head injuries to Florida youth sustained during equestrian activities and recreation.

“Today I am proud to sign legislation that will help ensure the safety of Florida ’s children and prevent serious injuries that otherwise could have been prevented,” said Governor Crist. “I applaud our Legislature for taking action to protect Florida ’s future leaders.”

“Nicole’s Law” is named for Nicole Hornstein, a 12-year-old girl from Loxahatchee who died after being thrown from a horse in June 2006. This legislation creates safety measures for children who participate in equestrian activities and recreation. It requires a child under age 16 to wear a helmet that meets the current standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials for protective headgear.

Sponsored by Representative Joseph Abruzzo and Senator Dave Aronberg, “Nicole’s Law” applies to children age 16 and younger who are:

Riding on a public roadway or right-of-way.
Riding on a public equestrian trail, public recreation trail, public park, public preserve or public school site.
Riding on any other publicly owned or controlled property.

“Nicole’s Law” does not apply to children under age 16 who are riding while:

Practicing for, riding to or from, or competing or performing in, shows or events such as rodeos and parades where helmets are not historically a part of the show or event.
Riding on privately owned land even if the land is occasionally separated by a public road or right-of-way that must be crossed.
Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit.

Governor Crist signed the legislation at Hamlin Park , a seven-acre equestrian park, in Loxahatchee. Nicole’s father and mother Gary and Monique Hornstein, as well as two sisters, attended the bill signing ceremony.

Later today, Governor Crist will join Representative Juan Zapata during a visit to Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami where he will tour the facility and meet with veterans. Following the visit, Governor Crist, continuing his focus on strengthening Florida ’s economy, will go to Hialeah where he will tour the Hialeah Downtown Career Center and meet with Florida job seekers. For more information on Florida nearly 90 One Stop Career Centers that provide employment and training services and resources to businesses, workers and job seekers, go to www.EmployFlorida.com

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

Copyright 2008 State of Florida | Privacy Statement

Freedom

2009-05-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

Did you ever let a bad thing get you down? Did you ever have a dream that fell by the wayside?
If you haven't you probably haven't lived that long.
Life can seem like such a struggle sometimes. The last several months have been some of the toughest our country has faced in my life time. Fortunes have been lost, jobs and homes. People have had to cut back and learn to live with less. I wonder what we've learned? Some of us, will no doubt be stronger for the experience. Some will feel that it ruined them. Some of those that feel it ruined their lives may be much more fortunate than those that will be bettered by it.
What is the difference in those two examples?
Certainly, you can look at character, work ethic and even faith. BUT - where the difference really is - is in the decision.
Being happy is a decision.
Being successful is a decision.
Being miserable is a decision.

You see, we all have bad days, we all have broken hearts ... some of us have been down the road to financial ruin and back again ... but the people that make it back from any bad circumstance make a decision that it will not affect them. That they will shed their tears and they resign themselves to the feelings the "thing" creates, but it doesn't change who they are or what they are striving to do during their time here on earth.

In the book I am co-writing with my dear Friend Templeton Thompson, we talk a lot about keeping your focus. Some of the most troublesome times you can have in your life have more to do with indecision than any other circumstance. But once you decide what to do ... there is freedom in that choice.
"Clean Thinking" is not about the power of positive thought, which Templeton and I do both feel has strong mojo! Clean Thinking is about the power of decision, maintaining focus on what you've decided and learning to keep making the choice to get there no matter what!
We hope that Clean Thinking is a culmination of all we've learned and observed in our own careers and by meeting and getting to know not only successful people ... but happy, content people.
Find the freedom you are looking for and get on the track to happiness.

Abundant Blessings,
Tess

Climbing a steep hill

2009-05-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I went out to feed the horses. Inexplicably, one of the feed tubs was missing. We don't have a big paddock. Altogether it might be 3 acres. Most of it is wooded. So I knew it couldn't be too far away. I looked around for a bit, with all of the horses following me. They were just talking away to me, nickering and neighing, fussin' at me to hurry and feed them. Finally I spotted the feed bin. Some how it rolled to the very bottom of the steepest hill on our property.
Walking down the hill was easy. I have to be a little careful walking down hills because of severely blown out knees. Gymnastics seems fun when you are young ... actually it was pretty fun. But add some years, a few other injuries, and the onset of arthritis and well you start to wonder why you thought it necessary to swing around on uneven bars or flip yourself a 1000 ways across a springboard.
So back to the hill. There I was, at the bottom of the hill surrounded by hungry chatting horses. I picked up the feed tub and starting walking up the hill. The grade is longer at first, a slow slope. Not too bad. I was dodging poo piles and swatting flies. Then I got to the steep part. The horses where in my way, they wouldn't move readily. Usually they are well behaved critters but in anticipation of their breakfast, the manners ranked somewhere down there with the poo.
I got winded quickly and I slowed down. Patch, our biggest horse not so politely bumped me in the tookus with his large head. I didn't fall, but I was pitched froward and had to put my hands down to keep from falling. I dropped the feed bin and Murphy being all spiteful and sarcastic like he can be: of course it rolled back down the hill. Thankfully my little mare Terra stopped it with her nose. So I only had to walk back down the the bottom of the steep part of the hill.
I'll be honest here, I am about 40 pounds too heavy. I don't really gain weight easily. I seem to stay stuck at the same weight unless I make a radical change. Radical change, tends to kick your butt. I don't like my butt kicked.
But it was here at the almost bottom of the hill that I knew that I was ridiculously out of shape. So I started climbing up the hill, feed tub in tow. Hungry horses right behind me to make sure I didn't defect on their breakfast. I brought all four tubs up to the porch. Here's something funny for you non horse people. I spend more time "making" the horse's breakfast that I do my own. First I put in the grain. Then I add wet beet pulp and that's top dressed with a supplement. Sometimes we add Canola oil too. It takes 10 minutes or so to dip everything out. Then I put the tubs in the wheelbarrow and take them out to the fence line. The horses line up to eat according to their "pecking" order. Patchouli, Tabee, Junior and then Terra.
I got all the food set out. Then I realized that I was exhausted!
Then I was angry! I usually get angry when I can't do something well. It's a personality defect ... I am workin' on it, ok!
But yes, I was one of those kids that quit in the middle of Monopoly if I wasn't doing well. The difference is, usually, if I don't do something well. I learn to do it better.
Thing is, I know ALL about HOW to loose weight. I know ALL about WHAT to eat and WHAT NOT to eat. But I haven't gotten any better at it.
Then I sort of digressed a little and realized that life in general is like that hill. Sometimes you go down easy, sometimes you fall down fast and hard. Sometimes you are fit enough to run back up that hill and not miss a breath. Sometimes it's a struggle. Sometimes stuff is in your way and sometimes stuff knocks you down. But see, I had no choice but to walk back up that hill. Even if I went around, there was still a hill. That's life, you just gotta tough it out. In my industry we say "cowgirl up".
A long time ago I learned that we learn two ways: repetition or emotion. I also learned that sometimes a person is just not ready for the thing they are trying to do. There head isn't in the right place.
I once interviewed a famous horseman - I asked him if it bothered him when his students studied with him for years and years and then just quit. He told me that it used to bother him but he was finally able to realize that those people just weren't ready to completely learn the art of horsemanship. He told me that he wished he could play the guitar better and that he'd taken lessons from famous musicians. He told me that he "played at" his guitar several times a week. But he admitted, maybe even for the first time to both me and himself that he really wasn't ready to commit to being a better guitar player.
I guess, for whatever reason, I've not been ready to shed this weight for good. It's deeper than that thou. I know this is true for a lot of moms out there. I haven't been ready to focus on myself and my own needs. Not ready and not equipped. That's a gear change, don't you think? But I am doing it, in baby steps. I am teaching myself to remember ME. But it's a hill. It's a long steep hill.
If you are at the bottom of a hill ... you ain't got a choice. You just gotta climb it. Just look at the top of the hill (the goal) and climb. The obstacles will slow you down, sometimes they might stop you. Sometimes you might need the rest, so that's okay. But remember that you are climbing. I think the top is a fantasy but I think, if you work on it. You get better at the climb. I think maybe one day you'll just be walking over small hills and jumping ditches and puddles. I think - when you are ready, the climb is a welcome addition to your day.

Keep climbing,
Tess

Finding your feet ...

2009-05-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Over the years in publishing HorseSouth, I have met many people. Some people were just memorable and some people I consider dear friends. Over the weekend my friends Chris Cox ( http://www.chris-cox.com ) and his business manager Glen Young were in Clemson, SC for one of Chris' Ride the Journey tour stops.
My hubby Kent was gracious enough to stay home with our kids and my dear friend Karen Jones came over and we rode over to Clemson yesterday to visit with our friends.
I have attended so very many clinics and demonstrations over the last 9 years that I have to confess, I don't often pay attention during them anymore.
After we visited with Glen & Chris during lunch the clinic resumed and Chris was working with a pretty palomino on collection issues and admittedly I was checking my facebook page and not really listening. He worked that little horse and got it softer and more supple and had it cantering all collected up - which is a pretty sight. He was putting some leg on him / her (I don't remember if it was a mare or a gelding). After a bit, he asked the horse's owner to ride. He was reminding her to look where she wanted to go instead of at the horse. Because when you are riding, you'll loose your rhythm if you look down. Not sure why you do, but you do. You have to focus on where you want the horse to go. It's very important.
But think about that, think about how that translates to life in general. You have to stay focused on where you want to go. You you look down or back, you loose your rhythm - just the same as on the back of a horse. It's a flow of energy and once it's disrupted, you sort of have to be skilled to get the energy flowing in the right direction again.
In my book, which I am writing with another dear horsey friend Templeton Thompson, we talk about rivers of shit! LOL sounds silly, I know. But so true to life. Everything in life has a flow of energy. Even the bad stuff. But so many times we stay marred up in the shit. The problem with shit is that no matter where you put it, how you package it ... it's still shit. Templeton said that you have to let the shit river flow ... just like the you let the good energy river flow. If you don't let energy flow, if you stop it and play with it or you stay mucked up in it - well, that's where you will be! That's where so many people are. An old saying about that is "they can't see the Forrest for the tress". When I was involved in multilevel marketing folks would say about a new recruit with potential "he's too busy making $10 an hour to be a millionaire". Don't sweat the small stuff, learn to let it flow on down the road.
Later on in the day Chris rode his horse Pepto to talk about lead changes. He talked about how important it was to know where your horse's feet are. If you know that, he explained, you have better feel and control over your horse's body and energy. Also, you are a lot more confident when you know where the feet are. You aren't as apt to be taken by surprise etc. This lesson too, translates to everyday life. How many people do you see lost in thought or lost in a routine, just going thru the motions of life? They don't know where their feet are. Even later in the day, we were at dinner at a wonderful restaurant in Clemson called Pixie & Bill's. J. Parson's was singing and the restaurant owner was listening, everyone was relaxed enjoying good company, great music and friendship. The owner of the restaurant asked Chris the mystical question. "What is the connection" how is it that horses help people so much? In this instance, he was referring to therapeutic services and autistic children being helped by the presence of horses.
This is a question that even one of the most recognized horsemen in the world can't fully answer. But he explained how horses are just sponges, and they can just "soak" up the emotions of their human and spill it back out. With a child or a mentally challenged person, a physically challenged person this is almost always a good thing. But with an anger ridden person, a depressed person it can be either emotionally cleansing or it can be a train wreck. This is why therapeutic programs have a professional there to make sure the experience for the troubled person is cathartic and positive. Why horses can do this for people is somewhat mysterious so it's a hard question for someone to answer in a oratorical fashion. What Chris did say is that horses "ground" people. When you are riding or just hanging out with horses all of the worries and chaos that is life on earth just melts away and you are grounded, you are one with time ... in that moment. You know where your feet are!
SO ask yourself this week ... do I know where my feet are? And if you don't, find them! Maybe you can find them with your horses. Maybe you can find them in a trout stream. Maybe your feet will return to you during a golf game. I don't know what grounds you. But find it. Because if we could all get more grounded and know where our feet are, the world would be a better place.

Abundant Blessings,
Tess

You never know ...

2009-03-03T17:40:00.001-08:00

I guess there are a lot of quotes I could dig up about minding your tongue. There are many more about how your words affect folks. It's a two way street. Your words might inspire or encourage or they might cut to the bone.
I'll share a very personal story.
About five days after my first child was born my then husband decided he didn't want to be married to me anymore. It sucked, pretty hard. I was mostly angry and because I had a precious newborn to care for I sort of adopted an attitude that I couldn't be bothered by his nonsensical crap. But I was broken on the inside, big ol honkin' knife in my back was hard for me to ignore.
My dear friend Templeton recently released a new album. She's an amazin' singer, songwriter, cowgirl poet. She has a song on this album called "Stronger in the broken places" http://www.templetonthompson.com
This song is an anthem for healing from anything that might have been a tough row to hoe for you. First time I heard it - tears instantly sprang to my eyes. It reminded me of nearly 12 years ago when I took my 6 week old baby to my post-havin'-a-baby appointment. I was alone. My husband was shacked up with his new love and I began the journey of raisin' my incredible son Wade on my own (which by the Grace of God didn't last long). In the waiting room some incredibly well meaning woman asked me or commented that she betted that my husband was sure proud of such a beautiful and perfect baby boy. Still full of a lot of anger, I said with as much grace as possible that I really wouldn't know. Without great detail I explained that Wade's "dad" cheated on me while I was pregnant and was not really pitchin' in with the diaper changes. He was gone. I'll never forget that woman. She didn't belittle my ex-husband (who is making amends these days) but she said. "Well, honey ... you are in a better position than you think. You are beautiful and you have this gorgeous baby boy and you will meet someone wonderful. You will meet a man that will fall in love with this child and with you, so don't you worry."
She spoke my world into existence ... just threw it out there to the universe and about a year later I met Kent. Kent fell in love with Wade before he completely fell for me.
So what you say to someone, even if you are just bein' sweet or thoughtful can hold more meaning for someone than you ever realize.
We are stronger in the broken places ... I think that a lot of people feel broken these days because financial circumstances are beyond their control. It's hard not to feel broken when you don't have money to pay for the things you and your loved ones need. I know what that feels like. I also know we will all be better for the struggles. I really wonder if this isn't our good Lord trying to wipe out that sense of entitlement that plagued our young people and many of their parents too. Many of us have been saying "we need to get back to basics" and how our values were eroding. Well nothing will jerk your butt right into reality and right from wrong like being absolutely forced live on the meager side. Maybe it's a collective smack upside the head? God knows and has been telling us for round about 2000 years that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Sometimes it makes us a little jaded and cynical too. We can get past that. Moral decay is a little tougher to turn at a dead gallop. I don't know but a lot of folks I know are getting back to those basics and enjoying time with their families. They are taking walks and enjoying simpler things. I experience so much joy just from watching my kids. Yesterday, my five year old really thought he could walk down to the pasture and pick up one of the many birds that were feasting on dropped grain and bring it to me. He asked my permission "Mommy, can I bring you a bword." My laughter was the product of pure, unadulterated amusement. You can't pay payments on that.

You are stronger in the broken places!
peace and light
Tess

Blogolicious ....

2009-03-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today I found out that my electric company is charging it's members twice what neighboring EMCs are! The news came via our local newspaper and well, it just put a hair in my biscuit! I usually don't get angry, I hardly ever "rant". I am calm and I am rational ... my friends would say that I am too nice and give people the benefit of the doubt when they do not deserve it.
But this made me down right "ill" (ill is a southern term for really pissed off and can also mean especially grumpy).
These economy woes have my town, which is a beautiful place in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, sinking in a pit of despair. Our main industry in Blue Ridge is tourism (and people just aren't coming up like they normally do) and construction (which is all but at a stand still). There are tons of new homes on the market in this county. Beautiful log sided homes with generous stacked stone fireplaces and gorgeous views. But guess what? Folks that WILL be buying these type of homes will more than likely buy in neighboring Gilmer or Union County now. Wouldn't you? Twice the electric bill. If I could move, I think I would just on principle! MAD, that's what I am!
The lady my hubby spoke to at the electric company just said that "it' ain't true" that their rates are higher? It's in black and white thou ...
So here is what I'd like to know?
Where are you cutting back to make the dollars as elastic as possible these days? We are eating a few more packages of Ramen noodles than in previous months. We spent a little money on insulation for the house in an effort to save on the electric bill. I bought cheaper laundry degerent, but we didn't like it at all.
That's another question, what is WORTH saving on? I mean, is Bed Head Shampoo really worth the price tag? Tractor Supply sells a feed that is nearly the same as Purina Strategy (even made by Purina)it's at least $4 cheaper a bag. Do you have your Fox Hunting coat altered instead of buying a new one? Do you spend more time at home just watching TV? Have your perceptions of what is frivolous changed?
Saturday my family and I went down to Marietta to Harry's Farmers Market. Next to Barnes and Noble, Harry's is my favorite place to go. Because of the distance we only go once every other month or so. This was the first time we'd been in at least six months. We got a lot of fresh produce (most of which is organic and at least regionally grown). We also got some amazing cheeses so that I could make "Beer Cheese Soup". The first time I had this soup was when I worked at Longhorn when Wade was a baby. I made it a few times then but hadn't made it in years. We got home from Harry's with our groceries and commenced soup making. We turned up the radio in the kitchen and sat at the table together. Kent cut onions while I grated celery and carrots. We sauteed those in butter then went on the grate up our two kinds of cheese. We had such a good time, very relaxing just to make that soup together. I love to cook and being able to cook with excellent fresh ingredients is such a joy. If you are feeling bored and don't have the funds for a night on the town, just dig out a labor intensive recipe turn up the music and find a little joy in creating something different and yummy in your own kitchen.
My beer cheese soup recipe is going up on HorseSouth.com later this week. If you aren't a cook you could always just turn up the music and dance in the kitchen!
Til later ... when I won't be so mad :)

Tess

Courage in the face of ... whatever

2009-01-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt

In my journeys as the editor / publisher / owner of a magazine I have had a lot of rare opportunities. I have met great horsemen and women, I have traveled to interesting places and learned things that I would have never otherwise known. I have challenged myself in ways I never knew needed challenge.

Today, I had the great pleasure of interviewing marketing guru and editor and contributor to the book The New Psycho-Cybernetics ... which is an updated version of the original "self-help" book Psycho-Cybernetics written by Dr. Maxwell Maltz in 1960.
In Dan's updated version he told of his passion for harness racing. It was this and his citations of examples of successes in our industry of Jane Savoie and John Lyons that led me to seek an interview.

You can learn more about what Dan does at http://www.dankennedy.com

It is interesting to me that no matter who you are, horses are the ultimate equalizer. Dan and I laughed about this very fact. It's no matter than his horses are Standardbreds and mine are stock type. He told me that he grew up around the track, his dad trained horses for while. He was no stranger to racing when a longer than usual break between speaking engagements kept him in Ohio. He called the PR department at the track, got in on the field and the rest is history. Now, some years later he has 20 + horses and races 150 times per year!

In the article - I'll share with you some of his insights on training and some of his success principles too. It was both an honor and a privileged to spend a half hour talking to this iconic man.

It is the study of the book Pyscho-Cybernetics that has helped me to meet the challenges that have been thrown at me lately. For that, I am profoundly grateful!

Onward and Upward,
T

Is it just me?

2008-11-13T09:30:00.001-08:00

Is it just me or is it tough to find a positive attitude lately? I have to include myself in this diatribe. Its not that I am negative, I just feel incredibly drained and so very tired.
I wonder if we put so much collective energy into pre-election chats, blogs, discussions and personal thoughts that we've created some sort of vacuum. You know what they say about nature and a vacuum.
What are your thoughts focused on lately? Mine have been tuned into the economy and how to successfully work around its worrisome condition.
The news machine is always such a cornucopia of creativity stalling sludge but seems more so lately.
As a former member of the mainstream media and a current member of niche media ... I have to wonder does this much bad news really sell day after day?
All this time I have worked to write uplifting stories and entertaining pieces ... I didn't know that I could have made a million being a harbinger of doom ... dang, I missed my boat.
I don't care, I akin being a newspaper publisher today to being an oncologist. They pass out mostly horrible information and only rarely brighten someone's day. I have never looked at turning someone else's misfortune into a profit machine for myself. I think a lot of people that will ultimately grow rich during this time will be those that don't have a problem with this concept. I like to help people, I have always liked to help people.
That being said new ideas and new dynamic content will grace the HorseSouth website very soon.

Abundant Blessings (and yes, I really mean that)
Tess

The winds of change ... or not?

2008-11-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, what an impressive, historic few days we have had. Sadly, what a bunch of whiners and snobs the collective citizenship has turned into too.
I can't say that I am happy totally about our new direction in this Nation. I don't know how much different I would have felt if McCain, Huckabee or Barr stood in Barack Obama's place Tuesday night.
See, I don't believe who is President will make or break me. I, for sure, believe the office can help or challenge. It remains to be seen what will happen. So until then, lets just roll up our sleeves and get back to work. I mean no disrespect to those that might be out of work with that remark. Until today, my husband, who works for himself was sitting around twitting his thumbs. His work grinded to a halt in anticipation of who would win the election. Fortunately today the phone started ringing and he'll be back out fixing and building things tomorrow. It's a scary time for all of us but what we have to do, in any climate ... be it political or environmental is just figure out how to make the best of it. Because, it doesn't matter how much we worry or rejoice tomorrow will come. Night will fall, the sun will rise and time marches on, we are better off to march with it.
President-elect Obama wrote a book called the Audacity of Hope ... so lets be audacious and HOPE that this man can affect positive change and stand up under the enormous pressure of the burdens this country faces. Let's face it ... both Barack, John and Bob were running for an office that thou prestigious, is a house of cards.

So on to much happier thoughts!

The Equine Extravaganza in VA last weekend was so successful! We were surprised at the great attendance. We expected a good turnout with lower gas prices in the area but we had a steady stream of attendees all three days and had the best Sunday in the history of the event! YAY!
Brock Griffith of NC won the trainer challenge! YAY Brock!
He drew a nice roan colt ... funny to call a 17H sport horse a colt! All of these horses from VA Sport Horses seemed to have a LOT more life in them than the ones in the NC challenge. Brock made consistant steady progress with his colt ... he bucked the saddle on day one and was still rounded in the back on day two. Some saw the "want to" in the horse on day three, but he never bucked and Brock finished the obstacle course with time to spare and threw in some extras at the end. Scott Purdum's horse was full of bucks! Scott really had a challenge and thou he did not win the competition he proved his ability to the crowd beyond the shadow of a doubt and endeared himself to all there. After an extremely frustrating start, in which his horse ... aptly named "Arrive Alive" was very weary of seeing him out of both eyes. On one side or the other, this cute bay colt was a happy camper. But when Scott positioned himself where he could be seen on either side ... the bucking began! It took more time for this colt to come around but on day three - Scott executed a beautiful ride and was so pleased with the horse's trust and acceptance during the obstacle course he became emotional!
Charles Pelham drew a spotted colt that liked to kick! Sort of disrespectful and pushy from the get go - Charles got his colt rode but he never seemed to like it much. Charles, is a great guy and very funny and knowledgeable. Mule Thornbrugh looked to be in the lead after day one. On day two his colt bucked like a rank bronc and put Mule on the ground. Undeterred, Mule climbed back on rode through a good minute or more of bucking and we thought his colt was over it. Day three came and Mule was looking a good. Time for the obstacle course and be it the freedom of having the whole arena, or the crowds near the gate ... or has Mule put it "the good Lord saving him a whole lot of healing". His horse bucked and bawled and was not going to be ridden in the short 10 minutes Mule had to complete the course. In the end, he walked him thru graciously and showed the crowd he was a class act!
Mule was great - all that bucking brought the folks back on Sunday. It's like Nascar - everybody likes a wreck!
Trainer Challenge Judges were HorseSouth's own Ed Dabney. RTTH competitor Tommy Garland and local trainer and longtime horsewoman, former judge and coach Betty Fryer.
I got to spend a little time with Tommy who will be on the cover of our Spring 09 issue just in time for RTTH. I'll be talking to him more in the coming weeks. It was interesting to hear him talk about showing at Richmond Raceway when it was more of a horse facility than a racetrack ...
Ed was there with his daughter Maddie and his junior trainer Daniel. Along with judging he gave several demos and clinics with his mare Sunny. Ed and Maddie were fresh back from Europe teaching cavalry units and teaching French horses the Six Keys to Harmony. You can join Ed on a riding Holiday this coming summer check out his website www.eddabney.com to learn more.
Expos are always exhausting for me, but they are great fun!
til next time
Tess

The power within

2008-08-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

I owe Clinton Anderson a debt of gratitude. Sue Vetsch and I met Clinton and his lovely girlfriend Amy for dinner last friday night.
I'd met him before, but not at any length. But my friend Tootie Bland loves him and they are close - so I sort of figured if Tootie loves him ... then so would I.
You'll laugh but we met at the Outback. Yes, I was told that Clinton "loves" Outback. Ironic, I think. But he seemed happy enough to eat there.
What I didn't expect from my meeting was the mental kick in the ass I got. Clinton is 33, I am 37. No one will argue that he is successful. He's still working on a sort of ultimate goal.
He told me that he'd built his life, his career around a book called Psycho-Cybernetics. I had a vague recollection of someone else mentioning that book and only realized later that it was both a man named Dale Calvert and another man you may have heard of named Zig Ziggler.
Clinton didn't gush about the book. He's not a gusher. He is incredibly smart, articulate beyond speaking about horse behavior. He's a smartass "in real life" too, and he's funny. Clinton is charismatic without trying to be.
So anyway he says a few things that resonate with me ... about positive thinking and reacing goals etc. I say some things ... and begin to realize that I am learning from this "interview". We sat at the Outback for a few hours at least, no one bothered us. One couple behind us figured out who he was and very politely introduced themselves.
Clinton explained that he doesn't like to show off and he really enjoys being alone. So much so, that he will go to the movies by himself.
You'll learn more in the winter issue that features him. So subscribe if you want to get that!
So, I bought that book. It's fascinating. A lot of the principles in the book are things that I do already. I found I was good at a lot of the goal setting and even visualization ... but turns out I have a much shittier self-image than I thought I did. Who knew? The premise of this book is that you "if you can concieve, and believe you can achieve BUT you have to be convinced that YOU can get there. See it's easy to set a lofty goal and it's easy to say "one day this or that" but it's HARD to KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that you'll cross the finishline.
I stated to think about myself. Something that as a mom of three, I seldom do. I wondered when my self image slipped into such disrepair. Was it when I gained weight? Is it because I don't earn a lot of money? Is it because I am lousy housekeeper and the kids are constantly running out of clean underwear? Is is because I fell off my horse over a year ago and have only ridden her twice bareback for like 2 minutes each time since ... so now I am a big ol weenie?
Hmmm these things certainly would merit some loss of esteem ...
I used to be uber confident! I always seemed to get what I wanted. Somewhere along the way that stopped happening. In the movie "Hope Floats" Harry Connick Jr.s character tells Bertie (Sandra Bullock) "What happened to you? You used to be ... audacious!" Everytime I watch that movie and hear that line I cringe ... because it's like a slap in the face.
Did everybody used to be audacious and they just quit a little more each year they grow older ... or am I the only one?
I don't know and I don't care ... cuz I ain't sittin here gettin worse NO MORE.
The funny thing is that I knew this stuff all along. I know that your attitude determines your altitude. I know that "whether you think you can or you think you can't ... you are right." I was raised by parents that told me everyday "you can do anything you set your mind to do." There was a very special boy I loved then who helped me to reinforce my worth and capabilities.
I don't know how and when I forgot this stuff.
I listened to my friend Templeton Thompson's song "I remember you" - which says "Oh yeah, I remember you - little girl - big dreams - nothing to loose - pocket full of possibilities - and wings on your shoes. You might not even recognize me now ... but I remember you -

And I thought what would my 16 year old self think of me now? She'd love my horsey career, she'd be appalled that I had three kids (she'd get over it), she'd be thrilled that she had her dream horse and pissed as hell that we don't ride her. She'd march my fat butt to the gym and yell at me until the fat rolled off and then she'd start on my wardrobe. She'd think our husband was cool. And she'd wonder why the world I wasn't wealthy by now. She'd think I was a cop out on many levels. She'd hold my feet to the fire. She was a ball of fire.
She'd be right about a lot of that stuff. But I have learned a thing or five since then and I'd be quick to share it. I'd tell her she's wrong about having kids. Making sure you raise compassionate, generous, goal oriented people to help further the world for the better is the best thing you can do besides further it personally. I'd tell her she was stupid for not listening to our parents. And I'd tell her that horses will always be her friends, and far more loyal than some of the people she tries so hard to please. And I'd tell her to never loose sight of the things that are important to her. To always run that mental movie of her goals and dreams through her head - so she has a clear target for success. I'd insist she not let fear make her decisions. I'd tell her to ask Clinton more about that book and how it helped him and I'd tell her to interview him in 2000 when she started the magazine NOT 8 years later.
What dreams did you give up on - where did you settle. What would your young self think of you now?

Blessings
Tess

Talkin to folks

2008-08-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

This has been a week of talkin' to folks.
I've set up my interview with Clinton Anderson later this month so we can finally bring you a cover and feature on the Aussie cowboy. I'll blog a little about it but will save the best for the mag.

I talked to Erik Martonovich from Big Horse Productions www.bighorseproductions.com
yesterday. Erik is a vaulter, roman rider, body builder, fire artist and all around great guy. When not toolin' around on his custom motorcycle, Erik is training with his 9 Belgian draft horses that he and his partners use in the acts they do all around the country. It'll be a great article and Erik is sorta eye candy for the ladies so for once what I write might not be the most important thing!

Also on the agenda for HorseSouth coverage is the Equine Extremist himself ... Tommie Turvey! Tommie loves adventure - whether he is performing to a crowd of thousands, skydiving, or snow skiing he's an active participant in his own life!
Learn about this versitile man and how made a life with horses.

My blogging was interupted by my youngest child Wyatt - which reminds me to tell you that we are back to homeschooling so I may be harder to reach by phone.
It's Romper Room or Captian Kangaroo at my house ... I just keep waitin' for Mr. Green Jeans to come relieve me!

It's fun, it's wild and life is not what I dreamed it would be. BUT I ain't complainin' - I am grateful this day for my blessings.

Hopin' you are too!

Tess

The NC Equine Extravaganza

2008-07-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

We are back! Actually we've been back since Monday evening!
The Extravaganza, despite the economy was successful. I would like to know from you readers what compells you to attend an expo and what keeps you from it.
It's so hard to read the minds of America's horse owners.

So Brock Griffith won the trainer challenge. He easily had the most outwardly difficult horse. Very herd bound and initially very untrusting. Brock was admittedly nervous but still got the colt on his side and made friends. One heck of a nice guy ... we will look forward to seeing him compete in the finals in VA.

Gilbert Gonzoles from our home state of GA was very impressive. I would encourage anyone near him in Dearing,GA to send horses or take lessons from him. This is the first trainer challenge I've ever seen a clinician use long reins. Smart man, that Gilbert! Love that Texas twang too.

Phil Rogers was extremely successful at getting his horse to hook on to him. He explained the concept of getting the horse to let go ... something that Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance promoted. Phil's demonstration of this was very inspiring to watch. His respect of masters like Tom and Ray was apparent and appreciated.

Julie Goodnight moderated the challenge and I judged along with Scott Purdum, Lynn Palm and Sylvia Scott. It was an honor to sit with such a great panel of judges. To discuss the in's and out's of training with pros like them and to see what we agreed and disagreed on was really interesting.

more later!
T

The slaughter debate

2008-04-23T21:24:00.001-07:00

People keep asking me ... Tess what do you think about horse slaughter? Recently a man said he wouldn't subscribe to my magazine unless I revealed my mystery opinion on the issue of slaughter.
My opinion is no mystery ... I hate the idea of killing a horse, any horse, in any way. Sometimes we have to "put down" our horses. I've lost two personally in the last 5 years. One we were able to have a vet give a shot and the other ... we couldn't get the vet out in time to ease suffering so we took care of it ourselves. Not me, my husband ended the life of our sweet Tosca with a single bullet to her head then he prompty threw up his lunch. It's not pretty, its not neat and you can't tie it with a bow ... EVER! Slaughter is an easy way out for some, not only will they get a little money for their horse but they can wash their hands of the situation. I guess some people can erase it from their minds too. I can't. I couldn't, I wouldn't.
So, is there a humane way to slaughter horses? ... probably. Are there other solutions? ... sure, why not.
Whether or not we have a slaughter house in the US won't matter to my horses. But it'll matter to a lot other horses that aren't just no-count old swaybacked nags. I don't take the position that any horse that doesn't have a good quality of life health wise should linger on year after year. In fact, we waited too long to have Rhett our TN Walker that came from Cheryl Flanagan's rescue Savethehorses.org put down. He was so arthritic he could barely walk and supplements were no longer helping him. Right before winter he laid down and wouldn't get up ... as if to say, I am done. I held his head in my lap, I sang to him and fed him sweet feed and sugar water in an effort to change his mind but he wouldn't get up. It was time for him to go.
Is slaughter a neccessary evil? I think it only seems like that now. I think when times are hard in the horse industry there are those that miss the easy money of the killer buyer. Granted, a lot of times that money went to buy feed for the other horses still at the barn. I think it's hard for folks to absorb the cost of disposing of a horse that they would have sold for slaughter - especially when they may need to spend that money on hay. Economically, it's easy to see why folks are upset! Ah, but people like me - we aren't being reasonable, right.
Generally I am pretty reasonable, ask anyone who knows me.
I don't picket for the feelings of fish and if someone wears fur, sorry it doesn't offend me. It doesn't make me jealous either. I just don't see a horse any different from a dog. I wouldn't take my dog to the slaughter house and sell her for a buck a pound (granted she only weighs 50lbs). I guess there are horses that I didn't bond with ... one that bit me a long time ago ... I try hard to be objective and think about a horse that I had no emotional attachment to. But my mind wont work that way ... I know that horse that bit me was sold to a lady and her little boy and he was loved and cared for.
So my opinion, I wouldn't slaughter my horse or sell it for slaughter. But I wouldn't take any of my horses to a sale either. But that's just me! Not everyone has the same resources and not everyone is so emotionally attached. I can live with that. But I can't condone the way horses where slaughtered in this country or any other. I honestly don't know if I can condone it at all.
That's my truth ...
I also think that a real solution has to be found if slaughter is resended it will not empty out the rescues. FOlks will go back to saving horses from slaughter ... those numbers will not change. A large part of this industry is based on profit and that's fine. We just have to get it all out on the table and figure out solutions for all the problems that plague this industry. We are so scattered and niched off we can't even agree on what type of saddle to use or what method of training works best ... perhaps it is wishful thinking to even state that we need to work together to solve this obvious problem.
But I don't think so. Maybe this is the issue that will finally unite horse owners - because I think the vast majority of us have a genuine love for the horse.

That's my 2 cents - no solution - just my scattered opinion (sorry for the rambling, I am taking some pain medication!)

Tess

Going green ... one step at a time

2008-04-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

At the end of this month I am attending a conference in North Carolina, hosted by one of the only certified "green" printers in America.

As a magazine publisher, I have always been conscious of the amount of paper and waste I create by printing HorseSouth. This is why it is extremely important to me that HorseSouth always has excellent, original and quality content. If I reprinted articles or syndicated articles ... I am wasting valueable paper and killing even more trees. I have turned down distribution house's offers to mass distribute HorseSouth to Barnes & Noble and grocery chains across America. Why? Because the resale rate on the magazine stands of America is less - actually WAY less than 10%. I've never been able to live with the thought of that much waste. Yes, those extra zines are recycled. BUT you should smell my house when the new magazines come in. A part of me loves the smell of fresh printing but I know it's harmful to the environment and even my own body.

Don't get me wrong. I am not fanatical about too much (except visible ear wax in my children's ears!!) I won't be fanatical about going green, I will not likely become a vegan, I'll probably still use dryer sheets. But I am growing a garden, I am recycling, reusing and rethinking the way I do things. One of the things I am rethinking is how I care for my own horses. I have been researching for a new article called My Big Green Barn ... which compounds on the wild horse model and introduces green living principles to the barnyard. Here's small example. On Friday I have "Patch", our paint horse (who is 80% white) a bath. I used Baking Soda, Glycerin and Lemon juice and warm water to wash him. It was going to rain in about an hour ... so i didn't waste water to rinse him off. Before he rolled ... MAN he was white! Even his tail and mane! I dumped the bucket and for once didn't feel bad about it. No detergents, no grass killing! Why hasn't that been a clue for us in the past ... where ever we dump the wash water ... the freakin grass dies!! DUH

Another one of those things I am changing is the way HorseSouth is printed. Right now, we print about 56,000 copies of the magazine. All but about 800 copies are "consumed". Meaning 24,000+ are mailed to someone on request or subscription order. The rest go to nicer tack and feed stores all over the country. Of those, my reports tell me that there is almost NEVER a single copy left.

But, I have to look at it this way. Giving 28,000+ copies away doesn't help me pay the considerable printing bills that go with having the magazine. Yes, people do subscribe because of it but not in the appropriate ratios. I love for people to enjoy it. I hope when they are finished they recycle it ... but I can't gaurantee that. SO - I am looking at moving to printing on recycled paper, and printing less copies to give away.

Recently, I've registered a new domain name that will center around taking care of our horses and our barnyard environment in a green and natural way. I'll be working on this site, with the help of a few key people and I hope we can make an impact together.

Stacy on Ellen, Tommy coming back to RTTH in 09

2008-03-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a day for horses!
Many of you know that 06 Road to the Horse Champion and awesome horsewoman (in fact one of HorseSouth's top 4 most influential horsewomen in America!) was on the Ellen Degeneres show TODAY! Visit Ellen's website to watch the video of Stacy and Ellen riding Roxy!
Looks like Tootie granted Tommy Garland's request and he will be back to compete at the 09 Road to the Horse! Go Tommy ... he is a superlative competitor!
Look for a cover feature on Tommy in an upcoming issue of HorseSouth!

I spent yesterday meeting Richard Matthews .... Richard is a horseman based in Winder, GA. At first glance Richard strikes you as the consumate southern gentleman with a love for horses ... but stick around a while.
Richard is both a cutting horse and a dressage enthusiast. Yep, you read that right!
I'll be posting some video and pics here tomorrow so you'll believe me.

For now here are some pics of Tommy from Road to the Horse

VSE - Very Small Equines needed!

2008-03-09T23:51:00.001-07:00

Great Oaks Horse Driving Trial
26-27 April 2008
Great Oaks Farm
2836 Mt. Carmel Rd, Newnan, GA

Saturday: Dressage and Cones, starting around 9am
Sunday: Marathon, starting around 9am

VSE (this means lil bitty horses ( Very Small Equine) , Pony and Horse
Single, Pairs, Multiples
for entree information
Contact Mary Deatherage
deatheragem@bellsouth.net or mary.deatherage@us.army.mil

H: 256-964-1999; W: 256-313-5344; C: 256-698- 9202

Spectators are Encouraged and Welcomed!
Free Admission!
Food Available for Lunch

Y'all give it a try!!

2008-03-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Here I am with Chris just after he got his $10K for winning! That's Brenda Wright from Hoofbeats standing next to me. You can see Kent just behind me. All around us are the other sponsors. Kathy from Valley Vet, Rocky with Rockin J Horse Stalls, The Wick Building folks, WW Livestock Equipment, Horse and Rider and tons more.

2008-03-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

Karen took this just as the winner was announced right before Chris threw his hat in the air!

2008-03-03T19:15:00.001-08:00

Chris rode his colt during the freestyle portion of the competition with a little AC/DC music! I think it was "Hell's Bells" only the intro thou.

It's Chris ... again!!!

2008-03-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

I am going to have to rethink this whole getting to know the clinicians thing I have been doing. Honestly when Chris stood on his horse during the second day of RTTH all I was thinking ... is "GET DOWN from there." He kept himself safe, as did Tommy when he too stood on his horse.
If I were a judge at this year's event, I would still be sratching my head for a clear winner. Chris has amazing work ethic and I think of everything he did the most impressive was during the obstacle course - his horse got away from him after a bit of arena sking the colt was loose in the arena. Chris told the crowd he'd use the moment as an opportunity. He did! Wow ... in less than a minute using only body posturing he had the horse back and bridled. It was amazing.
About his win, Chris told me "I worked my butt off" ... and he did. He never stopped, some felt he was more aggressive than they usually see him. I didn't have a chance to ask him to respond to that. Knowing Chris ... I feel like he'd say what he did the first day and that was he was doing what was best to get that particular colt broke.
One of my most favorite trainers competing was Ken McNabb. Ken and his wife DeeDee are just the nicest people. There boy's Curt & Trent played with my boys Wade and Wyatt til Friday night when my kids left to visit their uncle in Lynchburg.
Ken drew such a nice horse. A top pick among spectators! He was a slow starter and spooky but Ken pulled out the obstacle course like a true champion. I loved that Ken talked his horse thru all the obstacle course (as did Mike Kevil). I couldn't have been more proud to know Ken McNabb and of his performance if he were my brother.
Mike Kevil I think displayed the most consistant techniques, he was quiet and calm even with his colt bucked like a rank bronc he just pulled him out and completed the course with style, grace and humor. He said his colt was like a diesil - slow to start. So I'll forever think of that colt as "Diesil".
Tommy Garland has so much postive energy it radiates out of the round pen and into the crowd. It's no wonder he is an arabian trainer ... not too many other trainers have that same spirit and exuberance as the world's oldest breed. At one point on day one ... Chris and Tommy were laying on their horse's back at the same time. To me it raised the level of intensity and made the crowd's heart skip a beat to know how close the contest was actually going to be. Interestingly, there was no real rivalry like last year between Chris and Clinton ... but the competition was much more fierce.
I told Tootie I thought it was the best one yet. I do think because it was so close and even Chris said he didn't know he won until it was announced that a lot of folks will be yammering for a rematch of these four.
Congrats to Chris ... I'll bet it'll be a good week at the Double Diamond C this week!

Til next time!
Tess

Road to the Horse Day 1

2008-03-01T22:34:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite parts of Road to the Horse every year is when the clinicians do their introductory rides.
We were not disapointed this year!
Tommy Garland rode a beautiful white arab in probably THE most tricked out show saddle I've ever seen to Brad Paisley's "She's everything to me". It was a beautiful ride. Ken McMabb jumped his horse through a ring of fire! Mike Kevil raised the bar high and quite possibly changed the RTTH logo when he got his horse to stand all 4 feet on a pedastal and then proceded to stand ON HIS HEAD!! ( well, his shoulder but STILL!)Mike's a funny guy. Chris Cox came out on Pepto with no bridle and rode to a montage that included the "Snowy River" theme and "Unchained Melody". It was a gorgeous ride, completely inspiring.
This year the clincians talked a bit during their rides, which seemed different to me.
The competition -

First the remuda was presented and this year, my LORD the horses were just beautiful. Palominos, light buckskins, a bay roan, a jaw dropping grey ... I think even the sorrels were duns.
Tommy chose the #1 horse, one of the light buckskins. Actually, I am not sure on the color because they are so light. Then Ken chose horse #3 - a horse colored like Tommy's, Chris chose a smallish sorrel horse with really unusual face markings. Very cute lil guy!! Mike chose a dappled palomino ... the horses being more colorful really changed things up this year.
The round pens were set and the boys went to work!! It's early to tell but here is a quick run down.
Chris and Tommy saddled and rode their horses. They both got all three gaits ... I am not sure if Tommy got his in both directions. He told me that his colt was a little one sided. Chris described his horse as "threatened" but not fearful and said he'd get over it just fine. Tommy's horse bucked a bit and Chris' liked to kick out in the same spot but rode on through it. Mike didn't saddle his horse, roped him pretty quick in and said his strategy was just to get as much in as he could - where ever possible. He said it was not his goal to ride on the first day.
Ken McNabb has a bit tougher horse ... but the horse is hooked on to him emotionally even if he is fearful and spooky or skittish. Ken told us after the end of this session that if he had it to do over again he would have roped this colt right away.
He admitted that it felt like a pressure cooker in the pen. Mike and Tommy both commented on how its difficult to know from one moment to the next what's going to happen and how to best approach for the colt to understand more easily.

My opinion - this RTTH first day is the most intense one I've been to. All four of these guys have MONSTER work ethic and they never ceased working. Chris and Tommy were laying across the backs of their colts at EXACTLY the same time. It lent to the "heat" of the moment. I asked Chris if he thought the bar had been raised this year ... he didn't think so. I think Chris' work ethic dictates that he totally zones in on his colt and the task at hand. He said he did what was best for his colt at the time ... which knowing Chris ... I don't doubt one bit. But sometimes at RTTH what the crowd and spectators percieve to be happening or not happening is deceptive. There are a lot of finite details that we/ I miss or don't even understand. It's not like watching baseball or football were you can know the game and root for the team. Horse training is so individual ... for the horse ... for the trainer ... for the conditions that even if you are a horse trainer yourself or an expert it's impossible to see everything that these guys are accomplishing in the jam packed hour.

Oh, my party went well. I'll post pics when I get home ... maybe tomorrow sometime. We have tons to go thru. I have to admit I was a bit star struck myself to have in one room ... Larry Mahan, John, Josh and Jody Lyons,Chris, Ken, Mike, Tommy,Miss Tootie too and SO many more. Templeton and Sam sang and were beyond awesome as always!! I sang one song and Ed Dabney recited some cowboy poetry for me.

We had a blast! Missed y'all!

Til later ...
Tess

The Road to the Horse Countdown

2008-02-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday night ...

We spent all day at the Miller Collesium in Murfreesboro. Sittin' up our little table. Gettin' the smoker set up for our BBQ tomorrow.
Good Lord but does Tommy Garland have a fabulous looking horse! A white Arab who's tail drags the ground.
Ken McNabb was riding a gorgeous black horse tonight. There was some interview stuff going on. The mystery clinician will remain a mystery until ... well until it ain't no more.
Chris and Pepto looked awesome as always.

Ah y'all ... it's quiet. The kids are worn out and snoozin. Even Kent is snorin ...
I am trying to repair some software on this laptop and thought I'd chat with ya for a bit.

It's hard to tell who is going to pull it out this year. When I visited with Chris back in Jan. I told him that it seemed like he had the most, and most practical experience to win again. He scoffed at the idea that it was a shoe-in for him and quickly told me that the other competitors were all good hands - some he knew better than others. I think Tommy has more up his sleeve than a lot of people will assume he has. I think Ken, too is a strong contender. No doubt Chris Cox is an expert horseman - he has the skill and more importantly, the work ethic to get it done again. Our mystery guy ... all I can say about him without somebody stringin' me up is that he knows horses.

More later guys - I need sleep

T

Snowin' in Tennessee

2008-02-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all. Sittin at the plum swanky new Hampton Inn in Murfreesboro. Had to get here early because we are having a VIP party friday night at Road to the Horse. We wanted to have awesome food so we hauled our friend Trip Bellinger's big ol smoker up here to cook up a mess of Boston Butts, Baked Beans and the fixins.

It oughta be yummy!

It's been a whirlwind week ... on Monday I picked up my buddy Vicki in Atlanta and we went back over to the Atlanta Market ... oh first we ate at the Varsity. Which is always good, but never really good for you. I had Wyatt with me, but at only 4 years old he had no clue how iconic the place is.
I was thrilled at the market to quite accidentally run in to old friends Lamar and Susan Green of Tumbleweeds Leather. We lost Lamar and Susan to the call of the wild west for several years. Lamar's ailing parents dictated that they return to Georgia if only for a little while.
It was really funny ... actually. Wyatt was upset at the market show because I couldn't really buy him anything. People just were not selling samples. So I gave him the camera and told him to take pictures. This occupied him nicely while Vicki and I talked with Kelly Herd ( think jewelry!!). I saw a pretty brunette lady sitting in a rustic booth filled with colorful boots and told Wyatt to go ask if he could take her picture. When he spoke to her, I recognized her voice! It was Susan!
She and Lamar still make incredible saddles and leather goods but they are the new south eastern rep for Jurassic Boots! We spent most of the rest of the time at the show chatting with them. I love this business, it's full of my favorite people.
Susan and Lamar cooked cowboy style for us some years ago. Susan made buscuits in a dutch oven ... you know in a hole in the ground over coals. I have a 95 year old grandma that makes awesome buscuits but Susan's dutch oven buscuits where so good that my mouth is watering now ... I ate those buscuits at least 7 years ago!

Oh, I totaled my Tahoe monday night ... I am ok. The deer I hit, well sadly, he didn't make it. I am bummed about my car. I love that ol ragged out Tahoe. But the good news is that we are getting a new truck. A Dodge 2500 - 4x4. Really this is Kent's new truck. But seeing as how my Tahoe will be gone :( ... I'll be driving it for a while anyway. I guess when I do get something, I'll look for something with better gas mileage than my ol girl. With a V8 Vortec 350, she sure could scoot but you could almost see quarters and dollar bills coming out of the tail pipe and then bursting into flames as she went.

I'll start blogging about Road to the Horse tomorrow. Everyone will be setting up their booths and getting ready for Friday.

Till then,

Tess

The Atlanta Market

2008-02-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all,

I am back from a day at the Atlanta English & Western market. WEA is a show put on for retailers by Roger Tully.
I thought it was an excellent show and was happy to see some English folks doing well and taking orders at what is usually percieved to be a predominantly western market.
My favorite stuff at this market is the awesome awesome clothing line presented by the great ladies at Cowgirl Tuff !! If you have not seen their stuff, you've got to go to the website ... if your tack store doesn't carry it ASK for it by name!
http://www.cowgirltuff.com
A new line I hadn't seen before is Cowgirl Justice ... loving it too!! Google em, I am gonna.

I met Miss Anne who represents Kippy's ... Kippy's boots are to die for. No other term but simply fabulous! Kippy's is high end, it's splurge certainly. But Kippy's is to a horse girl what Jimmy Choo is to the New York fashionista!

Moss Brothers t-shirts ... you know them as No Bull, Cowboys and Cowgirls Unlimited ... you'll love the new designs this year. Funny, quaint and totally wearable art.

Got an awesome candle from Country Mills. Mine totally smells JUST LIKE a Honeydew Melon. Sue Vetsch, Hannah Campbell and Christy Legg went along with me today we had a blast!

Probably headed back tomorrow. It's always cool because you see the people behind the companies. You hear the stories and you learn to appreciate that everyone has worked for the success they have.

It's fun to see friends ... Leisha from Alamo Saddlery, Darryl from Sabona and cool to find new ones ... check out Carroll Leather Co. Great people and GORGEOUS furniture for the horse / western lifestyle enthusiast!

More later ...
Tess

No .. I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth ... yet!

2008-02-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Howdy y'all ...

I know it's Feb. and I haven't posted a blog in forever. 20 lashes with a wet noodle for me!
So what's happening?
We are preparing for our VIP party at Road to the Horse next weekend. Pretty stoked about that.
Made a new horsey friend ... which is my most favoritest thing about the magazine. Jamie Massey is a morning DJ on 94.9 The Bull. That's a country station in Atlanta that ROCKS. Jamie works with Cletus T. Judd. She is such a horsey girl ... we are doin' an interview and pictorial for the next issue. Y'all are gonna love her. She's more worried about her horse bein fuzzy and dirty than she is herself ... which to me is the ultimate testament to having the horse disease so far gone, there ain't no cure. Here's to Jamie's photoshoot where "Demure" looks like a Rockstar and Jamie looks like the rest of us ... dirty shoes, grimmy fingernails, hay in the hair and a goofy grin that says "I love horses more now than I did when I was 6!"
Ride on cowgirl, ride on!
K- went to Texas back in Jan. Stayed at Chris' (Cox ) one night. Almost got paintballed right when I got there. Silly boys! Chris got engaged to Barbara. Sorry girls! Barb is really really nice, so there will be no hating her for snagging one of the last single - good looking cowboys. Besides, she says he's pretty grumpy in the morning anyway! Just kidding. Chris' place is nice y'all. Pretty sprawling but it is Texas. Loved meeting Barb's folks and the CCHC staff. Kacy, Brenda, Kelly, Diane ... awesome ladies. Mike and Crystal too. Had a ball! Dang it was cold thou!
Cooked everybody lunch before I left - spaghetti carbonara. Thanks for puttin me up Chris ... and puttin up with me!
Headed from there to Noodle Texas ... yep Noodle.
Tootie Bland that produces Road to the Horse lives in Noodle. But Noodle is a 4 way stop with a closed down Cotton Gin ... that's all. Wade (oldest boy) asked me if I was seeing any tumbleweeds ... not till I got to Noodle.
Tootie lives in this pretty rock house that blends so well with the big flat pastures and cattle that dot the landscape. It looks solid, not big but substantial. Tootie's creativity was apparent even in the cold washed out colors of a Texas winter. Colorful tiles along the path up to the covered porch.
Tootie likes bright colored fancy cowboy boots, she's been wearin' wild ones since before she could walk. Her house is a total reflection of that personality. It's alive with her personality ... but sad with her loss. In her office is a huge wall covered with photos of Steven ... her sweet hubby that "left" (he passed away a couple years ago, suddenly and unexpectedly) ... the long landscape out the windows seem to suggest he'll be riding back up anytime. I've wished for a lot of things in my life but if I could wish something and have it come true, I'd wish Steven Bland would ride down out of the clouds and pick his tiny blonde wife up in his arms and made her whole again. Somethings you just can't understand or rationalize no matter how hard you try. Somethings, just ain't damn fair.
I'll be writing about Tootie and Steven and their life in the next issue of HorseSouth. It's our 8th Anniversary ... don't miss it. It'll be the best one yet!
The first time I talked to Tootie I knew right off that she'd be one of those people that you stay up late listening to tell these amazing and captivating stories. I was right. We sat by the fire and laughed and cried and laughed at the fact that we were crying. When I was growing up I was always better friends with boys that girls. I think it was because the girls I knew in school ... weren't cowgirls!
Sending you happy thoughts Tootie ... I love ya!

Y'all go to bed ... it's late!

Tess

Home from the Virginia Equine Extravaganza

2007-10-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-28T15:34:00.001-07:00

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

2007-08-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

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 ...

2007-08-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

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!!

2007-08-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

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 ...

2007-06-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

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!!

2007-06-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-05-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2007-05-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-05-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

New Mags are here

2007-05-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

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!!

2007-03-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

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

2007-03-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

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.