Road to the Horse day 1

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

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.



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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!

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

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

Scholarship Established in Honor of Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Client: The Classic Company



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AQHA Offers New Releases on DVD

AQHA Offers New Releases on DVD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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